So Blessed

I had to write these things down while the emotion is still with me. I am feeling very blessed right now. I just watched a segment on TV about a couple who lost their baby after only 99 days of life. He was sick from his birth and they knew he would not last, so they celebrated every day of his life and at his funeral released 99 balloons to signify the days of his life. The father wrote a journal for each day and read them as I watched the pictures of this sick infant on the screen. At day 99 he simple said, "Elliot, today you went to be with Jesus." I know I have had a rough time with Brooklyn, a really rough time, but at least I have her. She may not be perfect or fun all the time, but I can hold her in my arms and tell her I love her. I can feel her heart beat, and feel her tiny hand grab mine. I can squeeze her tight and cuddle her. I think I have taken for granted that I have a healthy baby that is here with me and not expressed my love for her or my gratitude for her being in my life. I love her, I really truly do. I am a very blessed mommy!

As for my cute little Micah, he said his bedtime prayers completely on his own last night and we loved it! It was a crack up. Among other things he made sure to say he was thankful for his trucks, cars, candy and playing with dad! He also made sure to bless mommy and Brooklyn. It was amazing and I was so proud of him for doing it on his own and of course, being so creative. Again, I am so blessed!

Whoa, we did what?

I look back on this weekend and can't believe we made it through! We were SO busy. I won't bore you with details, but we were on the go. It started Friday with Music Makers, then went to a Halloween Party with my moms group. It was so stinking hot that I had to get Micah out of his costume because he was dripping sweat. Then we got a short stop at home. We picked up Chad and headed to Trunk or Treat out in RSM. Micah looked adorable in his costume. He was a race car driver. Thanks to my mom for sewing it. He loved going from car to car and getting candy. We needed to get him a new bag though. I bought one that looked like a cauldron, but he kept calling it his purse! Brooklyn was way too tired to appreciate any of the fun and my cute little ladybug slept through most of the fun!

After Trunk or Treat I headed to my mom's house to help make huge amount of pumpkin soup for the ward social. I was just called to the Activity Committee at church, so this was part of the deal. The next morning we headed to the church, kids and all to help set up this elaborate medieval themed dinner. We headed home around lunch for food and naps, then headed back over without kids (thanks Ashley) to get the whole thing going. It was a hit and a ton of fun, sorry no pictures, but I did dress up like Wart from Sword in the Stone!

On to today, we had a late start, but made it to church, had naps and then headed over to my parents. We had dinner and then we decorated the "bloody" cupcakes I baked. Micah loved them and did a great job decorating. Of course, my brother-in-law Troy was way more into it than the kids. His is the witch below. Fun stuff!

It feels like Halloween is already over because of all the parties we have been to and the candy we have eaten! Is it over yet? Just kidding, we are having fun. As for my sweet little Brooklyn, her colic is flaring up again. I have no idea why. It is so frustrating and I find myself getting anxious because of it. It is like I am just awaiting the next episode. People just ooh and aww over her and I think she is adorable too, but sometimes I just don't like her. I love her because I am her mom, but liking her can be a big challenge. I have to remind myself that she is not trying to be a bad baby, she is just in pain. I am starting to think that she might be better off with formula. It seems like within minutes of nursing she is screaming. I wonder if formula would make it better. I have to just keep hanging in there. I know that the colic will pass eventually, right? In the mean time, if anyone has any remedy for it, please let me know. I am desperate for it to end!

Hallelujah!

We had a first! Last night, for the very first time and hopefully not the last, Brooklyn slept through the night!!! She went down at about 9:30 and didn't wake up until 6:30 the next morning. Even then, she woke up only long enough to nurse and then slept again until about 8:30! By the way, she also woke up with a dry diaper. Strange, huh? Anyways, I am feeling rested and blessed! I hope this is the beginning of something good. I am not going to count on it, but it would be nice if this became a regular thing. It was great, but at the same time scary. I woke up at about 4 in the morning wondering where she was. I freaked out thinking she must have died (yes, I am super rational in the middle of the night). I go in to see her peacefully sleeping and of course I checked to make sure she was breathing. Chad woke up shortly after and asked where she was. I told him she is alive and still sleeping. It was the best. I had been told earlier that day that I should try turning her onto her tummy and it worked like a charm! I know you must be thinking duh, but she is always changing the way she wants to be put to sleep, so I was just getting frustrated. She has been such a hard baby for me that any little bit of a victory is huge for me. I feel like I am learning to manage her better and I feel more together with sleep under my belt!

She thought balancing blocks on her head was pretty fun. I kept saying "Look what I can do! Cool tricks, cool tricks!" That Yo Gabba Gabba can really get in your head!

Flashback!

Over the last few weeks I have run across quite a few people from my past. Let me run down the people that I have seen.
-Mrs. Streeter, my high school Spanish teacher. I saw her today working at Williams and Sonoma. I am guessing she isn't teaching anymore.
-Audra Haselton, high school cheerleader. I saw her at Pomodoro's in Aliso Viejo. I heard she got married, so I am assuming she was with her husband.
-Julie, another high school cheerleader. She works at Trader Joe's down the street. I don't really remember much about her, but I think her mom was the librarian.
-Brian, a friend of Mike Johnson's. Don't really remember him, but he works at Trader Joe's too.
-Ms. Hankins, the stereotypical high school gym teacher. This was the best because she rolled up to the Arco near my house on a loud sparkling red trike bike. She still had her butch hairdo, polo shirt and the weird socks with the little ball hanging off the back. That brought me back!
I thought it was kind of funny and weird that I have run into all these people lately. Most of the time I don't talk to them. Sometimes it is because I don't remember their names and other times it is just awkward, but when I do it is funny to introduce my kids. It seems like most of them are just getting over the party phase of life and settling down and it makes me feel old because I am so far passed that. Has anyone else run into old classmates? Was it weird?

All about teeth

I thought Brooklyn was fussier than normal and believe me that can be hard to tell with her! I went to check her gums to see if they were swollen. As I was feeling around in there, I felt a sharp hard little tooth poking through. I thought she had her first tooth. After checking again, I found out she had her first teeth. BOTH bottom teeth came in! I have to have a positive outlook on this because we are coming straight out of colic and into teething. I think I might qualify for sainthood after this (if we both survive)!

In other news, Micah had his first dentist appointment today. Although he screamed through most of the cleaning, the staff was great with him and he was given a clean bill of health. No cavities and great looking gums. He got to pick out a toy and sticker afterwards. For those of you who haven't taken your kids in yet, the dentist suggested getting a cheap electric toothbrush so that when they go in for a cleaning, it is similar to what they use at home. I guess it is off to Target then!

A duh moment

You know those times when you are told something that you should do and you know what the results should be, but you don't expect them? I have had that. I recently went to the pediatrician for both the kids to get a check up. While there we talked about Micah's non-potty training and lack of nutrition. The doctor told me that he is have far too much milk during the day and that we needed to cut way back. He said that this should get his appetite going and he should be more open to new foods. I thought this would be painful since Micah LOVES milk. I went home and he of course asks for milk. I said no, and told him if he was hungry that he could eat food. I expected a meltdown. On the contrary, he was happy to eat bananas and cereal. He ate well at dinner and has continued to happily eat other foods instead of filling his tummy with milk and juice and I haven't heard a complaint! Now as for potty training, I just read through the pamphlet that was about children who are reisitent to potty training and it was like it was written for him. Basically it boils down to a power struggle. I have decided to try it out and step one is all about handing over full control to the child when it comes to going and we are not to remind him or even talk about it. They say that the child will eventually want to use the potty for attention. Yay, I am so hoping this works!

Whoops, 5 months

Things have been really busy around here, so I forgot to make a post for Brooklyn turning 5 months. Bad mommy! Well, let me tell you she is growing by leaps and bounds. We just got back from the doctor and she is 16 and a half pounds! She is on the upper end of the growth chart (around 70%), but I still think she is small since Micah was always in the 90's and still is! Anyways, she rolls like crazy, giggles, coos, grabs, and flirts. I love when she plays coy! I can hardly keep this wiggle worm still. In fact, this is what happens when I leave her in her bouncer too long!

She is a pretty little girl and we love her. There are times I think that if she wasn't so cute I couldn't make it through the colic. She is still losing hair and getting more blond fuzz. I am reverting from clips to headbands for her!

She has also been eating some fun new baby foods and is great at it. She is a little vacuum! And oh my goodness, you have to check out those thighs. Can anyone else hear that thunder? Those things are hilarious! She even has knee fat to top them off! We just LOVE her. She is a great addition to our family and keeps us on our toes since we have two kids that are polar opposites. It is like being a new parent all over again!

We've been up to...

I have been busy keeping this active little three year old of mine outside and moving! Last week when it was HOT HOT HOT we went to the Spectrum and did the white trash thing and let Micah play in the fountains. He has a blast! He always meets new little friends and they follow each other around until it is time for us to leave.


Brooklyn watched from the side, but didn't have as much fun.


Then on Saturday morning (before I was feeling really sick) we met up with Brooke, Emma and Heidi for some fun at the firehouse. It was an open house and the kids could get in the truck, use the hose and tour the station. Micah couldn't get enough of the truck. He hopped in it at every chance he got. I am glad that we went when we did because they got a call and had to leave just a half hour after we got there. It made for a fun exit for the kids!


I had to add this story because I thought it was funny. Sometimes it shows how Chad and I grew up differently and it cracks me up. I always tease him about how he eats kid food. Seriously, he is one of the pickiest eaters I know and his sister tells me he gets it from his parents. On the other hand, I have a dad that is a very adventurous eater, so we are always trying something new. On Sunday my mom made a pork loin for dinner. When he sat down to eat the conversation went like this:
Chad-What's this?
Mom-Pork loin.
Chad-Loin, as in groin?
Mom-No, it's a center cut.
Me-No Chad, you aren't eating pig penis.
Chad-I was about to say...
Dad-If that scared you, then you should have seen it before I cut it.
Chad-I think I would have blushed!
Of course, Chad being the unadventurous type, skipped the pork loin and later went home to make a bologna sandwich and Velveeta with crackers. He made my point for me!

Hit by a Mack Truck

That's what I feel like right now. I woke up on Saturday feeling a little sore. I knew I had some blocked milk ducts that were bothering me, but I didn't know it would turn into full blown mastitis! Through the rest of the day things just went down hill. I got the chills and then a fever and a headache. All my muscles ached as if I had run a marathon and I was weak. I almost fell over picking up Brooklyn. My fever went up to 102 and I couldn't sleep. I decided to go into Urgent Care today, which by the way forgot us in our room for over an hour. They said my body seems to be fighting it well and just to sleep, drink lots of water and take Tylenol. For the time being I am out of commission and Chad has pretty much taken on the role of single parent, except for the breastfeeding! He is even doing all the chores. Thanks Chad! I also have to thank my mom for watching brooklyn for hours yesterday while I napped. OK, I promise next post will have pictures!

huh?

Micah is priceless. He does or says things everyday that keep us laughing. Today I was laying across the couch and he poked at my boob. I covered it and gave him the what-the-heck look. He looks up at me and says "Dats where you lemonade is." Needless to say, Chad and I were busting up! Where did he get that?

Another Lesson Learned

#298 Never overestimate your child's maturity. Today I was getting the kids ready to walk the neighborhood. After buckling Brooklyn into the stroller and having Micah sit on his bench behind her, Micah requested his blanket. I know, it was hot, but he is more like a buddy than a blanket. He wasn't yet buckled, but I ran inside and in less than the 30 seconds it took me to grab the blanket, Micah had hopped out of his seat and took the brakes off the stroller. As I was running out the garage door, he was just letting go of the stroller and it was heading down the driveway with poor little Brooklyn quietly riding in the front. Luckily, I caught it in time and from now on, I will ALWAYS remember to buckle him before taking my eyes off him!

Lessons Learned

#294 Never try to share a drink with Micah. Taking only a sip or two before handing it over, I returned in just minutes to an almost entirely empty cup. At least I got a little whipped cream!

#295 Never underestimate the destructive power of a boy. Who needs to open up a screen door when you can push your way through it? The screen door will just move out of the way, even if it does bend the frame a bit and take it completely off the tracks.

#296 A baby born with hair will almost indefinitely lose it. Brooklyn's head of strawberry blond hair is falling out. The hair that once looked like this:

Now looks like this:

In it's place is very blond fuzz. Might I add that she has gotten so much cuter in that time! Anyways, all that is left is a bit on the top and a mullet in the back. Still adorable!

#297 Don't let the relatives spoil your kids. After spending most of the weekend with my family, Brooklyn has spent most of her time both awake and asleep in someone's arms. She is now throwing a fit because I can't do the same for her all day today!

Mean, mean, mean!

That's right, I am the meanest mom ever! I have a little boy who is now an expert limit tester. I feel like most of the day I am just counting to two (hopefully not reaching three) or yelling at him. I feel terrible about it. I just want to enjoy him and have fun, but he is constantly doing something that needs to be punished. Within the last little bit he has peed on Brooklyn's play gym, poured out half his bath water on the floor, screamed at Brooklyn to wake her up, wallowed in a puddle before having to leave, threw a keyboard down the stairs, spit on my parents furniture, and just never seems to listen. Janice, I am right there with you! You want to love them and be easy on them, but I can't allow him to act this way or think it is acceptable, so I am the meanest mom in the world right now. I thought I was just about to lose it yesterday. After four hours of Brooklyn's whining and crying she finally fell asleep in the car. After about fifteen minutes, Micah yells in her face only to wake her up. I was livid. I got out of the car and yelled at him and told him how naughty that was to wake her up. I finished and got back in my seat when he started sobbing and saying "I just don't know what to do." That broke my heart. I broke down and started crying. I felt like a big jerk, but what do I do? I can't allow him to do that, but I don't want to have to reprimand him constantly. I have to remind myself it is a phase and it will pass, right? Luckily, I have a family that is happy to help out and a husband that doesn't mind bringing home dinner when I am spent! It is a good thing they are so stinkin' cute, it makes it easier to forgive them after a bad day, right?


So here is how that day ended. I found it amusing and I think you will too!

Fall is here...but someone should tell the weather!

I always think of October as the official beginning of fall, but even October has been more like summer here. It is so dang hot! Well, here are some of the things that I am into or looking forward to this fall:

*Cooler weather. Hello boots and sweaters!


*Seeing my kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes.


*Finding new fun websites like mint.com and floorplanner.com


*Great cosmetics on the cheap...Lippin' Large is great!


*Watching Boston Legal and Biggest Loser, the only shows I seem to really follow.


*Pumpkin flavored foods. Corner Bakery Pumpkin Bars are so yummy!


*Losing weight (nice that I list that right after food and Biggest Loser), but I tend to lose weight in fall and winter. I guess I have less of an appetite or I stress over holidays.


*Getting past this post partem crud and colic. I wouldn't wish it on anyone!


*My birthday, the one time when it is all about me...that never happens when you are a mom!


*Seeing family for Thanksgiving.


*Ooh, and getting a new haircut! I was thinking about this one. I hope I can pull it off!