Ten Today

1.  Rachael Ann is smiling and grabbing things :)

2.  RAE & Joseph Jr were both dedicated Sunday.

3.  Easter is quickly approaching.  I want to start a yearly tradition with my son.  I figure he's old enough to understand the basics of what Christ did for us.  I'm just not sure what to do.

4.  RAE is growing fast.  She's 13 lbs and has been in 3-6 months clothes for a while now.

5.  The doctor ok'd me to exercise and such now :)  I'm looking forward to starting P90X soon :)  Now I just have to do it.

6.  RAE Loves her swing :)  Joseph Jr did not.  So I truly know what a blessing it is to have a baby love sitting in something.

7.  Joseph Jr is growing fast as well.  He's in size 3 clothes.

8.  He's super smart too.  He recently started counting things.  I never would have guessed that my son would have started school already :)

9.  My husband is the best.  Our marriage just keeps on getting better :)

10.  James 1:19  I have been working on this for a long time and working on it even harder now.  It's amazing how your children are mirrors of you.

February Journal

Wednesday, February 2

Joseph Jr woke every hour last night. He began by peeing every hour. It wasn't until the 4th time that I decided to put a diaper on him. I told him it was extra padding. He still woke every hour but went back to sleep after I would say, "It's ok, Joseph. It's still night night time."
Then at 6:15am he stayed awake but stayed quiet until I told him he could get up. What a sweet boy. After that night, I figured he would be having tons of accidents today. Nope! Not a one :) He even went poo in the potty for the second time :) I think the wind stirred up some allergies. He has a stuffy/runny nose.
He's definitely ready. He does great during the day. It's just when he's sleeping that he has difficulties. We'll probably be using "extra padding" during nap and night times for a while longer. But during the day he will stay in his underpants. Very excited about NO accidents today :)
Well, he goes pee 2-3 times a night around 12am, 3am, and 6am. So having him stop drinking 1-2 hours before he normally stops would probably just change the times he pees at night. So I guess I will continue with diapers at night for now. He slept through the night until 6am when he woke with a wet diaper that leaked to his pjs. He's just one of those kids with really good kidneys :)


Joseph Jr had a partial accident today. He started in his pants but finished in the potty only because he told me :) I am too excited!!!! It seems like so long ago when we started potty-training and I was beside myself. I'm so glad I didn't give up and glad he didn't either :)


Thursday, February 3


I had oj for the first time in weeks and no heart burn :) YEAH!!!


Sunday, February 6


Never thought I'd be watching the super bowl with my husband. He said he wanted to watch it. I asked him about it. He said that he wanted to see the commercials :)


My little man coughed but no one said anything about it. So he turns around, looks right at me, and says, "Bless you." I respond, "Bless you." He then is happy :)


Monday, February 7


I have the best husband :) While I was at a dr's appt this morning, he took care of a lot of the dishes in the kitchen. What a great guy! Yes, ladies. He's married, and there is no way I'm letting him go :)


Went to get an ultra sound this morning to find out how big my baby is. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to see a baby at this "age". Back to the topic. The baby measured 7lbs 12oz or 77th percentile. They said the baby's weight is normal. Babies aren't considered big until the 90th percentile.  I also found out that babies gain about 1/2 a pound every week at this stage. So if my baby stays till the due date, he'll be right around my son's birth weight. Yes, I said he. I think I might have seen something on the ultra sound. I could be totally wrong. The tech may not have even shown that part knowing I wanted to wait to find out, but then again...
Honestly, I couldn't be happier either way :) I figure a boy would be great, so Joseph and he would grow up together. If a girl, that would make me just as happy but for different reasons :)


Wednesday, February 9


I had a dream last night that I delivered a very chunky baby boy :)  I figure if this one's a boy, the next pregnancy will be twin girls :)


Thursday, February 10


I went to my ob appointment today. I lost a pound. I think it's because I'm less swollen today than last week. Babies heart rate was 146. I guess I was wrong about the baby dropping. The doc is concerned about my baby not dropping since I'm planning on having a vbac.
Lord, please align everything in my body properly so the baby drops at the proper time. I also ask that my cervix opens to ten and I am completely effaced at the appropriate time for this baby to be born naturally and healthy. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


Saturday, February 12


We had some family and friends over last night, so my son stayed up until 9:15pm playing with the kids. He fell fast asleep but still woke at 6am. At least he woke in a good mood :)


My son was being ornery for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours before people came over. During that time he peed his pants about three times. I think he did it on purpose especially since once the kids were here he didn't have one accident. When he had to go pee, he told his dad and then used the toilet.
Here we go again. Last night his orneriness was due to having to pick up his toys. This morning there were a few toys that needed to be picked up before he watches a show. Instead of picking up, he chose to make an even bigger mess. Last night I got upset with him for being disobedient and my husband says our son knew it got to me that's why he did it. So I'm just staying calm now and and not letting our son's actions goad me to irritability. He'll learn soon enough that what mommy says she means.


I got an early Valentine's Day present :) It's the Shark 2 in 1 Vac and Steam :) Best Valentine's Day present ever thus far :)


Sunday, February 13


Alpha kissing Beta :)

Alpha loves reading :)

Monday, February 14


My son just tripped over his own feet, I think. He fell right into the corner of our wall. He now has a cut on the inside of his lip and his lip is huge. My poor little man :(

It's Valentine Week!! Change your Profile Picture to you and your spouse/significant other. Make sure to tell how long you've been together! Then copy/paste this as your status so others can play along! We have been together 6 years :)

Friday, February 18


My son is at his Grandma and Pop Pops house for two days, yesterday and today. This is to allow me to clean the house, wash all the clothes and such, pack, etc. Yes, I could do that with my son here; however, it would take way more than two days.
Yesterday afternoon, I was unable to do much on my feet due to my lower back hurting badly. But after my husband gave me a massage and I slept, my back feels much better. So today I am going to take a nap even if it just means resting. I can't have my lower back hurting like it did yesterday. Well, I'm off :)
As of yesterday morning I was completely closed. Baby was far from dropping. So I'm not sure when the newbie's arrival will be. I'm hoping between Monday afternoon and Thursday morning :)


Taking a break for lunch. I got a good amount done but still have a lot more to go. Not sure if I'll be taking that nap. My back's doing fine right now, so we'll see if that changes.


I took Karen's advice and took a nap. Now I'm awake and ready to work. I think :)


Saturday, February 19


I woke this morning at 3:50 to contractions. They were happening ever 10-15 min, so I finally got up at 5am. They continued that way until just before 10am. Since then they've come sporadically a few times. Becky might be right. hmmm...


I'm praying that I and others involved with my delivery will have a restful night sleep, that I will wake tomorrow morning with the energy and desire to do a few prep things for the baby, and then deliver the baby late morning or early evening. Please pray that with me :) Thank you.


Monday, February 21


Rachael Ann Elizabeth was born Sunday, February 20th at 10:01am weighing 9lbs 8oz measuring 22.5in via C-section. Mom and baby are doing fine.
Rachael Ann is her first name :)


Wednesday, February 23


Daddy Loves Me - released from the hospital today :)

..................................................................................................................................................................


labor and delivery details


I woke around 3:30 Saturday morning with contractions 10 min apart lasting until about 10am.  Then they were sporadic until 10:30 that night.  At that time they started coming every hour until 1:20am.  Then they began coming every 10 minutes for a while, then 5 min, then 2-3 min.  I finally called the hospital around 3:30am.  My contractions had been strong for over an hour and close together, so they strongly recommended I come in.  I knew my baby wasn't ready to come out but I woke my husband and my son to get ready to go.  They were both great about it :)  I told my son that Beta wanted to come out and see him.


We went to the hospital, and I was checked.  My baby had not dropped and I was completely closed :(  They said I was a little bit dehydrated, so they gave me an IV of fluids.  The nurse kept mentioning a c-section since my doctor was out of town.  It turns out the other doctors would not be willing to let me labor.  I said I'd rather leave and come back when the baby was ready to come out.  She mentioned some other drugs to help take the edge off and hopefully reduce my contractions.  They said I was having false contractions. The IV didn't work nor did the other drugs.  


At 9am the doctors switched.  The nurses mentioned again about a c-section.  When they left I spoke to my husband about a possible c-section.  I said I didn't want one but if I was to have one, I wanted my doctor to do it.  My husband said that he'd rather me get a c-section.  The new doctor came in and said that I was not in false labor but active labor.  Due to that and my previous c-section it was dangerous for me to continue laboring.  My uterus could rupture the longer my contractions continued.  The crazy thing was that I was still sleepy from the drugs they gave me, my eyes were shut when he came in and started talking, and I thought he sounded like my doctor.  I looked at him twice to see if he was my doctor.  He wasn't, but it did calm me a bit.  Funny thing is... he looks like the Jewish doctor on House.

bottom left is the doctor that did the c-section, bottom middle is my doctor

Ten Today

1.  My husband gave me an early Valentine's Day present :)  It's a Shark 2 in 1 Vac then Steam.  My steam mop broke a while ago.  I've been in dire need of a new one.  The other mop I've been using is back wrenching and doesn't do a good enough job.  I'm so excited!!!

2.  I'm due in just over a week.  Part of me wants the baby to come tomorrow afternoon and the other part wants the baby to come the following Monday afternoon.  But I really want the baby to come during February!  I recently found out that there are no February birthdays on my mom's side of the family.

3.  I found out yesterday that my grandma, my dad's mom, is not doing well :(  Today I saw a post on Facebook that makes me believe that she is now in the hospital :(  I'd really like all of my children to know their great grandma.  That means she has to stick around for at least a few more years.  We're not done having babies :)  I pray that her health returns and she doesn't have another health issue the rest of her long life.  If you've read this, please agree with me in that prayer.  Thank you.

4.  My son is growing up so fast!  He's a smart little one.  Sometimes I think he's too smart for his own good :)  He's going to be a great big helper when Beta arrives :)

5.  I love organizing and uncluttering things.  But I also HATE to get rid of things.  It's a difficult thing to be pulled in two directions.  We're doing it, slowly but surely.  Most of the house is pretty organized now, just a little bit to go :)

6.  My husband's car broke down in the middle of December.  My mom's husband has been working on it most of that time.  The transmission was shot.  He switched the transmission out and got it up and running.  He's fixing a few other issues he found.  He's been having a blast working on it.  We are so blessed!  We were going to have to pay about $1500.  The parts were significantly less than that.

7.  My son is still potty training, but I'm a lot more relaxed now than when we first started.  And he's a lot better at going potty in the potty :)  But we still have our accidents.

8.  I finished reading Supernatural Childbirth by Terri and Jackie Mize a few weeks ago.  I recommend that book to anyone who even thinks they'll want to have a child, especially those who have tried and have yet to succeed or are having miscarriages.  I think it would be a good book to read for anyone who has the possibility of being sick.

9.  I am now reading Infant Potty Training by Laurie Boucke.  I'm very excited about using this method with the rest of my children.  I know some of you who read this will think it's a crazy thing to do, but I ask that you don't make any negative comments about it.  However, those that have questions about it or encouraging words are welcome to comment :)  Thank you :)

10.  I looked on line and found information that my son should know before kindergarten.  So I am working on creating various flashcards for him and the rest of my children.  I'm not sure how much they'll be used as he already knows so much information.  But it'll be nice to have at least as a reference :)

Ten Today

1.  I'm in search of a Nursing Nest Pillow.  If you could help me find one and get it, I would be forever grateful :)
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=330756

2.  I just caught up on over 2 months of journaling :)

3.  Potty-Training seems to have taken a turn for the better.  Five things he enjoys:  peeing on a tree, peeing in a jar, peeing in the toilet, antioxidants or chocolate covered blueberries, and chocolate covered M&Ms that come out of a gum ball machine after he puts a coin in it.

4.  The yard sale last Saturday went good.  It was nice being able to hang out with the girls :)

5.  The house is for the most part organized.  Praise God!  And boy does it feel good :)

6.  I have recently finished reading, "Supernatural Childbirth".  I strongly recommend it :)

7.  I am now working on the book, "Infant Potty Training".  I am really excited about this endeavor :)

8.  One of my favorite baby shower "games" is guessing when the baby will be born and such.  Since I'll be having a Welcome Home Baby Ivy open house after the baby is born, I won't be able to play my favorite game.  So I figured I'd play it with all of my FB friends.

Number your responses with the appropriate question :)  

1.  What is the baby's gender?

2.  What date will the baby be born?

3.  What time will the baby be born?

4.  What will the baby's weight at birth be? (this question was added late)

5.  What will the baby's length be?

The following is for those that would like a little more information:

The baby is due February, 23.  My son came two days early via c-section due to complications.  Both of these pregnancies have been very different.  I am planning on having a Vbac.  I am not allowed to be induced since I had a previous c-section.  My son weighed 8lbs 11 oz and was 21 1/2 in. long.  If you have any further questions, please ask :)

Thanks for playing!

My GUESSES...

‎1. girl
2. February 23
3. 10:23 am

4. 7lbs 11 oz
5. 20 in.

9.  Wednesday, I will be 9 months pregnant.  Only four more weeks to go then.

10.  I love my son's curly hair.  I definitely prefer it this length :)

January Journal

Saturday, January 1

Last night was a blast! Thanks to all those who came and shared their night with us. I remember now why I enjoy Game Night so much and why I dread it the next morning :) However, this morning I didn't dread it. Thanks to all those that helped clean up last night :) And thank you to everyone who brought food to share. It was all delicious, such a variety. Love you all. Have a fabulous New Year!


Every Game Night I mean to take pix and usually forget. Last night wasn't much different other than placing my camera in front of me at the beginning of the evening. At least I remembered a couple times :)

Having Game Night at my house actually helped me get my dining room organized :) (First pic of the new year.)

My son had a blast with everyone last night and enjoyed his share of the delicious food :) He stayed up until 8:30 and slept in until 7:40am. Then started his nap at 12pm. He's still sleeping. That boy must have been worn out. I'm sure the teething and growing has something to do with it too :)
He woke from his nap just before 4pm today. Did he sleep so long do to a growth spurt? hmm... He might be switching to 3T clothes sooner than expected.


No matter how many times I tell my son that the guy is not his grandpa, he is Satchel Paige, Joseph still says, "Grandpa," every time he sees this book.

Sunday, January 2


I definitely think my son is going through another growth spurt. New Year's Eve he slept from 8:30pm-7:40am New Year's day. Then took a nap from 12-4pm. Then slept from 7pm-8:20am. Now he's taking a nap from 1pm-who knows when. I'll be getting him up about 4pm if he doesn't wake before that. I don't mind the long hours of sleep :)
For about 4 months there I wished I could just get him to sleep. He just started sleeping through the night again last week. He did wake today at 3:40pm. I am loving my son more and more every day. I didn't realize it was possible :)


Monday, January 3


At 2am this morning I thought my son's growth spurt was done and he was reverting back to waking up very early again :( Then he put himself back to sleep. He woke again around 5am and did the same. It's now 8am and he's still sleeping :) So I guess my earlier conclusion was wrong. We start potty training next week. So this may be a good thing... He'll wake up to go pee and put himself back to sleep :)
He woke a little after 8am and then took a two hour nap this afternoon :)


Tuesday, January 4


This morning he woke around 6am. That's still not bad. I just don't want him waking earlier than that :)


Wednesday, January 5


I just read this from The Bump: Bet you didn’t know: Being even just 1-percent dehydrated can mess with your metabolism and slow your weight loss. Not sure when you’re dehydrated? Believe it or not, by the time you even feel thirsty, you already are. Carry a water bottle with you and drink up throughout the day to avoid dehydration altogether.


My son is still up. He's laughing and giggling. What is going on in his tent? I hope he goes to sleep soon and sleeps till 8am :)


Thursday, January 6


My son finally fell asleep around 9:30pm and woke shortly after 5am. I guess he'll be needing an early nap today. I pray he sleeps at least two hours to help make up for his lack of night time sleep :)


Baby and I are good. But she's getting to big for me :( I'm waking every two hours to pee. So sleep is not really on the agenda :( But Joseph Jr let me take a nap today :) He's so good to mommy.

Jesus in Every Book of the Bible


Friday, January 7


Joseph Jr and I stopped by CW today and got to say hi to a few of the staff and students :) It was a nice visit although short. Maybe next time we'll be able to see the ones we missed. Love you all.


I love my son :) I just finished reading to him. He gave me a kiss and then called Daddy as he ran off to bed. He's getting easier and easier to put down at night. Gotta love it :)


Sunday, January 9


Joseph Jr is one amazing child :) A couple days ago I started having him pick up all his toys before eating or going to bed or just when I said. He's doing an amazing job. He is often putting them away before I even ask. Usually he'll put a book away before getting a new one to read. Gotta love this boy :)


Monday, January 10


We're having a yard sale at my house this Saturday. There will be stuff from at least three families. If you'd like to join in or come by to see what you could purchase, please do :) Blessings.


I know my son is growing but I just picked him up and felt like I as picking up a four year old. What's up with that?!


Tomorrow begins the REAL potty training deal. No more diapers after tonight come rain or shine :) I feel he's ready now.


Friday, January 14


In response to my dad's posting about snow in VT:   I wish we were there in the snow :) It might help Joseph Jr to potty train faster when he sees the snow turn colors from his pee :) 


I haven't been on the computer since Monday. And I probably won't be able to check on everyone for a while. As I've told a few others, "Ask me how potty training is going when it's done. I might burst into tears if I talk about it now." That is my reason for absence on FB and email. Blessings :)


Yard Sale tomorrow at my house. There will be at least four families bringing their stuff to sell as well as there being delicious homemade banana bread for sale. I hope you all can join us :)


Saturday, January 15


The morning was pretty good. The afternoon was back breaking. And the evening was full of stress and pee. My fuse is shorter than it's ever been in my life :( Please pray that I stop stressing over pee and poop. I love my son dearly and he deserves a mommy that's calm. Thanks :) Oh, I'm going to bed. Hopefully I'll catch up on the sleep I've been missing. That should help with the stress level too :)


Sunday, January 16


I woke more rested :) Joseph woke up soaked but then he went pee and poo in the potty :) We sat there for a little while, but he did it :) Then the stress came back full force. We had three accidents :( And then just before my husband awoke, the stress was gone and peace came in regards to potty training. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes.
He switched from diapers to big boy underpants, not training pants, last Tuesday. I've decided I'm NOT going back to diapers for him. He gets stickers for going pee/poo in the potty and suckers if he keeps his underpants dry and goes pee/poo in the potty :)


I will be 9 months pregnant a week from Wednesday :) I thought this last trimester was going by so slow. Before I know if our new little one will be here :)


Monday, January 17


I don't remember ever seeing this pic before. That was a long time ago.

Thursday, January 20


Loving the new life of no diapers :)
The past few days of potty-training have been sooooo much better :) He actually wants to go pee in the toilet. Of course he does this mostly because he wants to get a treat, but he still does it :) He still has pee accidents, two yesterday and one today thus far. I'm praying no more pee accidents today or ever for that matter :) Oh, I'm not counting waking up from his night time sleep wet. I think that one will take a bit of time. He still doesn't seem to know when he has to pee, but he'll go often enough so it's not usually an issue. We even went to a restaurant yesterday. No accidents :) He peed before we left, when we got there, before we left for home, and after we arrived home. A friend told me about peeing in a jar. It works wonderful for boys :) Now poo is another issue. But since he's older, it's easier to clean up. It's hit or miss whether or not he tells me he's pooed. So that's our main focus of treats now... He does love his underpants :) Thank you so much, Mom, for ALL your help. I would have lost my mind without it. Thank you, Bob, for your support too. And thank you, Love, for your help and time last weekend and in the future.
http://www.3daypottytraining.com/pages/help.htm?official

Joseph came and told me, "Pee pee in the potty," all on his own :) I figured that deserved an 'antioxidant' or a chocolate covered blueberry :)


My son just found a new game. He fell on the floor and I said, "Boom!" Now he wants to do it over and over again :)


My son has been putting things in my glass of water, usually when it is empty. I've been working with him on not doing that. He's getting better. But just now he put his full sippy cup into my full glass of water. It sank while my water went everywhere. Thankfully my computer sits on a think lap board or you wouldn't be getting this message right now.

Younger Years

Always stylish :)

Friday, January 21

One of my favorite baby shower "games" is guessing when the baby will be born and such.  Since I'll be having a Welcome Home Baby Ivy open house after the baby is born, I won't be able to play my favorite game.  So I figured I'd play it with all of my FB friends.

Number your responses with the appropriate question :)  

1.  What is the baby's gender?

2.  What date will the baby be born?

3.  What time will the baby be born?

4.  What will the baby's weight at birth be? (this question was added late)

5.  What will the baby's length be?

The following is for those that would like a little more information:

The baby is due February, 23.  My son came two days early via c-section due to complications.  Both of these pregnancies have been very different.  I am planning on having a Vbac.  I am not allowed to be induced since I had a previous c-section.  My son weighed 8lbs 11 oz and was 21 1/2 in. long.  If you have any further questions, please ask :)

Thanks for playing!

MY GUESSES

1. girl
2. February 23
3. 10:23 am

4. 7lbs 11 oz
5. 20 in.

Joseph told me before he had to pee and went in the potty :) So he got an "antioxidant". :)

I was over two months behind on my journaling. I just caught up. It's a good thing for FB. I forgot most of it :)

Saturday, January 22

My son has been saying a prayer at meal time for quite some time now. It started out as... "Jesus, bless this food. Amen." Now it is... "Jesus, bless this food and my family. Amen." Every once in a while we add something to it. He's such a big boy :)

He is just shy of 21 months... He repeats after me. I brake it up as follows: Jesus... bless this food... and our family... Amen

I finally found a Nursing Nest Pillow on Amazon.com. The shipping price is ridiculous, but it seems I'll have to pay it to get this item. I think it will make my baby's and my nursing experience so much better :)

Sunday, January 23

Well, I definitely have swollen legs, but my ankles are still a bit noticeable if you look really close. I'm hoping the baby will be born in three to five weeks :)

Monday, January 24

My son had a rough night. He woke twice, once at 12am and once at 4:30am, completely soaked. He ended up sleeping until 8am. That allowed me to clean the playroom :) I feel so much better after getting that done :)

I'm thinking about cloth pull-ups.

Christmas Eve with my god mother :)

Colin & Joseph :)

They did laugh a lot yesterday :) They played a simple flashlight game. Joseph would turn the flashlight on near his eyes and then bring it down away from his face. At that time, they would both laugh hysterically. That continued for about 10 min. The simple joys of children...

Tuesday, January 25


Joseph Jr woke last night around 1am soaked. Then he proceeded to talk until well after 3:30am. I, however, was able to sleep through most of this :) I'll have to wake him in an hour due to my ob appt. It's getting close :)


I don't want to resort to diapers for night time. He's learning. It's just going to take some time for him to realize what's happening at night. It's not hurting him in any way, so we'll stick to it. However, I have an idea that will help lessen how soaked he gets. I'll let you know about it after I try it for a few days :) Blessings to all.


Thursday, January 27


I started working with my son on counting to three, but he went further and counted to five. So I worked with on counting to five, and then yesterday out of the blue he counts to seven. I guess I'll just work with him on counting to ten :)


Major set back today with potty-training!!! He's already peed two or three times and pooed twice in his pants. The last three times were less than one-half an hour apart from each other :( It started out nice since he slept through the night until 5:30am. I pray that it ends on a great note :)
I'm now thinking there is some teething thing or something going on as he pooed again but this time during his nap time.
I need to remember that he is on the young side for potty training. He really does quite well most of the time. We were at my Aunt Stella's yesterday evening. It was a different environment and he had a lot of kids to play with but he did not have any accidents :)


Saturday, January 29


I was very much looking forward to spending the day with my husband and son. Joseph was going to BBQ for lunch and dinner :) However, he got a phone call to dj a wedding this afternoon. The dj cancelled last minute. Don't get me wrong, it's nice that he has this gig. I'd just like to have one full day with just our family and no other distractions. I hope that can happen before our new little one is born.
We only have a few weeks left before the big day. So I'm praying.


We went to Target and bought some plastic pants. We'll see how they work tonight :)


‎9 months prego last Wednesday. Only a few weeks to go.

Aunt Lisa

Joseph just took these pix tonight.

Sunday, January 30


My son just took his wood puzzle pieces and started putting them in his bucket. But as he is putting them in he is counting them. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven :) Wow!


Monday, January 31


Colin & Joseph's play date

Joseph Jr just went poo in the potty for the first time not by accident :)