Thought that I would post this as a reminder to myself to examine my own character as well.
Yesterday, my best friend brought her son over for a bit before we went shopping, and then Ellie and him got to hang out for a bit afterwards. They both have, what Taylor and I call, frog. It's like a small soft blanket with an animal head of some sort. Ellie's is a frog, and she also has a monkey. Cash has a lion one. ANYWAY, these are their comfort items I guess you can say. Well Ellie and Cash like to fight over them. Last night, Ellie would have hers in one hand and walk over to Cash and snatch it from him and then walk away with both in tow. Cash, with a look like What?!, would go over and snatch his back. Ellie would then whine and go over and tug and tug until she could get his back from him. Although it was super funny to watch, I had to do a check. Right then, Ellie was being greedy and she was mad that she could not have both. So instead of laughing, I decided it was best that I nipped that behavior right in the bud. I gave her a couple of swats on the bottom until she released the toy and let Cash have it. She is still too little to understand what I was trying to teach, but I realized that I am supposed to be teaching her godliness, and the character that she was showing was greed and not godliness. Yes, you may say, she is only 1 (well almost :) ), but I am going to go with I should start teaching and LEADING BY EXAMPLE that greed is not a desirable trait and train her so. The LEAD BY EXAMPLE I capitalized for myself to remember that we are constantly having to be remolded to be like Christ and be godly. I pray for myself that God continues to discipline me where I am needed, and that He gives me wisdom in how I can train my children up in godliness as well. Oh boy, is it going to be a long road, but I know very enjoyable if we keep to his path.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Oh my! December already!
This year is going by so quickly!! As I write this, I am in Michigan, and I am seeing my first snow of the winter! It really does make a nice, warm feeling in my tummy. Wish my husband was still here so we could enjoy it together. But he is home in Longview working hard to make a living...he does such a great job. :) I decided to stay a few extra days so that Ellie could spend a bit more time with her Nana and Papa. We saw SO much family last week for Thanksgiving. It was really great. Taylor hasn't actually been in his parents' home in over a year. It was really great for him to be here. We saw pretty much everyone! This week has been much quieter because everyone has gone off to school or to home again. It has been also a very difficult time because Taylor's grandmother is recovering from a stroke that happened about two weeks ago. It is really hard to discern where she is at mentally.... It is hard to think that death is part of life. In church a couple of weeks ago, we were talking about one reason why we are alive is to die. I know where I am going, but it is still kinda scares me. It is hard to know how to pray for her... I just pray God is giving her peace of mind and speaking love to her heart in a way she understands.
Ellie is doing great! She is officially walking on her own, as of November 22!! She is eating everything! She had the cranberry, the turkey, the taters, the PIE! She just gobbled, gobbled, gobbled! It is getting harder and harder for me with all of her energy and ability to move. The constant getting up, getting down is really taking a toll on me, and I am aching a lot. Gemma is moving quite a bit, and I get a lot of back pressure. I am thankful that she is moving and growing, but I am getting uncomfortable.
Other than that, we are just counting down the days until new baby gets here, just about 8 weeks and 4 days until the due date. I think I will be early, but obviously, it is all unknown!
Ellie is doing great! She is officially walking on her own, as of November 22!! She is eating everything! She had the cranberry, the turkey, the taters, the PIE! She just gobbled, gobbled, gobbled! It is getting harder and harder for me with all of her energy and ability to move. The constant getting up, getting down is really taking a toll on me, and I am aching a lot. Gemma is moving quite a bit, and I get a lot of back pressure. I am thankful that she is moving and growing, but I am getting uncomfortable.
Other than that, we are just counting down the days until new baby gets here, just about 8 weeks and 4 days until the due date. I think I will be early, but obviously, it is all unknown!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Walking and "Talking"
My girl is growing up so fast! This is just more for me so that I can kinda remember when she started standing and "talking." Last week, I believe Wednesday? which was October 13, she stood on her own for the second time and has kept on going!! She stood on her own for the first time a few weeks ago, but it was definitely a fluke, she was reaching for something in my hand. I was turned a different way and didn't even realize it. When I did, I screamed, and she fell over. I think I scared her. But ever since last week, she is standing and starting to bounce when she is standing. She will be walking VERY soon I think! She tries to take steps, but unsuccessful so far...haha.
She has ALSO learned a sign language. BUT, we don't know which one!! We are teaching her eat, more, milk, and all done. And we think she is either doing all done or milk. However, a bunch of us decided it must be milk. It is kinda like she shakes her right fist in the air by her head. But if I take everything away she gets a little upset, and so I give her milk, and she GLADLY takes it.
Her noise of the week is like a shh shh. Super cute!
We had a visit with Nana last week, and let me tell you Sue, if you read this, I definitely appreciate you and love you SO much. Thank you for accepting me into your family!! I was developing a cold, and Nana was right on time to take care of EVERYTHING. It was wonderful. I could rest, and Ellie could get all the love. We went to the zoo, took walks, and it was good.
New baby girl, whom I think we are going to name Gemma Lee, is doing great. Everything went well with the second sonogram, and she looks super cute!! I was comparing her pics with Ellie's at the same time, and they look different! It will be exciting to meet her. I am already getting nervous and thinking about the ultimate goal for some sort of schedule. Ellie is pretty much clockwork. So, we shall see :) I am not going to have expectations. Ellie was kinda early with getting on schedule and sleeping through the night, but it might take a LOT longer with Gemma, so I just have to have some patience and roll with it.
She is moving a lot, and Taylor can feel all the kicks and punches, and we are beginning to see her move as well. Mmm...my girls...love them!
She has ALSO learned a sign language. BUT, we don't know which one!! We are teaching her eat, more, milk, and all done. And we think she is either doing all done or milk. However, a bunch of us decided it must be milk. It is kinda like she shakes her right fist in the air by her head. But if I take everything away she gets a little upset, and so I give her milk, and she GLADLY takes it.
Her noise of the week is like a shh shh. Super cute!
We had a visit with Nana last week, and let me tell you Sue, if you read this, I definitely appreciate you and love you SO much. Thank you for accepting me into your family!! I was developing a cold, and Nana was right on time to take care of EVERYTHING. It was wonderful. I could rest, and Ellie could get all the love. We went to the zoo, took walks, and it was good.
New baby girl, whom I think we are going to name Gemma Lee, is doing great. Everything went well with the second sonogram, and she looks super cute!! I was comparing her pics with Ellie's at the same time, and they look different! It will be exciting to meet her. I am already getting nervous and thinking about the ultimate goal for some sort of schedule. Ellie is pretty much clockwork. So, we shall see :) I am not going to have expectations. Ellie was kinda early with getting on schedule and sleeping through the night, but it might take a LOT longer with Gemma, so I just have to have some patience and roll with it.
She is moving a lot, and Taylor can feel all the kicks and punches, and we are beginning to see her move as well. Mmm...my girls...love them!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More to Come
Whoo weee! It's been a while since an update and a vent. Ellie, my darling daughter, is something special! I love her, and I am loving her more and more everyday. I am beginning to see her uniqueness, and I am already trying to pick out what kind of girl she is going to be. She is such a happy baby. She loves to make different sounds. She loves straps and strings, and waving them in the air. She is standing up on EVERYTHING. Although, she can not stand on her own yet, she is getting there. She is our super petite little girl, and I have no idea where she gets it from. Taylor and I have a tall slender build, but she is just stinkin tiny. She also will eat pretty much anything we give her. However, the other day, I was feeding her vegetable medley with turkey, and she was giving me the sour face, and I couldn't figure out why. When she opened her mouth wide for the next bite, I saw chunks of potato and carrot and realized that this was the next stage, and not everything was pureed. She was letting me know, "Mom, this stuff is making me choke!" We are also giving her the snack food bite things from Graduates, which she grimaces when eating them, but she doesn't stop. Half of them end up in her palm or in her seat though. She is getting better :) She loves to smile, and I try to encourage her to smile at people that say hi to her. She knows the word 'no'. Which is awesome. Rarely does she test the limit, which leads me to believe that the next one may push the limit and test us a bit more. And we are trying now to be consistent. As hard as it is. We are working on sign language with her. Hopefully by next year, she will at least know 'more' and 'all done'. We will see :) Oh, and her FAVORITE thing is Frog. Whenever we lay her down for her nap, she reaches for that thing, and covers her face, and in goes the thumb. Super cute!
Now, we have found out that the little one growing in my tummy is another girl! We are so excited! I feel almost more excited about this one than I did with Ellie, and I think it is because I know what to expect now, and I know what is coming out, not as far as sex goes, but as far as what a baby is! As far as names, we are thinking Gemma Lee right now, but we are looking at others. Not 100% sure. She is moving around A LOT! I love it! I definitely felt it very soon, something like 16-17 weeks, the slight flutters and so forth. I went to a consignment sale a week ago, and got a double stroller, a pack 'n play, and something like 13 outfits for $130. I felt accomplished! I am trying to mentally prepare myself for sleepless nights here in a few months. It is going to be a slightly different ball game. On one hand, I know mostly what to expect. I realize that this baby may pose new things I didn't see with Ellie. But I know how to change a diaper now! But on the other hand, I am also going to have a 1 year old wanting my attention, and I am not sure how she will be. If she will be jealous, clingy, whiny, happy, gentle, rough, I have no idea. Obviously, I hope the transition will be perfect, but that is not the real world.
Taylor is doing great. A couple of weekends ago, he and a few other guys participated in the 24 hours of Lemons race, which is where they buy and upgrade a car for $500 or less, not including the safety stuff. I have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. It took up a lot of time and money, but Taylor had a great time doing a hobby he loves. Since this was the first rodeo, there was a lot to learn. Things will be done a bit different next time around. The weekend went horrible, but I would do it again. The car didn't last long at all. And they spent the whole weekend in the pit trying to fix it enough for the next person to get a turn. I spent most of my time keeping my mouth shut, but fuming in the background. Taylor had a great attitude throughout the entire weekend, and I respect him even more because of it. Now if I can have a great attitude and give him more the reason to love me. He wouldn't say this, but that is what I was thinking. Taylor's dad was also able to come! It was such a short visit, but I think he had fun working on the car with Troy's dad, also from Michigan. Oh, and it was the first weekend for me away from Ellie. And yes, I balled my eyes out the night before we left.
I think this next picture is the final tow. It caught on fire and was done. They did win an award - Most Horrible Yank Tank. Which ALMOST makes everything horrible that happened totally worth it.
A couple weekends before that, my mom, sister, Ellie, and I had our 2nd Annual Girls' Weekend. We went to Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was a lot of fun. My mom was awesome, and got us a pretty nice set up for the weekend. Ginny and I got a massage and a pedicure. I would like to make both a monthly or every other month ritual. It is so worth it. We enjoyed going to the park. We didn't really go somewhere super nice to eat, which is something that would have been nice. Every time it was time to eat, I felt like nothing was good. So it was definitely my fault. Ellie also had the worst gas/constipation ever! It was horrible! I was almost in tears because she was in so much pain. I tried putting her in the bath, and she was so tired that she kept falling over into the water while crying. I finally got in with her and turned the shower on and just held her. She was finally able to calm down and let out a bunch of toots. But that was a horrible experience. That was on Saturday, so we didn't really do any of the plans we wanted to. But the whole point was just to get away with just us girls and hang out. And that was what we did. :) Next year will be a handful with two little ones, but we could hardly leave the gals out of the girls' getaway!
We are also having a transformation in our finances, and for the better! We are doing the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University with our church. We are so excited and with gazelle intensity, we are determined to get debt free! I get very passionate about this and want everyone to become knowledgeable about this stuff. Maybe, that is what I should do. I just had a light bulb. I have been so disappointed with how our school systems, high school and college, have taught students about personal finance, debt, checkbooks, borrowing, mortgage, etc. It is sad how much we don't know, and because of it, get ourselves in so much DEBT that we feel trapped. The one thing for me, is if something were to happen to Taylor and I, I don't want to leave Ellie and Gemma with OUR debt, nothing for them, and no will, which reminds me, we have to get on writing that, which is super HARD which is why we haven't even started. I don't want the government deciding what happens to our kids or our assets, what a tragedy. I need to accomplish that soon. It is making me worried thinking of it as incomplete right now.
And, I am 24 today. Crazy how much has happened. I have been a Christian for 8 years, 9 months, and 19 days. Taylor and I have been married for 4 years, 1 month, and 17 days. Ellie is 8 months and 16 days old. I am 21 weeks and 3 days pregnant with our second little girl. We have been a dog owner for 1 year, 5 months, and 6 days. We have been a house owner for 1 year, 3 months, and 8 days. We both have college degrees. Here are some goals for the next, let's say 10 years:
- to be DEBT FREE!!
- to go to Europe.
- to begin building our own home with our own land.
- to have 2 more kids (maybe ;) )
- to go on family vacations to: camping in Canada, skiing in Colorado, snorkeling and Disney in Florida, hiking and camping in may other places, and of course sailing in Tawas!
There are probably more, but that is all I can think of for now!
Now, we have found out that the little one growing in my tummy is another girl! We are so excited! I feel almost more excited about this one than I did with Ellie, and I think it is because I know what to expect now, and I know what is coming out, not as far as sex goes, but as far as what a baby is! As far as names, we are thinking Gemma Lee right now, but we are looking at others. Not 100% sure. She is moving around A LOT! I love it! I definitely felt it very soon, something like 16-17 weeks, the slight flutters and so forth. I went to a consignment sale a week ago, and got a double stroller, a pack 'n play, and something like 13 outfits for $130. I felt accomplished! I am trying to mentally prepare myself for sleepless nights here in a few months. It is going to be a slightly different ball game. On one hand, I know mostly what to expect. I realize that this baby may pose new things I didn't see with Ellie. But I know how to change a diaper now! But on the other hand, I am also going to have a 1 year old wanting my attention, and I am not sure how she will be. If she will be jealous, clingy, whiny, happy, gentle, rough, I have no idea. Obviously, I hope the transition will be perfect, but that is not the real world.
Taylor is doing great. A couple of weekends ago, he and a few other guys participated in the 24 hours of Lemons race, which is where they buy and upgrade a car for $500 or less, not including the safety stuff. I have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. It took up a lot of time and money, but Taylor had a great time doing a hobby he loves. Since this was the first rodeo, there was a lot to learn. Things will be done a bit different next time around. The weekend went horrible, but I would do it again. The car didn't last long at all. And they spent the whole weekend in the pit trying to fix it enough for the next person to get a turn. I spent most of my time keeping my mouth shut, but fuming in the background. Taylor had a great attitude throughout the entire weekend, and I respect him even more because of it. Now if I can have a great attitude and give him more the reason to love me. He wouldn't say this, but that is what I was thinking. Taylor's dad was also able to come! It was such a short visit, but I think he had fun working on the car with Troy's dad, also from Michigan. Oh, and it was the first weekend for me away from Ellie. And yes, I balled my eyes out the night before we left.
I think this next picture is the final tow. It caught on fire and was done. They did win an award - Most Horrible Yank Tank. Which ALMOST makes everything horrible that happened totally worth it.
A couple weekends before that, my mom, sister, Ellie, and I had our 2nd Annual Girls' Weekend. We went to Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was a lot of fun. My mom was awesome, and got us a pretty nice set up for the weekend. Ginny and I got a massage and a pedicure. I would like to make both a monthly or every other month ritual. It is so worth it. We enjoyed going to the park. We didn't really go somewhere super nice to eat, which is something that would have been nice. Every time it was time to eat, I felt like nothing was good. So it was definitely my fault. Ellie also had the worst gas/constipation ever! It was horrible! I was almost in tears because she was in so much pain. I tried putting her in the bath, and she was so tired that she kept falling over into the water while crying. I finally got in with her and turned the shower on and just held her. She was finally able to calm down and let out a bunch of toots. But that was a horrible experience. That was on Saturday, so we didn't really do any of the plans we wanted to. But the whole point was just to get away with just us girls and hang out. And that was what we did. :) Next year will be a handful with two little ones, but we could hardly leave the gals out of the girls' getaway!
We are also having a transformation in our finances, and for the better! We are doing the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University with our church. We are so excited and with gazelle intensity, we are determined to get debt free! I get very passionate about this and want everyone to become knowledgeable about this stuff. Maybe, that is what I should do. I just had a light bulb. I have been so disappointed with how our school systems, high school and college, have taught students about personal finance, debt, checkbooks, borrowing, mortgage, etc. It is sad how much we don't know, and because of it, get ourselves in so much DEBT that we feel trapped. The one thing for me, is if something were to happen to Taylor and I, I don't want to leave Ellie and Gemma with OUR debt, nothing for them, and no will, which reminds me, we have to get on writing that, which is super HARD which is why we haven't even started. I don't want the government deciding what happens to our kids or our assets, what a tragedy. I need to accomplish that soon. It is making me worried thinking of it as incomplete right now.
And, I am 24 today. Crazy how much has happened. I have been a Christian for 8 years, 9 months, and 19 days. Taylor and I have been married for 4 years, 1 month, and 17 days. Ellie is 8 months and 16 days old. I am 21 weeks and 3 days pregnant with our second little girl. We have been a dog owner for 1 year, 5 months, and 6 days. We have been a house owner for 1 year, 3 months, and 8 days. We both have college degrees. Here are some goals for the next, let's say 10 years:
- to be DEBT FREE!!
- to go to Europe.
- to begin building our own home with our own land.
- to have 2 more kids (maybe ;) )
- to go on family vacations to: camping in Canada, skiing in Colorado, snorkeling and Disney in Florida, hiking and camping in may other places, and of course sailing in Tawas!
There are probably more, but that is all I can think of for now!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Double Rainbow
Last week was AMAZING! We went on a family reunion vacation to Missouri for about a week. We had such a GREAT time! Ellie is officially 7 months old as of Friday, and she has learned two new things - sitting up on her own and CRAWLING! Our world has changed! And of course, I missed when she did both of these things for the first time and Taylor witnessed them. At the beginning of the week, we went to my friend Rhiannon's house. I hadn't seen her in like 3 years since she got married. So it was a great visit! She is also expecting, a little boy in November. I can't wait to meet him. I got to see her parents as well, which is always a blessing :)
Visiting with the whole family was awesome. Ellie met her great-great-grandmother, so 5 generations! Doesn't happen that often. Of course we got the picture! She had made all the fourth and fifth generations a little something. Ellie got a hand-made pillow case and bag, I got a curling iron holder (super cute), and Taylor got an apron. It was pretty awesome. They held a family auction later in the week for the rest of the stuff she made. I got an apron for Ellie, 2 hand made books, 2 potholders for Ellie, 1 potholder for myself, and 2 more iron holders. We went sailing and tubing. We played lots of games and played in the lake. It was a great relaxing week.
Visiting with the whole family was awesome. Ellie met her great-great-grandmother, so 5 generations! Doesn't happen that often. Of course we got the picture! She had made all the fourth and fifth generations a little something. Ellie got a hand-made pillow case and bag, I got a curling iron holder (super cute), and Taylor got an apron. It was pretty awesome. They held a family auction later in the week for the rest of the stuff she made. I got an apron for Ellie, 2 hand made books, 2 potholders for Ellie, 1 potholder for myself, and 2 more iron holders. We went sailing and tubing. We played lots of games and played in the lake. It was a great relaxing week.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Pregnant with Baby #2!
SO, the big news is we are 10 weeks pregnant with BABY #2!! Really super crazy. We were very surprised and shocked. We have gotten a lot of mixed emotions from a lot of people, some are very excited, and some people just kind of looked at us, almost like they weren't very happy for us, just kinda like what are you thinking? Well the truth is, we weren't. We didn't exactly plan it, but God works all things out to the good of His purpose and I have no doubt that God has special plans for this little one. I also have some mixed emotions. First thought was for Ellie, worried for her, excited for her. She won't really know what it is like to be the only child. Seeing her with other little ones though gets me excited and sets me at ease because she just smiles at them and wants to suck their faces and touch their hair, super gentle and super sweet! I also wanted a little bit more time with just her. But, I am excited about this little one. Already talking about making it a point to be super excited as he/she goes through each of her/his firsts. Baby is due January 30, Ellie's birthday is January 6. CRAZY! But it happens quite often.
Now, if I could just get over this morning sickness.....ick!
Now, if I could just get over this morning sickness.....ick!
Huge Disappointments but Some Surprises
Okay, it's been a while.
The teams that made it to the Semifinals - Uruguay will play the Netherlands, and Germany will play Spain. Ultimately I am hoping for Netherlands, ultimately, and then Spain. However, Germany, I think, will be the one to beat, and if I were betting, I would say they will probably win the cup.
Argentina lost to Germany in probably the MOST disappointing game of the cup, 4-0. It was embarrassing. I didn't even feel bad for them - they just sucked hard core. Germany was able to out maneuver them completely. Messi was not even a threat, almost non-existent on the field. I was sad because I was impressed with him highly in the beginning.
Netherlands beat Brazil, which was awesome! They did it with style too. The goals by Schneider were incredibly awesome!! I feel bad that one of his goals was credited as an own goal. Yes that defender made a bad move and may have even touched it, but that shot was awesome and was going in regardless.
Ghana beat United States but then had a TERRIBLE loss to Uruguay. They scored a goal in seriously the very last second, and one of the Uruguayan players - Suarez, I believe, did the most cowardly thing ever and blocked the goal with his hand. So no goal. He was given a red card and Ghana was awarded a PK, which he missed. So they ended up going into PKs, which they lost 5-3. SO SAD. That was a tremendous upset.
Awesome game however was between Paraguay and Spain. At the last few moments of the game - Paraguay got a PK, which the keeper stopped amazingly. THEN the counter attack by Spain led to them getting a PK, which they scored but was called back because a Spaniard crossed the line before the kick was taken. So the kick was retaken, and it was blocked by the keeper and rebounded out, and then shot again, and the keeper blocked it again! DRAMA!! Spain did eventually get a goal in to win the game though.
The teams that made it to the Semifinals - Uruguay will play the Netherlands, and Germany will play Spain. Ultimately I am hoping for Netherlands, ultimately, and then Spain. However, Germany, I think, will be the one to beat, and if I were betting, I would say they will probably win the cup.
Argentina lost to Germany in probably the MOST disappointing game of the cup, 4-0. It was embarrassing. I didn't even feel bad for them - they just sucked hard core. Germany was able to out maneuver them completely. Messi was not even a threat, almost non-existent on the field. I was sad because I was impressed with him highly in the beginning.
Netherlands beat Brazil, which was awesome! They did it with style too. The goals by Schneider were incredibly awesome!! I feel bad that one of his goals was credited as an own goal. Yes that defender made a bad move and may have even touched it, but that shot was awesome and was going in regardless.
Ghana beat United States but then had a TERRIBLE loss to Uruguay. They scored a goal in seriously the very last second, and one of the Uruguayan players - Suarez, I believe, did the most cowardly thing ever and blocked the goal with his hand. So no goal. He was given a red card and Ghana was awarded a PK, which he missed. So they ended up going into PKs, which they lost 5-3. SO SAD. That was a tremendous upset.
Awesome game however was between Paraguay and Spain. At the last few moments of the game - Paraguay got a PK, which the keeper stopped amazingly. THEN the counter attack by Spain led to them getting a PK, which they scored but was called back because a Spaniard crossed the line before the kick was taken. So the kick was retaken, and it was blocked by the keeper and rebounded out, and then shot again, and the keeper blocked it again! DRAMA!! Spain did eventually get a goal in to win the game though.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Final Guess - Group H
I will keep it short - Chile and Switzerland. And I kinda like the Swiss. I was impressed with their game against Spain. They have Honduras left, which I think they will beat. If Spain beats Chile, then it could be interesting having 3 teams tied with 6. It will go by goals then, and right now, Chile and Spain lead with 2 and 1, respectively. The Swiss are at 0. So really, it could go to anyone. Honduras even has a chance. It is kind of fun looking at all the different possibilities.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Groups D - G
Group D - (I am going to watch Serbia and Australia's recap game before I judge one way or another.)
Group E - consists of Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, and Cameroon. Cameroon is out. Netherlands has 6, and Japan and Denmark have 3. Japan and Denmark are scheduled to play on Thursday, I believe. I am rooting for Japan, because I lived in Okinawa for 3 years, and I consider Japan to be a part of my long list of homes. They don't play too bad, they are just really small in comparison with other teams so they get beat to the ball quite often. NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN is my hope. I don't remember how Denmark plays, so we shall see.
Group F - consists of Paraguay, Italy, New Zealand, and Slovakia. Out of this group, I just hope Italy doesn't make it because they are terrible.
Group G - Although I was impressed with N. Korea at first, they just got spanked by Portugal. I didn't see the game and I'm glad. I hate watching a beating. BRAZIL and PORTUGAL will take this group, I'm sure.
Group E - consists of Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, and Cameroon. Cameroon is out. Netherlands has 6, and Japan and Denmark have 3. Japan and Denmark are scheduled to play on Thursday, I believe. I am rooting for Japan, because I lived in Okinawa for 3 years, and I consider Japan to be a part of my long list of homes. They don't play too bad, they are just really small in comparison with other teams so they get beat to the ball quite often. NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN is my hope. I don't remember how Denmark plays, so we shall see.
Group F - consists of Paraguay, Italy, New Zealand, and Slovakia. Out of this group, I just hope Italy doesn't make it because they are terrible.
Group G - Although I was impressed with N. Korea at first, they just got spanked by Portugal. I didn't see the game and I'm glad. I hate watching a beating. BRAZIL and PORTUGAL will take this group, I'm sure.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Group C
Oh my - USA was robbed of a goal! The ending score should have been 3-2. Trying to get over it, because as the commentators put it, the referee is like the Queen of England and doesn't have any accountability. BUT, USA has just got to win next week - bottom line. If they win, then they advance no matter the outcome of England and Slovenia. They can't lose. They have no chance if they do. I am hoping Slovenia beats England because then USA can at least tie, but they CAN NOT lose! Argh! Wow, I am invested. Thank you Donovan and Bradley for keeping us in this!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Group A, B, and C
I have not done any research on any teams prior to the World Cup. However, after watching the games, I am slowly picking my favorites. Obviously, I want USA to take it. They are going to have to get their heads together and learn to pass if they want to go far.
From Group A - I did not watch South Africa play Mexico. My first game to watch was Uruguay vs. France. Interesting that both ended in a tie. I did watch the South Africa and Uruguay game, and I felt really bad for S. Africa, with their keeper getting a red card and just getting some real bad luck. I do want South Africa to make it to the next round because they are the host country. Call me lame, but there it is. I just watched the Mexico and France game, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. I remember when the 37 year old coming in, I thought, "He's old! We'll see how he does..." And he scored! France made some really poor decisions. I am quite disappointed with France, considering they got second last World Cup, and in PKs. They don't seem to be working together and they do not really have any standouts in my opinion.
All in all - I hope Mexico and South Africa make it out. The standing right now though are Uruguay and Mexico, each with 4, and then South Africa and France, each with 1. In order for South America to advance, they would need to beat France with at least a net of 7 goals (Mexico would have to help them out with this by scoring a lot on Uruguay to make their net goals go down as well. Right now S. Africa has net -3 and Uruguay has 3 - If Mexico beats Uruguay and S. Africa beats France.) I do NOT see this happening. I think Mexico and Uruguay will go through.
From Group B - My guess is that Argentina and South Korea will advance to the next round. I did not see Argentina play South Korea, however I heard a knockout in favor of Argentina. I have not seen South Korea play at all, and they have Nigeria left. I am just going by scores, but S. Korea beat Greece, and Greece beat Nigeria - so S. Korea will beat Nigeria. Dumb argument, right? If Nigeria brings it, which I think they are capable of, then it could be a good match. But Argentina for SURE. So far I am quite impressed with them, mostly Messi :) He has been one of the players that has really stood out to me. Always moving and creating plays.
From Group C - USA has Slovenia and Algeria left, both important wins, and the same with England. I did not see the Slovenia and Algeria game, so I am not too sure how they play or if they are good. My guess is England and USA will advance. Obviously I want USA to advance, and I don't want England to, just to be advantageous to USA. However, with the other groups, I am not really thinking advantage. No matter what, it will be a competitive next round and difficult for USA.
From Group A - I did not watch South Africa play Mexico. My first game to watch was Uruguay vs. France. Interesting that both ended in a tie. I did watch the South Africa and Uruguay game, and I felt really bad for S. Africa, with their keeper getting a red card and just getting some real bad luck. I do want South Africa to make it to the next round because they are the host country. Call me lame, but there it is. I just watched the Mexico and France game, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. I remember when the 37 year old coming in, I thought, "He's old! We'll see how he does..." And he scored! France made some really poor decisions. I am quite disappointed with France, considering they got second last World Cup, and in PKs. They don't seem to be working together and they do not really have any standouts in my opinion.
All in all - I hope Mexico and South Africa make it out. The standing right now though are Uruguay and Mexico, each with 4, and then South Africa and France, each with 1. In order for South America to advance, they would need to beat France with at least a net of 7 goals (Mexico would have to help them out with this by scoring a lot on Uruguay to make their net goals go down as well. Right now S. Africa has net -3 and Uruguay has 3 - If Mexico beats Uruguay and S. Africa beats France.) I do NOT see this happening. I think Mexico and Uruguay will go through.
From Group B - My guess is that Argentina and South Korea will advance to the next round. I did not see Argentina play South Korea, however I heard a knockout in favor of Argentina. I have not seen South Korea play at all, and they have Nigeria left. I am just going by scores, but S. Korea beat Greece, and Greece beat Nigeria - so S. Korea will beat Nigeria. Dumb argument, right? If Nigeria brings it, which I think they are capable of, then it could be a good match. But Argentina for SURE. So far I am quite impressed with them, mostly Messi :) He has been one of the players that has really stood out to me. Always moving and creating plays.
From Group C - USA has Slovenia and Algeria left, both important wins, and the same with England. I did not see the Slovenia and Algeria game, so I am not too sure how they play or if they are good. My guess is England and USA will advance. Obviously I want USA to advance, and I don't want England to, just to be advantageous to USA. However, with the other groups, I am not really thinking advantage. No matter what, it will be a competitive next round and difficult for USA.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Whirlwind
May has been such a whirlwind! I don't even know where to start. We went to Bastrop, Texas to celebrate my grandmother's life. She passed away in September, and she wanted her ashes spread at the place where she and my grandfather celebrated their honeymoon. So we stayed in the same cabin. I thought that that was cool. Then, we went to Connecticut to celebrate Taylor's best friend Matt getting married. The plan was to go to New York City. But with Ellie having a cold, and the weariness from traveling, we decided to just enjoy ourselves in the beautiful house that my mom and dad rented. They and my sister came with us. They celebrated 25 years of marriage! Then Ellie and I went to Michigan for a week. After we came home, I got my wisdom teeth removed. So, needless to say, it has been super CRAZY around here. On top of it all, Ellie is now 5 months old! She is getting so big. She can roll over both ways now :) She is rolling all over the room now. So my job starts getting harder from here on out :) Her new thing is blowing raspberries. Her and my mom had such a blast this past weekend. She came to help me with the whole teeth thing, and I am glad she did. I was very out of it. I don't even remember what happened that day. But she and Ellie spent a lot of time together. I think she was more than happy to spend time with her granddaughter!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Proud
Today, I mowed our lawn! Yay! I was so proud of myself. All week I have been thinking of something that I could do for Taylor, and I thought of mowing the lawn. By mowing the lawn means he doesn't have to, and instead of mowing the lawn, he could rest. So I mowed and mowed and mowed. Thank you sister for watching Miss Ellie for me. I was so proud when I was done. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. My sister and I were betting what Taylor would say when he got home. I guessed correctly. "Did you pay someone to mow the lawn?" When I told him I did it, he didn't believe me....haha. But I showed him my blisters to prove it. And my goodness do I have the blisters to prove it. But there is my story!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunburned
This weekend was SUPER busy! My dad celebrated his 57th birthday on Thursday, and they came to Longview to celebrate by going to the Ricky Skagg's concert at LeTourneau. But first, we went to an Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base. It was amazing how much being on the base felt like home. Even though we lived in Bossier City for a couple of years, we never lived on the base. But man did it feel like home. Looking at the housing, the pools, the barracks, the BX and the Commissary. Brings back so many memories, and I don't know how else to describe it except that it was kind of a comfort thing being back.
The Air Show was pretty cool with the exception that it was loud at times and made all the babies cry, even Ellie. The Thunderbirds were there. It was awesome. They all did some pretty neat tricks with the planes, things you wouldn't think were possible, at least for someone like me. The day was perfect, not TOO hot and a little windy, not a cloud in the sky - which is why I got a incredibly bad sunburn. I am in quite a bit of pain right now.
Taylor went on a barge trip with some guys from the floor. It was really cool for him because he was able to hang out with some guys he hasn't seen in quite a long time. I had a soccer game today. I think my skills are coming back little by little, I got a few goals today, and we won :) I just need to hustle and help my teammates a little bit more instead of leaving them to fight off a couple of defenders when I am like two feet away.
Then our incredibly awesome friends with their incredibly awesome kiddos treated us to a GREAT dinner...YUM! Thank you so much friends! You guys are great, and we are so blessed by your company and your friendship and your generosity, and I am so thankful to the Lord for you guys!
The church service was really convicting this morning; it was about prayer. He read a verse from 1 Samuel about how he was in sin when he was not in prayer for his people. I was convicted in the fact that I am not in prayer for my husband on a daily basis. Pray continually - God's Word, but I seldom do pray. My heart has been really heavy lately, and I am not sure why. I am hoping to dig more into the Word and more into PRAYER, and discover what the Lord is trying to teach me to my unhearing ears. Lord please help me listen! Open my heart and my ears O God!
The Air Show was pretty cool with the exception that it was loud at times and made all the babies cry, even Ellie. The Thunderbirds were there. It was awesome. They all did some pretty neat tricks with the planes, things you wouldn't think were possible, at least for someone like me. The day was perfect, not TOO hot and a little windy, not a cloud in the sky - which is why I got a incredibly bad sunburn. I am in quite a bit of pain right now.
Taylor went on a barge trip with some guys from the floor. It was really cool for him because he was able to hang out with some guys he hasn't seen in quite a long time. I had a soccer game today. I think my skills are coming back little by little, I got a few goals today, and we won :) I just need to hustle and help my teammates a little bit more instead of leaving them to fight off a couple of defenders when I am like two feet away.
Then our incredibly awesome friends with their incredibly awesome kiddos treated us to a GREAT dinner...YUM! Thank you so much friends! You guys are great, and we are so blessed by your company and your friendship and your generosity, and I am so thankful to the Lord for you guys!
The church service was really convicting this morning; it was about prayer. He read a verse from 1 Samuel about how he was in sin when he was not in prayer for his people. I was convicted in the fact that I am not in prayer for my husband on a daily basis. Pray continually - God's Word, but I seldom do pray. My heart has been really heavy lately, and I am not sure why. I am hoping to dig more into the Word and more into PRAYER, and discover what the Lord is trying to teach me to my unhearing ears. Lord please help me listen! Open my heart and my ears O God!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
3 Months and More
Today Ellie is three months old. I am really enjoying this time with her. In reality, I know that this is the easy part. As she gets older, it is going to get harder. Taylor and I will be put to the real test as parents. It is a pretty constant dialogue that we have. What are we going to do if she misbehaves in public? What are we going to do if she deliberately disobeys versus just being curious? What kind of habits are we going to develop when it comes to our daily devotional with the Lord, prayers before eating, and serving others? The thing that has been on my mind a lot is that God calls us to impress His word into our children. I know that I am falling short. Yes, I know she is only 3 months old and doesn't quite understand speech, but can't habits form now?? I want it to!
As far as growth goes, Ellie is doing great! She is still my petite little girl. Although, she is getting some chunky hams! She is sleeping great. Normally sleeping from 10 pm until 9:30 am. Although, the past couple of nights, she has been getting up a couple hours earlier than that. Not sure what that is about yet. She may just be legitimately hungry, or she is just waking up to talk to herself. Yesterday, as Taylor and I were hanging out with her, we had her in her bouncer, and she kept pulling her head forward like she wanted to sit up. We were putting toys in front of her, and Taylor describes it as the claw game that picks up animals. She would reach and close her hand but not quite be on the toy. It was great! She did finally grab the toy and then would shake it and then bonk herself in the head. Kinda funny to watch. Her frustrated face was awesome! We are still aren't great at tummy time, but I am starting to get her on her tummy a lot more, so hopefully we will see some changes in the next few weeks.
Taylor and I have started an exercising program - P90X - and oh my gosh is it X-treme! I kind of quit in the first week because I thought it was affecting my milk. I am going to give it another shot this week because I think I was unconsciously giving excuses. Lol. One of the main things of P90X is the nutrition. That is probably where Taylor and I are REALLY falling short, as is most of America! It is so easy to eat junk, but it is BAD for you. We are good about not buying it, but if it is in the house, then I eat it. I know I still want a nasty fast food cheeseburger every once in a while, but we need to make our every day CONSISTENT diet better. The thing I hate about it, it is so darn EXPENSIVE!! There has got to be a way to eat BETTER without the cost being so much. I don't think we are going to go into the all organic thing, but just make the minor adjustments that will have big changes. Such as butter. Only using a small dose or none at all. Not eating fried food. Grilling most of our food, which is what we try to do anyway, will save on the nutrition.
My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary yesterday! They have been through so much, and it is awesome to see them together! Thinking Taylor and I will be celebrating our FOURTH year anniversary this year is CRAZY. That time went by super fast. I love him very much!! One of things I love most about him is his love to serve. I have gotten a lot better at it because of him. For example, I am so fickle with money. I always think that I do not have enough and therefore talk myself out of giving to those in need or even gifts for our family and friends. Taylor does not think twice about it. I have really worked hard on not griping but changing my attitude to be joyful about giving whenever he does give. God always provides, and I have seen that promise over and over again. Another example, I always think I want to be serving in the church somewhere, but I never take action. Taylor on the other hand has signed us up for counting, child check-in, and now hosting a life group type of thing at our house. He has been the one taking the lead on all these service things. And every single time that he has said, "Oh, I signed us up for so-and-so so we will be starting this day." I think what! We don't have time for that or the "gifts" for that. Then God comes in and says follow your husband, here is where I am putting you. I read something the other day. God does not use the enabled, He enables those He uses. That is where I need to trust God a little more. All for now!
As far as growth goes, Ellie is doing great! She is still my petite little girl. Although, she is getting some chunky hams! She is sleeping great. Normally sleeping from 10 pm until 9:30 am. Although, the past couple of nights, she has been getting up a couple hours earlier than that. Not sure what that is about yet. She may just be legitimately hungry, or she is just waking up to talk to herself. Yesterday, as Taylor and I were hanging out with her, we had her in her bouncer, and she kept pulling her head forward like she wanted to sit up. We were putting toys in front of her, and Taylor describes it as the claw game that picks up animals. She would reach and close her hand but not quite be on the toy. It was great! She did finally grab the toy and then would shake it and then bonk herself in the head. Kinda funny to watch. Her frustrated face was awesome! We are still aren't great at tummy time, but I am starting to get her on her tummy a lot more, so hopefully we will see some changes in the next few weeks.
Taylor and I have started an exercising program - P90X - and oh my gosh is it X-treme! I kind of quit in the first week because I thought it was affecting my milk. I am going to give it another shot this week because I think I was unconsciously giving excuses. Lol. One of the main things of P90X is the nutrition. That is probably where Taylor and I are REALLY falling short, as is most of America! It is so easy to eat junk, but it is BAD for you. We are good about not buying it, but if it is in the house, then I eat it. I know I still want a nasty fast food cheeseburger every once in a while, but we need to make our every day CONSISTENT diet better. The thing I hate about it, it is so darn EXPENSIVE!! There has got to be a way to eat BETTER without the cost being so much. I don't think we are going to go into the all organic thing, but just make the minor adjustments that will have big changes. Such as butter. Only using a small dose or none at all. Not eating fried food. Grilling most of our food, which is what we try to do anyway, will save on the nutrition.
My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary yesterday! They have been through so much, and it is awesome to see them together! Thinking Taylor and I will be celebrating our FOURTH year anniversary this year is CRAZY. That time went by super fast. I love him very much!! One of things I love most about him is his love to serve. I have gotten a lot better at it because of him. For example, I am so fickle with money. I always think that I do not have enough and therefore talk myself out of giving to those in need or even gifts for our family and friends. Taylor does not think twice about it. I have really worked hard on not griping but changing my attitude to be joyful about giving whenever he does give. God always provides, and I have seen that promise over and over again. Another example, I always think I want to be serving in the church somewhere, but I never take action. Taylor on the other hand has signed us up for counting, child check-in, and now hosting a life group type of thing at our house. He has been the one taking the lead on all these service things. And every single time that he has said, "Oh, I signed us up for so-and-so so we will be starting this day." I think what! We don't have time for that or the "gifts" for that. Then God comes in and says follow your husband, here is where I am putting you. I read something the other day. God does not use the enabled, He enables those He uses. That is where I need to trust God a little more. All for now!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
2 Month Check Up
Ellie's 2 month check up was yesterday!! She is 24 inches long and 11.8 pounds. She is a long girl! Not surprised considering Taylor and I are both tall. Her eyes are still blue! Very pretty blue. Right now I am just watching her in her bouncer, and she is changing soooo much. She is starting to wave her hands around. I think she is trying to reach the shaking things on the bar on the bouncer. Occasionally, she will hit them, and they will rattle. She gets so delighted with herself. And the lion in the middle plays music, and she likes to smile and talk to it. It is getting more and more fun the more and more she interacts with us.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Michigan and Back
Ellie and I have just spent the last week or so in Michigan with Taylor's family. It was such a wonderful visit :) !! We definitely flew. There is no way I could drive that whole way...18 hours or so. I can hardly drive one hour without falling asleep. I left with my friend Angie and her two kiddos. We had planned it to sit next to each other, but they would not allow more than two kids in a row, so we got split up. I got to sit next to an empty seat, which I have found VERY helpful because I can spread out a bit. She did great for her first trip. Every time she started to fuss, I just nursed her. The beginning of the week was quiet...lol...sort of. It was just me, Sue, Mike, Gerry, Don, Ephram, and Jordan, oh! and Ellie.
Don and Gerry just loved Ellie! They are Ellie's great-grandparents (Sue's parents). It was fun to just watch them talk to her and for her to just settle right into their arms. Sadly, Don went to the hospital the very next day, and stayed there until Saturday night. He is home now though and much better than when he went into the hospital.
Then, Ellie began to meet the rest of the family. Great-Nana came in on Wednesday night, Uncle Austin and Aunt Erin came in on Thursday afternoon and Aunt Leah came in on Friday morning. What a busy house, but great! Ellie is sure a loved little girl. I am so excited to see her grow up and get to know everyone. Family visists are going to be super duper fun as she learns new things and everyone is able to play with her!
Then, one of our sweet friends from the church, gave us a mini photo session! She got a TON of pictures of Ellie. I think I might go broke! Ellie did great! Hardly fussed at all. I didn't get any sleeping pictures because she was awake the whole time, but the pictures are just absolutely gorgeous!!
Ellie then met her Great-Aunt Cheryl and cousin Katie. We had a wonderful lunch together. It was a short visit, but sweet nonetheless.
Then, Mike and Sue's church family showed us their love by throwing us a baby shower. It was amazing. We received soo much love, not to mention, Ellie received so many adorable little outfits and support. She has no idea how many people love her and are praying for her. I definitely saw God's love through them. To those of you reading this: Thank you so much! God showed His love to me through each and every one of you! And what amazes me is that you guys don't know me, but you know Mike and Sue, and you are loving me because you love them! God's family is truly amazing, and thank you for accepting me!
And on that day, she met Uncle Chris, Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelley, Cousin Logan and Riley. My, she has a big family!
We are home now, the ride home from Michigan, I have to say was perfect. She was right on schedule, and didn't cry AT ALL!! Taylor and Ginny met us at the airport. We then went out to eat. And that is when I think all the traveling caught up. But, Ellie and I are enjoying the sunshine and are able to go outside. As much as I enjoyed Michigan, I am happy to be home and with Taylor. It was such a bummer that Taylor could not join us. Everyone was there, and he missed it. He won't be able to see everybody until the family reunion. I am definitely glad we are going this year.
Don and Gerry just loved Ellie! They are Ellie's great-grandparents (Sue's parents). It was fun to just watch them talk to her and for her to just settle right into their arms. Sadly, Don went to the hospital the very next day, and stayed there until Saturday night. He is home now though and much better than when he went into the hospital.
Then, Ellie began to meet the rest of the family. Great-Nana came in on Wednesday night, Uncle Austin and Aunt Erin came in on Thursday afternoon and Aunt Leah came in on Friday morning. What a busy house, but great! Ellie is sure a loved little girl. I am so excited to see her grow up and get to know everyone. Family visists are going to be super duper fun as she learns new things and everyone is able to play with her!
Then, one of our sweet friends from the church, gave us a mini photo session! She got a TON of pictures of Ellie. I think I might go broke! Ellie did great! Hardly fussed at all. I didn't get any sleeping pictures because she was awake the whole time, but the pictures are just absolutely gorgeous!!
Ellie then met her Great-Aunt Cheryl and cousin Katie. We had a wonderful lunch together. It was a short visit, but sweet nonetheless.
Then, Mike and Sue's church family showed us their love by throwing us a baby shower. It was amazing. We received soo much love, not to mention, Ellie received so many adorable little outfits and support. She has no idea how many people love her and are praying for her. I definitely saw God's love through them. To those of you reading this: Thank you so much! God showed His love to me through each and every one of you! And what amazes me is that you guys don't know me, but you know Mike and Sue, and you are loving me because you love them! God's family is truly amazing, and thank you for accepting me!
And on that day, she met Uncle Chris, Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelley, Cousin Logan and Riley. My, she has a big family!
We are home now, the ride home from Michigan, I have to say was perfect. She was right on schedule, and didn't cry AT ALL!! Taylor and Ginny met us at the airport. We then went out to eat. And that is when I think all the traveling caught up. But, Ellie and I are enjoying the sunshine and are able to go outside. As much as I enjoyed Michigan, I am happy to be home and with Taylor. It was such a bummer that Taylor could not join us. Everyone was there, and he missed it. He won't be able to see everybody until the family reunion. I am definitely glad we are going this year.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Consideration and Compassion
It just amazes me with the lack of consideration and compassion that people have these days. When we were on our way home to Fairfield to see my parents, we stopped by BK to get some quick food. A guy approached our car as we were in the drive-through and asked if we could spare him some gas. We said that we would and meet him at the gas station. My dear husband has a HUGE heart for helping people like him. He is very against giving anyone money, but he more than willing gives people food or gas or whatever it is that they are needing. So we met him. He had told Taylor that he had been asking people ALL day (it is almost 7pm) for help, and no one would. I just couldn't believe it. He then very shyly and almost ashamed asked if we could spare some fries. So we gave him our fries. I am so thankful that we have family. It makes me wonder how people end up on the streets. I know if Taylor ever lost his job, and we lost our house, my parents or his parents, or anyone one of our friends, would take us in a heartbeat until we were able to get on our own again. Do these people have no one? Do they have family or friends?
On a different note, guys!, if you hit someones car in a parking lot or run into their mail box, go and take responsibility!! I've been there, and it is embarrassing and you don't know what the person is going to say, but TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! A guy ran into our mailbox and ran over our recycle bin, mashing into pieces, yesterday, and did not confess. It just angers me so much. Reminds me a while ago when someone smashed a HUGE dent into our car and drove off. I did get angry, but then I prayed for that person. I admittedly prayed for conviction on that person. Just take responsibility.
On a different note, guys!, if you hit someones car in a parking lot or run into their mail box, go and take responsibility!! I've been there, and it is embarrassing and you don't know what the person is going to say, but TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! A guy ran into our mailbox and ran over our recycle bin, mashing into pieces, yesterday, and did not confess. It just angers me so much. Reminds me a while ago when someone smashed a HUGE dent into our car and drove off. I did get angry, but then I prayed for that person. I admittedly prayed for conviction on that person. Just take responsibility.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
My Girl
I am definitely falling more in love with our daughter! she is soooo beautiful...and we just love her to pieces. It is getting more and more fun each day. She has recently began smiling for us and starting to make cooing noises. We just cherish every moment.
This past weekend, we went to visit with Oma and Grampa (my parents). The car ride went great. She did really well and slept the whole time. It is about a 2 1/2 drive, so not terribly far. Oma and Big Mama (my grandmother - also known as Boozie) just could not get enough of her. Boozie thinks that Ellie will become a piano player because of her gorgeous long fingers. Of course Dad, or Grampa, is thinking his guitar player, or other stringed instrument. He tried to get my sister and I interested. But let's just say that didn't work out. We do not care what she chooses to be passionate about. We will support her, whether it is the piano or mandolin, or soccer, or ballet, or basketball, or photography, whatever she wants! That will be exciting to see her grow in something she loves! Dad also took us to see Anne and Bob. Anne is the one who made Ellie beautiful handmade clothes.
I didn't get a picture with Oma, but here is one with Ellie and Grampa.
He is so cautious around her, but he is definitely wrapped around her little finger. I was changing her diaper and she was crying a little, he came barging into the room at her crying to save the day!! It was funny. Other than that, she heard many stories from Oma, and watched basketball games with Big Mama.
We are going on an airplane this Saturday to see Nana and Papa (Taylor's parents) and everyone in Michigan. I am a little nervous about the plane trip, but my best friend, Angie, is going to be going up to Michigan with me with her little ones. We planned it to be sitting next to one another all the way! It will be a good day basically hanging out with them! But I am excited for the visit, but sad that Taylor is going to be missing her.
OH!! And I made something else scrumptious with my deep covered dish! Tortellini with ham and spinach and a cheesy sauce! Yummo!
This past weekend, we went to visit with Oma and Grampa (my parents). The car ride went great. She did really well and slept the whole time. It is about a 2 1/2 drive, so not terribly far. Oma and Big Mama (my grandmother - also known as Boozie) just could not get enough of her. Boozie thinks that Ellie will become a piano player because of her gorgeous long fingers. Of course Dad, or Grampa, is thinking his guitar player, or other stringed instrument. He tried to get my sister and I interested. But let's just say that didn't work out. We do not care what she chooses to be passionate about. We will support her, whether it is the piano or mandolin, or soccer, or ballet, or basketball, or photography, whatever she wants! That will be exciting to see her grow in something she loves! Dad also took us to see Anne and Bob. Anne is the one who made Ellie beautiful handmade clothes.
I didn't get a picture with Oma, but here is one with Ellie and Grampa.
He is so cautious around her, but he is definitely wrapped around her little finger. I was changing her diaper and she was crying a little, he came barging into the room at her crying to save the day!! It was funny. Other than that, she heard many stories from Oma, and watched basketball games with Big Mama.
We are going on an airplane this Saturday to see Nana and Papa (Taylor's parents) and everyone in Michigan. I am a little nervous about the plane trip, but my best friend, Angie, is going to be going up to Michigan with me with her little ones. We planned it to be sitting next to one another all the way! It will be a good day basically hanging out with them! But I am excited for the visit, but sad that Taylor is going to be missing her.
OH!! And I made something else scrumptious with my deep covered dish! Tortellini with ham and spinach and a cheesy sauce! Yummo!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sleeping through the Night
Yay! Ellie officially slept through the night at 6 weeks and 1 day old. We shall see if she does it again tonight. We are going to Oma's and Grampa's today, so she will be in a different crib, but hopefully that won't throw her off. It was a good feeling when Taylor rolled over when his alarm went off to go to work and asked me, "Did she sleep through the night?" I smiled and said yep!! She proceeded to sleep one more hour before giving her 'I'm hungry' squawks. Yay! Another point for Babywise!
Things have been going pretty good. A few of my friends are reading through the Bible in one year, so I have decided to give it a try, starting at the beginning. It is so amazing how you can read a chapter a billion times, and something new always catches your attention. I enjoy Genesis.
I have also been enjoying friends very much! I have had many friend visits this week. First with my small group. We are going through twelve extraordinary women in the bible. Mostly we get together and eat wonderful food and chat! It is great! Then I visited with Miss Angie, and that was great! She has got some two great kids, and it was great going through all of her old girl clothes. She is very kind in donating them for a while for Miss Ellie. I'm excited to get her into some of those outfits! Then I had a visit with my sister! She treated me to an awesome molten cake at Chili's. Yummo! Then we had a lovely dinner with Kirby and J at their home! We are so blessed to have the friends that we do! God is so good!!
Things have been going pretty good. A few of my friends are reading through the Bible in one year, so I have decided to give it a try, starting at the beginning. It is so amazing how you can read a chapter a billion times, and something new always catches your attention. I enjoy Genesis.
I have also been enjoying friends very much! I have had many friend visits this week. First with my small group. We are going through twelve extraordinary women in the bible. Mostly we get together and eat wonderful food and chat! It is great! Then I visited with Miss Angie, and that was great! She has got some two great kids, and it was great going through all of her old girl clothes. She is very kind in donating them for a while for Miss Ellie. I'm excited to get her into some of those outfits! Then I had a visit with my sister! She treated me to an awesome molten cake at Chili's. Yummo! Then we had a lovely dinner with Kirby and J at their home! We are so blessed to have the friends that we do! God is so good!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Ham and Potato Goodness
So I broke out the awesome Christmas gift - a covered deep dish, courtesy of Pampered Chef! I used a recipe from the Mixing Bowl magazine and a crock pot to oven conversion chart from Google and made Ham and Potato Goodness! Yay, first meal ready for Taylor when he got home. SUPER EASY!
1 lb ham - cut into cubes
6 medium potatoes - cut into slices
3 cups of cheddar cheese
1 medium onion
1 can of cream of celery
1 can of cream of mushroom
Layer half of each of the ham, potatoes, cheese, and onion, and use one of the cans of soup, and then begin again with ham, potatoes, cheese, and onion, and use the other can of soup. Top with paprika.
Crock pot: High for 4 hours OR Low for 8 hours
Oven: @ 325 for 2 hours
1 lb ham - cut into cubes
6 medium potatoes - cut into slices
3 cups of cheddar cheese
1 medium onion
1 can of cream of celery
1 can of cream of mushroom
Layer half of each of the ham, potatoes, cheese, and onion, and use one of the cans of soup, and then begin again with ham, potatoes, cheese, and onion, and use the other can of soup. Top with paprika.
Crock pot: High for 4 hours OR Low for 8 hours
Oven: @ 325 for 2 hours
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Cord Fell Off
My goodness did it take FOREVER for her cord to fall off. BUT, it finally did, and Ellie had her very first actual bath yesterday. I was expecting her to not like it. And I really could not tell what she was thinking. Her look was pretty emotionless. All she did was stare. But she was not shivering. So I guess that it was a better experience.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Cooking
Okay, so for those who don't know, Taylor is the primary cook in our family. He specializes in the grilling department, and he can make pretty tasty flavorful food. But now that I am home, I am going to try to do more meals. SCARY! Be very afraid!
My problem is that I usually make things that are extremely difficult, like stuffed eggplant or truffles, instead of starting with simple. So I am going to start learning to cook, and on top of that, learn how to grocery shop efficiently in ways to save us money. It will be become kind of like a job for me. I have already started the coupon clipping. I haven't used any yet, but I will :)
Yesterday, I used a friend's oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. Oh my gosh did it make a TON of cookies, which is fine, because I had planned to give some away and use some for a party, and then of course have our own stash. They turned out great! Of course, I made it difficult on myself, and at the same time I was making cookies I was making dinner. SO two things at once. Note to self - I am not there yet!
I did make a good dinner though. We had biscuits and gravy, eggs, potatoes, and bacon. Now gravy is definitely one of my signatures. I learned how to make bacon gravy from my madre. Biscuits and gravy is definitely my favorite breakfast. Eggs were scrambled (I can do that). Now the potatoes were a little out of my comfort zone. I cut them up. And I put them in a skillet with butter. Now because I did not mike them, I was thinking I might need a lot of butter. I think I used a little to much in hindsight. But anyway, I cooked them on low because I have heard from Taylor and my mom that that will keep them from burning on the outside and staying cool in the middle. I cut up some mushrooms and onions and added those after the potatoes were mostly done cooking. Then salted and peppered them. They actually turned out pretty good!!
I am reading some magazines and cookbooks to find out what will be the next meal. This week, people from our community group/church are providing meals for us because they are AWESOME. Last night we had chicken alfredo. We had enough for two nights, but it was so good, I had like 3 servings and then had the rest for lunch the next day. So, I am doing my homework for the next week when we will be on our own. It will be fun! I hope....
My problem is that I usually make things that are extremely difficult, like stuffed eggplant or truffles, instead of starting with simple. So I am going to start learning to cook, and on top of that, learn how to grocery shop efficiently in ways to save us money. It will be become kind of like a job for me. I have already started the coupon clipping. I haven't used any yet, but I will :)
Yesterday, I used a friend's oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. Oh my gosh did it make a TON of cookies, which is fine, because I had planned to give some away and use some for a party, and then of course have our own stash. They turned out great! Of course, I made it difficult on myself, and at the same time I was making cookies I was making dinner. SO two things at once. Note to self - I am not there yet!
I did make a good dinner though. We had biscuits and gravy, eggs, potatoes, and bacon. Now gravy is definitely one of my signatures. I learned how to make bacon gravy from my madre. Biscuits and gravy is definitely my favorite breakfast. Eggs were scrambled (I can do that). Now the potatoes were a little out of my comfort zone. I cut them up. And I put them in a skillet with butter. Now because I did not mike them, I was thinking I might need a lot of butter. I think I used a little to much in hindsight. But anyway, I cooked them on low because I have heard from Taylor and my mom that that will keep them from burning on the outside and staying cool in the middle. I cut up some mushrooms and onions and added those after the potatoes were mostly done cooking. Then salted and peppered them. They actually turned out pretty good!!
I am reading some magazines and cookbooks to find out what will be the next meal. This week, people from our community group/church are providing meals for us because they are AWESOME. Last night we had chicken alfredo. We had enough for two nights, but it was so good, I had like 3 servings and then had the rest for lunch the next day. So, I am doing my homework for the next week when we will be on our own. It will be fun! I hope....
4 weeks old!
Ellie will be officially one month old tomorrow! Crazy crazy! Everyone is doing great at the Norton household. Ellie's four week well visit was yesterday. She weighed in at 9.2 lb and measured at 21 3/4 inches long. She is growing! She is still wearing newborn diapers, but I think I am going to up her into the size one, even though they seem MASSIVE on her tiny booty. I just can't wait to get her into the FuzziBunz. They are still a little to wide for her tiny booty, but as soon as they fit around the waist, she will be in them. For those who don't know, FuzziBunz are a non-disposable diaper. Think what you must, but they will save the moola! They come in all sorts of fun colors, and they are one-size so she can wear them until she is potty trained. Oh gosh, I can't even think that far ahead...lol.
She is becoming quite predictable, all thanks to BabyWise! She is only waking up once in the middle of the night, and as soon as I feed her, she goes right back to sleep. She is having a really fussy time between 10 and 4 during the day. She just would NOT go down for naps. Then I got to thinking of a pattern. Whenever I would feed her in my bed, she would take her naps easily. But during the day, I had been feeding her while watching TV, then I play with her in the living room with the TV on, etc. So I think I have just been overstimulating her, and she won't go down. So I am testing it today to see if that is the case. Yesterday was hard to test it because I had a lot of errands to run. But today, I will try to feed her in a quiet place then have an undistracted playtime, which will be better anyway because she will have my undivided attention. We will also be starting tummy time today! It is getting more exciting now that she is interacting with us a little more. I feel less like a meal and more like a mom. Two mornings ago, she looked at me straight on the eyes, smiled, and made a cooing noise! My heart just MELTED!!! It was kind of like a light turned on inside me, and I thought yay she knows me! She hasn't done it since then, but that's okay.
Update on the rest of us: Taylor got a raise a couple of days ago!! Very exciting. Because I had quit my job, I was wondering how God was going to provide for us. We had made the decision for me to be a stay-at-home mom, and we knew we were going to be super tight. I was curious to see as to how God was going to make a way for us to be able to live with our heads above water instead of struggling to breathe every paycheck. And he provided us with a raise! Amazing! Makes me even more thankful and at peace with the decision to stay home. I just can't imagine going back to work and giving Ellie to a daycare. I would only have a couple hours with her every day before bedtime. Unbelievable. I know people do it, and it works for them. But I just can't even fathom it. Especially as the time is getting closer to when it would be time for me to go back to work. ANYWAY, Taylor definitely deserves it. He is very hardworking, and from everything I hear, they are really specializing him. He is good at what he does.
I remember when before we started dating, he was in my AutoCad class. The very first class, I remember checking him out, and thinking, okay there is my competition in this class. Of course he claims to beat me EVERY single time. I beg to differ. It was me that kept him on track into passing all of his classes. But it is true. The teacher used his work as the "key" for everyone else's. About that time, I decided to let that be his, and I switched to Accounting.
We are both feeling SUPER rested, which is a blessing. Trying to figure out how to do our quiet times. We both believe and love the Lord, but truly establishing that relationship of daily, hourly, minutely (is this a word) encounters with the one true Lord is hard, and I say that with much frustration because it shouldn't be. I am very thankful that we have groups of friends who are in prayer for us and are in this journey together. Because without their insight and accountability, I don't know where we would be.
We are both about to start playing outdoor soccer. He is going to play with the church team, and I am going to play with a competitive team. Don't know which team, but I am going to play. I am SUPER out of shape. I have not done anything since last spring, so this will be interesting. I just had such bad morning sickness, and work was keeping me really busy with long hours, I just could not find the time or energy to do anything. Angie and I are going to start P90X, which I have heard is excruciating hard. So, I am excited!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Living in Fear
I have been so consumed with trying to get Ellie on the perfect schedule that I forget that she is only a little over two weeks old and is hello! a baby. I realized yesterday that I had been living in fear. Fear that I am not going to do things right. Fear that she is going to "snack" with her feeding. Fear that we won't achieve my goal.
Taylor and I decided that we were going to do things the "Babywise" way. Babywise is a GREAT book about how to train your baby to sleep through the night by 8-12 weeks old. However, I strayed from the book because I was trying so hard to achieve everything within a few weeks time (with the exception of getting her to sleep through the night). But I strayed from the fact that it is way MORE than okay to snuggle snuggle snuggle Ellie. God is definitely teaching me love and patience, and even expectations. The same way you can't expect your spouse to be perfect once you get married, you can't expect perfection from your child. I know it is silly to talk about this because Ellie is only a couple of weeks old. But it is a definite lesson to learn, and definitely one I am glad God is speaking to me on now, because it will matter later as Ellie grows older and pursues interests of her own. Man, it is still weird to think that Taylor and I are parents now and we have a DAUGHTER! Man, I am enjoying God and his blessings.
The past couple of nights we have been getting much needed rest. Nanna has been watching her at night and bringing her to me when she is hungry. Taylor and I were also able to go on a date tonight. Originally we were going to go see The Book of Eli, but it was sold out so we went to eat some sushi and dessert at GZ's. It was really nice :)
Taylor and I decided that we were going to do things the "Babywise" way. Babywise is a GREAT book about how to train your baby to sleep through the night by 8-12 weeks old. However, I strayed from the book because I was trying so hard to achieve everything within a few weeks time (with the exception of getting her to sleep through the night). But I strayed from the fact that it is way MORE than okay to snuggle snuggle snuggle Ellie. God is definitely teaching me love and patience, and even expectations. The same way you can't expect your spouse to be perfect once you get married, you can't expect perfection from your child. I know it is silly to talk about this because Ellie is only a couple of weeks old. But it is a definite lesson to learn, and definitely one I am glad God is speaking to me on now, because it will matter later as Ellie grows older and pursues interests of her own. Man, it is still weird to think that Taylor and I are parents now and we have a DAUGHTER! Man, I am enjoying God and his blessings.
The past couple of nights we have been getting much needed rest. Nanna has been watching her at night and bringing her to me when she is hungry. Taylor and I were also able to go on a date tonight. Originally we were going to go see The Book of Eli, but it was sold out so we went to eat some sushi and dessert at GZ's. It was really nice :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Week Two
Ellie is now 2 weeks and 1 day old. Time is going by super quick. As I was kind of complaining to myself about the huge amount of lack of sleep (my own fault really for not sleeping when Ellie is sleeping) and her fussiness (which isn't bad at all), God used a facebook comment to remind me to enjoy every single second of it because it doesn't last long. It is so true! So I am going to enjoy every single second of it, because it doesn't last long. She is already growing so fast. Pretty soon she will be holding her head up and making sounds. Even in her fussiness, I am going to enjoy it because God does call us to rejoice in all circumstances, and she is really cute.
Now I talk about her fussiness, but she really only has one fussy time, and it is after her last feeding of the night. Strange. It does make it hard though cuz that is when Taylor and I are the most exhausted. We are learning.
Her two week check up went great! She has gained an entire pound since leaving the hospital. Her birth weight was 6.13, she left the hospital at 6.5, and now she is 7.8. Yay!! She is growing! She is almost out of some of her clothes, which means she can now fit into some other clothes!
Nana (Taylor's mom) arrived last night! So that is super exciting. Already having a lot of fun! More snuggle time for Ellie :) Papa arrives on Sunday to meet baby girl. So we should be having lots of fun the next couple of weeks, and I can get a little bit more rest.
Now I talk about her fussiness, but she really only has one fussy time, and it is after her last feeding of the night. Strange. It does make it hard though cuz that is when Taylor and I are the most exhausted. We are learning.
Her two week check up went great! She has gained an entire pound since leaving the hospital. Her birth weight was 6.13, she left the hospital at 6.5, and now she is 7.8. Yay!! She is growing! She is almost out of some of her clothes, which means she can now fit into some other clothes!
Nana (Taylor's mom) arrived last night! So that is super exciting. Already having a lot of fun! More snuggle time for Ellie :) Papa arrives on Sunday to meet baby girl. So we should be having lots of fun the next couple of weeks, and I can get a little bit more rest.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sleep Deprived
Man, the past few nights have been such a blur. Every single night since her birth has been so different. It is crazy. She is still a sleepyhead. I think that my disrupted sleep and lack of taking naps during the day has finally caught up with me, and I finally had a bit of a breakdown. I am second guessing myself at times. Is she getting enough food? Is she eating as often as she should be? Does she have gas? Did she just spit up her entire dinner? Aaahh!! And the four o'clock in the morning changing sessions are interesting...lol. She chooses those times to make sure we are on our toes and pees and/or poops in between a diaper being on her booty. But she is still a cutie and we love her sooo much.
We took her to do the PKU prick. She did awesome! The kid before us cried and cried. But Ellie was more frustrated with the nurse squeezing her foot than anything, hardly cried at all! I'm excited to see her personality begin to develop.
We received more gifts from friends and neighbors, which we appreciate so much! We are definitely thankful for the generosity and support, and we pray God's abundant blessings on those who have helped out!
Ellie and I are definitely missing Taylor. He has been working overtime. 7-6 M-F, and 7-12 on Saturdays. We can't get enough of him in the evenings. My grandmother came by to visit and meet Ellie yesterday. It was a short, but sweet, visit. Boozie was amazed about how tiny she was and couldn't wait to give Ellie a perm on her long hair! My mom is still here, and has been such a great help! Her meals have been wonderful and good to the heart.
Well, I am off to enjoy a movie with my husband and mother before Ellie's next meal. Enjoy your Friday night!!
We took her to do the PKU prick. She did awesome! The kid before us cried and cried. But Ellie was more frustrated with the nurse squeezing her foot than anything, hardly cried at all! I'm excited to see her personality begin to develop.
We received more gifts from friends and neighbors, which we appreciate so much! We are definitely thankful for the generosity and support, and we pray God's abundant blessings on those who have helped out!
Ellie and I are definitely missing Taylor. He has been working overtime. 7-6 M-F, and 7-12 on Saturdays. We can't get enough of him in the evenings. My grandmother came by to visit and meet Ellie yesterday. It was a short, but sweet, visit. Boozie was amazed about how tiny she was and couldn't wait to give Ellie a perm on her long hair! My mom is still here, and has been such a great help! Her meals have been wonderful and good to the heart.
Well, I am off to enjoy a movie with my husband and mother before Ellie's next meal. Enjoy your Friday night!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The First Week
Crazy to think that our baby girl is going to be one week old tomorrow! Makes me kind of sad. Taylor was talking about how excited he was to be able to play with her when she gets older, and I was just thinking can we go back to yesterday, because our little girl will never be one day old again!
Since coming home from the hospital, our little girl is falling into quite the schedule. She is eating great! And she is sleeping really good too. The first night home was good considering. A little more unpredictable then the nights in the hospital. But the past few nights, it has been almost like clockwork.
She has been doing a lot of grinning which brings such joy to our hearts. She is so alert at times, and her eyes just watch you and look around and of course I am biased, but are just beautiful little eyes. Yesterday, she found her thumb and had it in her mouth for a couple seconds, maybe by accident, but hey! It was there. And then Taylor caught her finding it two more times. She hasn't kept it in, but she definitely has it in!
Taylor has been doing a great job! I can probably count on my hand the number of times I have changed a diaper before Ellie, and Taylor had never really had anything to do with it. But he has really jumped on it and is becoming quite the changing pro. She got him pretty good the other day with a stinker!
I had an appointment with the lactation nurse on Monday. And she was very impressed with Ellie's growth and progress. When we left the hospital, Ellie weighed 6 lb 5 oz, so she had lost 8 ounces, which is normal. But on Monday, she was 6 lb 11 oz. So she had gained 6 of the 8 ounces back. My lactation consultant said that that is great progress, and the expectation is for them to get back to their birth weight by the 2 week appointment, and she has already gained 6 of the 8. So she has one week to gain two more ounces. I think we can do it! So that report was great.
Other than that, we are getting used to our new "normal." My mom has been here since her birth, and has just been great, fixing awesome meals and snuggling Ellie every chance she gets so I can get a little shut eye. She tells her stories and Ellie just listens and watches. My dad was here for a few days, and is a little nervous around her, but she definitely has him whipped :) My grandmother is going to meet her on Thursday. One of the women in the family that Ellie is named after. My grandmother is Mary Louise, so they have the same middle name. My grandmother goes by Boozie, which was a nickname given to her because a relative couldn't properly pronounce Louise. i don't think Ellie will have that nick name though :)
Since coming home from the hospital, our little girl is falling into quite the schedule. She is eating great! And she is sleeping really good too. The first night home was good considering. A little more unpredictable then the nights in the hospital. But the past few nights, it has been almost like clockwork.
She has been doing a lot of grinning which brings such joy to our hearts. She is so alert at times, and her eyes just watch you and look around and of course I am biased, but are just beautiful little eyes. Yesterday, she found her thumb and had it in her mouth for a couple seconds, maybe by accident, but hey! It was there. And then Taylor caught her finding it two more times. She hasn't kept it in, but she definitely has it in!
Taylor has been doing a great job! I can probably count on my hand the number of times I have changed a diaper before Ellie, and Taylor had never really had anything to do with it. But he has really jumped on it and is becoming quite the changing pro. She got him pretty good the other day with a stinker!
I had an appointment with the lactation nurse on Monday. And she was very impressed with Ellie's growth and progress. When we left the hospital, Ellie weighed 6 lb 5 oz, so she had lost 8 ounces, which is normal. But on Monday, she was 6 lb 11 oz. So she had gained 6 of the 8 ounces back. My lactation consultant said that that is great progress, and the expectation is for them to get back to their birth weight by the 2 week appointment, and she has already gained 6 of the 8. So she has one week to gain two more ounces. I think we can do it! So that report was great.
Other than that, we are getting used to our new "normal." My mom has been here since her birth, and has just been great, fixing awesome meals and snuggling Ellie every chance she gets so I can get a little shut eye. She tells her stories and Ellie just listens and watches. My dad was here for a few days, and is a little nervous around her, but she definitely has him whipped :) My grandmother is going to meet her on Thursday. One of the women in the family that Ellie is named after. My grandmother is Mary Louise, so they have the same middle name. My grandmother goes by Boozie, which was a nickname given to her because a relative couldn't properly pronounce Louise. i don't think Ellie will have that nick name though :)
Hospital Stay
I had to stay two nights in the hospital because of the Group B, and they wanted to keep an eye on Ellie. The first day was really good. We had a few visitors (thank you all for who stopped by!!) Ellie was able to latch on right away, which was HUGE blessing. I wasn't too worried about the labor part (of course until it was happening), but I was worried about whether or not she would be able to latch on right away, and she did! Prayer answered!
She was just so cute as a button. She smelled so good after the nursery nurses would bring her in after bath. She would be so alert and just looking around. Her little cries sounded like mouse squeaks, SUPER CUTE! The very first night went great. Of course, I was waking up like every hour expecting the nurse to bring her in. After about four hours though, I had to go in and ask for my girl. I don't know why they waited. I guess she wasn't hungry.
We were definitely ready go go home the very next day, but we had to wait until Friday. I was doing good. Because I didn't have the epidural, I was able to get up and move around right away. Everything was great with Ellie. All the nurses commented about how she content she was. Everything cleared for her to go home, no Group B or jaundice. So home we went!
She was just so cute as a button. She smelled so good after the nursery nurses would bring her in after bath. She would be so alert and just looking around. Her little cries sounded like mouse squeaks, SUPER CUTE! The very first night went great. Of course, I was waking up like every hour expecting the nurse to bring her in. After about four hours though, I had to go in and ask for my girl. I don't know why they waited. I guess she wasn't hungry.
We were definitely ready go go home the very next day, but we had to wait until Friday. I was doing good. Because I didn't have the epidural, I was able to get up and move around right away. Everything was great with Ellie. All the nurses commented about how she content she was. Everything cleared for her to go home, no Group B or jaundice. So home we went!
Labor and Delivery
I'm a little behind in my posting, but I will try to catch you up, but use different headings so you know what I am talking about :)
SO, the biggest news is the new addition to our family: Miss Ellie Louise.
The appointments leading up to her arrival were, hmm, what's the best way to describe it, not really saying anything. I was 0 dilated and pretty much a 0 effaced at each appointment, even on December 31st (which was the last appointment before my due date, which was January 7, 2010). I decided to try all the old wives' tales theories on how to naturally induce labor, Mexican food, walking a ton, the "other type" of exercise, etc. Lol. I wasn't too worried though. I knew she would come when she was ready. Even though I was a 0, from what I could tell, that meant absolutely nothing. There are women who have been dilated to 2 or even a 4 for weeks before they actually go into labor. Some women have the water broken then go into labor. Others go into labor, then have their water broken. God created every pregnancy unique and different, just like He created every child unique and different.
My pregnancy was pretty textbook I would say. I had the morning sickness right at the 6 week mark. Then I was absolutely sick for 8 weeks until the 14 week mark. Those 8 weeks seemed long. I was sad I couldn't really hold down any of my husband's fabulous cooking :( And for those who don't know. I was blessed with marrying someone who is an excellent cook, and actually does most of the cooking. LOTS of grilling, and LOTS of meat, which was great until my morning sickness, which unfortunately left me getting sick with red meats. Even now....
We decided to not find out what we were having, which I am very thankful for! I wouldn't change it for anything! We very much enjoyed being surprised, and we will be surprised with the next one as well. It was super hard for me during all the ultrasounds, because I am normally a planner. So going against my character was fun.
So anyway, back to her arrival. So nothing nothing nothing. I wasn't experiencing any contractions or pain or anything. But, on Wednesday morning after midnight, my water broke, and off to the hospital we went. I had Group B strep, so we had to get to the hospital pretty soon after my water broke to get me on antibiotics so I wouldn't transfer anything to the baby.
They got me hooked up to the IV and monitors and stuff, and then the waiting began. My parents arrived shortly close to 3 in the morning. At that time, I was just super tired. The contractions were getting harder and closer together, but I was managing. By 5 in the morning, I was dilated to a 3, and the pain was getting harder. I decided to take a little bit of pain medication to take the edge off. Taylor hated that because I became unresponsive completely. With the next pregnancy, I don't intend to take the pain medication because of that reason. The drug also made the baby super sleepy, and the doctors were concerned about her heart rate. Another reason I probably won't do that. By 6 in the morning, I was a 4. Even though I was progressing, the doctor said I wasn't progressing fast enough, so they said they were going to start me on pitocin. They didn't really give me a chance to respond. I was hoping not to have it, but because of Group B and my water breaking 6 hours prior, I think there was concern though.
Then, it got tough. I had decided not to do the epidural. But towards the end, the pain was getting really hard to breathe through. For those who are expecting, it so important to breathe. When you are breathing through the contractions, it works a lot better than screaming through them. So I started to ask questions about the epidural. My doctor had told me that she would be back at about 11:30 to check on me; she worked at the other hospital. By the time I was ready for an epidural, about 9:30, they checked me and I was at an 8. So then things got super hectic, and they made the call to the doctor.
In the room with me, I had Taylor, my mother, my sister, and my best friend, Angie Moughon. Both my sister and Angie made it into the room in the nick of time. Angie came as they were getting me ready, and Ginny came in minutes before I actually delivered. I was so thankful that they were all there. Taylor obviously being a huge encouragement and telling me to breathe. My mom was able to just comfort me. Angie was the huge support in saying "you can do it!" By the way, she had her little one in the Baby Bjorn throughout the delivery. Super crazy and awesome. And I am glad my sister was able to experience it with me. My doctor even said afterward about how awesome my support system was. She said that often times, people that are there do not do a good job of supporting the mom, and she said she thinks that part of the reason the delivery went so well was because of my great support system.
I will leave the rest of the details out, but Miss Ellie came into the world at 9:52 AM on January 6, 2010, weighing at 6 lb 13 oz and 21 1/2 inches long! When she came out, my doctor said, "Okay Dad, what is it?" Taylor peeked over and said "A Boy." And the doctor said, "Nope, try again." Taylor looked and said "Oh, its a girl!" So, we have our girl!
SO, the biggest news is the new addition to our family: Miss Ellie Louise.
The appointments leading up to her arrival were, hmm, what's the best way to describe it, not really saying anything. I was 0 dilated and pretty much a 0 effaced at each appointment, even on December 31st (which was the last appointment before my due date, which was January 7, 2010). I decided to try all the old wives' tales theories on how to naturally induce labor, Mexican food, walking a ton, the "other type" of exercise, etc. Lol. I wasn't too worried though. I knew she would come when she was ready. Even though I was a 0, from what I could tell, that meant absolutely nothing. There are women who have been dilated to 2 or even a 4 for weeks before they actually go into labor. Some women have the water broken then go into labor. Others go into labor, then have their water broken. God created every pregnancy unique and different, just like He created every child unique and different.
My pregnancy was pretty textbook I would say. I had the morning sickness right at the 6 week mark. Then I was absolutely sick for 8 weeks until the 14 week mark. Those 8 weeks seemed long. I was sad I couldn't really hold down any of my husband's fabulous cooking :( And for those who don't know. I was blessed with marrying someone who is an excellent cook, and actually does most of the cooking. LOTS of grilling, and LOTS of meat, which was great until my morning sickness, which unfortunately left me getting sick with red meats. Even now....
We decided to not find out what we were having, which I am very thankful for! I wouldn't change it for anything! We very much enjoyed being surprised, and we will be surprised with the next one as well. It was super hard for me during all the ultrasounds, because I am normally a planner. So going against my character was fun.
So anyway, back to her arrival. So nothing nothing nothing. I wasn't experiencing any contractions or pain or anything. But, on Wednesday morning after midnight, my water broke, and off to the hospital we went. I had Group B strep, so we had to get to the hospital pretty soon after my water broke to get me on antibiotics so I wouldn't transfer anything to the baby.
They got me hooked up to the IV and monitors and stuff, and then the waiting began. My parents arrived shortly close to 3 in the morning. At that time, I was just super tired. The contractions were getting harder and closer together, but I was managing. By 5 in the morning, I was dilated to a 3, and the pain was getting harder. I decided to take a little bit of pain medication to take the edge off. Taylor hated that because I became unresponsive completely. With the next pregnancy, I don't intend to take the pain medication because of that reason. The drug also made the baby super sleepy, and the doctors were concerned about her heart rate. Another reason I probably won't do that. By 6 in the morning, I was a 4. Even though I was progressing, the doctor said I wasn't progressing fast enough, so they said they were going to start me on pitocin. They didn't really give me a chance to respond. I was hoping not to have it, but because of Group B and my water breaking 6 hours prior, I think there was concern though.
Then, it got tough. I had decided not to do the epidural. But towards the end, the pain was getting really hard to breathe through. For those who are expecting, it so important to breathe. When you are breathing through the contractions, it works a lot better than screaming through them. So I started to ask questions about the epidural. My doctor had told me that she would be back at about 11:30 to check on me; she worked at the other hospital. By the time I was ready for an epidural, about 9:30, they checked me and I was at an 8. So then things got super hectic, and they made the call to the doctor.
In the room with me, I had Taylor, my mother, my sister, and my best friend, Angie Moughon. Both my sister and Angie made it into the room in the nick of time. Angie came as they were getting me ready, and Ginny came in minutes before I actually delivered. I was so thankful that they were all there. Taylor obviously being a huge encouragement and telling me to breathe. My mom was able to just comfort me. Angie was the huge support in saying "you can do it!" By the way, she had her little one in the Baby Bjorn throughout the delivery. Super crazy and awesome. And I am glad my sister was able to experience it with me. My doctor even said afterward about how awesome my support system was. She said that often times, people that are there do not do a good job of supporting the mom, and she said she thinks that part of the reason the delivery went so well was because of my great support system.
I will leave the rest of the details out, but Miss Ellie came into the world at 9:52 AM on January 6, 2010, weighing at 6 lb 13 oz and 21 1/2 inches long! When she came out, my doctor said, "Okay Dad, what is it?" Taylor peeked over and said "A Boy." And the doctor said, "Nope, try again." Taylor looked and said "Oh, its a girl!" So, we have our girl!
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