Pendlebury Place

SOPA/PIPA Protest!

2012-01-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

OMG!! It's been almost a year since I've updated our family blog!! WOW!! I guess, all my intentions to be good over here have failed. Well, if I manage to get another post up over here, I promise....It won't be tomorrow! My FB and Twitter pages as well as my blogs will be inactive tomorrow in support of the protest of the SOPA and PIPA bills currently going through congress. I'll be back online on Thursday but, in all honesty, it probably won't be on this blog.

Here's a link to my other blog where I have more information and links to resources to learn more.
Molly Pendlebury

A nutshell update

2011-02-22T14:41:00.000-06:00

I've got a lot of catch up to do. I'm feeling inspired to blog again so, I think I'll do a quick "nutshell" update on all of us. Then, hopefully I'll keep up with more regular blog updates.

Ken ~ Working hard and traveling a lot more for his job. His hobby is still Astrophotography but, sadly the weather hasn't been very cooperative this winter so, it's been nearly 5 months since he's been able to set up for imaging. He stays current with following the community online and re-processing images from his library. He also plays warcraft to have a little no-brainer fun and stress relief. In the past 6 months or so, Ken's been having some health troubles. We're still trying to get to the root of the problem(s) so, in the meantime, we are aggressively finding ways to help him cope with various symptoms.

Molly ~ Trying to keep the family productive, growing, learning and healthy. Occasionally cleans the house and does laundry before we have to turn our clothes inside out to wear them again. Miss spending time with my friends and try to make the most of it when I do see them. I get to spend time with the family a little less but, there again, trying to make the most of it when we are able to see each other. There's a long list of projects I want to get to but, they are always pushed to the back burner as I tend to my parental and wifely responsibilities. Meanwhile, I'm studying hard and preparing for my Crossfit certification in mid March. Aside from wonderful quality time with my family and friends, being in the Crossfit box and training brings me a lot of happiness.

Gwendolyn ~ Will be 5 next month and is full of spunk and intelligence to rival any Watson Jeopardy contestant. It totally amazes us the kinds of things she says, does and knows. I'm thankful she has so much intelligence. Now, I'm just hoping she got her Dad's school skills and not mine. Gwendolyn is also very "Type A" and thoroughly intends to control everyone and all situations around her. This generally presents some challenging times. In general though, she is still our very sweet girl who wants to cuddle and tell you how much she loves you. Gwendolyn has been taking dance since the fall. She seems to enjoy it even though sometimes, she doesn't really want to go to class. Mostly she doesn't like that I can't go into class with her. In December she performed a number at the towns "Christmas Stroll" on a big stage in front of many people. She did fairly well but, is still warming up to performing. She has a big recital in May where she performs both ballet and tap numbers. She's most excited about the 2 costumes. This recital will be at our local performing arts center where there's a giant stage, major theatre seating and awesome acoustics. If she understood all that, I'm not sure she'd be very excited. Next year we are going to try out gymnastics.

Link ~ Is 2 and a half. He's only 2lbs shy of matching his sisters weight and not too far off from her height either. Communication is still a challenge but, that's getting better. He's a monkey and enjoys following his sister around and trying to do all the acrobatic things she does. Link is crazy strong. I'm totally amazed at the things he can not only pick up but, also carry. He does pretty well with eating. He doesn't care for veggies and limited fruits like his sister but, where he separates himself is that he loves protein. When given a turkey sandwich, he always ditches the bread and eats the meat. He also adores a cheese stick (so does his sister). Another area they completely agree on is "Gummies". Neither one of them can ever decline a chance to eat fruit gummies......if only those counted as eating fruit.

Both kiddos are enjoying their time at pre-school. At the beginning of the year, they were going 3 days a week. After the holiday's we decided to change to 2 days a week. It was a good change for Gwendolyn because the Tue/Thur class had less children and was less chaotic in general. There really was no change for Link. He had the same small class and the same teacher.

That's the "nutshell" update. We'll see if I can get on a regular blogging schedule......

A few from our summer travels (cont. again)

2010-09-23T23:50:00.000-05:00

Below are some pics from our San Diego trip

Scott having fun with Rachel and Breea. He totally digs at least a few kids, I don't care what he says ;o)

A nice lunch at Islands with my buddies. Not a bad picture for hitting the self timer button and then leaping over the stroller (where Link was sleeping) and sliding in next to Patti :o)

We had a great trip to the San Diego Zoo. There were lots of great photos especially since Paula was doing her thing with her nice camera. This is seriously a small fraction of the photos.

Rachel, Breea and Gwendolyn with their "twinkie" shirts from Paula. So Cute!!! Thank you Po!!

Ok girls, where to next??

Gwendolyn was wherever Rachel was. She really clung to her this trip.

Aside from her love affair with Rachel, this orangutang was a close second. Gwendolyn is normally very cautious but, she didn't have any reservations at getting close to this guy. Thank goodness for tall, thick glass. I bet she might have been a bit more reserved had the glass not been there.

The kids really enjoyed the beach. At first, I was a bit nervous but, it turned out awesome!

Here's Gwendolyn waiting for the Bride to arrive at Brian and Christina's wedding

Marc took us to Legoland. First we went through the aquarium part and then into the main park. Fun was had by all!!

The kids took some major convincing before they would try touching a starfish. I have a cute photo of Link stretching as long as he can but, you can see straight down my shirt so, you won't be seeing that photo ;o) LOL

A giant Darth Vader and R2D2 made out of legos...very cool!

Yes, Link should be on the other side of that barricade. Stinker! Miniature land was rough as Marc and I were constantly taking Link off of the displays!

This was Gwendolyn's first face painting and she adored it! There were MANY tears at the end of the day when it had to be washed off.

Oh yeah, totally awesome lego display of Hagrid and Harry Potter! WOOHOO!!

This was our last night and we hung out at Wendy's

A few from our summer travels (cont.)

2010-09-23T22:56:00.000-05:00

Below are a few photos from our TN trip

Gwendolyn LOVES the tube! The best part is going for a tube ride with cousins!! YAY!!

Every summer we always take a ride to a local lake ice cream spot.

Link got his first boat driving lesson from Grandpa. He loved it!

Below are wake surfing photos. We all enjoy this relatively new sport. We've been doing it now for 2 years now and everyone seems to have fun with it.

Duncan

Greyson

Ginger

Just some chick

Ken

Chillin' on the dock

All the young ones pass out during boat rides

Duncan wake boards

Gwendolyn learned to saucer this year and she really enjoys it

Here, Aunt Ginger gets her started

Greyson got in some wake boarding this year. However, his first love is definitely the sky ski.

The TN trip is our annual family trip. We all look forward to it and have a great time. I feel so lucky to be able to travel so much with the kiddos but, Ken can't. That's one of the reasons why the TN trip is extra special because we are there as a whole family.

A few from our summer travels

2010-09-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

We did a lot of travel this summer. I can't put up all the awesome photos from the trips but, I can certainly do a few.

Below are photos from our MN trip

Link enjoyed feeding the sheep a lot at the MN Zoo

Gwendolyn enjoyed feeding the animals too

The MN Zoo has a sprinkler pad. Gwendolyn and Imogen really had fun in there

In the Mall of America there's a little amusement park

The kids loved the rides. Imogen loves them all and Gwendolyn loved the slow ones and the ones she could control something like the up and down flying things

What could be better than nutella crepes!! YUM!!

The girls really had fun together. They both ask about each other even months after seeing each other. I love all the family love and strong bonds we have in our family.

Plan to play catch up

2010-09-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Ok, so as usual, I'm failing at blogging. I have many posts back logged in my brain and I'm going to try and catch up. Sorry to jam up your updated blog list....

Happy 2nd Birthday Lincoln

2010-08-27T22:54:00.000-05:00

LINK IS TWO!!!!

Dear Lincoln,

Happy Birthday my darling little man!! It's been 2 years since the day I first held you in my arms. Here I was thinking, "I've got this in the bag" (since I had all of 2 years and 5 months experience raising your sister). True, there were some things, I did in fact "have in the bag" but, you never cease to show me just how much is no where near the bag never mind in it.

You've certainly kept me on my toes as you are far more mischievous than Gwendolyn. You are amazingly curious and always want to check things out. We think you are a born engineer. When you come upon any item, it doesn't matter if it's a mobile phone, dvd player, computer, toy.....etc..etc...you will find out how it works and it won't take you long.

We were concerned a little bit because, you didn't want to say much. You were still communicating with us with sign language and unintelligible words but, not in the clear language your friends were. At about 18 months, you really started to sign a lot. Then you would talk like crazy but no one knew really what you were saying. Luckily, you still signed your favorite signs (I wasn't able to get you to grab onto all the ones I tried teaching you) and you talk with the rest of your body too. If you are displeased in any way, you make sure everyone around you knows it. To do this you use your voice of course but, also some of the greatest expressions. Amazingly, you already know how to use your expressions to try and manipulate those around you to get whatever you want. Today, in addition to all those expressions and sign language, you are starting to say a decent amount of words that are intelligible to others.

(Link's first beach experience during our trip to San Diego)

One huge way you are different than not only your sister but, your parents too, is that you don't seem to care about sleep very much. You rise and shine near 7am every morning, your nap is rarely much over an hour and you can make it until past 9pm before nursing down. Regardless of when you go to bed, you are up at 7am. I make a huge effort now to get you into bed by 8:30 because, you exhaust me my lovely son and I need some down time before I hit the sack myself. As much giddy up and go that you have, you do enjoy tender moments throughout the day of just being held for a little snuggle and a kiss. Then you're off and running again. It truly is just a moment so, I try to pay attention and enjoy those when they happen.

Along the lines of nutrition you are doing much better. It was almost a year ago that we started feeding therapy because you didn't like eating any solid foods. It didn't take you long to see some of the finer points of cuisine. Now, you are a better eater than your sister! All of us in our family have dietary hurdles to overcome but, you Link are well on your way. You do still nurse twice a day. It's your morning coffee and your nightcap. I have a feeling you may wean yourself soon but, then again, just when I think I've figured out what you're up to, you switch it up on me so, who knows when you'll decide you're done nursing.

Lincoln, you are a joy and light in my life. I hope you remain a "mama's boy" as I love all the love you give me. You are bound to achieve amazing things in your life. At just 2 years old, I can tell that you will continue to make me proud for many many years to come.

Mommy Loves You!!! xoxoxoxo

Why is 2 years apart the usual trend?

2010-06-15T23:08:00.000-05:00

These days I've been seriously questioning why it seems that the most popular age difference in siblings is about 2 years? I can tell you that in my grand plan I was going to have at least 3 years difference and still ended up with barely 2 1/2 years between my children. That baby fever hit me earlier than expected. Is it that??? Is biology to blame for this? The reason I'm questioning this so hard these days is because, my children are both at difficult ages at the moment and I'm going more INSANE everyday!! They are each challenging in a different way and it's not like they take turns. It's always both at the same time......needing, challenging, testing, risking life and limb (even if they don't see the danger).......Could it be that if we just managed a larger or smaller age difference the challenge wouldn't seem so great? I know all children are different.......there are challenges at every age so, it wouldn't necessarily matter.......you can tell me all of that but, I've heard it before....somehow, someday's, it still feels like whether it's biology or just following a terrible trend......I chose the hardest path and the worst age difference for my children. Why is it that I don't think it's going to get any better when they are 4 and 6? As far as the adolescent years, lets just not go there......I'm already with one foot in the door of the looney bin ;o) LOL

This is one of my favorite photos. Such genuine love and affection

Captain Mischief himself!

Gwen's first visit to Chuck E Cheese's

2010-04-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

Gwendolyn wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese's for her birthday. On her actual birthday we went there for supper and a little fun. Then her big party was that weekend. Here are some photo's of Chuck E Cheese's. As you can see, she had a really great time!

Illness Sucks!

2010-04-20T15:36:00.000-05:00

I doubt I'll find a soul on any planet that would disagree that illness does indeed suck! This winter has been terrible!! It's been one thing after another. The worst started early March with a GI bug that hit me. Then before I can say "woohoo! healthy again!!" Link came down with a totally separate GI bug. While Link was still in the last bit of that issue, we took Gwendolyn for her 4 year well check and the next day she was sore and funky from the shots and added some pink eye. Thank you pediatrician's office! I go in with a totally healthy child and come out with pink eye. It was a couple days and then Link was getting eye drops too. Then we were all on the drops. Before that was over, Gwen got a cold virus. She was barely phased but, of course it slammed both Link and myself. We are still both recovering from that business but, I'm hoping I see light at the end of this crappy illness tunnel! That's just from under our roof! The rest of the family has been hit with loads of illnesses too! Ginger's had whooping cough. Susan has had surgery, pinch nerve and sinus infections that are still all attacking her making her life barely tolerable. I'm really hoping for some relief for her! It's been a really terrible time for her starting back in December. Here's hoping the worst is behind us all! Bring on the TX heat and burn all these nasty bugs up!!

We have a lot of action coming up. Gwendolyn is in the last month of her current preschool or "Mother's Day Out" program. Then onto a summer full of travel and fun with our playgroup. At the end of May, we are road tripping it to MN to visit family. Then we'll be going to TN with a FL side trip to hit up the new Harry Potter park YAY!!!! Finally we'll be going to the PAC NW for a family reunion. It's going to be a whirlwind of a summer and then Gwendolyn will start a new preschool for her final year before starting kindergarten!

Dear Gwendolyn

2010-03-23T00:15:00.001-05:00

My sweet girl you are 4 years old!!! I really can hardly believe it! There are so many things that I want to share with you in the future and I look forward to them all the time but, on this special day, I want to take a moment to look back at the special times we've had this past year.

3 was a big year of changes and growth for you. Although, you barely gained 3lbs, you gained some inches. The size 2T pants you've been comfortably wearing for the past 2 years are actually now too short! I feel like that happened overnight. In December they were fine, after new years, I was seeing your ankles! I've let you wear some of my favorite pairs a little too long ;o) Your hair is getting pretty long again too. You've been asking me for short hair since November but, I know your Daddy doesn't want that and I'm nervous about it too. It's really silly, since even if it's not what you want in the end, it'll grow back of course. My worry, is that you're so particular that if it's not what you are imagining and you are upset, it'll be a long time before you're happy with your hair again because it grows very slow. The other big area of growth for you has been your vocabulary. I adore listening to you talk! You say some of the cutest things! My favorites are when you are saying a statement very matter of fact and have these amazing expressions to go with it. Usually, it's when you are repeating a rule to me to assure me you know it and plan to follow it. You've also grown in your physical abilities. In the last year you've really learned how to be amazingly independent. From age 2-3 you wanted to do everything by yourself but still needed help usually. Then from 3-4 you had the ability and generally wanted to do it by yourself but, sometimes, this does bother you because, you'd rather not be alone. For instance, you can do all your jobs in the potty by yourself but, you really don't want to be in a different room from others so, you'll say "I have to go potty, do you want to watch me?" I don't think it's because you're scared although sometimes you'll tell me that's why. I think mostly you just don't want to be alone and I've got to tell ya girl, you come by that honestly! Your Mama rarely likes to be alone. Although, that's changed in recent years with having small children ;o) Anyway, you can dress yourself, brush your hair and teeth (usually we will take a turn with brushing your teeth because you aren't entirely thorough yet) and will often go into the pantry to pick out your own snack. It's a good thing you can't open the packages by yourself because you'd try to live entirely on "fruit gummies" if you could.

On the subject of food, you are still very picky. We are wondering if you are a "super taster" like your Dad. There seem to be many things you either smell and just barely touch your tongue to it and decide it's not a flavor you enjoy. Sometimes, you're just being ridiculous but many times, you genuinely give it a try and I can tell the taste is very offensive to you. I'm proud of how you are trying to stay open minded and will try things you don't think you'll like but are willing to try it again anyway. Actually, I doubt this is so much about being open minded and more about knowing if you'll at least give it a good try, you have a better chance at getting a dessert! You have a sweet tooth like your Mom for sure! Almost all you want is chocolate when it comes to sweets. Your favorite drink is chocolate milk, if you could have a chocolate donut with sprinkles everyday, you'd think you were the luckiest girl on the planet. When given the choice you always choose chocolate. Sweets or "treats" is a huge motivator for you. Often times, you'll just ask straight out, "How many bites of this do I need to take so I can have a treat?" I worry about you getting bad associations with food but, I'm afraid the damage is done and in your case, the apple really doesn't fall far from the chocolate covered tree! Right now your favorite healthy meal is grilled chicken and rice (there really isn't a healthy vegetable you like). Your favorite "bad for you meal" is chicken nuggets.

When it comes to play, you really enjoy dancing, singing and gymnastic type things like climbing up on everything and doing "flips" (which are really back rollovers) over the arms of the couch. The more nonactive things you enjoy are coloring, writing your letters, counting and playing "princess dominos". If it has a princess on it, you want it! This has been the case for just over a year now and it doesn't look like you'll be changing your mind for a while.

One of the interesting things about you is how particular you are with everything! Even things you try to pretend aren't particular to you (you'll say "I don't care Mom" if I ask you what you want to wear etc...) I can tell you really are hoping I'll choose whatever you're not verbally telling me. Although you haven't been formally diagnosed, there's no doubt in our minds that you have OCD. Our hope is that it never gets more severe than it already is and that maybe even we can help you deal with your compulsions and even better, maybe you'll grow out of the ones that seem to literally stop you dead in your tracks until you can complete whatever steps you have set in your mind that need completion before moving on. You are proving to be quite head strong. There are times when you can be very sassy and your Dad handles those situations much better than I do. Most of the time the sassiness comes out in full force if you are feeling forced to do something you don't want to. Usually it's what you have to hurry to get dressed for school or hurry to the potty. Often times you'll tell me "I don't want to go potty and I'm never going to go again!" Your sassy moments are certainly more than they were a year ago but, I know deep down inside that my sweet girl is still there. At least once a day she emerges even for just a few moments.

We are taking you to Chuck E Cheese's for the first time for a small celebration and then the big family and friends party will be on Saturday. You've requested cupcakes again as you did last year. When you realized, you'd be having 2 separate celebrations you added that you wanted a regular cake for one of them ;o) As far as a gift....when I asked you what you wanted just today, you said you wanted a "yellow pig". After further discussion, I realized you wanted a real pig and not a stuffed animal!! I hope you won't be too disappointed when you don't get one.

I can't wait to see what exciting adventures the next year brings us! It'll be your last year at home (well aside from when you are at half day preschool). This year you've been going to a 2 days a week program. The plan is that you'll go 3 days a week starting in the fall. Just one more step to help you adjust when you start kindergarten!!! I know that's going to come way too fast for me!

I Love you the most,
Mommy <3 xoxo

2010-03-10T23:21:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the world of boys!!

After having Link, I've had many times that's brought up the thought "welcome to the world of boys". He's been very different from Gwendolyn in many ways, most of them proving what all those btdt Mom's say true. He's a mama's boy and Gwendolyn is a daddy's girl. He's been a far more needy baby, setting himself up perfectly (I hope) to be an easy teenager. This has certainly been the opposite with Gwen so far. My big bummer is that Link has decided now is the time to become the typical "bam bam boy". I'm the last week he's taken a face plant on the concrete, fallen down the stairs and seems to enjoy hitting with or wihout a weapon in his hand. Link is really strong and can hit really hard! I'm hoping I can figure out effective punishment because, I don't want to be "that Mom, with the really rough kid" and people dred our coming to playdates etc.... If you know of a discipline that is effective please share. Keep in mind that I would classify myself (if I had to) as an "attachment parent" and We don't have corporal punishment in this house :-)

Dear Link

2010-02-28T17:12:00.001-06:00

You are 18 months old now my sweet boy! Even though the doctors are worried because you aren't talking, your Dad and I are not. It's disconcerting of course when the pediatrician acts worried about you and of course whether intentional or not, making your parents feel like they are failing. Let me tell you how much you are accomplishing. You can figure out how almost anything works. childproofing is a joke with you. It doesn't even take you a long time to figure out how to manipulate items or the people around you. If something is too high for you to reach, you have the intelligence to go to one of the rooms with a stool in it and carry it over to the other room where you desire to get higher. If someone hands you an object and says "take this to (insert persons name here)" you know who it is, and you take it straight to them. You are proficient in using utensils and can drink out of a normal cup. Although you can get a bit messy with those ;o) Following in your parents and your sisters footsteps, you are showing OCD tendencies already. You usually will close doors if they are open when you pass them. If you've opened the door, you always close it behind you. If the puzzle pieces are out of their spots, you will attempt to place them where they belong. We are still working on turning them until they fit in their spots properly but you know where they go for sure. If given a crayon, you enjoy doing scribbling a bit but, then you prefer, collecting all the crayons, throwing them on the floor and picking them up again. When I'm sweeping, it's imperative you have a broom of your own so you can sweep as well. I'm very impressed by your balance. I've been impressed with this for quite a while. A perfect example and when I realized just how steady you can be is when you take a bath. Getting you to actually sit down in the bath can be a chore and has been from the moment you could stand. Most of the time you and Gwendolyn take your bath together. Naturally, Gwendolyn is "swimming" and moving all over the place making some serious tidal waves in the tub. You almost aways manage to stand through it all. You can walk all around the tub and manage to stay on your feet. Another area I'm thrilled you seem to be proficient at is the stairs. Up and down you go without having any trouble. Even with the dogs flying past you, you manage to always remember to turn around and go down backwards. That said, you have fallen from the last step or 2 twice but, I say that isn't bad at all when you think about how often you are on them. As far as playing goes, you would rather have a non-toy any day over some big expensive woop de woop toy that's all the rage. Nope, all you want is whatever, is around you that you shouldn't be playing with. At times, I can appease you with a wooden spoon but, usually it's a major disappointment since Daddy's telescope looks like a lot more fun. At the park though, you LOVE the swing! You'll stay on a swing for way longer than I will push you. Bring on the music!! You can't get enough of it! Especially if someone is playing an instrument live for you. When Duncan plays his viola or Daddy is playing his guitar, you are completely mesmerized by it. Of course, you can't wait to try it out yourself. You are enjoying food more and more. Like your Daddy and your Sister, you have major texture issues although, you are very tolerant of many different flavors and spicy is not a problem at all. It's a good thing too because almost everything I cook seems to be spicy ;o) Aside from breastfeeding your favorite drink remains to be ice water but, you are liking milk a bit more all the time. Your size at 18 months old is continuing to move closer to average. Your weight is now 60th percentile and your height remains to be 50th percentile. At 27lbs you are only 3lbs from matching your 4 year old Sister. You'll be surpassing her I'm sure within the next year.

Yes, my sweet boy you are high maintenance but, I love every running hug, kiss and cuddle you give me. Which, lucky for me are several a day. Link, you are a lover and I love being the woman of your affections.

I love you the most!!!
Mommy :o)

"Show me the money"

Always into some kind of mischief

"Mommy, if I do this, can I have a treat?"

2010-02-28T16:01:00.000-06:00

There isn't a day that goes by that Gwendolyn doesn't ask for a treat. She usually asks before she's even had breakfast. When she started getting "treats" (ie: any consumable that's not good for you) we were diligent about telling her that it was a treat. We thought it would help her identify healthy items and realize that when she was a listener she would get a reward, often times being a treat. Now, I'm regretting this approach.

My first problem is that I feel like I've already given her an unhealthy association with food. It's not fuel for her body necessarily. She definitely associates good behavior with getting a cookie or etc... She basically expects that she will get a treat everyday. Yes, we limit treats in that she doesn't get 5 cookies or a giant bowl of ice cream. She'll get A cookie because she ate enough "good for you food" first.

My second issue is there is always a reason for a treat! It may be that we're at a birthday party, it's a holiday, family or friends have come over for a visit, we have gone to someone else's house for a visit, we are traveling....etc....etc....etc Also, since we unfortunately made it a reward for good behavior and for success with potty training, there isn't a day that goes by she hasn't earned a treat.

We've certainly expanded the definition of a "treat". It's no longer just consumables. It's getting the opportunity to watch a show or movie. She may be able to get a little princess toy at the store checkout. All of that is great except the damage is done and she wants that ice cream! Not too mention, getting little toys aren't good for our pocket book or the clutter situation in our house.

My hope going further is to encourage a healthy relationship with food for not only Gwendolyn but for all of us. Trying to find a good reward system that feels like a reward to the child but still something the adults can handle and be consistent with.

It snow's in central Texas

2010-02-23T16:57:00.000-06:00

It's been snowing all day here. We took the opportunity to have some family snow fun

Gwendolyn didn't want her picture taken but we did manage to snap a couple shots

Our Texas snowman :o)

Link was not really into it but, stayed long enough to show the size of our snowman ;-p

He enjoyed the jeep for about half a second

A lucky shot of Gwendolyn, my camera shy girl

Indy had the most fun but even Lucy had a little fun

....and Link says we're done now.....

2010-02-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

Looks like doing a mobile blog post with a picture isn't working for me. I'll figure it out someday but, I don't feel like doing the research now.

2010-02-20T09:15:00.001-06:00

Here is my first mobile blog post. Hope it works....

Missed my calling???

2010-02-19T16:56:00.000-06:00

As a child, I always said I was either going to be a singer/actress raking in grammy's and academy awards and/or I was going to be a mom. Luckily, I knew the first was a pipe dream and didn't cling onto fantasies. I focused hard on being a mom. It was not only important to me to be a mom but, to be able to stay at home with my children. I remember telling Ken while we were still dating and having the discussions of what we wanted for our future that if I couldn't stay home with my children, then I wouldn't have any. Of course, this was easy for me to say knowing that I would never actually have to make that choice. I already knew Ken would support me in staying home with our children. I was thankful to find out that he not only supported me in that choice but, felt the same on the matter. We did wait a while to have children though so, after high school, I did get some higher education and worked in the medical field for a while. However, I never focused on a big career. I said as a child, I was going to be a mom and never seemed to really consider anything else. Was that a good choice for me?? Did I miss my calling? Was being a stay at home mom really the best choice for me or more important for my children?

One of my big personality flaws in my opinion is, I get a bit of tunnel vision with certain decisions. They are usually harmless like I set it out in my mind what I need to get done before we leave the house and I absolutely have to complete those things regardless of how late it's going to make me or how silly the tasks are. That's the harmless part since it doesn't really matter if I get to the market 30min later than I expected because I had to pick up toys and do the dishes before I left the house instead of when I came back home. It's OCD and luckily, doesn't keep me from having a good life. However, I do wonder if it helped put me down a path that maybe wasn't "my calling". As stylish as I am in the photo above, I'm not thinking I should've chased a singing/acting career but, was being a stay at home mom the right dream to chase? Was my OCD causing me to be blinded to another career that would've enriched not only my life been created a better life for my children?

This question has been weighing on my mind for a while now. I felt like a decent stay at home mom after Gwendolyn was born. Then she wasn't an infant anymore and I found out I'm terrible at getting on the ground and playing with her. Coloring and doing puzzles seem to take a patience, I don't possess. Setting up crafts never happens because I never want to deal with the frustration of doing the project or the mess that follows. Luckily, she is in school 10 hours a week where she gets to do all those things but, I feel terrible that it's only 10 measly hours a week when she gets true enrichment of play and learning. Her friends are writing their names and my daughter isn't. Poor Gwendolyn has already shown signs of her own OCD and certain things stop her dead in her tracks. She's paralyzed and can't move on unless things are done a certain way. Might this not be so, if I had been a working mom and my Gwendolyn had a daycare and school to give her the enrichment I've so clearly failed at everyday? It's only gotten worse of course as Link became a toddler. Now, I feel like I'm failing him as well and since patience is clearly my biggest problem, I end up frustrated most of the time, causing my children to be distressed and unhappy. It's not all the time of course. I would still consider us to be a happy family and my children aren't neglected but, could they have better??

Regardless of the answer to those questions, the fact still remains that daycare and preschools are expensive and unless you've planned to be a working mom all along, it's doubtful any paycheck brought home would cover those costs. So here I am, thinking about what my future holds but, more importantly, what my children's future holds and how have I set them back due to my blindness. I don't write this post as a plea for sympathy. I write it only because, I think the best way to move forward with certain things in life, you need to own up to your own short comings. Announce that yes, I acknowledge that I was wrong, I'm a putz for being the way I am and only hope that by owning up to it, maybe I can change and set us out on a new path.

Naps suck....but I love'em

2010-02-19T15:20:00.000-06:00

Here I am as usual stuck because, of poor time management with a list of errands that will have to wait as the children nap. Before I had children I knew I wanted to take my infant everywhere in hopes that the baby would get used to sleeping when they were tired regardless of where we were. This worked wonders until Gwendolyn was 2. Then the environment was always more exciting than going to sleep. I felt pretty great in keeping my "freedom" for so long and not having my schedule ruled by "nap time". By that time, Gwendolyn was only taking 1 nap a day so, at least I had that going for me. Fast forward to when Link was born. I kept to my system of just taking him everywhere and he's done pretty well. Link will wake more easily so his "out naps" are definitely less restful than Gwendolyn's were. Gwendolyn will still take a nap even though she's turning 4 next month. Both of my kiddos will fall asleep in the car. This is both a blessing and a curse. There are times when I just want them to stay awake until we get home but, usually, I'm okay with them taking a nap in their car seats as long as the weather is not too extreme. I'm lucky enough in our floor plan that I can leave the kitchen door open to the garage and it just extends my home interior allowing me to let my children stay secure in their seats while they nap. That doesn't work when it's too hot of course which, takes me back to, I need them to stay awake until we get home and nap inside.

Anyway, back to my whole point.....I love naps in that with the kiddos asleep, I have at least a short time to either get some housework, waste time on facebook (this happens too much I admit), or just watch some TV (also happens more than I want to admit) and relax. However, there are many times when, I just want to get my errands done. I don't want to worry about the kiddos being harder to handle because the friends or family that don't have napping children have scheduled some fun action during the usual "nap time". I'm ready to not worry about "nap time".

I have friends who are very strict about "nap time". Naps are at a very specific time. They need to be home and ready for their children to go to their rooms, with the right lighting, stuffed animal or blanket for comfort etc... I'm sure these friends have found this system to be the answer for harmony in the family. I certainly know there are children who thrive with rigid routine. Maybe mine would to and I've proven to be too selfish to give them that much control over our schedule. The reason I write all this is to say "I MISS MY FRIENDS!" I feel like I hardly ever get to really spend time with my friends because nap time awaits. When we are together, we of course can only be half there since we are watching our children with at least 1 eye and making sure they are "sharing" etc.....

I guess in the end, my post title really sums it up for me. I'm so conflicted. It's great to have time awake when I don't have a child calling to me or needing me for some reason. However, I just want to be able to go where I need to go and not watch the time and of course I want to spend time with my friends and family without cranky children of no friends to spend time with at all since they are home for their naps.

Of course, as it goes with growing children, when naps are done, school is in so, my friends will undoubtedly be doing something responsible like their errands or housecleaning during that time.

Oh, woe is me.......ok I'll get over it......I'm lucky to have the family and friends I do even if I don't get to spend the time with them that I want.......and of course.......I'm so lucky to have my beautiful and wonderful children when I know there are people would give anything to have to worry about "nap time" and can't have children for one reason or another so, LUCKY am I!!!!

Here we go again

2010-02-08T20:36:00.003-06:00

Once again, I'm going to try and fire it up with blogging. Even though my posts are few and far in between, at least I have intention and eventually do come back ;o)

Ken news; Astronomy is what makes Ken's heart tick! Aside from his family of course. He is currently making the switch from visual astronomy to complete astrophotography. He's enjoyed all the visual astronomy he's done and certainly learned a lot. When he started taking images, he really found his nitch! He loves every aspect of the hobby and looks forward to every clear night we have and makes the most of it. The one bummer for sure, is that we can't control the weather and this winter hasn't been very forthcoming with the clear skies. That aside, when he has been able to go out and image, he's gotten some really beautiful pictures. He enjoys not only the process but sharing it with people!! That's right, you read correctly, my husband has found something he loves to share! Although, I still wouldn't say he's the socialite of the party, if you want to talk astronomy in any way, he'll socialize all night with you. He maintains a flikr account where he uploads his completed images. Flikr has a great accessory for astronomers so, it's widely used in the field for sharing. For those who've expressed interest, Ken has created a distribution list so, when he's finished an image, he adds a write up explaining what you're looking at and how he made the image. It's all amazingly interesting and very eye opening. Let us know if you want to see Ken's astro work :o) Here is one of my personal favorites;

Molly News; In my life, I never seem to have enough time or sleep but, I'm managing what I can. Gwendolyn and Link fill my day with wonderment and craziness. Somedays I love it and other days, I just wish I could get even half way through my todo list! It's not all their fault. Facebook is not on my todo list and Gwendolyn and Link certainly don't force me to get stuck on it. I need to seriously check myself!! I need to find a system with a routine I can stick to. I manage to keep my children clothed, fed and socialized but, I can't say I do it well. Crossfit is a huge passion of mine outside of being a wife and mother. I enjoy all of the many things it has done for my life. Eventually, when I can make it happen, I intend to get my certification and train at Ginger and William's gym "Crossfit Georgetown" www.crossfitgeorgetown.com. Book Club and the occasional Girl's Night Out with my Playgroup friends are things I really look forward to. I wish they both happened more often ;o)

Gwen News; It feels like Gwendolyn is almost 4 going on 20. Everyday she says things that leave me in awe. She never misses a beat. You may think you're hiding something from her but, usually she totally knows about it and she'll call you out on it. Gwen is very particular about almost everything. We are certain she has OCD and plan on getting her evaluated to see if there's something we can do to help her life be less stressful for her. Particulars aside, she's a happy girl who enjoys people. Her family, especially her cousins are at the top of the list. Anytime, she knows she's going to see her cousins, she's ecstatic about it. Gwendolyn goes to school 2 days a week. Even though it starts at 9am, it's still tough to get her woken up and in the mood. She usually tells me at least once that she doesn't want to go to school but, glad in the end that she went. She's just not a morning girl that one. She comes by it honestly ;o) At school she gets to go to gymnastics and cooking class. She's really thriving in all she's learning and being able to get that structure in her life. Gwen is still a pipsqueak. Although, she'll be 4 next month, she is not wearing 4T clothes. In fact, she wears a lot of 2T clothes still. For Gwendolyn, it's still all about princesses. She would wear a "sparkley dress" every waking moment if she could. We are lucky to have a decent assortment handed down from Delaney. They are slowly getting very tattered as she plays in them so, I'll probably need to invest in some more soon. A pass time that Gwen really loves is singing!! She likes to find a microphone but will sing without one if she must. Her favorite songs are still ABC's and Twinkle, Twinkle but she's been singing "Pants on the ground" as of late ;o) Gwen really loves to teach you things. Everyday she comes up to me with a new lesson I need to learn from her. Her favorite color has switched to pink. Although, she says yellow is second. I can't believe she is turning 4 years old next month!! It will feel like a flash and I'll be dropping her off for her first day of kindergarten......Pass the tissues please!!!

Lincoln News; Oh, my love bug Link! At the end of this month Link will be a year and a half old. He is very near out weighing his sister and has already managed to push her down a couple times. Gwen can be rough at times with him and I think it'll be sooner than later that she may be getting "pay backs" ;o) He is amazingly strong as he can hold his own body weight for a decent amount of time. He likes to pull himself up on the table and will hang on the fridge doors (as you may have seen from a recent facebook picture) :-P Link will climb anything he can, get into whatever trouble he can, run to any open door that he sees and do his best to run me ragged. At this point Gwendolyn and I were signing to each other and communicating quite well. Not so with Lincoln. He knows many of the signs I do but, will only sign back to me on a rare occasion. I feel like he cries and fusses a lot more than Gwendolyn did but, I really attribute to the lack of communication. I wish like anything we could communicate better so, I'm really looking forward to him talking since he seems to want to skip the whole signing thing. Link was in "feeding therapy" for a short time. He basically refused to eat almost everything. If he didn't breastfeed, he wouldn't have had such a nice layer to live off of while we figured out his food aversions. After only about 6 weeks he went from eating nothing but puffs and goldfish to eating quite the array of food. He's still particular about many things but, is eating enough of an assortment that we don't need to worry much at this point. His favorite foods are eggs, goldfish and yogurt covered raisins. His favorite beverage is ice water. He doesn't like cows milk much but sometimes, if I make it ice milk he'll drink a few swallows. Above all, breastmilk trumps anything on the menu, he prefers that to any consumable. Link is proving to be a big time mama's boy but there's no question he adores his Dad and recognizes the loved ones around him.

Lucy and Indy News; Our furbabies are still doing well. The addition of Indy to our family was a good thing. Lucy will play with her and she submission pees less (I think). Indy is a very sweet girl and as she's nearing the end of puppyhood, I'm finding less destroyed toys of the kiddos which excites me greatly. She still shreds her toys up in no time at all but, I certainly don't mind that. Indy has a lot more energy than Lucy so, she definitely tries to herd us everywhere and hopes desperately we'll play with her. I can't believe how tolerant both of our pooches are to our children's abuse but, luckily, they do seem to love them and know that Ken and I will have their back when they need it. ;o)

Dear Link

2009-09-03T22:59:00.006-05:00

Today you officially became a walker. You took 3 unassisted steps from the coffee table to the couch where I was sitting. Throughout the afternoon, you took a few more steps here and there all on your own so, I'm thinking, it'll be a matter of a day or two before it really clicks and you are walking all over the place.

You turned a year old a week ago. It's amazing how fast this past year seems to have gone. I think it went by faster than your sister's first year went. I guess that's because life with two children is just way more chaotic and you have to make more of a committed effort to not let life's distractions take over from treasuring all the wonderful moments of raising my children. Link, you are proving to be a real "mama's boy". Everyday you make me feel so needed and loved. Like I'm literally the only one on this planet that can make you happy. We've tried to give you "lovey's" that are soft and cuddly, stuffed animals and pacifiers. No matter how often they've been repeatedly offered, when you really need to be comforted, nursing is the only thing that works. You have a very easy smile that charms everyone. There isn't a person anywhere that's met you and didn't become instantly smitten. With your easy smile and open love comes easy hurt with it. Like your Mom, you are overly sensitive with just about everything. It makes you nuts to be uncomfortable in any way. If you bump your head you'll give a look that someone would think you've nearly knocked your head clear off your neck. I can barely touch you, and you'll giggle with the most intense belly laugh because you are crazy ticklish all over. You are very easily startled which can make you a really light sleeper. With your very blond hair and fair skin, I need to be extra careful with you outside in the sun. You're skin is pretty sensitive. You'll turn red just from holding you or when I clean your face after you eat.

When you were born, you were just shy of 9lbs. At your 2 month well child check you were literally off the growth chart where you stayed for both height and weight until your 9 month appointment. You've just had your 12 month check this week and you are now on the chart! Since becoming mobile, you started crawling at 8 months, your height is now closer to average and you are at 95th percentile for weight. So far, you've closely followed your Cousin Duncan's footsteps. Your baby pictures look practically identical at times, you both were very chubby babies, both of you are blond, blue eyed with fair skin. Also, both of your are "mama's boys" and are crazy sweet and sensitive. I think you'll be kindred spirits forever and share a close bond.

You got your first teeth, yes I said "teeth" since the first 2 came in at the same time, at 7 months old. 5 more quickly followed and you've stayed happy with those 7 for quite some time now. Not that you've needed them. Nursing is all you've wanted. Baby food has never been something you've been willing to eat. It didn't matter what kind it was, if it's pureed, you gagged. Actually, you've gagged on pretty much everything until recently. Now, you're happy to eat all kinds of table foods. Your pre-requisites are that it must be something you can pick up and put in your mouth yourself. You're willing to try almost anything. What's absolutely not allowed, is for anyone to try and feed you with a spoon. It doesn't matter if it's baby food, ice cream or a cheerio, you gag every time a spoon gets to your lips. However, you are thrilled to play with a spoon as long as there isn't any food involved with it. You are the first child I've ever known to gag on ice cream. I'm certain you'll grow out of that soon enough ;o) You are still mostly nourished by breastfeeding, as your idea of eating solids is to put it in your mouth, chew and play with it a bit, cough it up in case it gets too close to the back of your throat and then spit it all out. Since you also refuse to wear a bib, your wardrobe has taken quite a few hits. You'll go through way more outfits in a day then your sister ever did. That's okay though, it gives me a chance to have you wear all your clothes a lot which your sister has outfits that I know she never got to wear.

Speaking of differences between you and Gwendolyn. Gwen is a fish and has always loved the water. Until about a week ago, you were certain being submerged in any kind of water, is the same as being in a vat of acid. The only way to keep you calm in a pool, is if I hold you. Putting you in a float pretty much never worked out. Giving you a bath was a speedy operation as you screamed the entire time. As soon as you could sit up on your own (5 months), I just started bringing you in the shower with me. You were happy to sit there playing with toys as long as you didn't feel like you were sitting in a puddle of water, it was okay. I think you've turned a corner with this in the last week though. Now you're happy to play in the baby pool in the backyard and are comfortable playing in the bathtub (even with your big sister being wild around you) as long as no one dumps too much water on your head at once. I have high hopes that you are becoming more comfortable in the water and next season, you'll be thrilled to be in the pool and swimming in the lake when we visit Grandpa Gary and Grandma Connie. This years visit was pretty rough. You were crawling and the lake house is very unfriendly to babies and toddlers. When we were down at the dock, you had to be held unless we were in the boat. Then you could crawl around a bit at the bottom of the boat but, when it got hot, you hated to be dipped in the lake for a cool down. I'm sure you'll enjoy it more next year.....

When your Dad comes home from work and you see him, your face literally lights up and you scream and start moving your way to him as fast as you can. This of course makes your Dad smile and light up too. Gwendolyn is always trying to play with you. I have to remind her to not be too rough with you and that you're still a baby. When you're old enough to understand the games she's trying to play, I think you guys will have a great time playing together. Gwendolyn can really make you giggle. I was lucky enough to get one of these giggle fits on video. It's so cute when you find something funny and will repeatedly laugh about it. Usually it's some sort of slapstick style comedy. Gwen really gets a charge out of making you laugh.

I'm so excited at what the future will bring for you. Link, you are the perfect completion to our family. We all love you and can't get enough of your hugs and smiles. I love being your Mom.

I love you the most,
Mommy

Dear Gwendolyn

2009-08-30T23:24:00.007-05:00

Tomorrow morning I'll be driving you to preschool! I can barely believe it. You are 3 1/2 years old and aside from family, I've never left you in anyone else's care. When we talk about starting school you are a little in disbelief I think but, seemingly excited all the same. Tonight we talked a lot about what you might be doing at school and your playgroup friends who'll be in your class with you (Milo, Hunter, Kayla and Lori). Before going to bed we picked out your outfit for your first day and cuddled a little as you always request; "I want you to lay down with me a libble bit". I only stayed a minute as I needed to rush downstairs and prepare your backpack and lunch before your baby brother woke up and derailed my preparations for tomorrow morning. My alarm is set and my box of tissues is in the car. I hope I won't cry too hard and embarrass us both. I'm so glad Crossfit is right next door to your class so I can hang out with Aunt Ginger while I compose myself, dry my tears and try to spend the 5 hours you're in school doing something productive.

I can't help thinking about your life these past 3 1/2 years at a time like this. From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you to the present, I feel like I remember every detail although I'm sure I actually don't. It would have been so nice if I was one of those people that was really good about journaling or at least chronicling in some way all the milestones and cute things you've done. I've got loads of pictures but hardly a written or typed word to go along with them. I do remember some things; You were holding your head up before we even left the hospital, your umbilical cord came off at 14 days and I labored over keeping it for a couple days and decided not to because it just looked yucky. I hope you won't be upset about that later. If it makes you feel better, I didn't keep your brother's either. At 4 months you were rolling over and at 5 you sat up without support. By 6 months you were crawling all over but wasn't comfortable walking on your own until 13 months. Even so, you were thrilled to scale all the furniture by 9 months and walk all over as long as you were holding a hand or something. You were a very easy going and fairly happy baby. For comfort you suck your middle and ring finger on your right hand. You started doing this by 2 months old. I tried to encourage the pacifier, worrying how hard it could be for you to break the finger sucking habit later but you refused and are still sucking those fingers today. I hope you will be able to break that habit more easily than it was for me to stop sucking my thumb. Twirling your hair also gives you comfort and it is usually done with the left hand as you suck your right fingers. Your preference is to twirl my hair or whomever might have been holding you but if there wasn't anyone else's hair in your reach, you were content with your own. You were born of average size and quickly became a "chunk" but, as soon as you started crawling, you went petite and never looked back. You are a tiny peanut and people can hardly stand how cute you are. I take this as a huge compliment as I think you are amazingly adorable and everyone says how much you remind them of me when I was your age. You are crazy particular. Everything has a place, purpose, order etc....and if anyone tries to change any of it without you making the decision to do it, they will hear an earful from you. This was never more evident than when you turned 3. It was almost overnight that all of a sudden you were going to vocally express your desires and people were going to be cool with that, period. You will still be shy as your nature has been all along. If you do talk to people, it's usually with a mumbling inaudible voice. However, if you're around people you know, we are now lucky to always have wonderful Gwendolyn chatter in our ears. You say the most wonderful things. I kick myself at how many times you've said something awesome and I didn't write it down somewhere to remember it later. At the very least, I will usually call your Dad or someone to recite whatever amazing dialog has come from you. As laid back as you have been starting as an infant, you will have the occasional tantrum. Until age 3, you've always kept them at home but now, you will have them wherever we might be at the time. Just today you threw a doozie of a tantrum in HEB while your Dad, Brother and myself were trying to run in quickly for some necessities. You were angry to have to share the cart with Link. Usually, it doesn't come to a tantrum with you though, threatening time out is generally enough and you stop whatever behavior is getting you in trouble. I'm having to learn patience as you want to do "everything by myself!" It often takes you forever and we are often late because of it but, such is life. I'm amazed at the concepts you grasp, the things you can do and how fast you can learn almost anything. Aside from doing everything by yourself what truely makes you happy these days is having "piggies" in your hair (your choice is always to have 2 pigtails and has been for over a year) and wearing "a sparkly dress" because you always say "I'm not a princess unless I'm wearing a sparkly dress". Luckily you have an abundant supply of "sparkly dresses" as almost your entire wardrobe has come from your cousin Delaney and she too loved all the Disney Princesses. Your favorite shows are "The Little Einsteins" and "Super Why". Of course, as with all things, they must be watched in order, first you watch The Little Einsteins and then you watch Super Why. You also love playing at the park but mostly on the swing. Once you're on the swing there is huge bargening to get you off and let someone else take a turn. Sidewalk chalk and coloring in general are a couple more of your favorite past times. It'll be interesting to see what things become your favorite after being in school. While you're at school you'll have lots of different activities to include gymnastics and cooking class. Maybe instead of the swing you'll only want to do somersalts?? I can't wait to see what things become your favorite.

Gwendolyn, you are a sweet and wonderful child. I'm the luckiest Mom on earth. It's a privilege and a joy to raise you. I hope I don't do anything to screw you up ;o)

I Love you the most,
Mommy

2009-02-20T23:55:00.003-06:00

Today was a very sad day for us as we had to say good-bye to our sweet Marley. A heart defect caused her heart to enlarge and eventually it compressed her lungs and she could no longer get enough air. I think we gave her a good and happy life and I hope she knows how much joy and fulfillment she brought to ours.

It was September of 1996 when we rescued Marley from the San Diego animal shelter. It was love at first sight. Adopting Marley was the first big thing Ken and I did as a couple. We were a family instantly and never looked back. Over the years Marley endured military moves and several different homes. She always took it like a trooper even though she never liked change very much. I think Marley was thrilled when we moved here. Even though we have stairs and mostly tile flooring downstairs, I think she loved her final home. She really enjoyed being able to take her time outside wondering our yard and sitting in the sun when she could. Marley was a very routine oriented girl. Every night at 11pm she'd stare us down telling us, "um, yeah, it's 11 and that means you let me out for "last chance" before bed. I don't really care that you're not going to bed. It's 11 and that means I go out, so get you butt off the couch and let me out". Another quirk of Marley's was drinking. Sometimes she'd drink water and drink and drink and drink until she'd have to throw up some because she overflowed. I remember many times catching her drinking too much and I'd have to say "Marley, take a break" Usually that saved us the throw up situation. Even though there were occasions when Marley wandered away from home, she'd never be far and always come home. Marley was very loyal and I think loved us very much.

In the past weeks, Marley was moving pretty slow but, she'd still sometimes play with a toy and was always getting up on the couch, wagging her tail and showing happiness. Last night that changed and we really began to worry. I took her to the vet this afternoon who told me the grave news about our sweet dog. Thankfully my Uncle Bruce went with me to the appointment so I had help with both Link, Marley and a shoulder to cry on when the Dr. told me the sad news of her condition. I called Ken but was too distraught to talk to him so the vet took the phone and explained to him the situation. There was a very expensive treatment option but at best it may have given her 2 more months but, they wouldn't have been pleasant ones at all. Marley's condition was making her feel like she was drowning and we couldn't ask her to suffer just to give us a little more time to prepare. I arranged to take her home and spend some last moments with her while waiting for Ken to come back up north from work. My Uncle Bruce drove me and Marley back to the vet where we met up with Ken and Billie. I was so thankful Billie met us there. She was key to helping us through the process at the vet which was one neither Ken or I had been through. Since she used to work there she was allowed to stay with Marley while they placed the catheter in her paw. Then Ken and I were allowed back into the room while the vet administered the injection. Marley went very peacefully. I held her head in my hands the whole time as Ken was petting her. Billie said that while they placed the catheter Marley didn't seem to mind at all. She never flinched or made a sound. The vet and Billie both explained how it really was the right choice and the same one they would have made if it had been their dog. Ken carried Marley out to the truck where I had her head on my lap as we drove to Billie and Alan's house to bury her. Ken dug her grave and placed her gently inside. We covered her with the soil and topped her grave with stones. She's laying right next to Sebastian and the rest of the family pets where we can visit her often. We are so thankful to Billie and Alan for offering a place for Marley there.

We love you Marley and will miss you every day for the rest of our lives.

Gwendolyn's Update

2009-02-18T00:23:00.004-06:00

Gwendolyn will be 3 next month and that is absolutely impossible as far as I'm concerned! She is absolutely amazing and reminds us just how much every day.

Gwen is getting very articulate. It's so great to hear what she's going to say next. I could listen to her talk endlessly. She says hilarious things that make me think, I need to remember to write that one down somewhere. Since I seem to never manage to do that (I know, bad mommy!) I'm glad I do the next best thing and always call Ken or whomever she's talking about to tell them instantly whatever hilarious statement she's uttered.

I'm not sure where she gets this (LOL yeah right, she comes by this so honestly it's ridiculous) but, Gwen is incredibly particular. Everything has a way, a purpose or an order and if you screw it up or try to get her to forgo doing it because you're in a hurry or being impatient, you WILL hear about it! She doesn't care at all what you think the agenda is or if you wanted her hair in a ponytail that day. She has zero qualms about getting to that playdate at whatever time she gets there and her hair will be in "piggies" (2 pigtails placed exactly where she points on her head) whether you like it or not. On a rare occasion I can get her to wear her hair differently or convince her that yellow hair ties, socks and shoes doesn't go with everything in her wardrobe but, it's not a battle I choose very often. This winter she decided she wanted to wear a dress and tights pretty much every day. Luckily we are having an amazingly warm and dry winter.

Gwen's favorite movies are Beauty and the Beast and both of the Madagascar movies. She'll watch "Super Why" episodes anytime you will put them on for her. Sesame Street and Little Einsteins are definitely up on her list of television entertainment as well. When we go to the park, she'll swing until you have no choice but to deal with the tantrum of taking her off and giving another child a turn. Another thing Gwendolyn loves to do is draw and play with playdough. She loves to accessorize! All bead necklaces are chosen carefully. After she puts the gold (yellow) one on herself, the rest are handed out carefully to the appropriate person depending on color. Gwen will also sing at any moment. Her favorite song is the ABC song but she's often singing excerpts from the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack as well. Not surprising, everyone has a song in which they can sing and it's in your best interest to not sing someone elses song. Yes, she's very particular indeed about everything! LOL Someday's she'll show some flexibility but, luckily the things she's not very flexible about, aren't really very important.

What's important in Gwen's life as far as she is concerned is when can she see her cousins, grandparents and friends. If she gets to have a sippy of chocolate milk while on the way to play, she's a happy camper indeed!

Link's Update

2009-02-17T23:55:00.003-06:00

Next week Lincoln will be 6 months old and I can hardly believe it! There's no way that much time has gone past! I'm starting to feel nostalgic about the newborn days and having my baby swaddled up but, I'm thoroughly enjoying watching him grow. This picture was taken less than a month ago and if you can believe it, he's even fatter now! LOL :o)

Link is such a joy. He has a very easy smile and a pretty easy cry. Although both of my children are sensitive, I think Link is more so. He's more demanding then Gwendolyn was as a baby but, we seem to handle it ok. That said, if he can't be held for some reason, if you give him his "lovey", he's likely to be content for a bit. That's one of the areas he differs from Gwendolyn. She's never really attached herself to anything to comfort her aside from her fingers and twirling hair. Every once in a while she'll like a particular object but it's usually short lived and has nothing to do with comfort.

Link loves to laugh and giggle and he'll do it readily for you. All you have to do is say "Hi" with a smile on your face and his will light up for you in return. He really seems to enjoy any performance you give him whether it's singing, dancing, good or bad, he loves it all the same. Luckily he's not a hard audience.

I keep taking movies of him thinking he'll roll over but the bottom line is, he hates to be on his belly. Now that he's sitting up really well, he sees even less need for being on his belly and has decided he'll skip the whole rolling over bit. I'm not sure if he'll skip crawling and go straight to walking just yet. He does have this amazing gerth about him and I can't imagine crawling would be very easy with your belly hanging on the ground! ;o) LOL From the moment he was born he's been interested in going, going and going. If he's on his back, he's doing a constant crunch up to get going. If you're holding him, he's looking all over the place and will move your head where ever he wants it, I think in hopes to get you to go in that direction.

Link is very curious about everything. He's swipes and will grab whatever he can reach and if he can't reach it he'll continue to try. It's very important to keep the radius around him clear of anything that's not his or it will become his in a matter of seconds.

I'm pretty sure his first tooth will be popping through any day now. He wants to teeth on almost anything and prefers our fingers although a frozen washcloth is a good second choice. Link is way more drooly than Gwendolyn ever was even when he tooth was cutting through. Also, he spits up more than Gwendolyn ever did but, it's nothing next to my friends who have babies with reflux trouble so, I really can't complain.

November Photos x2

2008-11-30T23:59:00.005-06:00

"Mommy, take a picture of my crazy eyes"

3 Months Old

Gwendolyn's first haircut

My sweet comfort boy

On Election day, Gwendolyn got to vote for her favorite Elmo and make a flag with her playgroup friends.

"Some people say I look like my Great Grandpa"

Holiday Cookies

2008-11-30T23:53:00.003-06:00

Gwendolyn's first time making holiday cookies

November Photos

2008-11-30T23:35:00.004-06:00

Zoe, Delaney and Gwendolyn on Thanksgiving

Link and Aunt G on Thanksgiving

How cute is that?!?

Gwendolyn loves Billie and Alan's dogs (all of their animals actually)

Erik and Duncan on Thanksgiving

Link and Aunt Jaime (Apparently Link isn't ready to party with Jaime yet) ;o)

"Check me out Mom!"

The boys on Chargers game day

Halloween 2008

2008-11-30T22:46:00.003-06:00

Grandpa's favorite Charger fans

3 of the boy babies born this summer and their siblings watching over them on Halloween. This is a small sampling of the baby boom happening in our playgroup right now.

Well now there's a pair for ya

The Calems on Halloween. Greyson and his BFF (not pictured), wearing a sombrero (his mustache wasn't on yet) Duncan dressed up as a girl along with his BFF (also not pictured), Delaney as a Charger Cheerleader, William as a pro-soccer player and Ginger as his referee

Great-Grandma with all but 1 of her Great Grand Children (Imogen was in MN)

October Pics x3

2008-11-30T22:31:00.003-06:00

2 Months Old

Gwendolyn's cousin's are insistent that she play soccer. She's taking lessons from them already.

This is Gwendolyn making sure you know, she has possession of the ball and no, you aren't allowed to kick it, only she is. ;o) LOL

Queen of soccer....just in case you didn't already know it

Family Pumkin Carving Party

2008-11-30T19:12:00.006-06:00

"I ike it Daddy"

Daddy needed to have pink hair like Abby Kaddaby

This must be the biggest pumpkin of them all!

....and that wasn't all of the pumpkins if you can believe that!

"Yadi" and Link

Gwendolyn helps get the guts out

Daddy showing her how to trace the pattern

A rare picture of Fred in the Halloween spirit

Marc and Delaney sharing some green locks

Marc in Grandpa bliss

Delaney loves to be a motherly cousin :o)

Mitzi and Link

October Pics x2

2008-11-30T18:54:00.006-06:00

"Where is the muffin man?"

Ready for the pumkin carving family party

"Abby Kadabby" from Sesame Street

Hanging out with Great-Grandma

"Hello Mr. Scarecrow, Nice to meet you"

Sea World 2008

2008-11-30T18:20:00.005-06:00

We went to Sea World San Antonio just before Jaime quit her job there.

Thank you Jaime for getting us very special treatment :o)

The Penguin Encounter was the coolest experience ever (No pun intended) ;o)

Gwendolyn was a little too nervous to touch "Danielle" our new 8 month old monochromatic friend

Ken's sister Jaime

Ken's mom Susan holding Gwen and Aunt Jaime with Danielle

Waiting for the Shamu show to start

Our private meeting with some Dolphins

Susan took a family picture

Gwendolyn is petting a 6 week old Sea Otter

October Pics

2008-11-30T17:32:00.005-06:00

"Move over Paris Hilton, there's a new girl in town. ;o) We're all ready for potty training!

Link loves his swing almost as much as he loves Mommy and Daddy

Gwen likes to take a bath with Link even though he takes up a lot of room

I have a feeling I know what he's saying in that brain and I think I'm in trouble ;o)

Link hearing his "nerd" call

Playdate fieldtrip to the local firestation

Sweet Berry Farm

2008-11-30T16:45:00.010-06:00

Every year we go to "Sweet Berry Farm" in the fall for pumpkin fun and in the spring to pick fresh berries. There are also animals there to play with and feed so, it's always a big hit.

Link is just over a month old here

There's never enough goat food ;o)

September pictures x3

2008-11-26T00:36:00.005-06:00

As you can see, Gwen is as much a chocolate lover as her Mom :o)

Happy Birthday Fred!
Celebrated at "The Oasis" overlooking Lake Travis

September pictures x2

2008-11-26T00:18:00.003-06:00

Playing guitar in his dreams already ;o)

Yep, she's gets a lot out of me with that beautiful grin

"Seriously Mom"

Link at 12 days old and first big family gathering

My sweet new man

September pictures

2008-11-26T00:05:00.004-06:00

Link at 1 week old

Happy in Aunt G's arms

Ahh, Bliss

First time Gwendolyn held Link

Lincoln at 1 month old

The Full Birth Story!

2008-09-09T21:57:00.004-05:00

On August 26th 2008 at 4am I awoke thinking my water had broken. I got up and started paying attention to contractions and getting ready to head to the birth center when it was time. I did a lot of pacing, squatting and swaying. At this point my contractions weren't too bad and I thought I might be able to at least rest a little more if not actually fall asleep for a bit. I was indeed able to sleep for about an hour. When I awoke again it was close to 7am and I knew there was no more sleeping for me. I got up and continued to monitor my contractions. When I felt like it wasn't a crazy time of morning, I woke Ken and told him the update and that I was pretty sure today was the day in case he didn't want to go into work just to return home right away. I called my Mom who came over to walk around the block with me and help time my contractions. I also called my sister and sent Stephanie a text to give them a heads up that today was probably going to be the day. When he got up, Ken called his Mom and we told her to be on the ready to head down to the birth center as well. I called my Dad to update him and Connie. The rest of the calling I left up to other folks but didn't make an official phone tree for this birth. Instead I decided to embrace today's technologies and posted an update on my blog, facebook page and my message boards that "I was going to have a baby today."

At 9:30am I called the birth center and gave them the update. At that time my contractions were ranging from 5-10 min apart. They told me to load up the car and come in. Thankfully for me, my dear friend Stephanie recorded all that happened for the rest of the day so I have an accurate account of what went on and what time it happened. "Thank you Stephanie!!!"

At 10:01am I sent Stephanie a text that said "they are 5 min apart now. Almost to BC...can't really talk anymore....best to call Ken or my Mom."

By 10:15 I was being examined by Roswitha, one of my midwives. She confirmed that I was indeed in labor but that my water was still intact. I was so relieved that my water hadn't broken. I really wanted it to stay intact until the very last moment. She said I should go get something to eat but not go home because we lived too far away and she wanted me closer than that. We waited outside the birth center for my Sister and Ken's folks to arrive. Then we drove over to Ihop. This was fitting since the last meal I ate before going to the hospital to have Gwendolyn was Ihop. I tried to eat a little bit off of Ken's and my Mom's plates but I really had no appetite and every bite was forced. I did however have no problem getting some Chocolate milk down, but seriously, when have I ever had trouble with that! ;o) While at Ihop, my contractions went to 2.5 min apart lasting 45 seconds. Also, Gwendolyn said the cutest thing....While going through the contractions, I would put my head into my hands, close my eyes and Ken would rub my back and arms to get through it. Apparently Gwendolyn thought this definitely meant something painful was happening and she put her hand on my arm and looked so sweetly and sympathetically into my eyes, cocked her head a little and asked so sweetly "mommy's poopoo hard?"

At 12:05pm Ken called the BC to update them on my progress. They told him we should stay out and about until the contractions were lasting 60 seconds so, we went to Costco to walk around and totally freak out all of the staff. In between contractions we managed to pick Ken up a new pair of pants to 2 new shirts. How's that for multi-tasking?! ;o) LOL

We arrived back at the birth center at 1:45 and I was set up in the "French Country" birthing suite. This is their smallest birthing suite and mostly used for overflow. It was indeed a busy day at the birth center. I was the 3rd Mom to come in so I was put in the last birthing suite available and waited for a bigger suite with a jacuzzi tub to open up. By 2:10 I was all settled into the French Country room and Grandma Susan brought Gwendolyn in to visit Mommy. She cuddled with me for a bit and then said "Mommy needs to take a nap, Mommy's tired." I'm glad I didn't know then that I wouldn't be sleeping until the next day.

For the next couple hours I labored away. I was pretty good about communitcating what I needed and changing positions to try and help get through the contractions. I used the birthing ball and sidelying mostly at this point. Ken did an excellent job reading my signs and listening to whatever I was mumbling and accomodating me beautifully. Gwendolyn was in and out of the room many times. She would lie with me, help Ken put counter pressure on my back and give me strength with her presence.

By 3:55 I started doubting myself. I was telling Ken I was very nervous about transition. Ken talked me through my concerns telling me to listen to my body and imagine myself somewhere else. I started to feel nausous at this point and Ken was using accupressure to alleviate that.

At just after 4pm, Roswitha came in to tell us that we could move in the "Windsor Birthing Suite" where there was a jacuzzi tub filled and ready for my use. WOOHOO!! Roswitha commented on how great both Ken and I were doing, which was great for both of us to hear. She said "I was exhibiting good control through the process". At this point I had been laboring for 12 hours and knew I hadn't made it to transition yet and my hard work was far from over. The professional encouragment was greatly appreciated. Ginger told me at this point that I was very strong and can do this. Positive encouragement from my sister always hits home for me. With all of this nice encouragement and the jacuzzi tub, I was renewed and ready for more work. We were all settled into the Windsor room by 4:30. It took a bit to get there since we had so much baggage and I was rocked by contractions every couple minutes.

At a quarter to 5 Roswitha checked my cervix and found I was 5-6cm, my blood pressure and temperature were great and the baby's heart rate was awesome. This gave me the all clear to get into the tub. YAY!! I practically ran to it and felt instant relief when I got in. I started laboring in the tub which was WAY easier for me than any other place so far. Roswitha came in to check the baby's heart beat and that my contractions weren't slowing down at all after entering the tub. They did slow a little when I would lie on my back. Naturally this was the most comfortable for me and I even drifted off a couple times between contractions. I didn't want to have to get out of the tub so I changed positions which made the contractions harder but still better to me than having to labor outside of the tub. I told Roswitha that I was really nauseas. She explained that it's called the "positive puke sign" and means that my cervix was dilating. This is the only time I can ever imagine having the feeling to puke mean something positive was going on. LOL

By 6pm my contractions were lasting 80-90 seconds. Roswitha checks me and says my water is still intact (YAY!!) and that it's not time to push even though it may feel that way. The bag of water was making it feel like his head was lower than it really was. In the next hour all continued the same. Laboring in the tub, my water stayed intact which made labor basically unphasing to Link. Every time his heart beat was checked, he was perfectly happy and steady.

At 7pm, Joan, one of my other midwives took over my care. Roswitha was doing a delivery in the next room. Thankfully, the jets of tub were louder than her screams. They weren't scaring me at all but, were distracting while I was trying to get through the contractions. Link was sidelying again in my uterus. He and Gwendolyn pretty much hung out there their whole gestational time. This however, wasn't so great for delivery. Joan strategically placed pool noodles at different points on my body which kept my belly below the water while I was lying on my right side and kept me in that position without any effort on my part. Totally cool to that!

I was feeling loads of pressure at 8:30 and Joan confirmed I was in transition. Joan wanted me to go to the bathroom because she says it'll be time to start pushing soon. When I get out of the tub I have a contraction, Ken and Joan help me down to squat. I didn't like it there very much. I was surprised by that really.

At 9:06pm Joan checked me and discovered my water was still intact but I had an anterior cervical lip to get passed. She could tell my water was clear (YAY again! I was very nervous about maconium so that was nothing to worry about now) and that I was dilated to 10. It was time to start pushing. We tried many differnt pushing positions. I still needed to get passed that cervical lip and we needed to find which position was the most effective. Joan was able to push the cervical lip away but sadly it came back. At this point Kat, the midwife assistant came in to assist. Joan explains it may be time to break my water. With every contraction, I push the bag and Link down but as soon as it ends, they both float back up. I didn't want to push for the rest of my life so we agreed to break the bag. Poor Joan ended up decently splashed on when she broke my bag of water with the next contraction. At this point, Joan pushed my cervical lip away again and held it back for another couple contractions until I was well passed it. Now we had to deal with the fact that Link was sideways. I was pushing as hard as I could and felt like I was making no progress contrary to what all my support was telling me. I pushed Gwendolyn out in 47 minutes with basically no trouble and couldn't understand why I was sucking so bad at it this time. Everyone kept reassuring me that I was making good progress in spite of his position and not to give up.

At 10:30 we got the first glimpse of his head and by 10:39 his head was out. Link had a nuchal cord (cord around the neck) 1 time. Ken was emotional saying "he's here" and I could hear the emotion in his voice. This warmed me all over and gave me renewed strength to get the job done. Now, for those broad shoulders....oy vey! At 10:45, I was told to open my eyes, I saw my son for the first time and grabbed his arm. At 10:46pm my baby boy had fully arrived and was on my belly. I was of course sobbing all over the place. By 10:50 Gwendolyn met her brother for the first time. She sat on Ken's lap and smiles at Link. At 10:53 my Mom cut the umbilical cord. Ken held his son for the first time at 11:05 and Link looks straight into his Dad's eyes. Link nurses for the first time after bonding with his Daddy.

Throughout labor I felt pretty much in control. I thought transition and the "ring of fire" would be the hardest and most painful part. For me though it was pushing. What I remember most about it now was not the pain of pushing but how hard it was. The whole process was the hardest work of my entire life and more worth it than I could ever explain. I couldn't have been happier at our choice to deliver our son at a birthing center. It was the perfect fit for me. I had exactly the kind of support and treatment I had hoped for. Like when I delivered Gwendolyn, as soon as Link was born, I was ready to go home. We of course had to stay for a certain number of hours to ensure Link and I were both stable. Typically they have you headed home 6 hours after you deliver. Considering the hour I delivered Link, how long my labor was and that I hadn't really eaten a thing, one might think it was time for us to pass out! Nope, not me, aside from my adrenaline going, we just don't sleep well when we're not home. We were all anxious to go home as soon as we were allowed so at 5.5 hours after Link was born, we were in the car and headed home. At 4:45am we pulled into our garage as a family of 4!

Link's first few hours

2008-09-08T15:28:00.006-05:00

He has a name!!

2008-08-29T16:55:00.013-05:00

Lincoln "Link" Charles

Below are some photos Marc took. I'll be adding another post later with some of the photos Ginger took. I hope you enjoy :o)

A family cuddle between contractions

Ken showing Gwendolyn how to help Mommy through a contraction

Some of my support. We had moved into a bigger birthing suit at this point.

Ken timing contractions

Gwendolyn giving me strength

I've been in active labor for many hours at this point. LOVE the jacuzzi tub!!

Getting through transition. The noodles were a totally awesome trick to keep me on my side without me having to give any effort to stay that way.

Starting to push (my water still had not broken yet. YAY, that's exactly what I had wanted)

A proud Daddy indeed! :o)

We are holding our son in our arms!!!

2008-08-27T18:34:00.010-05:00

We welcomed our son into the outside world at 10:46 pm on August 26th after 19 hours of labor and delivery. We haven't finalized his name yet but here are his stats; 8 lbs 14 oz, 22 inches long, 14 inch head circumference and chest circumference.

I'm going to write up a full birth story as soon as I can see straight but here's the day in a nut shell. I woke up at 4am and believed my water had broken. I started getting ready to go to the birth center and paying attention to my contractions pattern. My Mom came over at 8 to walk around the block with me and help get me into a regular contraction pattern. I called the birth center at 9:30 and reported my stats at the time. We left shortly after for the birth center. I was glad to find out when I got there that my water had not broken but I was indeed in early labor. Since we live kind of far from the birth center we decided to stay down there to kill some time as I progressed some more. I'm lucky enough to have had many support persons there. My Mom, Marc, Ginger, Stephanie and Ken's parents were all there. So we all piled into a couple cars and drove to Ihop for breakfast. This was fitting as the last meal I ate prior to going to the hospital to deliver Gwendolyn was Ihop. LOL After Ihop we drove over to Costco to walk around. It's kind of funny to walk around in Costco while in labor. We were continually asked by several different employees, if I was ok or needed them to call someone. I'm pretty sure they couldn't wait for me to leave. LOL When we got back to the birth center, they set me up in one of the birthing suites. It was a VERY busy day at the birth center so we did some rotating. When another mother was through with one of the bigger rooms, we were able to move into that birthing suite. That was really great because it had a jucuzzi tub, which I couldn't wait to get into. Once I was in the tub I stayed there for many hours until I had to get out for other complications. Labor progressed textbook normal through transition. At delivery it got pretty crazy for us. I had some complications to work through which I could only do because Ken was an amazing coach and I had excellent midwives.

After he was finally out, it was complete bliss and euphoria. Everyone stayed for a little while, which I thought was amazing considering the very long day and how late it was already when he was born. We couldn't wait to go home so, as soon as baby and I were stable, we left for home at 4am. It was a pretty crazy 24 hours for us. There was very little to no sleep so, we are trying to catch up now. How lucky are we to have so much family and friends near by to help us!!

More pictures to follow and a more detailed birth story when I can. We will have a name for sure by Friday when we go back to the birth center for our first check up appointment.

I think I'll have a baby today

2008-08-26T07:40:00.002-05:00

My water broke at 4am this morning. My body is trying to find a regular contraction pattern. The contractions have progressively gotten stronger since 4. My Mom is here and we are going to start walking the block and timing them. Then I'll call the birth center and give them all the info.

It's going to be a great day. The sunrise was gorgeous (you know this night owl pretty much never sees those) and I'm getting very excited feeling confident that this isn't yet another false alarm.

Past due update

2008-08-25T23:04:00.002-05:00

There's my 40 week pg photo. It really doesn't look much different from my last photo. It's typical to not see much of a change in size at this stage (at least not for the mother, the baby is only getting bigger and bigger). I know that doesn't make much sense. If the baby is getting bigger, why wouldn't I continue to grow too? It was the same way for me with Gwendolyn's pg. He really can't get any lower unless he is born. My next appointment is on Wednesday when I am 40 1/2 weeks. I'm uncomfortable at certain times but far from miserable which is what most people think I must be since I'm past due in the end of August in Texas. If Ginger wasn't going out of town on Friday, I don't think I'd even be that anxious about when I was going into labor. That said, I hope he decides to come by Thursday but, since I don't have any control over that, I'm trying to relax when I can and not stress out about it.

I haven't given an update on Gwendolyn in a while. She is doing quite well and seems to understand that my belly isn't named "baby braher" but that, there will be a baby joining the family. She likes to look at his clothes and tell me "cute" as she holds them up.

Her favorite color these days is yellow. When I've gotten caught up on laundry, we have great mornings. As soon as her yellow clothes are dirty, I'm in for a challenge trying to convince her to let me put on her clothes. Thankfully, she's also in a phase where she always wants "2 ponytails!" and points to the sides of her head where she excepts them to be. If I put in yellow hairbands, sometimes, it's enough to keep her happy even if she can't wear yellow clothes that day.

Gwendolyn loves to color as long as she can give you the crayon and you color or draw where and what she tells you. She of course always colors with the yellow crayon and each of the rest of us has certain colors that are usually assigned to us. The other assignments she usually has for us is where we sit. As far as she is concerned, everyone has their seat and she'll be happy to tell you where it is. It doesn't matter if we are in a car, at the table or in the living room.

Would you say we have a very particular daughter who knows exactly what she wants?? ;o) LOL Gwendolyn is also a cuddler and enjoys twirling your hair while she sucks her 2 fingers and enjoys a favorite show. She's very into "Super Why" which we have protected on our DVR. There are a few other shows she enjoys but nothing holds a candle to "Super Why". She still loves music as always and will often just burst out in song. Her other favorite activity is "bimming". Gwendolyn would go swimming at any time for as long as you are willing to let her. She's loves jumping in from the side and going under the water. She always pops up with a big smile and says she's going to do it again.

We are still very active with our playgroup. With the boy being born any minute, I'm sure there will be some time when we need to slow down on our playdate schedule for at least a little bit. I hope I'll recover from the birth very fast and we can adjust quickly enough, that we aren't away from our friends very long. We have the best time at all of our playdates and have the greatest friends to spend time with.

A couple days shy of 40 weeks pg

2008-08-21T18:49:00.003-05:00

Today's appointment at the birth center wasn't very exciting. I've progressed a little farther but am still in the "it could happen any minute or still be weeks away" place. I doubt it will be weeks but I've found patience from somewhere and really am not begging for labor at this point. I sort of feel like "whatever, when it happens it happens". Being the control freak I am, I'm surprised at how laid back I feel about it all. Hopefully it'll be a new leaf turned for me and I'll keep this laid back don't need control attitude. Only time will tell on that one ;o) Meanwhile, I'm just going to enjoy the end of this PG and be thankful that I got to see so much of the Olympics and wasn't in labor for any of my favortie events. I'm actually really hoping I get to see all of the closing ceremonies too :o)

On comes the edema

2008-08-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

I've been very lucky in the swelling department. I didn't have any edema at all with Gwendolyn. I've recently noticed in the last week that a have some lower leg and feet swelling at night, until today. Today I decided to take my rings off because they were feeling a bit snug earlier this afternoon. I feel lucky to have lasted this long being PG through the summer in central Texas to only now be experiencing some swelling. It's still minor in my opinion and doesn't cause me too much discomfort. Hopefully the boy will arrive soon and I'll only look like a bloated whale for a couple days. ;o) LOL

Hoping to post videos, here's my first one...

2008-08-20T14:23:00.003-05:00

This is a movie of my Dad Ski Skiing this summer

39 weeks update

2008-08-14T19:45:00.005-05:00

TMI ALERT!!!!

There could be information in this update that is more information than you want to know about me. Consider yourself warned ;o)

My appointment went well. My midwife still has me at 2cm 70% effaced. Today she said my cervix was very soft and very well behaved. LOL She did a membrane sweep and cervical massage since I'm totally ready to go into labor now that Ginger is home. The exam has given me a small amount of bloody show through the day. If is stops by tomorrow, I'll think it was just from the exam but, if it continues or gets more in volume, I'll think, just maybe this is it! I've started accupressure points and intend to climb the stairs a million times and maybe even break out some jumping jacks if I get really desperate. ;o) Oh yeah, during the exam, she also said he's lower. I swear, if he gets any lower he really will be hanging on my ankles. LOL I have contractions daily and many at night but even if they form a regular pattern for a while, they subside eventually proving them to be false labor.

38 weeks update

2008-08-09T17:14:00.004-05:00

My appointment went well. The current standings are; 2cm dilated, 70% effaced and the boy is at a -1 station. I've been having lots of contractions daily which apparently is helping him go lower and lower but not changing my cervix too fast. That's okay with me since I'm hoping he stays put until next Friday when Ginger will be home and Lisa and Stephanie won't have to take time off of work. Also, if it works out that I do have him on a Friday afternoon, that will give Ken the most time at home with the baby before having to return to work. I'm still fairly comfortable until the evening sets in. By the late afternoon, I start to get pretty tired and I'm shot in the energy and comfort department by evening. I contract a lot in the evening and he's so low that every time I stand up, I keep checking to see if he's hanging on my ankles. ;o) LOL My midwife told me he's in perfect position for the birth. YAY!!! The boy is doing very well in there, his heart rate this week was in the 150's. His movements are regular and not hurting me to bad even when he gives me a good kick in the ribs. ;o) My midwife also thinks he'll be a good sized baby but, is thinking less than 9lbs. We shall see! I'm not totally convinced of that with all the family history on both sides of larger babies. I'm actually okay with a big baby as long as his head is small. ;o) LOL!!

37 weeks appointment update

2008-08-01T18:11:00.002-05:00

My appointment went well today. I'm coming along and labor could be any day but, could also be weeks away. There's just no way to know for sure. I'm still showing signs that the boy will be making his appearance early. My midwife told me to stop taking the magnesium now (I was taking that to help stop the contractions I was having) and let nature takes it's course. As a recap, a week ago I was 2cm dilated and 70% effaced, the boy is engaged and ready to get the show on the road it seems. I have contractions every day but, they aren't regular just yet. Since we live a decent distance from the birth center, my midwife asked me to call when I felt like I was in any kind of regular labor pattern. She's a bit concerned that I'll go quickly and not get to the birth center in time if I spend too much time laboring at home. If I don't go into labor by my appointment next week, I'm not sure I'll be able to avoid asking for a cervical check. Curiosity will most certainly get the best of me. The boys' Aunt G won't be home for another couple weeks. It's probably not the best idea for him to start out defying her right away ;o) LOL

July progress note

2008-07-31T15:14:00.003-05:00

I'm playing around and trying to find new fun stuff to make my blog cooler :o) I've added the "slideshow" feature. If you want to see all those pictures bigger and be able to look at them at your own pace, you can view them in my snapfish group room. Please email me if you need the room code. Once you've entered the room once, you won't need the room code anymore.

Here's my pregnancy update...We’re moving along over here. At my appt last Friday my midwife did the GBS test and checked my cervix. At that point I was 2cm dilated with a short cervix and the boy is low in my pelvis. He was a little tilted so to try and get him in a better position and avoid back labor, I’ve been doing more pelvic rocks and lots of hanging out on my hands and knees and sometimes chest and knees. The chest and knees is nice because it brings him up and out of my pelvis a bit which relieves the pressure on my bladder some (at least until I sit up) LOL ;o) My next appt is tomorrow. I’m hoping for good news about the GBS test and see if there’s any more progression. However she may not do a cervical check since that’s more of a typical OB’s office thing and not so much a midwife/birth center thing. Oh yeah, almost forgot….he’s been measuring perfectly the whole PG until last week…..instead of measuring at 36 weeks like he should have, he measured 37 weeks. We’ll see what tomorrow brings…..

I do have contractions consistently every day now. I still get Braxton hicks mostly but throughout the day I’ll also get the painful, cramping contractions that could be changing my cervix. They come almost like clockwork in the middle of the night. However, they are all still very irregular in general and never stay longer then 1-2 hours at a time.

Pre-term labor??......Nope, all good :o)

2008-06-24T00:00:00.007-05:00

Last week we had a bit of a scare. I thought I might have been in pre-term labor. I was having quite a few contractions and thought my water might have been leaking. I called my midwives who had me come into the birth center to get checked out. Naturally, by the time I got there, I was certain I was wasting everyones' time. As bad as I felt for that, I was really hoping I was indeed doing just that. I had all the usual tests which showed all was still well in preggo land and I could rest easy. YAY!!! I was even told I could water ski all I wanted! WOOHOO!! Don't freak out......I explained what a boom was and that I was only going to do that. I won't be throwing any 180's on the wake board this summer. ;o) LOL

Marc did a photo shoot with Gwendolyn and I. I'm 31 weeks PG and Gwendolyn is 27 months in these photos.

Swimming with cousins

2008-06-14T09:41:00.006-05:00

Jumping to Greyson

Jumping to Duncan

Horseplay with Delaney

Greyson takes Gwendolyn for a ride around the pool

Swim Lessons!

2008-06-14T09:22:00.005-05:00

Our friends from playgroup that took lessons with us

Gwendolyn swims under the water!

We waited in the baby pool for lessons to start every day and Gwendolyn surely enjoyed passing the time in there. My kid LOVES the water!

Mother's Day playdate

2008-06-06T23:57:00.002-05:00

Mommy gets really happy when I agree to wear my sunnies. She says my eyeballs won't burn that way. LOL I think she's silly.

Takin' my buddy Andrew for a drive
I love playing at the water table, especially with all my friends!!

Night time pics

2008-06-06T23:32:00.005-05:00

Lovin' my leapfrog computer "Thank you mama and baba"

Our sleeping beauty

Sweet Berry Farm, April 08

2008-05-28T20:54:00.004-05:00

We went to the strawberry farm and had a great time!!

The Fair, March 08

2008-05-27T15:57:00.009-05:00

Gwendolyn wasn't nervous at all when feeding the animals

She really enjoyed all the animals, I'm not sure she had a favorite.

Riding the pony was a big hit. There was almost a major tantrum when I had to pull her off him.

March Birthday Post

2008-05-27T15:00:00.007-05:00

I thought I'd share a few pics from Gwendolyn's and Ken's birthdays

Happy 2nd Birthday Gwendolyn!!! March 23rd

Gwendolyn's 2 year photos (Taken by Grandpa Marc of course) :o)

Happy Birthday Ken!!! March 28th

There's a name on the table!!!

2008-05-22T17:42:00.004-05:00

Ken and I have decided that we both think "Lincoln Charles" is a pretty cool name. His nickname would be "Link" (as in Zelda) ;o) We still have a few months to think about it and consider other options but, this is the closest we've come to a name for our boy so, for now, we're running with it.

Having sprinkler park fun

2008-05-21T23:34:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, we are very active with our local playgroup. One of our favorite places when it's hot is the sprinkler park. Here are a few pics of our fun this week.

Let's try this again

2008-05-21T23:30:00.003-05:00

I'm really hoping I can find the time to better learn how to use blogger and start updating our blog on a regular basis. I do miss our website it many ways. Hopefully this will be a fun way to keep everyone updated and I'll be able to keep up on it and not disappoint anyone.

Gwendolyn's sibling will arrive in August!!!

2008-01-21T22:58:00.000-06:00

We are very excited about Gwen getting a sibling by the end of August. She of course has no clue and would probably say, "Um yeah, and what makes you think I want to share my stuff??" I know Marley and Lucy can't wait for another toddler in the house to terrorize them. LOL! I've had my first appointment at the birth center we are going with this time and it was great. The ultrasound showed a happy, healthy and growing baby.