tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335606502024-03-20T03:30:27.574-04:00p.cutePatiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.comBlogger468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-5830829822789188742017-09-02T17:04:00.000-04:002017-09-02T17:04:54.527-04:00A Birth Story: Philippa Sarah Rose
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I really wanted my little Pippa to come on July 20<sup>th</sup>.
My other two kids were born on a multiple of 5 day and that’s exactly what I wanted
for my third. Instead I had to settle for a hot and stormy July 21<sup>st</sup>,
which was my due date, so I really shouldn't complain. I’m really glad she wasn’t overdue but still… a day
early would have made all my neurotic number fantasies come true. </div>
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The day Pippa was born was a good day. All the bathrooms had
been recently cleaned, all laundry folded and put away, floors swept, mopped,
and vacuumed, dusting complete, fridge full. Dan even took Jude to his school
that morning for Kindergarten Screening and to our delight he placed in the
gifted Kindergarten class! If I can’t brag about a gifted Kindergarten class,
what is there actually left in life? Jude, 5 years old and already gifted.
Gifted in yelling was previously what I thought, but I guess being
able to count to 39 unassisted as a 5 year old gets you places. Really, I’d
like to thank the poor kid that left his digital Timex watch at the park for
that gifted placement. I heard what exact minute it was throughout the hours
for days after that find and now Jude has to work extra hard in Kindergarten. How
did this turn into a post about my sweet baby boyfriend? Pippa, back to you.</div>
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I went in for my 40 week appointment Friday morning and
pleaded my case to the midwife about why she should strip my membranes. I have
never been more swollen as I was during Pippa’s pregnancy. I swear I could
barely recognize my limbs and face. My Birkenstocks were fitting super tight,
and they have always been a safe bet, even for people with hobbit feet like
myself. Those were just a few of my grievances, and also it was my due date.
Apparently there is new research out that is showing membrane stripping to not
be very effective or blah, blah, blah. It still sounds stupid to me. She
checked me though and I was 5 cm dilated and 90% effaced, so she said as long
as I swear to tell no other midwife at the practice she’d strip ‘em. Mischief
managed! That was 9 am and by noon I was having contractions every 8-10
minutes. They weren’t very painful
though so I didn’t really start paying attention to them until a few hours
later. </div>
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At around 4pm we took the kids to a dear friend’s house.
Sweet little Greta could tell something was different and she was refusing to
get out of the car. Of course it made me cry, cry, cry, and I just held her so
dear and tight while she felt all her emotions too. But I guess 3 minutes after
we left, that fair-weathered 2 year old forgot all about how much she loved her
mama and went all Elmira on Maggie, my friend’s English Bulldog. I shall
remember this, GRETA. Besides that, the handoff went really well and I knew I
didn’t need to worry about my bigger kids. </div>
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Then Dan and I headed off to the hospital. Contractions
weren’t too terrible, pain level was about a 6 and they were coming about 6-8
minutes apart. Triage was fun and I learned I was 6 cm and 100% effaced. I
liked the triage nurse, met the midwife on call and her student, then off to my
labor and delivery room. Contractions slowly started to progress but it took a
long time. We hung out with the student midwife, Sydney, walked the halls, and rested.
My water had yet to break and I think the cushion of the liquid helped my
contractions seem more manageable than I had previously experienced. So that
was a nice bonus. Dan and I walked the halls for a good 2 hours and I would
slow down every time a contraction came or I’d lean against the wall. We walked
the same loop, the chatter and busy computer noises from the nursing station in
the background serving as good distraction, and wondering what some of the odd
art on the walls was supposed to mean. </div>
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Now I just gotta say it. I LOVE hospitals. I also love
midwifery. I’m so glad that I can feel 100% safe in a hospital with my choice
of provider. I totally have anxiety, and for me, I just don’t think I could
ever go on living if something happened to my baby and I did not have the
option of surgical intervention at my fingertips. Of course, I’ve never needed
that but I’m so grateful the option was always there. Becoming a mother changes
you so much. All of a sudden you know exactly what you would be missing out on
if anything happened to your baby or you. And all of a sudden you have
anxiety. </div>
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For me, a hospital + midwife is the best recipe to ease my
fears and help my labor to progress. I love those fluorescent lights, the noise
and chatter, I don’t even mind being woken up every hour to check my vitals and
bleeding. I’m all like, “If I’m hemorrhaging, please let me know! Check again!
Are you sure you got enough blood in that draw? Take a few more cc’s, you never
know! Is that microscopic blood clot too big? Should you just confirm my blood
pressure is normal one more time? My legs were crossed, let me uncross them and
breathe deeply and this time I’ll stop talking.” Ha ha ha. Do all the things you
need to. Do them twice! But give me my damn midwife, also. I have been
fortunate to never endure a bad hospital experience, I admit. My dad is a
doctor and I grew up around medical talk, a medical office, going to the
hospital with him when he was on call, watching him stitch up a few people here
and there… I guess I’m pretty used to it. So for me, give me all the modern advancements,
because I want/need them when I want/need them. For me, midwives are the
perfect liaison for that and although I’m a little bit of a medical neurotic,
they’ve always put up with me. Bless their hearts. You should probably count
your blessings I’ve never been a patient of yours. Maybe not though, cause I’m
like really really good at doing everything a provider tells me to – I’m pretty
sure it’s a side affect of my anxiety. </div>
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Okay, so. After walking the halls for a while we headed back
to my room and I just wanted to lie down and rest. About an hour passed and
then contractions started to get really intense. It was okay though, I’m a good
breather. I’m concentrating through contractions, and trying to conserve my
energy. All the while it felt so surreal to actually be in an L&D room,
laboring to bring a child into the world. Laboring makes me feel so connected
to every other woman that has ever given birth and also to every orangutan.
Those grunts, lady. In between contractions I was dumbfounded that it was
actually me. Having a contraction! About to meet another human being! Who was
in my uterus! How did I turn into a laboring adult female so damn fast? And
then I wanted some fentanyl. You know, I’ve heard so much about it on the news
and I was just so curious. They had an IV catheter in a vein on my wrist,
should it be needed, making it just so easy for me to give this famous drug a
little whirl in a completely legal and supervised situation. And according to
my itemized hospital bill one dose for me was only $72.15. What’s the going
rate on the street? IDK, but $72.15 seems pretty good to see how it makes me
feel. It made me feel really dizzy. Unfortunately my contractions still hurt
like a contraction does during transition, but I got to be dizzy at the same
time. I go back and forth on whether or not the fentanyl took the edge off and
I guess because I’m still wondering I’d have to say no or only a very small
amount. Oh well. Glad I got to
take a hit and try it out. </div>
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After the dizzies wore off I said “I want an epidural and I
want it fast and now.” So in comes my midwife and guess who is 10 cm and whose
baby would be born long before they could even run fluids on me and get an anesthesiologist
for me. This girl was! I was so goddamn mad at my midwife when she told me
that. “Lies!! All of them!” I remember thinking, why do I wait so long, and
also frantically thinking there was no way on earth I could do what I had to do.
And then the urge to push was so great I couldn’t even stop it. Pushing happens
to me, like someone getting hit by a bus. </div>
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As Pippa was crowning I remember mixing in some really
emotional tears with my pushing. On the third push my water broke and I think
it was the fourth or fifth push that delivered my sweet Philippa. With Jude and
Greta, my waters had broken well before giving birth. For Pippa, because my
water broke like a freaking huge water balloon right before she was born, it felt
like I was giving birth to a very slippery giant squid. At 10:34 pm she was
born. I remember asking if that was it, and if she was okay. Dan placed a tiny little
7 pound, 9 ounce girl in my arms where I looked at her up and down and side
ways, then, matter of factly, decided that even though I’m too old for this, I
did love her, surprise baby and all. I was really, really rooting for those
hormones to come through. Thank you body! Oh! I DIDN’T TEAR. I honestly cannot
believe my luck. </div>
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I love being in the hospital snuggling my babies. For me, it’s
really relaxing. I love to spend all the time there that my insurance company
will let me. When Philippa was barely a day old I remember being up with her at
all hours. The monsoons were so strong that night it smelt like rain in room
number 110. I’d breathe in the fresh rain and then the fresh baby, with thunder
in my ears and lightning in my eyes. Dan was sleeping at home with our big
babies so it was just little Pippa and I – cuddling and loving on each other in
the dim light during a big storm. So magical I’ll never forget it. </div>
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Now our sweet Philippa Sarah Rose is 5 weeks, almost 6 weeks
old. She’s been a great little baby. We had her tongue and lip tie released at
1 week old, which was both heartbreaking and a smart decision, and she is nursing
and growing really well! Jude and Greta both adore her and really don’t mind
that she’s around. Jude loves her because she is so cute and doesn’t take his
stuff (his words). Greta loves her because she’s a baby. I make enough milk to
feed quintuplets but I’m working on decreasing my supply. It’s so painful and
my poor boobs are really gonna take a hit after this nursing journey is done. SIGH.
Having her around has been pretty good. Dan had 3 weeks paternity leave, and
that was such a special time for us. The kids were so confused when he had to
go back to work. So was I. </div>
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Things are going well though. I almost find myself waiting
for the other shoe to drop. Three kids is busy, but not bad at all. We just
have to do things right then and there when the moment presents. I did have to
get a day planner like some idiot though. Two kids was fun. I could handle it
without a planner and I always liked it when I’d be “surprised” about
something. Oh we have a play date today? A doctor appointment? It’s soccer
registration already?! Huh? Now nothing is a surprise and these events emerge
in a much more boring, less exciting, more calculated manner. I’ll miss being
slightly surprised about most things in my life. Things must be written down,
checked and double-checked now. I rather enjoyed my aloof days of 2 kids, but I
guess if I get a Pippa I’ll take 3 any day. BUT THAT’S IT, WORLD. </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-10852412913702147732016-02-24T21:23:00.002-05:002016-02-24T21:23:51.126-05:00Boo Hoo, 11 Months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Gretie Spaghetti is ELEVEN months old now. Wow. I know it goes by fast but when you are actually experiencing it, it goes by even faster. I took a nap, woke up, and all of a sudden I almost have a one year old. Mind blown.<br />
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I don't mind that she's 11 months old though. She is still just as dreamy as she was on day one. Oh, it's time to stop waxing poetic because GRETA CAN WALK. She took her first steps on Superbowl Sunday at ten and a half months. For the first ten days or so she still preferred to crawl, only taking 3-4 steps at a time but now if she can walk it she walks it. Her steps are a little wobbly and <span style="background-color: white;">punchy but she gets the job done. It's so strange to see such a young baby walking around our apartment. I see her go by and I always do a double take, like who dat?! Oh my sweet walking Greta. She does not have teeth though but she can walk... ha ha. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Greta still loves Jude. This is a good thing. Jude still loves Greta. Also a good thing. Sometimes he gets a little frustrated with her but I think it's cute and also just what he deserves. I mean, does he even know what he put us through?? Karma's a B kid. Nah, Jude was a wonderful baby and oh how I miss that baby boyfriend of mine. If I'm playing with Jude, Greta is right behind me ready to crawl all over us so she's in on the action too. It's really so sweet. Greta also still loves me. If I don't shut the door when I'm using the bathroom it's only a matter of seconds until I have someone wanting to play with my undies. I've gotten much better at shutting the door. Now that she can walk she loves grabbing my legs to get my attention - when I'm cooking, doing dishes, walking, Greta is right there holding on.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">What else... bath time is still a hit, but now Greta insists on standing up most of bath time so her baths have gotten noticeably shorter. When she's actually sitting in the tub she loves to blow bubbles in the water and take little sips here and there. We are really encouraging Jude to not pee in the water. She babbles like a brook but no distinct words yet. She has a few baby girl toys to play with but Greta definitely prefers Jude's superhero toys. If you asked Greta she'd tell you just how delicious and chewable they are... mmmm.... that Martian Manhunter! She loves to chew on a good Superman but Greta loves food even more. Of course, she still has no teeth, but she can gum up anything. She usually gums up her veggies and then spits them out but will eat almost anything else. So I still give her veggie purees here and there because she will eat those. Greta loves a good smoothie as well so I've been sneaking veggies in those. Feeding kids is still a pain in the ass but at least this one likes to eat. I'm 1 for 2 people, that's progress. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And lets take some time to talk about my sweet Jude boy as well. He figures things out pretty fast these days, draws conclusions, and makes logical bridges between ideas. It's so neat to watch his little brain working. Jude is in love with super heros, good guys, and bad guys. He's having a little Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kick right now and can sing the old school cartoon song form start to finish. He's a great talker but still says "mine" instead of "my" and we refuse to correct him because it's so sweet and endearing. I'll leave that up to society. When he just can't believe it, or is really excited he loves to say "Oh. Mine. Gosh." and it's so cute. For whatever reason Jude really believes he's the smartest person in the world (hold on there kid) but while driving the other day he said "well, I'm the smartest boy in the whole world, I know everything, except math. No one taught me math yet." I told him I can teach him math but he insisted that his teachers need to teach it to him, so whatever. I'll be there for you though when you need to divide fractions, sweetie pie. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This little family of mine has my heart. This early phase of motherhood has been so good. These little kids of mine, it's impossible to describe the love I feel for them. I know everyday and every moment I have with them is a gift and it will never happen. I just want to remember it all because everyday they get a little older and a little different but I guess that's beautiful too. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-72145685924731170862016-01-31T20:42:00.000-05:002016-01-31T20:42:49.860-05:00A 10 month post 11 days late! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ten months is far too old to be, <i>Greta</i>, but I guess I'll allow it. I have no choice.</div>
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The other day we were driving through a spaghetti bowl of over passes, listening to some music while the kids were babbling in the back, and it all made me so happy. It was a 'pinch yourself' moment and I just couldn't believe I am where I am in life. I have two beautiful, precious kids! One is rather loud and likes to stomp when he's upset, but if that is the worst of it, I'll take it. The other one is a smiley, sweet girl, with plump little thighs, that loves to giggle and tries to do everything herself. Oh mah sweet babies!<br />
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Well, at ten months Greta is standing on her own with wobbles here and there. She takes steps with her little walker toy and while holding on to furniture. We are pretty sure she calls me "mum mum mum mum", so maybe that's her first word but maybe it's not, she won't say. She loves to mimic sounds you make, play games with her binkie, and still loves her big brother. Greta honestly cannot take her eyes off him. She absolutely loves bath time with Jude. He makes her giggle and they splash the whole time. Greta also likes to dip her face in the bath water and wether she is trying to take a sip or see how it feels on her face, I don't know, but she does a cute little sputter every time. If Jude isn't with us she is always looking for him. And that Jude boy, he loooooves his baby sister, sometimes even softly and gently! He has to start his day off by kissing her on the forehead, because if he kisses her on the lips he gets too "goobey" (his words). Jude does not like goobey things, and he especially does not like it when Greta gets his toys goobey. Those are some difficult times. </div>
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Recently my sweet baby Greta has turned into a grump a lump when she is put in her car seat. Awe man. Do I ever have to carefully wrestle her to strap her in and she cries and cries. But once we get going she's just back there babbling to herself and watching Jude. Jude likes to point out to Greta that he is very good at being strapped in and does not cry and that she should be the same way. Keep teaching her Jude. I'm not going to hold my breath. </div>
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Greta is doing a little better with food. I give her what we eat and sometimes she likes it, sometimes she doesn't. I've been pushing blueberries on the kid for awhile and she finally tried them and seemed to like them- she's like that. I'll give her something and she takes days to finally try it. Honestly, feeding babies is such a pain in the ass. There! I said it! I'm looking forward to easier eating days, for both my kids. Good grief. Eat the food, CHILDREN.<br />
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My heart about stops dead when she waves. Greta is expert at waving which is best exhibited when she first wakes up. She is standing ready with her right hand waving back and forth as fast as permitted, smiling ear to ear. It's really so sweet. She will sometimes wave to strangers but mostly to us when we come and go. A wave is usually followed by some clapping because she's so proud of herself. Well, we were so proud of her when she figured waving out we would exclaim "Yay!!" and start clapping. It goes hand in hand. Ohhhh it's so sweet. I said that twice. That is just how sweet it is folks.<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-6326846579593966832016-01-14T22:25:00.000-05:002016-01-14T22:25:09.988-05:009 MONTHS!Oh wow, here we are. Another month, another update. Time keeps marching on. I was looking at my sweet baby today, or maybe yesterday, and marveling at how large she is getting. The other day she let me rock her to sleep instead of pushing away from me and lunging for her crib. Her sweet chubby legs wrapped around me, past my hip is where her piggies lay, and her tired head rested in the crook of my arm. My sleeping baby in my arms feels so magical. I'm so mad at time. It feels like just yesterday I was snuggling my little baby blob, who, by the way, did not lunge off of me for her crib; and now I'm snuggling an almost one year old. Boo hoo hoo. Oh but I love her just the same, and really, she's kinda a little shrimpy so she seems a little younger to me than she actually is. I am really glad she is a good sleeper though, but ohhhhh time, give me back my sweet baby blob. (I like to call them baby blobs when they don't really move.) Is there anything better than a baby blob? There is not.<br />
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Our Greta Ann. Oh she is a happy baby. She is constantly on the move. If we are all in a room and she isn't, it's just a matter of seconds before you hear her pitter patter crawling to meet us all. Greta likes to pull herself up onto anything and everything. Thankfully, she is understanding gravity a little better and has had fewer accidents with it. Except today she bumped that head of hers twice so maybe I shouldn't speak so fast. My busy little baby, she wants to know what everything is, where everyone is, and what everything feels like if she puts it in her mouth. Kill me now she is so cute. GRRRREEEEEETTTTAAAA! Really, you'd have to prove to me that there is a baby girl more loved than this one.<br />
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Food. She is loving almost everything she tries. She's eating more table food these days which has been a lot of fun. And also messy. She still gets some purees here and there just to make sure she's gotten enough but so far Greta agrees with food and it with her. Some of her favorite things to eat include cheese, cheerios, gnawing on fruit and veggies, brown rice pasta and sauce, sprouted wheat toast... oh, she had some Christmas ham dinner and loved almost everything I put on her tray. Greta also loves squishing up all the food in her hands. I think I'd like that too if I were a baby. Mmmmmm squishy...... What kind of foods does your baby like? I need more ideas!<br />
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--This was in my drafts since December, just waiting for me to post... so post I did. sorry about all the delays. It was written in time for her 9 month mark in life. Sigh. Nine months in, nine months out. --<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-27227752794941183172015-11-23T17:05:00.000-05:002015-11-23T17:05:34.010-05:00EIGHT MONTHSOh look, I'm getting busy on the ole' blog again. It's because my sweet little pile of smiles and coos is eight months old! My dear friend had a baby just yesterday and I feel like that should be me. I should be the one holding that sweet little baby blob against my chest. Oh well. I love Greta just the same and am just as grateful for her as I was the day she was was born, even though she is probably double her birth weight and will no longer curl up on my chest. Apparently there is far too much for her to do now. <br />
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Greta gives the best smiles. One of my favorite smiles of hers is the good morning salute. Dan brings her to our bedroom and as soon as she sees me her arms start flapping, her big bright eyes turn into tiny squints, and her mouth opens so wide surely you'd think donuts were involved. She likes to paw at my face and then quickly moves on to more important things. The tags on the pillows, Dan's nose, or the cord for the blinds are all big draws. That morning salute, it's oh so sweet. "Good morning Mother, today is a happy day!" I just know that's what she's trying to say. </div>
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Without consulting her parents, approximately four days ago, this little girl started pulling herself up on to anything that can be pulled upon. It was so rude, her growing up without consent. From month 6-7 she still wasn't sitting up on her own, rather reclining as nudes do, at almost exactly 7 months she figured enough was enough and learned how to take a good sit, and now, almost 8 months on the button she is pulling to standing. And I'm tear-faced emoji all day long about it all. She pulls herself up on the coffee table, the kids Poang chair, the kitchen step stool, the ball table, the book shelf, the pantry shelf, ... the couch - but that one's not near as successful. The thing is, once she's up she doesn't really know how to do anything else, but she did master the graceful fall about two days ago so at least less crying is involved. </div>
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Greta still loves her brother. Jude loves to climb into her crib with her when I retrieve her from a nap and smother her in loves. Sometimes he loves too hard. Jude is also very good at telling and showing her what toys she can and cannot play with. He does not like it when I correct him by saying she can play with allllll the toys, but oh well. He already didn't enjoy sharing so it's really no big deal. The other day Jude had some ice cream in the car and gave Greta a lick!!! Neither Dan nor I noticed until it was too late. Jude was so proud, it was hard to be upset. Jude's report was "she liked it, she just licked it up" and then he proceeded to slurp like a baby. My big baby and my little baby. I love them. </div>
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And also we moved to Maryland. It was so difficult to say goodbye to a place and people that we love dearly but so far things a state up have been good. We are just trying to find Jude some friends, which always takes time. Yesterday at the park as we pulled up I told him some kids were there and his reply was "oh good, then I can make some friends!" It kind of broke my heart but also I know he's doing fine. Why just this afternoon I was his friend and we played and played while Greta slumbered. Preschool will probably start next week for him so hopefully there will be some little friends to invite to his birthday party in March. He talks about his birthday a lot and he is a little concerned about the guest list, if I'm being honest. </div>
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So Greta is 8 months old, Jude is adorable, and we moved. Life. {pictures come soon.... i hope}</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-13969526327185287482015-10-14T20:40:00.000-04:002015-10-14T20:40:28.385-04:006 1/2 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am terrible at getting these things out in time, which annoys me. I wrote monthly for Jude and I want to do the same for sweet Greta. And, I had something funny to blog about, though "oh I should make a note of that idea," while having an extra hot shower the other day, never did make that note, and now I forget what I was going to say. But I know it was funny, so you can laugh if you want.<br />
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Okay. Greta is adorable. I think she is made of pure brownie batter, she is just so yummy. And she can CRAWL. She started at 6 months old, no joke. A little earlier than I expected but I don't even mind as it is the cutest thing ever to watch. She's like a baby Godzilla, terrorizing all of Jude's toys, and it's hilarious. Sometimes Jude is fine with it and other times he gets all red in the face and says "Grrrrrrrrrreeeeta!". Ha ha ha. I love it. She still can't quite sit up on her own, but has mastered the 'reclining nude' stance, a la George Costanza. And you know, it really gets the job done. I need to get a picture of that because it kills me. I'm her mother though, everything she does makes me want to drop dead because she is so sweet and cute I can't take it anymore. With Jude and Greta around I just don't know how I'm still alive, breathing and blinking. They KILL me dead in mah tracks all day long. Like I've said before, I really love this mom gig, way more than I ever thought I would. Oh! She is also eating food a little here and there! So far she likes sweet potato and carrots with a no thank you ma'am to the butternut squishy squash. She will also gnaw on pear and apple slices (with much supervision) and seems to really enjoy those. I'm going to devote more time to her food in the next week as right now she's just eating one 'meal' a day and I know she'd like more. So on to that.<br />
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Greta is a baby full of smiles. She is pretty calm and typically only cries when we have stretched her awake time a little too far. Greta loves her Jude brother. He can make her smile and coo just my entering the room. Jude loves to kiss her and try to pick her up. Greta is a baby on the move who prefers to be crawling around rather than in any contraption, even if you can jump in it. She still has no teeth!! I'm slightly concerned but I know I don't need to be. She loves her mommy but she also loves her daddy, which is awesome. We had her cry it out a few weeks ago and she did great! Going to bed is easy these days and if she fusses at night she typically just needs a little cuddle and she's off to dreamland again. In my sleeping stupor, I sometimes pull her into bed with us but she really prefers to be on her own, both breaking my heart and making me so happy. Babies are little for far too short a time.<br />
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Dan and I have been eating really healthy the past few weeks and I'm so proud of us. I've been learning a lot about food and what my body needs and I love it. So does my rump. I'm really hoping I keep this up and continue to be brave about trying new whole, healthy recipes even if they look weird. What I really want to do is eat mashed potatoes and grilled cheese sandwiches all day long but who doesn't. I've found out I actually do like sweet potatoes (yams, technically) and they do make a great base for a meal. THIS IS MONUMENTAL. Previously, I did not believe this. Now to just keep the wheel in motion- I can do it!<br />
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Jude is our little dude and I sure love him as well. He is loving preschool, except for on Tuesday when he told me he didn't want to go because his "feelings [were] tired." Jude loves anything Star Wars, which I do not love. I'm learning though and still, it is rather annoying. He is really good at imagination play with his cars, Transformers, Avengers toys, blocks... it's really fun to watch. He often makes them talk and then says ".... , said Ironman", like he's reading a book. It's really sweet. He is yelling less and less in other kids faces, which is so great. He's never been a hitter, pusher, or biter, but.... that kid can yell. It's his thing I guess and he is doing it less and less. We recently took him to Build-A-Bear and this kid loves his stuffies. It's sweet to see him care for Closing Stuffer (what the heck kind of name is that, Jude??), he makes him little beds, hugs him really tight and while closing his eyes says "ohhh I love you so much!". I love Jude so much, we love Jude so much. Kids.<br />
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A couple sweet things he said: The other day he had a rough morning and was not being very nice to me. When I dropped him off at preschool he gave me a big hug and whispered in my ear, "I'm sorry I was so mean to you this morning..." and, again, I almost died it was so sweet. Then at the park with Dan the other day, Dan was at the bottom of a tube slide making silly sounds that travelled up the slide and Jude was at the top with another kid. He said to the other kid "oh, that's my dad, he makes funny jokes, and tells funny stories, and he's funny." Oh Jude, stay little forever, kid.<br />
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So that's that. My kids are getting bigger and bigger. It's really nice to be the one to care for them on a daily basis. I'm grateful for the opportunity even though it comes at a high cost. Babies, babies, babies!<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-33276356584931439482015-08-20T08:32:00.000-04:002015-08-20T15:33:32.913-04:00And Now She's Five Months Old<br />
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GRETA!!! Baby lady, you are 5 (I would like to use the F word as an adjective here, but will refrain) months old. Seriously, my mind is blown. We have made it almost half a year. And just to let you know, my Gretie Spaghetti, I am still pumping milk for you 5 times/day. I love you that much. It really sucks, but I love you more than it sucks. You will, however, nurse your left big toe and I am honestly offended and jealous of that piggie. That piggie is <i>not</i> going to the Market anytime soon. You are a champ at rolling over and once you have done it a few times and you are on your tummy you dig those little feet into the ground, stick up that little tush and grunt and groan, trying with all your might to propel forward. It is so cute, I even let you get a little frustrated doing it because I'm so tired I need something to make me laugh... where do you think you're going anyway? My poor kids. I mean, what kind of mother does this kind of stuff? I do! And one of my friends recently told me I'm a 'fun mom', so I'm not going to stop. You laugh and you giggle and it is so sweet, my black heart turns pink for a few minutes and prickles recede. The best way to make you laugh and smile is to make a modified monkey sound, to repeatedly kiss your chubby little thighs or cheeks, or to have you watch Jude do anything. We all love you soooooooooooooo much. Oh baby, we are glad you are here.<br />
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Happy happy 5 months to you. We are anxiously awaiting your teeth. </div>
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Okay, onward we go. Jude is, of course, super cute these days too. He talks and talks, likes to 'joke' Dan and I, will do anything for a lollipop, and knows who is an Avenger and who is not. He's really interested in spelling and what letter a word starts with. His repertoire of songs he can sing is slowly growing and he can hold the tune pretty well for a Three Three. And we got rid of his binky/soother ages ago.... but sometimes the binky fairy brings it back when extra hard days hit and Dan does not like this. My favorite thing is when he starts really laughing on his own. Usually America's Funniest Videos will get him going and it is so incredibly adorable. Jude is also really good at playing make believe these days, all on his own too. He's so sweet when he does it, he will say "Hulk is angry again, said Ironman," like he's reading a book. It is so endearing.<br />
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My heart is full. My days are full. I am exhausted. I love these sweet little people. My back aches. My eyes pulsate. I am spent. This is what anxiously engaged in a good cause looks like for my life right now and I love it, I love this full, exhausting life.<br />
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(I'm getting a massage this weekend to help with a few of those things.)<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-80079091858188617312015-08-04T16:12:00.001-04:002015-08-04T16:12:21.966-04:00I'm just blogging here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel like I can't trust anyone anymore. It's been terribly heartbreaking. I really thought and I really believed that Scott Disick was playing the part of bad boyfriend for the show. I mean, why would someone stay with someone like him? He is in fact quite funny and entertaining but I guess he really is somewhat of a rotten little turd. Which breaks my heart because now everything I thought about Reality TV is probably not true. So it's not scripted, so there are not roles that need to be played, so these are indeed their actual lives and their actual realities. Hold the phone please, I need some time to sit down and process this, collect my thoughts, and figure out how I am going to continue living. Just when you think life has thrown you enough curve balls, right??! How could all that be real, honestly. Entertaining, yes, but real... I was okay with it not being real. But now this one thing makes all of it feel so real and is now hard to process. They actually live like that. Mind blown. My escape looks so different to me now.<br />
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So those are the deep dark thoughts in my sleep deprived mind these days. We had a friend over for dinner and he was very knowledgable about the current state of American Politics. I am not. I just think Donald Trump could be a pretty fun President, but beyond that I'm just not that interested. The next day Jude was asking me what I knew. After already feeling a little silly for really knowing zilch about politics I was like... what the eff do I know? And then I wanted to get smart again. I want to sit down with a thought provoking book and think about things like I used to. I want to have some original ideas and do things with them. But then I fell asleep because I was so tired. I think this season of my life is about my family, and me (of course), but it's all just a little different than it used to be. I wonder what it would be like to work full time and have babies- would work be the stimulation that I am craving or would I just be tired doing something else as opposed to just being tired in my day to day life. Who knows. Maybe I'll get smart again and find out.<br />
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What else. I love my sweet little babies. I put Greta in the park swing yesterday and it pleased me. I didn't swing her because I thought she would slip right through those leg holes and I don't want a pancake baby. Jude sure loves 'his' baby. When she finally wakes up he gets so excited and says in his baby voice "Ohhhhhhhhh awwwwweeee my sweet little baby is awake! Just look at those cute toes! Ohhhhhhh I love her so much!" It is basically what dreams are made of. I can always tell if he's been kissing her as forehead will have some kind of residue- crumbs, chocolate smear, a little peanut butter.. just depends on the day.<br />
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Well, some things that I do know for sure include: the smell of clean children coming out of the bath, how to make a certain 4 month old laugh and giggle, how to coax Jude into a late afternoon nap, how to expertly cuddle, what it feels like to have their sweet little hands curled up in mine. Those really are great things to know... one day I'll remember them but it won't be the same as knowing them as I do now.<br />
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<br />Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-69977895190507718342015-07-23T09:07:00.000-04:002015-07-23T09:07:01.157-04:00Four Months Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well. Did the you-know-what ever hit the fan at two months old. Here is a very long story made short.<br />
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Poor Greta was tongue tied but it went undiagnosed and untreated until she was about 2 months old when she stopped gaining weight. She could have stopped gaining before that, but that was when we had a doctor appointment and saw the numbers. My heart just sank when she was placed on the scale and I realized she had gained only 6 or so ounces since her last visit. Sad face. We have been through a lot over here and it's still not resolved. We had her posterior tongue tie and her upper lip tie revised by laser on June 24th and she is still learning how to suck properly. She was an older baby for the procedure and has been pretty slow to learn how to use her new, longer, tongue. Damn that muscle memory. She is seeing a chiropractor which is suppose to help loosen up all the muscles that she was using to compensate for her little tongue and we are on the waiting list to be seen at the feeding and swallowing clinic at the hospital here. I feel like I'm in Canada, being on some medical wait list! And people say health care is so much better in the US. I think it's pretty much the same just with different challenges.<br />
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With her poor sucking abilities I'm still pumping all the live long day and she takes a bottle. I'd really like to nurse her because Jude and I enjoyed it for so long and I really want that same relationship with Greta. I don't know if it's realistic anymore though. I've been pumping for almost 2 months as at the beginning of June Greta started refusing to nurse because it was too physically difficult for her. Ohhhhh my poor baby! And, according to the Lactation Consultant that is about when my milk supply started to level out and it was even harder for Greta to get milk because it did not flow as freely. I'm pretty torn up about it all and mostly in the anger phase of grieving- I'm so effing mad at the hospital staff. No one who examined her there caught her posterior tongue tie. Not the pediatrician who examined and discharged her, the lactation consultant we saw there, the nurses... and I was none the wiser. If you are about to have a baby demand that your sweet little one be examined for lip ties, anterior and posterior tongue ties, if you want to nurse. I feel like our nursing relationship was just taken away from us. If babies have a revision when they are just days old they typically bounce right back and nurse like champs. I want two babies people, I can't just go having a third because I want to nurse. So I'm pumping. Oh am I pumping. I'll give it another month of appointments, therapy and prayer, and pumping but then I'll probably start supplementing and pumping less as I'm going slightly insane. I really hope she can learn to nurse properly but right now she typically gets frustrated and upset when she tries :/. We keep trying though- gently, patiently, and slowly as I don't want her to have an aversion to nursing. Like I said, I just don't know if nursing is even realistic for us anymore... I am so mad and oh so sad. </div>
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That there is a long story, thanks for staying with me. </div>
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Greta turned 4 months old yesterday though (well a couple days ago, I haven't had a chance to finish this post...). And she is just the sweetest little thing. She loves her mother with a fierce devotion, poor Dan, poor anyone else. She smiles all the time and loves watching Jude. She typically wakes up really happy- cooing and singing her songs. She still sleeps in her bassinet in our bedroom as I just can't bare her to be too far away from me yet and she is still waking up at least once during the night. I honestly don't know when I'll put her in the crib. She is gaining weight now that I pump and give her a bottle, so she has the cutest little rolly polly's that are far too kissable. Between pumping, mugging on my baby, all her appointments, and still being in complete adoration of my Jude boy, things like my baseboards have gone completely neglected and also my hair. Somehow though, I've still managed to get meals on the table. I'm a ravenous pumping mother, I guess. I want to eat all the time, no I need to eat all the time! Greta is almost rolling over, but not quite yet. She doesn't have any teeth but is constantly chomping on her little hands so something must be going on in her gingiva. We shall see! Jude got his first tooth at 4 months almost to the day. Gosh we just love this little girl. Babies are a lot of work, things never turn out how you want them too, but behind the work and perhaps the frustrations, lies love, and so very much of it. <br />
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Four months of Greta and we can't wait for more.<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-59331164393929078862015-05-20T17:02:00.000-04:002015-05-20T17:02:15.685-04:00TWO MONTHS OLD and other musings My sweet Great Girl is T W O months old! I can hardly believe it. She is a wonderful little thing and of course, a wonderful cliche, we love her to bits. Ohhhhh Greta!!!<br />
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Right now things are still pretty chill. My sweet newborn is starting to wake up to the world. She's smiling and cooing and tires her best to keep her eyes on that big brother of hers, which is hard, because he has ants in his pants. Ask him to check for the ants next time you see him, it's adorable. Little Greta wants to be held more these days but I don't even mind. My dishes may be piling up but so is my snuggle time, so who cares. This little lady will only snuggle me for so long. Well, Jude still snuggles the crap out of me when he gets the chance so maybe my snuggles with Greta will last just as long. If chance would fall upon me. </div>
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Today I was going through some old pictures of University, of Paris, of my mission, and so on and so forth, and I was so amazed at all the unique opportunities I've got to experience in my life so far. Life has so many different seasons and I do my best to enjoy each as much as I can. Looking at all the old pictures I was reminded of certain things I was hoping for and wanting to happing right then and next and tomorrow for goodness sake, and why not already. But, I was also reminded of the happiness, even the sadness, I had exactly at those moments and so grateful that I got to be there. I just really love life and everything all the time and POSTPARTUM HORMONES make me so gushy. Oh life is so beautiful. Are you rolling your eyes yet? I'll stop. I just love loving things. And now I have kids who get to experience that stuff too. It is all so beautiful. ..... even when it's not. </div>
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After much thought and soul searching I've decided to leave my blog public for now. I may not talk as much about my kids or put as many pictures of them on here, but I'll still be around, until I'm not. </div>
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News around here, I started to be serious about losing my baby/brownie weight. I call it that because 2 months in I'm pretty sure my body has rid itself of all the baby libbers and now we are working on what the brownies did to me. Well, I guess I let them.<br />
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I really believe I can stick to my healthy eating and exercise. In fact I know I can. Greta's birth was so cathartic for me and it gave me the confidence and strength I have been lacking for sometime. There is absolutely nothing wrong with epidurals and c-sections and pain medication. They are all amazing tools that help bring life into this world and I've used some of them myself. For Greta's birth though, It felt like my soul was in deep need of believing in itself again. I needed to believe that I was strong and I longed to see the proof. I needed a reboot. And good God, there is nothing like a natural labor to reboot oneself. I feel like I could wrestle a physical/mental Hulk and win. Anyway, in a very corny way I honestly feel like I'm drawing from Greta's birth experience to help me have the strength and will to feed my body what it needs to be healthy and strong. I'm harnessing that energy you guys, and I'm going to use it all over the place, not just in the kitchen, but, also in the kitchen. I'm pretty excited. When I get brave enough I'll post some before and after pictures.<br />
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And to take us out, Jude says the sweetest things these days. I love watching the wheels spin in his head as he puts things together. We were driving to Greta's 2 month check up today and a few minutes into the trip he says "Mom, will your stretching marks go away?" It was so sweet. I said yes, because, well, they do fade, which for me is as good as it's gonna get, and I don't even mind.<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-66462249448778364102015-05-04T15:31:00.001-04:002015-05-04T15:32:27.160-04:00PSAHello my dear readers!! If anyone is out there anymore ;).<br />
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I want to start blogging more for my family (family updates, journaling...) and I've made the decision to make this blog private, mostly so I can put more cute pictures of Jude in his underwear and not have it keep me up at night. I mean, pedophiles are real and my kids are too precious. </div>
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So, if you'd like to keep reading leave a comment with the email address you would like to use when checking my blog. You can also text or call me or FB me and let me know. If I don't know you and you want to keep reading just let me know you aren't a weirdo. I'll give it a couple of weeks. If you don't want to keep reading, no problem! I don't want you anyway... ha ha, jokes people. I know everyone is busy with their own lives, let alone keeping up with mine. I basically make time for The Kardashians and that's it these days... oh, and my sisters. </div>
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Well there it is. </div>
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xoxo pp</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-27758815069207641712015-04-10T15:22:00.000-04:002015-04-11T14:57:24.303-04:00Born On The First Day of SpringWhen I went to see my midwife on my due date for my 40 week appointment I told her that I have two special talents: making cookies and having over due children. But, considering Greta was barely even a day over due, I'm not sure I can count the latter anymore. Cookies though? Yes, I am still good at those.<br />
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There is something about giving birth that makes you want to turn around and do it all over again. At least for me that's how it is. I remember mentioning this to Dan the first time, when it was sweet little Jude in the bassinet beside my hospital bed three years ago. I felt the same way after Greta was born. Oh the love hormones! If somebody sold them on the street, I'd be an addict. Who wouldn't?!</div>
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A couple of months before Greta was born I was talking with one of the midwives about how I wanted to have a natural birth but was still nervous about all it entailed. I asked her what some of the best coping mechanisms were because I thought Hypnobirthing was worth a fat pile of worms, and she suggested positive affirmations to help strengthen my mind- she told me I had to believe that I could do it. So for a couple of months before Greta was born I kept telling myself that I was strong enough, that I could do it, and I kept picturing what it would be like after she was born- me, Dan, and Greta all snuggled in tight in my hospital room (missing my Jude boy though, sad face). I had to believe that I could do it and I did. When all was said and done though, Greta's birth felt just like Jude's, only shorter. My epidural was ill placed with Jude and I felt it all 3 years ago as well. I'm still <span style="background-color: yellow;">perturbed</span> I couldn't get a discount on my anesthesia service, I mean, honestly. </div>
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So lets get this down for the record. Thursday evening I was having mild contractions. I could talk through them and walk through them but I could also feel them. I say they were about a 3 out of 10 on the pain scale. I didn't even bother timing them until about 9pm as they were pretty erratic until about then. They were about 8 minutes apart, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. After timing them for 2 hours I called the midwife on call, who happened to be Wendy- the same midwife that attended Jude's birth (!), and she told me to time for another hour and see what happens. I thought I'd try to go to sleep, but they were juuuusssst strong enough that I couldn't sleep through them. So timed I did and they remained about the same. I called her back and she said she thought I would be having a baby tonight. Yay! Ouch!</div>
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We got everything ready that we hadn't yet, then woke up Jude to take him over to my sister friends house to spend the night. I was so grateful the contractions weren't incredibly painful yet, as it enabled me to leave the house without forgetting anything and gave me time to cuddle my Jude one more time before he became a big brother. A tender mercy really. Dan got Jude all settled in then we were on the way to the hospital. Dan called his mom from the car and I text all my family to let them know we were on our way. I thought it was kind of ridiculous to be going to the hospital in such a calm state because the last time I did this there was nothing calm about it. But to the hospital we went anyways, while mildly contracting, and the whole time we kept remarking to each other that we couldn't believe this was actually happening. I still can't believe it actually happened.<br />
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Wendy met us at the entrance and I got ready to get all checked out. Turns out those baby contractions got me all the way to a 6 and 100% effaced. What, what!!? Go body. It was wonderful to not have to really feel my uterus doing all that work. I mean, it meant I had to be 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant, so there are compromises, I guess. It's actually a compromise I'm happy to make because hello, birth is no joke. Because I was so far along I was readily admitted to the hospital. It took at least an hour to get all my paperwork done and all the while I was having small contractions, by this point it felt like at 4/10 on the pain scale. Once I was all checked in Wendy suggested she break my water and I was more than happy to let her do it. That was an odd sensation.<br />
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Wendy and all the nurses left Dan and I alone to pace around the room and wait for more progress. I swear, the second the room was empty my contractions started full blast. Holy freaking cow, I was in labor and it was intense. With every contraction I concentrated so hard to keep breathing, and I worked so hard to tell myself I was strong enough and that I could do this. Just like last time, I really didn't want anyone touching me or helping me... I just held on to the counter and breathed my best yoga breath until all of a sudden I started pushing and it was still just me and Dan in the room. Right before I started pushing I remember saying "I don't like this...". That must have been transition. Poor Dan, he asked me if I needed anyone and I really couldn't communicate. After the 3rd contraction of pushing I told him I did indeed need someone and then all of a sudden the L&D room was filled with nurses and Wendy and everyone was prepping everything really, really fast. It was so surreal I felt like I was in a movie.<br />
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The thing about pushing is it's really hard and it's really painful. I remember Wendy telling me she could tell I was fighting the urge to push harder. And I was! Ha ha, I totally remember thinking that if I just used my fabulous yoga breathing skills I wouldn't have to push and maybe my baby would come out? Ha ha, if only. She called me on it and helped me direct my energy to where it needed to be. Two more pushes and out came the sweetest little baby- an hour and 12 minutes after my water was broken. Not bad, body (and ps- I'm still so proud of you)!<br />
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Now, because I've already told you far too much about my lady parts, I may as well finish up with a funny over share. You've made it this far already so why not. I was really hoping that I wouldn't tear with this birth, but well, I did. What can ya do? As I was snuggling my fresh little one and Wendy was putting me back together again I felt lots of pokes and pulls which is never fun. I think by this point I was nursing Greta and at the next poke, I said "Wendy, there are only a few things that I like happening down there and this is not one of them!". Everyone had a good chuckle and Dan got a little shy ;). The jokes, they just never stop.<br />
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Once everything was finished up and we took our pictures, it was just me and Dan drinking in the magical high of giving birth to a fresh soul. Finally holding that brand new baby in your arms that you worked so hard to make and so hard to birth is the most surreal and spectacular feeling I have ever experienced. I truly wish that everyone who wants to feel it gets to. And I know this sounds crazy, but I'm kind of jealous of all those pregnant mama's who get to give birth- there is absolutely nothing like it.<br />
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So welcome to the world my sweet Greta Girl, my sweet spring bud! I had fun growing you and now I can't wait to raise you.<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-57609947304028224842015-03-30T17:07:00.000-04:002015-03-30T17:07:20.645-04:00The Day Before <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Jude,<br />
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The day before you became a big brother was a Thursday. We woke up that morning just like we do every morning - with you coming into my room asking me if Daddy is home. Of course he was already at work so we continued downstairs for "dinner" after I got some pants on and brushed my teeth. We ate and watched a show and then retired to my bed for yet another show and a "regular" milk so I could take a shower. I took a nice hot shower, which made my 40 week pregnant body even more puffy but I didn't care. So what if I couldn't bend my fingers afterwards, at least it was relaxing. As I was getting ready I kept checking on you and you didn't even spill your milk! It must have been an omen that today was going to be a good and special day. </div>
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Once we were both ready we played and played downstairs. You wanted to get all the pillows and put them at the bottom of the stairs and jump off the third step up, because that is the highest I'll let you go. We collected pillows from wide and far and then you jumped and jumped, each time checking with me that you were on the right step... "is this the one Mommy?". After the jumping we played the "cover Jude in pillows and try to go to sleep" game. I'd cover you up and then try to lay down on my pillow bed but it would always start giggling and jiggling. Then you'd pop up and laugh and laugh, asking to do it again. So we did. I'm not gonna lie, I took a few selfies too, because my hair looked good, and then I realized it was time for my Midwife appointment. </div>
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You burned through a couple snacks on the car ride there and then through a couple lollipops once inside. They took my vitals and then you asked if I needed to go pee pee in a cup again, and yes, I did. You always think that's funny... probably because it is. Then we got to hear your sister's heart go "ba-boom, ba-boom" and you patiently watched a show while my Midwife put her hands all up in places that aren't too comfortable to have hands in. Oh well. </div>
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On the way home you recognized The Mall and asked if we could stop at the park just in front of it. We still had some time before "dinner" so I said yes as we turned right. Of course I took the wrong exit so we had to circle around the whole darn mall all the while you were asking me "mommy, why we go this way? did you make a wrong turn?" Ha ha, I did, but we got there. You ran and ran and climbed and slid. Besides having to stop to change a poopie diaper on a park bench mid play, you had a great time. I let you stay longer than usual because there was just something about this Thursday that I knew was a little different, a little special. </div>
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Dad was working form home that afternoon and I wanted a burger so bad I could taste it, and you wanted french fries and water. A quick call to Dan to let him know I was brining home 5 Guys for lunch and we were set, fries and burgers it was! We ordered it to go which you were not happy about. French fries and water should be eaten AT 5 Guys, not at home. You cried all the way home because I wouldn't let you eat where you wanted. I mean, kid, I can only do so much. Once you saw your Daddy at home you perked right up though and joined us for some "dinner" followed by a much needed nap. </div>
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The thing about Dad working from home is that I actually need to get you out of the house because you cannot leave the guy alone, which I understand. When you woke up we went for a nice long walk and you were actually really excited to sit in the stroller the whole way there and back. We stopped at Starbucks for a cookie and some water (I know, I know.. lollipops and cookies.... it was a special day, okay?) and you were a perfect gentleman, climbing behind the arm chairs and trying to have sword fights with stir sticks. On guard indeed! Again you let me push you all the way home and I started having little baby contractions. </div>
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That evening was pretty normal, "dinner" (again ;) ), a bath, play time, stories. The whole time I was having little baby contractions but I was still able to be present and have a good time with my favorite Jude Boy, so I did. After we put you to bed I started timing my contractions around 9pm. They were nothing terrible and completely bearable so I waited a couple of hours before I called The Midwife. Once we decided tonight was the night, I text my sister friend and told her you'd be over soon. It was a real treat to leave the house that night experiencing only mild contractions so we could get everything ready without having to panic. I held you in my arms in the living room, stood still, and cried. It was the last time we would leave the house as a family of 3 and to be truthful I was all torn up over it. </div>
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For 3 years Jude, you have been my whole world and it has been the greatest pleasure I've ever known. Our last day together of just us was so so so special, I'll never forget it. </div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Mommy<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-80991141739233541972015-03-10T14:45:00.001-04:002015-03-10T14:45:54.196-04:00Extended Cuddles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyday I savor what I think are going to be my last moments with just one sweet Jude Boy to take care of. I cuddle him extra long. I take him to the library on the way home from errands just because he asked and I let him play for two sessions on the timed library computers instead of just one. I read him an extra Superman book. I make him giggle just a little bit more as I tuck him in for his nap. I just can't help it. I never expected to like being a mother as much as I do. It is something that has truly surprised me. That little boy... gosh.... <div>
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As excited as I am to add another sweet little one to our family, I am also equally as sad. Jude is my little buddy. He's been my sidekick for the past three years nearly 24/7. As I was cuddling him extra long today before his nap my emotions overtook me because who knows when I'll have the chance to sneak in those extra long cuddles again. I think it will all be okay though. I think he will love being a big brother. I think he will love helping his little sister. I think I'll have time again to cuddle him extra long. I think I will love having two kids.... I hope.... Saying goodbye to the last three years of just us has been such a paradox. </div>
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We did throw him an awesome (early) 3rd birthday party though, so kid, remember that when things might suck a little bit in the near future ;). And all the aforementioned extended cuddles..... </div>
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Things are happening so fast!!!!</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-60784375559528394362015-03-04T21:17:00.002-05:002015-03-04T21:18:09.360-05:00About Almost Having 2 ChildrenMy days are almost accomplished my friends. I cannot believe it. Whether this little girl be early or late, all will be well, and I will still be in denial. Everyday I frantically look around to see what else I can organize, bake, cook, or snuggle and get right to it, and on the double. Well, as on the double as I can... I had bronchitis last week.<br />
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About six times every day I am so tempted to call Dan and tell him I'm in labor even though I'm not. Ha ha ha ha ha. It's such a good joke. BUT, I think this is something I probably shouldn't cry wolf about because labor ain't no joke. I told Dan the other day about my temptations and his response was so classic. He said it was such a Patience thing to do, which, naturally, I took as a compliment. When he came home from work today he asked me "so how many times did you want to call me and say you were in labor?" "Oh about five," was my reply. Now that he knows, the opportunity for such a joke is minimal at best, which is probably a good thing. I wonder if he will actually believe me when it happens. (He just said he probably won't.)</div>
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I think that OBs/Midwives are really missing out on a certain market. Maybe a comedy routine or a coffee table book... I don't know. Don't you think they would have a lot to say about the state of a bikini line during the 3rd trimester? I mean, whatever your method is, try as you might, it's just the blind leading the blind at this point. I keep meaning to ask my midwife at my weekly appointments what trends they see in the late 30s but darn it I never do. Next week!<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-24090821820800142562015-02-22T13:24:00.001-05:002015-02-22T13:24:49.130-05:003 Weeks Left!<div>
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Jude is really cute.<br />
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Walking all the way to the complex dumpster 9 months pregnant with an empty DiGiorno pepperoni frozen pizza box for recycling is pretty much the worst walk of shame I've ever been on. Don't look at me!! I try not to eat crap but you know, it happens. With all the snow in these parts there were a lot of people in the parking lot digging out their cars this morning... just looking at me... with their eyes... staring at my pizza box. Oh the shame. Last night it was cold and dark and the snow wasn't stopping. Instead of keeping warm in bed like we should have been doing (it's just so awkward these days for that (I'm so pregnant)) we popped a frozen pizza in the oven and started 'Boyhood' in preparation for this evening's Oscars. I guess there could be worse walks of shame, or maybe not. I'm trying to forget about it. When I got to the dumpster though there were like a million packages of empty razor starter kits, which I thought was pretty weird. How many people are you shaving anyway? And all at once? I don't get it. So maybe that person felt the walk of shame too. Maybe I'm not alone.</div>
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I was kept up last night with memories of bringing Jude home from the hospital. Those first few months of nursing all night long, forgetting to brush my teeth, being sustained mostly by PBJs.... oh it's gonna start all over again. Someone give me a 6 month old! Or perhaps just a night nurse. I'd take that actually. Can you even imagine?!! Oh, to be the 1%, and to maybe have some family around. Waaaaaaaaaahh. </div>
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What else? We are just organizing and prepping for this little girl. Cleaning out closets, stocking the freezer, buying all the onesies, deciding what to spend my Target gift cards on, and going over my positive affirmations to get my mind ready for labor. I tried hypno-birthing last time and those ladies are just high, I decided. I have a few more things I want to sew but the material I want is never on sale and all those stupid coupons don't work for what I want. Seriously, Michaels and Jo-Ann's Fabric, just stop with the coupons. Price your merchandise at coupon price for the love because it is such a pain in the ass to wait for your stupid coupons in the mail or on your phone. Does the coupon marketing really work that well for your company? When I'm pregnant I just don't hold back, Dan likes to remark. </div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-29405969893129492742015-02-06T15:25:00.001-05:002015-02-06T15:28:36.488-05:00February <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The main thing about being this pregnant is my aim. Just the other night Dan was lounging in our bed talking to me and I thought, how about I go in for a cuddle? So I take aim and then fall back only to miscalculate all together, landing roughly on his abdomen causing him to yelp. Then we both laughed at my pregnancy induced clumsiness. I take aim and I try, but calculating this much mass on a body that is not used to it is actually quite difficult. Good thing the uterus is so protective or else this poor child would come out a little black and blue, I'm sure. I feel like a missile whose coordinates were entered incorrectly and who knows where on God's green earth it's gonna land. Your guess is as good as mine! Watch out friends, I'm a little wobbly and rough around the edges and you could be my next victim. </div>
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What else. We have been sick sick sick this past week. It started with Jude getting some super stomach bug that caused disgustingness for almost 5 days. For the love. Then I got it and it only lasted about a day for me. Dan still has not fallen ill to it and I'm hoping he doesn't because we have an early Valentines/Anniversary date tomorrow morning at a quaint little all-you-can-eat brunch place in DC that I've been looking forward to since I started medicating my heart burn. Hold those cookies down Dan, at least until Sunday. </div>
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Jude of course is still really cute. He is almost THREE years old. He talks and talks and loves to ask "why?" all day long. My tactic with this is to ask why back to him and it's fun to see what answers he comes up with. He graduated to a Big Boy Bed last week and is loving it. He takes great pride getting into bed and out of bed himself. If we help him it ends in tears and he has to start all over again. He's really into Paw Patrol these days and has requested that theme for his birthday when previously he wanted Batman. Batman is so much easier. Ghaaah. He listens to everything and then repeats it or asks what it means. Jude is still our little cuddle bug and gets giddy if we let him cuddle in bed with us in the mornings, especially if his Dad is still home. Jude loves to hear stories about his uncles and could play pretend all day long with you if you have the patience. His memory rivals his fathers and he is constantly telling us about things that happened a year ago. It's freaky. And you know, he is just a great little guy and we love him so much it hurts is about it. </div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-11970068456602776832015-01-29T14:37:00.001-05:002015-01-29T14:37:39.215-05:00A January Update Oh hi I'm back. So guess what. I'm going to be having this baby girl in SEVEN freaking weeks. I'm still in denial. I know what's coming and I'm like, just hold on little lady and trust me girl- things are better on the inside than on the outside. When Jude was a week overdue I just rolled around in bed being angry, crying, and refusing to answer phone calls or text messages from anyone. Ha ha. So dramatic. Now I'm like, honey, you take your sweet time, Mama's not ready. There are so many things to do but I'm too damn pregnant to get them done. Someone send me a sister! Why the eff did I move so far away from everyone who loves me? I'm an idiot is why. Oh well. Life is about decisions. And heart burn.<br />
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Just this morning I was cuddling with Jude and he says "can I feel mine sister kick?", then he pulled up my shirt and put his little paw on my tummy and she actually kicked for him. It was really sweet. Then he gave my tummy a kiss and asked me to keep playing his tablet game with him. Now those are brother-sister relations I can deal with. What I can't deal with is trying to nurse a newborn all the live long day while a toddler wants to go outside, go to story time, see his friends and go to Chick-Fil-A. Life is really going to suck for a little while so this girl better be just as cute as Jude to make it worth it. Because I feel like I'll be cheating on him! My little buddy, my side kick. Oh Jude I'm sorry!!!!! There is a perfect emoticon for this. It's on the second page of smiley faces, second row down and third in from the right. The second one in from the right would also work, in a pinch. </div>
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The main thing different in this pregnancy than during Jude's is one, I'm medicating my heart burn which is the best decision I've ever made, and two, I am so freaking thirsty all the time. I cannot get enough ice water. I drink at least 72-96 ounces a day. Good grief. If you see me out and about I'm probably on my way to the bathroom so don't interrupt me. </div>
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So that's that. Christmas was great as well and I'm also enjoying this new year, you?</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-53902908068755866862014-12-12T15:09:00.002-05:002014-12-12T21:02:18.612-05:00I'm Weird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The other day I went into Jo-Ann Fabrics to pick up some material for a Christmas project for Jude. I don't know what it is about that store, but it seems like the minute I walk in I check my feminism* right at the door. Not that a feminist person can't sew and be a feminist too... something weird happens to me in that store and I don't quite know how to explain it.<br />
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I've never been one to gush about things like getting engaged or finding out I'm expecting. When Dan proposed to me I was like "Yeah, sure, now get up off your knee because this is so weird". Yet that man still loves me. Dan likes to tease me by telling people I looked at him wide eyed and said "Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" and then mushed and mushed him, and every time it still bugs me even though it's been a joke on rotation for 7 years. Society makes me think I should have certain responses to certain events and usually I'm just not that into it. </div>
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But darn that fabric store. The second I walk in I'm all like "I am an eternal mother who can sew useful things for her children through her God given talents and nurturing abilities". It's weird. Even typing that sentence makes me want to gag myself with a spoon but I really feel that way in a fabric store. Goodbye feminist Patience, hello the Patience my father probably thinks I am ;). </div>
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Running my hands along all those bolts of fabric, feeling the different qualities, looking at batting! It sucks the feminist right out of me. The buttons take me to a whole other level and don't even get me started on Velcro options. Then the ladies that cut my fabric always asking what I'm making, I just gush to them as they slowly affirm the naturally nurturing mother of children that I am while gazing at my full belly and congratulating me through ESP on yet another achievement in motherhood. Ha ha ha. It's the <i>weirdest</i> thing. </div>
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And all I'm making for him is a cape. Also, this is probably why I only sew a few times a year.<br />
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And this is probably the perfect post to ask, do you think she looks like me? I think she has my nose.<br />
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*no disrespect to the feminist seamstress, I'm just relating my experience<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-14247743751618732462014-11-07T15:32:00.002-05:002014-11-07T15:32:53.021-05:00Out to Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, yep, we are having a baby. In March. It's a girl and we don't know what we will name her. Jude's vote is for "Jessie" so we will have to wait and see what actually happens. Jude and Jessie though, kinda sweet. <br />
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It has been months since I have last blogged. The first trimester sent me out to sea for a solid 14 weeks where no remedy could soothe the constant rocking back and forth nausea. My best defense was deep breathing and always holding on to something so I could make it through the day. Also, lots of shows and lying on the couch. I've never been on an official cruise but oddly I don't think I ever want to go on one now. Those 14 weeks cured any cruising curiosity I thought I ever had. <br />
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These months of carrying around this little body have brought me to a lot of inward soul searching. Mostly trying to figure out how to make it in a world with parents who are unable to show their love for you in a way that seems plausible. I hate to say they don't care about me but that is how it seems to be. I know lots of people are in the same boat (too soon!), so I try not to have pity parties too often but they still happen. My MIL always says that the person who cares the most always looses the most. So no more caring... except the older I get the more I find that I actually do care. A lot of bloggers are always immortalizing the relationships they have with their "fierce" mothers, and "amazing" fathers and I always groan, roll my eyes, and quickly move on. You won't find that here, so if family life is rough for you lets commiserate together. Also, I have never been a skinny pregnant lady nor do I lose all my pregnancy weight in 6 weeks; so we can also commiserate about those topics as well.<br />
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What else.. I get some interesting comments about having a girl... like people who are so glad I'm finally having a girl, or the perfect family, or so I won't be surrounded by hungry boys all the time, or that I finally get to experience a daughter. These comments are odd, I can't get them out of my head. I love Jude with intensity I never thought I had in me as I really am a typical average person with mediocre aspirations and I'm totally accepting of that. Maybe to an unhealthy amount, ha. So when I love this little boy so hard I feel like I could drop dead from it at any given moment, comments about finally having a girl somehow seem to discredit the relationship I already have with my son and it really breaks my heart. In fact, I got a little sad thinking I'll only get one baby boy... of course I know I'll feel the same when my daughter arrives and I'll be so grateful to love her with the same intensity but boys are also awesome and so amazing and so are girls.<br />
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As you can see, I'm a sensitive thing right now. Now that the nausea has passed I think I'm on the boat of sensitivity and double chins, at certain angles.<br />
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<br />Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-58187660560063085482014-07-09T20:44:00.000-04:002014-07-09T22:45:45.886-04:00It's July!Oh man, life just keeps going by faster and faster.<br />
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Let's see, June was a whirl wind. We were lucky enough to have two visitors, Dan's Mom and my good friends Dana and Tyler. "Gramma" came right at the end of May for a week and then my good friends came about a week later. We did it all. The full Patience D.C. Tour, lots of food, lots of museums, lots of staying up late talking, and lots of fun. It was so special to have some friends and family from home come visit. It doesn't happen often as we are so freaking far away. </div>
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Then, two weeks later we had to move. June was really busy, really fun, and really stressful. Every emotion was felt in that month. For a while we couldn't find a new place to live until I finally spotted something on Craigslist that didn't seem like they would kill us if we went by to take a peek. One Craigslist place we went to look at wanted us to come by at 10pm, sketchy. We could have been strangled. Due to being stellar tenants, our reference totally talked us up and told the landlord he would be silly not to negotiate on price with us. That's some good karma I'll try to pay forward someday and am so thankful for. The new place is finally okay, with lots of elbow grease the dog smell is almost gone and I am able to relax. </div>
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Upon moving in we had to be here for different people to come and clean and fix stuff and we couldn't really unpack for the first week. I thought I'd be fine handling such a situation but the older I get the less tolerance I have for annoying things. At my weakest, I took Jude to Costco for some groceries and he wanted a cookie from the bakery. They give them out to kids all the time in Costcos everywhere but this day ours was out of kids cookies. Jude just screamed and I didn't have the wherewithal to just walk away so I thought I'd buy some. Who cares. So he eats his cookie as we go through the aisles and then my stress catches up with me and I'm all "there is no way I'm paying for these effing cookies, they should have them for the kids in the bakery!!" In fury I tossed that container of open cookies on top of the bulk aluminium foil and I was off with a "humph!" For sure my lowest. I should probably go pay for them next time I'm at the wholesale store. But I probably won't. There's some bad karma that will probably follow me for a while. Sorry Costco. Sorry life.</div>
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On another note, I could probably blog just about this one thing, but while it is still fresh I'll put it down. I heard on the radio that the National Zoo got some new (to them) elephants all the way from Calgary! I was so excited I called Dan right away to report. You guys. I finally have some family down here. Yes, of pachyderm origin, but I'll take what I can get. I know where Sunday dinner will be this week! I'll bring 50 lbs of watermelon for dessert. </div>
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Of course a little about my favorite little guy, Dan. Just kidding, it's Jude. He is 2 years and 3 months and if you say he is 2 and a half I get annoyed. Don't age my kid. He talks a mile a minute and runs even faster. He loves rocket ships, diggers, to dance, talking about things that scare him, planes, cars, babies, his sock monkey and the blanket Daddy used when he was a baby. Jude also has a pretty strong opinion about how I should wear my hair. He wants it down. He is good at putting his own thoughts together which always makes us laugh. Last night at the dinner table he engaged in a game of peek-a-boo that escalated until we had this little guy in stitches by pretending to fall over because he frightened us so much. It was a sweet little moment where we didn't stop him, we just played and played even though there were vegetables to eat and dishes to do. Jude almost has the ABC song down which reminds me that I need to video tape him doing it right away before he learns it for real. Twinkle Twinkle and Happy Birthday are also in his repertoire. Jude wants to be outside all the time and never wants to go home for nap time. But we do, and it's glorious. Jude is a great kid and I wish you all knew him. </div>
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But wait, The Fourth of July also happened. While we celebrated Canada Day quietly, there was nothing quiet about Independence Day this year. We went to a fun pancake breakfast at the church where real Tropicana Orange Juice was served and all I could think was finally a good use of my tithing money. Then we headed to an old timey 4th celebration at a nearby farm that was freaking amazing. Jude was in heaven. He danced his little heart out to the live bands, which is hilarious in itself, learned about Virginia Rat Snakes and Bullfrogs, and played lots of little games. We had a late afternoon BBQ with friends and then it was off to the fireworks, which, of course, scared Jude. But he also loved them. How he reconciles his emotions I'll never know. It was the best 4th we've had here and I'm so grateful, as national holidays always depress me because we don't have family to spend it with. I should honestly stop complaining because hello elephants.</div>
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Love and miss you all!! xoxo pp</div>
Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-976462548850411752014-05-27T22:13:00.000-04:002014-05-27T22:16:24.058-04:00Disney!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I brought dinner to a friend who just had her first baby this evening. Walking into her house was like time travel. If it is possible for the sight and feel of a new parents home to trigger postpartum hormones I think that happened to me. Man, I was so reminded of what the newborn stage is like and all of a sudden I wanted to tuck Jude in with me in a warm comfy nest so we could torpor for a season and he would emerge 6 months older. I made sure to make something extra delicious and pack her with nutrients with the hopes of boosting her energy levels for all the night time nursing. Oh babies. So wonderful, so much work, and your hormones trick you into thinking you like it, or don't. Bodies are so weird, and of course amazing and beautiful.<br />
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What I was really going to blog about was our DisneyWorld trip. We had such a nice time. I did a lot of reading before our departure about what to do there, what to eat, what to buy, et cetera. A lot of the blogs and forums I read honestly overwhelmed me. We went, we had fun, we ate, we bought a few things and it was awesome. All those blogs were a little too much for me and I ended up making reservations that were too over the top and it was a good thing I could cancel without penalty within 24 hrs notice. I got to go to DisneyLand quite a few times growing up so I knew what the basics were and we went from there. If it is your first trip I'd do all that reading with a grain of salt but if you know the layout I'd just go with it. This is kinda my motto in life though and it usually works out great but not all the time, so there's my disclaimer just incase ;).<br />
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From all my reading the helpful tips that I took from those crazy blogs were these: bring lots of snacks (duh), dollar store glow sticks, and your own pool toys. The rest is intuitive and so I have just condensed thousands of Disney Blogs into 3 tips. For instance "pack lots of sunscreen" is quite intuitive. Ah, the simple life.<br />
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We were lucky enough to overlap our visit with my sister and her family as she was at DisneyWorld for a work conference. What are the chances?! We only got about a day and a half together but it was so fun to be there with some cousins and family. Oh I love family. I want to move close to you all, each one of you, at this very moment. Figure that out, Doc Brown.<br />
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Life has not been nearly as magical since we returned but every passing day seems to be a little less depressing. We had such a good time I'm not sure we can ever go back again because I don't want to experience the terrible feeling of not being at DisneyWorld anymore. Honestly, there is no point in getting out of bed if you are not at Disney. Sigh.<br />
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-74706912122565358452014-05-24T22:45:00.002-04:002014-05-24T22:45:51.101-04:00I Think I'm Going To Try This AgainYes, I will blog again. It's been so long. I got pretty busy there and lost all time management skills whatsoever. Although I still mourn the days when I would lie around eating bon bons and snuggling my sweet child, I actually enjoy a busy life and I finally found those aforementioned skills about time. Here I am baby, and I'll try to make it a regular thing as I really enjoy the journaling aspect of blogging. And I also enjoy talking about Jude all the time where no one can stop me.<br />
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Jude. That kid is a full blown Two Two! We love him so much and think everything he does has never before been done by any other two year old and that he is basically going to cure cancer because he is so smart. I love having one kid and being a first time parent. The things you experience are cliche at best and at the same time pure magic. Or do you feel that way about all your children no matter how many you have? I don't know. </div>
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He talks a mile a minute. We have narration to almost everything we do all day long. Morgan Freeman should probably watch out because I'm pretty sure all the two year olds in the world could give him a run for his narration money. In the world of a toddler nothing should ever go unannounced, ever... even in the bathroom when I'm the one going. Jude puts thoughts together on his own now and wants to hear stories from my head and sing songs. He's a lover of crayons and sidewalk chalk. He always wants to go outside, go swimming, go to the gym, go to Target and Costco and Petsmart (can I hear it for the suburban kids, woot woot!), and to Jacobs house. Throwing a frisbee (kind of) is also a pretty big deal for him. Jude also gives really good kisses but sometimes he bites. He gets this from his mother. He is still my little cuddle bug and loves to go to sleep on his tummy with a stuffed animal tucked under each arm while he cuddles his daddy's blanket from 25 years ago. Jude also loves to be Spiderman, Superman, Turbo, and Lightning McQueen. The life of a toddler... pure magic. </div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-65419392668125369452014-03-24T20:46:00.000-04:002014-03-24T20:56:06.603-04:00A Two Two!My heart is in so many places as my baby boy turns TWO tomorrow. It's in the bathroom feeling really weird when I found out I was pregnant. It's in my bedroom, crying on my bed, not answering any calls/doors/texts because I was so overdue and I was so sick of it... so dramatic. It's in the delivery room, after I found his soul in the stars and he was in my arms. It's in those first months when he wouldn't ever stop crying. It's in the Thank You cards I wrote to all the angels that brought me food those first few weeks and it all tasted like freaking gold! It's watching that little first smile, that first roll, those first teeth, and those first wobbly steps, that first word (mama), and the first taste of real food. Oh my heart is just everywhere. This boy is so loved. He is the dream come true I never knew I had.<br />
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Dear Jude, I love you, you little stinker. You are one sweet little boy full of wonder, laughter, and ants in your pants. Also, the fastest little racer I've ever seen. Happy Birthday to you!</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33560650.post-59627578763055135642014-03-07T15:25:00.000-05:002014-03-07T15:25:24.244-05:00March So Far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's March! May we all continue to March forward. I'm not Catholic but I've always been interested so this year I am participating in Lent. I think it is a neat thing. Now, I've never actually read about Lent or how it is suppose to go so I'm just going on what I've heard through friends and TV and Movies which I think puts me at a good fair start. Ha ha. I know that if you really participate you should go to an Ash Wednesday Mass where you get an ash mark on your forehead. And then, one of Dan's coworkers says that you are actually not suppose to share what you give up for Lent, but to keep it close to your heart. I heard about that only after I proclaimed my intentions to Facebook, so missed that one! For some reason I am thinking that you are suppose to give up something that has to do with one of the seven deadly sins as well. I should really just go and read Wikipedia about it all. After this I'll do that so I can continue to blog to you about my version of it all. So I've blown a few of the requisite requirements for Lent, but I didn't know about them all at once. This is my "I feel mostly culturally Mormon these days kind of twist on Catholic Lent" thing and so far I like it. Also, I totally respect the practice of Lent and mean no disrespect. <br />
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For Lent 2014 I'm giving up refined sugar. I have a total addiction and I think the only way to get rid of it is to go cold turkey for at least forty days. Working on day 3 here and I'm doing really well. I just think of old JC starvin' marvin' for forty days and it helps me get through. Even though it's not a "if He can do it so can I" kind of thing because lets be real, he was super human, I still gain strength thinking about him every time I want some brownie. I'm taking my spirituality into my own hands these days and this is part of my quest. I'm pretty sure that the desserts in 2014 are way better than the desserts He had to choose from though. He could basically eat dates for dessert. Dates. If the devil came and tempted Him with a warm homemade brownie with some premium vanilla bean ice cream, a touch of whipped cream and toasted almond slivers would he have said no? Hmmm. Answer me that internet. <br />
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About Jude. He is super old these days. 2 at the end of the month in fact. He will no longer ham it up when I want to take a picture of him which saddens me as it makes him less cute. My old trick of asking him if he wants a cookie only upsets him as the cookie never comes. Humph. He may as well be a teenager if you want to know the truth. Teenagers are cute too though so I will survive. Jude is talking up a storm, learning a new word almost every day. Just today he was talking about puppies and of course our hearts melted. He also finally made it up the play structure at Chick Fil A with lots of grunting and straining, but he climbed that big boy structure like a boss... well, like a struggling boss and came down that slide exclaiming "I did it! I did it!" It is so neat to see him work so hard and be so proud. <br />
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Oh Judie bootie, I take it back you are still slightly cute. He for sure has his dad's OCD which makes us laugh on a daily basis. He can't eat a meal if something in the kitchen, front room, or restaurant is out of place, he says "oh no! oh no!" until that something is fixed. He hates spilling on himself and will carefully pick up whatever spilt and place it where it belongs. You can see how spilling yogurt is quite an ordeal because that junk is hard to get back in place with only fingers or a toddler spoon to work with. He closes all doors and closest that are open before passing them by and gets really upset about his messy runny noses. My FIL's mother tells a story of him (my FIL) very carefully wiping off his own face as a one year old that always makes me laugh and think of Jude. I know he gets it from Dan and we know where Dan gets it from! Jude will even take care to turn his sippy cups so that the spout faces a certain direction when he places them in the fridge. Once he gets the counting thing down I'm going to drop a box of toothpicks and ask him how many. <br />
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So that's that. Lent and a little bit about our sweet boy. xo, pp</div>
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Patiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04519664634471639168noreply@blogger.com0