I just wasn't prepared for this one....

I've said before that when you are expecting a baby there are so many things you prepare for.  So many things you are "ready" for when that little one arrives.

As your children grow you start to realize that things are thrown at you that you didn't plan for.  Things that - when they happen - make you say, "Yowza, didn't see that one coming!!"

Where is that parenting instruction manual when you need it??!

Our little Eva had been complaining of a tummy ache for the last week.  In fact, she came home from school early last Tuesday and completely missed Wednesday because of it.  However, I noticed that these tummy aches seemed to happen only when she was at school or planning to go to school.  She was fine all weekend.  Her appetite was normal and her activities were normal.  Then yesterday (a school day) she woke up with a tummy ache again....and this time she vomited.  Twice.  She immediately said, "I don't want to go to school!!!" and I quickly agreed with her!  Vomiting and school don't mix.
.
But I noticed something else.

As soon as I said she didn't have to go to school she seemed fine.  She ate breakfast like normal.  She played with her brother like normal.  She wanted a normal lunch.  She even asked if she could go play in the snow.

Long story short, I had been asking her if something was going on at school to make her tummy hurt.  She had always denied anything happening.  Yesterday I decided to give it one more shot.  I sat down next to her and said, "Eva, are you sure there isn't anything happening at school that is making your tummy hurt?"

Poor little girl looked at me and got all teary-eyed...and she finally shared what had been worrying her.  She said she didn't like going to recess because she doesn't feel like she has any friends.  She then crawled up on my lap and erupted into sobs.

Oh my word, tear my heart straight out of my chest.  Seriously.

I sat with my little girl while she cried and cried telling me how she plays basketball every recess because she's just not comfortable asking anyone else to play....partly because every time she had in the past she had been turned down and told, "I already have a friend I'm playing with" and then Eva would be left out.

Again, my heart literally broke.  It made me sick that Eva had been feeling this way....had been holding it inside for so long....and had gotten physically sick because of it.  Trust me, she wasn't the only one with tears in her eyes.

I wasn't prepared for this.  She seems so young.  However, young or not...it's serious.  So serious she was vomiting over it. 

So Matt and I did what any parent would do....all we could to help her.  We contacted her teacher, we contacted her pediatrician, we contacted the school counselor, we contacted a few family friends that have children the same age. 

Most importantly, we listened to her....and we let her cry...and we held her assuring her it was going to be alright.  We explained to her that even when we can't be with her (like at recess), that God is...and he loves her more than she even knows. 

Today I picked her up from school and felt that we had a start....she played with two new people at recess (thanks to some orchestrating by her teacher) and said she had fun.  She was happy and smiling while telling me about it.  I know we have a bit of a road in front of us, this isn't going to resolve overnight.  But I have faith my little girl can pull through this...and she'll be stronger because of it.

"A child seldom needs a good talking to as much as a good listening to"

--Robert Brault

We Inturrupt This Pregnancy for....Placenta Previa.

Ahhhh....the joys of pregnancy.  Each one is different...each unique...each with its own joys and challenges. 

The challenge thrown at me with this one happens to be in the form of placenta previa.  For those of you that are unsure what this is, it means that the placenta is resting right on top of my cervix, not to the side as it should be.  This condition poses absolutely no threat to the baby, but can be serious for me during my pregnancy.

It's kinda crazy to me how many people I've come into contact with that have had this condition.  My doc assured me that even though it is serious, it is not at all uncommon and specific procedures are in place to handle it.

As of now Doc's orders are that I'm NOT on "house arrest" (love her wording).  At this point I can still go about my normal day, I simply need to find time to take it easy and rest too.  I love my doctor, and I take her words seriously.....so these days I'm mixing taking the kiddos to school and sports events with kicking my feet up with a cup of tea on the couch. 

I was a little worried how the kiddos would handle it, as I'm not one to sit around during the day, but they've handled it beautifully....and when they are playing nicely in another room I've actually been able to totally catch up on watching the Kardashians.  Score one for Mommy!

As with each pregnancy - joys and challenges - but the end result is worth it.

"If nature had arranged the husbands and wives should have children alternatively, there would never be more than 3 in a family."

--Lawrence Housman

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yesterday was my birthday.  For those of you that know me, I looooove birthdays.  I loooooove everything about birthdays. 

But this year was a little different.

I had to back out of my annual girls trip to Chicago I take with two of my dear friends (more on that later).  A fun afternoon was changed because Eva got sick at school and had to be picked up....and a fun evening was changed because Eva was home from school today.

Hmmm....not the plan I had.

Don't get me wrong, there were some bright spots in the day - Matt sent me some beautiful flowers, he and the kiddos brought me breakfast in bed (complete with a candle and singing), and the many calls from family and friends.

But again, it wasn't the way it was planned.

Last night, after the kids were asleep (and my sweet husband had apologized for the millionth time that my day was a bit of a bust) I sat in the dark by the fire and started thinking about things.  Sure, my day was not as I had planned.....but that really didn't matter.

I have an amazing husband that I can't seem to get enough of.
I have kids that seriously rock my world.
I have a network of friends and family that are worth their weight in gold.
I have health.
I am happy.

As much as I am a girl that looooves alllllll the hoopla that goes along with birthdays (and don't get me wrong, there WILL be hoopla in the future)....I know that isn't what it is all about.  I am blessed in so many ways.

And because of THAT I know that my birthday yesterday - at home, taking care of my little girl, eating take out, and playing games with my two favorite guys by the glow of the fireplace - was absolutely PERFECT.

"Life: It is about the gift, not the package it come in."

--Dennis P. Costea Jr.

My Favorite Things - Maternity Edition

Since my tummy is getting rounder by the day I thought I would share some of my favorite items I use when I'm preggo!  Here we go....

I love pretty much any Burt's Bees product (they are all natural).  I found this body oil while pregnant with this little munchkin and I looooove it.  It smells like oranges and absorbs quickly.  I rub it on my growing belly nearly every day.  Eva even loves to use it and I honestly think I'll continue using it even when I am not pregnant!

The white shirt she is holding onto is called a Be Band.  Basically it's half of a T-shirt (or tank).  It starts just under your bust and covers the bottom part of your pants.  I love it because it just looks like a fitted tank under my clothes and allows me to wear shirts that are a little shorter without flashing the whole world my tummy....or rear for that matter.  On top of that it smooths everything out!

Tunics have been my very best friend this pregnancy.  I loooooove that they are longer, cover my tummy, and they are NOT maternity (in case you didn't know, I'm not a fan of most maternity clothes)!

Mmmm....cardigans.  Warm, cozy, cute....and not maternity.  Enough said.

Last, but not least....I've decided one of my favorite maternity essentials is....

Yep...a good seamstress.  My sis introduced me to a little gem recently and I loooove her.  I can take in a piece of maternity clothing (for those of you that don't know, a lot of maternity clothing can look boxy and frumpy) and this awesome lady can make it fit me like a glove.  Looove it.  She also sews my maternity clothing so that we can let things out and re-sew it as my belly grows.  It makes my clothing last my entire pregnancy, instead of at different intervals. 

Wanna know what's even better about her?  I purchased this dress...

and I fell in love with it.  My seamstress is not only is she making it fit me perfectly now....she is also going to make it fit me after I'm pregnant!  Yep,  you read that right!  I love this dress so much she is going to make it non-maternity after I no longer need it.

Worth her weight in gold.

Soooo.....if you are preggers, I would suggest you check out these few things!  I think you'll be a happy camper!



Precious...

"Look Mommy!  A Christ moon!"

(Eva's comment this morning on the way to school....loved it and didn't tell her it was called a crescent moon)



The Ultrasound has detected....

We are beyond thrilled to have another little guy to love on and welcome into our family.  We also feel so very blessed that the pictures on the ultrasound look like he's healthy and very active!  We just figure he's practicing to keep up with his older brother and sister!  Love him already!!

Hugs....
Jamie

PS.  Thanks to those of you that left the sweet comments on my last post!

To blog or not to blog....that is the question.

Recently I have had a lot of friends that have considered starting a blog.  The questions are usually the same, "Should I start one??"  and quickly followed with, "What would I write about??"

I am a girl that ALWAYS encourages people to start a blog....but blogging has pros and cons.  Let's take a look at them shall we?

PROS:
1.  Blogging allows me to record my days...especially since I print it off into book format.  It also takes A LOT less time than scrapbooking or even journaling!
2.  Blogging gives me a voice.  Let's face it, I spend the majority of my day with a 7 and 4 year old.  They don't want to discuss my lifelong bucket list or my spring fashion essentials.  I also love photography and my blog allows me a place to share some of it.
3.  Comments are always fun.....and comments often lead to meeting new people!  I have a friend that lives hundreds of miles away from here that I got to know simply because we started commenting on eachothers blogs.  We've talked on the phone a few times and exchange Christmas cards every year.  Another blogger, Living in Yellow, I finally met at Christmas Eve when I ran into her at our church!  It's soooo fun to meet new people!

CONS:
1.  You must be careful....and safe.  If you choose to blog do all you can to protect yourself.  Some choose to make their blogs private.  At this point I have not felt a strong need to do that, however I don't mention last names, where we live, etc. on my blog for safety reasons. 
2.  I have yet to meet ANYONE that blogs that doesn't get frustrated by comments.....or lack of.  I've been there too.  This blog gets over 1000 hits a week and I usually average about 2 comments.  Crazy huh?  It can get frustrating because, as a blogger, you really do LOVE hearing from people!!!!

In all, for me, the pros outweigh the cons by a landslide.  Blogging has become part of my life....and I truly believe it will be for a long long time.  Sooo....if you are thinking about starting one - DO IT!  Give it at least a shot and see how much you enjoy it (trust me, I was really nervous too....in fact, THIS was my first post EVER).  Also, if you regularly read a blog - take the time to leave a comment.  Even if it's a simple "Hi"....the blogger will really appreciate it (and you never know where a friendship may blossom)!

Hugs to all....
Jamie

A Morning Surprise....

If there is one thing I've noticed about this pregnancy that's a bit different from the others it would be how tired I am at night.  I use to be a night owl - often staying up until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning.  Not so much anymore.  I do great during the day (and often have plenty of energy)....but by the time the kiddos go to bed, I'm also ready for bed...and I fall asleep at record speed.

Except last night.

I'm not sure what happened, but I simply couldn't sleep.  I tossed and turned until nearly 2:30 in the morning.  Ugh.

My kiddos were up bright and early as usual.  I told them that they were welcome to play quietly, but that Mommy was going to stay in bed for just a little bit because she didn't sleep well that night.

I could hear them whispering and talking outside of my room....and then about 15 minutes later they came in and said they had a surprise for me.  They asked me to close my eyes and hold their hands.  They led me into the kitchen and when they told me I could open my eyes, this is what I saw....

Yep, my little munchkins knew I had a rough night and made me breakfast.  They had my favorite cereal for me, as well as hot apple cider, and a beautiful picture.  (We have a Keurig...they just push a button to make the cider...don't worry, no stovetop needed).   My heart simply melted.

I loved the thought they put into it....I loved the way they wanted to surprise me...I loved their whispering so I wouldn't "wake up"....I love that morning hair and roller blades on my little girl...and that giddy smile on my little guy....I simply loooove them.

"Being considerate of others will take your children farther in life than any college degree."

--Marian Wright Edelman

Snowflakes....

For years the kiddos and I have made snowflakes to decorate our windows with during the winter season.  I love seeing how as time goes on they remember these things.  I usually wait to make the snowflakes until we get a BIG snow....and we haven't got a lot of snow this year so the snowflakes had not been made.  About a week ago Eva pointed out that we hadn't made snowflakes yet.  So even though it was a BEAUTIFUL day outside (super warm in our neck of the woods - 40 degrees!!!!) Eva, Jaden, and I sat down to create our beautiful paper flakes to adorn the windows.

This was the first year that BOTH of them could do pretty much everything on their own, except fold the paper.  We decorated the kitchen windows, both of their bedroom windows, and the sidelight windows on the sides of our front door.  If I would have left it up to them I think every window in our house would have been covered!! 

I love putting up the shades in the morning and seeing their beautiful creations....makes my heart smile!



"Winter is a time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire.  It is the time for home."

--Edith Sitwell

Slip Sliding Away....

This afternoon we enjoyed an afternoon of ice skating with some friends of ours.  We shared a lot of laughs and the kiddos did amazing!  Enjoy some pics of our day...

The whole crew!  Katie and I cheered them on from the sidelines!

Practicing his hockey moves!!

The smile says it all!

A few wipe-outs are all part of the game!

Jaden and Adam....buddies!

Our toothless little girl!

We thought we would get these for the little guys to help them out....they actually did better without them!!  The adults sure got a lot of laughs out of watching them try to use them tho!

Adam gets a little helping hand from his Daddy.

A perfect outdoor afternoon!!

"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories."

--An Affair to Remember



What's Up Buttercup?

Busy, busy, busy.....that has been what the word is here lately.  I'm not complaining though - it's all good.  Here is a little update into our world....

*  Eva started back to school (sniff-sniff).  I was excited for her, but sad for me.....I loved having her home.  All of that being said, when I picked her up her first day back and asked her how her day was she smiled and said, "Easy-Peasy!!!!" 

*  Matt and the kiddos are on their way (at this very moment) to sign Eva AND Jaden up for Little League.  Yep, this summer we will have two ball players...and it will be Jaden's first year!  Matt and I kind of laughed when we realized we have entered a phase of family life where we will be logging in quite a few hours at the ballpark.....and toting an infant with us!  Gotta love it!

*  I've been working on printing off my blog book.  For those of you that blog and don't do this....I ENCOURAGE YOU TO START!!!!!  Every year I print my blog off into a book format and that is my "journal" of how I spent my days.  Perfect for me since I don't scrapbook and I don't journal....my blog is my way of remembering those special moments.  It's also extremely fun to go back and read my blog books from past years.  I started this process when Jaden was one year old, and that little guy is going to be 5 this year.  I'll be the first to admit that if I didn't have my blog books I would have forgotten some of those precious moments with both of my kiddos by now!

*  I've done my research and decided what kind of bottles I am going to use for our new little one!  Lifefactory Bottles are all glass with a secure non-slip grip surface that makes the glass bottle pretty much indestructible.  On top of that they are all BPA, phthalate, PVC, polycarbonate, lead, and latex free.  Music to this Mama's ears!  On top of that....they are super cute!

*  We are thinking of getting our little guy involved in hockey.  He's literally talked about it for probably close to a year now.  I honestly would just smile and let it go in one ear and out the other.  I wasn't interested for two reasons...1.)  I didn't want to haul his cookies the 45 minutes drive it would take to get him to and from the hockey arena...2)  I just wasn't sure he truly understood just how rough hockey really is.  Long story short, he hasn't really let it go and Matt and I decided to take him to a game.  To say he was in awe is an understatement.  He LOVED it and has been talking about hockey ever since.  So today we are taking him ice skating and starting the process of seeing if he is truly up for this sport.  Time will tell.....however, I think he'd look too darn cute in hockey skates and a helmet!  :)

That's it for now....hugs to you all!!!
Jamie



....and she heads back.

I just finished my last "home-schooling" session with Eva.

(Sniff-Sniff).

After nearly a month at home my little girl heads back to school tomorrow. 

While I know this is what is best...I have really enjoyed having her home.  A lot.  We would do our school work in the mornings (which, for those of you that home school - I commend you - it takes A LOT of time and dedication).  In the afternoons we would play, make Christmas goodies, wrap gifts, and just enjoy our time together.  One day we had a picnic lunch in the living room and then made a tent.  We watched a movie from our tent.  Another day we ventured over to a local town that the kiddies love and rode the carousel and went window shopping in our favorite toy store.

I loved every moment of it.

However, tomorrow....I give her back.....back to her teacher, her friends, and the schedule that school entails. 

Today I am soaking in every moment.