tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67122797628396760632024-03-13T23:25:36.385-07:00The richenna clanRichard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-65815967429720146012013-09-10T21:54:00.000-07:002013-09-10T22:12:53.063-07:00Peanut is 2!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had my first ultrasound with Brielle at 6 weeks. I remember laying nervously on the bed while they looked around for the tiny little baby growing inside of me. All of a sudden, we saw her darling little flickering heart and the nurse said with excitement, "there is your peanut"! I fell instantly in love and after that, her nickname was found.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"feeding" her babies! She set this up and was feeding them. </td></tr>
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2 years (and 8 months) later, our peanut is now a darling, spirited, determined, social, fiery, happy, flirt who loves to play dress-up and be the center of attention! She has quite a BIG personality that is stuck in her "little" body! She has an opinion and she will let you know! She will not be forgotten, that is for sure. But I love that about her. One day, my little peanut will be a powerful woman. She is loud and loves to squeal at an <b>incredibly</b> high frequency, whether she is happy, mad or sad. Truth be told, she will be a <b>powerful soprano</b> one day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She LOVES animals!</td></tr>
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She loves babies of any form, and is always seen carrying around a stuffed animal on her hip or in her arms! My favorite thing is when she takes a "baby" in her arms, craddles it and shushes while she bounces her knees up and down! AND the best: when she takes her shirt off and "feeds" her baby while making an eating noise. She definitely is observant! She absolutely adores her siblings. She called Liam "Lawmie" and Lydia "La La". They are her favorite! If she sees anyone else other than Richard or I holding Lydia she will cry and cry saying "MY BABY!" until they give her back. It's really darling to see how much she loves her! Her and Liam play together all day (it's finally paying off having them close together!) unless they are cranky and getting on each others nerves...but for the most part they play so well together. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her favorite baby...notice it's dressed in Lydias clothes and swimming suit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With her favorite babies! And no the blanket isn't over Lydias mouth. Her hand is under the blanket and blocking her face</td></tr>
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She is really big for her age (about the 90th percentile) so everyone is shocked when they hear she is JUST turning 2. She wears the same size show as Liam, just 1 size smaller than him (she is 3T and he is 4T), and a couple inches shorter. For all intents and purposes, they look like twins! And Liam is big for his age too! She is just transitioning out of naps (bummer) which is hard on her and mom. Unless she gets up before 7:30, she doesn't want to nap until 2 and most days, that is too late (can really mess with her bedtime). She eats really well and tries new things. Her talking is really exploding and I love listening to her put sentences together and copy things that people say. We had her off the binky (or "mimi" as she calls it), until Lydia started taking one and she digressed. The doctor says not to worry about it, and I don't want to force things and create resentment towards Lydia. She hasn't had ANY jealously issues, and I don't want that to start. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This has to be one of my favorite pictures EVER.</td></tr>
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She is such a joy and brings so much life to our family. Her powerful personality is so fun, and I love watching it develop new dimensions as she matures. I cannot wait to continue to watch her grow and mature. She can be scary sometimes because she doesn't have much inhibition (like trying to jump into deep pools, running up to total strangers to say hi/sing to them, running into the street to see the dog across the street etc), but I hope that means she will achieve great things later. </div>
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She loves: Curious George, swimming, her "mimi", ducks, any animal, her "babies", any kind of sugar, ketchup, juice, dancing, jumping on beds, playing house, dressing up, playing outside, digging in the dirt, any kind of candy, toothpaste, books, anything "pretty", having her nails painted, shoes, playing with water, her "mimi", her siblings, watching movies, changing clothes etc.</div>
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The day before her birthday we had a friend party where we had about 17 kids and 8 of their moms over to play! We had a blast! The theme was princess/dress-up and she had a blast! The next day (her birthday fell on a Sunday), we just relaxed, played together and celebrated some more with Richards brother and his family! Such a fun day celebrating our sweet, darling, spit-fire daughter!</div>
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Trying to take a picture of her while we relaxed on her birthday...</div>
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she wouldn't hold still (surprise, surprise)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"the" look...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">testing out the princess dress we gave her!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the cupcakes I made for her birthday!</td></tr>
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I love my sweet curly-haired, blue-eyed beauty with all of my heart.</div>
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More than I can convey.</div>
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She has brought so much joy, life and happiness into our family</div>
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and I cannot wait to continue to watch her grow into the wonderful person she will become!</div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-37208145808782928892013-08-28T15:26:00.000-07:002013-08-28T16:24:57.716-07:00To the rude lady at the hospital.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got your letter on my car. Yeah, the one where you explained I parked too close to your car, making it hard for you to get out. I especially noticed at the end the big sentence underlined three times and written with obvious anger: "you are an <b>idiot</b>". I am sorry I parked too close to your car.</div>
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However, I think if you understood the situation, instead of writing a note to break me down, you would have tried to help. You see, my daughter was bleeding all over herself, crying in the backseat because she had split open her gums. I was <strike>a little</strike> very overwhelmed with trying to find a place to take her along with my 2 other little kids, having been turned away from 3 different doctors offices for insignificant reasons. The parking lot at the ER was completely packed and I saw that smaller-than-my-car space and took it. There were a million other things running through my head like: "I hope my husband isn't worried when he comes home for lunch and sees the sign I left on the door because I couldn't get a hold of him in class, saying we were at the hospital," and "I really hope she doesn't need stitches" and "I hope my newborn doesn't catch something scary here at the ER" and "I feel bad for losing my temper at my toddler because I am so stressed trying to find a place to take my bleeding daughter" and "I wish her mouth would stop hurting her" and "its breaking my heart to see her in pain" and "I can't believe we are going to the hospital"... O and I was kind of in a rush considering the fact my little precious daughter was losing blood by the second.</div>
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I was fighting a hard battle. You could not have known, all you saw was how annoying it was I parked too close to your car. Yeah that is frustrating and inconvenient. I get it. But that little note you decided to write made my day just that much worse. That much more hard. It was hard to get your words out of my head. I wish I could sit down with you and replay my morning. I hope you could have seen my intentions and understood the situation.</div>
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I wonder if your mom taught you to hold your tongue if you don't have anything nice to say. If she didn't I am sure my face when I read your note would have been a good lesson. If she did, <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">shame on you</span></i></b>. And because my mom did teach me that lesson, <b>I will hold my tongue </b>and refrain from saying or thinking certain things about you. Because I am sure, considering the fact we were both parked in the ER parking lot, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>you were fighting a hard battle too.</b></span></div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-66664022591817895082013-08-14T20:49:00.001-07:002013-08-14T20:58:27.134-07:00My Freezer Meal Journey: Month 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
So earlier last year, I decided that I wanted to seriously tackle freezer meals as our main way of doing dinner. I knew hubby being in medical school full-time and me home with 3 kids 3 and younger would require a lot of planning for life to go smooth. Anyways, last month was my first month, which you can read about<a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-freezer-meal-journey-month-1.html"> here</a>. It was a great success and we have liked <b>all</b> the meals I prepared. In fact some of them are new family favorites we will eat a lot more! The only thing I wish I had done was blanch some of the vegetables before I froze them.</div>
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This month I did another big batch of cooking and finished 6 meals doubled. I planned for 8, but once I got everything out, I remembered that I hadn't bought 2 important things that would mean the prep for the last 2 meals would have to wait for another day. With some leftover meals from last month, that is all I needed to last the rest of the month.</div>
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The meals I prepared were:<br />
<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html">Beef Faijitas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-meals-part-2.html">Sweet and Tangy Meatballs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-meals-part-2.html">Beef Roast</a><br />
Spaghetti (my moms recipe, so I will put it on the blog soon, but any recipe would work)<br />
<a href="http://myfreezermealstory.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/cilantro-lime-chicken-wblack-beans-and-corn-2/">Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Corn</a> <br />
Taco Soup (my recipe, that I will also put on soon, but again any recipe would work)<br />
<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/slow-cooker-coconut-tofu-curry/">Coconut Curry Tofu </a><br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html">Spinach Lasagna Rolls</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUuShGKnAZQ/UgxIBUl8xEI/AAAAAAAAKuQ/g5UW3ZtD6PY/s1600/freezermeals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUuShGKnAZQ/UgxIBUl8xEI/AAAAAAAAKuQ/g5UW3ZtD6PY/s640/freezermeals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Some things I did differently or learned this time:</b></div>
--I labeled each bag and kept them in the same spot close to where I was prepping so they were together, out of the way and easy to grab. <br />
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--Instead of chopping all the vegetables and putting them in different bowls, I cut down on steps and mess and put all the chopped food into the labeled bags right away. I think I used 1 bowl the whole time, only because I had to mix some things in it. This made the whole process SO much faster! This time I made more meals, but it only took 2 hours, compared to<b> </b>the many more hours it took last time. So basically cut out the middle man and just put things straight into the bag!</div>
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--Instead of working on several meals at once, I actually did one at a time. This only worked this time because there was no cooking I had to do. Once I finished each meal, I put them in a place away from all the chopping and cooking so it didn't take up space.</div>
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--I did this last time, but forgot to mention it, but I kept the trash can right next to me so every time there was something to throw away, I put it in the garbage right away to cut down on mess. Doing this and not using extra bowls etc. my kitchen wasn't that messy! It was so nice for cleaning up afterwards!</div>
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--If there are meals that have more than 1 bag, tape them together so you dont forget on baking day. I almost forgot to take out a second bag to un-thaw one night which could have been disastrous.</div>
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--Take your meals out to freeze in the refrigerator for <i><b>more</b></i> than 24 hours, best 36 or 48 hours.</div>
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--Put meat into it's own bag. There probably is anything more nasty than having meat juice mixed in with your vegetables in your refrigerator!</div>
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--Like I said above, blanch potatoes, carrots or other vegetables before freezing them if you don't want them to be soggy.</div>
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--Keep a list of the meals you have in the freezer, when you made them, where they are (I have a normal freezer and a chest freezer in the garage), way to cook them (if it's a crock pot meal, that is important to note), and any thing you need with the meal like noodles for spaghetti. I have <a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/be/a4/efbea4f278278779dc1d4f5169fd1e06.jpg"><b>this one</b> </a>on our refrigerator all filled out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Best part?!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All the groceries for the 16 meals cost a whooping</span> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">$170! </span></b>There were a few things I had already that I didn't need to buy like onions, canned tomatoes etc. But it wasn't enough to make a huge difference! </span></span><b>Thats pretty good for 16 meals!</b></div>
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Next month I am going to look for more meatless/vegetarian and whole food meals. Not that these aren't but that is going to be my goal because that is the way we want to start eating. Hope I can find some good ones! </div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-2908767157162214272013-08-07T21:08:00.002-07:002013-08-08T07:46:58.676-07:00And it's over.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WIYrtsmsD4/UgMV7SYVNXI/AAAAAAAAKtc/1tYZPpKOQtc/s1600/20130802_072718%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CoByeyjpsk/UgMXUxNtj1I/AAAAAAAAKtw/HKzZ8FUzKXg/s1600/20130806_123036%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CoByeyjpsk/UgMXUxNtj1I/AAAAAAAAKtw/HKzZ8FUzKXg/s640/20130806_123036%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Brielle's face! She is in a diaper because I was getting her ready to put her swimming suit on.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Just like that, without much warning, our time of <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-calm.html">"play"</a> is <i>over.</i> <br />
One day I woke up and realized, that phase of our life is entirel<i>y over.</i><br />
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And surprisingly, my emotions are different than I thought they would be.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>An aching excitement</b></span>.</i><br />
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Aching: I am so sad to have that time over, at times it can hurt. My heart aches to think about how my kids will miss their daddy, and I ache when I think about doing this alone, almost entirely without my best friend.</div>
Excitement: Because it's finally here. The day we have been <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-final-final-destination.html">preparing, hoping for and dreaming of <i>for years</i></a>. Because I am ready to do this thing.<br />
The surprising part, is this is the greater emotion of the 2.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, Richard started medical school.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTnGtGJ-CnE/UgMVujJFdJI/AAAAAAAAKtU/LrBPS0W5NvM/s1600/20130802_072557%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTnGtGJ-CnE/UgMVujJFdJI/AAAAAAAAKtU/LrBPS0W5NvM/s400/20130802_072557%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For pretend, because this week is orientation, but it is all day and the same hours as his classes (8am-5pm). So we are starting "the" schedule and he is preemptively studying the massive amounts of books that he has during the hours he plans to do homework. 80 hours a week of class and studying. <i>Boom baby.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WIYrtsmsD4/UgMV7SYVNXI/AAAAAAAAKtc/1tYZPpKOQtc/s1600/20130802_072718%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WIYrtsmsD4/UgMV7SYVNXI/AAAAAAAAKtc/1tYZPpKOQtc/s400/20130802_072718%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So I am on my own. A thing I haven't had to do since he finished his under-graduate degree last year. It's hard to get used to, but I did it for so long, I have fallen right back in place. The adjustment has come pretty natural, which is a <i><b>huge</b></i> tender mercy. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Classes start on Monday, and the <i>real</i> journey begins.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AOS-FPmU9s/UgMW2RiwPXI/AAAAAAAAKto/MbNXkQaQ04Y/s1600/20130802_072801%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AOS-FPmU9s/UgMW2RiwPXI/AAAAAAAAKto/MbNXkQaQ04Y/s400/20130802_072801%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I feel like I am standing in line for one of the <i><b>really scary</b></i> rides at a carnival. It looks exciting, and by the faces of those getting off the ride, <i><b>it looks totally worth it. </b></i>In fact, they all come over and tell you it is so worth it. However, it also looks scary, just not scary enough to get out of line. You remind yourself, it will be worth it, and you can do it. </div>
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That's exactly how I feel.<br />
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<b>I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.</b>Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-63179303280142174082013-07-14T20:44:00.002-07:002013-07-14T21:19:30.161-07:00My Freezer Meal Journey: Month #1:awkward wave: hi, I am back!<br />
Whew can I just say, it's been crazy?! In the last 3 months this has been the gameplan:<br />
move everything from our storage unit in ID to the storage unit next to our house in WA<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (24 hour roundtrip)</span><br />
pack up and move everything from where we were staying in WA to our storage unit <span style="font-size: x-small;">(8 hour roundtrip and many days of work)</span><br />
Stay with family in Boise for 1 1/2 weeks while our house was getting finished <span style="font-size: x-small;">(3 different houses in 10 days)</span><br />
Move into <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-story-of-our-house.html">our BEAUTIFUL, new house</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(WE ARE HOME OWNERS! I am in love with our house) </span>and unpack/get organized/decorate <span style="font-size: x-small;">(way too long)</span><br />
and now...play and enjoy the beautiful summer until my hubby starts medical school in 3 1/2 weeks <span style="font-size: x-small;">(way too soon)</span><br />
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So yeah, it's been crazy. Let's just say, I am done moving for the next couple years...</div>
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Now that we are caught up with the ultra-fast update, enough about the last few months (although I feel like writing a post about some thoughts on my adjustment to having 3 kids in 3 years, so maybe that is next). A couple months ago, I was thinking about the upcoming...trial...ahem, time of medical school and my fate as a school induced single mom. I came to the conclusion that dinner time, while I love to cook for my family, is <i>the </i>most stressful time of day and sets the tone for the next day <span style="font-size: x-small;">(if it is too crazy and I don't have the energy to clean the whole house before bed like I normally do, I wake up behind, and that is no bueno). </span>So if I could change that time of day and not make it stressful, it would make the entire day better! While <strike>mindlessly searching</strike> studying pinterest one day, I found the solution to my problem! <b>Freezer meals!</b> You do the prep for as many meals as you can in one session and plop them in the freezer so on the night you want to eat them, all you have to do is thaw them and put them either in the crock pot or oven...and that's it! I still get to cook healthy food for my family (one of my passions) but I also don't have awful nights of kids screaming at my feet while I am trying to frantically cook them something for dinner <span style="font-size: x-small;">(doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, its no fun)</span>! <b>Heaven sent answer!</b> So I did a lot of research, complied enough recipes for 9 months of freezer meals <span style="font-size: x-small;">(no joke) </span>and joined the craze! </div>
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Yesterday I did a test run to get out all the kinks before school starts. I doubled 5 meals (because that is all we will need for the rest of the months with vacations etc) and ended up with 10 huge meals! I made:</div>
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<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/garlic-chicken-farfalle/">Garlic Chicken Farfalle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/02/balsamic-chicken-with-roasted.html">Balsamic Chicken With Roasted Vegetables</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.seaweedandsassafras.com/2012/05/quinoa-patties-guest-post.html">Qunioa Patties</a></div>
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<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/pesto-stuffed-chicken/">Pesto Stuffed Chicken</a></div>
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<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/sausage-summer-vegetable-packets/">Sausage and Summer Vegetable Packets</a></div>
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<b>Here are my thoughts:</b></div>
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--Plan for several hours of uninterrupted time! I tried to start mine in the afternoon and because of constant kid interruptions, I finished at 8:30pm! And that was with my hubby focusing all of his energy into helping with the kids so I could cook! Next time I am going to start as soon as my kids go to bed.</div>
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--Except your kitchen to be COMPLETELY destroyed. And all your cooking utensils and bowls to be used. It will be totally worth it in the end (you may have to repeat that over and over again while you do it)</div>
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--Start with a clean kitchen and all your bowls/cooking utensils clean and ready</div>
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--Write all the cooking instructions and the name of the recipe on the freezer bag before you start and have them organized</div>
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--Have water and snacks near by. You will get thirsty and hungry!</div>
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--Make a list of all the things you need to chop, thaw and cook (like the chicken breasts) so you can do them all at one time (I had Quinoa cooking, chicken breasts in the crock pot, chicken breasts thawing and I was chopping vegetables all at the same time).</div>
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--Before you start, take EVERYTHING out you will need. This helps you realize if you need to get something else before you are too far in to leave.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">--Have bowls for each chopped vegetable you will need and organize them according to meal. Keep them together or you will forget what they are for! Basically just stay organized or it won't work!</span></div>
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--Multi-task! If you don't have several meals going at once, it will take even longer.</div>
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My goal is to do 1 cooking session a month and make 21 meals (either 7 tripled or 11 doubled) which will allow us 1 day a week to cook like normal and 1 day a week for leftovers. I want to document my "journey" of having this be my main way of preparing our dinners. The successes and the failures! I am sure we are bound to find gross recipes, things that don't freeze well and moments where all the work is worth it! So follow along for the ride! O and I am back on the blog again! No more 3 month + absences until after the birth of our next baby ;) </div>
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...still can't believe that this <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/04/lydia-elise-birth-story.html">crazy wonderful morning</a> was almost 3 1/2 months ago! Time goes too fast...</div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-4300127663018158912013-04-05T13:05:00.001-07:002013-04-06T16:10:26.924-07:00Lydia Elise: A Birth Story<div style="text-align: center;">
9 days ago our sweet, beautiful, healthy girl joined our family.</div>
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Such a wonderful little spirit who we are all so in love with.</div>
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Her birth was <b>exactly</b> what I wanted and I feel so blessed.</div>
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Here is the whole story so I don't forget any details...</div>
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Just like my other babies, I started to have consistent braxton hicks contractions starting around 35 weeks. At my 36 week appointment I was about a fingertip dilated and only 20% effaced, which was disappointing because with Brielle at the same point I was 2 cm and 60% effaced. So I stayed on my feet as much as I could, went on walks, did squats and anything else I could to help me start progressing ahead of time. I would have inconsistent runs of contractions pretty often and at 36 1/2 weeks I had contractions about 5-7 minutes a part starting when we put the kids to bed at 7 pm, I noticed them during the night and they continued through the next day. They got closer together around 3pm and about 4pm, I called the doctor. They said it was too late for them to check me, but wanted me to go into the hospital to make sure I wasn't dilating too fast. I decided to wait longer (it's a 45 minute drive one way) and we went to the park to play as a family and feed the ducks. When we got home, I noticed they spaced out and then stopped. At my doctors appointment a couple days past 37 weeks, I was 2 cm and 50% effaced so we knew those contractions were doing something! At that appointment my doctor said she wanted to induce me a couple days early because 1. Liam was 9 1/2 pounds on his due date and 2. I progressed really fast with Brielle (I went from 5 cm to complete/crowing in 30 minutes) and she didn't want to risk anything since we live so far from the hospital. Like I said <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/03/sitting-waiting-wishing.html">here</a>, I didn't think either would happen again, but I wanted to not take any chances, <b>just in case</b>.</div>
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However, at this point I started to have some serious doubts about being induced. Even though I was induced with Brielle and it was a <b>very</b> positive experience, I still felt very <b>unsettled.</b> It was on my mind a lot and I wasn't sure what to do. I knew I shouldn't go over my due date, but I wanted so bad to go into labor <b>by myself</b>. I did a lot of research on ways to help my body go into labor itself, but I didn't want to do anything too extreme because I really wanted her to come <b>when she was ready</b>. Also at this point I started to feel very unsettled about getting an epidural. With both my kids it significantly slowed my labor down and in my labor with Brielle, the process of getting the epidural was very painful, and my back hurt for about a year afterwards. </div>
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At each appointment from 38-39 weeks I was more dilated and effaced and they set up my induction date for the 27th, <b>which was 2 days before my due date. </b>That also happened to be my birthday and the only day the hospital had available for a scheduled induction. My doctor said all she planned to do was break my water without using pitocin and expected that to throw me into full-blown labor, because once my water broke with my other 2 kids, <b>things went fast</b>. </div>
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The day before my scheduled induction, I was still having painful, yet inconsistent contractions as I had been experiencing the past week and I had my last appointment. My doctor said I was 3 cm, almost 4cm and she did as much of a membrane sweep as she could without breaking my water. She said Lydia was at a -1 station (basically the farthest she could be without me in active labor) and hoped that sweeping my membranes would jump start things. After my appointment I went to get my hair cut with my mom and then I went on a 20 minute walk with her afterwards while Richard played at the park with the kids. The walk definitely started some painful contractions, but once again, nothing consistent. I also had a bloody show and lost a lot more of my mucus plug. The rest of the day I spent finishing all the last minute things and spending time with Richard and the kids. We bathed the kids, put them to bed, put the carseat in the car, put our bags next to the door, laid out our clothes and went to bed early. We were supposed to be at the hospital at 7am for my induction, and <b>we were all ready</b>. </div>
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Of course, Liam woke up twice that night, once to go to the bathroom and another time with a bad dream, and after the first time neither Richard or I could go back to sleep. My mind was running with all the things that would happen the next day, plus Lydia was rubbing her head into my cervix and moving around so much, I couldn't sleep because of pain. <b>Then I started noticing contractions</b>. And they were hurting pretty bad, but still very far apart so I didn't think anything of it, because that had been happening almost every night for about a week. Luckily they were so far apart that I was able to sleep during the breaks. Then all of a sudden I woke up and noticed that they were so bad I couldn't lay down through them, and only walking around and breathing made them tolerable. They weren't coming close together (I would guess they were about 7-10 minutes apart, although I never actually timed them), but after 2 of these contractions, I woke Richard up because the intensity of the contractions made me realize, <b>"this is it". </b>In between a contraction I said "Richard, wake up, I am having very painful contractions and <b>this is it</b>. <b>We need to go to the hospital NOW</b>" I looked at the clock and it was 5:00 am. I felt a <b>huge sense of urgency </b>and Richard could see that, so we got ready as fast as we could. I jumped in the shower to see if the warm water would slow them down. They started getting closer together (about 6 minutes I would guess) and the intensity stayed the same. While Richard got in the shower, I went downstairs to blow dry my hair (pausing to breath/concentrate through contractions) and then ran the kids monitor to my parents. My mom was so excited when I told her we were headed to the hospital! By this point, the contractions were getting more painful and we frantically put all our bags into the car, skipped breakfast and sped off at 5:30 am.<br />
The contractions were hurting really bad, but during my break (I think they were about 5-7 minutes apart at this point and never got much closer together the whole time) I started to put my make-up on (we still laugh about this). About 10 minutes into the 45 minute drive, they started to get worse and so Richard called 911 to let them know he was speeding to the hospital and <b>not to pull him over</b>. They told him to call the hospital to warn them so they could get everything ready, and while he was on the phone I had some really bad contractions. He said "my wife is in labor and I am afraid she doesn't have much longer. Please have a room ready. O and she would like an epidural". Once we were about 5 minutes from the hospital the contractions were so bad that I was almost frantic during them, wanting to get out of my seat and walk around and the only thing that made me feel any better <b>was screaming</b>. <b>That was a bad sign</b>. I was desperate to get out of the car and during one of the really bad contractions I screamed "I WANT AN EPIDURAL NOW!" Well we made it to the hospital in a record time of 30 minutes and I ran in while Richard grabbed our important bags. They had a nurse waiting for us when we got there and she asked if I wanted to stop in the .E.R. for them to deliver me or head up to the O.B. unit. I got into the wheel chair they had ready, yelled "GO!!!!" and pointed forward. They giggled at me and ran me up to the O.B. unit. I had hoped if we got up to the OB unit as soon as possible, I could get an epidural. However, the contractions were so bad and they could tell by how I was acting, <b>it wasn't going to be much longer.</b> </div>
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We got there at a little after 6:00 am, they put us in room 335 and immediately got me on a table to check me during one of the contraction breaks. As she was checking me the nurse said "<b>ummm, I can't find your cervix.</b>" I thought that meant I was digressing in my dilation so I threw my head back in defeat and moaned. Richard said "does that mean she is complete?" and as I said "no..." the nurse said "<b>yep, that is exactly what that means. You are totally complete. Honey, you aren't getting an epidural tonight</b>". We were shocked. <b><span style="font-size: large;">I had been going through transition in the car...it all made sense now</span>.</b> I was still dressed, so I got into a gown as fast as I could during the break and they started breaking down the bed and getting things ready. I tried to breath through the contractions but it was getting almost impossible. They said they had called my doctor when we called, so she was about 15 minutes away. <b>That was a long, painful wait</b>. But I was so happy my favorite doctor and the one I wanted to deliver me was on call, even though she wasn't supposed to be on call that day. That certainly made the wait worth it.<br />
Once the doctor got there at about 6:15 am, she checked me and confirmed I was totally complete and <b>ready to push</b>. She broke my water and after getting all dressed and ready, <b>I started pushing.</b> This is when I became frantic to be done because I was experiencing pain I had never experienced before. During one of the breaks I managed to say "please help me not tear too much". My awesome doctor said "don't worry dear, I will do everything I can to make sure you don't tear too much". The pain was so bad that I wasn't breathing enough and everyone had to remind me to breath so I wouldn't pass out. At about 6:20 am we were ready to really start pushing (the couple pushes before that was helping her get all the way down into the birth canal because she started at a -1 station) and all of a sudden this beautiful music started to play. We realized it was Richards phone going off for our alarm to wake us up to call the hospital to set up a time to come in and be induced. <b>We all laughed at the irony while they set up the stirrups</b>. </div>
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Then a little after 6:20 am, I really started to push and her head started to crown. Everyone told me to reach down and touch her head, and when I did, I realized <b>I was close to holding my baby.</b> That helped keep me focused. The doctor coached me through the pushes telling me when to slow down, do small pushes, push hard etc. to help me not tear. At this point the pain was so overwhelming that the only thing I could do to handle the pain, <b>was screaming at the top of my lungs</b>. It was all I could do, and the only thing that helped the pain not be intolerable. I had to go deep into my mind to control myself despite the excruciating pain, and it was an experience I have never had to experience before, and one that is hard to explain. It was so intense, I started to panic and at one point the nurse had to stop me, because she was afraid I was going into shock. I got my breathing under control and everyone said "Mckenna, she is right there! Give us a good hard push and you will be done!" I pushed (and screamed) with everything I had and her head came out, one more push and the rest of her was born. The immediate relief as I saw her little body was more than I can explain. As they laid her on my chest, I was so overcome with happiness that she was here healthy, glad it was over, and <b><span style="font-size: large;">so in love</span></b>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At 6:33 am</b>, </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 hours after contractions started and 33 minutes after getting to the hospital, our beautiful Lydia Elise was born. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Iy0SyFHqc/UVjtNM7HslI/AAAAAAAAKP8/IZZc6Hfoxk4/s1600/firstmoments3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Iy0SyFHqc/UVjtNM7HslI/AAAAAAAAKP8/IZZc6Hfoxk4/s640/firstmoments3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you can see Richard stroking my face. He was such an amazing support.</td></tr>
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She cried for about 15 seconds, and then as soon as they put her on my chest and heard my voice, she instantly stopped and just looked around the room and stared at me for a long time. <b>It was the sweetest thing</b>. It was amazing to hold my little girl after dreaming for 9 months what she would look and be like. The doctor said I had a tiny little scrape, and <b>I was so relieved</b>. She said Lydia had a huge head, and was glad/impressed it wasn't any bigger. I held, admired and loved her (and regained my composure haha) for a long time. Then they took her to weigh, measure and examine her. When they put her on the scale, I was so interested to see what it would tell us. The doctor kept mentioning she was big, but I could tell she wasn't as big as Liam. I had thought 8 lbs 14 oz and Richard guessed 9 lbs 5 oz. Well they put her on the scale and she was <b>9 lbs 2 oz</b>! I was pretty surprised! Another 9+ pound baby! No wonder it hurt so bad!!! And hearing that, I was so relieved that with such a big baby, I only got a "scrape". They measured her and she was 19 1/4 in long and perfect with all their tests. Everyone was very impressed because during all the pokes and prods, she just laid there totally content and never made a peep. She scored a 9 on her apgar test, and was announced a <b>perfect, healthy, big baby girl</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I was so proud an<span style="text-align: justify;">d happy.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JmIa7ZAfE/UVjtn8nPt9I/AAAAAAAAKQE/3b16L1D6_wQ/s1600/firstmoments4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JmIa7ZAfE/UVjtn8nPt9I/AAAAAAAAKQE/3b16L1D6_wQ/s640/firstmoments4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As my doctor was leaving we joked about how she was born 30 minutes before we were supposed to start my induction. This girl was determined to be born that day and share a birthday with her mama! Also, she mentioned that I need to make sure I live really close to a hospital from now on because that was <b>too close! </b>She said if my water had broken on it's own, we <b>definitely wouldn't have made it to the hospital</b>. Richard got a little run-down by several nurses on what to do if I don't make it to the hospital next time :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgwVz-zMTpc/UVjuyx7Or9I/AAAAAAAAKQk/PxhuYErasm0/s1600/weigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgwVz-zMTpc/UVjuyx7Or9I/AAAAAAAAKQk/PxhuYErasm0/s640/weigh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNFY8_VjGSg/UVjwKpmZYJI/AAAAAAAAKQs/2SAJE1SnyTI/s1600/father.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNFY8_VjGSg/UVjwKpmZYJI/AAAAAAAAKQs/2SAJE1SnyTI/s320/father.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxhPcStAg8/UVjxocR-t1I/AAAAAAAAKQ0/eZC1EOdbS8E/s1600/lydia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxhPcStAg8/UVjxocR-t1I/AAAAAAAAKQ0/eZC1EOdbS8E/s320/lydia.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24UG4smHL5Q/UVjz2QiwEjI/AAAAAAAAKRE/fH6hEpNO_Mo/s1600/together2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24UG4smHL5Q/UVjz2QiwEjI/AAAAAAAAKRE/fH6hEpNO_Mo/s640/together2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXFflzcCmH4/UVn5XpOR--I/AAAAAAAAKRY/Tm4fRxXhMRY/s1600/lydia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXFflzcCmH4/UVn5XpOR--I/AAAAAAAAKRY/Tm4fRxXhMRY/s640/lydia3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids came later that evening and I was so curious to see how they would react, especially Brielle. They both walked in and when they saw her, they both got this super loving, tender look on their face and just watched her. Then they both got super excited and fell instantly in love. Even though Brielle is only 18 months, she was very soft, gentle and loving towards her. Liam held her for a long time, kissing, stroking and hugging her. He is head over heels in love with her and wants to have her next to him as much as possible. His new favorite thing to do is kiss her and just stare at her while stroking her head. No joke. Richard went home with them to put them to bed and as he left I warned him, he couldn't pull <a href="http://www.gpb.org/blogs/desperate-for-downton/2013/02/18/three-reasons-why-matthew-crawley-had-to-die">a Matthew Crawley</a>, and had to come back in one piece. He minded me, and we enjoyed the night <strike>not sleeping</strike> cuddling our baby girl.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-sDqOjDMA/UVjtxxx7VQI/AAAAAAAAKQM/WlgR9gub498/s1600/siblings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-sDqOjDMA/UVjtxxx7VQI/AAAAAAAAKQM/WlgR9gub498/s640/siblings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYTRgrVmSQA/UVjt00RmeuI/AAAAAAAAKQY/0nw1dmmZRec/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYTRgrVmSQA/UVjt00RmeuI/AAAAAAAAKQY/0nw1dmmZRec/s640/sisters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDr3_wiyJyU/UVjtzsyIJtI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/63HUbBxVEik/s1600/siblings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDr3_wiyJyU/UVjtzsyIJtI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/63HUbBxVEik/s640/siblings2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7sJRAsjlsM/UVn9o1FUzMI/AAAAAAAAKRw/iQTQ36drAhM/s1600/liamlydia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7sJRAsjlsM/UVn9o1FUzMI/AAAAAAAAKRw/iQTQ36drAhM/s640/liamlydia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have about 15 other darling pictures of him loving on her. So hard to choose from.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21Kn1ZkUuYc/UVn85ge7xmI/AAAAAAAAKRo/nw_2qQVZX5g/s1600/lydialiam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21Kn1ZkUuYc/UVn85ge7xmI/AAAAAAAAKRo/nw_2qQVZX5g/s640/lydialiam2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding brothers hand</td></tr>
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The next afternoon we left the hospital because we missed our babies too much to wait longer, I hate sleeping at the hospital and I felt fine. As soon as we walked in the door Liam came running over and the first thing he said was "<b>where is Lydia?!</b>" The kids loved on her for the rest of the day and were so excited to have her home. They have been so sweet with her and Liam always wants her next to him. Whether he is eating or going to bed (we have had to have several talks with him about how she can't sleep in his bed with him). <b>I am so glad they are both so soft and sweet with her!</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWsqFpM5mB8/UVn_WOU9yDI/AAAAAAAAKR4/boj9kYpEtYw/s1600/20130329_102857%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWsqFpM5mB8/UVn_WOU9yDI/AAAAAAAAKR4/boj9kYpEtYw/s320/20130329_102857%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49R0ZrI7ZJ0/UVn_r6FPWeI/AAAAAAAAKSA/zOWWMMFZcNQ/s1600/20130329_102956%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49R0ZrI7ZJ0/UVn_r6FPWeI/AAAAAAAAKSA/zOWWMMFZcNQ/s320/20130329_102956%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-846puf5RJIQ/UVoARkHxBtI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/X2exgYhf9Hg/s1600/briellelydia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-846puf5RJIQ/UVoARkHxBtI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/X2exgYhf9Hg/s400/briellelydia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 days old</td></tr>
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My recovery this time around has by far, <b>been the best</b>. I left the hospital with no pain meds and never needed them once I got back. By about 4 days postpartum I felt back to normal (of course except very tired from midnight feedings) and healed. My bleeding is pretty much gone and my stomach is almost back to normal (I get so stretched out that normally I still look about 3 months pregnant for the first week or so haha). I have lost more than half of the baby weight at 1 week postpartum as well. So really, <b>it's gone so great</b>. Nursing has been good, except she has a crazy strong suck so I am pretty...sore. And she eats a lot, so like my other kids, my supply is HUGE. That isn't so comfy...<br />
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In almost every way, her birth <b>was exactly what I wanted</b>.</div>
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I wanted to go into labor on my own: check</div>
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I wanted to labor as long as I could before going to the hospital: check (but no choice on that...)</div>
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I wanted to not need pitocin: check</div>
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I wanted to do it natural and not need the epidural: check (but again, no choice on that)</div>
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I wanted to go a little early and definitely before my due date: check</div>
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I wanted her to be big, but not too big: check</div>
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I wanted my favorite doctor to deliver me: check</div>
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I wanted to not tear: check (well my doctor didn't consider it a tear but in her words, a "scrape")</div>
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I wanted the least amount of interventions and pokes: check</div>
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I wanted to push for less than 15 minutes: check (it was about 10 mins)</div>
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I wanted a fast labor: check</div>
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I wanted to experience drug, needle and intervention free birth: check</div>
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I wanted a healthy baby girl: <b>check</b></div>
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I had this conversation a lot with Richard about wanting the above things, but didn't think that would be possible. I am so grateful it worked out the way it did. It was the most intense and painful 1 1/2 of my entire life, but <b>worth it</b>. And the fact that I was doubting whether or not I should be induced and have an epidural for a couple weeks before, was a big tender mercy, because I was hoping for that, rather than being disappointed it didn't work out that way. </div>
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She is such a great baby! She never cries, unless she is starving and it is only a cry or two. When she is hungry she just grunts and roots around (which I swear she does all the time). She loves sleeping anywhere...her carseat, swing, bassinet, someones arms, you name it. She eats every 2 hours day or night, which is hard, but I am glad she is getting a lot of milk and my anti-bodies because Brielle has been sick for the past couple days :( So I don't refuse her when she is hungry (plus we love our babies fat! haha) or put her off. The transition to 3 has been much different than <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-am-scured.html">I expected</a>. I will write more about that later. </div>
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Truly, it was a wonderful experience and I am so glad she is in our life. </div>
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She is only 9 days old, but I already feel like she has been in our family forever and I don't know what we did without her! </div>
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Like I have said so many times before, <b>we are addicted to having babies. </b></div>
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In fact, a couple hours after she was born and I was cuddling her, I turned to Richard and said<b> </b></div>
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<b>"Richard, how are we ever going to stop having babies?? I love this"</b></div>
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<b>Can you blame us??<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-qAvJWveVQ/UV8oABE07nI/AAAAAAAAKSc/z87OE-Y-zkU/s1600/lydia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-qAvJWveVQ/UV8oABE07nI/AAAAAAAAKSc/z87OE-Y-zkU/s640/lydia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 days old</td></tr>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-7430149997775204212013-03-24T20:35:00.002-07:002013-03-25T17:12:48.071-07:00Sitting, Waiting, Wishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the date is set.</div>
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As I sat on the doctors table at 39 weeks, doctor said she didn't want me going past my due date because of Liams size (9 1/2 pounds on his due date) AND because I went so fast with Brielle (I went from 5cm to totally complete/crowning in 30 minutes and the hospital is a good 45 minutes away). Not that I expect either to happen again, but you just never know. <b>Better to be prepared</b>. Anyways, she left to call the hospital to pick a date for the week before my due date. "<i>Wow, THE date" </i>was all I could think of. In the hallway I heard her voice:</div>
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"O gosh. The only day they have available is Wednesday. <i>I feel bad doing that to her</i>"</div>
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At first I thought <b>ummmm, what are you going to do to me?!?!</b> And then I glanced at the calender on the wall. Wednesday the 27th. 2 days early. O that is <b>my birthday</b>. ::giggle:: that is ironic. As she explained the only day I could could come in that week for a scheduled induction was that day, all I could do was smile. The plan is for me to come in in the morning, the doc will break my water and we will sit back and watch. Considering the fact that with my babies once my water breaks labor goes fast, she thinks that is all it will take. </div>
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Anyways, it's pretty odd to have <b>the date</b> set.</div>
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Especially considering what <b>the date</b> is.</div>
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So as is my personality, planning instantly started and things started rolling. </div>
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We decided to celebrate Easter today and my birthday yesterday. </div>
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And both were fantastic.</div>
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My birthday consisted of my favorite breakfast (crepes covered in whipped cream, nutella and fresh strawberries with a side of bacon), a long nap, playing with the family at the park (it was a GORGEOUS day), shopping for my presents, eating Chinese food for dinner, pie for dessert (not a fan of cake) and watching a movie (all the while having painful contractions of course). Easter was equally fun with a wonderful day at church, epic Easter egg hunt, a big ham dinner and chocolate.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k26UZ0_pyLI/UU_AhvHxJ1I/AAAAAAAAKPo/LoZ1biS9tEw/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k26UZ0_pyLI/UU_AhvHxJ1I/AAAAAAAAKPo/LoZ1biS9tEw/s640/family.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In their easter best ready for church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOyLub-qpjk/UU-zN9XOaaI/AAAAAAAAKNw/rqexqDPJ8tA/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOyLub-qpjk/UU-zN9XOaaI/AAAAAAAAKNw/rqexqDPJ8tA/s640/DSC_0371.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the easter egg hunt begun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72JSYYNjscI/UU-zSgC9H8I/AAAAAAAAKN4/QFCQQghkc2E/s1600/DSC_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72JSYYNjscI/UU-zSgC9H8I/AAAAAAAAKN4/QFCQQghkc2E/s640/DSC_0375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam totally got it filling his bucket with pretty much all the eggs.<br />
Brielle found (maybe) 3 and just sat down to open them all</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fq1IA4fn6lI/UU-z9Lx6cfI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/DRiEvPmRXU4/s1600/DSC_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fq1IA4fn6lI/UU-z9Lx6cfI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/DRiEvPmRXU4/s400/DSC_0386.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIwGNcESeEk/UU-0BVPP3GI/AAAAAAAAKOY/MpoKZMWivSM/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIwGNcESeEk/UU-0BVPP3GI/AAAAAAAAKOY/MpoKZMWivSM/s400/DSC_0388.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSXkp0fFjs/UU-0Gj85czI/AAAAAAAAKOg/Hk1FLCztDEs/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSXkp0fFjs/UU-0Gj85czI/AAAAAAAAKOg/Hk1FLCztDEs/s400/DSC_0391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1sbaYve_vI/UU-0NDC0oEI/AAAAAAAAKOw/EBvV5rPy_XY/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1sbaYve_vI/UU-0NDC0oEI/AAAAAAAAKOw/EBvV5rPy_XY/s400/DSC_0395.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKIDV9NmwI8/UU-0dSnVtLI/AAAAAAAAKPA/WQjFbwgw7Ro/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKIDV9NmwI8/UU-0dSnVtLI/AAAAAAAAKPA/WQjFbwgw7Ro/s400/DSC_0407.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1oQ6IjDOl8/UU-0XN2ZR1I/AAAAAAAAKO4/9vUoNbbxvug/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1oQ6IjDOl8/UU-0XN2ZR1I/AAAAAAAAKO4/9vUoNbbxvug/s640/DSC_0405.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the loot...and a boot.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh-Wc5BYfGs/UU-0iQmTYtI/AAAAAAAAKPI/0mseWhlhtD0/s1600/DSC_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh-Wc5BYfGs/UU-0iQmTYtI/AAAAAAAAKPI/0mseWhlhtD0/s400/DSC_0408.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHCmI5xhMbA/UU-zi1u9bmI/AAAAAAAAKOM/Sd9tGqAp1yE/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHCmI5xhMbA/UU-zi1u9bmI/AAAAAAAAKOM/Sd9tGqAp1yE/s400/DSC_0377.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbHWpXwepqw/UU-0lAhMLmI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/cjXEX4971OY/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbHWpXwepqw/UU-0lAhMLmI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/cjXEX4971OY/s640/DSC_0402.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYywVxHVKy0/UU-1Dc6928I/AAAAAAAAKPY/TLb-smBjRnA/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYywVxHVKy0/UU-1Dc6928I/AAAAAAAAKPY/TLb-smBjRnA/s400/flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday flowers</td></tr>
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Final preparations can now be made.</div>
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(less than) <b>3 days left</b>.</div>
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And it's at this point that Jack Johnson's lyrics start running through my head</div>
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"Now I was sitting, waiting, wishing"</div>
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But in my cause it will be "Now I was walking, cleaning, wishing"</div>
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At least the waiting and wishing for her to be in my arms, </div>
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has an expiration date.</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-45978491388584400492013-03-20T20:12:00.000-07:002013-03-20T20:19:04.341-07:00My 2 cents as mamasitaParenting.<br />
I know, I am a novice.<br />
I only have 2 kids, 2 <i>little</i> kids, so I don't really know what I am talking about.<br />
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But in my defense, before I had kids I finished my bachelors degree in Psychology and Marriage & Family Studies, took dozens of classes on parenting and read an equal amount of articles/books on parenting. </div>
I know, books don't equate experience.<br />
But they sure help!<br />
<br />
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Anyways, with that disclaimer, I have been thinking lately about my main job: <b>parenting</b></div>
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Somedays I feel like a failure, somedays I actually think it's going pretty good. </div>
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I don't always know what I am doing, but who does?</div>
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You might <i>think</i> you always know what you are doing, but children are ever changing, their personalities fluid and so usually what seems to happen is the one thing that worked for awhile all of a sudden doesn't because of their ever changing, growing self. But thats life right? Once you get one thing figured out, <b>it changes</b>. But that is how we grow. </div>
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Hopefully you as a parent realize this, and adapt to their fluid personalities. </div>
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Cause that is also important.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyways, in my 3 short years of parenting babies & toddlers I have learned some things that seem to consistently work. I thought I would share them, just for kicks.</div>
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I need something other than <strike>evicting</strike> having this baby to think about...so entertain me...</div>
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1. I have debated on punishments. I know that they are important, because they teach our children boundaries and what is and isn't ok. But I think something else can work better <span style="font-size: x-small;">(in certain situations)</span>, <b>if done right</b>. <b>Praise</b>. I remember reading somewhere (I am in no mind to find it, so you will just have to trust me) that <b>praising</b> your children when they do the desired thing works much better than punishing them when they don't do the desired thing. It can be tedious and require creativity. You might have to stretch really hard to think of how you can see positive things they are doing. It also requires <b>a lot </b>of time and attention from you as the parent to watch for the little things that are right. <b>But</b>, I know from experience that works <b>so well</b>. Obviously, you still need to punish/give consequences. But <b>praising</b> for appropriate behavior not only teaches them what they should do, but builds up their own self-esteem and self-respect. </div>
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2. The next thing goes a long with this. <b>The way you see/treat them, is the way they will see/treat themselves. </b>It is called the "self fulfilling prophecy". If you <i>treat</i> them like a bad kid, they will <i>think</i> they are a bad kid and <i>act</i> like a bad kid. If you <i>treat</i> them like a good kid, they will <i>think</i> they are a good kid and <i>act </i>like a good kid. <b>As simple as that</b>. So if you are praising them for doing the right thing and telling them how proud you are of them for making the right decision and telling them what a good kid they are (make sure to say specifically why you think this aka: find a specific action/reason), they will think they are a good kid. Kids mirror the way they feel about themselves after the way adults think/act towards them. <b>Be careful</b>.</div>
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3. Children <b>need</b> choices. If they feel like they don't have choices, or control over their lives, they will fight anything. Try not to <i>tell</i> them to do something, but give them 2 choices on how to accomplish it. That way they don't feel forced, but they feel like they choose to do it. Some could see this as manipulative, but it's better than not teaching them to make decisions for themselves!</div>
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4. When it is appropriate, children <b>need</b> consequences/punishments. There are just some things that are not ok. But the key with this, is consistency. Children only learn through consistency. They test boundaries to find out where they are, and so if you are consistent in consequences they will quickly learn where the boundaries are, feel secure in the boundary and (most likely) leave it a lone. So I would say that the most important thing with this, is <b>consistency</b>. If you told them not to do something, <b>you must follow through with the punishment</b>. Children need this.</div>
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5. Try not to have <b>too many</b> rules. This could potentially take from them an opportunity for them to learn something themselves. You want them to learn how to manage themselves. Plus if all they hear from you is "no don't do that" or "stop that" or "please dont do..." etc. they <b>will tune you out</b>. I try to remember that if it isn't putting themselves or others in harm, or could create a serious problem/mess, or a potential bad habit, <b>let them learn</b>. This doesn't mean to put them at risk or not teach them something that needs to be taught. I am not advocating neglectful parenting. Just make sure you aren't always squishing them with "no", "dont" and "stop it". Children learn by doing things and seeing the consequence, so if it isn't dangerous or problematic, <b>let them learn</b>. </div>
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Anyways, just a couple of thoughts.</div>
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Don't sacrifice me on the "you-dont-know-what-you-are-talking-about" alter.</div>
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I am not saying I know it all,</div>
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just a couple of things I have learned in my time as mamasita.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVohWP2REAM/UUp5ejHekYI/AAAAAAAAKNY/Izr54TL82hg/s1600/20130320_132250%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVohWP2REAM/UUp5ejHekYI/AAAAAAAAKNY/Izr54TL82hg/s640/20130320_132250%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he came with shoes. He kicked them off minutes before.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAie4PbkLV8/UUp5kanwIlI/AAAAAAAAKNg/vd9ZtbUSwec/s1600/20130320_132313%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAie4PbkLV8/UUp5kanwIlI/AAAAAAAAKNg/vd9ZtbUSwec/s640/20130320_132313%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think we are going to buy this adorable little playhouse for the kids for the new house.</div>
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They played in it for a good hour at Costco today and only stopped when we pulled them away <span style="font-size: x-small;">(literally)</span> because we had to leave.</div>
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So cute.</div>
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Ok now I am breaking out the ice cream, getting into bed, watching something quick, going to sleep early <span style="font-size: x-small;">(gotta love 6:45 kidlet bedtimes)</span> and not moving until I have to...</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-55977434081758196782013-03-19T20:53:00.000-07:002013-03-19T21:23:06.875-07:00I am scured.Yes, I am scured.<br />
It's how we say scared in my family. Somehow, sometime it got started by a toddler saying the word wrong, and it hasn't stopped.<br />
Anyways, I am scured.<br />
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Because soon everything is going to change, and I don't know what to expect. I am not scured for labor and delivery. I actually <b>love that part</b> (or I guess more specifically the part at the end when you see your sweet babe for the first time). I am scured by what comes after. </div>
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The part where I have 3 littles and we are outnumbered. </div>
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The part where I am a sleep deprived ghost</div>
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The part where I don't have enough time to spend with each child like I want</div>
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The part where I don't go out in public very often <span style="font-size: x-small;">(it's still flu season here with a whooping cough outbreak. Not risking anything)</span></div>
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The part where I live in my yoga pants</div>
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The part where our living space stays a disaster</div>
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Mostly the part <b>I don't know about</b>.</div>
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I don't know what it will be like to have 3 kids and your oldest just turned 3 last month. </div>
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It's the unknown that has me shaking in my boots the most.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Twihv6314o8/UUktx6WWDUI/AAAAAAAAKMo/bENq9z4g798/s1600/DSC_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Twihv6314o8/UUktx6WWDUI/AAAAAAAAKMo/bENq9z4g798/s640/DSC_0334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of the aboves are <b>so worth</b> it to bring new life into the world. I love being a mom and wife more than <b>anything else in the world</b>. But no one can lie and tell me that the first couple weeks when a baby comes is not quite...interesting. Because I know it would be a lie if someone said that to me. Having your kids close together, you remember what that is like. <b>Because it happened recently. </b></div>
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I feel like already my 2 littles take up so much time and effort there isn't much left over. So thinking of adding another sweet spirit to that, makes me <b>scured</b>. Of course, when I think about it <b>rationally,</b> I realize it won't be as hard as it is now because I will <span style="font-size: x-small;">(for the most part) </span>have my body back and every step won't hurt and I will be able to keep up with them like I used to. <b>That makes me feel better about everything. </b>Like I said before, I love pregnancy. But by the end, the thought of not having excruciating pain makes me <b>giddy</b>. </div>
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I have 10 days left until the big day. Or less. (I had my 38 1/2 week appointment today and I am dilated to 2 almost 3 cm and 70% effaced. She is <b>so low</b> that as the doctor was checking me, she bumped her head and baby girl jumped so hard)</div>
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In 10 days, <b>it will all be a reality.</b> </div>
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My bags are packed, her bed is all ready, her clothes are all washed and ready, her new carseat/stroller came today, I have all my post-delivery needs bought (witch hazel is my beeeeest friend), everything is clean and organized, my nails are painted, maternity pictures already taken...<b>we are ready</b>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fmm3f_V67Y/UUkt2xZ9zsI/AAAAAAAAKMw/28ZVUEGHRfo/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fmm3f_V67Y/UUkt2xZ9zsI/AAAAAAAAKMw/28ZVUEGHRfo/s640/DSC_0366.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brielle riding the belly like a pro </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully she is ready to come soon, because even though I am scured, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><b>I am so excited to fall in love again.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMfWtUO-4lg/UUkuzLdS-6I/AAAAAAAAKNI/IqaZLXokqwY/s1600/belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMfWtUO-4lg/UUkuzLdS-6I/AAAAAAAAKNI/IqaZLXokqwY/s640/belly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam and I love to sit and feel her dance around</td></tr>
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<div>
p.s. O and if anyone has ANY advice about having 3 kids close together, I am <b>willing and ready</b> for any kind of advice! Bring it on ladies :)</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-40738175828490811922013-03-12T20:58:00.000-07:002013-03-19T21:01:54.409-07:00For the love of a hat<div style="text-align: center;">
Starting around December of 2012, Brielle all of a sudden developed a new passion.</div>
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<b>Hats.</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">She would run up to us and ask us to put anything from a dish towel to a shirt to a conventional hat on her head and if it fell off, she would scream until we put it back. And that has never ended. Her obsession with hats is pretty unreal, hilarious and the most darling thing </span><b style="text-align: justify;">ever. </b><span style="text-align: justify;">Wearing a hat, running around the house and "talking" and usually in dress up clothes, is the most common way to find our little princess. If we are out at the store, she loves to wear a hat and even more so, loves to watch herself in the mirror wearing said hat. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUe1fQDKxI/UT_uAtM1kDI/AAAAAAAAKKk/X7YR6Bv-TXs/s1600/20130307_155427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUe1fQDKxI/UT_uAtM1kDI/AAAAAAAAKKk/X7YR6Bv-TXs/s320/20130307_155427.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKSNlCNMfWo/UT_uJGKoCOI/AAAAAAAAKKs/z2VCYogWDGA/s1600/20130307_155437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKSNlCNMfWo/UT_uJGKoCOI/AAAAAAAAKKs/z2VCYogWDGA/s320/20130307_155437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This one has a funny story.</div>
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Richard put her on his shoulders and she instantly took his hat off, and put it on her, like so.</div>
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She made everyone around her laugh hysterically. Including us.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJnWY-aYuZE/UT_tzXfRNyI/AAAAAAAAKKc/uBPOwiupItU/s1600/20130307_143156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJnWY-aYuZE/UT_tzXfRNyI/AAAAAAAAKKc/uBPOwiupItU/s400/20130307_143156.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And brother joining in on the fun</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdg8qgElkhAoRpWMpmZdseqNZwrhG9ygsqJGwTWbjLgQl02g60pjMJmqVtjJ7f6i_shOeVVerDCucEPwrJTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...see I wasn't kidding.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It is so fun to watch the personalities of your children develop and see how they are so unique, with their own little quirks. Her little personality has <b>boomed</b> in the last couple months, and she definitely has such a strong, fiery, hilarious, independent little spirit. I hope this obsession lasts for a long time, because it is so fun to see her little body running around the house with her pink cowboy hat or princess hat on. <b>She is such a girl!</b> And golly gee, <b><i>I love that girl</i>. </b></div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-77247794698042895992013-03-11T22:27:00.000-07:002013-03-19T20:54:30.872-07:00"Name them 1 by 1"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have so many posts running through my head, willing to be written. But yet everyday that I finally have time to write, I am too tired to stay awake, let alone construct a sentence that remotely makes sense. It must be the human I am making. But I just don't want some of the little things to pass for too long, or else they will be forgotten. That is the point of this blog: recording all the little things my kids do through their childhood <b>so I never forget.</b></div>
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So bear with me, and because I am too tired to do much else, I am going to stick with lists. <b>That's doable</b>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(is that even a real word??)</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***</span></div>
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This morning I woke up with a smile. And my heart fluttered with gratitude.</div>
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Not 5 minutes into my day and already I felt overwhelmed.</div>
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But not with stress, with <b>joy.</b></div>
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As my little man snuggled up to me in my bed after waking up and proceeded to kiss my face while I dozed,</div>
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the list started flowing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My 2.9 beautiful kids</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 healthy, sweet, loving, intense little boy</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 healthy, funny, independent, sweet, girly little girl</div>
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The healthy, growing and active little girl bumping around my belly</div>
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The man to my left who is my world.</div>
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My best friend, the one I look up to more than <b><i>anyone</i></b>, <b>the love of my life.</b></div>
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Our bright, exciting future</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wonderful, supportive family members</div>
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A sure knowledge of Christ and his gospel</div>
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All of the monetary blessings we have had in our lives</div>
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This wonderful <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-calm.html">time of calm</a></div>
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That I am <a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2013/03/36-weeks.html">almost done</a>, and soon the empty bassinet by our bed will hold a cuddly newborn <span style="font-size: x-small;">(SQUEAL!)</span></div>
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O and our bed is so comfy and soothes my achy pregnant body so well</div>
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My kids are starting to <i style="font-weight: bold;">really</i> interact, play and love each other. </div>
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Our clean, organized room <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which lasted all of 30 minutes that morning)</span></div>
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This time of year is <b>so beautiful</b>, all the green life appearing and birds singing</div>
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...</div>
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So I laid in bed,</div>
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<b>still</b></div>
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for the first few minutes of the day </div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/count-your-blessings?lang=eng">and named "them 1 by 1".</a></div>
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As the list grew, and I realized, truly how blessed my life is</div>
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how truly the Lord's hand is in my life</div>
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and how I have so much to be grateful for</div>
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Not just the big, but the small as well</div>
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<b>I couldn't help but smile</b> and offer a prayer of gratitude.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Because no matter what,</div>
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Even if it might not seem that way,</div>
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and the things on our list are small or the list itself is small,</div>
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<b>there is <span style="font-size: x-small;">(truly) </span>always something to be thankful for.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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So with that in mind, take a minute</div>
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be still</div>
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and <b>start counting</b>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpnWSapNHk8/UT68HgEHhrI/AAAAAAAAKJU/xv0zIOtajhI/s1600/brielle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpnWSapNHk8/UT68HgEHhrI/AAAAAAAAKJU/xv0zIOtajhI/s400/brielle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultimate puddle jumping. I think this was the highlight of her 18 month life.<br />
She was <b>squealing</b> with joy the entire time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4SbTqiBbSQ/UT68JjnfJ2I/AAAAAAAAKJc/NpiVGCD3JTU/s1600/liam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4SbTqiBbSQ/UT68JjnfJ2I/AAAAAAAAKJc/NpiVGCD3JTU/s400/liam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam kissing baby girl...he already loves her <b>SO MUCH!</b></td></tr>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-1188127465898870612013-03-07T16:54:00.000-08:002013-03-19T20:54:51.010-07:00The story of OUR house.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After being married (almost) 7 1/2 years, living in little apartments that consist of 650 square feet and soon-to-be 3 kids, <b>we will have our own home</b>. <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Our own starter home</span>. I am still in denial, or shock really.<br />
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I feel like for the past 7 1/2 years we have been <b>playing house</b>.<br />
Then the babies came, and it felt more real, but still, just playing.<br />
We left our tiny 650 square foot apartment, the place we had spent the majority of our marriage together and our future was planned.<br />
But now that we are <b>building our first home together</b>, to fill with our own appliances, furniture and keepsakes along with our 3 kids while my hubby becomes a doctor,<br />
I feel like I have legitimately <b><span style="font-size: large;">grown-up</span></b>.<br />
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And for those interested, here are some <b>FAQ</b>s answered, </div>
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because I am sure there will be many Q's asked by a certain few :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why aren't you renting?!</b></span></div>
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The city where Richard's medical school is located, has some very dangerous non-family-friendly areas. Everyone, including real estate agents, told us to stay away from most of the areas except 2. One of them is a 30 minute drive (one way) from the school and the other area is the one the school is in. It is safe (it has an A+ rating on safety) , very family friendly, protected from the "bad" of the "scary" area by a big highway, and super close to the school. Since time with the family will be <b>very</b> limited because of how busy he will be, we opted to live in the area next to the school so we can spend an extra 1-2 hours a day with Richard (figuring in commuting time and the fact he can come home for lunch). This area doesn't have many rentals and the ones they do have are more than the allotment the school gives you for housing (because they only give enough for a single room apartment since the majority of the students are single men), requiring us to take out more student loans <span style="font-size: x-small;">(NO THANKS!!) </span>or not have enough for other expenses. It can be done, and we were going to, but it is <b>definitely</b> not ideal. Considering the only options were very small, with stairs <span style="font-size: x-small;">(they are very hard with multiple small children and for that reason I REALLY don't like them)</span> and no backyard and the fact I will have 3 VERY young kids, my time while he will be in medical school would have been <strike>awful</strike> really really hard. </div>
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Long story short, we found out a couple months ago that my in-laws had sold their house and had a big chunk of money that they wanted to invest in housing for us (they are acting like "bank" and we are going to make monthly payments to them as if they were the "bank"). So we started looking at houses and because the area we need to live in is so nice, there were <b>zero</b> options in that price range. So we decided to look at all the options, including building. We found a perfect lot about a 2 minute drive from the campus for a decent price (and down the street from the brand-new elementary school and church building). And then we found out about a building company that could do everything we needed for the price we could do it in. The whole time we have been very cautious and did a lot of research to make sure it was the right decision. After all our research, <b>we realized it very much is</b>! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about the fact you are leaving in 4 years?</b></span></div>
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With the medical school growing by 30 seats a year and with their plans to open a P.A. school in a few years, we know that there would be a HUGE influx of students and a huge shortage of housing (and this school seeks after students who are LDS with families). So the possibility of renting or selling it when we are ready to leave, <b>is very good</b>. And the price of rentals with it's specs are VERY high, so worse case scenario and we can't sell it, we would make a lot by renting it. And like I said, there is a big market for that with the school growing <b>so much</b>. Plus, worst worst case scenario, and we can't sell it OR rent it out, we could stay there for 3-4 more years after medical school and Richard could very possibly do his residency there (and staying in our brand-new home we built in a very nice area wouldn't be a problem...hehe).<br />
<b>BUT</b> even with all that considered, <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-15-best-housing-markets-for-the-next-five-years-200056059.html?page=all">Business Insider </a>predicts that Yakima will be one of the top markets to grow in the next 4 years (it should grow almost 8%) and it was named one of 15 of the <b>best in the nation for housing markets</b> because of that! And the neat thing, is we will be ready to sell in about 2017 when it is predicted to be at it's peak! <span style="font-size: large;"><b>HUGE BLESSING</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How is it a good idea with property taxes, utilities, insurance etc?</b></span></div>
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Part of our research we did before making the final decision was to find out exactly how much that would be. The school gives you a utility and insurance allowance which is a little bit higher than what we will need to spend. And when we figured in the property taxes plus all the utilities etc. in the monthly payment, it is still much cheaper than renting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What is the status?</b></span><br />
The building permits have been approved, we have paid for the lot and closed on it, we paid the first deposit to the builder/contractor, temporary power pole is up and they are staking out the house on the property <b>tomorrow</b> so they can start excavating this next week!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will it be done by the time school starts?</b></span><br />
The reason we choose the company that we did is because they are <b>under contract</b> to be completely finished with the project in 4 1/2 months. School doesn't start for another 5 months so we know it will definitely be finished in time. Their contract says 4 1/2 months, but they have been finishing houses in 85-90 days consistently and the main contractor is one of Richards relative and very old family friends, so we know <b>we are in great hands</b>. He knows our deadline and says he will <b>definitely</b> make it, with a good buffer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What are the specs of the house?</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bmUdr3-m7k/UTggfkjfN-I/AAAAAAAAKIw/vakt8GwhTWw/s1600/Wainsford-web1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bmUdr3-m7k/UTggfkjfN-I/AAAAAAAAKIw/vakt8GwhTWw/s400/Wainsford-web1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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almost 1500 square feet</div>
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3 bedrooms</div>
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2 full bathrooms</div>
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2 car garage</div>
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Walk-in closet in master bedroom <span style="font-size: x-small;">(YAY!)</span></div>
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Kitchen bar</div>
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Covered front porch</div>
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Soaker tub and normal shower in master bathroom</div>
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Oil rubbed bronze fixtures (all lights and door handles)</div>
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Recessed lighting in the kitchen and covered porch </div>
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Thick craftsman style trim throughout the house</div>
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Rounded corners on all walls and windows</div>
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Cheyenne doors throughout the house</div>
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Staggered cabinets in the kitchen</div>
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ETC</div>
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...<b>perfect starter home!!!</b></div>
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(and I can't wait to put pictures of all the things we picked for the inside!!!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So it is <b>happening</b>. </span></div>
I still can't believe it! The way this has come together is <b>absolutely amazing</b>. I really feel like things have been "guided" and really full of so many blessings. I know it sounds weird, but I have felt that way several times in this process. <b>Like for example: </b>as soon as we realized buying a house in that area was too expensive, I started looking at property and found the one we bought. We looked at other options and did our research trying to keep an open mind, but the whole time I felt a real sense of <b><i>urgency</i></b>.<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><b>I quietly felt a little frantic</b>. But I wasn't sure why because they hadn't had any offers on it since it hit the market almost a year before. Well we sped things through, put an offer on which they accepted and paid our earnest money. <b>Almost as soon as we did that, </b>the Realtor said they had <i style="font-weight: bold;">multiple</i> people put offers on it as back-ups and a lot of people very interested in it. She said that we did it at the <b>perfect</b> time. Now I see why I felt the urgency! If we would have waited much longer, we probably wouldn't have gotten it because they went $6,000 under their asking price and I am sure someone would have offered a full price offer! <b>PHEW. </b><br />
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Richard and I have had so much fun through this process! We are always talking about how we want to decorate the house, how we want to put a huge garden in the side yard and set-up our backyard asap (the yard is going to be HUGE!!! I am so excited). Richard is so excited to make some of the furniture we need (like <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html">this kitchen table</a>) and I am filling my <a href="http://pinterest.com/kennarose05/home-sweet-home/">Pinterest boards</a> with ideas for our house. We had so much fun picking out all the things for the house (like carpets, cabinets, doors, flooring, windows, trim, fixtures etc) and we agreed on <b>all of it!! </b>We kept laughing the whole time because we would choose the same exact thing every time! <b style="font-size: x-large;">We really are 1 mind and soul mates</b>. We have had so much fun daydreaming constantly, making plans and getting randomly giddy when we think about it!<br />
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And lastly, we are <b>SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL</b> to my in-laws who have chosen to invest in this project so that our lives in medical school will be much easier! I feel so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful, supportive and selfless family!<br />
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<b>Can't wait for our house to be finished so we can begin to fill it with fun memories!</b></div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-55575679686947117422013-03-03T20:59:00.001-08:002013-03-19T20:55:09.143-07:0091% complete<div style="text-align: justify;">
So as is the territory with pregnancy (especially as you start your 9th month of pregnancy), I am asked at every turn: "how are you feeling??" <span style="font-size: x-small;">just a note, I really don't mind being asked! So don't think I am complaining about that :)</span></div>
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<b>Well let me tell you.</b> I am feeling like I have a baby trying to break out of her cage which is my <b>BODY</b>. O wait, that is exactly what is happening! I love pregnancy, don't get me wrong. <b>I always have loved it.</b> Which is why I have done it 3 times in the past 3 years. BUT. It is in these final weeks that I am ready for this part of raising a baby to be finished. <b>Why??</b><br />
(and this is the moment we allow an exasperated 9 month pregnant woman a few seconds to complain. I still love it and appreciate it. But I have earned my right to have a small pity party!)</div>
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My <b>entire</b> body hurts in ways I can't relay to anyone <span style="font-size: x-small;">(acid reflux, hips breaking apart, back hurts from all the stress of carrying my huge belly, legs hurt from a huge varicose vein and other "wonderful" things I won't go into detail about)</span></div>
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My energy is non-existent</div>
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Her kicks hurt really bad sometimes </div>
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I have random (and sometimes not random) contractions that actually kind of hurt this time</div>
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I can't cuddle my babies on my lap because I don't have one anymore</div>
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I can't get full but at the same time, I always feel full</div>
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I can't keep up with my kids like I want to because I am afraid 1.a baby will fall out of me 2. my body will split in two </div>
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I don't sleep well in between having to pee all the time, random contractions, acid reflux, her running her feet a long my ribs etc.<br />
I hardly have anything left to wear because even the huge maternity shirts don't completely cover my huge bowling ball/torpedo/watermelon belly<br />
My patience is smaller because I am in constant, excruciating pain<br />
The only position that doesn't cause grit-your-teeth pain is laying on my side, but sometimes that doesn't cut it, but it's not like I can stay in that position for more than 2 minutes with my 2 active kids.<br />
...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6b_XvS27o/UTQmkvpGATI/AAAAAAAAI74/-gf3StxVRkU/s1600/35l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6b_XvS27o/UTQmkvpGATI/AAAAAAAAI74/-gf3StxVRkU/s400/35l.jpg" width="278" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNn5Ycp1UdU/UTQmjh14-fI/AAAAAAAAI7w/EuIjHXhr9g0/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNn5Ycp1UdU/UTQmjh14-fI/AAAAAAAAI7w/EuIjHXhr9g0/s400/35.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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35 weeks with Liam (left) and baby #3 (right)</div>
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Making a human is <b>truly</b> wonderful. <b>I love it.</b> But it is definitively a lot of work, especially in these last few weeks. We sure do sacrifice a lot to bring our kids into the world, that is for sure. </div>
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I had my 36 weeks appointment and all looked great. My blood pressure was low, weight gain was just as it is with my other 2 pregnancies, her heartbeat sounds perfect, I am measuring good (a week ahead actually), she is low (but not engaged yet), head down (yay!) and I am starting to <i>slowly</i> show signs of progression with my cervix (I won't go into too much detail for the weak stomached haha). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFzXb1i5FZ0/UTQiV31ED6I/AAAAAAAAI7c/camWxxDlzwI/s1600/DSC_0852fixed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFzXb1i5FZ0/UTQiV31ED6I/AAAAAAAAI7c/camWxxDlzwI/s400/DSC_0852fixed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="248" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66jzhQZ40yY/UTQi5nNaRJI/AAAAAAAAI7k/dzXLpF-nSYU/s1600/DSC_0874b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66jzhQZ40yY/UTQi5nNaRJI/AAAAAAAAI7k/dzXLpF-nSYU/s400/DSC_0874b.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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36 weeks with Brielle (left) and baby #3 (right)</div>
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This weekend I finished washing the newborn clothes and 0-3 month clothes as well (cause my kids come out too big for newborn clothes...). The newborn clothes (just in case she is smaller) are put away and in our closet, clean and cute. </div>
<b>To do list:</b><br />
Finish washing the blankets and assorted baby needs<br />
Put her <span style="font-size: x-small;">(cute little) </span>bed together<br />
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Pack the hospital bag<br />
Get assorted baby needs<br />
Fix my roots and get some more blonde highlights in<br />
Get a manicure/pedicure<br />
Get "big sibling" gifts for the kids for when they come to the hospital to visit<br />
Put the car-seat in the car<br />
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I had 2 dreams recently I had a baby.</div>
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In one my labor went really fast and I had her in a classroom and she was born as big and alert as a 6 month old <span style="font-size: x-small;">(yikes)</span>. In another, my water broke and I spent a whole day running errands before I realized I should head to the hospital. But after both, I woke up <b>so</b> anxious for the experience of another labor and delivery experience. Call me crazy, but I also <b>love love love </b>that part of pregnancy/raising kids. I am not sadistic. </div>
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But the first moment I see my baby for the first time is the most wonderful, all-consuming favorite moment of my life and I am <b>so</b> excited to experience that again. </div>
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<b>I cannot wait. </b></div>
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Ok, time to limp to my bed so hubby can give me a massage...<i>ouch</i>...</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-84768136416949418862013-03-01T22:03:00.003-08:002013-03-19T20:55:30.318-07:00Mother nature, I can relate.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today is March 1st.</div>
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and the process of spring "springing" has begun.</div>
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We spent most of the day outside and it was a <b>perfect, beautiful</b> spring day full of adventure and exploring.</div>
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I followed after the kids while they walked around, caught frogs, explored the woods around the house, swung on the swing in the barn, played at the park, fed the ducks and soaked up the sun (that was actually shinning!! ::gasp::)</div>
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But as we were outside, exploring the world together</div>
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<b>I couldn't help but relate with mother nature.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyE4ONYHlfs/UTGRh4RMkmI/AAAAAAAAI5w/ezfS_cMX9ek/s1600/20130301_100956%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyE4ONYHlfs/UTGRh4RMkmI/AAAAAAAAI5w/ezfS_cMX9ek/s320/20130301_100956%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN_Qn5DhfYM/UTGRo1DdUsI/AAAAAAAAI54/79OEi3thVqU/s1600/20130301_100950%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN_Qn5DhfYM/UTGRo1DdUsI/AAAAAAAAI54/79OEi3thVqU/s320/20130301_100950%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0GgpLw4Sk/UTGR0TFsvFI/AAAAAAAAI6A/iAQQc93VEm4/s1600/20130301_101304%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0GgpLw4Sk/UTGR0TFsvFI/AAAAAAAAI6A/iAQQc93VEm4/s400/20130301_101304%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam and his precious frogs just after he caught them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3W5mZ6pKLdk/UTGR5vbfdfI/AAAAAAAAI6I/rIkNhW6lcDQ/s1600/20130301_101408%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3W5mZ6pKLdk/UTGR5vbfdfI/AAAAAAAAI6I/rIkNhW6lcDQ/s400/20130301_101408%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy some pink legs...and a huge pregnant shadow...</td></tr>
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You could see that everything was about to burst forth with life, the green was just about to push out from the ground, the trees had buds that will soon become leaves and the baby birds were singing.</div>
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As I looked around, I realized that mother earth was about to "pop", </div>
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<b>and so am I.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I95AF7pWv0k/UTGa3DntLmI/AAAAAAAAI7A/UESodSxJqcM/s1600/20130301_101248%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I95AF7pWv0k/UTGa3DntLmI/AAAAAAAAI7A/UESodSxJqcM/s400/20130301_101248%5B1%5D.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "bowling ball" shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jBq3jkMo4/UTGSCXHAR3I/AAAAAAAAI6Q/bGtjpsrRYyI/s1600/20130301_101552%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jBq3jkMo4/UTGSCXHAR3I/AAAAAAAAI6Q/bGtjpsrRYyI/s400/20130301_101552%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He carried them around for a long time and was surprisingly<br />
gentle for a 3-year-old boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wVTbBRp2g/UTGSU2NDxAI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/ldt3gd0RLQI/s1600/20130301_101626%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wVTbBRp2g/UTGSU2NDxAI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/ldt3gd0RLQI/s400/20130301_101626%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">showing sister his findings</td></tr>
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Spring is coming, so close, all the preparations are being made.</div>
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There might be a couple more colder days </div>
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But it's almost here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Baby girl is coming, so close, all the preparations are being made</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(today I finished washing all the newborn clothes!!)</span></div>
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There might be a couple more hard days where my body hurts, I have acid reflux, <strike>being</strike> feeling ginormous and false labor</div>
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But she is almost here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The similarities I felt between spring just around the corner and my current state was a little uncanny</div>
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<b>and ironic</b>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9K68Kr3OEo/UTGTgDyHtOI/AAAAAAAAI6s/QHQg5HfmgVQ/s1600/20130301_101946%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9K68Kr3OEo/UTGTgDyHtOI/AAAAAAAAI6s/QHQg5HfmgVQ/s640/20130301_101946%5B1%5D.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(those pants make me look WAY more fat than I am...just FYI)</td></tr>
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Spring is coming and the process has begun, <b>19</b> days early.<br />
With 28 days left until my own special date,<br />
My body is also slowly beginning the process of my own "progression" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(if you know what I mean).</span><br />
<b>It's pretty cool being on the same "cycle" as mother nature.</b><br />
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Anyways, I love living in an area where spring exists and you can watch the slow process from winter to summer.</div>
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It is so beautiful and exciting to watch the world wake up after winter.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(If spring has come <b>-19</b> days early, and the weather stays like it was today, <span style="text-align: center;">that would be flippin' awesome.)</span></span></div>
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</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-38242460410357491152013-02-26T20:26:00.000-08:002013-03-19T20:55:52.847-07:00The calm.This is the calm.<br />
The calm <b>after</b> and <b>before</b> the storm.<br />
After the storm of under-graduate work. always worried about what our future was. Never seeing Richard. Far away from our family. Living in a tiny apartment. <b><a href="http://richennaclan.blogspot.com/2012/01/day-31-gaining-hindsight-and-treading.html">storm #1</a></b><br />
Before the storm of learning to manage 3 kids in 3 years <span style="font-size: x-small;">(It's going to be "interesting" to be outnumbered...)</span>. <b>storm #2</b><br />
And hubby starting medical school soon while trying to learn storm #2 and <i>truly</i> never being home. <b>storm #3</b><br />
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(sorry I talk about those "storms" so often...honestly pretty freaked out. Excited for the challenge, but freaked)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Tqj5uYHqs/US2GrA_EBrI/AAAAAAAAI3I/Lj_95Hyl1Ns/s1600/IMG_20130226_193021%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Tqj5uYHqs/US2GrA_EBrI/AAAAAAAAI3I/Lj_95Hyl1Ns/s400/IMG_20130226_193021%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But this time,<b> is the calm</b>.</div>
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The calm I have waited so long for and the one that I am basking in right now.</div>
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<b>It is truly wonderful</b>. And I feel so blessed to have this time with my family before the storm (s) come.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og-Qppankuk/US2GsJXelQI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/Qs1m_nQiERI/s1600/IMG_20130226_194945%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og-Qppankuk/US2GsJXelQI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/Qs1m_nQiERI/s400/IMG_20130226_194945%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our situation has allowed for almost constant<strike> help from</strike> time with Richard and it is <i style="font-weight: bold;">heaven. </i>Absolute heaven and sometimes I have to pinch myself because it doesn't seem real. The kids are loving it and I am loving it even more. Maybe ;) It is particularly wonderful for this almost 9 month pregnant body. more on that later...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kuF17VboI4/US2IPaqYaPI/AAAAAAAAI3c/ZnNuLaI8JwI/s1600/130218_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kuF17VboI4/US2IPaqYaPI/AAAAAAAAI3c/ZnNuLaI8JwI/s640/130218_0009.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the water on our 1 1/2 mile hike as a family on Presidents day</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh3vPxZlJoo/US2IUaId5sI/AAAAAAAAI3k/6wwhXuLk73w/s1600/130218_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh3vPxZlJoo/US2IUaId5sI/AAAAAAAAI3k/6wwhXuLk73w/s640/130218_0014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>We have been living it up.</b></div>
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Weekly dates,</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(finally) </span>caught up on all of our favorite TV shows</div>
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getting to know my family on a whole new, wonderful level</div>
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staying up way too late talking after the kids are asleep <span style="font-size: x-small;">(my all-time favorite part of the day)</span></div>
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sleeping in whenever we can</div>
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exercising everyday <span style="font-size: x-small;">(well I DID)</span></div>
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going on family outings pretty much everyday</div>
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eating every meal together </div>
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and <b>playing </b>in anyway we can.</div>
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This is the calm </div>
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I am grateful for everyday</div>
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and the time that will keep my sanity during the storms.</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-45927615533325738232013-02-21T20:39:00.002-08:002013-03-19T21:02:08.174-07:00Planting for tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning Richard scooped the kids out of their beds, let me sleep in and created with them.</div>
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They made "recipes", "goo" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(corn starch + water) </span>and built a fort where they went fishing and caught fish crackers.</div>
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<b>all before 8:30 am.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG5ZNV1PHYE/USbrp3nQHJI/AAAAAAAAIzk/hfTfjDRBUY8/s1600/DSC_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG5ZNV1PHYE/USbrp3nQHJI/AAAAAAAAIzk/hfTfjDRBUY8/s640/DSC_0817.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzY8qS-6hlc/USbsKSdwSCI/AAAAAAAAIz0/tgVUggh_zw4/s1600/DSC_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzY8qS-6hlc/USbsKSdwSCI/AAAAAAAAIz0/tgVUggh_zw4/s400/DSC_0822.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Br8-n_B3iJA/USbsO-8ENLI/AAAAAAAAIz8/Am36NJuhyOQ/s1600/DSC_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Br8-n_B3iJA/USbsO-8ENLI/AAAAAAAAIz8/Am36NJuhyOQ/s400/DSC_0831.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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I woke up, they were still in their pajamas, but their little hearts were full.</div>
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And Liam invited me into his fort where he was planting a garden <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with our pellet fish food of course)</span> which he said was full of vegetables, flowers and strawberries.</div>
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This game went on for about an hour.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lIXgo3TcSU/USbsFEyvJrI/AAAAAAAAIzs/MJh6o377EXk/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lIXgo3TcSU/USbsFEyvJrI/AAAAAAAAIzs/MJh6o377EXk/s640/DSC_0828.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEMfSqm1yUo/USbsTuQrxTI/AAAAAAAAI0E/2xhnBxgq5GM/s1600/DSC_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEMfSqm1yUo/USbsTuQrxTI/AAAAAAAAI0E/2xhnBxgq5GM/s400/DSC_0832.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-372Q1A1uyM0/USbspVy1XFI/AAAAAAAAI0U/1D6sf45VBtQ/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-372Q1A1uyM0/USbspVy1XFI/AAAAAAAAI0U/1D6sf45VBtQ/s400/DSC_0838.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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(both the kids watching intently)</div>
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So when nap-time was over </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(heavy emphasis on TIME since neither napped...)</span></div>
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We bundled them up and headed out to get seeds to plant them a <b>real</b> garden.</div>
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And now we have a garden full of</div>
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vegetables, herbs and melons.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KffXVWIAg94/USbtEkwOMRI/AAAAAAAAI08/5qA8wP3SXmg/s1600/DSC_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KffXVWIAg94/USbtEkwOMRI/AAAAAAAAI08/5qA8wP3SXmg/s640/DSC_0864.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXTPQPO3xMM/USbs1QuSkTI/AAAAAAAAI0k/r92s1r1emmo/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXTPQPO3xMM/USbs1QuSkTI/AAAAAAAAI0k/r92s1r1emmo/s400/DSC_0853.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqKH3CLLnuc/USbscXkTQmI/AAAAAAAAI0M/XT602mBfd9E/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqKH3CLLnuc/USbscXkTQmI/AAAAAAAAI0M/XT602mBfd9E/s400/DSC_0835.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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They both watched intently as Richard put the seeds in our seed-starter box</div>
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that is now sitting in it's special spot in front of the big windows on the piano.</div>
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And in between watching, </div>
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Brielle ran around "singing" on the back porch playing with old cardboard boxes</div>
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Liam dug into the dirt, flinging it on everyone and everything</div>
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and I delighted in hearing the birds singing in the trees.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_w02nwsZgSY/USbtIVP6GPI/AAAAAAAAI1E/y-cIVBmm8Fs/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_w02nwsZgSY/USbtIVP6GPI/AAAAAAAAI1E/y-cIVBmm8Fs/s640/DSC_0865.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spring has come.</b></span></div>
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The birds are singing, </div>
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The green is getting more green,</div>
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The air doesn't bite,</div>
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and there are little seeds in dirt pockets beginning the process of emerging.</div>
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They say,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDkhd-9E7K4/USb1xKR2tVI/AAAAAAAAI1k/E03XEU7v8Nw/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDkhd-9E7K4/USb1xKR2tVI/AAAAAAAAI1k/E03XEU7v8Nw/s400/garden.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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and I know that first thing tomorrow morning,</div>
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2 little kiddos are going to run in and check on their little seeds,</div>
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Believing that "tomorrow" brings what they planted.</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-24520723410031806152013-02-20T20:44:00.000-08:002013-03-19T21:02:30.362-07:00I will love you forever. But...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Will you love me forever?</span></b></div>
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Will you love me forever, like I will love you forever?</div>
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Unconditionally and overwhelmingly?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I know you won't need me like you do now.</div>
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You won't need me to be there as soon as you wake up</div>
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and right before you go to bed.</div>
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I know you won't need me to dress you, bathe you and cook your food.</div>
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You will soon be able to meet people without having to have me right next to you, holding your hand.</div>
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You won't need me to kiss your owie's better, cuddle with you when you are sick or tired.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RkfWTNydbs/USWgJivh4TI/AAAAAAAAIyE/j-j5tG9GkmI/s1600/20130220_075017%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RkfWTNydbs/USWgJivh4TI/AAAAAAAAIyE/j-j5tG9GkmI/s640/20130220_075017%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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You won't want to tell me every single thing, all your stories and every small thing that you are excited about.</div>
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I know you won't always whisper " I really love you mom, with all my heart" throughout the day.</div>
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There might even be a time that I am not your best friend.</div>
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You won't cry at my legs when you are scared or hungry.</div>
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And at bedtime, you won't try to think of any reason to keep me there because you don't want me to leave.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glLtSTE_38Q/USWgamlJ82I/AAAAAAAAIyU/RdDpqQYD4Go/s1600/20130220_075042%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glLtSTE_38Q/USWgamlJ82I/AAAAAAAAIyU/RdDpqQYD4Go/s640/20130220_075042%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You won't run to me wanting me to cuddle you when anything bad, scary or hurtful thing happens.</div>
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Exploring the world and experiencing everything together won't be your first priority.</div>
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I know you won't always play with my hair when you are tired.</div>
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I know that being around me won't always be magical and healing.</div>
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There will be a time that seeing me after I have been gone for a little while, won't be the absolute highlight of your day.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzS3dZG4D84/USWgR1zSnDI/AAAAAAAAIyM/SpXuaKoqbm8/s1600/20130220_075019%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzS3dZG4D84/USWgR1zSnDI/AAAAAAAAIyM/SpXuaKoqbm8/s640/20130220_075019%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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You won't always cry for me in the middle of the night if you are cold, scared or after a bad dream.</div>
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And you won't hug and kiss me out of nowhere.</div>
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I know that I won't always be the center of your universe.</div>
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I know, that one day, <b>all of this will end</b>.</div>
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You will become independent, and my role will change, shift and morph into something <b>entirely</b> different.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycziWgf-RxY/USWg5jNbLEI/AAAAAAAAIyc/BTLh9xyfOKk/s1600/20130214_122637-1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycziWgf-RxY/USWg5jNbLEI/AAAAAAAAIyc/BTLh9xyfOKk/s640/20130214_122637-1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know that is inevitable, and while it will break my heart for these things to cease, I know that is <b><span style="font-size: large;">right.</span> </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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But, please, please,<span style="font-size: large;"><b> pretty please,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">love me forever.</span></div>
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Because dear babies, I will love you <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">forever</span></b> and <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">always.</span></b>Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-88626445336372096442013-02-19T19:56:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:01:40.378-07:00Tumblin boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was Liam's first gymnastics class</div>
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and the entire time, he had the <b style="font-size: x-large;">biggest </b>smile </div>
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He was in <span style="font-size: large;"><b>little boy heaven</b></span> running, jumping, doing somersaults, hanging on the bar, walking on the balance beam, bouncing...everything. </div>
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We basically had to drag him out of there 15 minutes after the class ended.</div>
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He had so much fun and was such a natural.</div>
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I know he is only 3, but really, he has a natural "knack" for gymnastics.</div>
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He went up to the bars and on his own started doing all these tricks without anyone showing him what to do</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SPH9qUIVZ0/USRHBXU_gjI/AAAAAAAAIAk/tH77IeYTEn0/s1600/20130219_144846%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SPH9qUIVZ0/USRHBXU_gjI/AAAAAAAAIAk/tH77IeYTEn0/s640/20130219_144846%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We were all pretty impressed! </div>
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<b>He had so much fun</b></div>
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and I know where we will be next Tuesday.</div>
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...yes, I am the mom that documents every moment of my childs life...</div>
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great. </div>
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I have so much to blog about, and I am really behind. Soon I plan to sit down and get caught up, that is if I can find time. Life is pretty dang busy. Wonderful, but full of other good things.</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-48440232317088234792013-02-08T21:47:00.000-08:002013-03-19T21:02:49.316-07:00The best 3 years <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://richardandmckenna.blogspot.com/2010/02/liams-birth-story.html">3 years ago</a>, my life changed. </div>
In dramatic, wonderful, instantaneous ways.<br />
3 years ago as I saw my precious boy for the first time when they placed him on my chest seconds after his birth, I was overcome with an<b> eternal love </b>that I cannot explain and something I could not have fathomed before he was born.<br />
<b>It was instant and all-consuming.</b><br />
I didn't know him, but I loved him, more than I could imagine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mdX4ECkihI/URXcZxMpVtI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/Gk71_x9FPeA/s1600/DSCN0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mdX4ECkihI/URXcZxMpVtI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/Gk71_x9FPeA/s640/DSCN0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the most magic moments of my life.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaT1DkFFlaU/URXcXw5ZY-I/AAAAAAAAH5Q/l4ZtPLowS38/s1600/DSCN0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaT1DkFFlaU/URXcXw5ZY-I/AAAAAAAAH5Q/l4ZtPLowS38/s400/DSCN0569.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See...I wasn't lying...look at his rolls! He had rolls EVERYWHERE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHdIWDh3_ZY/URXcdVy07qI/AAAAAAAAH5g/TZLfpbfr61Q/s1600/DSCN0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHdIWDh3_ZY/URXcdVy07qI/AAAAAAAAH5g/TZLfpbfr61Q/s640/DSCN0665.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy...all warm, full, feeling good with my baby sleeping next to me. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2VxZ9SYQbY/URXcmixwPCI/AAAAAAAAH5w/my4TwAtLkz0/s1600/DSCN0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2VxZ9SYQbY/URXcmixwPCI/AAAAAAAAH5w/my4TwAtLkz0/s320/DSCN0715.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THAPXDf8FzU/URXdYheV1_I/AAAAAAAAH54/irEaUtEdvi4/s1600/DSCN0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THAPXDf8FzU/URXdYheV1_I/AAAAAAAAH54/irEaUtEdvi4/s320/DSCN0725.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The most proud, happy daddy in the world</span></div>
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<b>Now 3 years later, I know him.</b></div>
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In only that short of a time, <b>I know him so well.</b> I know what his answers will be and how he will react in situations. I know the way he will feel and can accurately "guess" what he will say. </div>
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I know him better than anyone else on this earth, and I love him more than anyone on this earth (<span style="font-size: x-small;">of course, except his wonderful daddy</span>). He is my best buddy, my little love who, with his 2 sisters and daddy, make my <b><span style="font-size: large;">life complete</span></b>.</div>
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He brings so much joy into my life and so much love, that I don't know what I did without him. For example, over and over again today he has cuddled with me, stroking my face and saying "I really love you mommy, with all of my heart" and "you are my best mommy in the whole world" and "I love you forever mommy". Really, I have been <b>so blessed</b> to be able to be his mommy. When I look into those big, excited, beautiful blue eyes, my heart melts and I can feel the amazing caliber of his spirit. Motherhood, really is the most amazing part of this earthly life. And being mommy to my littles,<b> makes my life so full</b>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VN6UeXA0q4/URXjloRYj4I/AAAAAAAAH80/JZrwN3sMV5Q/s1600/liamsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VN6UeXA0q4/URXjloRYj4I/AAAAAAAAH80/JZrwN3sMV5Q/s640/liamsm.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love his goofy, in-the-middle-of-laughing smile!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDON3IDsN8/URXgUHzTOwI/AAAAAAAAH68/wN7_oJTYpUQ/s1600/DSC_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDON3IDsN8/URXgUHzTOwI/AAAAAAAAH68/wN7_oJTYpUQ/s400/DSC_0475.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQOD2t0G3TU/URXgj5GFDiI/AAAAAAAAH7U/xK_JIJSafTI/s1600/DSC_0488b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQOD2t0G3TU/URXgj5GFDiI/AAAAAAAAH7U/xK_JIJSafTI/s400/DSC_0488b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The past three years being Liams mama, have been wonderful. More than I can say.</span></b></div>
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He is my little best friend and I can't wait to watch him grow from his little boy self into a man.</div>
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... we are really celebrating tomorrow because my whole family was super busy today and then having his "friend" birthday on Tuesday so I will post pictures of present opening, cake eating and all the festivities after the two parties! Tomorrow is going to be packed full of all day Liam fun and I can't wait to see how excited he is :)</div>
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But even still, we celebrated with our little family by doing some of his favorite things. Day 1 of 3 celebrating this little man.</div>
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He loved it :)</div>
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(gosh, he is handsome)</div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-84974761326673086412013-02-01T23:25:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:03:17.499-07:00Just today.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I should be in bed. I know it's crazy to be up this late when the kids are sleeping, especially considering the fact I am so tired and this huge pregnant body is hurting. But I didn't want to let todays little victories be forgotten. </div>
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Today was a normal day. <b>Nothing special.</b> </div>
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...Was woken up by a big hug and cuddle session with Liam.</div>
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...Richard let me go back to sleep and sleep in, like he does most mornings. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, I am a very spoiled girl)</span></div>
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...Exercised, while being interrupted by the kids <span style="font-size: x-small;">(what felt like)</span> every 10 minutes. </div>
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...Bathed them with minimal battles. Dressed and Liam actually let me brush his hair.</div>
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...Got ready for the day<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (even straightened my hair AND did my make-up).</span></div>
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...Deep cleaned our entire room <span style="font-size: x-small;">(thats a feat with my 8 month pregnant body going on almost a constant strike)</span>.</div>
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...Rested while Brielle napped and Liam laid on my bed watching more Micky Mouse fighting sleep as much as he could. </div>
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...Watched my little boy get so excited about the fact he is a big boy and can take off his shirt and put another one on. He has never been interested in doing it before, even though he could, but today it was the most exciting thing to him that he could do it alone. He was <b>so proud</b> of himself and his happiness over something so simple was so darling. He got so excited that he quickly folded his arms and said a little prayer:</div>
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<b>Dear Heavenly Father,</b></div>
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Thank you for my daddy, for my mommy and for my Brielle. I love them.</div>
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I think we went through 5 or 6 shirt changes today and each time was a huge celebration for him.</div>
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...Went to my 32 week check-up to hear, once again, everything looks perfect. When the doctor said "wow you are getting close", it actually hit me <b>that I am.</b></div>
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...Went to the grocery alone.</div>
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...Bought a spider-man shirt for Liam for really cheap. He was so excited about the fact he has a new spider-man shirt that he could put on himself. A little celebration present for his new found love of changing himself. He promptly put on his whole spider-man costume as well.</div>
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...Played with the kids outside while they played in the mud, without worrying about them ruining their clothes, shoes and our house when they came in. They had a complete blast and stayed out until it was too dark to see anymore.</div>
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...I worked on a big project I am in the middle of.<br />
...Hugged my babies extra tight after reading a sad story on a blog that I found while working on said project.</div>
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...Tried to eat dinner as Brielle climbed all over me and tried to eat my food off my fork.</div>
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...Let Liam stay up despite how tired he was, to play with my siblings, since it is Friday night. He crashed as soon as he got into bed around 8:15.</div>
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...Went in to help Brielle after she had been babbling and playing in her bed 30 mins after I put her to bed.</div>
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She hugged me as tightly as she could, "kissing" my check and telling me "hi" in her sweetest voice for 10 straight minutes. Her long loving gazes into my eyes as she touched my cheek made my heart stop. </div>
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...Hubby went to the store and bought me some of my favorite treats which I ate while I watched Downton Abbey and baby girl did her nightly "exercise routine" (what I call her crazy amount of moving and sticking appendages out super far every night around 9/10)</div>
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Showing me his muscles</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today was just today. Just a normal day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But <b>such a wonderful day</b>. </span></div>
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One of those normal days I will long to go back to when my babies aren't babies anymore.</div>
Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-75882054993218311162013-01-20T22:18:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:04:23.944-07:00Cook time: 67 days <br />
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I can't believe that the end is getting closer and closer! I said it before with Liam and Brielle but holy cow I am reeling with how fast this pregnancy has gone! I am more than 2/3rds done and I have only 67 days left and that seems crazy!! Easily less too!! <b>The cooking time of this bun </b><b>will be done in no time</b>! </div>
(p.s. sorry about the corny title...couldn't come up with something else that wasn't super boring)<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
Things have been going so good! With Brielle by this point in my pregnancy my hips and lower back hurt SO bad I was almost incapacitated. I went to the doc pretty much in tears around 33 weeks and he told me that the only thing that would have helped was having muscle to keep my hips in, so since I didn't have that (because I hadn't exercised all pregnancy) the only thing he could do was prescribe me a very strong pain killer (which I didn't take). That was horrible. Anyways, so this time my #1 goal was to exercise to strengthen my hips in hope that wouldn't happen again. I started exercising everyday starting at 21 weeks (was too sick up until 14 weeks and then we didn't have exercise stuff until 21 weeks) and it has been AWESOME!<b> I am hooked</b>. I do elliptical for like 40 mins and 10-15 mins of yoga specifically designed to strengthen hips during pregnancy. The difference is INCREDIBLE! I haven't exercised the last week because I was on the verge of getting sick and my hips have been hurting. But as soon as I exercise, the pain is basically gone. Its amazing. I mean I have to be careful not to sit or stand too long, and sometimes it does hurt, but nothing like my last pregnancy. Plus I feel so much better after exercising and my endurance is so much higher. I am doing this every pregnancy from now on ;)</div>
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Anyways, my doc appointments have been perfect and event-less. My weight gain has been on track for me to gain 5 pounds less than my other pregnancies, my blood pressure is super low like normal (the nurse comments on how super low it is everytime), baby girls heartbeat has been perfect, my blood sugar is really low again etc. Baby girl is SUPER active, and I would say my most active baby yet (yikes...) almost constantly jumping and moving! Good thing I love love love feeling babies move! She keeps me up at night she moves so much and is the most active around 9-10 at night. My heartburn has been worse but luckily tums makes it go away.</div>
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Liam is SOOOO excited for her to be born. He rubs my belly and tells her how much he loves her, introduces me and the baby to strangers and talks all the time about how she is his best friend. Its so incredibly cute. I need to write things down he says about her! Of course Brielle is so young she is totally clueless ;)</div>
Here are some pics we took today including Liam wanting to be in the pictures (so we took some real "mommy and Liam" pictures) and 2 belly pics because I couldn't decide between jacket on or off ;) <br />
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-19085224976606511592013-01-16T15:36:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:05:20.231-07:00Pity Little Princess<span style="text-align: justify;">Anyone who knows me knows I am very girly. Just to give you an idea, my wedding colors were hot pink, black and silver. And I was barely 19 when I implemented those colors into my wedding, not 5... anyways, just like her mama, Brielle is such a girly girl! And I am </span><b style="text-align: justify;">so glad</b><span style="text-align: justify;">, because I speak "girly girl"! She loves running around with necklaces and skirts on, with a purse on her arm. My favorite thing she says right now is pretty, but of course it sounds like </span><b style="text-align: justify;">"pity"</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> :) Anything pink, frilly, pretty or girly is declared </span><b style="text-align: justify;">"pity"</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> in her cute, high-pitched voice! She also loves to dance and will dance to anything that remotely resembles music! We will definitely be starting her in dance classes asap :) </span><br />
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I never knew how wonderful it would be to have a girl, and I am so excited to have another one coming in 2 1/2 months (or less...)! Of course, as I have said before, I love having boys and girls because they are both <b>so wonderful</b> in their different ways. And I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to raise both a boy and girl(s). But I sure love having a girl! Even with all her extra drama & spunk that comes with being a lady ;)</div>
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She is our <b>pity, pity little princess!!</b></div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-9374342061716092752013-01-10T13:47:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:06:20.066-07:00Finally!<br />
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Having just moved from southeastern Idaho where I disliked the constant snow (its beautiful at first, but hard when you need to get things done), I can't believe I am about to say this. But up until now I was so bummed it hadn't snowed here is WA yet because I knew the kids would love it! Plus it is SOOOO beautiful here when it snows! Today I got my wish, and it finally snowed! The kids extreme excitement did not disappoint AT ALL. They were darling, squealing with excitement the whole time! </div>
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This was Brielle's first real time in the snow and at first she was a little hesitant being in it, and just wanted to watch from the porch. Once she warmed up to it and decided she loved it, she played in it until I dragged her in for her nap. Of course liam instantly knew what to do and started making (and throwing) snow balls as soon as he got in the snow! They had a blast and both of them crashed (took naps) as soon as the fun was over.</div>
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I am so glad it finally snowed, and still coming down, because it is SO beautiful outside now! Not that it wasn't before :)</div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-37536671185589760292013-01-08T21:51:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:07:00.950-07:00Just what I needed.<br />
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Parenting is wonderful. I love it so much more than I ever thought. But just like everything in life, there are certain aspects about it that can be just downright hard. Like figuring out how to discipline each individual child, how to teach them the hard, but necessary, life lessons etc. I have been having an interesting time with the last one with Liam lately, and there are moments I feel like a <b>failure</b>. But I know that the things I am teaching him are very important and necessary, and I pray constantly to know how to teach him the things I need to, in the way he needs. Anyways, point is it can at times be exhausting and discouraging, especially with an intense 2 year old (he's <b>just</b> like his mama). Luckily he is such a good boy, because I know it could be so much harder. I am so grateful he is a good, loving little boy. But he is intense in all he does, loving people, being very happy and in other areas ;)</div>
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But the other day I was sitting at the table helping Brielle eat dinner and Liam brought something to me. He was very adamant that I notice and read it, requesting that I keep it safe. I glanced at it to notice it was a letter my sister had written so I was curious why he brought it me. It was the sweetest, most heartfelt letter that Liam dictated and my sister wrote down for him. She said there was absolutely no leading on what to say from her, all she did was honor his request to write it down as he said it (ohhh...be still my heart). This is what it said: </div>
Dear mommy,<br />
This is for you. I love you mommy. You are the best mommy in the whole world!<br />
Love, Liam <br />
The sweet, simple, reassuring words touched my heart so strongly and was JUST what I needed. <br />
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While aspects of parenting can be difficult, it is still very wonderful and beautiful. And I am so glad that my little kiddos are the wonderful, amazing, sweet little's that they are. But that little note "written" by my little man was the reassurance that I am in fact succeeding, even though it might not feel like it sometimes. </div>
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And silly as it sounds, I keep that little note close by for those moments I don't feel like the "best mommy"...</div>
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<b>Golly gee I love my little's more than I can comprehend.</b></div>
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712279762839676063.post-17387611759404692492013-01-06T20:36:00.001-08:002013-03-19T21:08:17.426-07:00Resolutions, you have been replaced.<br />
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With the beginning of the year, I couldn't help but think of my resolutions. What do I want to accomplish this year? What do I want to do differently? Who do I want to be this year? I instantly knew some things I wanted to do better with in general, but when I thought of this year specifically, I became overwhelmed. Every time I think about this upcoming year that tends to happen. Anxious. Unknown. Scared. Excited.</div>
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Why you ask? </b><br />
Come March I will have 3 kids 3 years and younger. <br />
Unknown. <br />
Come June we with be moving to a whole new city.<br />
Scary.<br />
Come August I will be a medical school induced single mom.<br />
Anxious.<br />
A lot of changes, wonderful changes, but things I cannot truly prepare for, because I have no idea what to expect. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
That became my dilemma: how do I make resolutions when I have never experienced the things that are coming and don't know what to expect? Especailly when most of them are INFAMOUSLY difficult. I am a big-time planner and my conundrum really stressed me out.</div>
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The other day, I was on the elliptical exercising and decided to read elder Marcus B. Nash's talk in the October 2012 conference called "By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled". I read one line that stood out to me and stopped me in my place: <b>"with God’s help, nothing is impossible."</b> And it's beautiful simplicity hit me. By relying on Heavenly Father and doing those things that allow me to be lead by him, ALL things are possible. Including surviving a medical school going hubby with 3 very young kids. </div>
So that became my motto for 2013: With God's help, NOTHING is impossible.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
And with that as my motto, resolutions followed. Like: read my Scriptures for at least 15 mins a day, pray fervently everyday, be more patient, be a wife that my husband enjoys being around, exercise everyday, keep a journal etc.</div>
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So while, honestly, the thought of what will happen this year is simultaneously exciting AND terrifying, I feel prepared. I feel armed. I know that by relying on Heavenly Fathers help, I will survive and even flourish. </div>
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So 2013, bring it on. I am prepared.</b><br />
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Richard and McKennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335232192870796344noreply@blogger.com0