Snow...again...seriously?

Boooooo to snow!! Do the weather gods want me to go CRAZY!!! Well, I am!! I AM SICK OF SNOW AND COLD!!!

We are one day away from May...this is no way to start the month!

The tandem Ryan ordered is here! The idea is to get Haley on the back of it...Morgan too, but she needs to grow a little bit taller. I have yet to see it...Ryan brings it home today! If the weather will ever improve they'll be able to take it out. I can't wait to see Haley on it...I really hope she likes it!!

My sweet little Piper.

Something about a baby sleeping on their belly...I love it! Their little feet curled up under their bottom...so cute!

So far, she is a dream baby.

*knocking on wood*

Quiet Time Failure

I'm at my wits end!

Almost...well, the majority of the time...my kids have quiet time at some point in the afternoon every day. Basically, it's when they each sit on their bed (they have a bunk bed) and read or rest. I set the timer for 30-40 minutes. It gives me a chance to take a nap.

They used to be good at it...they would even fall asleep sometimes! I award them stickers for their chart when they do a good job and stay quiet.

Well, quiet time is falling apart...and it's when I need it the most! I'm so tired...so tired. I even day dream about curling up on the sofa and sleeping throughout the day. Of course, not all days are this bad where I NEED sleep...sometimes I go with no nap at all. But today...oh, sleep, how I need you! And of course it's a day the girls are doing HORRIBLE!! If they start to get loud or act silly, or climb on each others bed, then I go in and add 5-10 minutes on the timer. That usually does the trick and they shape up pretty quick. Not today. I've gone into their room numerous times already...total time they've spent on their beds is now well over an hour. This last time I went in there I took the timer out and told them they would stay in there until I finally decide they've been quiet long enough, and then they may come out. I told them the way they're acting they'll probably be in there all day! Morgan's response (with a smirk on her face), "Okay, let's stay in here all day!". I slammed the door on them...now I'm blogging. Too mad to even attempt to sleep. Why? Why have they not been caring about any punishment this week?!! No matter what I do. And I pride myself at being consistent...and I am NOT a push over!! Why is everything a joke to them right now?! I have not been the nicest mom this afternoon...don't I scare them a little?! If I were them, I would be pretty freakin scared of me!! Can't they see the wrath in my eyes?!! My head is going to start spinning pretty soon if they don't cut it out!!

So frustrating...just utterly frustrating.
Need Sleeeeeeeeep...

Costco Nightmare

I went to Costco today with all three children...what a process! As soon as we arrived Haley had a fit in the parking lot because I wouldn't let her take precious Una (her stuffed unicorn) into the store. (I didn't want one more thing to keep track of...and honestly if Una was ever lost, I would also be in tears!) She kept yelling, "But Mommy, I LOVE HER...Please don't make me leave her!!!". So once she finally let it go, and put Una into the car...we were on our way into the store. I'm not sure what's with my children and how goofy they can become in a matter of seconds! Spinning in circles down the aisle nearly crashing into everyone and singing a little too loudly as they do it. Then of course the nightmare with the samples. They end of spilling the samples they get onto the floor...and what's the deal with Haley having to touch one sample, then put it back and take another?! She did that about every time!! I would be right behind her taking the first one she touched so no one would be too furious with us. Anyway, they were constantly running around, hanging off the cart, pushing the cart away while I was looking at something (not on purpose, but still). Then at one point Morgan shouts out, "I saw JESUS!!!". Haley yells out, "What?! You saw Jesus?! WHERE?!!". Morgan just keeps shouting out, "Jesus...he's over there!! Mommy, he's over there!!" pointing as she's shouting. I frantically try to get her to be quiet and get out of there! I'm assuming it wasn't actually Jesus, but just a man with a big beard. So anyway, my kids were like little ping pong balls bouncing all over the place, and I was constantly shouting at them. Luckily, Piper slept soundly the entire time!

So, flustered and angry we make it back to the car. I tell them I'm really disappointed with their behavior and that I was taking away their stuffed unicorns (Morgan has one too) for a week. I though, Ha...that will show them!! WRONG! Haley's reply, "I don't care!". Now, that's the worst for a parent!! You want your kids to be really sorry for what they did, and the punishment to really get to them...maybe even see them cry a little over the whole thing. But, an "I don't care!"...so frustrating!! So I tell her if she doesn't care then I will take all her stuffed animals away! Still, no reaction from her. Ooooh, she knows how to push my buttons!!!

So now I'm really angry! On the way home a lady pulled out in front of me as I was making a left turn (I had the green arrow). I honked at her. I held the horn down for a long time...boy, did that feel good!

And, by the way, I did end up taking ALL of her stuffed animals away...still...she didn't care.

Piper's Check-Up

Woke up to snow...ugh! Luckily, it didn't last! It's a good thing too...just when I'm on the brink of insanity the weather shifts! The sun is out now and the girls are busy riding bikes with the neighbor girls, and Piper is sleeping beside me. Ahhhhhhh...a peaceful house!

Took Piper to her 2 week check-up this morning. She's still a bit Jaundice, but nothing to serious...the doctor wasn't too worried and didn't even think it was necessary to check her billirubin. She's weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz (back up to her birth weight) and she's grown 3/4 of an inch. Everything looked great!

I'm very anxious to start exercising...mainly taking walks on the river path. I can't stand wearing maternity clothes anymore!! The other day at Haley's bus stop one of the neighborhood boys asked if I had my baby! Say What?!! Didn't he notice that my ginormous belly wasn't as ginormous...I mean, come on...give me some kind of credit!! I know it was just a 10 year old...but still...ouch.

But she's so worth the jelly roll I now have for a waist!

Dreary Day

The weather matches my mood...dreary. I do love a good Spring rain...it just makes it a bit tougher to entertain two kids and take care of an infant. I haven't really found my groove yet. I feel like my older kids are getting less attention and have to fend for themselves lately. Luckily Haley is very good at entertaining herself...Morgan, not so much.

Over the weekend Haley says to me, "Mommy, why don't you take care of us anymore?" Kinda broke my heart. This happened when Ryan was doing pretty much everything for them. I told them that I just had a baby, and Daddy was helping me. Haley says back, "No Mommy...Daddy is helping US!".

Piper eats about every two hours, so I feel as though I nurse pretty much all day. Once I get going on something, Piper is hungry again. I'm falling behind. The girls will come into the living room and see me nursing, and they have a look on their face like, "Not again...that's all mom does these days...sit on the sofa!!". And I think the whole nursing thing confuses them. One morning while Haley was at school I tell Morgan I need to feed Piper. Morgan says, "Mommy, how do you feed her? Where's the bottle?". I tell her that I make my own milk for her. She of course asks how. I tell her just like animals do in the wild. Cows make milk for their calves...Dogs for their puppies...etc. That seemed to appease her, and she ran off to play. Then later that day, Haley asked the same question. Morgan didn't hesitate to explain. "Haley, Mommy feeds Piper like a cow!". Haley had a completely confused/slightly grossed out look on her face. "Oh" she says, and quickly leaves the room. I think this whole process is kinda hard on Haley. First she had to watch her mother's belly grow abnormally huge, and now the whole nursing thing. I can see the cogs turning in her head trying to figure this all out.

So I've been a bit frazzled lately, but I'll find my groove...eventually.

Grandparents Visit

On Friday the girls' grandparents from Sedona came to visit for the weekend. They came at a perfect time...temps in the 70's!! The blossoms are blooming...I just love it!

Piper with Grandma.

All the week the girls have been wanting to go to the Farm. We made the mistake of telling them they could go when their grandparents came into town...so we had to hear them asking again and again, "Is it today?! Can we go to the Farm today?!". For the hundredth time, "NOT YET!!". So when the day finally came they were beyond excited! I stayed home and enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon...just Piper and me.

Ever since we've been having some warmer weather the girls have been wanting to swim in their little pool. To me, they are crazy!! It's warm, but not that warm...plus the water is like ice!! But, they insisted, so Ryan set it up Sunday. So here they are enjoying a swim with the snow capped mountains in the background...brrrrrr!!

Loving Spring!

Wow...I need to get into some kind of routine soon. I feel as though all I'm doing is nursing and changing poopy diapers. Nursing a baby with two other kids is tough. I'm basically trying to parent from the sofa. "HALEY!! SHARE WITH YOUR SISTER!!"..."MORGAN, STOP BUGGING HALEY!!". "GIRLS...STOP FIGHTING!!!". "The phone is ringing...someone bring me the phone!!". And lately, I've gotten quite good at having to get up to grab something, or settle a dispute between the girls while I'm nursing at the same time. Luckily, little Piper doesn't mind a lot noise...she can nurse or sleep though anything! So far anyway...lets hope it lasts!

I'm just very thankful for the warmer temps!! The girls spend the entire afternoons outside making it a little more peaceful in the house.

The girls enjoying a picnic lunch.

My parents left yesterday to go back to CA. They'll be back next week thankfully! So yesterday was my first day with three children without them here. Granted, I still had Ryan in the morning to help get Haley ready for school, but after that...I was on my own! And I'm happy to report that I still had my sanity by the end of the day! I have not yet ventured out of the house with all three yet. In fact I haven't left the house since coming home from the hospital...and honestly I have no desire yet. I'm perfectly content in my little house! I may try a little walk today...we'll see. My in-laws are arriving today from AZ, so being on my own is short lived...which is nice!! Just because I survived one day doesn't mean I'm ready for more...I still need help!!!

Piper getting her first bath at home from Grandma.

Piper doing what she does best...that is, when she's

not pooping or eating.

A little gift for myself...

So as you know, I've been on the hunt for a new diaper bag. I think I've finally found it! Thanks to all that have been giving me suggestions. In the end I picked JJ Cole Collections Theory diaper bag. I think it does a good job at disguising the fact that it is a diaper bag...kinda looks more like a purse to me. But inside it has lots of pockets for all the different odds and ends I'll be carrying around. It also comes with attachments so I can hang it on the stroller easily. It should be arriving in a few days...I'm excited!

I'm slowing getting back into the swing of things with a newborn in the house. My parents have been helping me get the house in order...getting my crib up, and furniture moved around to make the new room ready for Piper. However, it's been kind of bittersweet. Having the room for Piper meant Jeff had to move out. We knew this was coming...but I tell ya...it's been really sad for me. I've really enjoyed having him live with us. He's at my parent's house now...which will be mostly just him living there during the school year since they don't live there full time. I think he'll really like having all the space (and peace) in that house. I still want him to come over regularly for dinners...hate to have the guy starve over there! So hopefully we'll still see him often. Can you tell this is hard for me?! I miss him!

Anyway, the room is now all set up for Piper. It's so spacious...and so clean! Probably the cleanest room in the house!

So this morning I'm standing in the kitchen next to Morgan. She's says to me: "Mommy, if you had your baby...why is your belly so big still?".

Thanks Morgan. Great way to start my day!

Introducing...

Piper Virginia

7 lbs 6 oz

20 in

April 9, 2010 at 3:40 am

Wow, what a ride it's been! I still can't believe we have a little newborn in the house again!

So, I went into the hospital at midnight Thursday to start the induction. First of all...it's been a great long while that I've stayed up that late. I tried to take a nap, but it was no use. So I started this process very sleep deprived, but luckily the labor was quick! By 3:15 I was already complete and ready to push...by 3:40 she was born! My quickest labor ever! And let me just throw out a big thank you to who ever invented the epidural...best thing ever! I just don't know how all those pioneer women gave birth...it's amazing to me.

Getting all hooked up...ready to get the show going.

I'm smiling...but I'm completely panicking inside.

Four hours later...ta da!

Please remember that it's about 4 in the morning...so go easy on me.

My parents were such troopers!

They also pulled an all nighter with us...thank you...we were so

glad you were there!

Proud Daddy!

The girls were so excited to see their new baby sister!
Little Piper got lots of kisses from them.


Relaxing.
And you know...making some phone calls.

Piper with her Aunt Carrie.

Uncle Matt with Cousin Jett.

Nicole and Uncle Andrew.

Uncle Jeffy.

Let me add that we left the girls in Jeff's care Thursday night...what a great little brother I have! I prepped the girls before they went to bed, letting them know that we wouldn't be there when they woke up and to go straight to Jeff's room. They actually remembered! In fact, Jeff said that at some point in the middle of the night he woke up to crazy hair child standing at the edge of his bed looking straight at him saying she had to go potty. It was Morgan. And then in the morning he woke up to another crazy haired child sitting in the middle of his floor. Haley of course. She cuddled up with him for a little while, until he realized that there was no way he was going to be able to sleep with her face two inches from his. Most likely she was whispering or singing too...that how she rolls. So anyway...early wake up call for Jeffy. But he handled everything very well and took care of them until Ryan came home later that morning. Thank you Uncle Jeffy!

We came home from the hospital and were greeted with this.

Thanks Carrie!

So I'm home and I'm loving my relaxing Sunday. Ryan has been Super Dad (as always) and is taking care of the girls and keeping them busy. Piper and I are still trying to get the whole nursing thing down. She's a very dainty eater...making it very difficult to get into a routine. Last night (our first night home) was pretty rough. For a good chunk of the night she was getting up every hour! But, she'll come around...we'll get the hang of it eventually.

She's such a little cutie and I absolutely adore her!

It's Almost Time!

Being induced is hard for me to deal with. I went into labor on my own for my first two, so this is a whole new world for me. I don't like having a time set to have a baby...I liked the unknown, "could be any day" feeling. Now, I have this day/time that's hovering over me...something that I'm constantly thinking about. It's just strange. Tomorrow I'll be a mom of three...wow. I've been doing a countdown all day...12 more hours to go, 10 more hours, 7 more hours. Plus, I think about all the things I still need to do. I wanted this house to be in pristine condition before I leave...not doing so good. I wanted the little crib set up...not done yet. I still need to finish packing my bag...haven't finished it yet. My mind is so distracted it's hard for me to stay on task. When I went into labor on my own with my first two, I didn't have time to think about it. It was already happening and I just had to go with it. Now, I'm building up the moment in my head making myself nervous and anxious. People are telling me I'd better nap today...how?...my mind is racing! No way, will I be able to rest before I leave tonight. I'M HAVING A BABY...TONIGHT!!

Most already know, but I'm not a fan of hospitals... IV's, blood, needles, catheters...my heart races the moment I walk into the hospital room. Wimpy...I know. I also hate the fact that I have to leave my dignity at the door...I have to accept the fact that I will not have any control of my body when I pass that threshold. Whatever happens, happens.

But, on the plus side...yes, I have to go through all the yucky, uncomfortable stuff...but I get to meet my baby girl tonight!! I'm so excited about that! I can't wait to see what she looks like. Will she be bald like Haley or will she have a head full of dark hair like Morgan? Will she have blue eyes? Will she have huge feet like Haley or petite little features like Morgan? I just can't wait to hold her! I'm absolutely thrilled about that!

My dad had a theory that if I had a huge high fat meal I would go into labor on my own. He said a stick of butter would do the trick. Now, I would never eat a whole stick of butter...but, I did have quite a bit of cheesecake in the fridge. So, I ate the cheesecake...all of it...in my belly...that's right.... ALL OF IT!!! It's been about 3 hours since I ate it, and still no baby...just slightly nauseated. I think I'll be skipping dinner tonight. I guess I might as well accept the fact that this baby isn't coming on her own today.

So anyway, I guess that's it. Tomorrow I'll be a mom of three! Crazy.

Wish me luck!

Still no baby.

My mission to go into labor myself before my induction on Thursday (at midnight) is failing. Starting Monday I've been trying to stay as active as possible. On Tuesday I spent the whole morning cleaning and doing laundry, errands, and I hosted a dinner that evening for my whole family. It was my grandparents last night in town...too bad I couldn't produce a baby for them to see before they left.

I spent today entirely on my feet. Beginning at 11:00 my mom and I went out shopping and I didn't get home until around 7:00. I needed to get some new baby stuff: sheets/bedding, car seat cover (I'm trying to spruce up my old one), diaper bag...and so on. The only thing I came home with was a diaper pail. ALL DAY I'm gone...and a diaper pail is all I have to show for it. Kind of discouraging. We actually spent most of the day trying to find the perfect diaper bag. I don't want a the diaper bag that looks too mommy-ish, I want to still look hip, but then I need something with function not just cute to look at. As my children got a little older, I ended up just using large purses...but when they're still little I need all those pockets and space to cram things in. Anyway, saw some cute ones, but just wasn't ready to drop the large chuck of money for it. So anyway...yeah...a diaper pail...so exciting. Oh, and still no baby. All that walking...and nothing. Oh well...maybe tomorrow.

I included some pictures of Tuesday's dinner.

Ryan, my brother Andrew, my mom, and my grandmother.

My brothers, Matt and Jeff and my dad.

Morgie with her great-grandpa.

The girls with their Aunt Carrie and Andrew's girlfriend, Nicole.


My mom and I. Love that you can see a little stain on my belly.
I NEED to wear my apron when I cook!

Easter Pictures

So, after a not-so-great Saturday...(which BTW greatly improved with a visit at my mom's and also my grandparents arrived that evening from CA and we ended the day with a great family dinner)...but then, Sunday morning came...and this is what we woke up to. This would make anyone depressed again!! Well, except for my brothers, who welcomed the new four inches of snow since they were going skiing for the day. But for the rest of us...Blah!!
Luckily, it didn't stick around for long. And the girls did get an Easter egg hunt outside...even if it was on the chilly side.

The girls with their Easter baskets.

We celebrated at my parent's house. We have a bunch of family around right now, all my brothers, my parents, and even my grandparents are here in town. And I did a really crummy job and getting pictures of everyone...why do I always do that?! So anyway, the girls did their egg hunt and we had a fabulous ham dinner that my mom cooked up.

The girls looking over their booty.

Baby update:

I made it through the weekend!!!! Yay!! So now, I'm guaranteed to deliver this baby at MY hospital!!! I'm so excited about that!

Anyway, I had my check-up this morning. I'm dilated 3 cm and 80% effaced...not much has changed since last week. So, if I don't go into labor myself this week, I'll be induced Thursday at midnight. Midnight, because since I'm doing a VBAC my doctor has to be with me the whole time...the idea is he can sleep there while I'm in labor. I'm sure I'll have the baby by Friday morning (I hope) and then he can still go to work that day. I'm just very thankful he's working with me on this one...he's saving me a bundle in costs! Also, I'm being induced because he's not on call for the weekend...and I DO NOT want another weekend in constant panic mode.

With that said, I'm ready to have this baby! I would like to go into labor on my own, so after my very lazy weekend (the most strenuous thing I did was vacuum) it's time to get more active! It's time to pop this kid out!

Feeling Sorry for Myself

It's one of those days that I just want to sit around and feel sorry for myself...we all have days like that, right?

The truth is I'm in a whiny mood and I just want to complain...and cry...and be alone...but that's hard to do with two kids running through the house. Not that I want any one's help...I don't...I just want to complain. A "woe is me" kind of post.

My brother's are out skiing for the day, Ryan is racing all day...me, did the dishes and I'm trying to muster up the energy to fold some clothes. I'm the fat pregnant lady hanging out with the children. So glamorous. The fact is, the majority of the time, Saturday is no different around here. It's just like a week day. Bathrooms still needs to get clean, and the kids need someone to take care of them. It's so easy to stay in the same routine, day after day...and before I know it...I feel like I'm drowning. I love what I do, I love being able to stay at home with my children...I'm blessed. But every now and then I get days like these. I begin to lose myself in motherhood. I forget to keep doing the things I love...what do I love to do?...I'm not even sure any more.

Maybe it's the weather (which, by the way is awful, and depressing in itself). Maybe it's because I'm nine months pregnant, sore, and uncomfortable. Maybe it's because I'm sick with a nasty cold. Maybe it's because I'm not getting any sleep. Maybe it's jealously that everyone is out and about doing what they love...and I want to go...but I can't. What ever the reason...I'm definitely in a wretched mood.

I need a good smack in the face to help me snap out of this funk. I hate feeling this way. It makes me sound...well...pathetic. But if I pretended every day was roses...that would be a lie.

I really hope I don't go into labor today...I just don't have any fight in me.

I'm glad tomorrow is Easter.

I'll get back to my normal self...I always do. I think I'll go eat that last piece of brownie. Chocolate always does wonders to improve a depressed, "woe is me" kinda mood.

Two weeks to go...

aaahhhhhh!!!! I can't believe it! If you ever want Winter to fly by...just get pregnant and make sure your due date is in the early Spring. Seriously, I can't believe how fast Winter came and went! I have finally managed to get a drawer ready with baby clothes, so now the baby doesn't have to come home naked. I also threw together some things for my bag...so, you know, I am making progress. And surprise, surprise...I think we may have a name lined up. You'll have to wait to hear it though, as we may change our minds yet again.

Unfortunately, the sickness that has been running through this house has finally hit me. I thought my superior immunities were going to keep me safe, but not this time I guess. It's just a bad cold, but still, no fun.

My other brother, Andrew, drove in from Long Beach yesterday. He's a teacher so this is his Spring Break. It's so fun to have lots of my family around. I love it! Too bad the weather isn't better though. Although, Andrew plans to do a lot of skiing so I guess he doesn't mind too much. I'm just hoping for nice weather Easter Sunday...please, that's all I ask!

Well, not much else...just trying to stay off my feet and stay relaxed...trying to make sure I don't go into labor this weekend (like I have any control, hah!). But you know, just trying to do my part: no long walks, no spicy foods, no jumping jacks or horse back riding, no four wheel driving, and I hate to say it, but no frisky business (sorry Ryan...you'll have to wait until after Easter).