Waking Up Is Hard To Do...

As Kathryn laid in my lap on 3/14/09 and was waking up, I was taking picture after picture- until I realized I could record a video and get an even cuter capture of my youngest born. You can't hear the grunts and groans in the pictures- so check out the video below:

So cute... again my disclaimer on most if not all of my video's- you really have to love us to endure. :o)

Fun Pics

Here are some fun pics- not up to date because suddenly I am slower at getting the pics OFF my camera-- so I will post more later- not to worry.

This sweet little outfit was my favorite of Leila's- I love seeing her in her big sister's clothes!

This is an outfit my mom bought- as much as I love seeing her in her sisters clothes, I really LOVE her in her own clothes.

I asked Leila to 'babysit' while I took a shower. When I got out here was Kathryn in her crib with just about every baby toy we have and several blankets. Leila was a good baby sitter. Kathryn is in a new outfit here too. :o)

Here are the kids- mine are in yellow, Gabe is in red- playing at Grandma and Grandpa's. This is their amazing apple tree the kids love to climb. Soon it will be covered in blossoms and this summer we will try to make another batch of apple sauce!

Taking Care...

So, this past week has been crazy!

I am happy to say I am feeling much better. Besides a dull throbbing lack- of- sleep- headache that I can never get rid of, I am almost back to normal_But headaches have always been part of my life, so maybe I am back to normal. I am so glad to not be pregnant. I am also to thankful to have had so much support from my friends and family.

My kids are in rare form and fighting like cats and dogs and lions. They even play fight- so you know they are serious about hurting each other when they decide to have fun thru their aggression. Poor kids- I am sure they are acting up because I am not doing enough for them. Any behavioral issues are always the mothers fault- right? Anyone feel like adopting? The kids, not the baby.

My husband and I started his diabetes classes. We are the young whipper snappers of the bunch, and all the ladies are very excited to see a small baby in class(She goes where I go, I go where she goes- the umbilical cord was cut physically, but we are still connected).

My Mom gave us a scare by passing out in front of my house on her way to take Leila to school and then meet a friend for lunch. The scary part was she was in the car backing out of my driveway! EEEK! A good Samaritan was passing by and took the keys out of ignition, put the car in park, and called 911. I was just inside and didn't know anything was going on until I was headed out to meet a friend about 10 minutes behind them. Nathan was excited about the "hospital truck" outside and I was too, until I saw my mom was still in her car, and they were working on her! Poor Leila was scared, but she was very brave. She stayed in her seat belt and waited until it was safe to come out. I am thanking God that my mom was just in front of my house- not at a busy intersection- and the EMTs arrived so quick. We took her back inside and I made her a famous PB&J and some juice. Richard came over and gave her a blessing and then took her to Urgent Care and the ER. Her blood sugars dropped quickly. The doctors didn't think it was the blood sugars effecting her, so they did an CT scan to rule out stroke and an EKG to rule out heart attack. Looks like it wasn't either of those, so they monitored her over night and released her yesterday afternoon. She is OK, but has to take it easy- that is for sure.

My Dad had an appointment for the results of his testing. Amy and I joined him and learned more of his situation. They think he has what is called "Pseudodementia". This is still very serious- but its not a brain injury. In fact, we learned he had very little damage from the actual stroke. If his problems are indeed pseudodementia, we will need to get it under control to find out what other damage is lasting. Dad has a lot of work ahead of him: he will need to find the right medication and dosage and enter into some counseling. He will need to identify and try to eliminate stressors in his life. His family- us - will need to step up to help him in anyway possible. It is quite exciting and very encouraging, but there is still a lot unknown and by no means will this be an easy route to take. Here is an interesting article on this condition:
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=15336&cn=231

The main thing I learned over the past few days and weeks is how important it is to take care of ourselves and each other.

I have had so many people take care of me after having Kathryn in the form of calls, dinners, time spent helping me.

I am so thankful for those taking care of my family: the good Samaritan calling about my mom, the doctors and professionals taking care of my Dad, the support from extended family who love us and want to help us.

With as crazy as life gets, we simply need to remember the individual. Each person has challenges. Each person has the ability to make life a little better for those around him or her. We can not fix everything, but can provide comfort, and can take small steps to improve the task at hand.

I also had a great birthday yesterday- thanks to everyone who called and stopped by. I have had so much attention the past month with the baby and end of my pregnancy I am a bit surprised people still want to be around me! I feel very special and very loved. Jeremy took us out to dinner for my favorite Chinese food. He and the kids have promised me a week of TV free living. I will let you know how it goes! I will post more pics soon-- can you beleive my baby is one month old?

Definition of "Baby Time"

Baby Time: life slowed down to meet the needs of baby. We go places after she eats. We plan our schedules around her non-existent schedule. We stop and change a diaper the minute we "hear" we need to. Laundry is not caught up. The kitchen is not clean. We drop everything to catch a glimpse of a smile. We sit a little bit longer to simply hold our sleeping baby.

I love baby time. It won't last forever- Soon I will have to get back to normal life and fit her into our schedule. But for now, all of us are enjoying working around her schedule, her needs.

Baby time.

Amy's Camera and so much more (Plus more Pics of Baby- of course)

My sister Amy- who is also one of my very best friends- was able to be with me during labor. The reasons were many. Including, but not limited to: First, she is one of my best friends, and therefore, one of my strongest support people. Second, she brings happiness and laughter whenever she is around. Third, she was as anxious as I was to get this baby out and meet her. Fourth, she has an awesome camera!





When I was in labor with Leila she popped in to say hello. I was only planning on having Jeremy and my Mother present. I was struggling with getting Leila out and found quit quickly Amy's presence was a welcome addition. Jeremy was focused on me, and after the birth went to be with Leila while they had to finish up with me. Mom was focused on me, and was able to stay with me after birth. Amy lightened the room, encouraged me, and my two other helpers, and took pictures! Yay! After pushing for hours I declared I could go on no longer. Both Jer and Mom insisted I could, but Amy's cheering and reassurance I would and could get this baby out rang loudest in my ear(I have a feeling Jeremy was pretty sure I couldn't go on much longer either-poor guy).

I knew with Nathan I wanted her present again- and his labor went very smoothly and very quick. In fact, she showed up just an hour before he popped out. I was worried she wouldn't make Kathryn's, but I was feeling pretty confident I could do it without her in case she couldn't make it. Amy is going to school to become a nurse and has classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This Tuesday, she quickly took a lab test in her awful A&P Biology class and showed up. She again brought her laughter- there were several contractions I laughed thru(She showed up pre-epidural). I was amazed that laughter was such a good distraction for the pain. So Amy has been there at the start of my family, at the beginning of each my children's lives, and has continued to support and love me ever since.

Here are some more pics from Kathryn's birthday by Amy. Sister, Friend, Coach, Ultimate Supporter. Thanks Amy for all you do for me-- not only in birthing my children, but in simply being my friend and all that entails. I love you.

A house needs a grandma in it.

Louisa May Alcott made the title statement about a house needing a grandma. I know this first hand as I have had the pleasure of having my two mothers in my home as role of Grandmother. In reviewing this past few weeks when I watched my mom and my mom by marriage helping me by loving my children I think I found a quote that could possibly explain their complete devotion and love for their grandchildren:



"Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children. ~Ruth Goode"



These amazing women in my life: Grandma Mary and Grandma Sue love my children without any question and I will forever love them for doing this. My children feel safe and cared for by these two women. What child could want for more?



I didn't completely realize how much my own mother loved me until the day I held my first baby in my arms. This love was so amazing to me, as I cared for my new baby and looked into her eyes in her earliest days I strongly felt she KNEW how much I loved her. This meant that I knew this love of my mother in my earliest days too. I think I must have forgot about it during my learning years and crazy teen years, but sincerely recognized it once I became a mother myself.



My Mother by Marriage came up this past week to help out. She remembered her experiences as a new mother of three and wanted to help us as she knows first hand the change from two to three can be a bit daunting. She cooked and cleaned, but the most important thing she did this past week was take care of and love my children. She held the baby so I could read to Nathan or paint Leila's nails. She played on the floor or read with both kids while I nursed the baby allowing the children to enjoy her companionship and not miss mine. What fun memories for both Grandma and Grandchildren. Thank you Sue for your time and love this past week.



My Mother has been around almost every day to love on this baby. She is more than willing to slow her life down to "baby time" and enjoy her moments with this new little angel. I don't think I know a woman who LOVES babies more than my own mother. She loves me too. I know this thru how she treats my children, and how she treats me. There is a comfort in my own mother that I can let her see my tired and somewhat ragged state and not feel like I shouldn't let this side of me out. She can look at me or hear in my voice that I might need a nap or a diet coke, or simply a hug. She drives out to see me and my kids and is always willing to run Leila to school, or bring "frosties" over to my deprived children. Thank you Mom for everything you do for me.


It is quite special the bond between Grandma and Grandchild. My own Grandmothers were very special to me. I have felt their presence many times since they passed away in 1996, and many times it has been when I have been loving and caring for my own children. My two sweet girls have parts of their Grandmother's names in their middle names. Leila Estelle- middle name for Margaret Estelle, and Kathryn Ella- middle name for Von Della. They now have a link to two very special women in my life. They also have relationship with their own Grandma's that I am sure they treasure in their own lives.

When a child is born, so are grandmothers. ~Judith Levy

2 weeks

2/17/09 - Baby K: 9 lbs 6 oz 20 inches long

Two Weeks Later

2/3/09 - Baby K: 9 lbs 1 oz 21.5 inches long

We love you baby Kathryn.

Tired: sums up my life.

I took a little break from blogging-- all I can say is tired is the one constant thing right now. I look forward to the next few weeks passing so I feel more human, but then I get sad thinking about the next few weeks passing because that means my newest angel will grow and change and I can't do a thing about it.


Kathryn is so sweet and special. I love every minute with her. I love being her mom and that I can quiet her quickly. I just hold her in my arms every minute I possibly can.

Our house is very emotional right now, with me as the emotional leader. The kids LOVE their sister, but are driving each other nuts. We are a very happy family, just a little wild and crazy with pure emotion running freely.





Here are some of my favorite pics from these first few days with the baby.

These feet belong to my two girls