It is done and what would you do?

Well, today was a sad and yet weird feeling day at our house. We found a new home for Charlie. Believe it or not is was bittersweet. I cried and felt horrible. But, kept reminding myself that it is best for him. He will be living around the corner from his brother and get to see him daily as well as run on a 50 acre farm daily. He will get to be in the house and sleep in the house. So, he will be so happy. I just keep reminding myself of all the fun he will have vs. sitting by himself all day. It is good. Sad but good.
Also, I helped out in Brayden's Sunday school class today and a young girl is his teacher. (young because she is younger than me) And she doesn't do anything. She teaches but other wise she sits there and gets ready for next week. Her helper also just sat. I played with the kids and I know the lady I was filling in for does. She also was wearing an incredibly low cut shirt. And as a mom of a little boy I am even more sensitive of that. ALso, Riley was in a new class today and didn't get a diaper change while there. 3 hours approx. And when I changed her when we got home she was poopy. Now she could have just done it, but still. So, the question is do I say anything or just let it go?

Technology and Change

Why do we have to have change? I know it is good for us and it helps us grow but it is so hard. I think lately I have started dreading change even more. I have kept Riley in the same Sunday school class I think a month longer than she should be just because I adore the teacher. She is wonderful and has become a friend. I just want my kids and family to stay the same forever. I love technology but again it is constantly changing. As great as cell phones and computers and all that are it is hard watching the pain it brings some people. I am also watching my youngest siblings fight over who gets the cell phone more. Gone are the days where friends called you on the phone now it is all about texting. How sad. I wonder how many of my kids friends will even know what a home phone is. We still have one. Somedays it just makes me long for the days when friends called you on the phone or came over. Well, I guess I will continue doing what I always do, go with it. Can't change it but I have to move with it. There are somethings that I won't change and that is talking on my cell phone while paying or trying to talk to another person.

Change,Halloween and life

Halloween was fun. I took the kids to the church for the Family fun night. Brayden had fun and of course Riley had fun. She just smiles all the time. We went with a friend and her two kids. Jim is gone again and her husband is a firefighter and had to work. It was a good time. Brayden of course thought that the candy was cool. I have been surprised though, he has already forgotten about it.
When Jim is gone Sundays are hardest for me. I don't know why. The first couple weeks are fine and then it just gets old and I want him home. I have been realizing that my life is fairly routine. I like it that way. I am not one that enjoys change. I am realizing that more and more about myself. I love my life and would only change that my husband not have to go away next year. But, what can we do.
I am extremely happy about next week. My grandparents are coming. I am so excited for them to meet our little girl and Brayden can't wait to see his nanny and pappa.
Oh and Riley got 2 teeth. We are starting to sleep better so that is great.

Feeling like a terrible mom

So, Brayden is an active little boy and I love that about him. However, he is also all boy. Again I love that about him. I just have been feeling like everything with him is a battle. No you can't climb on the back of the couch. No don't do that. Be nice to your sister. I just don't like feeling like everything is NO. And Riley is sick and so I feel like I am giving him even less attention. And Jim is gone and I don't feel like he is getting that daddy time. So, today when the dog threw up in the van on the way home from my parents I think I made the decision. He has to go. Again the dog isn't bad. (yes he doesn't obey) I just don't have the time or patience or extra energy to deal with the dog and training and all that. I love my mornings when it is just the kids and I and then I go oh wait I have to put the dog out. And the dog doesn't cooperate. And I am just not good at ignoring the dog and yet he isn't getting the training or attention he deserves. Yes, he is cute and sweet. But he is also hyper and draining. (at least to me) So, with all the pro/con things done and my heart and mind feeling good about my decision. Why do I feel like it is just one thing on the you are a terrible mom chart?

Children's books

First I have to start off by saying that Amanda whom I read her blog and she reads mine. We don't know each other or anything but have gotten to know each other through blogging. Well she blogged the other day about do we always have to have a title. Well, Amanda I am with you. That is the hardest part for me.
So, on to Children's books. I think I have a fettish. I love children's books. I enjoy reading but don't always have the time so I try to limit myself to just reading Karen Kingsbury and a few Amish books. But, I still get onto the Christian supply or Christianbook websites and look around and wow. There are just so many great books I want to read to my kids. Okay sometimes if we haven't had time that day and the books are new I read them while they are napping. I just pray that my kids continue to love books and that I can keep buying them.

Death

Being a Christian I don't fear death. I don't really want it to happen now, unless my husband and kids can come to. I know I am going to Heaven. So, when I found out than my Great Grandma died last week I wasn't sad. I feel a little bad, but when you think about it what is there to be sad about. First she loved Jesus. So, she is in heaven with him. My Great Grandpa died years ago so she gets to be with him to. I also think of the great life she had. She had turned 100 on Jan 1. She had been married to grandpa for 70 years. She had 70 some great grandkids and at least 20 great great grandkids. In recent years her sight had been fadding (huh 100 years) and she was losing her memory and ability to walk. So, I just can't feel anything except YEAH! God is definatley saying well done good and faithful servant well done.
It also makes me look at the grandparents we still have living and at my kids grandparents and again I am so grateful for such a wonderful Christian legacy that I have been given and that I can leave for my children.
Thank you Lord for the wonderful family you have given me.

Very Tired

So today the weather felt so fall like. It was overcast and just a cozy day. Brayden, Riley and Aubrey all were more tired today. And Riley was really tired during dinner.

Potty Training and Little girls

So I have never potty trained before and I have heard little boys are hard but oh my. We have had it easy. We are on day three with no accidents and no wetting at bed or nap. I am so proud of my little boy and it is so nice not having to change big kid diapers. He even is doing great with pooping. So praise the lord. I know and am expecting accidents at some point but so far we have done several shopping trips with him telling us when he has to go and we even did Sunday school today and had no problems. So, hopefully all stays well.
Okay now I think I secretly always wanted a little girl. I am thrilled to death with my little boy and would have been thrilled to death with another one. But, oh my. My little girl. I am having so much fun. I am kind of old fashioned about things and I get excited about the thought of her enjoying playing house and reading little house on the praire with her and just fun things like that. When we found out we were having a girl I was irritated with all the "oh how fun, girls are so much more fun to dress than boys" I see what people mean. I am loving the dress buying. But, I have always been more excited about the relationship we would have. My mom and I are best friends and I so desire to have that with Riley. It is also so fun to watch her and Brayden interact. So, if you ever see a good deal on little dresses please let me know. I am all about the dresses.

Potty Training and Weekend get away

The Beautiful Scenery. Black Butte Oregon

Our little cowboy

So we had a wonderful weekend get away with some friends this weekend. They rented a house in Black butte and another couple and us went. So, six adults and 6 kids spent the weekend together. It was a fun weekend and we are all still friends.
Then we came home and got to see my family who had been away. My mom for 2 weeks and my dad, sis and bro for 1 week. I am incredibly close to my family as they are the ones that are always here when Jim is away. It is actually sad that it was weird and hard not having my mom and I am just so used to my husband being gone. Oh well it is just that way for now. Some day he will be home all the time. And for now he is home more than he used to be.
So Monday and Tuesday were busy crazy days and so today was our Potty Party day. We just used that as our starting day. He peeed three times on the potty and got treats and what not. I think he is starting to get it. He was just semi asleep and called out that he had to pee on the toilet. (the way he says it is so cute) There was lots of dancing and singing and praising (oh and some candy as well) But wow it is hard work. You have to drop whatever to run. Even if you know they don't really have to go. Just to keep them excited. I think he is getting the concept though or at least starting to know when he has the feeling. Hopefully. I know it may take awhile but we have dived in now. So pray that all continues going well.

Life's goings on

So, life has been busy lately. Just with day to day things and my parents are gone and we were sick. Last week was crazy. First we had a wonderful Saturday. Jim left early for a bible study and on his way home he stopped at several garage sales to look for a larger dog kennel. No luck but he did find a lawn mower. We were in desperate need and couldn't really afford a new one at this time. So, for $25 he got us a new to us one. It is wonderful. Thank you thrifty husband. Now we don't look like we live in the jungle.
The dog is okay. I am still having my moments but now am really thinking about how we are going to do the winter. As long as I can put him out and he can stay out most of the day things are okay. But, when the rains come (as they are doing now) I feel bad leaving him outside. But, I don't want him in the house all the time either. I am not a fan of having my house smell like dog. Especially wet dog. He also can't be in the house all the time because he likes to be right where Riley is and I don't want her to get sat on, walked on or chewed on. The garage is an out there option. I don't like the idea because that is where I park and I don't want my new van all scratched up and I don't want anything else in the garage chewed or scratched up. I realized the other day that if my parents said it was okay to get rid of the dog I would be sad but probably would. Simply because they got him for Brayden and I don't feel right giving him to someone else without there permission. Is that crazy? So many moms in my position have said they wouldn't do it either. (have a puppy at this stage) My friend got rid of there cats cause it was to much and they just didn't tell there daughter and she said it was days before she realized they were even gone. I think Brayden would know he was gone but I think he would be fine with it. If we just didn't say anything but explained that he had to go to a home that had more room for him. I just don't like feeling like a bad person because I can't handle it. But, I am the sole provider for him. My husband is gone so much and his main job with it is to put him in at night. I do everything else. Brayden will occaisonally want to feed him but other than the odd time they are both outside playing nicely they don't do a whole lot together. I just don't want Brayden to ever feel like Mommy took away his puppy. But this dog is going to be huge. Oh I don't know what to do. I think a small dog would be easier but if we get rid of this dog we aren't getting any sort of pet for a long time. I would like a cat someday but again not until my kids are a lot older.
Well, this week I start watching a little girl 3 days a week. It will help out financially and I think it will be a good fit for us. She is a 15 month old and her parents are great. This is her first time in day care so that will be good.
I can't wait till my parents get home. I miss my mom so much. I didn't know how much I talked to her until she has been gone for 2 weeks and I have to call long distance to talk to her. Brayden keeps wanting to go to see nanna. He is still having fun going over to help me water, even though we haven't had to do that to much with the rain the last couple of days.
Well, I am starting to ramble.

A big day

Well today has been a big day. Today was Riley's 5 month birthday. She is growing so fast and it is hard to believe that she is 5 months already. She is waking up a lot the last few nights so I am tired. She isn't eating anymore than normal just fussing. So, I think her teeth are going to be poking through soon. We also took my mom to the airport this morning. That was a fun trip. Weird though. It is strange that I am used to my husband being gone and it is so much stranger having my mom gone. She is visiting my grandparents and will hopefully get some relaxing time to herself as well.
Then during nap time Riley rolled over from her back to front for the first time. She has been working on it so hard. Mom, you were right she would do it when you were away. She only did it once though.
After nap we played and went for a walk. Brayden didn't want Charlie (the dog) to come but I said he had to, not quite sure why I would think he needed to come it was so much harder. Then off to Grandma Harris' birthday party. It was a nice time. Although, my emotions get tugged at because my son it the oldest boy there with older girls and was told again that he couldn't play and came in crying. Only this time I went to my mother-in-law and told her and she handled it right away and so hopefully the little girl who starts this will learn that it isn't an option. Her mother doesn't tell her it is wrong to treat people that way or anything. All in all though it was a nice time.
Then we came home. Now, I must remind you that I am tired and I already have had a rough week with this dog. But, I feel bad for the little guy being outside all the time and what not. So, I let him in and he is jumping all over me and biting and just being a pill. And I am trying to find his food dish so that I can feed him and be kind. Well, I end up getting frustrated and just putting him back outside. Then Jim arrives home and I am not myself and haven't been since the dog came. He said I don't smile when he comes home and I am just not as happy. He thinks it has been ever since the dog. So, we have to make a decision. I am in tears about this. Because ideally we wouldn't have the dog. No more poop, no more biting, no more feeling guilty all the time for not spending time with him. Then I wouldn't have to worry about food and the vet and tags and all that. But, then my heart breaks because I think of the fun times when he isn't jumping up on Rileys toy to lick her face and dragging her toys around and I remember when I hear Brayden talking outside and he is chatting with Charlie. I just don't think this was the best time for a non dog lover to get a dog. But, again it was Brayden's birthday present and how can I be the cause of him not having him anymore. I just don't know what to do.
Well, the first thing I can,will and should do is go to sleep.

How I want to be viewed

So, I was driving along today and I saw a girl walking on the sidewalk. I thought wow. She looks like a nice sensible, smart, friendly person. Which got me to thinking. When people see me what do they think? Here is how I hope they see me.
Friendly, genuine, kind, sensible, a mom who loves her kids but isn't about to let them walk all over her. Sincere, modest, a true friend. Would be there to help you if you needed them. A person who when asked to pray or says she will pray for you will genuinely do that. An example of Christ. Low maintence. Dedicated to my family and passionate in my love for them.
I guess not all of these things would be found just by looking at me but I hope those of you who read this and know me see these qualities. If not I will work on it.

8 Random facts about me

According to the tag rules I have to post these steps so you'll know what to do if i tag you. so here goes:

Tag rules:


You have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
people who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
at the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get taggedand list their names. don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they are tagged, and to read your blog. ( I am putting people I know read my blog but don't have one of there own. So,if you don't have a blog you have to email me.

1. Ever since I was pregnant with Riley I have become obsessed with Chocolate milkshakes.
2. I love my down time.
3. Enjoy people but not constantly
4. I am a total morning person
5. I love time with my husband and kids more than anything
6. I have been married almost 8 years
7. I would be a surragate mom if Jim would let me.
8. I am a Canadian Citizen.

Okay here you go.
1. MOM
2. Carrie
3. Kimberly
4. Dyanne
5. Heidi
6. Sharlean
7. Connie
8. Tanya

Technology

Okay so I love technology. I love my electricity, washer and dryer, dishwasher, computer. I do my banking online and am on my computer a lot. I like that I can talk to my friends and family that are far away without having to wait for letters. But, there is something to be said about having a day away where you can't use the phone. My husband is a very busy man. His cell is attached to his ear. At least some days it feels like that. Between crazy army stuff he has to deal with to Real Estate. I try not to complain cause I know that if he can't take his calls we don't make money. But, wow. Yesterday we went to Silver Creek Falls for the afternoon and lost cell coverage. (YEAH) We had his attention for the afternoon. Now mind you there were other people there as it was a work picnic, but how fabulous to not have phones ring. I mentioned to my niece (she's 6) how nice it was that phones don't work up here. She said yes especially when you do real estate. Your phone rings all the time. I thought. You know girl you and I are in the same boat. So, I have decided that we should get away more often and not just anywhere but to the mountains or just anywhere phones don't work.
Brayden loved the water fountains (waterfalls) We plan to go back and hike more. Nothing better to wear out an active 3 year old.

Nothing Much

So, life has been pretty normal. We have been enjoying outside. We are fortunate to be having a mild summer. Something I love. (I am not a really hot weather person) Saying that it won't surprise you all that I am looking forward to fall. It will be fun to make soup and hot choc. and all the fun things that come with fall.
Charlie (the dog) is doing well. I had a rough day on Sunday with him. I am just a very sensitive mom. When my child is sad because of something someone or something did I hurt for him. So, we had gotten home from church and Brayden went outside and Charlie had chewed up his bug catcher and it broke Brayden's heart. Then he (the dog) jumped on a neighbor girl and scratched her leg. I am just having a hard time with training. When am I supposed to do that. But, he is cute and I know he will become a good dog as he gets older.
Brayden got to collect eggs from a chicken with my mom yesterday. She also took him to McDonalds (I think it was his 2nd time) So, today was incredibly cute when I went with him to feed the chickens and check for eggs. He just marched in there and shoo,shooed the chickens and when to check out the coop. And sure enough there was an egg. It was just so cute and he even reminded me to shut the gate.
So, other than the fact that I am going to be doing a little childcare to help out with money. things are the same.
Good Night. I am tired.

Modesty

Whatever happened to girls not wanting to show everything to everyone. Where it was good to keep things between a husband and a wife. What ever happened to girls respecting there bodies and not giving things up to anyone who would spend time with them.
I was disappointed last week when most of the little girls at my son's birthday party wore bikinis. I was never allowed to wear them and I don't plan on letting Riley wear them. Why would I want my little girl teasing little boys that way as well as having them think thoughts about her that shouldn't be thought. (I am not naive to think that it won't happen anyway)
I am not perfect but I do try to keep my bum from hanging out of my pants and I do try to make sure my shirts don't expose me when I bend over and all that.
I just don't understand why people want to dress there little girls so grown up they grow up fast enough.
Okay enough of my ranting.

Animals and other things

My kids on the 4th

On the 4th we had a good time going to a parade. It wasn't to far from our house and Brayden thought it was great. It was sunny and hot here but we were able to come home and have a good nap and then we headed down to the riverfront park for some of the festivities put on by Jim's company. We had also been able to take a teathered hot air balloon ride the day before when they did a breakfast for the families at the park. It was so fun. I would like to take one that would take us all over the city. So, we met up with some friends down at the park that LOVE animals. If someone asked me if I knew of an animal lover I would say Michelle. They live in a duplex and have a 9 month old little girl, 3 full grown yellow labs, I don't know how many cats,chickens and frogs. She also has horses but they don't live in the city. So, anyway they had bred one of there dogs and she had 9 puppies. They had 4 left and thought that bringing them to the park on the 4th would be a great way to sell the rest of them. They are 7 weeks and still cute enough to sucker people in.
Okay, now I must interject that we don't have any pets. Jim and I had a cat before the kids but it was weird and we ended up giving her away. But, my mom has been saying how we need a dog for Brayden. I say no. She says what about a cat. Again I say no. I just think the kids are small enough yet and why do we need to have an animal to look after. Now, I am not an animal hater. I just am fine not having the responsibility, cost, smell and just all of it that comes with owning an animal. Besides, my parents live a mile away and have a great dog and cat that we can visit.
Anyway, all this to say that when we got to the park on Wednesday our friends still had 2 dogs left. Yep, your right one of them now lives at our house. And yes he is adorable. He is good. But, now I listen to whining at night. (he is in the garage in a crate) I have to clean up poop and make sure to take him outside regularily and put him in the crate before I leave. Oh yeah and I have a 3 year old and a 4 month old.So, please pray that I get a more positive outlook on this and don't go crazy. Brayden seems to enjoy him (Charlie) but I don't know. Like I told Jim it just came 2 years ealier than I thought it would. I am already finding that my house is starting to smell. And for those of you who know me know I don't like smell or dirtyness inside. Unless it is from my children. Then I can handle it. So, I hope I can toughen up and do this since the men in my house think it is cool.

I know I say it all the time

I know I say all the time how wonderful my life is, how content I am, how happy. And on and on. But tonight Jim and I went through several houses on our cities tour of homes. It is where builders let you go through there new homes. And I came home and just went, wow. I love my home. We liked some of the lay outs. Some were outraggous and what not. But, they all had really dark colors and furniture in them and they were a little to big for me. My house is wonderful. Yes there is still a to do list. Like repaint the bedroom, ours and Braydens. But other than minor things our home is perfect. And it is home. Where the people I love most in the world live.
I will try and get a picture of it tomorrow, now that I have my camera up and running again.

Thoughts

So, I have been thinking the last few days about life. I have a wonderful life. I stay home with my 2 healthy and wonderful kids. I have a husband who loves us and works very hard to provide for us. I have my family close by to offer support and friendship. As well as great friends.
But, I have been thinking and I guess comparing myself and my family with others. I don't feel in a bad way and not thinking myself better by any means. When I look at life and look at the lives of some of my friends I feel sad for them. From what I know and I don't have all the facts. They are working because they choose to. And they have said this to me. I don't know how you can stay home with your kids all the time. I would go crazy.
I just feel sad for them. They are missing out on so much. Life is very short and I think you realize that even more after you have children. But the time I get to spend reading, playing and cuddling with my kids is so precious to me. We don't have much by any means and I am so fine with that. I don't need things. I am not one that would spend lots of money on stuff even if we had lots of it. I like to be home with my family.
I am not knocking woman that work. I understand that some women love there kids but just aren't cut out for being with them all the time and some women have to work. Another things why are people always in a hurry. and why do they want there kids to grow up so fast? I am trying to slow down and just enjoy life.
I just realized this week what I have heard,read and seen a million times. Life is short. And money and things won't bring happiness. I think people need to step away and decide what kind of heritage and legacy they want to leave there kids. I know I want my kids to remember a loving, kind, special mom who did fun things with them and taught them all kinds of things and especially taught them how to love the Lord God with there whole hearts and was never to busy to stop for a hug and kiss nd would not put laundry and dishes before just being there for them.
I will keep you posted on more of my thoughts.

Summertime

There are so many great things about summer. First is the weather. I am a person who gets so excited about each season. They are all my favorites. Some of the things I love are:


A great big bowl of fruit. Summer is a great time for watermelon, strawberries and of course you can't forget ice cream, BBQ's, popsickles, swimming, running through the sprinklers, swinging on our new swing set. The sun is big here in Oregon. The smell of fresh air in the house. Windows open. Potatoe salad, baked beans. Sweet tea. Frappachinos, Iced lattes. Camping, smores. Wow. This list could go on and on. Summer is great.

Oh and don't forget fishing.

It's so hard

I am not a materialistic person by any means. Things don't make me happy. They actually stress me more. I like simple clean lines. I decorate that way and most of our decorations are pictures of special people in our lives. I am also that way in how I dress, makeup and hair.
So, why then as I was getting the boys clothes out of the attic and into the van to take to a consignment store was I feeling sad and depressed? Well, the only thing I could come up with was that my baby isn't a baby anymore. It was sad looking at those tiny little things that were so big on him when he was born. Seeing those blankets that were so soft and that kept him warm. I had to remind myself that I didn't need to save them. There were families out there that needed them and that it was better to share than to store them away and just let them go to waste.
I find it is easier to get rid of his stuff now. I think it is because he is bigger and wears it longer than the baby clothes. I do get teary eyed once again as I pack up Riley's already to small stuff. I just can't believe how fast it goes. Thank you Lord that I am blessed to be able to be with my children instead of having them in daycare. I can't imagine missing a minute.

More Pics

This is of Brayden showing off our pinecone bird feeders we made. Even though they were stolen the next day by some squirrels. They didn't just eat the food, they took all 4 of our pinecones too. We have to figure something new out.

This is my little man winking. He can do it with both eyes and he is just so sweet when he does it.

And of course I couldn't post with out including my far to fast groing baby girl. I can't believe she will be 8 weeks Saturday.
Oh and you know your a mom when you wake up for a feeding and are singing a song from Mickey mouse clubhouse from the day before.

All is well

Other than being busy all is well. I find that my days fly by and before I know it is nap time or bedtime. Jim has been in and out a lot this month with the military. I have found out that we can survive by ourselves. It is not ideal but we do it. I don't know what I would do if Brayden and Riley weren't good kids. Brayden loves to help so that is great. Riley has started sleeping 5 hour stints at night which is wonderful. I have even figured out how to shower with them both and not have to worry about them. We are able to get to bible study and chuch on time. That is a great feeling. The weather has been nice the last couple of days and that is great for Brayden. We go out and he plays and I get to sit and cuddle Riley and all is well. I do have to say that I am quite fortunate. My parents live a mile and a half away so I have a great support system. I even gave Riley a bottle the other day and she took it no problem. So, I was able to go out to dinner with some friends while my mom watched both kids. It was nice but they weren't far from my mind the entire time.

Update

We are indeed still up and kicking. Life with 2 is still great, just busy. Brayden still loves Riley and has started to now want to hold her. I feel so relieved that he likes her and hasn't shown any signs of resentment. Riley is a good little girl and has started smiling and cooing. It is so fun. I am trying hard to enjoy both kids and that is the hard part. Not the enjoying but feeling like they are both getting attention. Thankfully I breastfeed so I get that time with Riley and I enjoy nap time and evening time with her. It is making sure I stop cleaning or what not to play and just be with Brayden when she is asleep.
But, all is well and we are enjoying this phase in our life.

Life with Two

I love my life. Have I ever said that before? Life is real good on this end. I have a Lord and savior who died for my sins, so that I may have eternal life. I have a great husband who supports me staying at home with our 2 children. I have 2 beautiful and healthy children who are just wonderful. And that isn't even all the other things like a house, car, family, friends and just all that I am blessed with.
The other day while watching my son follow my husband around the yard "helping" him mow I was just overwhelmed at how much I am blessed. It is just great having my husband home right now and our children enjoying there dad. I am so thankful that he is an involved dad. I also have a son who loves his baby sister and wants to share and kiss and use her fingers to pick his nose. It is all so wonderful. Then I have this beautiful daughter who gained 1lb 2 oz in one week. Yep, she is up to 9lbs 7oz already. Which is good but also very sad. She is growing so fast. And it is hard to look at her and know it is going to go so fast and before I know it she will be 2. So, I focus on enjoying our time together in the here and now.

Our sweet little girl

So, on March 10, 2007 we welcomed Riley Leanne into the world. She has been such a blessing and is doing great. She is a great little one and we adore her. Brayden loves her too. It has been so nice. We are tired, okay I am tired. But doing great. So happy she arrived quickly and healthy. Although in her short 2 weeks in the world she has gotten pink eye and has a stuffed up nose. But if all of that is any indication of how she will be then we are blessed. She has been a trooper and happy through it all. Of course she doesn't like the medicine in her eye but other than that is a great little one. I can't say it enough, we are truly blessed.

Discouraged

So, today I went to the doctor and became very discuraged. They said that they won't induce me until 41 weeks. Everything is in postion but that it risks a c-section if done before then. But, since they are midwives and I know lots of people who haven't had that happen and I was induced 17 days early with Brayden and all was fine I think they are just full of it.
I am ready to have her out so I ended up in tears and my poor husband doesn't know what to do and I am just tired of waiting. Having all kinds of pain and yet nothing. I told Jim if we did change our minds and decide on another baby I am finding a doctor next time. I have just been sick of getting the run around from all the different midwives. If I call in one tells me one thing and then I ask one the next time and they say something different. So, my hope is gone. I will be pregnant forever.

Just waiting

So, today is one week from my due date. Nothing yet. I am just waiting. I have had different aches and pains but nothing exciting. It is so cute to watch my husband though. He is so excited. I just love it. Every night when we go to bed he asks if I think tonight is the night. I don't know about any of you but I forget what real contractions feel like. I am constantly guessing. Should I start timing or is that just a braxton-hicks? So, I have turned it over to God. Either my water will break or I will start being in really bad pain so I will know it is real. I am dialated so that is good. It is just exciting to know that anytime we will be meeting our little girl. But, I am praying that she could just hold out till Tuesday.
See, tomorrow is my nieces birthday. I don't have the best relationship with my husbands family (he doesn't either) and I just feel like it would be best if the girls didn't have to share a birthday. But, God knows best so we shall see.

So blessed

This weekend my mom's best friend gave me a baby shower. And last weekend a friend gave me a shower. They were so much fun and I truly am blessed. She went so above and beyond. We are ready for our little one to arrive. We have so many clothes, blankets and even diapers now. I have also been able to get everything washed and put away. Now I just need to sit down and decide what to bring her home in. The doctor told me that walking would help encourage her to move down to I walked to my shower. (my mom brought me and all our goodies home) Then today Brayden had to go to the doctor because he has been sick for far to long and yes we now were able to get something to get him better. He had a double ear infection. Which I know it sounds terrible but I was thankful. Now at least we were given something to help him get better. The last couple of visits were just keep giving him his breathing medicine. (Which just made him cough harder) So, at least now we hopefully will be on the mend. Brayden is such a trouper though. Even with a fever and double ear infection he just keeps smiling and going. Now, mind you that being said, he doesn't like it when I am not right there. My mom came with us and after the appointment we went to Costco to fill the RX and while I was standing in line she started to push the cart away and he did not like that. So, he is getting a little spoiled right now but we can work on that when he feels better.
So, again I can't say it enough. Thank you to friends and family who truly have blessed us by getting our nursery stocked with stuff for our little one.

Life update

Ever since our scare we have been making sure everything is ready to go. I packed our hospital bag and was able to get Brayden and my haircut. (something that didn't happen before Brayden) I have had one shower and am getting another one tomorrow. People are so generous. I have been going to the doctor weekly now and today she said all is well. Her head is down and so now it is pretty much when ever. She said if I walk more that may help. So, I may just try that. We have also been sick. My ribs hurt so much from coughing. We have finally got Brayden doing better. He was so sick last week and I think that is why I got it. When I get overly tired I tend to get sick right away. But we have just stayed home this week and worked on getting better. Other than that I am just doing as many fun things with Brayden as I can. We play a lot and do crafts. We had fun baking cookies for valentine's day and we also made some valentine's for his friends. So, it has been a nice time. I want to enjoy every minute before he isn't my one and only. He is excited about Riley which I am glad about. He says he is going to help put bows in her hair so that is fun. I just hope he finds it all so exciting when she comes out.

Scare

So, last night we wondered if maybe my water had broke. So, of course they have you come in. It scared me. As excited as I am to have my baby here, I would rather she wait until closer to her due date. We are past the really scary point but still just knowing she would have had to go to the NICU scared me. Brayden did that and I don't want to have to do that again. But, all is well. Her and I are doing fine and my water hasn't broken. So, I am off to get more checked off my list to do before she arrives.

Snow

So, like I said, it snowed this week. And it was icy. Since I am pregnant and shouldn't fall that caused a problem with me being able to go outside. So, my wonderful family was great. My dad came and picked Brayden and I up and took us to there house and my dad and sister took Brayden out to play in the snow. He loved it. My dad made a sled and pulled him around and my sister helped him make a snowman. Brayden learned that dogs like the snow too. He would make snowballs and throw them for the dog and he would chase them and Brayden thought that was just great.
It was a fun week, minus the cold that Brayden has. I have decided though that I am a lover of all seasons. I love it when Fall comes, but become ready for winter. Then I love winter, but now am ready for the beauty that spring brings. And after awhile get ready for summer, although not as fast. I don't enjoy really hot weather. So, thank you God for the seasons. You knew what you were doing.

My Boys

So, it has been so great lately because Brayden LOVES his daddy. See when Jim is gone a lot like he has been this year Brayden seems to know that Jim is only home temporarily and he doesn't really connect. I mean he'll hug him and play with him but he doesn't get into a routine with him. He talks more about my dad during those times. But since Jim has been consistantly home the past 4 months Brayden LOVES him. He cries when he leaves for work in the morning and tells Jim "NO GO, STAY" and then all day talks about how after nap we are going to play for a little and then daddy comes home. He loves to go and see Jim at work and one day they had a picnic in Jim's office. Brayden loved that. (we are ready for warmer weather, we had snow this week) Anytime I can't reach something or something looks like it could potentially break instead of asking for Babop (my dad) he asks for dada. Because you know Daddy's can fix anything. These pictures are of the guys playing video games. Brayden decided one day to get the controllers out and he wanted Jim to play with him. So, off they were snowboarding. Brayden only plays for a few minutes, but only daddy will do. He also wanted to play Bob the Builder with Jim the other day so we all ended up in hats. I am just so blessed and feel so much love for these special men in my life. God is so good with taking off one of the stresses with a new one coming. I was so worried about the transition for Brayden, but am feeling better now, knowing Brayden will be able to have some special time with his dad.

Ramblings

We just got back from a night over at some friends house. It is so nice to have good Christian friends to hang out with. I feel so comfortable with them and know that our child is safe playing there. What a blessing. I have found that through the years our friends have changed but we still keep in touch with everyone our circle just changes and we just know so many great people. The picture is of us at Christmas with our Japanese boy Aki. Aki lived with Jim and I when we were married a little over a year and stayed with us for 2 1/2 years. He went to Western Mennonite and is now at Western Oregon. He is such a great kid and through the years has stayed in touch and spends holidays with us. We love him and Brayden calls him Uncle Aki and adores him. It is such a great thing.
I am also so blessed by my bible study. It is such a great time for me to be able to go once a week and just fellowship and study the word with other moms. I just loved that I am able to do that. I am blessed that I have a husband who works hard for me to be able to stay home and raise our kids. I just love him.
Well, enough ramblings for now.