My Family and Beyond

Jayden Eats Spaghetti

2012-02-28T18:05:00.000-06:00

We have started eating table food and I introduced Jayden to spaghetti.

He seemed to like it. Sorry if I am a little loud in the video

10 months old

2012-02-26T16:23:00.000-06:00

My big and happy boy is almost 1! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by! I also can't believe he still isn't sleeping through the night.

at 10 months Jayden is:

24 pounds and 31.5 inches

7 full teeth and one coming in

crawling and pulling up on everything

not sleeping through the night

an eating machine...favorites include yogurt and fruits

shows love by giving hugs

full of energy!

What....February is over on Wednesday???

2012-02-26T16:01:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to post...really I have. However the timing of said posts have not been working and I just realized it will be March before I post my February stuff unless I sit down and blog. So I will be posting a lot of quick posts today and hopefully when I look back on the year I won't be so behind in what I am thinking and doing!

Difference a Year Makes

2012-02-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

I've been reflecting on the changes that have occured over the last year. The difference I see and the perspective I have gained are great. I'm thankful

Winter: Last winter I was STRESSED out. We had a very very Snowy winter complete with a Blizzard! This winter has been warm, we have had less than an inch of snow for the entire winter so far and I've not had to worry about snow days at all. In fact, some days I have had to remind the kids to wear a coat! What a difference a year makes.

Baby: Last year I was pregnant and freaking out that I couldn't be a mom to 3. Well, turns out I can be a mom to 3. The baby is doing really well, we are enjoying him very much. It's hard work to have a baby in the house but I do have a great husband and helpful big kids and that makes it great. We also have been so blessed with a wonderful babysitter who takes such great care of Jayden so I can work.

JOB: It's nice to have a job I like. Last year I was contemplating quitting and freaking out about finances. This year I have a great job, looking forward to summer and next year and I genuinelly enjoy what I am doing. I have a rough class at times but honestly I love what I do!

So that's a bit of a difference between then and now. I certainly enjoying what I am doing now and this year more than my memory of last year.

What a Week

2012-02-04T09:53:00.000-06:00

I have had a VERY long week for different reasons. It's not necessarily been a bad week but a very long one.

Monday:
Today was more stressful than normal because a coworker lost her job today. It was the right move for our school and it was deserved but it's always stressful knowing something is coming and then seeing it play out. Then you also have the added stress of how that person is going to react to the news. I hope that it continues to be a good and easy transition.

Tuesday:
We had a good day in my class, the kids had a good day at school, we had an okay dinner, life was normal till around 6:30...then I started feeling bad. Very thankful Jayden went down for a nap easily and slept okay. Momma was definitely not up to snuff.

Wednesday:
I woke up feeling AWFUL. Wednesday is also my highest number day at school and knowing this I made an attempt to go to work. My bosses could totally see I wasnt' feeling good and they let me go home early. I got home around 1:00 and after eating some lunch I slept for the entire afternoon. I was so thankful for rest, for a great babysitter to watch Jayden, and then for AWANA that night for the big kids. I was able to rest and start to feeling better.

Thursday:
My day was fine...but yet again I inserted my foot in my mouth in regards to my feelings. Dan doesn't react well to things that I say sometimes and I made a statement that he didn't find good and it made for a stressful evening betweent he two of us. Marriage can be so hard sometimes. I am thankful that we have worked through it but I hate that feeling when we are in the middle of it all.

Friday:
Long day at work...due to rain! It rained all day long! Rainy days when your stuck inside is more challenging especially with a lot of boys in the classroom. Dan also had a more stressful commute since he took the van and the van's windshield wipers don't always work and he wanted me to be safe. Once he got home we all went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and boy was it a nice meal together without anyone having to cook. Another bonus--PAYDAY!!!

The weekend is full of birthday's, friends, family and hopefully I will get all the laundry done too.

9 months old

2012-01-29T16:52:00.000-06:00

Alternatively titled Better late than never. I tried to get our bear shot on the day he was nine months old...didn't happen, the picture of him arching his back and crying....pretty much sums up the photo shoot. I was going to take his picture a few days later....and then he caught a cold and was very uncooperative...so on the 25th...15 days after turning 9 months old we got the shot....so much harder to take now....but I think we got a good one!

Some stats and Facts:

Still not sleeping through the night.
Pulling up on EVERYTHING!!! Too chicken to let go though
Moved up to Size 4 diapers
Loves to eat and really likes yogurt, yogurt bites, apples, fruit and goldfish crackers
Around 23-25 pounds depending on the day
Happy and Smiley
saying BABABA, DADADADA and other sounds
Waving at EVERYBODY!!!

What???

2012-01-28T10:13:00.000-06:00

Really, it's the 28th of the month already and I am so behind on blogging.

I think that working, having a small baby and busy big kids have made for me not getting on the computer as much.

Hopefully I can update soon.

I really haven't forgotten, I promise!

So True!

2012-01-16T12:03:00.000-06:00

This happens at our house especially if I don't get all the sweeping done properly!

January is Flying By

2012-01-14T11:55:00.000-06:00

Wow! It's been crazy around here.

Life is moving rapidly and I feel like I am constantly playing catchup.

Jayden turned 9 months old on Tuesday and I tried to take his picture with his bear but it didn't happen. He was cranky and disagreeable so we will try again hopefully this weekend.

Work is going good, the kiddos are back in school and Janea hasn't gotten the chickenpox. Dan is busy, I am busy and on top of everything I am taking a class for work online and it's good but makes for busy days.

Looking forward to a three day weekend and getting things put away and organized around her.

As I said...it's a busy crazy life....thankful for my life but sometimes it moves faster than me.

Getting Back to the Routine

2012-01-06T18:24:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas Break is over I am trying to get back to the routine of life.

It's harder than I remember...probably because I am trying to be cleaner and more organized. More purposeful too....

So tonight I really don't want to cook...I want to go out for dinner but we shouldn't go out since it is much more affordable to eat at home...but I am cooking because it is a good grown up thing to do.

Chicken and spicy rice with lemon...will be good...I hope...but it's good to be cooking and meeting the needs of my family.

Tomorrow I will post my P365 pictures for the week!

Off to a good Start

2012-01-03T18:04:00.000-06:00

2012 is here! I'm already confused by writing the date on things! The first few days of the New Year are always more challenging for me.

We spent the first days of the year working hard on getting things organized and working. It's hard to rearrange and reorganize your life but it is profitable to. And important. We have family goals that we are working towards and working together to meet these goals is also very important.

I've decided to tackle the P365 this year. The goal is to take a picture a day of things that are happening in our life. It's only day three and I am already stumped at what to take a picture of today but I will figure something out! It's all good....I'm thinking I will just post the weeks picture instead of a picture every day.

My word for the year is PURPOSEFUL. I want to think of the Purpose of the things that I do and the words that I speak. I think it will be a good focus for me as I am working on things in my life!

My goals for the year:
Clean the kitchen every day! Even when tired and not wanting to do it.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Learn to cook more delicious foods from scratch!
Be an encourager rather than a nagger in life...
Be more in the WORD!

So those are some of my goals...what are some of yours.

Final Post of 2011

2011-12-31T17:38:00.000-06:00

Wow! I can't believe the year is almost over! I've not been the best blogger this year but I am thankful for the blog because I can use it to look back at the year that's gone on and see how God has worked and all the changes that have occurred.

Some big changes for us this year:

NEW BABY: I'm thankful for a healthy happy boy that we have in Jayden. He truly is a joy to our lives and we are loving watching him grow and develop!

NEW JOB: At the end of February I quit my job in order to prepare for baby. I enjoyed being a SAHM for a while but as the summer drew to a close I was feeling stressed by our financial situation, feeling like the walls were closing in and knew that I wasn't feeling content with where I was in life. I struggled with this and felt like a failure at times. So I started looking and applying for positions. All the while I was praying that God would open up the right position for the whole family and lead me to a babysitter who would give wonderful care to Jayden. I was offered 2 jobs and the one I chose has truly been a gift from God. I have hours that follow the big kids schedule well, I get longer breaks at Christmas and Easter, I work with people who are building a school program and since we are not corporate owned there is a family atmosphere for both the families of the school and the staff. I feel blessed to be there! Also I have found the greatest babysitter who takes such good care of Jayden and loves him like he's her own and I am so grateful for that! He is in a home, not a center, he gets plenty of one on one attention and truly is thriving!

NEW SCHOOL: Jaron started a new school in the district and while he didn't like it at first we have again been blessed with a great teacher for him and he is enjoying it! I am thankful for our school district and the good education both of my kids have been getting!

Some focuses for the upcoming 2012:

Being a Better Wife: I struggle with my attitude toward my husband at times and I don't express my feelings and stresses in an appropriate way. I hope to have a proper attitude with Dan at all times and be a good helpmeet to him.

Being a Better Mom: As a mom now of kids both older and infant I am struggling with the age gap. I want to be the mom that all my kids need!

Being a Better Housekeeper: I'm not a cleanie, I am a messie and I struggle big time with this....any and all help in this matter would be appreciated or someone offering to hire me a maid!

Being a Better Cook: Dan and I love the flavors of restaurant foods but we can't afford to eat out all the time. We also are trying to eat healthier so I have the goal of making delicious healthy dishes for the whole family that taste Better than eating out...another goal is to keep a cleaner kitchen so cooking is not a big challenge!

So as I bid the old year good bye and look forward to a new year I pray that God will continue to bless us with good health, a happy family and a good life.

Another Round of Poxiness

2011-12-29T09:12:00.000-06:00

Jaron now has the Chicken Pox....and he is covered in SPOTS....poor thing....

Will Janea get it or not??? That is the new question???

Randomness

2011-12-28T08:47:00.000-06:00

The kiddos and I are on Christmas break...no I don't call it WINTER BREAK or WINTER HOLIDAY....I celebrate Christmas and for me this will always be Christmas Break!

I missed having a Christmas Break last year....this year I am enjoying it....or I am trying to enjoy it...despite having a moody preteen in the house and a rambunctios 9 year old who loves video games more than anything except maybe eating and who uses to much ketchup but that's neither here or there...

My goal for Christmas Break is to get a plan together for the family for chores and stuff to help keep this house more BABY proof since Jayden is a ninja and can find things he shouldn't have faster than any baby should be able to and because the messiness is getting to me. I don't enjoy not being able to find things that I need easily, I am tired when I get home from work and I don't want to spend all evening trying to get things under control and seriously I am thinking of joining a nudist colony just to cut back on the LAUNDRY....how is it that adding another person to the household brings so much LAUNDRY....I think they are like bunnies and multiply.

I've also decided to pair down my wardrobe....SOME...not completely but I have quite a few shirts that no longer cover my belly when I raise my arms or I have had them for a while and I frankly need some new stuff and I can't fit it all in the drawers in my room which is contributing to my laundry problems. Oh the joys of living where clothing is affordable and we have extra money to spend on it!

I'm thinking of resolutions. New Years is right around the corner and I need some goals for all of us to work on in the coming year. I need to be PURPOSEFUL in what I strive to have us acheive as a family, what I want to accomplish as an individual and how I can be more supportive to my husband. I don't want to fail in my endeavors this year.

I'm also going to attempt the Project 365...where you take a picture a day for an entire year....I am curious to see how our life will enfold in pictures....it's a cool project when done well and I am excited to attempt it!

Well, that's a little bit of the randomness in my brain...hard to believe that there are only 4 more days until 2012....

8 Month's Old

2011-12-27T09:33:00.001-06:00

It's Getting harder to get Jayden's picture every months sitting next to his bear! He is a wiggling, giggling, squirming, crawling, exploring machine! But here is our cutie before the Chicken Pox!

Some Stats and Facts for 8 Month's Old

Full on Crawling
24.5 pounds and 30 inches long!
Blueberry Yogurt is one of our favorite foods
Learning how to wave hi and bye....or just for fun...we wave alot!
Starting to pull ourself to standing!
Screams for attention, fun and at people when shopping!
Loves to be where the action is
Able to find the smallest spot and then try to crawl through it and finds ourself getting stuck!
Finally sleeping more consistently and only waking up typically once at night!~(Mommy is very grateful for this one!)
A true joy to the family!

What's up with the Jonathan's???

2011-12-26T16:48:00.000-06:00

So what has been happening with us this month you may be asking...Where has Erin been and why isn't she posting??? Well, I've been a little bit busy....and here is a short rundown of our busy life!

December is a super busy month full of rehearsals for programs at church! I was privileged to sing in our church choir and our annual cantata was December 11th! It went very well! I was very happy to sing! That same afternoon we got to go see SEUSSICAL the Musical thanks to cheaper tickets through my school! It was a great show and the big kids, Dan and I enjoyed it very much(even though we had to sit on the floor)

Thursday the 15th I noticed that Jayden had woken up with a few spots, I thought he might be having an allergic reaction from something he ate and so I took him to the babysitter and I thought nothing of it....well, that afternoon he started running a fever and low and behold he had the CHICKENPOX!!!! Where he got them I don't know! So I spent some time at home taking care of a cranky baby and doing my best to keep him comfortable!

Sunday the 18th was the kids program Sunday Night at church! They did a great job! I totally enjoyed it and was very proud of both of them!

Last week was full of Christmas parties at school, last minute of shopping, my work holiday party and lots of busyness! It was a crazy week!

This week is going to be spent cleaning house, getting some new routines into place and enjoying my week off work! I am thankful to have a Christmas break again and getting to spend time at home with the big kids! It's going to be a good week!

Gotta Post

2011-12-15T19:46:00.002-06:00

I'm so behind in my posting!

I have lots to update on and I need to change the blog for winter but life has been crazy and hectic and busy and I haven't had time.

Jayden is sick tonight and we will be staying home together tomorrow so hopefully I will have some time to post again...

We are still here...just super BUSY!

Baby Giggles!

2011-12-05T18:46:00.000-06:00

My new favorite sound....Jayden's little giggle! It is the sweetest, happiest sound I have ever heard! When he really is laughing you just want him to keep on doing it. He laughs the most for the big kids than he does for Dan and I but when we get him laughing it is so much fun! I love it!

On the Move

2011-11-29T13:44:00.000-06:00

We had to put up baby gates and put outlet covers on all our exposed wall outlets! Jayden is full on crawling and starting to get into EVERYTHING! We knew he would not be immobile for long! Watch out world...He's on the MOVE!

Being Thankful

2011-11-26T10:25:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling thankful. I am thankful for the things that God has given me and I am trying to teach my children to be thankful.

Things I am thankful for:
My salvation
My husband
My 3 great kids
My Parents
My Sister
Good Jobs for Dan and I
A wonderful Babysitter who gives great care to Jayden
The schools that my children are in and their teachers who care about them so much
My house...love my house...so thankful for a warm home and a comfortable space.
Our vehicles so we can get to work.
Dr. Pepper...love it!
Food to eat...we have not gone hungry once this year.
Utilities...seriously couldn't survive without them.
Clothing that is appropriate for the seasons!

I think we in America have a hard time truly being thankful for little things but as I was complaining about needing to clean house I was reminded that there are people who live elsewhere who don't have a house to clean, food to cook or clothes to wash. God has blessed us with so much EXTRA...beyond the necessities and we so often are not Grateful or Thankful for it. It is my goal to be thankful for the things that I have and not to worry about the things I don't have.

Fall Leaf Fun

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Digital collage created with Smilebox

7 month's Old

2011-11-12T09:46:00.000-06:00

7 months old...can't believe how big he's getting...some stats and facts:

wearing 6-12 month clothes
loves eating in the high chair
Cheerio Champ
army crawling and scooting
sitting up ALL by himself
starting to try and stand up
giggly
happy
loves tickles and tackles!
fun little boy!

Jaron's Birthday Party

2011-11-12T09:41:00.000-06:00

Aunt Wendy came from Omaha for the weekend!

Grandma makes the best birthday cakes and fun decorations for the table! Love parties at Grandmas!

Jayden enjoyed the balloons!

What's more fun than sitting on your sister and a balloon to celebrate being 9!

Tell me the truth....does this do anything for my hair???

We had a party with Grandma and Grandpa to celebrate Jaron's birthday! So much fun to be with the family and celebrate our awesome 9 year old boy!

Happy Birthday Jaron

2011-11-12T09:13:00.000-06:00

Jaron turned Nine on October 26th! I can't believe how old he is now! It seems like he was a baby just a few years ago....I love this kid to pieces

At nine Jaron is:

fun

energetic

LOUD!!!

exuberant

lover of all things Wii and DSi

Super excited by little things

Growing up

3rd Grader

Awesome Reader

Math Machine

Jesus Follower

Big Brother

All around Super kid!

We love you Buddy! Have a great year being 9!

Someone Stop this Crazy Thing

2011-11-12T09:06:00.000-06:00

Just realized that I hadn't posted since before Jaron's birthday so I will be posting a lot of new posts catching everyone up on our life. I sometimes feel like George Jetson...."Jane Stop this Crazy Thing."

Good Things

2011-10-30T12:37:00.000-05:00

God is Good...ALL the Time....All the time GOD is GOOD.

He is and I am so thankful for that!

Finding Blessings in Trials

2011-10-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

We are going through a trial right now.

I'm choosing to see the blessing rather than the suffering of it all.

It's really hard to do but God says to praise him and rejoice in all things.

I'm Choosing to REJOICE and See the Blessing.

There is hope and peace when you submit to seeing the good of God in it all...even if it does hurt as it is happening.

6 months old!

2011-10-13T21:18:00.000-05:00

Look I pulled him over! FUNNY STUFF!

Aren't I a big and happy boy!

These are my toes and I love them!

Look Mommy I'm helping you put away the groceries!

These are my diapers....mine!

Jayden turned 6 months old on Monday! Wow Time is sure moving fast! At 6 months he is

rolling over both ways
army crawling and scootching
giggling, laughing and playful
eating solid foods
sitting up for long stretches without assistance
thouroughly enjoying the great outdoors
sleeping for longer 6-8 hour stretches(PTL!)
around 22 pounds and super long
wearing 12 month old clothes!

He truly is a joy and blessing to our lives!

Top 5 Friday

2011-10-07T18:50:00.000-05:00

I had a rough day today but I still had good things happen today so here goes my Top 5 this Friday!

1. It's Friday! HOORAY!!! We made it through another week!

2. The Morning Show on KLJC 88.5 FM radio in Kansas City made me smile because it is World Smile Day! Made me remember to smile today more!

3. I switched shifts at work today so I got home by 5! Since I'm tired that means we are all home and life is good again.

4. Dan went and picked up a Rotisserie Chicken at the store tonight and a few other things so Dinner really was a breeze and Janea made French Fries in the oven so I really didn't have to cook! LOVE THAT!

5. Baby Jayden is starting to eat solid foods and really enjoyed his dinner of Rice cereal and Carrots...he totally ate a lot and I am hoping he sleeps good tonight!

SO what is in your Top 5 this Friday???

Fall Fun

2011-10-06T09:07:00.000-05:00

We got Cider donuts at Dunn Cider Mill! So good!

We went downtown to see the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts for Grandpa's Birthday! Didn't make it inside but really enjoyed walking around Downtown!

Jayden's first trip to a pumpkin patch! Doesn't he just look thrilled!

Mommy what's this stuff??? I think I like it!

I love FALL!

I really do...I think it has to be my favorite season! We are enjoying getting to do fun fall activities and enjoying time as a family! It's also a lot of fun introducing Jayden to all the fun stuff that Fall brings!

STOP...Wait....What?!?!?!?!?

2011-10-04T18:20:00.000-05:00

Time has got to stop moving so fast! I mean it's already OCTOBER!!! How can this be...and has it really been over a week since I posted???? I'm getting to be a very bad blogger!

The Helpfulness of Being Prepared

2011-09-26T06:28:00.000-05:00

Now that I have gone back to work it's been important for me to stay on top of little things.

Case in point...lunches for the family. On Monday-Wednesday I have to be out the door pretty early and that makes for a more rushed morning but I have figured out to pack out the lunch stuff into small packages on the weekend so all I have to do is grab and go...and it works so well!

I've also discovered that I can get all the baby stuff together the night before and I even sometimes pack it in the car the night before so all I have to do is grab the carrier and the bottle that must be refrigerated before I go. Makes life easier.

I also have been working on signing all paperwork from the kids early the day they bring it home so I don't have to worry about it the next morning...we're still perfecting this one but it is nice to have a few minutes in the morning where I can do things like blog instead of running around the house like a chicken with my head cut off!

Thank you Dear

2011-09-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday and Fridays are my later days at work and Dan is in charge of picking up the baby and helping with dinner.

Tonight I came home to cooked food, a slightly cranky baby and happy big kids.

Thanks Dan!

5 Months Old

2011-09-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to me how much different Jayden looks now then when he was just a month old!

He's really filled out!

20 pounds and full of energy!

At 5 Months he is:

Rolling Over

Laughing and Smiling

Learning to Crawl

Vocalizing

Sleeping better but still isn't sleeping through the night!

In size 3 diapers and 6-12 month clothes!

Jayden at 5 months

Jayden at 1 month

He's always been a big baby but compared to 4 months ago he's sooo big!

Job Update

2011-09-14T21:18:00.000-05:00

I'm officially back to work after taking almost 7 months off!

It's been a good first week, I'm still learning the ropes, we have a HUGE class...like over 15 every day. That is both a good and bad thing...it's good because there is lots to do, stuff to learn and all...it's bad because today we had 22 kids and it was CRAZY!!!! Looks like Wednesdays are the highest day of the week.

Baby is doing good at the babysitter...she loves him to pieces and so do her girls...so I am happy about that...and Jayden is taking bottles like a champ and I am able to pump at work and I am producing a good supply to take the next day...also good!

I'm excited to see what the upcoming months hold...learning the routine and working hard...so if I blog a little less that's why...

Waiting is Over

2011-09-09T21:01:00.000-05:00

God has supplied the best job for me at the best time and I am excited about the upcoming adventure!

I get to teach my favorite age group!

I get hours that work well for my family!

While Jayden can't go yet there is the opportunity for him to go soon and I have a great home sitter lined up for him at a very good rate!

I am thankful for being able to be home for 5 months and I am looking forward to the next adventure!

Thank you God!

With A Grunt Grunt Here

2011-09-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

Baby Jayden is learning to crawl...EIEIO and as he learns he likes to GRUNT!!! EIEIO

With a grunt grunt here

And a Grunt Grunt there

Here a grunt

There a grunt

Everywhere a GRUNT GRUNT

Baby Jayden is LEARNING To crawl...but he isn't quite there yet!

wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

Calmness

2011-09-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Whew...the weekend is over, and we are getting back to our daily routine.

This morning was harder than our typical mornings here at home. The kids were moving at a different pace, the weather is cooler so we had to find jackets to wear along with our shorts, the lunch boxes almost didnt' make it into the backpacks...a very untypical morning for us.

I have my routine in the morning...and I like it and it works for us...just not after a holiday weekend.

Yesterday was a nice day of chores, hanging out as a family, and a nice evening walk at the park followed by Daddy treating us to Shaved Ice for the final tiime of the summer. The shaved ice place is now closed for the season...we didn't go as often this summer but that's okay...we enjoyed our times of yumminess...now we are looking forward to Apple Cider donuts on a Saturday morning and going to the pumpkin patch.

It's becoming more fall like...the temperatures are ideal...we are waiting and hoping for employment for me and taking things one step at a time...it's a calmness...and we like it!

And it was good...

2011-09-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

I needed a rootbeer float today...I did I needed it.

I wanted a rootbeer float today...I really really wanted one!

I went out and bought a 2 liter or rootbeer and a gallon of ice cream.

I put the ice cream in a cup, poured the rootbeer over...watched it all activate....and oh my goodness....

IT WAS SOO GOOD!!!!

Top 5 on Friday

2011-09-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

1. I have 3 great kids who make me smile, laugh and love. I'm thankful for a little boy who will stop and fold his hands to pray for mommy before he goes to school!

2. Great friends who are an encouragement.

3. A husband who works so hard to support the family even when he isn't feeling really good...thankful he has a 3 day weekend to continue to feel better.

4. The growth process of waiting for places to call and offer or not offer jobs...I'm not great at waiting.

5. That we have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and air conditioning in our home...there are a lot of people not as fortunate as we are.

Still waiting...

2011-08-31T16:52:00.000-05:00

But waiting may turn into a good thing.

Several months ago I sent my cover letter and resume to a school over in Leawood. I never heard anything at all and I assumed it was not to be.

Well, out of the blue yesterday I received a call from the director to come in and fill out an application. And they are checking my references and want me to come and teach a lesson.

So now I just need to get a babysitter for Friday morning!

This school follows a schedule similar to the big kids schedule is not a "daycare" and is doing the kind of teaching I enjoy...so I am hopeful!

I've been waiting on God to show me what He wants for me...this may be it! I'm praying...will you pray for me as I seek this possible job?

Waiting

2011-08-29T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm waiting....to hear about a job.

It's not fun to wait.

I hate waiting...especially when it's been more than 2 or 3 days.

I don't understand companies.

Shouldn't you call and let a person know one way or the other? I'm just saying

Knock Knock

2011-08-26T12:35:00.000-05:00

I went outside yesterday to wait for the big kids to get home from school and look what was knocking at our door! Most content little bug I have seen for awhile...and no he didn't get to come inside!

Doctor Drama

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a dramatic day for me...a tiring, stressful type of day. Filled with DOCTORS....I'm getting to the point that I HATE going to the doctor.

Jayden is 4 months old and had his 4 month check up yesterday. We made it on time, got back to see the doctor, his check up is going really well until our Doctor is concerned about his weight on the growth charts. Jayden is no small tyke...he is a BIG baby. The scale at our Doctor office said he weighed 21 pounds, I had been weighing him regularly at home with me and I was sure he was around 19 pounds. So I was a little bit surprised. Well based on their measurement and his position on the growth curve for a child his age the doctor was concerned that there might be something causing it...like his Thyroid. So he wanted to do some bloodwork. Well, we finished up the appointment, got our shots, and then heading next door to the hospital to have our bloodwork done. As we get to the hospital it's beginning to rain and a very nice man in a golf cart gave me a ride to the door...so nice!

After checking in at the hospital and heading into the lab we are called in. Where they proceed to take 3 vials of blood from his heels...jaundice tests are done in the heel but call for a small amount of blood...getting 3 vials from the heel is a grueling process and super stressful for both Mom and baby. Finally we get finished and head to the lobby where it is poring down rain....sheets of rain...so we waited till it lightened up and then got a ride back to the car by the same nice man in the golf cart! I seriously love him!

I get home...and notice our power was on but that it had gone off again during our visit...it had been off and off all morning before our appointment. I get Jayden down for a nap, sit to take a breather when the Doctor's office calls me...Jaydens initial bloodwork has come back showing HIGH Potassium which could be stressful on his heart and I need to take him to Children's Mercy to have them redo the lab and check him out. PANIC mode sets in... I immediately call my parents and ask for prayer, start praying, call my husband, and I called my buddy Katy and told her and she offers to go with me...PRAISE GOD for friends! I am so thankful for my friend who stepped in to help me through this. I get ready to go and we are off...my mom called during this time to see if I wanted her to go with me and I told her Katy was with me and could she help with the big kids instead...and she said yes....just keep her posted.

We get to Children's Mercy...tell the nurses what was going on...called the Doctor to confirm...and then we WAIT...and WAIT....and WAIT...after 2 hours we see the Doctor...he doesn't think that the weight is a problem or the Thyroid...and their scale is showing Jayden at 18-19 pounds...big but not a concern...but he does agree that we need to redo the Potassium levels...finally we get the test done...and Finally the result comes back and HE IS FINE...normal levels, not a problem...WHEW....Thank you Jesus! 4 hours later we get to leave...

On the way home I get a call from a place I have applied at and they call me for an interview...so Tuesday(today) at 2:30 I will go and interview and if it is God's will I will get the job! I'm thankful that so many things worked out yesterday.

Hand of God Moments:
*my parents(who work at the same place) took 2 cars so my mom could come and meet the kids after school!
*my buddy Katy is home from the Phillipines and works mornings so she could come with me!
* my interview was scheduled after I knew my baby was fine!

Thankful for God's provision and a Healthy baby! Looking forward to the rest of the week...oh and Jayden slept really good last night....poorthing was all tuckered out!

Saturday Surprise

2011-08-20T17:32:00.000-05:00

Dan and I had a typical morning filled with Saturday stuff and getting ready for him to go to Bible Study. I puttered around the house while he was gone and talked to my mom on the phone and trying to work up my motivation to accomplish anything when he got home.

"It's such a great day temperature wise we need to do something outside today!" Dan says.

"Like what" says me...

"oh I don't know....Deanna Rose, Powell Gardens, the Zoo?" says he.

"The Zoo...lets go to the zoo!" Says me...

And so we did...and it was fun, we got rained on but that was okay and the baby didn't really sleep and that may be bad but we had some good old Family fun...just what we needed!

My kind of Saturday Surprise!

First Day of School

2011-08-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

Ready for the first day of 3rd grade!

My Handsome 3rd Grader!

My serious 6th grader...can't be bothered to smile for Mom!

That's right...I like school...Here's a smile!

Ready for the 1st day of school!

Why can't I go to school yet...oh that's right...I don't know what school is! I'll stay home with Mom!

The Final Days of Summer

2011-08-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

The Final Days of Summer are upon us. Kids go back to school on Wednesday. They need to go back to school. They are at that point where the only things they can think of doing is annoying the tar out of each other and being mean.

Today was a chore day...or lets finish projects...and we're about half way done.

I heard back from one of the 2 jobs I interviewed for 2 weeks ago and I didn't get it...they do want to keep my info on file so there is hope but its still very discouraging. I had such a good time at the interview that I could totally see myself working there and being part of the team.

Baby J had an atypical day...3 naps today. A morning nap for 2 hours an early afternoon nap for 2 hours and a late afternoon nap for an hour. Really hoping he still sleeps tonight...Sunday's are hard on him and that means his naps get thrown off on Sundays.

Well, that's what's up with us and all...busy week and busy schedules ahead!

Growing Up Is Hard to Do

2011-08-12T09:39:00.002-05:00

Jayden had another first this week!

He has cut his first tooth.

On his 4 month birthday!

It's been quite the experience!

Park Day!

2011-08-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

The heat wave is OVER....and the temperatures are bearable again! WAHOO!!!

So today I took the kiddos to the park...and a lovely time was had by all. Jayden even got to ride a horse, go down the slide with his big brother a few times and rode in a swing! I can't wait till he is bigger and can really enjoy playing at the park!

4 Months Old!

2011-08-10T10:32:00.001-05:00

Jayden is 4 months old today! I can't believe he has been here a third of a year already! He is a happy growing boy and we love him to pieces!

To see how much he has grown please click here for pictures from his first 3 months

New Things

2011-08-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

Baby J is officially out of the "Slug Phase" that what we call the time when baby doesn't do a whole lot, but eat, sleep and poop! We have progressed from this.

He started with smiles. He is very good at smiling. He has been doing this for about 9 weeks...and we like it! But now are smiles are bigger and better for people he really knows...like Daddy, Mommy and my siblings.

Baby J can reach and grab things...mostly things like hair but now he can get the toys that are in front of him and get them to our mouth. If laid on a blanket he tries to get the toys that are in front of him! He also enjoys standing in the exersaucer we are borrowing from a friend and reaching and manipulating the toys there! All toys will eventually end up in the mouth!

Jayden is also now rolling over! Much to mama's chagrin since he rolls over in the middle of the night! This scares and wakes him up! He can rolls easily from tummy to back, back to side and occasionally from side to tummy! We are very proud of him.

Scooting is a challenge but we are trying really really hard to master this! He really wants to be able to keep up with the big kids and I know once he starts moving forward there will be no stopping this little guy!

Rainy Day

2011-08-05T10:25:00.000-05:00

I schedule pictures to be taken outside today...and then it rained...but that's okay we still took pictures just inside and we will take more outside another day! Now my grass will be green and lovely too when we try!

The kids are getting on their last nerves so I pull out the cake mix we bought a month ago and then it got so terribly hot that having the oven on seemed like torture. It's nice and cooler this morning so we are making white confetti cupcakes with blue frosting...yummy!

The grass and flowers are getting a much needed drink of water and it's so nice to hear the sound of rain on the roof!

I love me a rainy day!

SAHM thoughts

2011-08-03T14:38:00.000-05:00

I really don't think I am cut out to be a full time SAHM.(stayat home mom)

Don't get me wrong...I totally respect people who are SAHM's. I just don't think I am one of them. I'm really struggling with it right now. So I thought I would put my thoughts down listing pros and cons of being a SAHM from my point of view.

PROS:

I get to be with my children. I get to be the one influencing them. I get to be there for them

I spend less money.

I can wear junky clothes and no one cares.

I can read books and enjoy nap time quiet.

I can breast feed and not need to pump.

I can cook healthy meals for my family.

CONS.
I have to be with my children...all day even when they are being frustrating...which has been alot recently.

I have no extra money to spend.

I wear junky clothes and feel frumpy all day long...I'm lucky to get a shower.

I don't get as much accomplished as I should because I have lots of time to do it.

I am the ONLY person who feeds, changes, and does the majority of babycare.

Since there is no extra money there is no extra eating out so I have to cook ALOT.

So I am looking for a job and trying to make the most of life in general. It can be alot sometimes.

Better Late than Never

2011-07-26T09:52:00.000-05:00

Jayden at 3 months old

Jayden at 2 months old

Jayden at 1 month old

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T17:03:00.001-05:00

Customize a free digital collage

What's Up with Us?

2011-07-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

So here it is 10 days after my first post of the month and I am finally sitting down to write a second post. I've never not posted as infrequently as I am posting right now...and I aim to do better!

SO what have we been up to recently?

End of June: Kiddos went to VBS at church and had a Blast at the Beach Blast! They had fun and I went and hung out with people and helped if needed.

First week of July: Spent recovering from VBS and working on getting my house back in order...it's quite a chore and I am working hard at it...not really succeeding at maintaining it the way I would like but I am trying!

2nd week of July: We had LOTS of family time! With the 4th of July and all we were busy lighting fireworks, trying to keep Jaron from dying because I wouldn't take them to the new pool that just opened here in Belton, and then on Friday we went to the Great Midwest Balloon Festival which was super fun and cool! The kiddos also are both now in Summer School and I got to see my buddy Katy this week!

This past week: I've been applying for a few jobs, spending time with the baby and working on the house. I'm also ADDICTED TO watching the Tour de France! I'm going a little stir crazy at home and I do enjoy working so I am on the lookout for jobs but we know that it's in God's hands whether I get something or not so we are waiting to see what will happen.

Next week...last week of kids going to summer school. It's so hot right now that I am not sure what next week will bring...the baby and I may be stuck inside since the van doesn't have A/C and we will be in an excessive heat warning all next week.

I'll be posting pics of Baby J at 3 months, and the Balloon Festival soon.

Where is Time Going??

2011-07-05T09:03:00.002-05:00

WOW! It's already the 5th of July!

I can't believe how quickly the summer is flying by!~ And what a bad blogger I am becoming!

Will try and post more indepthly this week...lots happening.

Reverse Nesting

2011-06-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

Usually you find yourself tyring to get the house super clean before you have the baby. Well, I did that but I felt so terrible at times I didn't get as much done as I wanted to. Then with a newborn in the house I simply didn't have the energy to get things accomplished the way I wanted too. Now Jayden is almost 3 months old and I know i have a limited amount of time to get the house more baby proof than it is now I'm kinda re nesting. Only now I'm doing it with the purpose of having the house more baby proof. Today I accomplished the following in the kitchen. Here's the before:

And the after

Before

After

I really feel like I accomplished something today! It really is a good feeling!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

This is Jayden's Favorite thing in the house to look at! It's right over the changing table and he talks to it all the time!

So Big

2011-06-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Jayden is Growing and Growing and Growing. We had our 2 month checkup today and he is 16 pounds, 25 inches long that's the 90-95 percentile for both height and weight. He is in good proportion for his size. He is a little bit bigger in head circumfrence and the doctor wants to keep an eye on that but otherwise he is growing really well. He is definitely our biggest kid at this age!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2011-06-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day to my Loving Husband and the Father of my Kiddos! We love you!

Medical Mayhem and Mishaps

2011-06-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

I hate trying to figure out all the stuff with medical claims.

We have bills because of Jayden's birth and we have planned for them by setting up a FSA account through Dan's work. So now I am working on paying them and getting reimbursed for them...but you can't get reimbursed without receipts and getting a receipt is a challenge when your dealing with the mail!

UGGGGHHH...

We had great experiences with our doctors and the hospital but now the billing side is much much harder...hoping this gets easier!

My odd Summer

2011-06-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

This summer is different than most summers.

I love summer! It's my favorite season, my favorite time of year and my favorite part of the school year. I love getting to be off work and recharging my batteries. I enjoy using the time to get my house back in order and get things organized. I love hanging out with my kids, going swimming, reading books like they are going out of style, trying new things. I love wearing shorts and tanktops and getting nice and tan!

This summer is different. Why? Well, I have been off work since the end of February. I am not sure when I am going back to work and will have to job hunt again. So this means I don't really need to recharge my batteries on the work front...they are recharged but I am not well rested. Now I am tired from feeding a newborn and being up a lot at night. Second, I spend most of my time on the couch with a little boy who likes to eat...and eat...and eat... I get very little done the way I want to. I have many things on my to-do list and honestly if I get 2-3 done in a day I feel like I have accomplished great things and they are not big things its stuff like dishes, dinner, and laundry...today I cleaned up the living room and vacummed...WOW!!!

In a typical summer I don't make the kids go to summer school. This summer they are both going. Jaron for 6 weeks, Janea for 3 weeks. I think it's important that they have something to do since I am not as active this summer due to the limitations with Baby Jayden. I have forgotten how much time is spent at home with a baby...we go places but I have to think it out more...I know once he is bigger it won't be so limiting but since he's so young it's better to be home more.
I'm hoping the big kids won't resent me in the long term for a different kind of summer. We still have stuff to do...VBS at church, summer school and once the new pool opens we will go once or twice...or maybe even more than that...still haven't decided...have to see how things go...All in all this new baby has made life different...good but different.

Janea's Birthday!

2011-06-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

My Baby isn't a baby anymore...actually she hasn't been a baby for many years.

She turned 11 this month..Boy does she make me feel old! I can't believe she is a tween already!

We had a small get together with cake at Grandma's house.

For her birthday she also got to go and see a movie with Dad and brother and we will be updating the decor in her room and making it a little bit cooler!

All in all a great day!

11 years old...Janea is

ambitious,

brilliant,

a little mother to her baby brother,

creative,

interesting,

opinionated,

dramatic,

Lover of Jesus,

praise singer,

awesome kid!

Two Month Pics...

2011-06-13T14:50:00.001-05:00

Better late than never I always say! Jayden turned 2 months old on Friday and while I got his pics taken I didn't get them posted...Saturday we went to pick up the kiddos from camping with my parents and spent a lovely day outside by the stream enjoying the wonderful beauty of God's Creation and cool weather! Sunday was jampacked and I have been fighting heartburn recently so that is my excuse for that...so here he is at 2 month's old.

Click here for his one month old pictures

Last Day of School

2011-06-03T08:57:00.001-05:00

Finally! Summer Vacation is Here! Here's a Comparison of the Kids on the First and Last Days of Second and Fifth Grade! I can't believe the school year is over!

Jaron at the Start of 2nd Grade

Jaron on the Last Day of 2nd Grade

Looking forward to 5th Grade!

Miss Attitude at the end of 5th grade

So much for good intentions

2011-05-31T07:42:00.000-05:00

I started May with the intent to be a good blogger and for the beginning of the month I was.

However, life got more hectic and I kept putting it off and here we are the last day of May and I haven't blogged in over a week.

Some of life's little things this month

Jayden turned 1 month old, found out he's growing great was 12.6 pounds at his one month checkup which was actually when he was 5 weeks old. He got his first shot...poor thing and he's starting to smile and be more awake for us.

Janea is finishing up 5th grade. I got to go with her on a field trip fishing with her class, such a pretty day for that. She has been privileged to have lots of field trips this quarter and has 2 this week...the last week of school. She also was in the school talent show and did a good job in a magic act with a friend. On a side note, she is learning to knit and does a great job.

Jaron is finishing 2nd grade. He's reading at an advanced level for his grade and we are very proud of him. He needs to work on his spelling but for the most part is doing well. He can be really squirrelly but that is part of being a boy I think... He's looking forward to summer vacation but will be going to Summer School to help mom out and make some friends since he will be switching schools in the district next year.

So that's a little bit of what's going on with us...hope life is treating you well and i hope to do better for the month of JUNE!

Life with a Newborn

2011-05-19T17:18:00.000-05:00

I forgot the tiredness of having a newborn.

Here's a rundown of my day and I am exhausted...

wake up---change and feed baby

put Dan's lunch together in the lunchbox

get big kids ready for school...strap in crying baby and drive Jaron to school.

Get home...feed baby.

Nap with Baby....

Change and feed baby again

Attempt to get laundry and chores done...baby is fussy so you carry baby and try to keep baby calm...chores don't really get done

Change and feed baby again

Go and pick up Jaron from school

Try to keep baby happy...give up and strap him in Moby and have him sleep...start praying he still sleeps tonight.

Cook dinner...then eat dinner while feeding baby

Attempt to hang with kids and husband...all while trying to keep baby happy...maybe bathe baby.

Fall asleep exhausted to wake up ever 2-3 hours to feed baby and pray that he will sleep alone.

I know that I am tired from lack of sleep and feedings...may not have had enough calories today...but man a newborn is tiring...looking forward to him sleeping more!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T16:12:00.000-05:00

You Know Your a Mom when...

2011-05-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

* you have to relearn Math in order to help with Homework.

* you try to decide if you should take a nap or make the Big kids do chores.

* your life revolves around laundry...and the hugeness of it all.

* your newborn spits up on you and you simply use a wipe to clean it up.

* you shower at weird times because the baby is sleeping and you need to feel human again.

* your refrigerator is full of foods your kids like.

* hugs and kisses make you feel like queen of the universe.

* the little things your husband does for you make you feel super special!

One Month Old

2011-05-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe it but Jayden is a month old today! He's getting bigger and growing. The plan is to take his picture on his monthly birthday with this Teddy Bear that we got as a shower gift from Dan's coworker. This way we can see how he grows from month to month...only bad thing is we didn't get a newborn shot with it...oh well...we will see how he changes from 1 month on!

Happy Birthday Dan!

2011-05-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

I love you and appreciate all you do for me and the family. I pray you are blessed with many more years and many years of good health! The kids and I appreciate you! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Finding the Balance

2011-05-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

We are working on making sure that the big kids stay active in their lives even with the baby being here. We don't want to shut down and have them become resentful of their brother simply because he is a baby and we are trying to be careful with him.

Yesterday Janea had tryouts for the Talent Show at school and we let her tryout...even though it meant picking her up later...fortunately for me that meant Daddy could go and get her.

Today was Muffins with Mom at Jaron's school...so Jaron, Jayden and I headed to his school and Jayden slept while Jaron and I enjoyed eating Doughnuts(no muffins at this event) together before his school day.

The babies schedule is now thrown off some and I may pay for it later but it's important for me to spend time with Jaron too

It's all about finding the balance of it all.

Sleep

2011-05-05T12:08:00.000-05:00

I miss the sleep I used to have before I got pregnant and the baby was born. I could sleep for hours without interruptions from kids, husband, or anything. I could sleep on my stomach or side easily and comfortably and sleep for 6-9 hours at a time.

While pregnant, I had to deal with the belly and not being able to get comfortable. I learned to sleep with a little person inside me who kicked and moved and caused me discomfort, and I got up to pee a lot but I did get stretches of up to 4 hours at time towards the end and it was good.

Now, I don't sleep enough. I'm fortunate if I can get 2 hours uninterrupted and alone. Jayden loves to be held at night and so I do co-sleep some just to get rest...last night he made it about 2 hours in the bassinet at 2 different times so I got more sleep. Then during his morning nap I try to get some extra sleep...I was a wreck yesterday due to the lack of sleep.

We will be working on Jayden's sleep schedule as he gets older and I do try to make sure he is up during the day so that I can sleep at night. Life with a newborn is a challenge and we're all relearning how to deal with a baby in the house.

If wishes came true

2011-05-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

I would have a baby who sleeps longer at night without needing to be held.

I would have removeable breasts so I could have some one else nurse for me...breastfeeding is tiring.

I would have a Dr. Pepper IV that kept me full of caffiene but wouldn't effect the baby.

I would have a maid OR

The kids would have self cleaning rooms and my house would clean itself at the touch of a button.

My hair would be more manageable.

Clothes would come with automatic washing...no laundry involved.

But since they don't I guess I will just have to continue on...feeling tired today and wishing that things were easier and I didn't feel so down about it all

Thanks I Needed That

2011-05-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning feeling hot and sweaty and yucky!

Crying baby while making hubby's lunch is tiring...and frustrating.

Gathering Garbage for Garbage day is not my favorite job.

Looking at the clock wondering if I can get stuff done before kiddos go to school.

Janea offers to watch the baby so I can take a shower.

20 minutes later I emerge refreshed, feeling more human than before, ready to tackle the day ahead.

Thanks Janea, I needed that! You rock!

A Nap, A Pizza and Target

2011-05-02T19:39:00.000-05:00

Today was better than yesterday on the baby front.

Jayden was very fussy yesterday and he wore me out. Sleep was a slight struggle so I was tired this morning. and after taking Jaron to school this morning both the baby and I took naps...for over an hour and let me tell you it was one of the best rests I have had in the last 22 days!

I took a trip to Target and was able to get what we needed for only a little bit out of pocket and I got a 5 dollar gift card to spend next time. Plus I picked up a pizza for the kiddos and we had a Digiorno for Dan and I so it was pizza night for dinner.

All in all it was a much better day and we are looking forward to tomorrow.

Thanking MOBY

2011-05-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

Oh my word we had a fussy baby today. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and I put Jayden in the Moby Wrap I got from a friend. And he calmed down and went to sleep! Thank you MOBY!

Sunday

2011-05-01T13:08:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday! May 1st...feels like April just sped by...but having a new baby will do that for you! Jayden is 3 weeks old today...and we made it to both church and Sunday School this morning.

Jayden will definately be heading to the nursery soon...he's a little noisy during church and we were very distracted and leaving and returning and I feel that is intrusive to others so I know that there are people in the nursery to watch babies and I will feel comfortable sitting in church and learning and letting someone else watch the baby for a short time...he'll probably still go with us to Sunday School...trying to minimize the germs...

We are also getting used to not going out for lunch after church. It's really not in the budget now that I am not working and since the baby needs to eat soon after church it's a good idea to head home. Today for lunch we enjoyed homemade hamburgers, french fries baked in the oven and each other's company.

Now on to laundry and naps and hopefully we will be ready to start the week ahead!

My Sweet Boy

2011-04-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

My sister came to visit this weekend for Easter. The kiddos and I went over to Grandma's house a couple of times this weekend and we took pictures of the baby...such a sweet boy!

Trying to Deal

2011-04-23T14:20:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to deal with my feelings toward my family.

I'm tired and yet I don't get to nap...others' nap but not me...so I am trying to be encouraging towards the ones sleeping and not be bitter.

I get hungry but I am the only one who really makes food for people...unless other's bring a home cooked meal I have to suck it up and cook something if I want to eat! It isn't fair but it is life and I am grateful to have food to prepare and eat.

I'm trying to be understanding and kind but I want to be selfish and make others take care of me...and I can't force them to do that and so I am trying to deal with it all...this too shall pass and life will get easier again. I do feel better than I did even a few days ago and I will continue to feel better so this too shall pass and I will learn how to deal with it all.

The Little Things

2011-04-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

I'm finding little things matter more when you have a newborn. Here are some little things that have made my week...

1. Meals prepared by church friends...not having to cook is a blessing.

2. SHOWERS...make one tired mama feel somewhat human again.

3. Cute baby stuff...makes the tiredness kinda melt away.

4. Big kids who help...entertaining the baby is easier with 2 helpers!

5. 5-10 minutes getting to recharge my batteries reading a book or something...refreshes the spirit!

6. Daddy babysitting...Dan watched the baby on Tuesday so that the big kids and I could go to Culver's night for Jaron's school...they survived, we had fun...a win win situation!

The Bilirubin Diaries

2011-04-18T17:59:00.000-05:00

Bilirubin (formerly referred to as hematoidin) is the yellow breakdown product of normal heme catabolism. Heme is found in hemoglobin, a principal component of red blood cells. Bilirubin is excreted in bile and urine, and elevated levels may indicate certain diseases. It is responsible for the yellow color of bruises, urine (via its reduced breakdown product, urobilin), and the yellow discoloration in jaundice.

Bilirubin...the stuff that causes Jaundice has been rampant in our little newborn.

Tuesday April 12...Jayden has a bilirubin level of 9.6 as we leave the hospital this is considered borderline but it is relatively low so I wasn't really worried. Our hospital pediatrician recommends that he be seen by our family doctor by Friday.

Thursday April 14th..Jayden is looking a little orange and my mom comments that I might want to get that checked out...I agree and schedule an appointment for the next morning...

Friday April 15th...Jayden is looking mighty orange. My mom and I take him to the doctor and he recommends a bilirubin test so after heading to the hospital lab we get done and take him home. The doctor's office calls and tells me that his number is now double...18.2 and he is concerned and thinks we need to be seen at Children's Mercy for a second opinion. I'm a little panicked at this point...and between my mom and I and Dan we get him to Children's Mercy. They decide to admit him to have some intense photo therapy...so that began one of the longest nights that I have experienced in my kids lives.

At 7:00 Dan and I left to grab dinner...Jayden started out in the isolette unit and was doing well so we felt comfortable leaving and I was STARVING and I could not stomach the thought of hospital food...we returned by 8:00 where the nurse let us know that Jayden was hungry and fussy...so I nursed him and we got him back in to the isolette as he was only able to come out for half hour periods every 2 hours...I am exhausted at this point and Dan has me lay down on the bed in the room and he takes a shift....Jayden really isn't liking the light box at this point and is squirming, crying and kicking...so either Dan or I had to take turns holding in a binky and rubbing his back, head or feet to help him remain calm...we go through 2 hours of this and feed him again...then the nurse comes to do a bilirubin level on him. His level is now 16.5 down almost a full 2 points in 3 hours.

The doctor comes in a little later and we were basically told that we had over reacted and that Jayden would be fine and that it's normal and no big deal...well we were simply following the advise of medical professionals and we would not have done the hospital if it hadn't been recommended...well, she tells us we can go home if we want or stay...it's up to us...we decide to head home and around 12:30 we finally get home.

Saturday April 16th...Dan rigs up some plant lights and we sit under them for the entire day...keeping Jayden in the "sunshine" by the end of the day his skin is looking much better...and we are encouraged by his progress.

Sunday April 17th...We don't go to church and spend the morning sitting under lights...the afternoon is spent cleaning house, mowing the lawn and other such projects.

Monday April 18th...first day for mom to be in charge of car duty...Baby has appointment with doctor at 11. Doctor is encouraged by the way his skin looks and has us do another bilirubin test at the lab...and Praise God his level is now 13.5 and dropping! So it looks like the saga of the bilirubin will soon be over!

We are thankful for modern medicine and that our baby will be okay!

Things I Had Forgotten

2011-04-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Since we have not had an infant in the house since Jaron was a baby I had forgotten what life with a newborn is like.

I forgot what it feels like to be so tired. We've been home only 2 nights and already I feel like I will not really sleep again. I forgot what it feels like to get up with someone in the middle of the night.

I forgot how tiring a newborn can be...they don't really do anything but they are exhausting...I think it's from the nursing and trying to establish a pattern.

I forgot how much your body changes and how hard it works to get a baby out...I forgot that it takes weeks to get your strength completely back.

I forgot how happy a little one can make you. The sweetness of a baby and just the wonder that you helped to bring this little one into the world. I forgot how the world seems to stop just because you have had a baby.

I've forgotten a lot but I am remembering and enjoying this new little person. I'm really tired and very thankful for the fact that my parents have been able to help us out! Dan's already back to work so I am home with the baby by myself but I am not as overwhelmed as I was when Janea and Jaron were little. So it's a good thing...Jayden is doing well and we are learning how to be a family of 5!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

The Waiting Game

2011-04-06T07:42:00.000-05:00

We are playing the waiting game right now.

Baby could come at anytime. Or Baby could wait until later...and since we don't know what day it will be it's challenging right now to wait.

I'm having contractions daily...some are really big and painful and regular but then they stop. I don't want to be a wimp and go to the doctor to early but I am getting frustrated at the same time.

When I was pregnant with Janea I didn't know what to expect and my water broke first.

With Jaron I went into labor earlier than planned and while surprised I had a feeling he was coming.

This baby...I'm clueless...I think he's coming and then I am like nope...I don't know...and since the big kids were early at 37 (Jaron) weeks and 38 (Janea) weeks I have never gone to my due date so I am like..okay here I am same time as the other two...you can come! He isn't listening very well so far. I tell him it's okay to come, Daddy has told him, Jaron has told him, Janea won't talk to my stomach but she has even said it outloud...we are ready for him to come.

So we wait...and wait...and wait...

I HATE WAITING!

Showers of Blessings

2011-04-04T21:57:00.003-05:00

Note: pictures will be added later...the camera is packed in the hospital bag and I am not unpacking it and forgetting it if I go into labor!

My church was so generous and had a lovely baby shower for me last Thursday night. We had given away or gotten rid of most if not all of our baby stuff in the past 4-5 years as we had thought that we were done with having babies. Well, surprise surprise...here we are pregnant with basically nothing left. I had a few odds and ends but nothing substantial. The church normally only has showers for first babies but since I was starting over they had one for me. The ladies of my church are such an encouragement. Now baby has towels, sheets, blankets, bowls, spoons and quite a few cute little outfits. We were also blessed with gift cards and such and that has been a blessing with getting a crib mattress and other odds and ends that you don't think about registering for!

Dan's work also had a shower for him! He called me Friday on his way home from work and said that they had a shower for him! We received lots of diapers and wipes...I'm well stocked up on newborn size and size 1! Some cute clothes and two cute teddy bears. They also gave us a few gift cards and all the extra help has been a blessing.

We are feeling loved and supported by friends and coworkers and are ready to meet this little person. I'm hoping he comes this week...I'm much more uncomfortable and so ready to meet our little guy! Thank you to everyone who help to make us feel so loved and we are totally blown away by your generosity!

Pictures from Our Life - Kitchen Stuff

2011-04-01T12:02:00.002-05:00

Dan asked Janea to get him a cup of tea an put 2 bags of Lemon Zinger in a cup with water...she did so and emptied the bags into the water....Oops...here's the cup of tea that daddy didn't drink! Later...that evening Janea then tried to help out by melting some cheese for us to dip some yummy chips in~! She microwaved it for too long creating a cheese donut...it tasted good just wasn't good for dipping!

Dan discovered a bag of Red potatoes that had Sprouted in the pantry...they looked so cool we had to take a picture!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T20:49:00.003-05:00

Getting Shorter

2011-03-29T13:41:00.004-05:00

Our checklist before baby is getting shorter! Yesterday morning I got all registered at the hospital and had my 36 week check up. So far baby seems content to stay where he is for a little while longer. We have all the essential gear items: carseat crib pack and play bouncy seat swing changing table Baby room is about half done and decorated...hopefully will finish that this weekend. Baby clothes are washed and put away but the changing table needs to be a little bit more organized. By the end of the week I should have more done and I'm being blessed with a baby shower by my friends at church. 23 days or less to go!

Math Problems

2011-03-27T16:26:00.002-05:00

We are having Math Problems here! Janea is in the STAR program at her school and that means that she is in the accelerated math program for 5th grade. Algebra is the new thing they are working on. Which means mom has to relearn how to do Algebra along with Janea. And it's really not going that well. I've forgotten alot of what I learned and when she doesn't fully pay attention in class it makes it that much harder for me. Math...it's full of problems!

The Home Stretch

2011-03-25T11:40:00.003-05:00

We are under 30 days till baby!

Wow! This has been one of the longest periods of my life and yet its such a relatively short time.

I'm thankful that I'm almost done.

I'm ready to be alone in my body and to get to meet this little wiggly ball that has been sharing me since the summer.

I'm ready(I think) to be a mom of 3 kids and all the challenges that will bring!

I'm getting nervous about delivery and the pain that labor brings.

I'm there...I'm ready I think...now it's just a matter of time!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T16:05:00.002-05:00

Deals and Stuff

2011-03-21T13:03:00.002-05:00

I got two really cute maternity shirts today for $2.00! Wahoo! They will be good for Spring as they are both 3/4 sleeve length.

Got the baby some summer outfits today too...3 for $1.oo and 1 for $2.00...so all in all I spent $7.55 and got 6 items...love that!

Doctor's appointment this morning...all is well, weight gain is good, blood pressure is good, fetal heartrate good. Had my Strep B test and hoping its all good too. Next Monday I go and have my last sonagram and hopefully one of my last appointments. We are down to the final month...he can come at anytime...but I'm still hoping for April. Janea is saying 16 days and Jaron doesn't care! Baby has to wait until after next Monday when I have my pre-registration at the hospital...that way we will be good to go..!

New Things

2011-03-19T18:11:00.002-05:00

Dan joined Gamefly this week with a trial offer of half price. Wii games can be very expensive and often when you are done playing them you don't want it anymore. Gamestop buys used games but don't give you a lot of credit for them so this is a friendly option to play new games without being committed to buying them. This one came in the mail today...and so far I am the only one in the family who hasn't played...Jaron was so happy when it came in the mail today!

Hooray's

2011-03-18T21:34:00.002-05:00

Van started with no problems when I needed to run an errand today!

Baby closet is organized, carseat is unpacked, and more baby stuff is being put away!

Kitchen counters are clearer.

Coupons are organized by catergory.

Laundry is ready to be sorted and done tomorrow.

I accomplished something today! It feels good to have done something!

Needing To Accomplish

2011-03-18T09:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I didn't really accomplish anything. I was tired, I was achy and so I gave in to my tiredness and achiness and laid down alot. Then when I was going to take the kids to the park the van wouldn't start...dead battery!

So we had to wait for Dan to get home from work so he could use our handy dandy machine to jumpstart it...the baby belly and I don't work on cars!

We then went to Lees Summit to get Janea a book she wanted only to find out it won't be released until APRIL 5th...wasted trip for that!

So today I am going to accomplish something, anything, I really don't care....just need to get it done.

I'll keep you posted!

AWANA GRAND PRIX

2011-03-17T12:04:00.002-05:00

Every year our church holds a Grand Prix. Basically it means the kids make racers out of wood and the we have an evening when we race the cars. It's both a humongous pain and a lot of fun at the same time. When you don't have tools and the like it's a challenge to get the cars cut out. The kids often have a different design in their heads then what you can do and it can be a really big mess. The last few years our church has been having work days where you can go and cut out the cars and they provide saws, drills and such...so we have been in car building mode for the last 2 weeks. Jaron decided he want to make a half pipe and skate park for his car. Janea was initially going to make a skateboard, but it evolved into a phone when we needed to add clay to hers to give it more weight. Then we went through the hassle of trying to reduce the weight because it was too heavy! But we were proud of the finished products!

Janea's Cell Phone...complete with numbers!
Jaron's Skate Park Half Pipe

Jaron took 2nd place for design...we are good at design...not so good at speed!

Janea took 3rd place T&T for design...she was very happy...just what she had wanted!

I help out every year and this year I was the recordkeeper and so here I am in all my pregnant glory! People kept coming up to me asking when I was due and the announcer kept making jokes and implied I was having Triplets! Dan was in charge of picture taking this year and took so many that I will have to upload more of them later!

All in all I am satisfied, more than a little relieved to be done with another years race and pleased with all the results!

Spring Break

2011-03-15T21:44:00.002-05:00

The kiddos are on Spring Break this week. So life is different...not bad just different!

This week is the AWANA Grand Prix...tomorrow night! We have been working on cars, working on painting, working on driving Momma insane!!!! I will be so glad to have this project finished!

I've been taking pictures...but I haven't uploaded them yet...will do that soon...sorry!

Today I worked and got half of the baby room better under control. I worked primarily on the closet...and it's looking pretty good if I do say so myself. Janea's also working on getting her room straightened up. Jaron's isnt' too bad since we just recently moved him downstairs to the basement.

So life is progressing...the baby belly is getting bigger...and another pair of pants doesn't fit...I'm so looking forward to getting dressed without feeling and looking like a contortionist!

The weather is also gorgeous and the kids can go outside to play! YEAH!!!! Looking forward to maybe seeing 70 tomorrow! WAHOO....Spring may be on it's way!