New toy that teaches girls to breast feed their doll... what do you think?

So I was watching the news and this story came on that caught my attention:
"Breastfeeding Baby Doll: Does New Toy Cross the Line?"

I think for little girls they are going to mock what they see.  I just had a baby a week ago and my 3.5 year old daughter has even lifted her shirt thinking she needed to help her brother eat.  So I understand the child who see's mom feeding a younger brother or sister is going to be curious so why not teach them young??  But does it cross the line?  I don't think it is making our girls grow up faster.  DO YOU?  I mean I would hate to take away any innocence from my daughter and I grew up with out a doll that did it all: eat, pee, poop, breastfeed, etc etc.  Will this doll help a girl learn how to nurture?  I don't really agree with this either.  I believe that God has it already in us and we don't need a toy to teach it.  I do think the child will learn some of it by what they see mom or dad doing at home. 

So I guess I am in the middle I don't really think it takes away any innocence and I don't really think having the doll will teach more nurturing then other dolls.   I would love to hear other opinions on this doll!  Please leave some comments... also I will be closely monitoring the comments so no big mean debates.  PLAY FAIR   

So there is a video an article to read more about this:

CLICK HERE

ps... if I have more typos then usual please forgive me as I am still on pain meds and a little loopy!  

My daughter showing her excitement with bring her brother home.

Finally posting some pictures:

breastfeeding...

I am very glad I am breastfeeding but my breasts hurt so bad!!!  :* (  

I feel like I keep making way to much milk.  I have had to pump a little just so my little man can latch on correctly.  I have been engorged a lot and I bet if I got them measured I would be at least a D if not DD!!  Which is huge for me.

I have been using the gel soothies which gives a bit relief and I use the lanolin cream also to help prevent cracking.   I think my body is trying to figure out how much milk it needs to produce right now but ouchie... i need the pain to leave soon!

Any advice momma's?

We are home

We are home from the hospital.  It was nice to come home, but it is hard to try to relax and not over do it when at home.

First diaper change at home and Titus peed right in his own face.  LOL

The whole family napped at the same time!  YIPPEE!!!

We had a meal brought over to us... I LOVE MY CHURCH FAMILY!  :)  They are taking good care of us.

Over all it was a good day and I am going to head to bed!  :)

Who's breasts are these... and some other breast feeding questions.

If there is one thing I forgot about after giving birth to my daughter is the pain and the feeling of milk coming in to breast feed.  Today my milk came in and I have so much I had to pump before feeding baby because otherwise my breasts were too big for him to latch onto.  So I have fed Titus 10 times already today but I also have pumped 5ounces!  WOW... talk about a lot of milk!!!   It is painful but thankfully I am already on pain killers from surgery.

I also had a friend buy me soothies (gel pads) and I have had some relief from them.  I did get a couple tiny cracks on the nipples from poor latch ons, but I have been using the Medela tender lanolin care cream and also using my own breast milk to help heal them.

Have any of you mom's ever had your nipples bleed?  What did you do to eliminate pain from breast feeding?

My nurse tonight told me to use tea bags for relief to.  So I think tomorrow when I get home I will try this new remedy!  :)

One more night at the Hospital.

We have one more night at the hospital tonight.  Then in the morning baby boy will get his circumcision and we will go home.

It was strange celebrating my birthday at the Hospital but they made me cake and we did our celebration meal which was amazing:

 So all in all my birthday was special.  I had my baby blessing to hold, my older daughter came and visited, and my hubby loved on me all day!

Mommy Question...

So if you read my post about labor then you know I had a c section which was not what I wanted.  I am looking for any advice for recovery!

THANKS!

Results are in for baby guessing game!

Click the banner to see your results!  :) 

Top 5:

The baby guessing game results are in:
First place: Michelle
Second Place:Ole Matson
Third Place: Meg Loop
Fourth Place: Tina Rea
Fifth Place: Dawn Holycross

Remember it calculated a winner by date, weight, height.  :) 

Welcome Titus Emery-Lee

As most of you know yesterday morning we started off on our adventure to the hospital to be induced at 7am.    Things were looking very good in the morning.  I was feeling great and walking around.  Here are a couple pictures of the morning:

Right away I was in my hospital gown laying on my side with the induction med in me.  :)  At about 9:30 my water broke and things were moving along.  At 10am I was 4cm dilated but at noon I was still a 4.  At 1:00 they started me on the pitocin and I got and epidural.  We thought things were going nicely cause I went from a 4 to 8 in just a little over 2 hours.  Sadly after I hit 8 I never progressed to a 10.  As they checked me they noticed my cervix had a little lip left and then it got swollen and baby's head was a little crooked so he was not dropping down the cervix like he was expected too.  As the time when on and little change, baby's heart rate started to drop at each contraction.  My doctor came in at 7pm and said she would give me one more hour to see if there was a change.  I am sure you can imagine the emotions I was feeling.  I was crying and I was frustrated.   She was back in before the hour and said we would be doing a c section as she did not like the stress on the baby.  Baby Titus was born at 9:23 pm weighing 7pounds 3.5 ounces and length of 18.5 inches.  It was a good thing we did a c section.  He was sunny side up and that could have cause me a lot more pain to push.  

Mom still needs some prayers for a speedy recovery.  I vote hands down vaginal delivery is better then a c section!  I am very sore today and very exhausted.  It was very tough on me.  My epidural during the day was not working very well on my right side and again during the c section I was feeling not only the pressure but sharp stabs of pain.  Once baby was out they pushed some more drugs and I passed out for awhile and woke up and they were done, but it was some of the worst pain I had felt.  I actually ended up throwing up during my c section.  It was all worth it when I got back to my room and was able to hold my baby and breast feed him... he fed for 30 minutes on each side!  1 hour of breast feeding right off the bat!  Proud mommy!  

Here is dad all ready for c section:

He is adorable and perfect:

Proud big sister:

I will keep you posted on how I am feeling!  :)  GOD BLESS

Thankful Thursday's

I have anxiously been waiting for Thursday this week!  Here is what I am thankful for this week:

1. 7am 3/24 I WILL BE INDUCED!  Going to meet my little blessing and I am so excited and ready.

2. Made welcome home signs for baby with my daughter!  It was fun and she is so excited. 

3. I feel so much support from all my family and friends.

4. HEALTH!  I know God's hand is upon our lives and I know he will get me through the labor.

5. Thankful I did not go into labor last night when we had a blizzard!  That would have been a bit scary and frightening trying to reach the hospital! 

Look for pics and an announcement of our baby boy!  :)

Would you ever be a surrogate?

I was watching an episode of "One Born every Minute" on TLC and there was a surrogate mother.  It was amazing to see her attitude through it all and the parents too.  

In some countries it is illegal to do this, but in the USA there are women who will have a baby for you and get a huge paycheck.  I was shocked when I googled surrogate mother and the first two things that popped up showed how much money you could make:  "Earn $27,500-$45,000!"  WOW!!  THAT IS LIKE A NICE FULL TIME JOB!  I WONDER IF IT IS TAX FREE? 

I am on the fence on this.  I am unsure if I think couples who are desperate to have kids should go the route of surrogate, when adoption is such a beautiful gift to a child.  In the episode I watched the eggs were from a donor (not the surrogate and not the mother) but the sperm was from dad so it was his baby.  They really really wanted to have a baby with some of their DNA. 

I am unsure if I would be able to carry a baby inside of me knowing I would be giving him to someone else.  I guess it is a bit different when your DNA n eggs are not a part of the baby making process.  Maybe I would feel differently if I was the one who was not able to get pregnant.    

I do have to admit that a big payday at the end does seem mighty nice, but what if labor was difficult, what if there were complications, what if I got attached to the baby, and what if the parents were not who I thought they were.  Would I always wonder about that child?  Would the family keep me involved with letters and pictures?  As a mother and a wife it would be impossible to be a surrogate at this time in my life.  I dont think my hubby would be to thrilled to have a pregnant wife knowing he would not have the baby around at the end and it would not be fair to my kids for me to not be feeling well for 9 months.  

So would any of you consider being a surrogate?  To a stranger or to someone you know?

I do know that every baby is a GIFT and MIRACLE from GOD!    

9 year old saves her 6 year old sisters life! Touching story

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Worship Wednesday

This song is for my daughter!  I love the actions for the kiddos to do!  :)  FUN song to get you moving... especially if you are in the snow storm we are in.  Get up and get dancing!  :) 

Wednesday Hodgepodge and other blog hops

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem

What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity?

I love getting outside and walking to the parks!

2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?

Well, it would be neat to have Rachael Rae, but my hubby is a great cook to so he treats us often! 

3. When was the last time you flew a kite?

um... I dont know the exact date but it has been a long time.  I think a few years ago I did it with my nephews. 

4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything?

Most conversations on politics.

5. What flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events?

Well, pink roses remind me of my mommy.  I miss her!  

6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school years?

I was a senior in HS when 9/11 happened.  I remember being in my weight lifting class and we had the radio so we knew before anyone else knew.  It was heart breaking.  

I also remember Hurricane Andrew!  

7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (you know- crap, shoot, friggin' ?)

No swear words, but I will say crap and shoot.  

Meet my friend and new blogger!

http://lifeandstuffjennie.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-my-family.html

Click the link and meet my friend Jennie.  She will have lots of fun posts on parenting, autism, allergies, and much much more!  :)

Friend her she just started today!  :)

New recommendation on car seats.

If you have not taken the time to read the new recommendations on car seats click here!  


I have to crack a joke here!  


They now recommend kids to stay in booster seats till they are 4′ 9″ tall... I almost didn't make it! That was a close call... or I might not be able to drive any more and have to sit in the back in a booster seat! LOL

HOO are you?

Here are this week's questions!

1. Have you ever had a professional massage before?

       YES, last month I had a maternity massage!  :)  It was fantastic! 

2. When drinking bottled water do you have a preference on which brand you drink?

       NOPE

3. What is your favorite kind of soup?

     Zuppa Toscana!  :) 

4. Do you have a preference on which Kleenex brand you use?

    Puff's 

5. What is your favorite breakfast food?

    Cereal and banana 

This does not look like spring...

So I just took this picture from my window.  It is hard to see but big snow flakes are falling.  We are expecting around 6 inches today. :( 

One day I will look back at this and I will be laughing cause it will be 80 degrees and we will be putting sun lotion on and enjoying the water and sun!!!  

Tuesday Blog hopping

Join me in some blog hopping on this snowy Tuesday!  Boo to Snow... Yay for blog hops!

Make sure to leave a comment if you are new here!  :)

Walgreens adventure 3/21

Walgreens trip today was a good one:

Total spent 28.75

Total saved 55.07

What was purchased:

3 Kraft Mac N Cheese (my daughters current favorite)

2 Jello Puddings (a snack I have not had in forever)

2 packs of AA batteries (stocking up to make sure I have enough when baby comes)

2 packs of Easter M&M's (going to make some Easter treats)

Woolite (Have not used it but it was on sale and I had a $3 coupon so it was like 2 dollars!)

Method hand soap (on sale with Register Rewards)

Plackers/dental floss things (cause Nana Bethann gave us a lecture about needing to floss our teeth and came with Register Rewards)

2 pack of spray on Sunscreen (summer is coming and it was in the clearance area... both for $6 bucks)

Pads(cause you need them after giving birth and I had a coupon and got Register Rewards back)

3 packs of Huggies wipes.  (on sale for 5.99 but was able to use 2.00 off coupons fore each pack!  :) 

Questions:

1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?

2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?

3. How many siblings do you have?

4. Were you named after anyone?

5. Coke or Pepsi?

My Answers:

1. My wedding ring...although at the moment my fingers are a bit swollen so no rings.  

2. Before I boil and break in half and when I eat it I still twirl it.

3. I have a brother and a sister...both older.

4. nope

5. Not much of a soda drinker.  

Another GREAT birth story! Come READ!!

I am excited to have a guest post from:

Make sure you check her blog out!  I LOVE HER BLOG!  

My birth story could probably take about two hours for me to tell, because I like to give every last detail. I'll do my best not to take that long! :)

My first daughter Constance Elizabeth was born when I was 39 weeks pregnant. My husband Joshua had been scheduled for mandatory overtime, which meant he had to go in at 3 in the morning that day. I had my first contraction a little bit after he left for work, but I just told myself it was braxton hicks. My doctor had stripped my membranes the day before, so while I knew labor was a possibility, I guess I just didn't really think it would work for me. I began to drift off to sleep that morning as I felt another contraction, but I still told myself that it was no big deal. Five minutes later I had another one. They began to feel worse and worse as the end of the five minutes would arrive and I'd find myself trying to keep myself calm. My doctor told me not to come to the hospital unless I had been having contractions for every five minutes for an hour. I decided to try and get into the bathtub ... that definitely didn't help. So, I called my husband and told him what was going on. I was determined to wait that whole hour, although the contractions were getting closer together and more intense. He decided to come home anyway.

After a 45 minute car ride to the hospital and me throwing my legs around the car (it was a pretty amusing sight, I am sure!), we finally made it to triage. Although I had been flipping out because of the pain in the car, I kept my mouth shut the whole time we were in triage. I'm not really sure why; I guess I just noticed none of the other women were vocalizing and I didn't want to be "that" crazy lady. (Not that I think you're crazy if you do scream during labor ... I'm just weird and really shy!) We found out that I was already dilated 4 centimeters and that they were going to give me my epidural as soon as a room got cleaned up. Yes!!!

Speaking of the epidural, I really wish I would have had some childbirth prepartion beforehand. I was planning on getting an epidural and I also knew I wasn't a big baby with pain, so I figured I would be okay on the way to the hospital. Instead, I panicked and the pain was miserable. The only thing that worked was breathing and concentrating on staying calm. That was really the only way to get through it. & Maybe it's just common sense to breathe and stay calm, I don't know. All I know is that I wish I would've been more prepared for that instead of depending on the epidural. This was especially needed once the epidural wore off at 8 centimeters.

I had been in labor for just a few hours when I began to feel the pain again. I hadn't felt anything up to that point after getting my epidural. I was awake, talking, watching tv, eating popsicles, and just waiting it out. However, the pain did come back and this time it was even worse. My nurse tried to give me some more medication to help ease the pain, but nothing was working. At this point, my husband got all of the visitors out of the room (I hated feeling like it was some show for me to be in pain ... or having people trying to help me and say "it's all for a good cause!"). It was just us.

I don't know how long Joshua and I were alone, but those few moments were special. I couldn't really talk, I just laid on my side and took deep breaths with every contraction. Joshua held my hand and breathed with me. He says he felt so helpless, because he didn't really know what to do for me. My husband was so perfect that day, though. He did an amazing job coaching me and just being there with me.

Before I knew it, we had my doctor and nurses in the room getting ready for me to push. I was in so much pain still, so my nurse told me to start pushing to see if that would help. It wasn't an epidural, but it gave me relief. & That is where I found my control with the situation. I began pushing and went on for about two hours. In between contractions, I would just throw my head back and almost fall asleep, because I was so tired. However, as soon as I got an opportunity to push, I did it. I was one determined lady!

While I was delivering, the people I had in the room with me were amazing. Joshua, my doctor, and my nurses were all there to support me and encourage me. We even had nurses coming in that weren't invovlved to tell me how good I was doing. The staff at that hospital was certainly amazing. Of course, the best coach there was my husband. :) He was awesome.

I had wondered if I was going to use a mirror or not, because I didn't want to be grossed out. However, in my experience, nothing phases me once I have had people looking at my junk all day. Once they said my sweet girl had dark hair, I couldn't miss another moment. Seeing her in the mirror as I

pushed gave me motivation and reason to keep going, although I was getting very tired. I was so excited to meet her.

The first moment I saw her was a shock to me. I had just asked the doctor how much longer she thought I had and she said about 8 minutes. I figured she was just giving a random number, because I had already asked the same question about 100 times. But, with one more big push, Constance was there. I heard her little cries as they cleaned her off and I was so amazed at what had just been done.

They handed Constance to Joshua, who got to hold her first. He looked so sweet and perfect with her, a total natural. He told her that he loved her and that Jesus loved her too.

Then came the moment when I got to hold her. I was a little nervous about it, but once she was in my arms it just felt perfect. All of the craziness of the world and everything around me just slowed down. She was my sweet little girl from the Lord and I was so thankful. I gave her little kisses and told her I loved her. I was so smitten with my sweet baby Constance.

That was the day my life changed. The rest is an amazing life that God gives me the grace to live each day as her Mommy. I would give birth to her amillion times over, even with all of the pain and craziness of labor.

Beautiful picture!  

Happy Family! 

`

39 Week Pregnancy UPDATE

HI everyone,

Still have baby boy in my tummy!  I had my appointment this morning and was a bit bummed that there were no changes.  I am still dilated to 2 and 50% effaced.  My doctor was very encouraging and said things looked all ready to go.

Keep us in your prayers!  :)

 

Update on pregnancy...

Well the full moon does not seem to be helping me out in getting labor started.  :( I am really anxious to meet this little guy!  Still TRUSTING GOD on his timing!

So instead on my Saturday night I am watching "One born every Minute."  I am on my 3rd episode of the day!  LOL

Have you watched that show?  Its on Lifetime and it is making me cry... I just get so excited thinking that will be me holding my baby boy soon!

Birthing positions

With my daughter I was in the most common position of laying on my back and a nurse and my hubby helping hold my legs back.  I was just hearing and reading about how more and more women are giving birth in a variety of positions.  I even know a lady who gave birth standing up since her back labor was so painful she could not get comfortable.  Another lady I know told me that she was on her side and it was really helpful in decreasing her pain.

Here is a great article that list the advantages and disadvantages to each position.  CLICK HERE

I am just going to go with the flow and do what ever feels most comfortable for me.

What way did you give birth?

Pelvic pressure?? Pregnancy ??'s

Is this a sign I am starting labor?  I have a lot of pelvic and hip pressure and pain.  My lower back hurts some too.  Or is it just baby dropping lower?  It is making it difficult to walk.

Any advice?

While I was showering she did...

So I went to take my shower this morning and I asked my lil girl to clean up some of her mess.  I was not really expecting her to clean but oh well.  So I finish up and call her to come get in the tub next and she rushes in and has a swimsuit and skirt on.  Before daddy left for work she told him "I want to go to the beach."  "I want to go to the waterpark."  We explained it is still too cold.  So she decided while I was showering that if she got her swimsuit on she could take a bath in her swimsuit.  LOL ... she makes me laugh!  

So here she is all ready and anxiously waiting for summer! 

5 Questions Friday

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

    I have been subpoenaed, but then they called and cancelled my appearance. 

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

    It is at my dad's.

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

    hmmm... the bathtub

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

    I will let my daughter come cuddle in bed with me when she wakes up in the morning but not sleep the whole night with us. 

5. Do you watch late night TV?

    nope

Simple joy in life... new toothbrush! CUTE!!

My daughter made me giggle tonight.  The last few weeks she has been asking to have a toothbrush with a button.  (a vibrating one like mom and dad).

I told her we could look at Walgreens once I had a coupon.  Well I today we went to Walgreens with a $3 off coupon for a toothbrush.  She picked out an Ariel vibrating toothbrush.  

So tonight as we were getting ready for bed she asked if she could use her new toothbrush.  She brushed them and did a very good job minus the fact that the toothpaste spit/druel was running down her chin.  After she was finished she started skipping to her bed room saying "that was so cool!" "I love my new toothbrush with the button."  

She is adorable and I love seeing her get excited over the small little things in life.  :)  

Really loving my Purex Crystals

I washed my bedding a week ago and it still smells so good!!!  :)  I am loving these Purex Crystals!  :)  If you  have not tried the Purex Crystals you should!  

The purple is my favorite scent!  :) 

Worship Wednesday... a little late!

Sorry I never got this up yesterday.  Gma is in town so I was not on the computer as much.

This weeks song is Say-So by Israel and New Breed!  Gotta get on your feet and get jumping and worship the one true king!




I think I am going to get on my feet and do a lil prego jump...lets get this labor started!  LOL


Do you have a dancing/jumping worship song that you love?  I would love to hear it.  :)

Thankful Thursday's

This week I am Praising GOD for:

1. Continued Trust in HIM on delivery of baby boy.

2. My mother in law visiting and keeping my daughter busy and cooking and cleaning!!!!!

3. My husband being more helpful.

4. The WARM weather!  YAY Spring!

5. Girl Scout cookies!  :) 

Labor starting on a full moon???

So anyone have any opinions on labor starting during full moon cycles?

My water broke with my daughter and she was born a day before a full moon when i was 36 weeks.

We have a full moon on the 19th... maybe baby boy will arrive soon??

There are not full blown studies showing any of this but hospitals do staff more on the maternity ward during full moons.  Some suggest that many women experience more braxton hicks making them think they are in labor and they go to the hospital only to come back home.

I have tried finding some more articles but cant find any scientific proof.  I have seen several polls and many women believe full moons have helped them go into labor.

So did you have your baby during a full moon?  Any other thoughts?  Myth or fact?

LaToya's 2nd birthing experience...at home!

I had a lot of you read LaToya's first birth story about giving birth to her son in her car.  (Most views of all my posts!!!)  Now read her story about giving birth at home!  What a beautiful story!  :)  

With my second baby (that was the result of a brief reconciliation with my husband) I knew from the beginning that I would not leave my home in labor. I found a local midwife and she was the perfect fit for what I was looking for. We instantly clicked. She was able to help me manage the severe sickness that hit me like a ton of bricks. She worked well with my GYN as we treated the HPV that resurfaced again. I had the pregnancy that I wanted (with the exception of a supportive partner). I was left alone to grow a healthy baby. I had one test for HIV as mandated by law and that was it. I didn’t even have an official pregnancy test. I had to sign a lot of waivers for this to happen but at least this time for me I was aware that it was an option.


My appointments were at my home. My midwife came to see us and it was like having a girlfriend over for coffee. I was completely relaxed and in tune with my body and baby. I did not have an ultrasound so I didn’t know what I was having. Well that’s not true I had a gut feeling that it was a boy, and I was right! From my previous birth in the car and the education I received in my Bradley classes I knew what my body was going through and what it was capable of handling. So I just waited for labor to start.


I expected to go into labor about week 37 like I had before and I had some signs around that time but they went away. My body was completely quiet for about 3 weeks. When I did go into labor it was a Thursday evening and I was sitting on an exercise ball watching the Vice-Presidential Debates. My back had been bothering me for about an hour before hand but I didn’t realize that it was labor until I stopped and felt that it was wrapping around my whole belly. So I went to my room, laid down and hopped on the computer to time my contractions: 7 minutes apart, lasting for about a minute each time. I called my midwife and literally said “Anne” and she was out the door and on her way. Then I called my mom because I wanted her to be there for my oldest son in case he woke up and was nervous or scared.


My labor was a hard 4 hours. But short labors and posterior babies call for such things. I spent most of my time either in my dark room on the ball on in the dark bathroom on the toilet. When I finally emerged it was only to get in the birthing tub. The water felt cold to me, and I really couldn’t get too comfortable, but I was already in transition so I figured it was moot to try. Just about the time that I started wishing to push my body followed suit and took over. My body started to push and it was a very unique and earthly feeling. After 4 pushes I had to stand up out of the water because my baby was stuck. Actually he was trying to turn around the “correct” way. But I just thought he was stuck so I pushed with all my might and as a result he was born with a fractured clavicle. It healed within 3 months but I still felt a little guilty.


It took about 20 minutes to find out if it was a boy or girl. I hadn’t thought to look and it was my mom that pointed it out. Right after that my oldest son came out of his room. He looked at me and said “My baby mommy! Where’s the other one?” Then he asked to see the placenta, something he’d been obsessed with my entire pregnancy after I read “Welcome with Love” to him. I couldn’t believe that I’d birthed at home.


It was such a wonderful feeling to get in my own bed and nurse both my boys shortly after the birth.  After about an hour we weighed the baby and he was 8 pounds and 21 inches long and the spitting image of his big brother. When I sent pictures out of him everyone kept asking why I was sending old pictures of my other son. The pediatrician came to the house a few hours later, while my oldest son watched Sesame Street. Then we all went to bed. My new miracle was a little jaundiced and a lazy eater.  I would have to nurse him completely naked while thumping his foot to get him to get full. And when my milk came in 18 hours later I was happy to have a nursing toddler to help with engorgement. Aside from a quick trip to the ER with my midwife for stitches my second birth was almost perfect. It definitely healed the resentment and hurt I had about my first birth.

Don't forget to visit her at her blog:

Snowman fun... already melting!

We finally got outside to build that snowman using the free snowman kit I got in the mail.  My hubby, his mom, and my daughter had a lot of fun yesterday playing out in the beautiful sunshine!  Today the snowman was melting melting melting.  We might have rain this week so snow might be gone soon.  Glad we were able to get out there and have the right packing snow to do the job!  :) 

Need to taste the snow? 

Rounding out the body of the snowman.

Putting the hat on the snowman.  

YAY!  Look at that nice snowman.  :) 

My daughter has her picture in this magazine! :)

I entered my little girl in a photo contest and she was a runner up in the category Kitchen Chaos.  If you get thriving family magazine skip to the back page and she is in the purple dress and blue apron.  I am a proud mama!  :) 

Hair Crimper

So my daughter was given a hair crimper from one of our youth at church.  She was so excited because every now an again the girls will show up with their hair crimped and she loves it.  She did a good job of sitting and waiting!  :)

Today we crimped her hair and here are a couple photos!

Have you crimped your or your child's hair?  

Girl Scout cookies!!!

My mother inlaw is visiting and she brought me Think Mints!  :)  OH yummy minty chocolatey goodness!  THEY ARE SO YUMMY I CANT RESIST!

What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?

38 Week Pregnancy update

I am ready to have baby boy!  I had my 38 week appointment this morning and things are looking good.  I am dilated to 2 and 50% effaced.  We set an induction date of 3/24 if I have not had him yet.  :)

I am really hoping that he comes this week as Nana is in town visiting and Papa has the week off of work.

We did a quick little photo shoot right after church yesterday.  :)  Here are a few of the pictures.

I look at this and I am shocked at how huge I looked.  

She is such and excited big sister!

Happy family!

She wants to cuddle with her brother!

Fun Sunday

Today was a good day:
-church went well
-we took some family pics after church (pics to be posted soon)
-took a long 2 hour long nap
-went to the mall and walked around and let the kids play
-had friends over for dinner
-played Life the game of Twists and Turns

:) I love fun days!  We also put out the lady bug tent for the kids to play and watch a movie in.

Tomorrow I have my 38 week appointment!  :)

Stylish Blogger Awarded to me! :)

I was just awarded the Stylish Blogger Award from The Imperfect Photo Addict!  THANKS SO MUCH!!  Go check her blog out!

This is my second award and I feel blessed for the award.  It is very encouraging to get an award.  

So with the award I have to list a few things about me and then pick a couple blogs who I think should be awarded.  

Facts about me:

- My daughter was born 4 weeks early but her orginal due date would have marked the 5 year anniversary of my mom's passing.  My son I am expecting any day is due on my mom's birthday.  She would be 55 years old if she was still here.  

-We own a house but we are renting it out and we are renting our selves.  Kinda strange but it works since we had to move.

-My daughter who is 3 asks to watch the Biggest Loser with me almost every day.  LOL

-I want to get a new vehicle that will fit the kids better.

-Not going to lie... the gas prices are a bit frightening.

-I love to worship GOD!

-My best feature according to me is my blue eyes.  :)

NOW TO AWARD SOME WELL DESERVED BLOGS:

1. Undeserved Grace -  I love her blog.  She has a great Thankful Thursday post/hop that is inspiring!  

2. Walking by His Grace- I love her background and her encouraging posts! :) 

3. Christian Momma- She has an upbeat personality and I love reading her devo posts and seeing where God is leading her! :) 

4. Oil in my Lamp-Honestly I JUST LOVE the name of her blog... it is cute too but it always reminds me to double check and make sure my priorities are GOD first as I do not want to run out of oil when my King returns!  I LOVE THIS BIBLE STORY!!  



5. Mama to 4 Blessings- I get great ideas for crafts and she is encouraging me to home school. 

And remember, if you choose to accept the award, please follow the rules! Post the award with a link back to this. Then list 7 random facts about yourself. Last but not least award others who you think deserve this! Have fun :)