Party Time

 Jumping into this blog thing, again. Maybe. We'll see how it goes. I've decided since I can't figure out what to say on here I'd just start posting pics. For now those photos are of my kids birthday parties and the things I've made for those events.  

Figured we would start at the beginning- Lauralie turned one and we celebrated with a pink and blue cupcake theme. We hosted her party at a local park but the wind was horrible that day so I failed to use any of the decor I spent hours and hours working on. I was able to use it while we did a mini-party on her actual birthday.    

The Birthday Girl!

Yummy

 

Bam.  Lauralie turned 2!  They say time goes quickly, who would have thought it would go THAT quick!  Ha! 

By the age of two LL was all about Dora the Explorer. I made the 3-tier banner, her tutu, hair bow and shirt.  

 I have a couple more parties to post but that will have to wait for next time.  Need to save something for a future post!

"Mama, ay"

The kids and I were running errands this morning and got home late for lunch so I opted to quickly reheat last nights leftovers. I fixed LL's plate first and gave it to her, I then proceeded to fix my plate and join her at the table.  My mind is running, I'm thinking about nap time and what all I can get accomplished with both kids sleeping, and am totally oblivious to what I should be doing.  I'm on my third bite when I awaken from my trance and realize LL is talking to me,  "Yes, baby?"  "Mama, ay"  "What??" "Ay, momma"   She then proceeds to put her chin on her chest and I then realize "ay" is "PRAY!"  I quickly applauded her for her memory and said a prayer.  Even now, 12 hours later, I'm still thinking about the situation.  I am so proud of her for knowing and finding a way to tell me that we had not prayed.  It excited me that praying is a habit for her, as it should be. Yet, it also grounded me. How could I get so wrapped up in daily life that I couldn't remember to take the time and pray with her? Shame. One of the many blessings in having kids is their ability to humble us and to prioritize correctly. I need to remind myself to slow down and not worry about everything constantly, I don't think we will die if the dishes sit in the sink, or if I don't clean the fridge as often as it should be done.  

Chad and I are always questioning ourselves about whether we are making the right decisions in raising our kids? Are we too strict, or too lenient on certain things. How can we set better examples? What methods of discipline do we wish to use?  Sometimes we are left wondering are we doing anything right?  Today's lunch made me realize we must be doing some things right. 

*Since I failed to mention JJ, let it be known he fell asleep in the car and went straight to bed. 

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-- wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. -Eda J. LeShan

It is time to bring this blog back into action. I can't believe I let it sit for a year now. So much has happened it is time to start catching up. How can one begin to summarize a whole year in just one post? I for one can't seem to figure it out so for now we'll just deal with the "big event" of 2009.

May 6, 2009
I went in for my 38wk OB visit- I had been progressing the past couple of weeks and was excited about where I would be then. I was dilated to a 3, and 95% effaced. Everything looked great except for my picture perfect blood pressure. My Doctor had the nurse check my BP a couple of times and every time it was dancing around 140/96, which is high and SUPER high for me. I was kicked over to L&D to get things checked out. What an adventure that was, nothing like spending a few hours in the hospital hooked up to machines being told that if your BP doesn't come down we are having a baby TODAY!! Thankfully after a couple of hours on the machines it lowered and I was released. Due to the blood pressure scare and the fact that I was progressing we decided to schedule an induction for Monday the 11th. (I'll save my thoughts of induction for later)

Monday 11, 2009
Chad, my mom and I loaded up at 5:45am to head to the hospital. I checked in at 6:30 and the fun began. After the initial paperwork was addressed, the nurses started hooking up all the machines and gadgets to monitor the baby and me. Upon arrival I was completely effaced and somewhere between a 3-4, Lauralie was ready to come!! I was started on a low dose of pitocin and things began to move, slowly. Doctor came in around 12:00 and broke my water and increased the pitocin level again. Boy did things start moving then. I forget all of the exact details, when you are in that much pain you aren't thinking about what time it is, but I was progressing quickly. I skipped the part of getting the epidural- best thing EVER!! The doctor that put it in was amazing, one little set back in that I had a reaction to one of the meds and began itching like mad but nothing benadryl wouldn't cure. Anyways by 2:30 I was at a 10 and Lauralie had moved all the way down. Our fabulous nurse suggested for me to rest prior to pushing to help shorten the length of time I would have to push. It was around 4:30 that I began pushing. I pushed and pushed and pushed. She was so close but we just couldn't get over this one hurdle. Doctor offered the vacuum and we accepted. Due to using the vacuum Lauralie was getting listed as "high risk" so a swarm of nurses came in to greet her into the world. This title also meant that Lauralie would not be placed directly on mommy or that daddy would be able to cut the cord, which was all a bummer but anything for our little girl's safety. Lauralie scored well and shortly she was resting in daddy's arms. That moment laying in the bed, looking across the room and seeing Chad hold our daughter was so precious, monumental. We instantly went from being madly in love with each other to madly in love with each other and our beautiful baby girl.

As I was getting fixed up, Chad came and rested Lauralie on my chest. Here it is 5 months later and I can remember the feeling of her weight on my chest. The emotions that came along with that touch I'll never forget. After all of the heartache Chad and I faced trying to bring a baby into this world, we finally won! Lauralie Reese was born at 6:20pm weighing 7lbs 4oz and was 18.5 inches long. Daddy and I were both shocked that she came out sporting a fair amount of light red/dark blonde hair! Our child wasn't BALD!!

I could continue on with how madly in love we are with Lauralie but I'll spare you for now. I've got plenty to catch up on and to remain current with that I'll be able to sicken you with the amount of gushy love we share.