Something new I'm going to try. Read this post from one of my favorite blogs, which I've mentioned before, www.newlyb.blogspot.com and just had to copy!
1. What do you order at Starbucks?
Believe it or not, this chick has never even been inside a Starbucks! I have never even had a cup of coffee in my life! The collective *Gasp* I can hear is deafening!
2. Where is your favourite place to eat breakfast?
Well, I love to cook breakfast for Hubby and Rockstar Daughter, so I'm gonna go with my dining room....ESPECIALLY when Hubby makes his world famous scrambled eggs!!
3. Are you on Twitter? Why or why not?
Nope, no real reason! Facebook seems to take up so much more of my time than it should so that makes me kind of scared to try another social networking site.
4. What is your favourite Christmas movie?
Christmas Vacation - Hands down. I watch it every year and this year I was able to PVR it, so I've already laughed at Clark twice so far! Funny TRUE story: I just got completely distracted after writing that last sentence because I decided to google memorable quotes from that movie and forgot I what I was doing. See, that's how much I love this movie.
5. Are you a good gift giver?
I really try! I love seeing people's reaction after opening something that I have taken the time and energy to pick out for them. Something very gratifying.
6. Do you like your handwriting? Bonus points for posting a picture.
Sure.
7. Is your signature legible? Bonus points for posting a picture.
Yep, always
8. Have you ever been to New York during Christmas season?
It's for sure on my Bucket List
9. Are there any items that you are completely brand loyal?
Definitely. Nothing but the "real" ketchup....Heinz.
10. Who is your favourite public speaker?
I had a phenomenal Communications professor is University who left his mark with me. So, him.
Join in!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
2 Years Ago Today
At this exact time, 2 years ago, Hubby and I were preparing for one of the biggest events in our lives. Our wedding! Our short but sweet ceremony was held at 7 pm on a cold day with just the right amount of snow on the ground. I believe that by this time I was at my ma and pa's all ready with my hair and makeup done, waiting to put my dress on because the photographer was going to be arriving at 5:30 to take pictures after taking pictures of the men over at our house where Mark and his groomsmen were getting ready. From what I hear, my poor hubby-to-be was quite the sight. Pacing the floors nervously. Not bad nervous.....good nervous, of course! I was calm as a cucumber actually. Not too much can get this chick out of gear anyways, but I'm stil proud of how laid back I "tried" to stay all day. It was a longgggg day.
The evening was perfect, everything we hoped for and more. It was our favorite time of year and all our family and friends were there. What more could a girl ask for?
Much love to my wonderful Hubby!
Cheers
XO
The evening was perfect, everything we hoped for and more. It was our favorite time of year and all our family and friends were there. What more could a girl ask for?
Much love to my wonderful Hubby!
Cheers
XO
Monday, December 13, 2010
Bedtime Breakdowns
New Baby Girl isn't the best sleeper in the world. Not even close. We have it pretty good though because once she does go to bed for the night, she sleeps 6 hours, which is lovely. It's just getting her in the crib that is the difficult part. I'm a rocker. Love my rocking chair. Love to rock babies. Especially mine. Rockstar Daughter was rocked all the time, and sometimes I still get the urge to grab her and make her sit on my lap and snuggle her like a baby while rocking, but thankfully, I have some self control.
Whats the problem with rocking? Well, everyone's opinion is different, but it does make bedtime a little more difficult.
So hubby and I decided we would try some methods from the "No-Cry Sleep Solution" book that we researched plus dozens of websites with loads of advice. We decided that we would put New Baby Girl in her crib semi-awake after being fed, changed and burped. If she would get upset we would take turns going in to the room to soothe her from beside her crib. Although some websites say not to pick them up to soothe them, I did. Ooops. (and to be honest, I'm pretty sure that Hubby did to, because he is an even bigger softie than I am!) Sorry, just can't stand there trying to calm down my girl who is so very upset by a simple "shush" or tummy rub. When I say upset, I'm not talking whimpers or moans, I'm talking freaking-the-he**-out. After not much success the first night we decided to would stay strong and keep working at it no matter what. So, the next night we mentally prepared ourselves for another long, tiring night filled with cries and guilt. About an hour into us going in to try to soothe her every couple minutes we both looked at each other and said at the same time that neither one of us were feeling good about this. We took her out of her crib straight away and began soothing her in another way. Lots of kisses and apologies. She was instantly happy, showing us her beautiful gummy smile and rewarding us with cuddles and after she had a little snack and was rocked for a few minutes, fell into a deep sleep in my arms where she remained until I gently laid her in her bed. She had a wonderful sleep and so did we, knowing she fell asleep feeling happy, loved and confident her mommmy and daddy were there for her.
I woke up feeling great instead of guilty. We decided that if she needs to be rocked to fall to sleep, that's what we are going to do. So what if we don't get 12 hours a night, we have our whole lives to sleep like that. For now, we want to enjoy her baby-ness. It's a small sacrifice but that's OK.
Not all babies respond to sleep schedules the same way. What works for one family, may not work for ours, and we finally understand that. We cannot compare our baby with others who have totally different sleep habits. It's hard to come to that conclusion we are led to believe that babies are supposed to sleep through starting at a few months. But, they are still babies!! If you are lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps more than 5 hours, thats perfect! But not all are capable of that.
I give major props to all you moms and dads out there that were able to make this method work for you. It's hard work, takes a lot of dedication and self control.
The way I'm now looking at it is like this:
The same way that some moms and dads are rewarded with their baby having a wonderful sleep pattern, we are being rewarded with the feeling that knowing we are doing our best to make Baby Girl feel happy and content. If that means more time in the rocking chair and less in my bed, so be it!
Whats the problem with rocking? Well, everyone's opinion is different, but it does make bedtime a little more difficult.
So hubby and I decided we would try some methods from the "No-Cry Sleep Solution" book that we researched plus dozens of websites with loads of advice. We decided that we would put New Baby Girl in her crib semi-awake after being fed, changed and burped. If she would get upset we would take turns going in to the room to soothe her from beside her crib. Although some websites say not to pick them up to soothe them, I did. Ooops. (and to be honest, I'm pretty sure that Hubby did to, because he is an even bigger softie than I am!) Sorry, just can't stand there trying to calm down my girl who is so very upset by a simple "shush" or tummy rub. When I say upset, I'm not talking whimpers or moans, I'm talking freaking-the-he**-out. After not much success the first night we decided to would stay strong and keep working at it no matter what. So, the next night we mentally prepared ourselves for another long, tiring night filled with cries and guilt. About an hour into us going in to try to soothe her every couple minutes we both looked at each other and said at the same time that neither one of us were feeling good about this. We took her out of her crib straight away and began soothing her in another way. Lots of kisses and apologies. She was instantly happy, showing us her beautiful gummy smile and rewarding us with cuddles and after she had a little snack and was rocked for a few minutes, fell into a deep sleep in my arms where she remained until I gently laid her in her bed. She had a wonderful sleep and so did we, knowing she fell asleep feeling happy, loved and confident her mommmy and daddy were there for her.
I woke up feeling great instead of guilty. We decided that if she needs to be rocked to fall to sleep, that's what we are going to do. So what if we don't get 12 hours a night, we have our whole lives to sleep like that. For now, we want to enjoy her baby-ness. It's a small sacrifice but that's OK.
Not all babies respond to sleep schedules the same way. What works for one family, may not work for ours, and we finally understand that. We cannot compare our baby with others who have totally different sleep habits. It's hard to come to that conclusion we are led to believe that babies are supposed to sleep through starting at a few months. But, they are still babies!! If you are lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps more than 5 hours, thats perfect! But not all are capable of that.
I give major props to all you moms and dads out there that were able to make this method work for you. It's hard work, takes a lot of dedication and self control.
The way I'm now looking at it is like this:
The same way that some moms and dads are rewarded with their baby having a wonderful sleep pattern, we are being rewarded with the feeling that knowing we are doing our best to make Baby Girl feel happy and content. If that means more time in the rocking chair and less in my bed, so be it!
Monday, November 29, 2010
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
I cannot believe that I have yet to mention in my previous posts how much I love all things Christmas! I love decorations. Christmas trees. Giving presents. Getting presents :P. All the yummy treats. Family visits. Turkey dinner. Busy shopping malls. The only thing I do not like is the dreaded wrapping. I despise it. Nothing gets me in a more bah humbug mood then seeing the mountain of gifts I have to wrap. I'm not good at it. They always come out looking like a toddler did it. So, I either always put the gifts in pretty bags or pay Rockstar Daughter a small fee for each present she wraps. In the past, I've gotten away with paying her a quarter for each gift, but I'm thinking this year she is going to take me for everything I have. She is quite the little negotiator.
When I was little Christmas was always such a fun time. My mom, dad, sister and I would go visiting family and then cap the night off with dancing and loud music. We had so much fun. To be honest, most of my Christmas memories do not revolve around gifts or parties, but always involve those fun nights spent with our little family in the living room of our house, watching Christmas specials on TV, making home movies, laughing about inside jokes, dancing in the middle of the room, looking out the window at all the lights on our neighbours homes, and just the general silliness that still to this day exists between us all, which now includes our hubbies and children.
These memories are the types that I want my girls to remember years from now, not who got what under the tree. I hope they look back at the past the way that I do and are lucky enough to be able to say that all the memories are happy, joyful ones, no matter how simple. The simplest things in life are most likely to be worth the most.
Cheers to the beginning of another wonderful Christmas Season
XO
When I was little Christmas was always such a fun time. My mom, dad, sister and I would go visiting family and then cap the night off with dancing and loud music. We had so much fun. To be honest, most of my Christmas memories do not revolve around gifts or parties, but always involve those fun nights spent with our little family in the living room of our house, watching Christmas specials on TV, making home movies, laughing about inside jokes, dancing in the middle of the room, looking out the window at all the lights on our neighbours homes, and just the general silliness that still to this day exists between us all, which now includes our hubbies and children.
These memories are the types that I want my girls to remember years from now, not who got what under the tree. I hope they look back at the past the way that I do and are lucky enough to be able to say that all the memories are happy, joyful ones, no matter how simple. The simplest things in life are most likely to be worth the most.
Cheers to the beginning of another wonderful Christmas Season
XO
Monday, November 15, 2010
Labour of Love
"How was it?"
"Did you have medication?"
"How long?"
"Was it really painful?"
"What does it feel like?"
Just some of the questions that I have been asked since giving birth to our Angel 6 weeks ago. 6 weeks. Crazy.
So, I was thinking, why not just blog about my labour experience this time around? Everyone (mostly women) like to hear about other women's labours and compare them to their own, right?
I'll start from the beginning.
At about 10:30pm on Monday, October 4th, Hubby and I were laying in bed watching TV when I got a pain. Now, for the previous 4-5 weeks I was having Braxton Hicks Contractions, so it wasn't out of the ordinary, but let me tell you.....I can't believe I actually thought those measly little practice contractions were the real deal because man oh man did I know it was for real this time around! The pains started out at 1 hour apart, then progressed to 30 minutes, then 10 minutes and so on until 6 am when they were 5 minutes apart. We promptly called Ma H to get ready because we knew we would be picking her up to accompany us to the hospital and also my lovely Sissy who would come and be with Rockstar Daughter for the duration of my labour. At 7:30am we headed to the hospital.
I was placed on the monitors and had all my vitals checked. After about 2 hours of monitoring they told me to go walk around the hospital for an hour. So, that's exactly what we did. We walked (and stood still during my contractions which would cause me to brace myself against whatever was closest at the moment) and walked.
After returning back to the Labour and Delivery Unit we were monitored for another little bit and then we were told we should head home until the contractions became at the most 3 minutes apart or whenever I could no longer handle the pain. At this point I was only 2 cm dilated. We arrived at home close to 1 pm and after a warm bath and lots of contractions we finally headed back in at 4 pm. I was admitted right away.
From 4 pm on is mostly a blur of excitement in my mind. I quickly progressed to 7 cm and then it seemed like forever to get to 10 but we made it by 9 pm.
I opted to NOT receive an epidural even though I was told on more then one occasion that I would be crazy not to have one, and to be fair, I said the exact same thing to my own Sister as she came in to visit us directly after the birth. It was a personal choice. I was not trying to prove how tough I was (Although I think this should DEFINITELY squash anyone who has the opinion that I am in fact not tough! :P), I chose not to because it wasn't for me and to be honest, I still feel the same. There is something super unnatural to me about having half your body numb and paralyzed. BUT that is only my opinion and in no way do I look down on anyone who has chose the opposite!
I did have two shots of Fentanyl. It is a fast acting drug which is out of your system within 20 minutes. By the time I asked for any relief I was 8 cm and I believe in too much pain to actually feel the effects of the drug. I remember questioning the nurse, sure that she was putting me on, that nothing was injected into my I.V.
I was doing great with breathing through and concentrating on the outcome. I stress WAS. By the time I was 10 cm, I was in a very large amount of pain and begging them to let me push. The little monster on her way out was taking her sweet time though and I had to wait an excruciating 15 minutes AFTER I was fully dilated to push. Once I was ready to push it was very quick. Our Angel made it out in a whopping 6 minutes, which bet my time of 7 minutes of pushing with Rockstar Daughter. It happened so quick that the nurse had to yell to my Doctor to get in there because she was coming so quick.
After that it was a flurry of excitement which included the pain ending and someone telling me it was a girl! I was so happy! I cried and cried and cried. I really wanted another girl, although there was NO way I would have said that out loud while pregnant. Don't get my wrong, I would love a son just as much and I really think I would be a great mother to a little boy but I just had such a wonderful experience with my first daughter and she is still such a joy that was all I had to compare it to, so why wouldn't I want another girl?
Our Angel was perfect.
A few other things I would like to point out:
There is NO way that I could have managed as well as I did without my Hubby and my mom. He really gave me the strength to make it through all the contractions and the pushing. She was my rock and knew exactly what to do and what to say.
The nurses know what they are talking about. They are experts.
You can give birth 20 times and still be shocked at the overwhelming feeling of love once your baby is screaming for your attention.
She sure was worth it.
"Did you have medication?"
"How long?"
"Was it really painful?"
"What does it feel like?"
Just some of the questions that I have been asked since giving birth to our Angel 6 weeks ago. 6 weeks. Crazy.
So, I was thinking, why not just blog about my labour experience this time around? Everyone (mostly women) like to hear about other women's labours and compare them to their own, right?
I'll start from the beginning.
At about 10:30pm on Monday, October 4th, Hubby and I were laying in bed watching TV when I got a pain. Now, for the previous 4-5 weeks I was having Braxton Hicks Contractions, so it wasn't out of the ordinary, but let me tell you.....I can't believe I actually thought those measly little practice contractions were the real deal because man oh man did I know it was for real this time around! The pains started out at 1 hour apart, then progressed to 30 minutes, then 10 minutes and so on until 6 am when they were 5 minutes apart. We promptly called Ma H to get ready because we knew we would be picking her up to accompany us to the hospital and also my lovely Sissy who would come and be with Rockstar Daughter for the duration of my labour. At 7:30am we headed to the hospital.
I was placed on the monitors and had all my vitals checked. After about 2 hours of monitoring they told me to go walk around the hospital for an hour. So, that's exactly what we did. We walked (and stood still during my contractions which would cause me to brace myself against whatever was closest at the moment) and walked.
After returning back to the Labour and Delivery Unit we were monitored for another little bit and then we were told we should head home until the contractions became at the most 3 minutes apart or whenever I could no longer handle the pain. At this point I was only 2 cm dilated. We arrived at home close to 1 pm and after a warm bath and lots of contractions we finally headed back in at 4 pm. I was admitted right away.
From 4 pm on is mostly a blur of excitement in my mind. I quickly progressed to 7 cm and then it seemed like forever to get to 10 but we made it by 9 pm.
I opted to NOT receive an epidural even though I was told on more then one occasion that I would be crazy not to have one, and to be fair, I said the exact same thing to my own Sister as she came in to visit us directly after the birth. It was a personal choice. I was not trying to prove how tough I was (Although I think this should DEFINITELY squash anyone who has the opinion that I am in fact not tough! :P), I chose not to because it wasn't for me and to be honest, I still feel the same. There is something super unnatural to me about having half your body numb and paralyzed. BUT that is only my opinion and in no way do I look down on anyone who has chose the opposite!
I did have two shots of Fentanyl. It is a fast acting drug which is out of your system within 20 minutes. By the time I asked for any relief I was 8 cm and I believe in too much pain to actually feel the effects of the drug. I remember questioning the nurse, sure that she was putting me on, that nothing was injected into my I.V.
I was doing great with breathing through and concentrating on the outcome. I stress WAS. By the time I was 10 cm, I was in a very large amount of pain and begging them to let me push. The little monster on her way out was taking her sweet time though and I had to wait an excruciating 15 minutes AFTER I was fully dilated to push. Once I was ready to push it was very quick. Our Angel made it out in a whopping 6 minutes, which bet my time of 7 minutes of pushing with Rockstar Daughter. It happened so quick that the nurse had to yell to my Doctor to get in there because she was coming so quick.
After that it was a flurry of excitement which included the pain ending and someone telling me it was a girl! I was so happy! I cried and cried and cried. I really wanted another girl, although there was NO way I would have said that out loud while pregnant. Don't get my wrong, I would love a son just as much and I really think I would be a great mother to a little boy but I just had such a wonderful experience with my first daughter and she is still such a joy that was all I had to compare it to, so why wouldn't I want another girl?
Our Angel was perfect.
A few other things I would like to point out:
There is NO way that I could have managed as well as I did without my Hubby and my mom. He really gave me the strength to make it through all the contractions and the pushing. She was my rock and knew exactly what to do and what to say.
The nurses know what they are talking about. They are experts.
You can give birth 20 times and still be shocked at the overwhelming feeling of love once your baby is screaming for your attention.
She sure was worth it.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Ooooooo Babies I Love Your Way......
My one wish for everyone who I care about is for them to feel the kind of love I have for New Baby and Rockstar Daughter. It is something that only a mom can feel. The love I have for them would get me through anything that I otherwise wouldn't make it through. They are so special to me and I hope one day they have a daughter of their own so that they can understand it can't be put into words. I was pleasantly surpised to find myself and our older girl become closer and form a new bond. This new bond was brought on by our new little one. We are always comparing her to Rockstar Daughter when she was a little baby and having her finally be with us is bringing back so many memories I have of Rockstar Daughter way back then. I've been so lucky and blessed to be able to call these two beautiful girls mine.
XO
XO
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Baby Update
Time sure does fly when your having fun! It's hard to believe that our Angel is almost 3 weeks old already (18 days to be exact!). She has been a source of constant joy here in our Happy Little Home. Hubby and I are always reminding ourselves how lucky we are to have our two beauitful, healthy girls here with us. Rockstar Daughter has been my rock so far, and I know she will continue on doing what she is doing! She loves her little sister so very much, and it's already obvious how much her little sister loves her back! It makes my heart skip a beat when I think of them. You wouldn't believe how comfortable she is holding, changing, feeding, snuggling and talking to her baby sister. I'm so proud of her, I know that when I was an 11 year old girl, there was no way I would've been so confident around babies as she is. This trait will surely be a great asset to her later on in life. :)
As for our newest Angel, she has already surpassed her birth weight and is doing wonderful! She is already holding her head up by herself and really enjoys "Tummy Time", which was something I was not looking forward to myself. She is also doing marvelous with breastfeeding. I'm thankful I am able to provide this for her, because I know of more then a few friends who tried but for one reason or another could not continue. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who could!
Even though this was my second pregnancy and second child, nothing can prepare you for the intense labour and delivery and also the pure joy and happiness you feel after. Nothing compares to giving birth and being a parent. Our little family feels so complete now. We are so blessed with our girls and each other.
:)
As for our newest Angel, she has already surpassed her birth weight and is doing wonderful! She is already holding her head up by herself and really enjoys "Tummy Time", which was something I was not looking forward to myself. She is also doing marvelous with breastfeeding. I'm thankful I am able to provide this for her, because I know of more then a few friends who tried but for one reason or another could not continue. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who could!
Even though this was my second pregnancy and second child, nothing can prepare you for the intense labour and delivery and also the pure joy and happiness you feel after. Nothing compares to giving birth and being a parent. Our little family feels so complete now. We are so blessed with our girls and each other.
:)
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