Random thoughts

I have the house to MYSELF!! Yes, that's right, NO kids. Not even the baby. Ahhhhh! My sweet, brave husband took the kids to their swim lessons and packed up the baby to go with him. So nice to have the house to myself for a bit. Since they aren't gone for very long I couldn't really start any projects or even work on ongoing ones so I thought I'd write a blog post.

Life is good. Summer is moving along. I wish we were doing more but at the same time like having a reason to stay home. Meredith is getting to the point where we can take her out for longer periods of time so I think I will start trying to do something with the kids at least once a week. A trip to the zoo is long overdue. They have installed several new exhibits over the last couple of years and we haven't seen any of them. So I'd like to do that. We just got our new OMSI cards so we need to make a trip there. I've been itching to go bowling, it's been awhile. We have a beach trip planned here in a couple weekends with Rob's sister and I'm very much looking forward to that. We'll see how it goes.

I've been baking, a lot. Very bad as it's stuff like cookies, brownies, pie. Nothing even remotely healthy. It sure is good though. The problem is I have discovered a couple of websites that are devoted to recipes. And they have some really yummy looking deserts so I've been trying them when I get a chance. Yesterday's baking adventure was Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can find the recipe here. Oh my gosh, you have got to try these. Two of my favorites in one cookie. Delicious and so bad for you! I've tried several other recipes of hers and so far no complaints. Someday I may even try some of her non-sweet recipes but for now, she's got loads of deserts to try out so will be sticking with those.

I made it back to the dojo last night. I will be going in once a week for a bit and then doing the 10 week UBC course starting in August. Last night was great. I'm stronger than I thought I was and haven't lost as much of my cardio as I thought I had. I was feeling great this morning and thinking I got away without feeling too sore. But I've got the delayed soreness thing going on. Right now my shoulders, back and chest are really getting sore. Lots of punching last night. I'll deal though as it felt so dang good to moving like that again. Can't wait to get back in there full time and hopefully get back into shape. I have seriously missed it. I thought I'd enjoy the break from it, and I did for like a week, and then I started getting anxious to get back. I miss teaching in the mornings. I really enjoy meeting the new people that come in every 10 weeks. I enjoy seeing the students who return. I won't start teaching again until the holidy course which starts in November I think. Want to get myself back into shape before I attempt to help others do the same. Did managed to scuff up 4 knuckles last night. I figured I would. I had finally gotten my hands calloused enough to not need wraps or gloves. I haven't been in for a long time so they've gotten soft again. I hate having the wraps on and the gloves just bug the heck out of me so I didn't bring either, resulting in scuffed knuckles. Just means I'm starting the process over again :) Hehe, I LOVE it!

I have managed to stay off of Facebook now for almost 2 weeks. I'm so proud of myself. I was starting to spend way too much time on there it was getting annoying. I go through this weird computer withdrawal phase every summer. I spend so much of my time online during the school year as Elizabeth's lessons are all online. When summer hits and I don't have to be on as much I'm not quite sure what to do with my time. This time I was constantly checking Facebook to the point of driving myself crazy. I decided I wanted to see if I could stay off of it. The first few days were hard. I would sit with my laptop and just stare at it as there isn't much else I use it for. Ug. However as the days have gone by it's gotten way easier and I don't even think about it anymore. Now it's a competition with myself to see how long I can stay off of it. I did realize a few days ago though that I do have friends who contact me through Facebook email so I had to get on to check that. That's where the iPod app is great. I don't have to look at the newsfeed at all, can have it open up to my email and then I just hit the button and shut it down when I'm done. So, if I have no idea what is going on other people's lives that is why. Sorry.

Nathaniel and I have been slowly editing the book he wrote back in November. I tried so hard to do it earlier while I was pregnant but I was so tired all the time I found myself falling asleep while reading. And there were times where I wasn't sure what idea he was trying to get on paper. I decided it would be easier if he sat next to me and we read through a chapter each day and worked on it together. It's been fun. I know he wants to get started on the next book but he's had this one hanging over his head so I hope it helps.

Jonathan is learning something called parkour. It's all about jumping and vaulting over things like picnic tables, walls, railings, and whatever else is in the way. I hear he's pretty good at it. So far a friend takes him to the lessons so I haven't seen much of it. I will be taking him to a park one of these days so he can show off his stuff. I'm just not sure I want to watch as I know I'm going to be holding my breath the whole time and trying not to yell at him to be careful. I'm waiting for him to break a bone. He does seem to enjoy it though.

It's been a pretty boring summer for Elizabeth, I think. The days at least. Evenings she has swim lessons and bowling. I've dropped back on the school lessons but won't let her stop them completely. Trying to get in at least two lessons a day. I have this goal of where I want her to be in the fall but finally had to give up on the full day of lessons. Just can't do it with everyone home and the baby. So settling for two lessons a day. She did get to start karate back up last night and she was very happy about that. Lance and Heather were finally able to get a larger space and it allows for two classes to run at the same time. Very convenient as I can work out while Elizabeth is doing karate. Love it!

Seth is now to the need-to-get-attention-anyway-I-can stage. Was waiting for it. He was into things before but it's gotten a little worse since Meredith came home. I feel bad as we've had to come down on him harder the last few weeks. I'm just glad he doesn't seem to blame the baby. He still very much adores her. Loves to hold her. Makes funny faces at her when she's out here with us and gets her to smile. I think she's even trying to laugh at him. He's such a goof ball. He gets her "fierpacer" (yes that is how he says pacifier) for her when she starts getting a little cranky. The other day I saw him very gently wipe her face with a burp cloth after she had spit up and then he got her blanket and tucked it in around her. So sweet.

Meredith is growing like crazy! She is so stinkin long. She is very smiley and such a good baby. Not much of a napper which can be frustrating but at least she doesn't spend that time awake crying. I just never feel like I can work on anything while she's awake. Partly because I end up playing with her, hard to resist :) The times it's just the two of us I think I'll get stuff done while the other kids are out of th house but then she'll start "talking" and being all cute so I have to get down on the floor with her and catch the moment :) I figure the dishes will always be there (and I can make the boys do them later hahaha) and I'll have plenty of time later to work on my quilts. For now I'm just enjoying her. I wish she woulnd't grow so fast. My last two were smaller and stayed small for quite some time so I could remain under the illusion they were still babies. Meredith is growing so big so fast I don't think I'll be allowed to think that! With Nathaniel going into high school next year I know time is going to fly by so just taking it easy and enjoying the quiet times while I can.

Pictures

It's going to be a long day. Have been awake since 3:30 am. Couldn't go back to sleep and as I watched it get lighter and lighter decided it wasn't worth fighting it anymore since Meredith will be up again here soon to eat. Wish I could say I'll catch a nap but her habit so far is to be up enough most of the day to not allow for a nap but then sleep great between 3 and 6 pm, too late for a nap myself. And Rob has to take the kids to church so he won't be here to watch her for me. So, yah, will be a long day. Figured I'd get up and add some pics to the blog since it's been awhile.

We have the hardest time getting her to fall asleep sometimes. And then occassionally she'll pull something like this where we set her down for just a sec and she totally conks out!

About a week ago we found out about a strawberry festival at Lee Farms. We decided it would be fun to get out of the house and go check it out. Unfortunately our Oregon rain had come back and it was a pretty dreary day. Fortunately though, we managed to time it between downpours :) The farm had things like a hay maze, pony rides, and bouncy house type things. The kids rode ponies for the first time ever and enjoyed it. Seth wouldn't get on until he saw Elizabeth and Jonathan do it. 

And here are just some random pictures of the kids. Meredith is getting so big already! She is six weeks old today and time has just flown by. We moved her out of our room the other night and so far she's doing really well and sleeping a little bit longer between feedings. Yay!!

Trying to get Jonathan to just smile is like pulling teeth. Had to take this shot like 4 times before I finally quit. He was pulling a face in every single one, this is the best I could manage :)

Meredith finally likes to be in her swing.

Like I said, he can't just smile nice for the camera :)





Concert in the park

A few weeks ago the band at school had a Concert in the Park performance. Jonathan was very excited about it. The kids all did great a job. Fortunately it was a gorgeous day, no rain! Unfortunately it got really hot and we all went home sunburned. It was Meredith's first real day out of the house. She did fine but it finally got warm enough I had to pack her up and head home before it was over. I managed to catch most of Jonathan's performances though so I was happy about that. 

Jonathan and his friends played "Twinkle Little Star" :)



One of the songs from Jazz band.

Growing Fast

  

This cute little girl had her 2 week check-up this week. When we left the hospital with her she weighed 8 lbs 11 oz. At her check-up she was up to a whopping 9 lbs 10 oz, so she's almost gained a full pound from the time we brought her home! Love it! First baby of ours that's a little chunk :) Doctor looked her over and couldn't find anything wrong with her. We were misinformed about the newborn screening having a blood test for CF, it appears Oregon still has not gotten with it and added that so we will be bringing her in a couple weeks from now for the sweat-chloride test. I will be relieved to have it over and done with. While she looks so dang healthy she could still have a mild form of it so will just be a relief to know either way. Though of course I hope she doesn't.

Meredith has started smiling. It is so dang cute! She does it mostly when Seth is holding her. He sits there and giggles the whole time so I suppose she can't help but smile back at him. She is doing better at night, we are down to a feeding before bed, one in the middle of the night and then she's got us up at 6 am. I'd prefer to sleep a little longer in the morning but oh well, it's allowed me to get up, get her fed and then myself out the door for walking. The doctor told us 11 lbs seems to be the magic weight, babies will sleep longer at that weight. So we are now shooting for that 11 pounds, I want more longer, uniterrupted sleep!! Haha.

It's been nice to get out walking again. I'm a bit frustrated that my core muscles are still so weak. My hips are still trying to get back to normal so they've been stiff but it's been nice to get out and walk at a decent pace and get back out with my friend. A lot of talk therapy happens on these walks and we both have missed it :)

And now more pictures!

Introducing Meredith Hope Beasley

Wow! It's been a week already since little Meredith was born. That had to have been the fastest week I've had in over nine months!! My pregnancy made time feel like it was stuck in molases, I just wanted it to be overwith. Now that Meredith is here time is once again flying by and I wish it would slow down again. I hate how fast these first few months with a new baby just fly by. Sure, there are the constant feedings, diaper changes, crying, and the disrupted sleep. But then there are the quiet moments with her curled up in a ball on my chest, or her laying on the floor looking around, and the constant adoration doled out on her by her siblings. This doesn't last long. Soon she'll be too interested looking around to want to lay on my chest. It won't be long before she can roll over which leads to mobility. She'll start to babble and give up the adorable cooing sounds she makes now, and soon (hopefully) she'll be sleeping through the night. So I've been trying to treasure every moment I have with her while she's so little. I know I'm spoiling her, she's already having a hard time sleeping in her bassinet, at least during the day, because neither Rob or I want to put her down. She has done pretty good at night so far. Last night she did great, we managed to be asleep by 10:30 with only one feeding around 2 am and then she had us up by 6. Would have been nice to sleep just a tad bit longer but we really did need to get up and moving anyway.

Her delivery went pretty smooth. I was disappointed in how long it took and the epidural ran out about when I needed it most but that was my fault. Other than that nothing to complain about. I managed to panic a nurse, that was pretty funny. When things FINALLY got going I jumped from a 4 to a 9 in an hour, after hours and hours of nothing happening. It was, of course, during this time that the doctor had decided to leave to go home for a bit. That has happened with almost every baby, the doctor decides I'm going to be awhile so he/she leaves and a nurse ends up frantically calling them back in. So, the nurse was a bit freaked out when she was faced with the possibility that she would be delivering the baby as the doctor was at least 20 minutes away. I did manage to hold out and wait for the doctor but just barely. Was just about to tell the nurse she'd be doing it when my doctor came flying in. Wasn't much longer until I was holding Meredith in my arms, with me half dead from the pushing and not having had anything to eat since 5 am (she was born at about 6 pm), but so happy to have her here! She weighed in at 9 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long! Our biggest baby yet :) First baby of ours born with chubby arms and thighs too! So cute. She was, and still is, just beautiful. Somehow she managed to avoid the whole cone head look so she had a cute little round head, despite being so big. She was and continues to be a pretty laid back baby. Even when they were doing the different tests on her she never cried. Meredith slept through the hearing test they do and then during the heal prick and blood draw all she needed was a pacifier in her mouth.

She has been a joy to have home! The kids all love her and are always asking if they can hold her. She sat with Nathaniel for quite some time yesterday, just calmly sitting in his arms staring at his face. I think it was the glasses :) She doesn't cry much unless it's really close to time to eat and we don't do it immediately. Then she gets mad. She's only gotten really mad maybe a couple of times. Nursing is going really well with her, I'm very glad about this. I had thought about doing bottles just for the convenience but the thought of buying formula again always stops me, it's too dang expensive. And she just picked right up on it so no reason to not nurse her. Just gives me another excuse to sit down and cuddle her :) 

And now some pictures :)

 

It's Almost Time!!

Getting very nervous now. For once the day has flown by. So weird to think that by this time tomorrow we will (hopefully) have a new family member!! ACK!!! I'm not going to sleep well tonight. We leave here about 5:30 am to be at the hospital by 6. I think things will get started a little after 7. I'm going to be up all night thinking, I just know it. The last two nights have been that way, thinking about everything I need to get done. Just finished the last thing on my list but still feel like I must be missing something. Haha. I will not be bringing my lap top so pictures will have to wait until we get home, which will probably be Tuesday. And even then, doubt I'll get any pictures up very soon.

Can't wait to meet her! Excited to see what she looks like and how she'll resemble her siblings :) Right now it's pretty even, two kids take after Rob's side and two take after mine. Fingers crossed we don't see any signs of CF but we are ready to accept it if she does. We won't know for sure until results come back on the blood test. Oregon FINALLY has CF on the newborn blood tests they do. But there are things to watch for, at least the signs we saw with Elizabeth, we just didn't know what they meant at the time.

Of course the big question is-How the heck am I going to arrange pictures on the wall now? LOL 4 is so symmetrical, 5 just isn't. Unless it's a pentagon and well, hard to put the pictures on the wall in that shape. Believe it or not I've had several friends ask me about that. The ones that know I like symmetry :) At least it will be awhile before I have photos done of her. I have some more time to think about it.

Ok, off to see what I'm missing and make sure things are clean and ready to go. Then, have to attempt to sleep, HA!

Elizabeth Earned Her Blue!!

The Juniors class at the dojo had their belt test a few weeks ago and Elizabeth passed! She received her new blue belt last night. Very proud of her, she did an awesome job.

Here are some pictures from their testing:

All geared up and ready to spar.

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All done sparring!

Her awesome Juniors class with her most awesome teachers!

Fighting stance with a kiai!