Pictures From Ashley's Birthday Party

Lyndsy, Kelcey, Kelly, Ashley, Aubree and Savannah (Ciara is off hiding somewhere)

Ashley's Birthday Bash

My sweet baby turned 9 years old yesterday. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years since we first met. 9 years since I held that precious baby in my arms for the first time. She was the beginning of this beautiful chapter of my life, that continues to flourish every day.

We had her birthday party at The Embassy Suites Hotel this weekend. I told her she could invite 5 friends, but somehow we ended up with 6. :) Here's the invitation I made:

As soon as we arrived at the Embassy, we got changed and jumped in the pool for a bit. Grandma wasn't scheduled to pick up Alex for a few hours, so we had 7 girls, and 3 year old Alex, who just learned to swim a few months ago. Whew, what was I thinking!? 9 year old girls are at the stage where they love their independance, yet still thrive on adult approval to some extent. This equates to 7 girls clear across the pool yelling "MRS. JAMIE, MRS. JAMIE, WATCH THIS, WATCH THIS!!", which would normally be fine if I didn't have a 3 year old who's swimming abilities out weigh his intelligence. The girls had a blast, momma came close to loosing her mind. Thankfully, our pizza arrived and we had an excuse to leave. After cake, pizza, and presents Grams and Pops took Alex home with them for the night THANKYOUVERYMUCH, and we headed off to the mall. I didn't tell the girls what we had planned, it was a complete surprise. We arrived at the food court and I handed each girl an envelope with their name written on the outside. Inside each person had a name tag:

a Scavenger Hunt Sheet. (I'll add that on to the end of this entry) Ashley's envelope had some money for a few of the items on the list, and a map of the mall. We decided that they should all stick together as opposed to splitting up in to teams because girls this age can be a little over competitive, and the last thing we needed was for them to be divided. That turned out to be an AWESOME decision. They worked so well together, no one was left out and everyone participated. It really turned out to be a great time for the girls. Mark and I tagged along behind them keeping our mouths shut as much as possible.
From there we went to Wendy's and ordered 9 Frosty's. What a time we had a Wendy's! Thankfully, the place was empty, had it not been, it would have been shortly after our arrival. Mark and I really let loose and let the girls have fun, which is not typical of us. Normally, we're the semi-uptight-stressed-to-the-max parents telling the kids to keep their voices down, mind their manners, and to wipe their chins, so for us, this was a pretty big deal. I have some great pictures from Wendy's, I'll post those later. Ok, so by now it's around 9:00 PM, so we head back to the hotel, where Mark proceeds to fall face first in to the pillow. Poor guy was beat! He played hard with the girls. At one point he had 4-5 girls hanging off him as he walked across the Wendy's parking lot. As Ruthie put it..he really shined that night. :) I was proud. Back to the room...the girls sat in a circle and did a craft where they decorated door knob hangars with foam letters and shapes, while pigging out on popcorn and yes, more junk. Oh man, those poor parents who actually sent toothbrushes, haha, I'm just crossing my fingers that I'm not the cause of any emergency dental work over the next week. We had cookies, gummy worms, chocolate, pop rocks, wax bottles, chewy sweet tarts and even more junk. It was heavenly.
After the sugar rushes peaked we did mud masks and nails. By the time we were done it was 11:30 and believe it or not the girls were ASKING to go to bed. NO, that's really no joke, they were ALL exhausted. We've found the secret to NOT staying up all night, WEAR THEM OUT and give them wayyyy too much sugar! We were in bed and sleeping by midnight. I never even saw the end of Saturday Night Live.

The next morning we did the free full made to order breakfast, where the girls pigged out on everything their little hearts desired...including soda...but shhh, don't tell. We ended the party by letting the girls run a muck in the hotel, they went from elavator to elevator, and floor to floor reaking havoc on the other hotel guests, which was fine by me, I wasn't with them. Muaaahaaahaa!!! We were packed up and on the road by 11:30, on the way back to sweet freedom. Ash had an awesome time, no fights, surprisingly everyone got along and made the best of it. I'm not sure if it was the closed quarters that forced them to get along, or the fact that I threatened their lives before we ever left the house. I told them that I would send anyone home that made fun of, left out, or caused trouble with any of the other girls. Poor Ash, I'm sure she LOVED hearing that speech. :) I will post pictures tomorrow, it's way late and I'm running on empty.

Ashley’s Birthday Scavenger Hunt

*Work together as a team to solve each clue to find out what items you need to complete this birthday mission. You may need to refer to a map of the mall to find your way. A $ next to the clue means you will need money, honey! You won’t have much, so shop wisely.

1. All young girls love to shop here and not just one or TOO of you. Go in this store and ask for a bag to carry your loot.

2. I am a plastic eating implement consisting of a small shallow bowl with a relatively long handle.

3. I am flat and round and you will find me where food is sold. You eat off of me and throw me away when I get old.

4. I am on all clothes when they are new, but discarded before worn.

5. I am born of a bud in the spring. In autumn, I turn brown and fall to the ground.

6. $ Shiny and round am I. 4 of me make a dollar.

7. I am made from paper and square, not round. When you are done with me, you flush me down.

8. $ I am chewed, but not swallowed. I am always sweet and sometimes hollow. You can find me in a machine.

9. $ You love me with milk when mom cooks me right. Bring me back without any bites. Make sure to get one of me for each person on your team!

10. You will find me at the bookstore waiting to hold your place. You slide me in your novels and I don’t take up much space. You can sometimes find me free if you ask, but in case you need to buy me, take some cash.

Radijazz Pictures

I Thought We Were Past This Stage!

This is what happens when momma spends 15 minutes on the phone with a friend, neglecting her poor lonely child.

I snapped these pictures just minutes after getting off the phone with an incompetant dental assistant, and needless to say, I was NOT in a good mood. I was looking for Alex to round him up so we could go to Radijazz. We were already running late. I didn't find him in the TP'd bathroom, so I went upstairs to find picture #1. We used the rice in a lesson earlier that morning, and apparently Alex really enjoyed himself. I found him in his mess, and I was not happy. I was doing they typical reprimanding when I went to put his socks on. (The innocent socks lying on the floor in the first picture) I picked them up not realizing that I had just activated a booby trap. Alex had filled his socks with rice. Lovely. At this point, I could no longer scold him, my brain was on overload, so I broke down in to laughter. I think laughter for a mommy can be compared to passing out. It's the minds way of protecting itself from things it doesn't need to experience. So I'm laughing, while Alex is looking up at me with complete confusion. When he realizes it's safe, he follows suite and while pointing at me, nervously laughs out"Haha, you're laughing, you're laughing, that means you're not mad anymore, Huh Huh, huh huh". My poor son.

Alex-isms

I've decided that my memory is far to unreliable to remember all that I need it to, so this will be my spot to jot down all those precious Alex-isms that make us laugh each day.

Gui-ana - any of various large herbivorous typically dark-colored tropical American lizards aka: Iguana
Ex: "Momma, where is my guiana that Koltin gave me?"
Sadly enough, this is one of those words that my poor son will say incorrectly until he goes to school and the teacher corrects him. And on that day, I will cry. There are very few of these words, but the ones we have are way to precious to give up this early. :)

Aga-Cadabra - a magical charm or incantation
aka: Abracadabra
Ex: Alex asks momma for a cookie. Mom: "What's the magic word?" Alex: "Aga-Cadabra!"

Updated January 3, 2006:

Breath-ust - the first meal of the day, otherwise known as Breakfast.

Buh-zan-ya - Layered italian dish consisting of cheeses, flat noodles and tomato sauce otherwise known as Lasagna.

Buh-sketti - another italian dish consisting of sauce and noodles, aka: Spagetti
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Botched Pet names

Hemry - The name of our second pet Guinea Pig.
aka: HeNry

Tachi - The name of our kitty who owns the upper half of our home. This name morphed from Chachi to Tachi and sometimes chach...I have no idea how this happened.
aka: Chelsea

Fumbuhwina - Our pet rat.
aka: Thumbelina

Is it REALLY over?

Please say it's not over, please tell me that last nights episode of Six Feet Under really isn't the LAST LAST episode. No producer REALLY means it the first time they say it's over, right? Friends and The Sopranos didn't leave us. Can't it just be like another one of those painfully funny scenes where Ruth comes close to killing George, or Brenda performs acts of incest, and we all wake up and everything is fine? Nate dying was enough, now we have to say goodbye to them all? I don't wanna.


Six Feet Under Obituaries-
Copied from www.hbo.com

Ruth O'Connor Fisher
Ruth Fisher was born in Pasadena in 1946 and died at Good Samaritan Hospital of Glendale on Wednesday. She graduated from Pasadena High School in 1963 and stayed home to raise three children before opening the Four Paws Pet Retreat in Topanga Canyon twenty years ago. She is survived by her loving companion George Sibley, her sister Sarah O'Connor, her son David Fisher of Los Angeles and her daughter Claire Fisher of New York City. Ruth will also be missed by her four cherished grandchildren - Maya Fisher, Willa Chenowith, and Anthony and Durrell Charles-Fisher. Viewing will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 2 p.m. at Fisher & Sons Funeral Home at 2302 W. 25th Street in Los Angeles. Private burial to follow.

Keith Dwayne Charles
Keith Charles, founder of Charles Security Company, was born in 1968 in San Diego. He died suddenly at work on Tuesday morning. Keith attended West Point Military Academy, graduating with a degree in Criminology in 1989. He served the city of Los Angeles as a member of the LAPD for nine years before joining the security industry. He leaves behind his devoted husband David Fisher and loving sons Durrell and Anthony Charles-Fisher, his grandson Matthew, his sister Karla Charles and his niece Taylor Benoit of Carlsbad. Keith is pre-deceased by his parents Roderick and Lucille Charles of San Diego. Memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 18th at 2 p.m. at Fisher & Sons Funeral Home at 2302 W. 25th Street in Los Angeles.

David James Fisher
Born January 20, 1969. Died at the age of 75 in Echo Park. He was proud owner and operator of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home of Los Angeles for over forty years. After retiring in 2034, he went on to perform in dozens of local theater productions, including Weill and Brecht's "Threepenny Opera," Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," and as Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." David leaves behind his partner Raoul Martinez, his beloved sons Durrell and Anthony Charles-Fisher, his sister Claire Fisher and his three precious grandchildren Matthew, Keith, and Katie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southern California Opera Association

Hector Federico Diaz
Died at the age of 75 while vacationing with his wife in Puerto Rico. Federico graduated from Cyprus College in 1997 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He worked as a restorative artist for several years before becoming part owner of Fisher & Diaz Funeral Home on 25th Street. In 2005, Federico opened the Diaz Family Mortuary on DeLongpre Avenue in Hollywood, where he served the community for 35 years before retiring. Pre-deceased by his parents Mauricio and Lilia Diaz of Los Angeles. He was married to his beloved wife Vanessa for 54 years and leaves behind his cherished sons Julio and Augusto and his three grandchildren: Emily, Celestina and Vincent. Memorial service will be held at Diaz Family Mortuary on Saturday, February 16th at 11:00 a.m. Funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. the following day at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Atwater Village.

Brenda Chenowith
Brenda Chenowith was born July 19, 1969 and died at the age of 82 at home. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at California State University of Los Angeles and a PhD in Theories of Human Behavior at University of Southern California. Brenda wrote several books about the role of the gifted child in family development. She is considered to be one of the most distinguished scholars in that field of study, adding several courses to the Social Work curriculum at USC. She developed research methodologies to conclusively prove the link between deviant human behavior and fetal alcohol exposure. As a child, Brenda was the subject of the book "Charlotte Light and Dark" by Gareth Feinberg, PhD. Brenda will be dearly missed by her beloved children Maya Fisher, Willa Chenowith, and Forrest Nathanson, her loving husband Daniel Nathanson, and her brother William Chenowith of Malibu. Private services will be held Wednesday March 9th at Deep Creek Nature Preserve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Claire Simone Fisher
1983 - 2085Born March 13, 1983. Died February 11, 2085 in Manhattan. Claire grew up in Los Angeles and studied art at LAC-Arts College. She worked as an advertising and fashion photographer and photojournalist for nearly fifty years, creating several memorable covers for Washington Post magazine, W, and The Face. Claire often exhibited her work in New York and London art galleries and in a time when nearly everyone else in her field had turned to digital scanning and computer-driven imaging, she continued to use a silver-based photographic process. Claire began teaching photography as a faculty member at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2018, earning tenure in 2028. She's pre-deceased by her beloved husband Ted Fairwell.

Call From The Teacher

It's the third day of school, the phone rings, it's your childs 4th grade teacher calling to inform you of an "incident" that happened with your oh-so-sweet 8 year old. I have to admit, when Ashley's teacher announced who she was my heart began to pound, despite knowing that my Ashley could never do harm, ESPECIALLY on the third day of school. Well, I was right, my Ashley did no REAL harm, per se. This year Ashley has the "privelage" of being outside in the portables with all the other 4th graders. Oh wait, I'm not supposed to use the term "portable", I'm supposed to say "cottage". Kind of like repacing "mobil home" with manufactured home dontcha know. ;) Same thing, different word, whatever. Anywho, my point is, the kids are using new bathrooms this year, and apparently, my Ashley hasn't quite figured out that the girls bathrooms are on the opposite side of the hall from last year. She walked in on two of her classmates using the urinals. :( Poor thing, I can't even begin to imagine the horror of being a 4th grader having to back to class with these boys. Thankfully, after quizzing her, I discovered that no boy parts were revealed during the mishap. Apparently, Ash was pretty distressed over the incident and had a hard time getting over it in class. Mrs. Ellsworth said she just looked so sad. My poor baby. I hate not being able to fix this. We decided that instead of being upset about it, we were going to laugh, and that's what we did. I reminded her of how funny this will be to look back on, she reluctantly agreed and laughed along with me.

It reminds of the time back in 3rd grade when Ryan Stephenson barfed on my shoe. I was sooo embarassed, I thought the world was coming to an end and no one would ever like me again. Ok, so only a little bit got on my shoe, but what's the difference. ;)

Jamie is

Jamie, Jamie, Jamie, lets see...I have to dig waaay down deep to get creative these days, unless you're asking me to find a solution to a carpool dilema, or how to get dried oatmeal (aka: cement) off the kitchen light fixture . The definition of Jamie these days is momma. And when the voices stop, I'm sometimes referred to as "hot" momma, but those are moments are few and far between. Despite the teetering negativity in the preceeding statements, I'm actually a very happy wife and mom to my two darling children. Ashley, my sweet natured, over achieving adult pleaser is in the 4th grade and will be turning 9 next week, and Alex, my rip roarin', hell raisin' love bug is 3.75 and enjoying every minute of his raging toddler-hood. I'm a stay at home mom, and love my job dearly. I just started homeschooling my preschooler, and counting down the time I have left at home with him. (I mean that in only a good way) I only have 2 precious years left and I'm dreading the day I hand him over to Kindergarten and slowly begin the act of corrupting his precious mind. ;)
My husband, Mark is the love of my life, and the person I look up to more than anyone in my life. We've been married almost 6 years now, and just this year, he adopted our daughter, Ashley, with whom he's been daddy to since she was just 2 years old. He has completed my life in so many, many ways, I could never express how special he is to me.

Zoo today and summer stuff

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We have 2 weeks left of summer, I can hardly believe have fast it has flown by! My goals for the summer were:

1. To get on a better schedule, as far as house work goes
2. Get Ashley set up with a typing program
3. Go over all of Ashley's multipication facts to reinforce them
4. Spend lots and lots of time with the kids
5. Get a mini-preschool area set up for Alex in the playroom

I've accomplished most of them! I still have not ordered Ashley's typing program. I NEED TO DO THAT! She is so anxious to learn to type, and I really do need see to it that she starts soon, while she's so interested. We are almost through with all the multipication tables, and she's doing just fine with that. The preschool is a brain child of mine, that WILL get done before school starts in 2 weeks. I have the plan, and most everything I need to get started. For paint, I'm going to do bright colors, one on each wall...red, blue, yellow, and orange. On the blue wall I will put the big tree wall hanging and the picket fence. It's going to be so cute, and I have so many ideas on how to use the tree for different themes throughout the year. Mark is making me a book display. Those pick-a-book stands are so expensive! Mine will not be nearly as nice, but it will still function like I want it to. I want Alex to be able to SEE the front of his books instead of me stacking them in a cabinet. I bought some whiteboard paper, and a big board and created my own whiteboard. It's 4x2 and cost me a whopping $8 to make! I'm so proud of that one! Anyway, I have tons of stuff in my head, I just need make it happen, and I will have plenty of time next week to make sure I get it done. The kids are going to my dads to visit for a few days. Imagine that...ME HOME ALONE! EEK! I have NEVER been alone for an entire day!

Today we're going to the zoo. The Austin Zoo is not really a "zoo", it's really an animal rescue that specializes in zoo type animals. It's not very big, but perfect for little guys like Alex. We're going with a group of friends that Alex gets along well with, so that should be fun!

Adventure Race

I forgot to update about my race from Saturday!! This was my second year to compete in the Women's Adventure Race, benefiting the Young Womens Survival Coallition. This charity supports young women under 40 affected by cancer. It was a huge success once again this year. Very powerful!

I had a new partner this year, Tiesa. She's a good friend and neighbor. Our girls are both going to the 4th grade, and are very close. My partner from last year was there with a new partner as well, so that was nice. We both needed someone closer to our level of fitness, so it worked out great. Anyway, I just got the final results back! Tiesa and I finished 45 out of 192 competitors. We finished in 1 hr. 40 min., which is a huge improvement from last year. Last year we finished in 2 hrs. 5 min. We are thrilled at how well did, but we both already have started our goals for next year. I can't wait to see pictures! Mark and the kids weren't able to come this year, so I didn't have anyone taking pictures. I was kind of bummed about that. There is a company that takes pictures throughout the race of all the competitors, so I know I will have at least a few soon.

Summer

Is really only mid June?? I feel like we've done so much already, enough for entire summer! I had my 10 year reunion, that was a lot of fun, it was interesting to hear all about what everyone has done with the last 10 years. I was shocked that only 78 people showed up...including spouses, from a class of almost 400. It probably had something to do with the $45 per person. Despite that, it was fun to dress up and see all of my old friends.

Last Saturday we FINALLY had Ashley's adoption party! We had it out at my dads lake house where everyone could swim and wakeboard. Wow, what a party! It was an hour and a half drive for everyone, so we were surprised at the 30+ person turnout. It was so nice to have so many people that we care about in the same place at once showing their support for our family. It was a beautiful time!

As for me, I'm just trucking along, enjoying my time with my kiddos both being home together for summer. We go swimming almost everyday, and I'm still working out 4-5 times a week. I've found that my love is aerobic classes, I'm addicted!!! I take muscles in motion on Mondays, which is a toning class, Circuit training on Tuesday, this class kicks my butt for a full hour...I have finally adjusted to the step, for a while there I wanted to quit just for the simple fact that I felt like such a moron on the step. The instructor does steps that I've never seen before, and she does them quick! I have never felt so uncoordinated in my life!! I've adjusted though, FINALLY!!! Friday I take a 45 min. cycling class, that is really, really tough. The only way I get through it is positive self talk. If any ounce of negativity reaches my exhausted brain, I want to quit. I firmly believe that endurance is 60% mental. Two of these classes are taught by Meredith. She is so positive and motivating. It's so nice to have someone to look up to on a fitness level. This weekend she placed 3rd in the Danskin which is over 3,000 women competitors. She's my hero! But seriously, someday, I hope to be able to compete at that level. My race is coming up in July, and I'm soooo anxious, I can't stand it!!! ( www.womensrace.com ) I'm going to whip my time from last year. My partner and i are on just about the same level and I know we're going to do very well this year. Last year we ranked right smack dab in the middle of all the competitors, which means we were pretty dang average. This year I want to climb up to the top a little more.

Anyway, I need to go get ready, we have a dentist appointment in just a bit. Signing off.

Just an update

This year we spent Easter at my dads. The long weekend was soo nice. Alex came down with Hand Foot and Mouth, which has been no fun for the poor little guy. His Hands feet, bottom and mouth are all covered in little blisters. From the moment i saw the blisters I knew what it was. He came down with this last year, so this time I decided not to fork over the $15 co-pay for a dr. to tell me that my son has Hand Foot and Mouth and there is nothing I can do about it. That's ok, right? I know Alex is ok, and I guess second guessing my decisions is all part of being a mom.

Mom is looking and feeling so much better these days. Slowly but surely her body is recovering from the year of chemo. She tells Ash that her goal is to race up the street like they always use to love to do. How many grandmas RACE their 7 year old granddaughter in a full sprint? I don't think she'll ever stop running.

Mary Kay is going pretty well. Every week I sell at least a little. I'm so anxious to move away from selling to my circle of family and friends though. I held a drawing for a Satin Hands set up at the children's consignment shop that was very successful. I had 11 entries and gained 3 new customers from it. I plan on doing that every other month. This will really help me in my mission to start migrating away from selling to familly and friends. I actually have my first appointment with a complete stranger today. She's the winner of the Satin Hands set, and I've only ever talked to her on the phone. She'll have a friend with her, so the pressure may not be high. I'm very nervous, yet excited to get my feet wet. I'll have to update on how that went later

Adoption Day on the horizon

It's so close, we almost have a date! So far the tentative date is February 4th. I'm so excited and anxious! I've been trying so hard to find something special for Ashley to give to Mark on their special day. I have found a few poems, but I'm not sure what to do with them. I will put a bug in Ashley's ear to make daddy something as well. I think this poem is the one, now I need to figure out what to do with it. I thought maybe I could frame it and have Ash decorate the mat. I was hoping to think of something smaller, that he could carry with him always.

You did not give me the gift of life,
but in my heart I know
the love I feel is so deep and real
as if it had been so.
You did not give me the gift of life,
but rather the chance to live...
to love; to learn; to laugh;
to cry; but most importantly, to give.
You did not give me the gift of life,
and that's ok with me.
For no matter what, you're my daddy
for all eternity!
For us to have each other
is like a dream come true.
No, you did not give me the gift of life;
Life gave me the gift of you!
Credits: Jaime Frodyma

Growin Up

Good news and bad news. Bad news...my baby girl has a crush. Ok, so it's not really bad news, but still, close enough. Lastnight while we were doing the nightime brush teeth go potty ritual, I noticed that Ashley looke a little sad. I asked her what was wrong and she said that she had been feeling like her heart was hurting. " src="http://www3.nb.sympatico.ca/crempel/Smilies/sad.gif"> I had no idea what was going to come out of her mouth next, but I must say, I was a bit nervous. She closed the bathroom door, made me promise not to tell daddy, and told me that she liked a 5th grader. As it turns out, this is the same boy that has liked her since she was in the 1st grade (so I hear). My baby is in 3rd grade!!! Anyway, she was upset because he doesn't know that she likes him and she's afraid to tell him because her friends think he's gross. She's asking me what she should do. First thought...OMG, this is my 3rd grade baby girl, second thought, and good news...she's TALKING TO ME!!!! This is a good thing! I gave her my advice which was to be his friend and don't worry about what her friends say. I told her that it was normal to like boys, and that I remember liking a new boy every few months or so. It was a good talk, but I'm still in shock! This is only the beginning.

Dieting

So, I've always wondered when it would happen, 25, 30, 40??? Well, here I am at 27 watching weight pile on as if I sat around and ate bon bons all day. I've never had a weight problem in my entire life, I've had 2 kids and bounced back from each of them, but unfortunately my metabolism is slowing down. I've gained 5 pounds in the last month. I'm now 165 lbs at 5' 9". I refuse to let myself get fat, REFUSE! I've been reading a little bit about Dr. Phils weighloss challenge and I can see how it would work, but I have ONE issue with it. He claims that when I over eat and endulge in junk, that I'm really masking an emotional issue. I don't see it. I ate 3 Hershey's kisses and a resses a few minutes ago because they taste so damn good. I don't have an emotional issue, I'm not hiding from anything or masking an emotional need, I LOVE CHOCOLATE, it makes the receptors in my brain happy. What can I say? The nights when I eat too much dinner, once again, I'm overeating because food tastes GOOD!


Anyway, so my plan of attack is to workout, and watch my portion control a little better. I refuse to go low carb, and I refuse to cut out sugars. I CAN overcome this without taking drastic measures, I just know it. Tomorrow I'm meeting with Chris who will figure my body fat, BMR and how many calories I need to be taking in, in order to loose weight. I'm anxious, but nervous. I just can't get excited about learning what my body fat percentage is.


I am thankful for the way I am...it could be worse.

I am thankful that my husband loves me for ME.

I am thankful that Chris is generous enough to help me learn how to stay fit.

Christmas Day

It's Christmas day at the Urben's, the day is coming to an end, presents are all unwrapped, the food is all eaten, the mess is all cleaned up and here we sit reflecting on all that we have. The simple things are larger than life on this special day. Family, friends, health and happiness...we have it all really.

Last night Nana got to our house at about 5:00, and Jason arrived a few hours later. I had originally planned on making broccoli chicken casserole, but after opening the box of freezer burned broccoli, we decided we just munch on appetizers and eggnog instead. Ruthie started her homemade spagetti for us to eat for lunch on Christmas Day while everyone watched The Incredibles. The kids went to bed around 9:30. As soon as they were out, I started the last of my wrapping. We finished up and got to bed around 12:30. Mark and I woke up bright and early at 6:30 this morning, got ready, lit the candles, started the wassle, turned on the Christmas music while Nana started our traditional cream chip beef on biscuits (Shit on shingles). The kids finally rolled out of bed around 8. They did a wonderful job of taking turns opening presents and thanking everyone. Dad arrived around 8:30, just in time to watch the last presents get opened. We had a wonderful time together as a family, but wished uncle Dave could have been there with us. Uncle Frank showed up shortly after Dad, and Melissa, Aleena, and family showed up around 9:30. We all ate breakfast, while chatting and having a wonderful time together while the kids ran around the house playing with all their new toys. After the Garcia's left, around 12:30, we ate Nana's homemade spagetti, which was WONDERFUL! Nana and Big Daddy left around 1:30, Alex went down for a nap, and Uncle Steve showed up. Mark, Steve, Jason, Ashley and I, all laid around the living room watching A Christmas Story. Apparently I was a tad bit tired. I was awoke in the recliner by the doorbell at about 4:45 and looked around to see everyone snoozing away all over the living room. " What a beautiful sight.

At the door was Mom, Andy, and Trish. I had no idea that Aunt Trish was coming, so it was such a pleasant surprise to see her!! We hung out, munched on the Honey Baked Ham that they brought, and pigged out on all the Christmas goodies that I had left over and had a super time together once again. Everyone left around 8:00, and here we are enjoying the last of this wonderful day together. It has truly been a wonderful day at the Urben's.

Adoption Update, meet the judge

This Tuesday December 14th, we had our hearing for the termination of Rick's parental rights. I was soooooo nervous sitting in the courtroom waiting for our turn, it took about 20 min. for the judge to get to our case. Our attorney said "lets cross our fingers", and I thought, @#%$, I have to cross my fingers?? I was hoping she was going to be more reassuring. My tummy was just a mess. I thought I was going to have to run for the bathroom!! We sat through case after case of divorce. I cannot believe how many divorces go on! Our attorney said that at least 50% of the cases that go before the judge are divorces, so by the time it was our turn, the judge actually smiled! We had to testify, my sweetie got so misty eyed talking about his daughter and how he plans to adopt her. It was emotional. As soon as the judge said "I'm granting this petetion for termination of Mr. Acuna's rights.", Mark and I were overcome with emotion. It was an awesome moment, a moment that we had been waiting for, for a very long time. Just as the judge spoke granting the petition, Alex lets out several huge toots! I was so embarassed, a courtroom FULL of QUIET people and my son blows one. He was very proud of his work and just giggled and giggled. We left a nice little odor for the honorable judge Higginbotham. I had a hard time turning around and not RUNNING out the door!!

Our home study is Thursday and I can't wait to get it done, that will bring us one step closer to the big day!


I'm so thankful that our wait is almost over.

I'm thankful that Judge Higginbotham understands that blood is not always thicker than water.

Once again, I am so thankful that I have the most wonderful husband in the entire universe.

Valium anyone?

Have I mentioned that being a stay at home mom is the toughest job I've ever had. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having 2 children and being a SAHM would be this trying. Don't get me wrong I love my job, but there are days like today, that I'm ready to throw my hands up and run. If anymore energy or emotion is sucked out of me today I feel like I will turn inside out. There is never a quiet moment in this house. Most days I enjoy this, but today, I wouldn't mind a white room with padded walls...errrr wait, maybe that's where they will take me when my head spins around and my eyeballs pop out of their sockets...(As Alex dumps his entire basket of play food out on the living room floor and the dryer buzzes in the background.) lol I have christmas lights half way up on the rail in front of the house, the vaccuum for the stairs is sitting on the counter waiting for me, the bike, the trike and the pogo stick are in the driveway and need to be moved before Mark pulls in the driveway. Don't even get me started about dinner. My todo list has turned in to the "to do SOMEDAY" list. Poor poor pitiful me.


Thankfuls


I'm so thankful that there is such thing as a sense of humor.

I'm so thankful that there are NOT more hours in a day.

I'm so thankful that tomorrow is a new day.

Adoption update home study

Friday evening our Home Study was cancelled. Apparently, it's going to be next to impossible to get one done so quickly, unless we're willing to pay double the normal rate. That's ok though, this will get done soon, nothing is going to change except for the measley old date. We found out that we have a lot more to do than we realized for this home study. Mark has to get a document from a doctor saying that he is physically capable of being a father. ( ) We also have to get letters of recommendation from non-family members. I sent out an email to all of our friends requesting letters and within a few hours I had already received one. It was very touching. I think I'm going to add it to my blog. So, now we get to be a little picky about who we choose to conduct our home study. We're getting rates and references from several right now. We should be ready for the adoption hearing by January, or possibly February.



Letter of recommendation from the Zuniga's:



To whom it may concern,

I am so happy to have the chance to talk about my experiences with Mark Urben and Ashley Rogers. My daughter, Aubree Zuniga and Ashley are best friends. They met about 2 years ago when we were lucky enough to have moved to a house on the same street as the Urben family. When I first met Ashley, she struck me as a very sweet, confident, well-adjusted, smart and responsible child. She is surprisingly mature for her age.

She bragged about her mommy, daddy and baby brother on the first day she came to play. We quickly became friends with the rest of the family and have since had many dinners, parties, shopping trips, walks around the neighborhood and have even been on a few family trips together. I have witnessed so much love between Mark and Ashley, so much respect and admiration. Whether it’s the way Mark looks at her, hugs her, talks to her or even disciplines her, he always does it with a patient, respectful, loving, and compassionate hand.

Ashley loves Mark and has always referred to him as “Daddy” because that is just what he is to her. Mark makes time for Ashley and even takes her out on Daddy/Daughter dates. He makes her a priority in his life and goes out of his way to make her feel special.

I have said this over and over, and I know it’s something that Ashley’s mommy, Jamie thinks about many times in a day, but Jamie and Ashley were so very lucky to have found a man like Mark - a man that is a pillar for his family, providing a solid foundation for growth and a soft place to land when someone falls.

Mark is also truly and deeply in love with his wife, Jamie and it shows. Whether he knows it or not, he is setting an excellent example for the kind of husband that Ashley will seek out when she is older. Because of his example, Ashley will demand someone that is respectful, loving, affectionate and dedicated. I truly believe that there is no better daddy in the world for Ashley.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Adoption Update

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! When will we get the return of service back .....do you know?
Thanks,
Christine

-----Original Message-----
From: CPS [mailto:austincps@cox-internet.com]
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:44 AM
To: Christine Stelzer
Subject: IIO Rogers Child




Christine: I just learned that Respondent Rick Acuna was personally
served November 7th at 4:45 p.m. in CA.

Sheri'
CPS

Emotions

Men are not emotional beings, men are not emotional beings, men are not emotional beings. Why is it that no matter how much I tell myself that, I just can't seem to accept it? Mark and I have the most wonderful relationship I've ever experienced in my life. Why is it that I can't just leave good enough alone? I want to know what goes on up in that head of his. There are several things going on in his life right now, and I don't have a clue what's going on in his head. For instance, last week...he came home early from work because of the death of his friend and the emotions that it was bringing up. Mark NEVER misses work. He drags himself to work no matter how much pain he's in. Him leaving work tells me that he was very sad and hurting inside. The only time he ever spoke to me about it was when he called to tell me he was coming home. He said it brought up feelings of his father and he couldn't stay at work anymore. That's it. We spent the entire day together, and that's the only thing he ever mentioned about it. I asked him several times how he was doing and he said he was ok. Why can't he talk to me? Doesn't he NEED to talk about these things? Isn't that part of why I'm here?

Lastnight I asked him about another emotional subject that came up after he received a phone call from an old friend of his. I asked if he wanted to talk about it and of course he said no. It hurts when you feel like an outsider to your husbands inner being. I worry that if he can't talk to me about what's inside of him, how would I ever know if he was to become unhappy in our marraige? Would he talk about it then? Would he tell me his needs, would he let me in?

Three thankfuls:

I'm thankful that Mark ALWAYS makes me feel loved.
I'm thankful that he has a soft heart.
I'm thankful that I have the desire to make our relationship stronger.

Weekend at Dads

My dad and stepmom met my brother and his girlfriend in Vegas this weekend, while we stayed at dad's and dog sat. It was a VERY relaxing weekend for all of us. On Saturday we all went Sesame Street Live and had such a wonderful time together. We filled up on popcorn, cotton candy and coke. What more could we ask for. After that we went home and did absolutely nothing for the rest of the weekend, which was EXACTLY what we needed. I'm anxious for Thanksgiving, I really miss my dad and stepmom and look forward to spending some time with them.

(Mark is STILL smoke free!!!)

3 thankfuls:

My safe warm home on this cold rainy day.
My sweet daughter who's mission in life is to please others.
My drive and determination to head off to the gym this morning.

Cigarettes

Mark came home from work yesterday, he walked through the door, I greeted him with the same loving hug that I always do, but this one was different. At the time I didn't know exactly WHAT was different, I just know it was delicious. We made our way to the kitchen, and he took me aside and said "listen, I want to tell you something, but DON'T get your hopes up". Um, ok? He proceeds..."I haven't had a cigarette since Friday, and I just wanted you to understand if I get a little short fused, that's why." I was so excited that I could not contain myself, I was jumping up and down screaming with excitement in the middle of the kitchen. I realized that he was delicious because he smelled like my husband and not the Marlboro man.

Mark has been a smoker since the day I met him. I married him as a smoker and as much as I want to change that about him, I know that I cannot force the issue, I've been there. You cannont "tell" someone to quit and expect that they will. Mark has NEVER had any desire to quit smoking, even after sharing all the revalations I had when I quit smoking. I told him the way I felt about it, the reasons for me quitting, and told him how awesome it would be if he could too. He wouldn't give it a second thought. I respected the fact that he wasn't ready.

I don't know if this will stick, even though I know he can do it. I just know that he has taken the first step. This is the first time he has EVER mentioned the act of quitting on his own. This is HUGE for him. HUGE! I am so proud of him and I hope he continues down this path

Wowzers

I just found a picture of myself from just over a year ago. What happened to me!? Oh my gosh, I look so good in that picture! I have gained 2-3 pounds, but how in the world is 2-3 pounds so obvious!? I'm trying to blame the weight on the fact that I quit smoking in Oct. of 2003, but that's not cutting it. I taped the picture up on my bathroom mirror to remind me each day what I am supposed to look like. I'm going to work my rear off, literally. I'm 5' 9.5" 162 lbs and hope to loose 5-10 lbs right smack dab in the middle of weight gaining season. lol Here goes!

Vertical sleeping

My poor honey! Mark is "laying" in bed trying to sleep vertically right now. He had surgery to repair his deviated septum and sinusitis this morning. He's so sad looking. He has a chunk of gauze taped under his nose to catch the blood, nothing could look more pathetic than that. He could probably ask me for anything right about now, and I would deliver. (Except for that suppository in my fridge, not sure I'm ready for that) Last night we went to the grocery store and bought all of his favorite lay in bed all weekend foods...sour Skittles, beef jerky, slim jim and cashews. I rolled my eyes watching him load up the cart, while telling me that Doctors orders were to stay in bed for a week. AS IF! "How much did you pay that Dr.?" Now, as I look at him, laid up, all pathetic like, in his sweatpants and blood stained gauze all I want is for him to eat his goodies and be normal again.

Letters and Sponges

I'm just amazed at how much Alex has learned in such a short period of time. I wish that I could learn as quickly as this little sponge! He can now identify every letter of the alphabet and tell me what each letter says. I can ask him what letter something starts with and he will get it right 99% of the time. I hate to sound like a bragging parent, because let me tell you, his ability to learn doesn't have much to do with me. He's just so interested in letters and learning and I have no control over his interest. The other day he looked up at the sky and said "momma, it's a "D" " I had no idea what he was talking about until he said "the moon momma, it's the letter D." Well, it was a half moon that evening. Today he pulls a Z off the fridge brings it to me and says "look momma, it's a Z and a N!" as he turns the Z sideways. Then he brings me the W, and does the same thing, "look momma it's a W and a M!" My genius is all of 3 years old though, he can be a genius one minute, and the next minute I look over and see him licking the wall, or eating his boogers. That's my boy!

Adoption Update

Apparently serving someone with papers in a different state is more difficult than our Attorney realized. California has changed the way they do things and they no longer have constables serve civil process, so they had to file a Rule 103, which allows process servers in CA to serve him. This obviously takes a bit longer than we originally thought it would. We just received an email update from our Attorney, apparently they are having a hard time serving him. He's either not there often or is avoiding the process server. (More than like the later is true for this case). Email received:


" Christine: I just heard back from the CA process server. He's made
several attempts & has verified the address with a person nearby. I
directed him to prepare and mail to me an affidavit of attempted
service, so we can 106 this guy.

Sheri', CPS


Our attorney's explanation of a Rule 106:


Basically, the Rule 106 Affidavit sets out all the times the Cal. process servers have attempted to serve Rick to no avail and it allows the notice/Petition to be posted on his door instead of physically handing/serving our Petition on him.


I am so friggin nervous!!! Why is he avoiding them? Who knows. It makes my stomach turn not knowing what will happen next. In the meantime we have to get a Home Study done. This is done in any adoption to ensure that the home is safe and the child is in good hands. I hate that we have to prove ourselves, but I understand the reasoning behind it. It's really in the best interest of the child. Obviously we will have no problem with this, but it's nerve racking to think that a stranger will be spending the most part of a day observing our routines and family life. I have been dreaming about Rick a lot lately and I'm ready for this to be over and out of my mind.

Fall

Fall finally found us...I think those Canadians were hording all of our cool weather. We had our first cold day right at Nov. 1. That seems very late in the season to me. It's 8:30 AM and 45 degrees F. The leaves are still attached to the trees, some are beginning to change colors, but not many. I woke up this morning to frost on the GREEN grass. It's very strange! I'm usually not ready for the cold weather, since I'm chilled so easily, but this year I'm ready for hot cocoa, hot tea, and SOUP! I love making Ashley hotcocoa after she's walked home from school in the cold. I think that will be a lasting memory for her. Just yesterday as we were walking Ash up to the school Alex realized how cold it was getting and asked me "where is the cold coming from?" Boy, that is one hard question to answer! Obviously he doesn't quite get it just yet.

How can I NOT say something

The election is finally over. I don't have a lot to say. I just hope the next 4 years are better than the last. Yep, that's about it.


I feel like dirt. Throat hurts, body aches, mind aches and I'm ready to have some peace and quiet. I just want a small piece of the day where there is complete silence. No kids yelling my name, no questions to be answered, no dog barking, no whining, no crying. Just a teensy tinsy piece. Maybe when I'm 40. And when I'm 40 I'll post an entry begging for noise.

We had such a wonderful weekend, but I must say, I am SO glad it's over. We spent all day Saturday preparing for Alex's 3rd Birthday Party, which turned out to be a really good time. We had over 20 adults and at least 10 kids show up. Mark made fajitas and all the fixins and Nana brought the beans. The house was decorated Spongebob style, with balloons and streamers everywhere, Mark and I did a pretty good job if I must say so myself. For goody bags we let the kids loose in a huge area of hay in the front yard. We had buried toys and candy throughout the hay. The kids had a blast tearing through it (some the adults did too, lol). Alex opened enough gifts to last him through this Christmas and his 4th birthday as well. It was CRAZY to see how many gifts he got. I really thought about putting some of them away and giving them to him for Christmas, but I soon realized that Alex had already taken some sort of 3 year old inventory and would ask where a toy was. I had some bit of guilt about all the gifts, but when it comes down to it, this was a celebration of Life, 3 years of it. So be it. All of my family was there, Grams, Pops, Nana, Big Daddy, Uncle David, and Uncle Jason and even 90 year old Grandma Aura. It was nice to see everyone in the same place at once. We don't do that too often and when we do, we always have a good time. It was nice to look around and see all the people who love our son. He is a very lucky boy to have so many wonderful people in his life.

Damn

They really are gone. For good. There is nothing I can do to bring them back. I quit smoking a year ago this month, I have no idea what the date was. My journal had it all. My reflections on my children's lives, my entries from the day I met some of my best friends. How do I get over this? Rum and coke will help tonight. Tomorrow I will feel better. Maybe this will inspire me to go back to that creative time.


Good things:

My wonderful loving best friend who happens to be my husband

The relationship my children have with each other

My ability to move on and focus on all the wonderful things in my life.

Memories Seep

Shanda brought me a burned copy of Mazzi Starr the other day. I have not listened to that CD in almost 10 years. High School memories overflow. Yearbook class. Chris' POS car. Skipping school and laying in bed with my CD player and Mazzi spinning. Garden Ridge. Brandi's Crx at lunch. Mazzi Starr's songs were able to weigh on my mind all day. My how life has changed. Here I sit at my kitchen table on my laptop with the Alex's unfinished lunch lurking in the corner of my eye. The hot iron and ironing board perched behind me. Mark's work clothes waiting to be pressed. My almost 3 year old son upstairs asleep in his Bob the Builder Bed. I hear the hum of the dryer, and the swoosh of the washer. Behind me on the white board is a to do list longer than I know what to do with. Planning Alex's birthday party, winterizing the lawn for winter, cleaning the windows etc. Meanwhile Mazzi Starr, strangely out of place plays in the distance. For a moment I am consumed in me, and only me, in my own private thoughts. Ahh, the silence, the bittersweet silence, the blank easel of my mind awaits.

Sick to my stomach

I just realized that i have lost over 20 journal entries from last year. I'm so so sad. That was a very creative time. I had some very special moments that I was able to write about creatively. Those were my inspiration and my memories and I'm just ill. I just can't believe it.

Tubby, Tubby, Tubby

We've always wondered how long we'd be able to put off the inevitable ER visits. Our luck ran out today. While volunteering up at Sissy's school, he managed to fall on a small table and cut open his precious little chin. My son cries easily and often, but when I heard THIS cry, I knew immediately that something was hurt pretty bad. When I saw the gash in his chin, my first reaction was to run to the nurses office accross the hall. Unfortuantely, nurses are allowed to take sick days, and she was not there. Go figure. I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful friend who came to get us without hesitation so that I could sit with Alex in the back. Daddy got to the Round Rock ER before us and was able to do the paperwork before we ever arrived. Within a few min. of walking in the door they called us back. Alex got liquid stitches and did very well with no tears. $75 later, we're home and doing fine.

The invitations are out

I have FINALLY addressed all the envelopes and sent them on their way! I'm not quite sure how I managed to put this off for so long, but I did it. In the past I've actually put these sort of things off for so long that I've just nixed the entire idea. Here's the front of my masterpiece (or I should say ALEX'S masterpiece):




This picture is a very good representation of his 3rd year of life, this boy has dropped his pants for everyone I know. He's peed in the front yard dozens of times, in neighbors yards just as often and in parking lots on 3 different occasions. It is not uncommon to have friends over when Alex's clothes suddenly disappear. This invitation went out to close friends and family, so this is definitely not a sight they have not seen. I'm hoping this picture will surface in about 15 years.

Grandparents Day Lunch

Ashley's school had a Grandparents Day lunch in the cafeteria today. Nana, Big Daddy and Pops showed up and made her day. We all had fried chicken, and then Ashley showed us around her school. It was nice, and Alex was a good little bunny for us too! I wish grams could have been there.

Women's Adventure Race

Yesterday my friend Jen and I ran in The Women's Adventure Race. www.womensrace.com/ Some of the proceeds of the race go to the Young Survival Coallition, which benifits breast cancer reseach and support for young women affected by breast cancer. This was our first race, and up until I started preparing for this race, running was the last thing I EVER imagined myself doing. As a teenager in athletics I began to associate running with punishment, so up until now I always wondered what in the world could be so FUN about RUNNING! Well, now I know. Prior to the beginning of the race, the national anthem was sung and a full pipe band played. I was lost in the moment looking in front of me at the 600 plus women there with me. It was amazing to actually be a part of something so great and to know that this was the opening ceremony to an event that I was about to participate in. Wow.

Yesterday, I ran, biked and swam my heart out and enjoyed every minute of it. We screamed in excitement, pain, and support along the rocky trails, the steep inclines and in the muggy water. There were times when we rode in complete silence as well, each lost in our own determination. If one of us needed a boost, the other would sense it and the silence would break and the cheers would begin. Through it all, we never stopped, we never gave up and we never lost sight of our goal, which was to complete the race like so many cancer survivors have, and we were finishing the race for those who could not. It was such an emotional experience to look up through the sweat and see a sign on someones back "In memory of mom." How COULD we stop? We couldn't. As we crossed the finish line hand in hand, seeing our kids and loved ones cheering us on, it became so much more than we ever imagined it would be. It wasn't just for them, it wasn't just for the Survival Coallition, it was for us. We did something we never imagined we could and we gave 110%. We looked up and saw the the clock, and realized we had been racing our hearts out for 2 hours. I had no idea how I had done it, and I still don't. I have NEVER done anything so trying in my life. We didn't finish in first or even 10th place, and I honestly don't know what place we finished. I know that an hour later there were still awesome women crossing that finish line. The results were posted for everyone to see later that day, but I really don't have an interest in knowing where we stand. I'm just so thrilled to have finished that race, there is no number that could change the way I feel about yesterday. No, it wasn't the Olympics, but to us and our families, it came pretty damn close.

My husband

I'm laying in bed trying to come up with the words to write in a card that I bought for Mark the other day. He's in Tennesee on business and will be home just before midnight tonight and I wanted to leave the card out for him to read when he gets home. On the front of the card is the back of a man wearing a trench coat and black socks, he's obviously flashing everyone in front of him. YOu open the card and it says "You showed em a thing or two! Congratulations!" Mark will get a kick out ot that. It's sooo hard to come up with the perfect words for a man that comes so close to perfection himself. He just got a big promotion and will now be managing a group of 10. For me this promotion is not surprising at all. Next to my father he has the best work ethic I've ever known. I have always looked up to Mark, and always known that he could do whatever his heart desired, so when he told me that his goal was to be a project manager someday, I knew it would happen. He's very intelligent, much more than he gives himself credit for, this is part of what has always drawn me to him. He does not have a hint of arrogance about him, god I love that. He works just as hard at his job as he does his relationships. This is what I want him to know, I don't want to just congratulate him on a promotion at work, it goes much deeper than that. He received this promotion because he is a wonderful, hardworking, dedicated man that I'm sure many look up to. I am so proud that this amazing man has a place in my life, and I hope I can show him just how special he is.

My husband

I'm laying in bed trying to come up with the words to write in a card that I bought for Mark the other day. He's in Tennesee on business and will be home just before midnight tonight and I wanted to leave the card out for him to read when he gets home. On the front of the card is the back of a man wearing a trench coat and black socks, he's obviously flashing everyone in front of him. YOu open the card and it says "You showed em a thing or two! Congratulations!" Mark will get a kick out ot that. It's sooo hard to come up with the perfect words for a man that comes so close to perfection himself. He just got a big promotion and will now be managing a group of 10. For me this promotion is not surprising at all. Next to my father he has the best work ethic I've ever known. I have always looked up to Mark, and always known that he could do whatever his heart desired, so when he told me that his goal was to be a project manager someday, I knew it would happen. He's very intelligent, much more than he gives himself credit for, this is part of what has always drawn me to him. He does not have a hint of arrogance about him, god I love that. He works just as hard at his job as he does his relationships. This is what I want him to know, I don't want to just congratulate him on a promotion at work, it goes much deeper than that. He received this promotion because he is a wonderful, hardworking, dedicated man that I'm sure many look up to. I am so proud that this amazing man has a place in my life, and I hope I can show him just how special he is.

Sperm Donor Update

I mailed Rick's father a letter asking for his contact info. and a few weeks later I received a letter from Rick. It was very typical of the Rick I remember from the past. He has not had contact with any of us for over 5 years and not once in the letter did he ask how Ashley was. He's still just as pathetic as ever.

Our attorney sent him a letter last week asking him to sign over his rights. The letter also mentioned the fact that Mark is the only father she has ever known and that we have been married for 5 years now. I'm hoping that will help. I'm so nervous and anxious that all I can do is give the facts. If I say much more than this little entry will turn in to a novel. I'm crossing my fingers that he signs the papers. This is a very big milestone in our lives and it could go the wrong direction if we're not lucky.

Take a deep breath

Oh man I could spit fire right now. What in the world is going on with customer service these days!!!??? No, wait, why do I even ask that, I'll tell you what happened...corporations and franchises have taken over and there is no accountability for poor customer service. Why should they care how happy you are, they are still going to get a paycheck whether or not you bring your business back. Grrrrrr. It just fires me up, and I have mucho patience with people that make mistakes, I understand that they happen. I really and truly feel that a businesses #1 priority should be good customer service. I don't care how good your product is, if you are not going to treat me with respect then your product means nothing to me. I am going to make a POINT to avoid big businesses as much as possible and go straight to the mom and pop shops, I don't care if I spend a few extra bucks. At least they have a vested interest in being KIND. And yes, that's all I ask, is for kindness. I'm not pissed off or anything lol.

LOL

I'm putting Ashley to bed tonight, kisses, hugs, twinkle twinkle little start etc. Chelsea the cat jumps on the bed to say goodnight as she always does, only tonight I notice a little something "extra" sticking out from behind her. It was very strange, so strange that I had to take her out in the hall where the light was to analyze this "extra" piece of her. Prepare yourself...I finally reailze that it's not just sticking out of nowhere, it's actually coming from her rear, it's sticking out about 5 inches and looks identical to my pony tail palm (plant) that just happens to be balding. Eeewww gross! Can someone please tell me how this plant got there?? I mean, I'm not dumb, but I really cannot seem to explain how it looks EXACTLY like it did on the plant. Should I have pulled it out Mark thinks I might get more than I bargained for if I did that, so I will sleep on it and hope it works itself out. Literally.

My 2 year old pre-teen

So lastnight at dinnertime, I'm preforming my usual routine of telling Alex to finish his dinner so that he can have something for dessert. He'll normally eat most of it, but some veggies he won't touch. My biggest obstacle is getting him to TASTE things. He claims to think they're "disgusting" before he's ever tasted them. So I'm at the table begging, "Take one bite of your salad and you can have a popscicle...come on, you can do it, it's just one bite..." and this little booger looks at me and ROLLS HIS EYES!!!!! I had to leave the room to laugh it was so funny. He definitely does not have the rolling of the eyes perfected quite yet, he looks more like he's dying than anything. The eyes get stuck about midway around and just kind of hang there looking up, while he puckers his lips so as not to laugh. So, I leave the room giggle a bit and then come back in as "well behaved mommy" with my straight face put back determined not to laugh. Sure enough the booger does it again!! I try to get Mark and Ashley's attention, because they HAVE to see this, but the moment they look, Alex plays dumb. He acts like he was doing nothing and refuses to "show daddy what he just did". He looks at me like I'm crazy, shrugs his shoulders and Mark continues to clean the kitchen. As soon as Mark walks away, he does it yet AGAIN! I try to get him to do it for Mark several times after that, but he adamantly refused. What am I going to do with this boy!!??

Summer is coming to an end

The hottest month of the year has arrived. With August comes a new school year, and a new routine. I'm looking forward to the change, but I will miss my girl so much. This has been such an important summer in my children's lives. They have grown SO close over these past few months, it has been amazing to watch them grow together. They have laughed and played and fought and cuddled the summer away. It has been a beautiful summer for us all. We have spent a lot of time with Nana and Big Daddy, with going Schlitterbahn, wakeboard lessons and sleepovers we've made lots of precious memories together.

Ashley is almost 8 years old and is starting the 3rd grade in 8 days. It's unbelieveable how the time has flown by. It's amazing when you realize just how fast it all goes by. Wasn't I just potty training her, and wasn't grams and pops just swinging her by the arms while they walked down the street together? Weren't we just living in our own little apartment, just the two of us? Ahhh, it's crazy! Now look at us, look how much has changed. We have daddy, and Alex and Sadie and Chelsea. We have so much more than I ever dreamed we would.

Mom's final Hep C test

The test results are in...the Hep C is back. The entire last year of chemo was a waste. Mom found out almost a week ago, but couldn't talk about it without crying until now. I am just numb right now.

Adoption update

Adoption update

We received a letter in the mail from the attorney today, it was a duplicate of the letter they received in response to the request to sign over rights that we sent to Rick. It turns out we had the wrong person. This man just HAPPENS to have the same first name, last name and middle initial. We now know that his middle name is different. We struck out that this time, but we are hoping to find him soon and get this all over with!

Summer Days

We have been so busy this summer, so busy that I have pretty much taken June off, as far as growing my Mary Kay business goes. I will probably kick off July with bang, and get back in the groove again, but for now, I'm enjoying my family. We took a trip to Schlitterbahn this week, and we had so much fun together! Alex and Ashley enjoyed the trip as much as we did. Ash ended up staying out at dads, and I will return to pick her up on Sunday.

In super duper wonderful news, we just booked our very first cruise!!! I'm beside myself with excitement! We have the most wonderful group of friends that we will be going with, which will make this trip just THAT much more fun for us. There are 4 (possibly 5) couples going, and we are all neighbors. We have had the best luck with our neighbors, not only do we get along, we are all GREAT friends. There are 8 of us that get together every other Wednesday for girls game night. We alternate houses each time, and everyone brings munchies. We have a BLAST together, and the best part about it that we are all just steps away from each other. Our husbands have taken our lead and are now getting together on the alternating Wed.'s that we are not doing girls game night. They usually come to our house and play poker on the back porch while they bond in their maleish ways. I go hang out at my friend Angie's and when it's time for Alex to go to bed, I bring him home, put him to bed, hand Mark the monitor, and I'm out the door to hang out with Angie until the guys are done playing poker. We are all very happy and enjoying each other imensely. I'm sooo looking forward to our cruise in October!!!

I also have to mention one more thing...On Mark's birthday (the day before father's day) we received our first letter from our Attorney regarding our case for termination and adoption of Ashley. It was a copy of the letter that her biological father received. It was a wonderful letter, very professional, and factual. To Mark, this was THE most wonderful Birthday, and Father's Day gift he could possibly receive. We are all very anxious and nervous about what's yet to come. It is a mystery to us wheter or not he's going to fight for his rights. He was asked to respond to this letter by July 15, or we would be filing suit. I'm EXTREMELY nervous, but so ready to get this done! I will update as soon as I can!

We're rolling with it!

Mark made an appointment with an attorney to start the termination/adoption process. I am absolutely THRILLED! I spoke with Ruthie this morning and she offered to foot the bill for us. I'm in shock...I was expecting to have to forego the lawyer and do my own paperwork, which was already beginning to overwhelm me. I'm not sure what I did to deserve such wonderful parents, I could NOT ask for a more wonderful set of parents. They love me unconditionally, and are there for me even when I least expect it. I don't mean this in just a financial way, I mean this in all aspects of my life.

Our appointment is set for May 26th, which happens to be the day before my 27th birthday. Before our appointment, my mission is to find Rick. First I'm going to call up a few old friends and see if they can help me track him down. If I'm not successful with that, I will contact his father and ask him for his sons contact information. Last I heard he had married, had a child and moved to California. If that's the case, then I really think he will be likely to give up his rights without a fight. Afterall, he's out of state, with a family and children to support. Is he willing to come back to Texas to fight a legal battle? Does he have the money to do this? Not likely. He has made ZERO efforts for the past 6 years, so I'm not sure that a letter from an attorney is going to make him change his ways. If he truly wants the best for his biological child, he will sign over his rights and allow Ashley to continue to live the only life she's ever know with the only daddy she has ever know. Although, in the past, he has proven to not have conscience when it comes to these matters, so it wouldn't completely surprise me if he puts up at least a small fight.

All I know is that I am married to the most wonderful man any woman could ever ask for, and we have the most amazing 7 1/2 year old daughter together. Blood or not, we are a family, no different than the little girl next door who happens to live with her flesh and blood. So no matter what the outcome is, we will always be a family, and Mark will always be daddy to Ashley. Paperwork will not change what is already a truth.

Mother's Day

Yesterday was such a nice and relaxing day! Mark let me sleep in, and I didn't end up getting out of bed until 9:30!!! When I woke up he made special chocolate chip pancakes just for me! Ashley made me many special mother's day cards, and had made the cutest little banner for me too. Mark told me that we could do whatever I wanted that day. I decided that we needed a second set of sheets for our bed, so we ended up going to Bed Bath and Beyond and getting some. We went to mom's later that day, and ate dinner with them and ate the cake that I made for dessert. It was a great day!

New member of the family

New Member of the family!

Sunday afternoon we welcomed a new member to our family! We are the proud new owners to Sadie. She's a 1.5 year old black lab, with the sweetest little personality you could imagine. So far she will sit, lay down, heel, and fetch. We don't know where she came from, since we got her from the local humane society, but I do know that she was probably neglected if not abused. She's extremely timid, and is very protective of her new home. She has barked and growled at a few visitors. I'm hoping that in time she will feel more comfortable in her surroundings and not feel so paranoid. She is definitely an indoor dog, and has YET to have an accident in the house. Today is Tuesday, so we've gone almost 2 full days! She sleeps on a palate at the foot of our bed, but would much rather be IN the bed with us. Mark had to lay in her bed with her for a little while last night so that she wouldn't jump back up with us again. Poor thing!

Aside from that, not a whole lot is going on right now. I had my visit with my Mary Kay customer, Sarah, and that was great! We had so much fun. As it turned out her friend did not end up showing, but that's ok, it was a blast. She wants me to come back again soon to try more colors, and also wants to introduce me to her mom, who happens to be a faithful Mary Kay user in need of a consultant. Sarah is an aspiring makeup artist and taught ME so much. It was really quite funny to hear how our appt. went. She actually told ME what colors I should try!!! It was great! We'll definitely be getting together a lot in the future.

Big Sentences

Big Sentences!

Alex said his two longest sentences ever this past week. On Sunday we went out to dinner at Applebees. We were all done eating, and as always, Alex still had a full plate of Mac and cheese when it was time to go. The server came and took all of our plates, including Alex's. As he was walking away, Alex looked at the man as if he'd seen a ghost! His expression was priceless. After the immediate shock of someone taking his food away wore off his sweet little bottom lip began to stick out and his chin started to quiver. That quiver where you want to laugh and cry and hug him all at the same time because it's so cute yet so sad. He then looks over to me and says (now remember this is a little guy voice, and he has never said any sentence this long in his entire little 2 year life) "Mommy, why did that man take my plate away" My jaw all but hit the floor! We laughed so hard, and somehow managed to distract him from getting to upset with that "man".

Just yesterday, Alex and I were eating lunch together at the kitchen table. I was sitting accross from him and stood with my bowl to look at the kitchen calendar to see what was going on this week. As soon as I did so, Alex pointed his little crooked finger at me and shook it while saying his next longest sentence "No mommy, you sit down on your bottom now" followed by the "count". "Wooonnn, tooooooo, phreeeee"
THAT was priceless! I wonder where he got that line?

Spring is here

Spring is here!

The grass is turning green, trees are sprouting new leaves, the Bradford Pear trees are blossoming, and I actually saw Bluebonnetts a few days ago! Yay! Time for walks and parks, and sunshine, all the things that make me happy!

It's been well over a month since I last updated my journal, so much has changed! We just got home from spending Spring Break week in Alabama with Mark's Mother, Stepfather and Grandmother. I love visiting them so much, and always come home feeling motivated to make changes in my life. I see how his mother and stepfather treat each other and I see how pure their lives are and it really inspires me to be the best that I can be for my husband and my family. This trip was by far the best road trip we have ever taken with both kids, they did so well! Ashley was such a wonderful help with keeping Alex occupied that I did not have to climb in the back even ONCE! Round trip is over 24 hours, so that was a major accomplishment!

A few weeks ago I informed Jess that I could no longer keep Nicholas. I absolutely hated having to do that, but I really had no choice. Keeping 2 infants (even just part time), really puts a strain on my time to focus on Alex. I was guilt ridden most everyday about negleting my son...the whole reason I intended to stay home in the first place! I got in over my head and had to re-evaluate what my goals were. I realized that no matter how much I was getting paid, it was not worth the sacrafice I was having to make. I feel so much better knowing that I made the right decision, even if it does mean that I "gave up".

My neighbor and friend just bought a childrens consignment store here in town, and I am just THRILLED about that! Opening a consignment store has always been something that I dreamed of doing, so now I'm able to actually see first hand if it's something I'd really be interested in doing myself. She has invited me to come up most any day to work with her for a few hours each day, and offered to put me on the payroll. I don't think I'll be going up there that often, and definitely won't be letting her put me on the payroll, but I did tell her that I'd be willing to come in and lend a hand whenever possible.

That's all for now, I have to get myself a shower before the day begins!

My crazy self

My crazy self

I guess it's about time I update my journal with all the new happenings in my life. Less than two weeks ago I made the decision to become a Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant. Those who know me are having one heck of a time trying to figure out what in the world is going on. This is completely out of character for me. I've never used skin care products of any brand, and the makeup I've always used has been whatever happens to be on sale. I've always said that I would make a horrible sales person, because I'd end up giving things away. Well, that is changing as we speak. I love the products, and feel very strongly about what I do, so it's actually much easier than I imagined.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go

Well, it looks like I'm going to start keeping another little one part time. His name is Nicholas and he's a whopping 3 weeks old!!!! His mom started our local Fly Lady group here in Cedar Park, and this is her first baby. She and her husband came over lastnight for the first time to chat about it, but all we could talk about was that tiny little guy. Can ya blame us? He's sooooo teensy! He's only 7lbs and he's 3 weeks old. 0-3 month clothes swallow him, it's amazing! I was probably around 8 months pregnant with Alex when he was that size! Of course, he was almost 10 pounds at birth, so I really shouldn't compare. So anyway, now I will have 2 part timers, which is great, because I'm not ready to give up my time with Alex to "full time" care. I really don't want to take away from our time together too much, and I really don't think that this will. Right now money is very tight, so this will really, really help us out a lot.

Sweetest Words

Mark and I tell our children many times a day how much we love them, with only one intention, letting them know that they are loved. Up until recently, those words have never been uttered back to us by our wild and crazy toddler. I'm not sure what took so long, maybe it was because this was the one phrase in which he continuously heard, that he was never prompted to echo back to us. Or maybe the time just wasn't right. Well, Friday night those three words made their debut out of his sweet little mouth, unprompted and unexpectedly.

I woke up that morning with a fever and an upset stomach and spent all day in bed away from my babies. By Friday evening, I had had just about enough of staring at the accumulation of dust on my ceiling fan blades, and trying to decipher the echo of little voices outside my door, so I made my way to the living room couch. I must have been laying there for all of 30 seconds before I was turned in to a human jungle gym. Although this may not sound pleasant, believe it or not, I was feeling slightly more human than I had all day. I was being distracted and no longer wallowing in the aches and pains that a fever can cause. So, in the middle of Alex's mommy-acrobatics he paused, looked me in the eye with his devilish grin and said slowly and precisely, "I-love-you." As I took down my toddler defense shields (the palms of my hands) my little human numchuck followed through with the BIGGEST toddler hug imaginable. He didn't get me over my bug by doing so, but he sure did help get me through it.

Our Christmas

Our Christmas

Christmas was wonderful, I think each year it gets better and better!

My stepmom, aunt and brother came over Christmas Eve to spend the night. Christmas morning my dad drove the Uhaul (with Ashley's gifts ) and arrived by about 7:45, just in time for the kids to come downstairs and discover what treats Santa had left for them. Our living room was overflowing with gifts for the kids. Alex really was in to it this year, he understood that Santa came while he was asleep that night, and he actually remembered it when he woke up, saying "Santa, presents". He opened his gifts with ease and munched on a chocolate bar in between each one. Both of the kids made out like bandits as always. My dad and stepmom gave Ashley a brand new bedroom set complete with headboard, footboard, chest, dresser, mirror and night stand. They ALSO got her many other presents as well. These children are so spoiled it's almost embarassing! I don't even have matching furniture in my bedroom!!

Aside from all the gift giving, we all had a wonderful time together. We laughed and ate, and drank, and just really enjoyed our time together. It really means a lot to Ashley that her grandparents and uncle were there with us. Everyone, except my brother left by about noon, just in time for us to lay down for a nap. I slept wonderfully with my new sleep mask that Mark bought me! We woke up and cleaned the house for my mom and stepdad to come over. The arrived at about 6:00, we ate a little dinner, and played a card came that Ashley got for Christmas. Ashley showed them all of her gifts, and by about 8:30 everyone was tuckered out and ready for bed. Even Alex was ASKING to go brush his teeth.

So Christmas is now officially over. We made some wonderful memories, started a few new traditions, spent some wonderful time together as a family, and most of the time we did it with a smile. I really could not have asked for a more wonderful Christmas

It's Christmas Eve!

I can't believe it's almost here! Santa is coming tonight!

Mark has all of this week off, and so far we've had some wonderful time together. Sunday night we drove through the neighborhoods oowing and awing over all the beautiful lights and decorations. We do this every year, we all get our jammies and Santa hats on, jump in the van, and listen to Christmas music while strolling through the neighborhoods. We never really have a plan on where we're going, that's one of the funnest parts about it. Mark and I get to giggle as we get lost in foreign neighborhoods while Ash begs to find out if we'll ever get home again. Eventually, we find our way home, just in time to brush teeth and climb in our warm beds.

Monday night we attempted to make our annual trip to the big Christmas tree in Austin. We had to make a stop along the way and ended up getting there much too late, and after seeing the enoromous line of cars we decided to go get Amy's ice cream at the Arboretum and hang out in the courtyard with the cement cows. It was actually a little warm that night (60's), which made ice cream a brilliant idea. I wonder if that night will make it in to the memory bank of the kids, I know it's stored in mine. It's not that often that we get to go somewhere with no time constraints, no rushing, no planning, just LIVING. It was wonderful.

So last night (Tuesday the 23rd), we decided that there was no way we could make it to the tree unless we got there before dark and before the crowds. So, we left the house at 4:30, and got there within about 10-15 min. before dark. It was a genius plan, there was almost no line, and we got a decent parking spot, AND we beat the crowds. We had plenty of room to spin beneath the tree and stumble around trying to see straight afterwards. We all had our santa hats on which is probably the reason the News videographer picked us out of the crowd. I was spinning Alex around, he and I were having a blast, I thought I saw a bright light, but didn't realize it was on US until I stopped spining. When I finally stopped stumbling (from the dizziness), I realized that the spotlight from the camera was on Alex and I and ONLY Alex and I, and a group of people were all staring at us! Next thing I know, I'm being interviewed by the reporter. I told her about how this was such a fond childhood memory of mine, and I brought my kids here each year in hopes that they too would have wonderful memories of the big Christmas tree. Of course, leave it to me to talk to much, I went on and tell her about how we left so early to beat the crowd and ended up eating funnel cake for dinner. Now all of Austin and central Texas knows my kids had no veggies for dinner.

It's the Hap-Happiest time, of the year!

When I walked in the door from Gymnastics lastnight Mark greeted me in kitchen, gave me a kiss, and told me that there was a wonderful message on the answering machine that I had to hear. Boy was that the understatement of the year. It was mom. She called to tell me that she tested virus free. Yes, VIRUS FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The past fourty some odd weeks of chemo has all been worth it, this is the ultimate gift, and it's made out to our family. Mom may be cured, mom may be able to live a full life! If she tests negative in six months, she will be considered cured. EEEEKKK! What, cured? That sounds absolutely crazy! Mom cured of Hep. C??? That's not supposed to be possible. There has never been a "cure"!!! Thanks to medicine, and all the wonderful doctors out there, there now is. It's inconcievable, unreal and hard to grasp.

She's still very sick from the chemo and will be for months to come, but she now has something to smile about, we all do. I remember when the doctor told her that she was a good canidate for this new round of chemo. At the time, she was keeping Alex for me full time while I worked. Her energy level was always unpredictable and I felt guilty seeing her so exhausted each day. She told me about the possibility of doing chemo, and I began the hunt for day care. I hated the thought of day care, but if that meant that mom could have the opportunity to watch her grandkids grow up, Alex was definitely going to daycare.

As it turned out, shortly after hearing the news about this new chemo, I was laid off from my job. This is beginning to sound like a bad time in my life, but in all actuality, the turn of events are the best that have ever happened to me. Mark and I decided to attempt being a 1 income family. Before I was laid off, we never thought it was possible; afterall, we just bout a new house 4 months earlier, and a van the year before, and we also had a new addition to the family the prior year as well. My layoff forced us to consider the possibility. After working some numbers and getting a phone call from my stepmom offering to do anything in her power that would allow me to be a stay at home mom, we made the decision. Less than 24 hours after being laid off we made the best decision we've ever made as a married couple, I was officially a stay at home mom. AND mom was no longer plaugued with the idea that she would be the reason for Alex having to go to daycare. If mom was not sick, I would have found a new job, I would not be a stay at home mom, my life would not be as good as it is today. It's true, it really is.

Here's to life and love mom, Merry Christmas

Please Remember

I can document Ashley and Alex's childhood in so many ways, but no matter what I do, there is no way I can capture it all. This is something that plagues my mind often. There are so many moments that I remember from Ashley's toddler years, yet so many that I know are just gone. They remain a part of me though, despite my inability to remember. The memories live on in the love I have for her, with each passing memory, my love has grown fonder, my heart bigger, and my life richers. If only I could document each moment.

Lastnight, on the way to horseback riding lessons I turned around in my seat to look back at the kiddos, I don't remember why, maybe to hand them a snack, or to look at one of Ashley's Magna Doodle masterpieces, or to calm Alex, it doesn't matter. I looked back and caught a glimpse of my sweet daughter, I wish I had a camera at that very moment. The sun was beginning to set, she was excited about seeing Patches (the horse), and was leaning forward in her seat with such an innocent way about her, as if there was nothing else in the world but that moment, staring down the dirt road at the barn. The sun was setting behind us, and the way it hit her face was breathtaking. The deep orange wrapped around her face like a blanket covering an infant, so sweet, so precious. I had the windows down to let in the new fall breeze, it was so beautiful outside, her hair blew in the wind with such precision, as if each gust was meant for her, and only her. Ah, what a sight! I couldn't look long though, I was driving down a dirt road with many potholes and turns. The irony hit me like a ton of bricks...here she is in this wonderful stage of life, she's still momma's little girl and is still very proud of that fact, so beautiful, and even a little innocent..still, yet there are so many potholes, there's no way I can watch her like this forever. This seven year old is just a passing glimpse, I need to look at her and take it all in more often, even if that means pulling over and every once in a while.

Dr. Appt.

I can't believe it, I am 4cm dilated! Why am I not in labor!!!!??? The Dr. says it could be any time or 2 weeks away! yuk! Doesn't tell me a whole lot, now does it? This little bugger is so unpredictable! 2wks. and 3 days to go. By the way, all this dilation, yet he still has not dropped! go figure

Progress

Well, as of today I am 2-3cm dilated! All is well, we are so anxious!

5 more weeks!

Time is just cruisin' by! Mark and I finished our last lamaze class last week. So I guess that means were ready! Right? Ashley had her sibling class on Sunday. She loved it. They taught her all about what it's like when baby comes. How mom will be sleeping a lot, and how she may not get the same attention. They also taught her how to diaper and do the baby burrito wrap. I am so glad we did this for her! I have been having lots of cramping and braxton hick contractions off and on everyday now, for a couple of weeks. We're not sure if Alex is going to wait until November 6. I read yesterday that 99% of babies born at 35 weeks are born with no complications. That was very reasuring. We have a baby shower to go to on Friday after work. Everyone I work with will be there. We're getting soooo excited about our showers coming up. Our shower will be on the 13th and Ruthie's friends are having one for me on the 14th. That's THREE showers! I almost feel guilty. So many people doing so much for us! I have a doctors app. on Mon. but as for now I'm still 1cm dilated!

Oh my!

This was an interesting day! This morning Mark left at 6:30 to leave for Vegas on business. I woke with some unusual braxton hicks contr. and put them off all morning. I got to work and nothing had changed, so I called the dr. They had me come in at 1:30 to be checked. DR. Blumhagen examined me and OH MY GOSH, I was dialated 1cm. So they hooked me up to the monitor and discovered that I was having regular contractions. From there they sent me to Labor and Delivery, where I was actually admitted and monitored until about 5:30. They ended up giving me 2 shots of terbutaline to stop the contractions, which helped some. At 5:30 they discovered I was still at 1cm, so all was clear for me to go home! Poor Mark, I think he was a bit freaked after he called from Vegas to check on me!

9 weeks to go!

I can't believe we've come so far! Mark and I had our first lamaze class 1 week ago. I think we are both going to learn a lot together. If anything, I know we'll get to spend some quality time together focussing on each other and having some good times together. Mark is going to be a wonderful coach! I guess I've always known he would be, but seeing him in action, gets me so anxious to experience all the amazing moments of childbirth and parenthood with him. I am soooo lucky that life has dealt me so many wonderful cards!

Alex's Room

Alex's room is just about done! Mark finished the Pergo about 2 weeks ago. He did a super job! It is sooo cute! We finally got the crib, playpen and glider in the room. All we need now is the changing table/dresser. We bought it on Saturday from the unfinished furniture store, and now were waiting for it to ge finished. Can't wait to put it in our baby boy's room and fill it with precious little clothes!

Checkup

Alex's heart rate: 142bpm

Test Results

28 wks. I just found out that my blood work shows I am anemic. Hopefully no big deal, I'll take extra supplements. I just read on line that women with anemia may not be offered several medications during delivery, including an epidural!!! That's so scary. I'm hoping by some chance my doctor disagrees! :) Wishful thinking. The good news is, they did not mention the glucose test. Hopefully that means I passed the test!!!! Other than that all is well with the three of us. I'm getting huge! Ashley just started Kindergarten, and Mark just started laying the Pergo in Alex's room!!!

Checkup

Today we had our 27 1/2 week appointment. Everything is still looking good! Alex played hide and seek with Dr. Blumhagen while he was trying to find his heartbeat. It was 157bpm, which seemed faster than it normally is. Dr. Blumhagen explained that it was very normal, considering how active he was! I have gained a whopping 27lbs so far!!! Seems like way to much, yet so similar to what my body did while pregnant with Ashley. I've decided not to let it bug me, I'll just keep eating right, and whatever weight I gain is what is meant to be!!! I had my 1 hour glucose test today, which is the gestational diabetes test. I'm sure I'm fine! We now have to go to the dr. every 2wks. instead of once a month! Already? I can't believe we're already as far as we are!

Checkup

Baby's heart rate: 146bpm

24 Weeks and counting

Wow, how time flies! It's hard to believe I'm already 24 weeks along. I guess that makes me about 5 1/2 months (right?). It's all so confusing, months, weeks, trimesters, yada, yada, yada, I just try to stay focused on my due date. I'm still fairly comfortable these days, although, these days may be numbered. It's getting more and more difficult to sleep at night, due to heartburn, and the fact that I have a 10-12" fetus attached to my belly! Alex is so active these days. He's getting so strong that not only can we feel move, we can watch him kick box my belly! It jiggles and wiggles and jerks and jolts all over the place. We've been able to see this phenomenom for a couple of weeks now, yet Mark still jumps when he see's my belly move! It's just so amazing to watch, I don't know if it will ever seem "normal" watching another human being grow inside me. Everything seems to be going well, we are all enjoying this pregnancy very much and look forward to each milestone!