Before you were conceived I wanted you.
Before you were born I loved you.
-- Maureen Hawkins
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Why I am Choosing a Natural Childbirth
Get ready for the longest blog post in the history of TheInzerFamily.blogspot.com...
There has been a lot of discussion lately due to my recent prenatal class on natural childbirth and I wanted to discuss my decision to go natural. It’s a really important topic for me that requires a thorough explanation.
Having a natural childbirth never crossed my mind when I first learned I was pregnant. Like most women, I wanted the easiest, most painless birth possible. I remember searching for “childbirth” on youtube - watching one video and feeling instantly nauseous. I had to lay down and collect myself. All I could think was “THAT is going to happen to my body? No Way!” Not to mention the numerous shows about childbirth on TLC I had been watching...
But I decided the only way to overcome my fear was to learn about the process. So I started reading, mostly online in the beginning. I dug through many websites, watched "The Business of Being Born" and asked everyone I knew who had a baby what their experience was like.
I have never wanted to go natural because I think experiencing pain in childbirth would make me more of a woman than someone who delivered with an epidural or by c-section. Any method with which a woman chooses to deliver takes courage, focus, and is a huge physical experience. I didn’t want to feel pain anymore than the next girl, but as I began to fully understand how my body would deliver a baby and the history of maternity care in our country, I came to a few conclusions on what would be best for my individual needs:
1. Laying numb from the waist down, on my back in a bed hooked up to a bunch of monitors and IVs sounded WAY worse to me than being able to move around, using gravity and the motion of my own body to move my baby down, the ability to labor in a tub, and having free motion to get on my knees, stand up, squat - whatever it was that I was needing in that moment.
2. My body conceived this child without intervention. It has grown this child without intervention. Why wouldn’t my body be able to deliver her the same way? While I understand that there are situations that require medical interventions (I have friends who have had to have emergency c-sections due to complications unrelated to labor itself and thank the Lord that the technology is there for them to do so) - but why go into a hospital acting as if I need to be “treated” with needles and drugs if this is a natural, normal, low-risk birth?
3. Natural childbirth does not automatically equal a more painful childbirth. What causes the most pain during labor is the expectation and fear that women feel around childbirth. There are countless movies of women screaming in pain during the process - but that is not always the reality of it. If you take out the fear away, then you change the experience. A woman laboring in a confident and relaxed state is not going to be fighting against her body like a woman who is scared and tense.
I’m not going to go into all of the statistics but ultimately, women who give birth without unnecessary medical intervention have much shorter labors, less tearing, and babies who are more alert and able to immediately bond with mom.
Deciding to go natural requires ALOT more preparation than walking into a hospital in labor and letting the doctors take over. It requires educating yourself on every single procedure that is part of standard hospital protocol and deciding which ones are necessary/unnecessary for your situation. It means committing the time to learning a pain/fear management technique to help you through all stages of labor. It means finding a hospital, OB or midwife, and labor coaches who will advocate for you and support you during your labor. It means understanding all of the tricks, tools, and measures you can use to keep yourself calm, comfortable, and in control during your labor.
Here is what we have done/plan to do (keeping in mind this is what works best for Tyler and I - everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the birth they want)
1. We are planning on hiring a doula. An experienced doula or birth coach can reduce your chances of having to get a c-section by 50% - Tyler has never been through this experience either so our doula will be there to support him while he supports me. She knows massage techniques, aromatherapy, and other techniques to help me have an easier labor. She will be my advocate with the doctors and nurses and keep me focused on my task.
2. We also plan to utilize other coping methods such as - birth balls, laboring in water, low lighting, music and a quiet, peaceful room that will support my techniques in a calm atmosphere.
3. I found a hospital and Obstetrician who supported my wishes to go natural. I have a wonderful OB who will let me have the delivery I want and a hospital that will also support my birth plan. Going natural DOES NOT MEAN denying medical intervention when it is needed and necessary - it just means denying unnecessary medical intervention when your body is doing everything right on its own.
4. We are working on creating a comprehensive birth plan that includes everything from what techniques I’m using for my labor to having Aliyah in my arms immediately after delivery without being taken away for testing, weighing, etc until we have time to bond with one another (as long as she comes out without any complication and is deemed healthy upon delivery). Everyone from my husband, our doula, my OB, AND the entire nursing staff at the hospital will have copies of this plan and be familiar with what we want.
Even with all of the preparations we are doing there is a possibility that we will still require medical intervention. I’m not against getting an epidural if I have done everything within my power to go natural but am not physically able to do it because of severe back labor or some other unforeseen complication. I understand that I may still require a c-section if an emergency arises. The single most important thing is the safe and healthy delivery of our daughter. I will take whatever outcome with a happy heart because I know I have done everything possible to set myself up for success - if it doesn’t go as planned - so be it. I’ll have no regrets.
But I’m going to rock this birth. I’m going to kick butt at it. I am actually excited for it to get here. Nothing about going into labor or delivering this baby scares me. I’m confident in my body and in myself. It’s going to be an awesome experience. It will be the single most amazing thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve grown this baby girl and I’m going to be the one to bring her into this world - talk about empowering! I’m prepared and educated - and when the day comes, I’ll be ready.
Having a natural childbirth never crossed my mind when I first learned I was pregnant. Like most women, I wanted the easiest, most painless birth possible. I remember searching for “childbirth” on youtube - watching one video and feeling instantly nauseous. I had to lay down and collect myself. All I could think was “THAT is going to happen to my body? No Way!” Not to mention the numerous shows about childbirth on TLC I had been watching...
But I decided the only way to overcome my fear was to learn about the process. So I started reading, mostly online in the beginning. I dug through many websites, watched "The Business of Being Born" and asked everyone I knew who had a baby what their experience was like.
I have never wanted to go natural because I think experiencing pain in childbirth would make me more of a woman than someone who delivered with an epidural or by c-section. Any method with which a woman chooses to deliver takes courage, focus, and is a huge physical experience. I didn’t want to feel pain anymore than the next girl, but as I began to fully understand how my body would deliver a baby and the history of maternity care in our country, I came to a few conclusions on what would be best for my individual needs:
1. Laying numb from the waist down, on my back in a bed hooked up to a bunch of monitors and IVs sounded WAY worse to me than being able to move around, using gravity and the motion of my own body to move my baby down, the ability to labor in a tub, and having free motion to get on my knees, stand up, squat - whatever it was that I was needing in that moment.
2. My body conceived this child without intervention. It has grown this child without intervention. Why wouldn’t my body be able to deliver her the same way? While I understand that there are situations that require medical interventions (I have friends who have had to have emergency c-sections due to complications unrelated to labor itself and thank the Lord that the technology is there for them to do so) - but why go into a hospital acting as if I need to be “treated” with needles and drugs if this is a natural, normal, low-risk birth?
3. Natural childbirth does not automatically equal a more painful childbirth. What causes the most pain during labor is the expectation and fear that women feel around childbirth. There are countless movies of women screaming in pain during the process - but that is not always the reality of it. If you take out the fear away, then you change the experience. A woman laboring in a confident and relaxed state is not going to be fighting against her body like a woman who is scared and tense.
I’m not going to go into all of the statistics but ultimately, women who give birth without unnecessary medical intervention have much shorter labors, less tearing, and babies who are more alert and able to immediately bond with mom.
Deciding to go natural requires ALOT more preparation than walking into a hospital in labor and letting the doctors take over. It requires educating yourself on every single procedure that is part of standard hospital protocol and deciding which ones are necessary/unnecessary for your situation. It means committing the time to learning a pain/fear management technique to help you through all stages of labor. It means finding a hospital, OB or midwife, and labor coaches who will advocate for you and support you during your labor. It means understanding all of the tricks, tools, and measures you can use to keep yourself calm, comfortable, and in control during your labor.
Here is what we have done/plan to do (keeping in mind this is what works best for Tyler and I - everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the birth they want)
1. We are planning on hiring a doula. An experienced doula or birth coach can reduce your chances of having to get a c-section by 50% - Tyler has never been through this experience either so our doula will be there to support him while he supports me. She knows massage techniques, aromatherapy, and other techniques to help me have an easier labor. She will be my advocate with the doctors and nurses and keep me focused on my task.
2. We also plan to utilize other coping methods such as - birth balls, laboring in water, low lighting, music and a quiet, peaceful room that will support my techniques in a calm atmosphere.
3. I found a hospital and Obstetrician who supported my wishes to go natural. I have a wonderful OB who will let me have the delivery I want and a hospital that will also support my birth plan. Going natural DOES NOT MEAN denying medical intervention when it is needed and necessary - it just means denying unnecessary medical intervention when your body is doing everything right on its own.
4. We are working on creating a comprehensive birth plan that includes everything from what techniques I’m using for my labor to having Aliyah in my arms immediately after delivery without being taken away for testing, weighing, etc until we have time to bond with one another (as long as she comes out without any complication and is deemed healthy upon delivery). Everyone from my husband, our doula, my OB, AND the entire nursing staff at the hospital will have copies of this plan and be familiar with what we want.
Even with all of the preparations we are doing there is a possibility that we will still require medical intervention. I’m not against getting an epidural if I have done everything within my power to go natural but am not physically able to do it because of severe back labor or some other unforeseen complication. I understand that I may still require a c-section if an emergency arises. The single most important thing is the safe and healthy delivery of our daughter. I will take whatever outcome with a happy heart because I know I have done everything possible to set myself up for success - if it doesn’t go as planned - so be it. I’ll have no regrets.
But I’m going to rock this birth. I’m going to kick butt at it. I am actually excited for it to get here. Nothing about going into labor or delivering this baby scares me. I’m confident in my body and in myself. It’s going to be an awesome experience. It will be the single most amazing thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve grown this baby girl and I’m going to be the one to bring her into this world - talk about empowering! I’m prepared and educated - and when the day comes, I’ll be ready.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Aliyah's First Baby Shower
Aliyah's Very First Tea Party: My mom and mom-in-law threw a beautiful baby shower for Aliyah Jacquelyn yesterday at the Alvamar Country Club in Lawrence, KS. So many of our family and friends came to help make it a very special day...
We munched on cucumber sandwiches, a fruit tray with two different kinds of dip, a layered Mexican dip, and brownie & cheesecake squares for dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious.
There was a table with different kinds of pink colored candies and another with bags for everyone to take home of my favorite hot tea... Celestial Sleepytime Tea.
The tables were decorated with old handmade doilies from both sides of our family and antique silver tea pots from Tyler's grandmother - so special!
There were so many lovely, thoughtful gifts for my little one. When I came home afterwards, Tyler and I sat on the floor in her nursery and I retold him the events of the day and who had brought every gift. We then put each of them carefully away in her room.
The tables were decorated with old handmade doilies from both sides of our family and antique silver tea pots from Tyler's grandmother - so special!
There were so many lovely, thoughtful gifts for my little one. When I came home afterwards, Tyler and I sat on the floor in her nursery and I retold him the events of the day and who had brought every gift. We then put each of them carefully away in her room.Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
March Madness
Even though Tyler and I didn't go to Kansas State University, we do have some serious reasons for sporting the purple pride...1. We are wildcats too - although we prefer the color orange
(Baker University Wildcats!!)
2. Tyler was born and grew up in Manhattan, KS
3. My Brother and his wife went to KSU
4. Both Tyler's parents went to KSU
5. Tyler's mom was a professor at KSU for 15 years
6. KSU is playing in the Elite Eight today against Butler
2. Tyler was born and grew up in Manhattan, KS
3. My Brother and his wife went to KSU
4. Both Tyler's parents went to KSU
5. Tyler's mom was a professor at KSU for 15 years
6. KSU is playing in the Elite Eight today against Butler
(first time in over 20 years) - GO CATS!!!
Tyler is already so excited that he will have time to prep Aliyah on stats before football season starts this fall... Babies look so good in purple don't you think?!?
Friday, March 26, 2010
I'm Goin' Fishin' with my Dad
When I was little, I would sing this song over and over...
I'm goin' fishin' with my dad
I'm goin' fishin' with my dad
I don't care if it rains or shines
Because I'm goin' fishin' with my dad
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Snuggly Guitars
I went to the mall to pick up one thing but then ran into this:
My plans changed and I snagged this cute guitar blanket - I just love it!! I can picture Aliyah snuggled up in this blanket and in Tyler's arms as they dance around the living room while I play my guitar for my sweet babes - I can't stop day dreaming about our new little family.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Getting Creative: Decorating with Sheets
Can I please take a minute to brag on my sister-in-law and tell you how amazing she is?!?!
Jillian has a degree in fashion design and I can honestly say that I had no idea what goes into a project until I witnessed it first hand. I had a spare sheet from Aliyah's bed and was going to whip out a seat cushion for the rocking chair in her room. As I explained a rough idea of what I had in mind to Jillian, I am sure she had a good chuckle to herself.
She was so polite and explained to me some of her ideas on how to make a seat cushion and, boy oh boy, am I glad she did!! I watched in utter amazement as this all came together, trying to lend a hand when I could. Aliyah is one lucky lady to have an aunt with such wonderful talents.
I couldn't get a picture that did this beautiful piece justice, but I think you can get the idea...
Jillian's true passion is making and designing clothes for her own company, Terrabella. She uses organic material that is all dyed naturally herself (see... I told you she is amazing!) She has done a lot of custom orders/designs/gowns/etc. Interested in her services?? jillian@terrabellafashions.com
With some of the scraps left over from the seat cushion, I was able to put together this light switch plate with a little help from my mom.
Jillian's true passion is making and designing clothes for her own company, Terrabella. She uses organic material that is all dyed naturally herself (see... I told you she is amazing!) She has done a lot of custom orders/designs/gowns/etc. Interested in her services?? jillian@terrabellafashions.com
With some of the scraps left over from the seat cushion, I was able to put together this light switch plate with a little help from my mom.I am loving this unique and cozy little room!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Back in Kansas City
We spent our day settling back into our cozy little home after our relaxing trip to New Orleans. We carved out a few hours to focus solely on Aliyah and enjoying a little time with her.
Tyler and I decided on a playlist of tunes for our baby love to jam out to. It was amazing to see how much she responded to the music. We sat in the afternoon light watching my belly shift and roll from one song to the next, enjoying her little performance.
Feeling her reaction to the music, I thought of all the times Tyler has danced with me around the floor of our house while singing the tune outloud, of how learning to twirl with my growing belly between us has made it awkward and beautiful at the same time, and how this tiny girl has been a part of every sway and every dip... And soon enough we’ll be taking a spin across the living room with her in our arms.
I dream of the day.
Tyler and I decided on a playlist of tunes for our baby love to jam out to. It was amazing to see how much she responded to the music. We sat in the afternoon light watching my belly shift and roll from one song to the next, enjoying her little performance.
Feeling her reaction to the music, I thought of all the times Tyler has danced with me around the floor of our house while singing the tune outloud, of how learning to twirl with my growing belly between us has made it awkward and beautiful at the same time, and how this tiny girl has been a part of every sway and every dip... And soon enough we’ll be taking a spin across the living room with her in our arms.
I dream of the day.
dancing in Florida - May 2009
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Wind
I listen to the wind of my soul...
I let my music take me where my heart wants to go
-- Cat Stevens
Sunday, March 21, 2010
New Orleans Favorites
Beignets and Other Good Eats
Decorated Balconies
Spanish Moss Hanging from Trees
Shotgun Homes
Vintage Bikes in the French Quarter
Saturday, March 20, 2010
New Hat
I am falling more and more in love with all things "vintage" each day... We found this hat while walking around in the French Quarter
Friday, March 19, 2010
Bump @ 32 Weeks
32 weeks!!!
In New Orleans, Louisiana... enjoying the sun with Tyler, his parents and Bear (Tyler's grandfather) at the Abita Brewery tour - Aliyah and I tried their root beer: delicious!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Knees & Toes)
It’s a good thing ultrasound machines exist. Otherwise, I would have a very distorted image of my daughter based on what it feels like is inside my uterus. All week long I’ve watched in amazement as hard little humps and ridges have formed on the otherwise smooth, rounded horizon of my belly. Sometimes she’ll stretch out and push against me under the ribs on my right side, and in the lower left portion of my belly at the same time.
Tyler admitted to me that in the middle of the night, when I am asleep, he’ll find my belly and he and Aliyah will have their own time together - with her kicking against his hand and him tapping back at her (with me blissfully unaware the entire time). I love the thought of that - as if the two of them are already developing secret handshakes or some form of father/daughter code that will exist only between the two of them.
This little, growing girl of ours is so strong now. I’m almost certain that she is on her way to becoming an arm wrestling champion or a power lifter.
Tyler admitted to me that in the middle of the night, when I am asleep, he’ll find my belly and he and Aliyah will have their own time together - with her kicking against his hand and him tapping back at her (with me blissfully unaware the entire time). I love the thought of that - as if the two of them are already developing secret handshakes or some form of father/daughter code that will exist only between the two of them.
This little, growing girl of ours is so strong now. I’m almost certain that she is on her way to becoming an arm wrestling champion or a power lifter.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Watch Out... I Pinch
New Orleans has some of the most delicious foods I have ever eaten... however, I screamed when I opened this crab po' boy we ordered for lunch today...
I assumed it would be crab pieces - not a whole crab just sitting on a buttered bun! I happily ate my muffaletta and let the others split the rest of our lunch. I couldn't stop laughing and had to take a picture. I will try just about anything unless it has its head/eyes still attached - yikes!!
I assumed it would be crab pieces - not a whole crab just sitting on a buttered bun! I happily ate my muffaletta and let the others split the rest of our lunch. I couldn't stop laughing and had to take a picture. I will try just about anything unless it has its head/eyes still attached - yikes!!Monday, March 15, 2010
Signing Up for Baby Classes
Tyler and I attended our first "baby class" together on March 1st...
I really liked it, and hopefully will remember everything two months from now. There is a lot more that goes into all that besides sticking your baby up to your chest... who would have thought?!?
We got lots of great resources and just by gathering information, I feel so much more laid back about the whole thing - I was a bit overwhelmed after visiting the breastfeeding section at the store and seeing the crazy amounts of stuff that is offered: all different bottle sizes, nipple sizes/speeds, gels, creams, pumps, pillows, pads... AHHHHH... it goes on and on!!!
Even Tyler got into the idea that breastfeeding moms should let dads handle the one-a-day bottle feeding. He graciously offered to take on the the 4/5 AM diaper change and feeding to allow me some extra zzzzzz. He is going to be such a great daddy!!
Breastfeeding
I really liked it, and hopefully will remember everything two months from now. There is a lot more that goes into all that besides sticking your baby up to your chest... who would have thought?!?We got lots of great resources and just by gathering information, I feel so much more laid back about the whole thing - I was a bit overwhelmed after visiting the breastfeeding section at the store and seeing the crazy amounts of stuff that is offered: all different bottle sizes, nipple sizes/speeds, gels, creams, pumps, pillows, pads... AHHHHH... it goes on and on!!!
Even Tyler got into the idea that breastfeeding moms should let dads handle the one-a-day bottle feeding. He graciously offered to take on the the 4/5 AM diaper change and feeding to allow me some extra zzzzzz. He is going to be such a great daddy!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Tyler!!!
Dear Tyler,
You will forever be the most handsome man I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
Love, Marcie
BIRTHDAY FUN: homemade bows!
These are so easy to make and look great on brown paper packages! All you need is a pair of scissors, the paper of your choosing, and a package of little metal brads to hold them together. You can find the tutorial at craftster.org
These are so easy to make and look great on brown paper packages! All you need is a pair of scissors, the paper of your choosing, and a package of little metal brads to hold them together. You can find the tutorial at craftster.org
Saturday, March 13, 2010
New Orleans - Here I Come
I’m hoping to blog when I can, but it may be a little quiet this week. Please send positive, comfy thoughts my way today as I am cramming this big, round body of mine into an car for 15+ hours. Sounds like fun doesn’t it? Fortunately, I’ve got Tyler along for the ride and he doesn’t know it yet but I’m totally planning to crouch on some of his seat space. (Based on that scenario, he could probably use some positive, comfy thoughts too!)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Daydreaming
I am daydreaming constantly of what it will feel like to hold this little love in my arms. As funny as this sounds, I can’t wait to smell her. Smelling babies has always been a favorite past time of mine and I imagine our baby is going to be the best smelling baby of them all.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
My Bare Belly
Whew. Deep Breath… I’m about to be brave.
Here I am, posting my first picture of my belly in all it’s bare glory at 31 weeks. I’m posting it because pregnant bellies are beautiful, and I’m feeling particularly house-like this morning and need that reminder.
And also, because my belly button has forsaken me. Look closely. That sucker poking out at the top and is well on its way to a full blown outtie. My belly button is grounded until further notice.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The End of an Era
Ladies and Gentlemen, Sleep has left the building.
I knew this would happen, and yet, here I am - with nine and a half weeks left in my pregnancy, slightly devastated that it has happened already. Sure, I’ve had moments of tossing and turning while I adjusted to a growing belly and sleeping almost exclusively on my left side (Note for those of you who have never been pregnant: Apparently sleeping on your left provides the best bloodflow to the baby) But I thought I still had time.
I knew the end of 8 hours of blissful sleep was nearing - but not now. not yet - I’m not ready to say goodbye! As my belly has grown to epic proportions, my ability to sleep comfortably has diminished considerably (no matter how many pillows I stuff around my body) Add to that about 6 bathroom breaks a night and not being able to easily fall back asleep - and my average sleep time has fallen to just under 5 hours and going downhill fast. It doesn’t matter if I go to bed early or try to sleep in - same results.
I know in many ways that this is all just preparation for life with a newborn - adjusting my body to multiple middle of the night feedings and diaper changes - but I just feel like the time went by so fast and I didn’t savor sleeping as much as I should have. I took it for granted, and now it’s gone.
Who knows how many years stand between me and a good night’s sleep now… depending on how large our family grows it could be 5? 10 years maybe?
*Sigh* Like they always say “you don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s gone.” We had a good long run together - me and restfulness. 27 happy years. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I sure do look forward to the day. So long my good friend, sleep.
I knew this would happen, and yet, here I am - with nine and a half weeks left in my pregnancy, slightly devastated that it has happened already. Sure, I’ve had moments of tossing and turning while I adjusted to a growing belly and sleeping almost exclusively on my left side (Note for those of you who have never been pregnant: Apparently sleeping on your left provides the best bloodflow to the baby) But I thought I still had time.
I knew the end of 8 hours of blissful sleep was nearing - but not now. not yet - I’m not ready to say goodbye! As my belly has grown to epic proportions, my ability to sleep comfortably has diminished considerably (no matter how many pillows I stuff around my body) Add to that about 6 bathroom breaks a night and not being able to easily fall back asleep - and my average sleep time has fallen to just under 5 hours and going downhill fast. It doesn’t matter if I go to bed early or try to sleep in - same results.
I know in many ways that this is all just preparation for life with a newborn - adjusting my body to multiple middle of the night feedings and diaper changes - but I just feel like the time went by so fast and I didn’t savor sleeping as much as I should have. I took it for granted, and now it’s gone.
Who knows how many years stand between me and a good night’s sleep now… depending on how large our family grows it could be 5? 10 years maybe?
*Sigh* Like they always say “you don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s gone.” We had a good long run together - me and restfulness. 27 happy years. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I sure do look forward to the day. So long my good friend, sleep.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Gray Doesn't Always Mean Dreary
Just For Fun: Even though it is gray, rainy and dreary in Kansas City, these perfect little dresses have brightened my day...
Monday, March 8, 2010
All Dolled Up at the Cat's Meow
Thought I would post some nifty pictures from our mystery dinner party this weekend... It was the bee's knees!! We hosted a swanky 1920s themed casino grand opening. Tyler and I were the casino owners: Don Wannabe and Madame MeMe Wannabe. We ate short ribs, cheesy jalapeño corn, crab cakes, and risotto. Tyler made a hotsy-totsy red velvet cake and we had some superb snacks... needless to say it was quite a ritzy night! Everyone was looking spiffy and the evening was on the up-and-up until Big Jim Ravioli was about to make his big announcement when the lights went out and got bumped off!
This Jane is my dear friend, Amy (aka Mary Toosteal) wife of US congressman Darrin Toosteal p.s. the ciggy in my hand is a FAKE!! (have you caught on to my 20's slang???)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
More Work in the Nursery
I found these letters at Hobby Lobby, painted them white, glued hooks to the back and Tyler got them up on the wall. We are getting closer to a finished nursery!
Friday, March 5, 2010
I Swallowed a Beach Ball @ 30 Weeks
30 Weeks!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Addicted to Children's Books
A house without books is like a room without windows.
- Heinrich Mann
I think it is only natural that I have already picked up a few "baby" books to add to the collection. I found one with numbers (so Tyler can start the math lessons) and another by one of my favorite author/illustrators, Tomie DePaola.
We also have some fun ones in Hungarian and Spanish...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I Don't Even Know You Anymore
This week, I received two $10 off coupons in the mail to the JC Penny's new store in Overland Park. I headed there yesterday with my coupons knowing it would probably be one of my last opportunities to splurge on shopping for awhile. I browsed beautiful rows of shoes, smelled heavenly scented candles, considered a funky pair of sunglasses and new lipstick shades… but do you know what I ended up spending it on…
(I can’t even believe it myself)
Two waterproof mattress pad covers for the crib... I am obviously getting waaaaaaay too practical these days! I didn't even know what a waterproof mattress pad was 6 months ago...
Oh the times, they are a-changing. (sigh)
(I can’t even believe it myself)
Two waterproof mattress pad covers for the crib... I am obviously getting waaaaaaay too practical these days! I didn't even know what a waterproof mattress pad was 6 months ago...
Oh the times, they are a-changing. (sigh)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Saying Goodbye
A little child enters your life and fills a special place in your heart. A place you never even knew was empty!
-- unknown
Tyler and I have been foster parents for the past 11 months, but now we are having to say our goodbyes. One kiddo is being reunified with her mother and the other will be fostered by our amazing friends, the Hills.
We have been asked many questions about foster care, so here is a quick Q & A
---------------
'why foster care?'... we feel we have been blessed with the extra space, love for children, and desire/ability to help our community in this way.
'was it hard to adjust bringing a kid into your home?'... honestly, the kids were the easy part. Some days are more challenging than others, but every day is rewarding. The hard parts are the paperwork and politics within the foster care system.
'will it be hard to say goodbye?'... we always knew the kids were never ours to keep, but yes, it is still hard to say goodbye. Even though it is tough, we would never take back the time that we have had with our two girls!
'why foster care?'... we feel we have been blessed with the extra space, love for children, and desire/ability to help our community in this way.
'was it hard to adjust bringing a kid into your home?'... honestly, the kids were the easy part. Some days are more challenging than others, but every day is rewarding. The hard parts are the paperwork and politics within the foster care system.
'will it be hard to say goodbye?'... we always knew the kids were never ours to keep, but yes, it is still hard to say goodbye. Even though it is tough, we would never take back the time that we have had with our two girls!
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As we welcome Aliyah, we know we are in for some big changes... Although, I giggle a little when ever someone tells me, "When this baby comes you won't have any more free time." HA!! That was gone a while ago :)
We will always have a special place in our hearts for the girls and will continue to pray for their successes throughout our lives. Goodbye to our little angels and may God's hands provide guidance and support for you forever and ever!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Dear Life...
Dear Life,
Thank you for all of this.
I am going to make the very best of you.
Love Always,
M
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