The countdown is on!

I cannot believe we have only 17 days (or less) until this little baby is here!   I have been working hard to get things done, and I've done well. I have very little left to do, and that makes me pretty happy! Car seat has been installed, Tyler's car seat had to be moved over. Baby hospital bag is packed, complete with boy and girl stuff.  

Unfortunately, This is NOT everything that is in the bag. I want to wait to show the going home outfits,  and I have a few gender neutral outfits too. Because I will be in the hospital for at least 2-3 days I need to have more clothes than just a going home outfit.   Freezer meals are NOT made... And here is why.... I have a couple of things made up and in the freezer for the first few days. But other than that I decided that I will just keep the pantry/fridge stocked for Travis to make meals -- because he will be home for at least the first 4 weeks, if not 6. And then before he heads back to work I will then make the freezer meals. After being reminded about how much harder it was to make meals once Travis went back to work, I thought it would be worth it to wait.   Baby swing is set up, bouncy chair is set up, cradle is up and in our room, new double stroller is purchased and set up,

Tyler trying out the front seat. And he cried when it was time to get out!  I love that with this stroller their are multiple ways that the kids can be in here, and I'm thinking that I  will keep Tyler in the front half, and the baby in the second half because then I can see both of their faces, where as with putting Tyler in the front, he faces forward and then I can only see the baby.  But once they get here I will try out a few things and see what works best!    My hospital bag is not packed, but my toiletries are packed and ready to be put in my bag and I will probably start putting things together this weekend.  Since a lot of the things I'll be packing are things I use everyday, it's hard to pack them now. But I do have a list of what will go in the bag so that if we have to throw things in last minute, at least I have something to guide me or Travis!    What do you have for me? I'm sure their are things I am missing,  but what can you think of that I might still need to do?  (I don't want to miss anything!)  

Blog Angel Reveal!

It's that time for the Blog Angel Reveal!  If you are not familiar with the Blog Angels, check it out over at Craftbotic!  Rosie and Katlyn are putting on quite the Party!  And if you are interested in signing up for October, you can do that too!   

Now for my Angel... well, I won't lie, I felt like I had a bit of a rough start. But I did my best! I had a fabulous lady, and you better go check her out!     Meet Salena from A little Piece of Me  

  I'm sure most of you already know Salena- And that is part of the reason it was tough for me!   I already follow her blog, her Pinterest, her Twitter, her Facebook.... And she even has a shop that you can buy accessories- Find that here!   Right now, (through TODAY only) you can enter to win her Blogaversary giveaway! 

  Considering she is super crafty, she already has buttons,  signatures, etc. And plus, I'm still on the newbie end of those things, and lets be honest, a little intimidated!    I commented often, and re-pinned countless pins :) and I entered to win her giveaway! And you should too!    So if for some reason you don't already love Salena,  go check her out! Because you will love her shortly! :)    I can't wait to join for October and I hope that since this was my first one,  the next will go smoother!   

Baby Sprinkle

This past weekend my BFF, Nicki, through me a little "Baby Sprinkle".   I really had no intention on having another shower, as I had one with each of the boys,  and I really didn't want to seem "gift grabby"  But when Nicki called and told me she wanted to do something little for this  sweet little one, I was excited to see what she had planned!   I helped her make the invitations with my Cricut and they turned out really cute! And come "spinkle" day the decorations were really cute too!  

 Ice Cream Bar

 Yummy Cake Pops!

 Ice cream toppings! Yum!

 Nicki had this great idea to have people pick lips if they thought I was having a girl, and to pick a mustache if they thought I was having a boy. As you can see, basically everyone thinks I am having a girl. :)

 And one last picture as things were winding down. 
Because I have everything still from having Tyler, I really don't need things like bouncy chairs, swings, etc. And Nicki really wanted to focus on diapers and wipes, which is obviously, helpful!
Between the diapers/wipes we had already started stocking up on and what we got at the Sprinkle, we shouldn't need to buy more diapers for at least 6 months (I'm hoping!)  And that makes me pretty excited! 
I also got lotions, baby wash, diaper rash cream, etc. Those things that you have to restock. Not to mention hoards of baby girl clothes! Luckily, most people gave me gift receipts so if I don't have a girl,  I will be able to trade them in for boy clothes! Plus, I even got some really cute boy outfits. 
A great day was had by all and I am so grateful for my friends and my family for  being here for me on this wonderful day!   

36 week bumpdate!

How far along: 36 weeks!

Total weight gain: 21 pounds

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty okay since I've been soo tired!

Gender: We are Team Green, So we'll find out in just three weeks!!

Names: I can't believe I am about to say this... But we are back to TWO boy names...
Travis convinced me that another name is still great which drives me crazy because it's the name I
originally wanted to name Tyler, but Travis didn't like it then! We decided that we are just going to keep
with the two names and decide later because if we have a girl, then obviously it eliminates both names!

Stretch marks: Yep

Best moment this week: Yesterday my BFF threw me a little "baby sprinkle"
It was great and their will be more to come on that!

Movement: Tons and tons

Food cravings: nothing in particular

Labor signs:

Yesterday I was definitely experiencing some Braxton Hicks, but they didn't last long

Belly button - innie or outie: in, but barely

What are you looking forward to this week: It's Zachary's last week of Summer break
and I look forward to just doing things with him this week before he heads back for 5th grade!

Health: I feel great, but I'm definitely tired. And get tired easy.
At my Dr. appt they checked me and nothing is happening, so that is good
but after I get through next week I am all for this baby coming anytime!

Next appt is this Wednesday. I don't think I will be checked anymore (because of
a repeat c-section) unless I am having contractions.

Raspberry freezer jam

 

  Raspberry jam? Yes, please! I have never made jam of any sort,  and to be honest, I guess I thought it would be hard.... I've said in the past that I have been intimidated by recipes but I wasn't letting it hold me back any longer!    I had looked at a few recipes online, and knew I needed pectin so I started there. The box had a recipe that I used  and it was quick and easy!    Here is what you need: 8 cups of raspberries 4 1/2 cups of sugar 2 lemons 1 cup of light corn syrup 1 pkg of pectin And containers of some sort.    ~Gather all of your ingredients~

 First, smash your raspberries. I used a potato smasher and it worked perfectly.

 Next, add the juice from 2 lemons and the package of pectin and mix it together. Then, let it sit for about a half an hour, stirring occasional.

Then add in the 1 cup of corn syrup and your 4 1/2 cups of sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

 Last, pour into your containers. I used these "Take Alongs" from Rubbermaid. They hold 1 1/2 cups and work great in the freezer.

  Look at that...   My very first freezer jam complete and it tastes delicious!    And you know what folks? This took less than an hour to make, including the 1/2 hour waiting...   Nothing intimidating about that!   

A day at Greenbluff

Greenbluff is a place I have written about many times before.  And this, by no means, will be my last!
They have orchards that our family loves to visit all times of the year.  Whether you are in the market for fruits and veggies in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, or a Christmas tree at Christmas,  you can find it as Greenbluff!  

This was the first time we've picked raspberries though, and it was a  complete fluke. We went up to get peaches. Fresh peach cobbler sounded amazing and we took a spur of the moment trip up. As we were driving around I saw a sign for raspberries and we decided to stop. 
A lady in the parking lot told the bushes were pretty empty, and the raspberries that were there, were not ripe. But we took a chance and decided to go look ourselves. I'm so glad we did because the bushes were filled with amazing raspberries!  I'm not sure what the lady was looking at because they were everywhere!
We started picking and filling our bucket.  I really wanted enough to make some freezer jam, even though I had no idea how many that would take because I've never made it before.  So we just picked and picked! 

 Tyler enjoying hanging out in the wagon

Picking raspberries-- I'm glad you can't see my entire shirt because
I was sweating bullets and kept having to wipe my face!

Travis making his usual faces at the camera! 
Zachary was being the little photographer because he was so hot and over picking berries! 
Interested in seeing how my freezer jam turned out? That will be coming your way soooon!

A boy's love

 

The love that this boy has for his dad is tremendous. 

I hope that he never loses that ability to love so strong.

Zachary J. You are so amazing.

You are turning into such a wonderful young man

and I am grateful everyday for you. 

Your dad has been gone since you were 9 months old

and yet you continue to love him as if he has been here the entire time. 

You sir, are truly sent from Heaven. 

 

Tyler- 22 months

 

A couple of weeks ago Tyler and I went with my mom to a quick Dr. appt and while in the waiting room

Tyler hopped up on the couch and started posing. It was SO CUTE! 

I hurried and dug out my camera and he even gave me a few more poses! 

Right now, Tyler is 26 pounds and has really thinned out. 

I can't really call him my "chunky monkey" because only his face is chubby these days!

He says anything we do. And has for a little while, so we really have to watch what we say.

Zachary taught him to say "Yo-Yo" and he does a little raise the roof action along with it. 

He also learned to say "Yo dog" from his big brother too.... 

He loves Dinosaur train. When it comes on, he yells, "train!" 

And he of course, loves dinosaurs. 

When I ask him where the baby is he will point to my belly and typically says

our boy name. He loves to hug and kiss the baby and I think he's going to be a great big brother!

If I ask him who is in my belly he says the boy name, followed by the girl name.

(or vice-versa)

I think when this baby gets here, it's going to take him a little time to just say one name,

and he'll probably call the baby by both names at first. 

I can't wait to see how he reacts. 

Tyler's last haircut was a breeze. Thanks goodness, their was barely any crying!

Zachary combs Tyler's hair every morning and Tyler loves to show me his hair.

So when we went to get his hair cut I told him we were going to comb his hair. 

He cried for a couple of moments, mainly while the lady sprayed his hair, but after that

he was fine! Even though it's been about 3 weeks since his haircut, he still

will walk up to me and rub his hair and say, "haircut". 

He loves to play outside in the dirt. He recently discovered the dirt under our front stairs

and he loves to dig in it! He gets his bucket and shovel and goes to town. 

He is just really starting to sing and sings random parts of Twinkle, Twinkle little star, 

parts of the alphabet, You are my sunshine, etc. I can't wait to hear him sing the entire songs! 

Tyler is constantly doing new things everyday, and I feel like I can never keep up with all of it!

It is unbelievable to me that he is so close to being 2 years old!

I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store for this little guy!

35 week bumpdate

How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain: up 21 pounds

Sleep: It hasn't been great lately, but last night I slept really well despite my one potty break

Gender: We are Team Green, So we'll find out in September!

Names: Travis drives me crazy with his wishy washy-ness over our boy name!!
I'm set on the same name but he keeps trying to throw other names out there.

Stretch marks: Yep

Best moment this week: Hearing at my Dr. appt that baby is head down. Even
though I'm having a c-section in just 4 weeks, it's nice to know that baby is doing
what they are supposed to be doing!

Movement: lots and lots

Food cravings: nothing really in particular

Labor signs:

I think I'm starting to experience Braxton Hicks, but I'm just not for sure!

Belly button - innie or outie: it's still in

What are you looking forward to this week: My now weekly Dr. appts!

Health: Things are going good. I get tired pretty quick but other than that
I'm feeling good. My numbers were all good at my appt last Friday and my
Dr. was happy with that, so I'm happy with that!

Zachary's birth Story {over 10 years in the making}

Since every birth story is different, I wanted to make sure I typed out Zachary's birth story before we got any further away from it. I mean, it's only been 10 years already! He deserves his own time too!

So here I am, 18 years old and 33-ish weeks pregnant. {I know, it was my first pregnancy and I kept track of nothing. Not even how many weeks I was. But I'll explain a little more about the week confusion later!}

So again, here I am about to leave for my Dr. appt. The last week or so before I ballooned up and my face, hands, legs, feet, basically head to toe, I was swollen. It was miserable. I could {only} wear flip flops, and even those cut deeply into my feet. (Plus, just 2 weeks before I had gotten this awesomely awful haircut, that I cried over before I even left the chair....) 

Anyway! Off to the Dr. we went. We get there, they check my weight and I was up 15 pounds since the 2 weeks before, my BP was up, I had protein in my urine and the nurses thumb sunk into to my shin. I was a walking case of pre-eclampsia. The Dr. told me I had one hour to get home, pack a few things, and get to the hospital. So that is exactly what we did. Of course, I had nothing packed before this appointment, nor had I considered it, I mean, I was weeks away from having a baby! 

We get to the hospital, get checked in and are put in a room. I am hooked up to IV's, blood pressure monitors and baby monitors. Within a day, I am told I will be staying in the hospital until this baby boy is born. 
What the whaaa? Really, I am going to be here for the next 2-ish months??? 

Yes, I was this naive! I had "What to expect when you're expecting". I had flipped through it, reading the weekly updates, but I must have skipped the part about Pre-Eclampsia, or else I figured it didn't pertain to me. I had no clue what was about to go on!

They would come in each morning and weigh me, watching my weight just go up and up. I was watching the stretch marks across my body, head to toe grow and grow from the rapid weight gain. Protein remained in my urine, and BP stayed elevated and the nurses thumb prints kept sinking further into my shin. Finally after several days, and ultrasounds later, they decided this little boy would be better off as an outside baby rather than in my belly. What should have been a 5 plus pound baby was measuring small at about 3lbs, 12 oz. 

It was time to induce. 

I was beyond scared. They took us to the NICU to get a tour of where Zachary would be brought after he was born, should their be issues. Seeing those little babies was heart breaking. I broke down in tears, I couldn't bare the sight of those tiny babies. 
I didn't want to have a baby that was that little. 

I was started on Cervidil. After it was placed, I was monitored overnight. 
By morning I was dilated to a 1.
Really, a one??? They replaced it with another and we waited. By this time I had already started receiving the shots to develop baby's lungs and we were on the road to having a baby shortly. When the nurses would check me, it was so painful. As was the replacement of the Cervidil. And to my Dr. dissatisfaction, I was not dilating. Still at a one they decided on trying something else. 

They started me on a pitocin drip and moved me into a delivery room. After hours of "labor" and still not dilating, continuing on with my high BP and spiking fevers regularly my Dr decided he wanted to give me an epidural in hopes that it would bring my BP down, and get my body moving in the right direction. 

Though when the epidural was placed, baby's heart rate dropping dramatically. I was told by the Dr. as him and the nurses scrambled around me that they were taking me in for a c-section right now. My husband had enough time to call my parents, and my BFF and tell them quickly what was going on. Then we were taken into the OR where my baby was born. 

Zachary J was born at 5:22 am on April 27, 2002
weighing in at 3lbs, 8 oz and 17 inches long

The first time I saw him was in a Polaroid picture. 

After being in "a little" labor for a lot of hours, and being in intense labor for a lot of hours, along with the lack of sleep that I'd had during the last week and a half and the zero sleep I'd had in the past 24 hours, I was exhausted. Later that day the nurses tried to get me to get up and moving, and it just wasn't happening. I was in so much pain I could barely move my legs, much less get out of bed. But by the next day I was able to get up a little bit more, and the next day I was up and walking and finally got to go see my little "love bug".

 On day 12 I checked out of the hospital, and of course, we had to leave behind Zachary. 

My baby bug spent 45 days in the NICU before we got to bring him home. 

Holding my baby boy for the first time! 

While I was in the hospital for those 12 days, getting weighed each day, I gained a total of 25 pounds... Just while in the hospital. (Gained 65 pounds overall!) And I lost 59 pounds within the first week of Zachary's life. I just just plain full of water!

Also, I said above that I'd explain the issue with how many weeks I was. Even though I was 33 bordering 34 weeks when I went into the hospital, after I had Zachary, my Dr. decided that I was probably even earlier and charted it as being 32/33 weeks at delivery. Even to this day when I tell people that Zachary was early, I feel like sometimes I say 33 weeks, sometimes I say 34 weeks... I just never know! But typically I'll say that he was 2 months early. 

And I am so grateful to say that besides having RSV right before his 1st birthday, and having very mild Asthma, Zachary is a very healthy kid. I am so grateful for him and the person he has made me! 

Blog Angels (Half way) Link up!

So today is the half way point. For 15 days I have been a "blog angel" to someone,
and someone has been a blog angel to me.




To this point, I have not found it easy to be an "angel". My person has had very little activity so far and that makes it difficult for me to know what to do. I already follow this persons blog, pinterest, facebook, etc. so there was nothing new for me to follow.  I comment occasionally on this persons posts, and with the little that is out there for August, it's just been plain hard! I am hoping the 2nd half of August picks up and their is more to work with!

As far as who has me, I can surely take a guess because I don't get a ton of comments anyway, so I notice when new people come around. If that is the case, that's great because I love to find new blogs to read! But I sure look forward to the 2nd half of August and seeing what is in store for my Angel, and from my angel!

34 week bumpdate!

How far along: 34 weeks!

Total weight gain: up 20 pounds

Sleep: It's off and on. Once I fall asleep I'm doing pretty okay

Gender: We are Team Green, So we'll find out in September!

Names: Our names are set. Travis keeps doing things like,
"are you suuure that is the boy name you want?"
Ugh... Men! :)

Stretch marks: Yes, my little spots are turning into longer marks

Best moment this week: Last night watching my stomach do "the wave" while the
little peanut moved around was pretty great.
Also getting a ton of raspberries and peaches yesterday was pretty great!

Movement: Tons. Yesterday their was a time when I could feel the baby up in my ribs
and down by each ovary. I felt like they were doing jumping jacks

Food cravings:donuts. Though I'm trying to stay away. I am happy with my weight gain so far!

Labor signs:

I *think* I am having Braxton Hicks?
I'm having something but it's nothing regular

Belly button - innie or outie: it is in

What are you looking forward to this week: Dr. appt on Friday. Always 
love hearing the peanuts heartbeat!

Health: Feeling great! I'm not swelling, I am not dog tired yet, but get tired pretty easy.
At this point with Zachary, he was an outside baby lounging in the NICU,
so I am pretty happy with where things are right now!

Also, my clothes don't really fit. My shirts mainly.
I am to the point where I have about 3 or 4 shirts that completely cover my belly
so when I am home I am either wearing one of Travis' shirts,
or I'm in one of mine but some belly is hanging showing! 

Calling all bloggers!

Do you guest post?

Have you ever wanted to guest post?

Well, I have an opportunity for you!
(and you'd really be helping me out!) 

As you have probably seen, I'm pregnant!

This little peanut should be making their appearance come mid September,
and I'd love to have some guest posts ready to go for the time I will be away.

I'd really like to secure at least of week of guests posts, so I could really use some help!

So what do you got? I'm open to basically whatever you want to write about,
as long as it's family friendly.

Send me a message by clicking "contact me" up at the top or comment below,
either way, just get in touch with me!

Friday Letters

Dear Baby in my belly, I bought you some clothes this week so you won't actually be naked for long after you make your way into this world. I still have more shopping to do, but you have a couple of blue outfits, and a couple of pink. I can't wait to see which you will be wearing! :) Also, you are making it harder to get comfortable, or eat more than a few bites of anything at one time, and most of my shirts don't cover my entire belly. Just about 5 weeks until I get to meet you! Dear Zachary, you have only been home for {less than} 24 hours this entire week. I can't wait for you to be home in a couple of hours! We have a lot of things to do over the next 3 weeks before school starts! Dear Tyler, Your waking up at midnight last night and partying until 2:30am wasn't really fun. Teething gel, diaper change, milk in your belly, cuddling, etc. didn't seem to help. But thanks for sleeping a little extra this morning... I appreciated that, even though Dad woke me up instead...  Dear weekend, I am glad you are here. I have a feeling this will be a busy weekend and if you could slow it down a little that would be fantastic!

July/August goals

Well Hello, August... You have gotten here so quickly! (Does anyone else feel the time flying by?)

The days are busy... Not only do I have books to read, and crafts to make, but children to take care of and that part in itself takes up most of my time. I have been working hard to balance everything and get things done, and I've done pretty okay.

In July I really wanted to make some head bands for baby girls, just in case... and I made several.
I found a tutorial here, and it was exactly what I needed. {{ clear and easy! }}

 

 These are a few of the things I've made and I have a lot of felt cut out 

in tons of other colors

I also have been working on a project for Tyler's bedroom, 

but it's not done so I will share when I get it completed.... 

which will hopefully happen in the next few weeks, 

preferably before the next baby gets here! :)

Zachary officially has a bedroom with real walls now.... More on that to come!

For August I will be working on making a couple ties for a baby boy.  I would also like to make a couple of tie bibs for a boy as well. Last month I got my sewing machine out of the box for the first time... ever. So there is no excuse to at least try to make the ties!

This month I will also be *finally* making my freezer meals

I'm sure that with the baby being less than 6 weeks away, their will be a lot more going on!
I have shopping to get done, and things to get ready! Luckily the car seat is ordered and should be here
tomorrow and the double stroller will be purchased this weekend!  It's all coming together!

Old Navy Back to school

Old Navy is seriously amazing... Don't you think?

I have been shopping at Old Nay since before their was a store in my town. I remember having to drive 3-4 hours to get to an Old Navy and I was so beyond excited when they put one in Spokane... even though it's still a half hour away, it's always worth it for me to drive there! (And I've been secretly hoping for years that they'll put on on the north side of town!) Before I had kids in school I did all of our clothes shopping there, and ever since Zachary started school, I shop there even more!

Just last week I saw that Old Navy has their kids jeans for $10! You can bet your dollar that when Zachary comes home from being with Grandpa, we will be headed school shopping, and Old Navy will be my first stop!

Zachary loves their skinny jeans.... I think most kids these days do. And this mom... She loves the skinny jean prices! Not to mention the fit of Old Navy's clothes work great for my family.

I'm sure come the first day of school, Zach will be wearing this:

I can see him now, ready to head to school, feeling and lookin' good as a 5th grader!

Truly, one of my favorite things about Old Navy is their prices. I can always find clothes that I like there, and love the price even more. I loved the cheap prices when I only had one kid, but now with two, almost 3, it's even greater! This fall we are going to be outfitting three (!) kiddos and that isn't really a cheap thing to do. But I know that going to Old Navy will stretch our money further and get us all the things we need! Plus we will be getting good quality clothes!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.