I'm back!

Dear diary,

I know its been along time since I've made an entry.  I was listening to Dr David Jeremiah on Oneplace.com and he was discussing the importance of journaling.  I will admit I was'nt paying attention to the broadcast but I think I got the gist of what he was saying, which was that when you stop to reflect and record the events of your day your forced too slow down and listen to God speak to you.

I feel I should review from when we had Max. Our lives have totally changed from our goals and aspirations to our daily tasks.  We have been blessed with two really great kids! Which brings me to my announcement that... we're pregnant!  (I wasn't sure how say it, other than blurting it out) I'm so excited!

Today was my first midwife appt. Im 12 & 1/2 weeks and got to listen to the baby's heartbeat.  For the record baby's heartbeat was 150-169 or something like that.  Ofcourse I'm anxious to find out what I'm having. (Not like my last pregnancy where I waited until labor day) this time I have been looking up all the myths on how to tell the baby's gender.  And based on the heartbeat its leaning towards girl and based on the Chinese calender it's also a girl.  I'm happy with either but Briana really wants a baby sister. I guess we will have tho wait a few more weeks

I have decided to go with having a home birth this time.  My sister-in-law is due just 2 & 1/2 weeks before i am and has sold me on the idea. It wasnt a difficult decision since I had Max at a birthing center with no pain meds or epidural. It only makes sense.

I guess the only other thing other than mommy and wife chores is my health and fitness update.  (I'd like to keep this for my own records) My pre-pregnancy weight was 147 and at 12 weeks I've gained 10lbs.  I'd like to stay active and healthy this time around even though I wasn't bad before but there's always room for improvement.  Bye the way I haven't been taking a prenatal vitamin but I need to start now.

Thank you Lord for being so gracious with my life.  I pray you continue speaking into our hearts and convicting us to do your will.  -Amen

Love Tanya

Soon to be Memories

Things I will cherish always with my, not so little, girl

Doing your hair before school

Help picking out your outfit the night before

Catching up with all the scoop from school

Coaching you in softball

Watching our favorite show together

When you ask me for advice

Window shopping

Our bedtime chats

Praying together

I know soon these things will be only memories, but for now I will soak every moment

Just one of those days

It's 6am.  I can hear Maximus whining through the monitor. To try not to wake anyone up, I quickly stumble my way to his room.  (Note to self: Don't change his diaper until he has been awake for awhile.) So I proceed to change his diaper, and with his eyes still shut he aims fire.  I'm still half asleep, so I don't even try to take cover and it goes everywhere.

Once I got him cleaned up, he still looked sleepy enough to put him back to bed.  Maybe I will be able to get another 30mins of Z's  So I begin to nurse him, then as I am burping him he decided it was a good time to puke all down my shoulder and hair o_O  Lovely. 

I place him back in the crib so I can clean myself up and find my zen.  After nursing and rocking him for another 30mins he's finally asleep!  Just when I thought I was in the clear, my alarm goes off.  Oh well, maybe I'll just squeeze in a nap later.

It's just one of those days.

At Briana's softball game

Anniversary

March 1st 2005

Yesterday was my Wedding Anniversary.  It has been 7 progressively wonderful years.  I'm excited to grow old with him.  

Dear God, 

I pray you continue to be the center of attention in our marriage.  Thank you for showing us how to become one and help us through the challenges we might face. 

-Amen

Family Pics

This is the reason I haven't been blogging.  Maximus keeps me busy for sure.

Above Briana is up and ready for school, with time to spare to love on her brother. So proud of her.

Jaime just gave Max a bath and is enjoying some skin to skin bonding.  Mommy doesn't have to be the only one.

Lastly Max just woke up from the nap he took in the bathroom, while I had a chance to shower AND do my hair.  This is very rare, had to take a pic so it would last longer.

I love my family to infinity.... and beyond!  I hope to be blogging more often

2 months old

Perfect!

I scratched my nose

How old is baby:
2 months

Baby's Weight:
12 lbs
 
Baby's Height:
23in, his next appointment is next week, so we'll see.

Milestones: 
Pays attention to the Mobile and other toys.  He's also so much stronger. I have to tell Briana to always have her hand on his back since he'll jerk back when we're burping him.

Sleep:
He's sleeping a good 3-4-5 hours.  It depends on if i just lay him down or burp him because he'll wake up pissed if I didn't burp him. O_o

Best Moment:
We went to a Korean Tofu Restaurant and he did soooo good.  I gave him a bottle and he just looked around and hung out.  I was actually able to eat and enjoy my meal.


Looking Forward to:
Not having to burp him anymore.  I think when he starts sitting up is when he can burp himself. 

Lessons Learned:
To find and make time for Mommy and Daddy.  I miss that guy I used to call my hubby.  I need to start planning a monthly Date Night!

Pregnancy Weight Loss: 
I've lost another 10 lbs! Just 10 more to be at my pre-preggo weight and back into my jeans!  Woo Hoo! I haven't been going to the gym since their childcare starts at 3 months old. I'm just focusing on eating more greens.  Oh and continue breastfeeding, you know that alone burns 200-500 cals a day!

What's been on my mind:
I've been feeling guilty of not being able to spend as much time with Briana as I used to.  For example, Softball season is here and I used to be like her coach.  Now I can't even go outside and catch with her. It's hard having a new-teen and a newborn.

6 weeks old

So far Maximus has been a fussy one.  Don't let that adorable smile fool you.  I know babies don't cry for no reason but I feel he is just being particular (a trait his dad passed along).  But I think I've got him figured out.  Hopefully it's all smiles from here.  Weird thing happened, him and Briana must of woke up that morning and both planned to be better kids as their new year's resolution.  Max slept in for two 5 hour increments and Briana woke up early to help me around the house o_O I know crazy! let's see how long it lasts. 

How old is baby:
6 weeks 4 days

Baby's Weight:
10 lbs 7oz, 50th Percentile
 
Baby's Height:
23in, 75th Percentile

Milestones: 
Smiling, coos, turns his head to see me.  Way more interactive.

Sleep:
Well up until now he would wake up every 2 hours to nurse and fuss. I'm guilty of keeping him in my bed. I know! it's wrong but oh so easy to do.  Not anymore! back into the bassinet you go. We both sleep better now because of it.

Best Moment:
When I took the pictures above.  We both slept good and Max woke up so happy!


Looking Forward to:
Some sort of routine. I need to get me a 2012 planner.  I know that would help me jot down his schedule so I can work around it.


Lessons Learned:
Two boobs are better than one. :) Filling him up even if he looks content with one. This was a Duh! moment, but I get a pass since It's been so long.

Pregnancy Weight Loss: 
I've lost 20 lbs without doing anything, other than have a baby. Now I guess I have to work on the remaining 20.  Not very motivated right now.  I'll start Monday ;)





     

Becoming Debt Free

I love this time of year.  Just last week it was Jesus' Birthday a time of rebirth and new life.  Feels like you've just pressed the reset button for your new beginning.

2012 for me will be becoming debt free.  That is one of the few goals I have for myself.  Here's an update from my last post about my debt. In the last 3 months we've been able to pay off $1,550.  That's about $500 a month towards debt reduction.  That's not bad considering we're living off of Jaime's income plus my unemployment, for now. Below are a list of lifestyle changes to not only accommodate for the income loss, but also lean into paying off as much debt as possible. Every dollar counts.

• Match coupons with sale items for groceries
• Thrift stores for only good quality clothes (like blouses or Jeans)
• Buy accent furniture or home decor at Moving Sales / Garage Sales
• No restaurants
• Take care of what we already own
• read labels before washing clothes
• Use the sewing machine to repair or hem clothes
• Spray stains immediately
• Accept hand-me-downs
• Don't upgrade cell phone, rather do a phone swap with someone who is upgrading. (Make sure you add insurance to your line before swapping to repair, if needed, then cancel insurance after swap)
• Wear old glasses, Don't buy contact lenses  :(
• Stay healthy and brush teeth :) (Doctor or Dentist visits aren't cheap)
• Drive with caution (Tickets suck!)
• Pay all bills on time (late fee's add up)
• No cable (Television is targeted to consumers, meaning you will feel the need to buy)
• Try to DIY as much as possible
• Live below our means
• Don't use credit cards, have at least $1,000 in savings for emergencies 
• Give myself a weekly allowance of Gas, Groceries & Misc.

I'm sure there are a lot more things I can list off, but these were the ones off the top of my head. To stay motivated, I have to remind myself that this is only temporary.  Later on I will be able to vacation and spend like it was my business.  Can't wait to break the chains and become debt free. 

Christmas in Maryland

We're back from our Christmas vacation in MD.  We drove up that Friday before Christmas Eve and drove back home Friday before New Years. 7 days was plenty (fun fact: 7 represents completion in the bible :)  It was nice to see my family and all the kids but there's no place like home.

Sometimes I weigh the pros and cons to moving back and ultimately I feel GA is where God has placed me.  I can't explain how I ended up here in a GA suburb where the people are predominately white and southern, far from DC suburbs where Latin Americans are taking over and everyone is, northern, to sum it up.  Has to be God's plan.

As humans I feel we want to stay where we feel comfortable, but growth comes from our differences.  This probably explains why opposites attract.  So we can learn and grow from one another.  So get uncomfortable and see how God will use it to bless you abundantly like He has me and my family.
 

Christmas present I painted for my Mom

Maximus and Briana with their Aunts

Just hanging out

Most of the kids

Bella :)

Cousins

busy tattooing all the boys

Sleepover

Thanksgiving

I know we're well into December, but I wanted to post these Thanksgiving pictures before Christmas.  I forgot how much time a baby consumes.  Maximus is now 2 weeks and Briana is 134 months old. Ha!  I have to give props to those women with multiply little ones, because my life definitely has revolved around Maximus.  Jaime and Briana has had to fend for themselves.

Mom decorated the table

Maximus was sick of taking pictures.

Proud Grandparents

Both fake sleeping

Playing with his toys

My skinny guy saying Hi!

So crazy, I have a boy

Birth Story

Jaime watching Maximus get his first bath

First of all WOW what a miracle.  All the credit goes to the Lord!  Childbearing can not be possible without God's presence and I definitely felt His presence that night.

Tuesday - At my 39th week check up, I was 2cm dilated.  I was getting antsy so I started googling, things/foods that induce labor and this is the first thing that came up, an Eggplant Parmesan recipe.  That was a Bust! but at least we had an awesome dinner on Thursday. 

Friday - Next was the Castor Oil, but before trying it I wanted to ask my midwife about it first. I had the appointment with my midwife and I was 3cm dilated. woo hoo!  She asked me if I would like to schedule an induction but I told her I would rather begin labor at home and what her thoughts were on taking Castor Oil?  She said it is completely safe for mommy and baby and if my body was ready, it would indeed induce labor, If not I'd be cleaned out with no harm to baby. O_o

Saturday - At 9am I drank 2oz of Castor Oil mixed with 2oz of Orange Juice, showered and curled my hair, just as prescribed, then waited......and waited.....nothing happened, so my midwife told me to repeat dosage after 2 hours.  Still nothing. 

6pm - I felt my first contraction.  So I began getting ready.  I cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes, finished packing my hospital bag then called the doctor's office to let them know I was coming. 

7:30pm -We were out the door to drop Briana off a family friends house.  Then we came back home because we forgot to pack sandwiches and snacks for Jaime. (I'm all about saving a few bucks)

9pm -We finally got to the hospital and I was 6cm dilated!  They had to monitor me and the baby for the first 20mins, so i was stuck laboring in the bed.  Meanwhile the nurse asked me questions and had me sign papers in between contractions.  Paper work took like an hour or that's what it felt like.

10pm - Luckily I brought my own yoga ball to the hospital because it worked great.  I bounced on that while me and Jaime watched the Ray Charles movie.  Then with each contraction I would clench over on the bed and humm.  The nurse would tell me to breath a certain way, but I liked humming instead. 

11pm -Once the contractions felt unbearable I knew it would be over soon.  I felt the baby coming down with the last couple contractions and told the nurse I had the urge to push.  Jaime was so supportive and surprisingly calm. Which is exactly what i needed.  When the doctor and nurses would tell me to push I would push but resist at the same time.  I think it was because I was too scared to really push.  I prayed to God to give me strength and to just take over because I could not do it.  Right after, the fear of pushing went away and I gave it my all.  Not even 10 minutes later, at

11:59pm - the doctor places my sweet baby boy in my arms.  Jaime kisses me and tells me what a great job I did.  It couldn't of been more perfect. :)

It's a Boy!

Maximus Lee

7lbs 4oz

Birthday 11/19/11

 



39 Weeks Pregnant

Hopefully this will be my last belly shot post.  At my appt. I was 2cm dilated.  I hate to be one of those pregnant women who whine and complain about pregnancy, but you know what, the last couple of weeks are miserable.  I know fifty percent is in my head and fifty actually because of pregnancy.  I wonder how when I was pregnant with Briana it was a breeze all the way till the quick labor.  And now I know why, back then I was working full time and very active.  Compared to now, I'm at home on a lay off, just waiting for baby.  My mind has been very focused on cooking this turkey and that's about it.  Next time, if there is a next time, I will remember to stay active and have some sort of routine going on.  Note to baby: The world doesn't revolve around you! ha! ;)

How far along:
39 weeks.

Size of baby:
Over 7 lbs according to babycenter.com. I'm just hopeing for under 9 lbs

Total Weight Gain:
37lbs. No weight gain this week.  Thank goodness.

Maternity Clothes:
It was nice out so I wore my very comfy maternity shorts. The rest isn't maternity.

Exercise:
None whatsoever. Feeling alot of pressure when I walk. Goal is to run a half or full marathon by next Thanksgiving. Can't wait to get training.

Movement:
Same smooth movement. No kicks or punches since baby has taken up all the space.

Sleep:
I've been sick this week and have not been able to sleep at night. Good thing i've been able to nap during the day to make up for it.


What I miss:
To be honest, working (okay now you know I'm sick). I just haven't gotten into a routine that will help me feel like i'm contributing to the world.

Cravings:
Well still no cravings but I plan on eating an Eggplant Parmesan tonight to see if it will induce labor. It's worth a try.

Symptoms:
(here is where i complain) Lower back pain, frequent urges to tinkle, tiredness and still anxious.

What I'm looking forward to:
Finding out if baby is a Boy or Girl!

Still need to:
Finally finished that darn tree mural updated pic. It was redone like 4 times. I need to post the finale version. I could also get birth announcements ready and compose an email list. 
  

Music Monday & Ramblings

I'm still waiting for this baby to make its grand entrance to the world. I guess he or she doesn't know or care about my schedule,  since it's too busy doing it's own thing like, oh I don't know, finishing up business in the womb.  Anyways, yesterday Jaime and I and even Briana (somewhat) deep cleaned the whole house.  Even the dogs got baths and nails trimmed.  I'm sure the baby will appreciate it and any guests that come by.

So now it's Monday and waiting for baby can be well, how do ju sayyy? BORING.  But I've been doing alot of thinking and praying and browsing the web and quiet time can actually be very humbling.  Below is a song I heard and want to share with you.  It's hard to find good christian urban music, but this one is good.







 I remind Briana that even though she has parents that loves her alot she should always seek her heavenly father for guidance.  Us parents aren't perfect and will screw up more than not.  So the only way to find truth and understanding is to look up to Jesus who is perfect.

Neutral Nursery

I painted these little guys.  So cute.



Very comfy rocker/glider




I got Jaime to staple gun fabric to my changing table.  He was busy in this room.




Can't wait until there's a baby in that crib!





Same closet organizer as Briana's Room except in white.  The blank canvas' are for feet and handprints





So here is the final tree.  The other one was a cottenheadedninnymuggin. :P



38 Weeks Pregnant

 

This weeks Dr. appointment I was 1cm dialted and 70% effaced. :)

How far along:

38 weeks.

Size of baby:

Almost 7 lbs according to babycenter.com, but my guess is more like 8 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
37 lbs.  About the same as when I had Briana so not bad.

Maternity Clothes:

Not wearing maternity clothes just a regular stretchy tank, yoga pants and cardigan. Its what i live in now a days.

Exercise:

I haven't been doing much of anything lately.  But I will try to go for a walk today to see if I induce or speed up labor.  I walked alot when i was pregnant with Briana and labor was a breeze. :)

Movement:

Not alot of crazy movement anymore, but the head is down and baby is in ready position.  Woo Hoo!

Sleep:  
Still thinking alot about labor, but luckily I've been getting in some good afternoon naps.

What I miss:  

Step aerobics, jogging, and shopping for clothes.

Cravings:  

No cravings, I'll eat anything really.

Symptoms:  

Ashamed to say I've been a little lazy, cranky and whiny. Hopefully Jaime can tough through it.  I'll be back to myself soon.

What I'm looking forward to:

Being lighter and able to move around more. Any day now!

Still need to:

Grocery shop, clean, and finish painting my tree mural in the nursery.

My 6th grade girl

 
   The beginning of the year went well.  Briana was busy playing middle school softball, playing the trumpet and participating in church events.  It was great.  Our night time chats would be about aspirations to become a professional softball player, what colleges have the best softball teams, and when can dad squeeze in time to practice with me.  We always had something positive going on and that we would talk about.

Now softball season is over, the excitement to play the trumpet has faded and new friends (not so great influences) have joined her church group.    Our night time conversations has turned into soap operas.  This girl was talking about that girl, that girl stole this girls boyfriend, and guess who asked who out. O_o.   Since I'm still in shock all I do is listen. 

I'm grateful God has given me the patients to hold my tongue, because it paid off last night.  When Briana was telling me about a friendship that has gone sour because of a boy, she looked at me and said "I'm so glad I can talk to you about this" :) aaawww Warms my heart. 

Of course not to spoil the moment but I have my backup.  Here are a couple of things I think will help in steering her on the right path.  I check her grades online daily or at least weekly and follow up with her on anything I see needs improvement.  I get to know her friends mothers and if their good friends I keep in touch to swap any information concerning one another's daughters.  Because even though Briana tells me everything, she tends to miss the part she's involved in.  I email teachers from school and church just to check up and so Briana knows I have my bases covered.  No calls after 8:30pm and cell phone is in my possession at night and during school.  No social media of course your only 11! and No Television is the best because trashy ideas don't fester in her brain.

To wrap this up in a bow.  6th grade is only the beginning and all I can do is pray that God gives me the wisdom and strength to do what is right and not what is popular.  Jaime is a big help to me in this area since he's not very popular. LOL

37 Weeks

How far along:

37 weeks. Full Term! meaning this turkey is cooked

Size of baby:

A little over 6 lbs, but my guess would be more like 7 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
35 lbs.  So this would mean i'm averaging a pound a week.

Maternity Clothes:

Hypnotizing strip long-sleeve paired with maternity shorts. 

Exercise:

I quit!  My excuse is that i'm big as a house and finding it hard to even walk around.  Second excuse is I'm lazy gosh darnit.  We'll see how i feel next week.

Movement:

Feeling the baby very low.  I'm ready for this baby to get off my bladder.

Sleep:  
All i can think about is having this baby.  My mind is constantly thinking of all the things that i anticipate will happen. I'm in need of peaceful nap

What I miss:  

Hmm...I cant think of anything I miss because the only thing on my mind is the future.

Cravings:  

Nothing in particular.  Maybe cinnamon pita chips. mmmmmmm

Symptoms:  

Anxiety! It's like when your sooo close to the end of something you just want it to be over with.

What I'm looking forward to:

Adjusting to having a new baby in the house.

Still need to:

• Chill Out!!

Reading Books

   I would love to tell you that I'm a big reader and enjoy reading in my spare time or just for fun.  Unfortunately, I would be lying.  So the truth is I only read when I have to, like for my woman's bible study group, when I'm reading to my family or when I want to learn something or teach Jaime a thing or two ;).   Ironically Briana enjoys reading and will even read the same book more than once.  I think that came from reading to her every night since she was a baby and now we read books as a family for a story time.  She loves that since she has big imagination and books exercise that muscle, I guess.  Anyways, here are the 3 books I picked up:

1.)  Duty or Delight?: Knowing where you stand with God, by Tammie Head

This is the book we're going to go through for our 6 week ladies bible study. To be honest the book alone isn't what i'm excited about.  It's the combination or women getting together and the holy spirit doing it's work within us.Good stuff. :)


2.)  Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, by Todd Burpo

Now this book, I picked up by impulse (i rarely do that).  I don't know anything about it but it was on sale and by just reading the title, sounds like a good family time read.  So far we're halfway through the book and it was hard for us to find a good stopping point. This book is Briana approved.

3.)  What Happened to My Little Girl?: Dad's Ultimate Guide to His Tween Daughter, by Nancy Rue and Jim Rue

I didn't go into the book store with any research but this was just what I was looking for Jaime to read  me to read to Jaime.  He is very willing to listen, just isn't a reader.  I'm sure every women with a 10-12 year old thinks her husband can be a better father.  I mean we all have room to grow.  Especially since the father shapes our little girls into the women they will become.  Kinda important.  We're only a couple of pages in, but so far I love the male narrator. Jaime can relate to his point of view since he is rough around the edges like him.

So like I said, I'm not a book worm but hopefully posting about these books will keep me continuing to read.  I mostly like Inspirational books or really good self help books.  Leave me any suggestions on anything you like to read.