I'm back!!

...well.. sort of.

So, I'm sorry you've had to wait so long for an update, my friends.



It's been way too long since my last post. I've been on the computer and reading other people's blogs, but it's been so hard to find time to actually put new pictures up and keep this thing updated! I have thought about you though in my absence! =) But I make no promises to stay as on top of it as I have in the past.... at least until I can figure this whole being a mom of two thing out!

And just to warn you, since it has been so long, this is going to be a long post, so you might want to just get comfy! ... or skip to the bottom.. whatever!

Well, Noah turned 3 weeks old yesterday, on Christmas Day! And by the way, I hope you ALL had a very wonderful and blessed Christmas! We got to celebrate 5 different times when it was all said and done over the course of 3 days. And we are exhausted, but it was so fun and so worth it! Our babies were loved on beyond belief! We have amazing families!

(these pics are from Christmas Eve at Jason's grandma's house - at his 2 week check, Noah was already 7lbs 9oz!)

So far, life with two babies has proven to be... well, an adjustment. A very blessed adjustment, but challenging, nonetheless.

Jason was able to be off work for two glorious weeks to help me out with everything during my "recovery" period. And I must say, that I was pretty good at listening to my wonderful midwife Ann, and my super awesome hubby, and stayed in bed for the first week. (We're talking only getting up to pee and shower and that's it, ya'll!)

The second week I was still in bed, but I eased myself back into sitting at the computer (for very short periods of time) and sitting on the couch at the coffee table to eat(since we don't actually have a kitchen table), and laying on the couch to watch movies. Surprisingly enough for me, this was something I could kind of get used to! =) I mean, Jason literally waited on me hand and foot, while playing host to the company we had, and being an amazing Dad (and mom) to Rebekah while I couldn't be there for her. (I definitely couldn't have done it without him, and for that, I am forever grateful and blessed.) I totally thought I might go stir crazy** or just not listen, but I really loved being able to just get the rest I needed and soak up my precious new baby - getting to nurse him, sleep next to him, kiss his little neck, and smell his newborn smell .... ahh.. I could just eat him up! And incidentally, the difference in recovery time has been amazing! I feel great, and everything is generally going better this time around! I don't regret slowing down more this time at all!

**update: A little birdie got me thinking today and I suddenly remembered why I did not actually go stir crazy! It may very well have been because I may or may not have gone out to Jason's awards dinner banquet for work, along with a few other errands that second week. But hey - this is still an improvement from when Rebekah was a baby... we took her to church when she was 6 days old! ha!**


But, I know that this part was the hardest part for Jason. He was helping me do most of the things I normally do for Rebekah- like bathing, feeding, diapering, entertaining her, and putting her to bed .... okay, everything I normally do! This part in and of itself was tough for him because she's been such a Mama's girl up until this point and wants me to do everything with her. So there was definitely some crying and whining going on.... and not just from Jason... =) Ha! Just kidding..


But really, Rebekah fought her sleep for the first solid week, and didn't really understand this whole "baby" thing. Especially the part where Mama lived in bed with this new baby and could only kiss and hug on Bekah in the bed. This part killed me. I wanted to help Jason not to stress but I couldn't really do anything about it. Add the "mommy jobs" Jason had taken over to my whiny and needy self (and FYI: I get SUPER hungry as a nursing mama. I'm talkin, around the clock, ravenous hunger!... plus I might have been a little bossy...er.. instructional since I couldn't do anything for myself and I still wanted things done my way) and a crying baby (just at night - when sleep is generally good to be getting) and you get a stressed and sleep deprived daddy! But he was so good and patient and loving about it!
*As a sidenote, we totally had friends and family helping us out with meals and with taking care of Rebekah several times, so not to worry! I'm just saying, that to be completely and totally honest, it was a bit overwhelming for both of us to make this transition!

So when Jason went back to work at the end of that second week (last Friday) it was a little crazy for me to jump back into taking care of Rebekah with our newest addition. However, it's not been too bad considering:

A) Jason goes to work in the afternoon - so he's been helping me by letting me sleep in with Noah (since he still has his days and nights confused) and getting Rebekah fed and taken care of until I wake up and
B) He was back at work for 3 days and then off again for 4 because he had already taken off work for Christmas this week! Score!

So, the real challenge may be waiting just around the corner, when we have a real normal work week. But, it seems like it's getting easier.

I've just had to become more creative at multi-tasking. You know, like nursing Noah while giving Rebekah a bath and then holding both of them at the same time to pray over her and put her in bed, or "wearing" Noah while feeding Rebekah while she's in the bath!... ha!

Oh, but with all that said, there is absolutely nothing on this earth that I would trade it all for. Nothing that I would want more than what I've got now.

And that includes:
1. Jason - my husband - my rock - who has been so supportive, patient, loving, and who's been so fun with Rebekah. He's really stepped up to the plate to help me and to be there for all three of us. He changes both the kiddos' diapers without complaining (most of the time... come on now, he's still human!) and listens to me get emotional about how blessed we are and how much my heart swells when I think about our sweet babies... he eats leftovers and takes me out to eat so I don't have to cook - and he helps me clean! Fabulous! And oh, he even brought me diapers and mint chocolate chip ice cream while he was at work the other night because we somehow forgot how many diapers these little ones actually go through and I ran out! (This is generally not how things go at his work, but he was able to somehow make it happen.) ::Sigh:: Thank you Lord for that man!


2. my Bekah - she's been such a big girl for us lately! She was so good for Nana and Papa and then for Granna when they each had her on different days for us that first week. She actually looks forward to her time with her daddy now (calls his name when he leaves the room for more than 2 seconds and hates it when he leaves for work) and has developed a great bond with him. She helps me with Noah all the time - brings me pacis, burp cloths, and diapers even before I need them! And she LOVES her baby brother - her "bubba", her "Wo-wah". She wants to kiss him all the time! That girl fights her natural instinct of crying when she can't always have me do things for her and you can see it in her face when she is about to cry and then stops herself and takes a deep breath! For how old she is, Bekah is so smart and funny (she makes us laugh ALL the time!) and she is sensitive to things and people around her. I could eat her up, too!


3. Noah - our early Christmas present. He makes the cutest noises all the time. Right now he may only know how to eat, sleep, and dirty his diaper, but that baby is our blessing!

(after his first bath on Christmas Eve! He's so happy to be clean!)

So, I know I'm getting all sentimental and all, but thanks for allowing me to share with ya'll how things have been going around here lately! I know that I can be honest and you will understand where I am coming from without judging me. Although there have been frustrations these last 3 weeks, the change that has come with a new baby has definitely been for the better.

And I'll add this: God has definitely been putting things into perspective for me and has reminded me of so many things lately. I have been reminded to be more of an encourager and a supporter than I've been to my husband who has chosen to be the provider for our family; to be more patient with Rebekah when she doesn't understand something instead of scolding her for doing it wrong or for not listening; to not sweat the small stuff - it's okay if the dishes aren't done all the time! God has also shown me what Love really is through Jason and through what He's doing for us. As a couple, Jason and I have come to really just depend on Him to provide lately, and boy has He! Without giving specifics, I'll just say that when we've least expected it, God has really blessed us with different things and in different ways lately in exactly the way we've needed it.

So, I'll end this tonight by saying that we are in awe of what God is doing in our lives right now and we are anxious to see what is in store for us for the future! If you are still reading this, thank you for sticking with it! =)

Now, I think I'm off to try to get a few hours sleep before this little one wakes up again!

*By the way, my birth story is in the works and I'll post it soon, along with some more pics from my new camera I got for Christmas! =)*

Noah is finally here!

I am sorry that it has taken me this long to tell you about our sweet baby boy!

Noah James was born Thursday, December 4th at 10:52pm and was 6lbs 14oz and 21in! We fully believe that everything went according to God's perfect plan and we are doing wonderfully!

I will have to get back on here and post the whole story, but for now, I just wanted everyone to know that we have a healthy baby boy and we're home!

Here are some pictures to hold you over!

40+ weeks and a day with Granna

Self shot, in the bathroom mirror. 40+ weeks!

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Don't you just love when you find something you didn't remember you had? How about money or giftcards? I know I do! I'm the type that will put something away for safe keeping or just forget that I have it, and then surprise myself when I do find it months later!

Well, I had a gift certificate that I received from my awesome sister-in-law, Julie, to the salon that she works at - European Skincare Institute . I received it for Christmas last year and used part of it in February. Then I put it away. And then my mother-in-law used part of hers as well and then gave me what was left of hers since she didn't think she'd use it soon. Well then I put that away. Finally, I was going through some things a few nights ago when I found them both and realized that they were going to expire on the 7th of this month! I'm SO glad I found them. But I was a little nervous that I wouldn't make it that long without having the baby and then I wouldn't get to use them! So I immediately made an appointment for this morning for a spa mani/pedi and man, it was SOO so nice to be able to go get pampered! It was definitely an unexpected treat. I, of course, joked with the lady who did it, telling her that she needed to push the magic "button" or massage my feet or legs so Noah will come! But nothing yet! Ha!

Anyway, when I got back, we ate a quick lunch and then Jason went to work and his mom(Granna) came over to visit Rebekah and me. We went to Kohl's and looked around and Granna bought some really cute Keds for Bekah. That girl LOVES shoes! We went back to the salon after that to say hi to Aunt Julie and let Rebekah meet all the nice ladies that Julie works with. (I'm sure they've heard all about her, they just hadn't had a chance to meet her yet!) And then off to Whataburger to eat dinner with Jason on his lunch break. We had lots of fun with Granna today!


R, showing us her new "shoe shoes"


Granna and Bekah






My manicure (I went a little boring and got my nails cut shorter for the baby)


My pretty feet!

The Waiting Game

Well ya'll, I'm still here! Waiting and cleaning and anticipating meeting our precious baby. Our weekend has been crazy to say the least. Two nights ago, Jason had to get someone to bring him home from work because his car wouldn't start. So while he had my car last night (he took it to work because I didn't think to take him and drop him off myself!) my dad graciously came over and took me and Rebekah to Sam's and Walmart to stock up on groceries and goodies that we will be needing the next few weeks.

**Side note: I decided to clean out the fridge while I waited on my dad to get here and no joke - when I got rid of everything that had gone bad we were left with two things: leftover cheesecake and fruit cups! Needless to say it was about time we get groceries!**

Afterwards, I came home and organized the pantry and all the new groceries and did more laundry! (I have no idea where it all keeps coming from!) And then I finally finally got my bag and Noah's diaper bag ready for the birthing center! (I know, I'm a bit of a procrastinator.) I even remembered to put my bathing suit in there (in case I want to use the jacuzzi tub) and Rebekah's new baby doll that we bought for her as a surprise. We thought it would be neat for her to have her own baby to bring home that day as well. =)

This morning J and his dad took a look at the car and found that it was the starter that had gone bad. They got it replaced while Bekah and I slept in a little, and then, since I knew J had to go to work soon and they asked, my mom and sister came over and we shopped around my part of town for a little while. I got a few last minute things taken care of, and we had fun visiting and shopping together. We even drew names for our Christmas exchange with the family while we ate at On the Border.

At OTB: We used the tortilla warmer to draw the names out of.

I'm pretty sure my mom drew her and my dad's name out a million times before she got someone else.

After our trip to Target - our babies were tired and so were we!

So I guess now is just time to wait! I never imagined actually making it to my due date! It has been a blessing though to get some things taken care of. It was hard for me to get things done for the 4 months or so of taking care of Olivia, so I've been playing catch up with the apartment, cleaning and actually making it look like someone lives here and still getting rid of boxes, etc. I've also been trying to sleep as much as possible and get things organized in case family comes and wants to help out. I can't think of anything more stressful than having someone being here to help and me not even knowing where everything is when they ask! I've also been savoring every moment of being with our Bekah Boo and talking to her about our new baby.

Oh, and I thought I would mention that last week at our last birthing class I learned that in order to recover quickly and to take care of myself that I am going to have to basically be on bedrest for the first 3 days after having this baby. After that I think she said that it is still moderate bed rest for the rest of that first week and then still not doing much of anything or getting out for another week after that! And then finally the third week will be where I ease myself back into things. (I've definitely paraphrased the information given to us, but you get the picture!) This is not something I did when I had Rebekah, and I definitely regret not making myself rest and feel better quicker. So, I am SO very thankful that Jason will be able to be off work for 2 weeks with me to help me with Rebekah and the baby, and we have a supportive family that is willing to help. I know our lifegroup is even offering to help with meals, etc. So thank you in advance to anyone offering to help in any way you can and please just pray that I am obedient for those first few weeks and listen to my midwife and my body! =) (And pray that I don't get cabin fever too easily!)

Anyway, just wanted you all to know that I'm not holding out on you! I have had many people remind me that they would like to know when this baby is going to get here, or if I feel like he's coming, and believe me - you will know as soon as I do!

Love you all and I thank you in advance for your prayers that everything goes according to God's perfect will where the whole labor/delivery experience is concerned.

Thanksgiving...and tons of pics!

Thanksgiving was so fun this year. Wednesday, we got to go to my sister's house and spend the afternoon and evening with her and her family and my mom and dad. My uncle and grandmother were unable to be there because they live about an hour away and my uncle had something unexpected come up with work. But, we managed to eat and laugh and just enjoy each other's company all the same. We found out that Rebekah likes cranberry sauce! (Jason and I gagged while she gobbled it up!)

And then yesterday, we went out to Hillsboro to see Jason's side of the family. Jason's Ma and Papa have some land out there (and they happen to live down the street from his Aunt Rena and Uncle Drew) and every year the whole family gathers there to celebrate Thanksgiving. Rebekah thought she was in heaven to be able to run around freely outside and to see the "meow meows" (cats), dogs, horses, rabbits, hog, etc. Jason's cousins have a four wheeler that, once on it, she couldn't get enough of! That girl LOVES being outside, plus she didn't mind one bit that everyone there catered to her every need, playing ball, letting her run, letting her feed the cats, and feeding her until her belly couldn't take it anymore! I have to admit that I welcomed the break and enjoyed getting to watch everyone else take care of her and to see how happy she was. I forgot to take pictures on Wednesday, and my mom was the only one who has any. So, here are a ton of pictures from yesterday that Jason's mom took.


Aunt Julie (J's sister) and Bekah Boo

Aunt Julie and Uncle Rhett, waiting on some turkey!

Jason's Uncle Paul carving the turkey

cousin Taylor playing football with Bekah

Little Miss trying to be a big girl on the bike (even though she couldn't reach the pedals!)

Daddy and Bekah on the four wheeler (side note: every time someone would come to get Rebekah off, she'd cover her face and fake cry and whine until they left her alone. That girl did NOT want to get off!)

Say cheese!

Granna(J's mom) and Bekah

Pappy (J's Dad) with Bekah

Most of us women enjoyed watching all the excitement from the front porch, where we got to talk and relax! (left to right: me, Aunt Debra, Aunt Rena, and cousin Chelsea)

(look real close and you can see that prego belly!)

Jason finally talked me into riding the four wheeler with him. I didn't want to at first because I was being lazy and I thought he might try to take it too fast. But once on it, I was just like Rebekah - I loved it! Everyone else said they thought that I might get Noah to come if I got on it! Ha! All I got was dirty hair and a good laugh out of Jason getting smacked with a few bugs!

Our munchkin watched us on it for awhile, and then couldn't take it anymore. She had to get on it with us!

She took turns riding with Granna...

..And then with Mimi (J's grandma)

Everyone made predictions on when they thought Noah will be here. Everyone has their own ideas, so we'll just have to wait and see! I have piles of laundry to catch up on and tons of cleaning to do around here, so I've been secretly telling him to obey his Mama and stay in there until the weekend is over! =) We'll keep you updated! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Craziness

Well, since I finally uploaded some pictures from the past few weeks, I thought it would be good to get caught up on here. I have been running around crazy trying to get clothes washed, the apartment cleaned, and my bag ready for the birthing center. But I have to say that I really want to make it to the weekend before Noah actually comes! You see, my midwife's very precious and sweet student and my photographer won't be able to be there until then because of Thanksgiving! So, I'm okay with waiting so they both can be there!

(37 weeks)

On that note. thank you to everyone who has given me their "birth date" prediction! It has been fun to see what everyone is thinking and it will be interesting to see if anyone will be right! If you still want to guess, please feel free to post it! I'd love to hear what you think! =)
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Yesterday was a busy busy day. We had a picture appointment with my dear friend, Amber, (who takes amazing pictures) and then we had a midwife appt. and our last birthing class session. We didn't get into bed until about 12am! Sadly enough though, that is early for Jason and I these days. He's been getting off work late and we've been staying up to see each other and to unwind together. I'm not getting too much sleep these days anyway because I just feel more pregnant than I've had this whole time (not to mention a million trips to the bathroom at night!) and it takes me awhile to fall asleep. Still, I try to take advantage of every opportunity to take naps that I can, especially when Rebekah takes hers - which by the way she's been taking like 2 or 3 hour naps lately! What a blessing!
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Anyway, these two pictures of Bekah in red are from the photo shoot (from my ameteur camera, of course!) Amber had this cute outfit she wanted to see Rebekah in for a few shots, and I couldn't resist taking my own!

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The next few were taken at Rosa's and my parents' house. Rebekah and I met my parents and my sister (and of course, Jaeden) there to have dinner last Friday night. Rebekah and Jaeden were so spoiled by Nana feeding them to their hearts content with yummy tortillas, rice and beans, and sopapillas!(my favorite!) Afterwards we went to my parents' house to hang out. My mom had taken out our little kitchen that Cristina and I used to play with. Rebekah and Jaeden had fun with it.

kissing cousins...

(they wouldn't stop loving on each other which was so cute, but we felt we needed to break it up at some point! ha!)

Jaeden biting...er...sucking on a play bottle. Yum!!

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And finally, here are a few of Rebekah being goofy with Jason's shoes. She loves to put my clothes and his shoes on!

Oh and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We are so blessed beyond belief and thankful to our Lord for so many things and for so many people this year! We get to celebrate Thanksgiving two days in a row this year! Today we get to spend time with my parents, my grandmother and uncle on my dad's side, and my sister and her family. We'll go to Hillsboro tomorrow to see Jason's family (his grandparents live there) and spend the day there. So, we'll definitely be eating like piggies these next few days. (I'm sure Noah won't mind a bit!) My personal favorite has to be the homeade cherry pie my mom makes and yummy mashed potatoes!

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So what will you be doing for Thanksgiving? And what is your favorite part of this holiday or your favorite food?

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I hope you all have a safe and happy Turkey day!