Margalit's birth story. October 30, 2013. 38 weeks 6 days pregnant.
Labor was relatively short, sweet, and to the point. Nothing complicated.
4:23
Wake up from a deep sleep to "run" to the bathroom. This is my early morning ritual at 38 + weeks pregnant. Wait, am I feeling a contraction? Tightening? Yes. Cramping? Yes. Could be?
4:33
More tightening and cramping. I want to run back to the bathroom. Is this labor now?
4:43 Oh, my. More tightening and cramping. That's some strong cramping. 10 minutes apart. This is it! Now, 10 minutes-- this is early labor, right? But, these kind of hurt, so ....
???
Another? Now, it hasn't been 10 minutes already. Has it? What's going on?
4:53 More? Are we at 5 minutes now? Uh oh. Better wake Ricky and call the midwife (she's about 45 minutes away).
4:57 Another contraction? These are coming fast. 4 mins apart? Waiting for Charlotte, our midwife, to return my call. Ricky's up. I'm sleepy but start putting my stuff by the front door and running up and down stairs to add a few last minute items to my bag.
5:01 Break for a contraction. Yes, these hurt, but I don't want to stop moving the family toward the car. Nothing like racing up and down stairs to keep labor going. Although, actually, I don't need to keep anything going at this point. It's taking off. And the contractions I'm feeling are centered in my sacrum and bum. Really! Midwife said she thought baby was riding low at about a -1 yesterday. I could so use a booty massage, but there's nooooo time.
5:04 Another one? That was only 3 minutes since the last. Oh, sh***.
And the contractions keep coming. Very close together. How do I handle them? I proceed to throw some snacks in a bag for my kids to eat at the birth center. They'll need breakfast. I grab apple sauce, cookies, pretzels, whatever I can get already packaged from the pantry. No time to make sandwiches now.
Charlotte finally calls. I tell her how quickly things are moving. I hope we can make it. This labor is not giving us a 14 hour early labor phase like the last one to ease into things and methodically get all our ducks in a row. Fortunately, this is #5, and I have some idea what to do. Regardless, I must be acting a little frazzled, so my faithful labor partner, Ricky, just tells me "don't panic." I'm trying not to.
5:36 These contractions are still every 3 minutes. Ricky, grandma, 4 kids, and I are in the van headed to Marshall, TX about 45 minutes away. Some of us are dressed, some still in PJ's. Grandma is telling us to just stay home and have the baby at the house because we'll never make it. She's anxious about this whole out of hospital birth thing anyway, so that's quite a statement coming from her. I have my doubts, but the midwife is on her way to the birth center, and we have the car loaded up. And, unlike with #3, we have my seat draped with a shower curtain just in case baby comes in the car. There are also chux pads and a towel on the floor board. We're going.
By about 5 miles down the highway I really do wonder if we shouldn't turn around. I can deal with the contractions, but they are sooo strong. How will baby stay put 40 more miles? I really don't want to have the baby on the state line, 20 minutes from home and about 20 minutes from the birth center or a hospital or anything, though I could probably handle it if necessary. We keep going! My three year old is happily squealing "wheeee" as we drive down the highway. I'm not quite as happy-excited as she at this moment, though she does make me laugh.
5:58 Contraction ended. I call my sister to tell her we're in labor and read some Facebook posts. Odd but calming somehow. In between contractions I post my FB status (On our way to Marshall. Ctx 2 minutes apart!) and quickly email my other sister.
6:11 We get to Marshall. Only about 5 minutes to the birth center now. Contractions are now consistently 2 minutes apart and have been for about 15 minutes. Yikes!
Finally, we arrive at the birth center, but I'm slow to leave the car as I have one whopping contraction that must have been at least 90 seconds long.
Water hasn't broken yet, though, so I guess we're good.
Inside the birth center Charlotte checks me out. FHT's are good, so I can get into the jacuzzi.
AHHHHHH. Now that's the way to have a contraction. Submerged in water. I figured this would be really good, but I never had access to a big, deep tub in previous labors.
Well, I labor in the tub for about the next hour. Everything is pretty calm, though Ricky and I notice that the contractions are getting longer. He times them at 90 seconds. I keep laboring-- breathing in through the nose and out forcefully through the mouth to keep my composure. I hear my kiddos all playing with their sitters, Lynn and Kevin, in the background. Occasionally, one comes to check on me and make conversation. They're showing me their Halloween coloring pages. Ana likes splashing water on my head. I love that my family is all about and that we are really free to do as we please. I believe that everyone knows and trusts me to just do my thing. Miranda and Charlotte (midwives) chart quietly and check the baby's heart beat from time to time. They also keep running back and forth with water buckets to get the tub water warmer. It's fine, but I could definitely use it a few degrees warmer.
7:30 ish The water is feeling a little cold for my taste. Should I stay in? Charlotte turns on the jets to keep the hot water circulating. I had recently started to feel some pushing sensations creeping up at the peak of the last couple contractions. I can't explain it, really; it just felt good to bear down lightly as the contraction got stronger. No one is telling me what to do; it's just pure instinct at this point. With the jets running full force and making quite a loud hum I start moving very deeply into my own space. My eyes stay closed now even between contractions. I sink into the water and move from hands and knees onto my side and kind of picture myself as a mermaid floating in the sea. I am soon feeling pushy.
Minutes pass, and the pushing urges get stronger with each contraction wave. I suddenly feel something escape my body, but it isn't big enough to be the baby. I say something, and Charlotte says that my water bag has broken.
Here we go!
Sure enough, the next contraction wave builds, and I bear down hard ... just a few times and out pops baby's head. A little relief but not total. Ricky is apparently serenading us with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." Very funny, but I am completely oblivious at that moment. The burning and stretching I feel are extremely intense, like I'm going to just split open. I don't like it, but I know the baby is right there, about to be fully born. I can so do this. The shoulders release with my final grunt, and then I relax as Charlotte catches the baby in the water and passes me my baby girl, Margalit. She feels divine.
7:47 She's beautiful. She's really perfect, and she has such very dark hair--she even has fuzzy shoulders! Surprise. What a miracle yet again. And before long her placenta is born. Alexander (7) asks about it. He remarks how it looks like a stomach. Others agree. The kids have been standing around the tub with their papa and grandma the whole time, watching everything unfold and capturing it on video. My oldest, Milena (9), agrees to cut the baby's cord, and Alexander (7) helps Charlotte place a ring on her umbilical cord. Everyone is talking and animated. I make my way to bed to get acquainted with baby and start nursing her. We get cozy under blankets and have a hot water bottle to help us warm up even more. Papa Ricky says a Hebrew blessing for our newest family member. All want to hold baby sister, especially Milena and Talya. Eventually, they and grandma all get their turn. It's hard to be patient.
My mom isn't with us or on her way this birth, but I look at the ceiling and wonder if she is watching from above. I don't feel anything dramatic at this moment, but a few tears do trickle easily down my face. The baby who is named after her really does look like her-- dark hair and olive skin. My mom's spirit must be here somewhere. Baby also looks like my husband, of course, so very different from my other 4 babies who all got my coloring.
I am perfectly well (absolutely no sign of hemorrhage and no stitching needed), and so is Margalit. She weighs in at 7 lbs 1 oz and measures 19 inches. Good size considering I never look more than 6-7 mos. pregnant by most standards. I'm enjoying her company, but after a couple hours my crew is ready to get back home.
11:00 We leave the birth center just a few hours after baby Margalit's amazing water birth-- only fitting of a Scorpio baby.
12 Noon Safe at home. Ready for a big blueberry pancake birthday brunch from my husband, Ricky. Labor really leaves me famished!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
New baby
Margalit arrived on October 30, 2013-- exactly 10 years after my first prenatal appointment with Milena??? I think so. Anyway all went smoothly, like a dream ... and now baby is on my bed swaddled (I thought she might feel closer to the womb that way)and making noises in her sleep.
Just days ago my womb was full-- to the ribs again. Belly was super tight to the touch. I anxiously awaited sign of of life-- which often came more in the form of little pokes and waves, not big kicks for the most part anymore. I think she was packed in there pretty tightly.
I sure will miss the life inside-- never knowing when muscles would tighten involuntarily or when baby would kick or roll hello. I got some video of my belly moving toward the end but seeing is nothing like feeling it, especially when the video isn't that great a quality. I won't miss the tightness or restrictions in movement, but once in while-- every few years-- it has certainly been worth the discomfort to experience the joy of new life and the ANTICIPATION of meeting whomever is in there.
We sure got our joy on Wedenesday morning at 7:47. She was fine, beautiful, perfect, 10 fingers, 10 perfect toes, and I believe exactly 46 chromosomes. Something you wonder about at 42-43 years of age. I would accept Tri 21 if it was God's gift, but it would be scary and unknown too, that's all. So . . . a 4th little girl with 46 chromosomes is what we got, what we could handle and love, right?
What an awesome miracle!
More on her pregnancy and birth to follow in the coming days.
For #5 we experienced a beautiful water birth-- and by we, of course my whole immediate family plus a few, but mostly Margalit and I.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
July 2013
Little baby is still inside-- happily kicking away. Not aware of any problems. She's a girl. Don't want pregnancy to go too fast. Do have my little discomforts with this growing belly. It was very full feeling for a few days last week in San Antonio. I couldn't eat much at a time at all. Was this a growth spurt, or baby moving from breech to vertex? At my Monday appt. she was head down. Hope she stays there. I'll keep up the pelvic rocks and the occasional forward inversion to help balance my ligaments and create space. Went to a high risk specialist-- kind of caught me by surprise, actually--for my 20 w ultrasound. Good news-- no markers for chromosomal problems. So, while there are no guarantees at this point, I would be very surprised if my babe had a life threatening trisomy.
I'm getting larger. Up to 127lbs at almost 24 weeks. (My first pregnancy I think I was at 118 only, but I also gained in spurts with that one and probably started out around 8 lbs lighter from the get go. Metabolisms slowing down with age and babies, I assume. At this rate I would expect to reach 137-38, but time will tell. Maybe growth will slow a bit.
Ana Boo Boo Kins is a gerbil loving tasmanian devil with a sweet side. Highly observant child.
Alexander at 7 yr 2 mos. is missing one of his top front teeth-- only one, though. He's very dramatic when he loses a tooth I tell you.
Ana and Natalya -- love watching how they take care of each other and play so well, but we still have trouble when both need a nap and/ or both are suffering from low blood sugar and want all of mama at the same time. I can only really cuddle one at a time, and no matter who I choose the other throw BIG fit.
Worse thing with 4 kids-- well, at least they can all buckle their car seats when they want to, but 1) they don't always want to, and 2) they don't all jump to get in the car unless it's some place they want to go. Getting them in the car safely can be a HUGE pain and takes a long time. Hate it.
I'm getting larger. Up to 127lbs at almost 24 weeks. (My first pregnancy I think I was at 118 only, but I also gained in spurts with that one and probably started out around 8 lbs lighter from the get go. Metabolisms slowing down with age and babies, I assume. At this rate I would expect to reach 137-38, but time will tell. Maybe growth will slow a bit.
Ana Boo Boo Kins is a gerbil loving tasmanian devil with a sweet side. Highly observant child.
Alexander at 7 yr 2 mos. is missing one of his top front teeth-- only one, though. He's very dramatic when he loses a tooth I tell you.
Ana and Natalya -- love watching how they take care of each other and play so well, but we still have trouble when both need a nap and/ or both are suffering from low blood sugar and want all of mama at the same time. I can only really cuddle one at a time, and no matter who I choose the other throw BIG fit.
Worse thing with 4 kids-- well, at least they can all buckle their car seats when they want to, but 1) they don't always want to, and 2) they don't all jump to get in the car unless it's some place they want to go. Getting them in the car safely can be a HUGE pain and takes a long time. Hate it.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
May 30
Starting summer
So relaxing
Lots of time to get everything done
Ana is 35 mos. (almost), and we're working on potty training. Her language and observational skills are very strong. She can be self-centered. Age appropriate, no doubt. Her catch phrase: "I don't care." She doesn't mind if she hurts me as long as she feels pleasure :)) What she says anyhow.
Almost 17 weeks pregnant.
Just remember, like the song playing when I saw my first ultrasound images at 14 weeks, "your body is a wonderland." True-- but remember, day to day life is good but not always all that.
Most days are quite normal. I spend some energy trying to figure out clothes to wear so my bulge doesn't show. It's not too noticeable yet, but it's there. I was already 121 at 14 w. My first pregnancy I don't think I was 121 until somewhere around 28 weeks. Last time it was probably at 18-19 weeks. Those midnight snacks are killing me.
May 24-25, just as I had hoped and predicted, I started feeling movement. Light pokes and taps. Someone's saying hello, I'm in here.
This is reassuring.
Nausea and "bloating" appeared at 7 weeks and really peaked around 10-11 weeks. So unpleasant, particularly in the afternoons. I just wanted to read in bed and sleep but instead had to pick up and shuttle kids around, go to meetings, cook dinner, clean up, etc... Remember if you think you want to get pregnant again - - - this phase is a little exciting, yes, but really BLUH.
Now that's pretty much gone, but now I am trying to keep my spider veins in check. These things are really horrendous. Hoping they don't get much worse than they did last time. I'm going to be a bit self conscious out at the pool, but what can you do?
News for/ from Milena: She got into So. Highlands Magnet. Arghhh Choices. But we've always been curious to see how it is over there, so, considering it's free, she's going to have to give it a try.
So relaxing
Lots of time to get everything done
Ana is 35 mos. (almost), and we're working on potty training. Her language and observational skills are very strong. She can be self-centered. Age appropriate, no doubt. Her catch phrase: "I don't care." She doesn't mind if she hurts me as long as she feels pleasure :)) What she says anyhow.
Almost 17 weeks pregnant.
Just remember, like the song playing when I saw my first ultrasound images at 14 weeks, "your body is a wonderland." True-- but remember, day to day life is good but not always all that.
Most days are quite normal. I spend some energy trying to figure out clothes to wear so my bulge doesn't show. It's not too noticeable yet, but it's there. I was already 121 at 14 w. My first pregnancy I don't think I was 121 until somewhere around 28 weeks. Last time it was probably at 18-19 weeks. Those midnight snacks are killing me.
May 24-25, just as I had hoped and predicted, I started feeling movement. Light pokes and taps. Someone's saying hello, I'm in here.
This is reassuring.
Nausea and "bloating" appeared at 7 weeks and really peaked around 10-11 weeks. So unpleasant, particularly in the afternoons. I just wanted to read in bed and sleep but instead had to pick up and shuttle kids around, go to meetings, cook dinner, clean up, etc... Remember if you think you want to get pregnant again - - - this phase is a little exciting, yes, but really BLUH.
Now that's pretty much gone, but now I am trying to keep my spider veins in check. These things are really horrendous. Hoping they don't get much worse than they did last time. I'm going to be a bit self conscious out at the pool, but what can you do?
News for/ from Milena: She got into So. Highlands Magnet. Arghhh Choices. But we've always been curious to see how it is over there, so, considering it's free, she's going to have to give it a try.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Mother's day 2012
Nursing Ana is still so sweet, even with all the wiggles
Not wiggly after shower tonight
we sat in the hall on the floor, ana in my lap, nursing away
her head heavy on my left arm, her booty on my right leg
sucking softly. rhythmically, her eyes focussed intently on my wet hair her left hand pulls several strands, tug tug, twist, twist
a game
then her eyes get heavy and close
now that left hand tries to find my other breast and rests on my chest, then pulling my night shirt
a deep breath and ana is almost asleep
Nursing Ana is still so sweet, even with all the wiggles
Not wiggly after shower tonight
we sat in the hall on the floor, ana in my lap, nursing away
her head heavy on my left arm, her booty on my right leg
sucking softly. rhythmically, her eyes focussed intently on my wet hair her left hand pulls several strands, tug tug, twist, twist
a game
then her eyes get heavy and close
now that left hand tries to find my other breast and rests on my chest, then pulling my night shirt
a deep breath and ana is almost asleep
July 31, 2012d
Gymnaskicks
Synagod
Some of my tribe's cute phrases
I wanna change. I got BIG poopoo. Anya just turned 2. Her sentences are usually short, but she has many words and a very expressive face. She recently started asking Why for everything. You have to wait until you're 3 to go to camp. "Why?, Mama?" She knows a lot. With hand signals, words, and pulls she can tell me she wants me to put my swim suit on so we can go to the pool. Another of her big questions is - Where-- as in Where papa go? Where Tala go?
Natalya still uses object pronouns for subject pronouns. "Them are still in Boston," for example, referring to her friend "Raine" and her family. She and Ana are really cute together. Ana is often her 'baby.' Sometimes they are both moms pushing baby in stroller. It reminds me of myself growing up. Very odd. Right now it's after 10 PM. For some reason Natalya did not fall asleep an hour ago when I put her to bed. She is now contentedly playing daycare with her babies in the yellow room with the light on. Happily entertaining herself. Hate to interrupt, but I really don't want her to be in an awful funk again tomorrow due to lack of sleep again. She has taken a liking to phones too. She pretends to converse with friends and relatives, walks around the house in circles, like I do I guess. She wants a cell phone; maybe to talk to her "cousin." She has a cousin for everything-- kind of her imaginary friends, I guess.
They both still love mama milk. Ana likes to say I want Mok. Natalya had a chance to quit when I was away from her for 3 days in Massachusetts. She managed and has mostly stopped night nursing, but she still has a voracious appetite for milk.
Milena is getting big-- dramatic as ever. Can't stand when she get angry. Her fits drive me mad. Crying, yelling. Makes me wish I never had kids--- but other times she's sweet. Trying to figure out who she is, her talents, her strengths, her weaknesses. She loves the Shake it Up show on Disney. Reading is a love of hers, though she's been kind of busy to really just sit and read this summer. She doesn't love math. Guess we have to keep working there. The Spanish she knows isn't bad. Gotta keep reinforcing that one.
Milena, Alexander, and Natalya have had a big summer. Tackled the 2 slides and the diving board at the Elks Swim Club. Milena is still nervous about the purple slide. Little Natalya actually beat them all to it.
They all hosted Madeleine and Caitlin for their first sleep over and then a couple week later spent the night at the Harris's. I was kind of worried. What if someone over there smokes and the one night my kids stay over there is a house fire? Mom's worries. Typical or just me?
Alexander's all about bugs and other creatures. Milena wants a dog; he would take anything. It's kind of sad and kind of funny when he plays with and loves his geikos so much that he kills them. He really cried the first time it happened.
Synagod
Some of my tribe's cute phrases
I wanna change. I got BIG poopoo. Anya just turned 2. Her sentences are usually short, but she has many words and a very expressive face. She recently started asking Why for everything. You have to wait until you're 3 to go to camp. "Why?, Mama?" She knows a lot. With hand signals, words, and pulls she can tell me she wants me to put my swim suit on so we can go to the pool. Another of her big questions is - Where-- as in Where papa go? Where Tala go?
Natalya still uses object pronouns for subject pronouns. "Them are still in Boston," for example, referring to her friend "Raine" and her family. She and Ana are really cute together. Ana is often her 'baby.' Sometimes they are both moms pushing baby in stroller. It reminds me of myself growing up. Very odd. Right now it's after 10 PM. For some reason Natalya did not fall asleep an hour ago when I put her to bed. She is now contentedly playing daycare with her babies in the yellow room with the light on. Happily entertaining herself. Hate to interrupt, but I really don't want her to be in an awful funk again tomorrow due to lack of sleep again. She has taken a liking to phones too. She pretends to converse with friends and relatives, walks around the house in circles, like I do I guess. She wants a cell phone; maybe to talk to her "cousin." She has a cousin for everything-- kind of her imaginary friends, I guess.
They both still love mama milk. Ana likes to say I want Mok. Natalya had a chance to quit when I was away from her for 3 days in Massachusetts. She managed and has mostly stopped night nursing, but she still has a voracious appetite for milk.
Milena is getting big-- dramatic as ever. Can't stand when she get angry. Her fits drive me mad. Crying, yelling. Makes me wish I never had kids--- but other times she's sweet. Trying to figure out who she is, her talents, her strengths, her weaknesses. She loves the Shake it Up show on Disney. Reading is a love of hers, though she's been kind of busy to really just sit and read this summer. She doesn't love math. Guess we have to keep working there. The Spanish she knows isn't bad. Gotta keep reinforcing that one.
Milena, Alexander, and Natalya have had a big summer. Tackled the 2 slides and the diving board at the Elks Swim Club. Milena is still nervous about the purple slide. Little Natalya actually beat them all to it.
They all hosted Madeleine and Caitlin for their first sleep over and then a couple week later spent the night at the Harris's. I was kind of worried. What if someone over there smokes and the one night my kids stay over there is a house fire? Mom's worries. Typical or just me?
Alexander's all about bugs and other creatures. Milena wants a dog; he would take anything. It's kind of sad and kind of funny when he plays with and loves his geikos so much that he kills them. He really cried the first time it happened.
What a day, what a week. I am really happy to have just learned that my HPT was positive. Now, I do not know how long this pregnancy will last or if there is even the makings of a baby in the sac. Is there even a sac at this point (2 weeks past O)? I am just excited to know that the egg and sperm met and did something. I convinced my husband to try for one last baby a few months ago, and twice AF came, so I was beginning to think we were just too old. We actually are too old, but apparently even old people can conceive without a RE. So Feb 13-14 was the day things finally worked --- unless they worked in late December too. My Jan cycle started a couple days later than I would've expected, so that may have been a chemical. That is why I decided to test today rather than wait until Monday or Tuesday when I would be sure I was + and just wanted to take the test for the heck of it. I want to know if I have a chemical or not, not just suspect.
Today, I had my suspicions, but I really didn't know. My PMS symptoms are close to my HPT symptoms, you know. My face is rather clear, but I did get one pimple a couple days ago. I tried testing with OPKs and got what looked like a positive yesterday and the day before, but they were those 90% positives-- very dark, but were they really darker than the control? The test took no time to read positive, so I know the hormone is there, but now we'll just have to see if little bean has the goods to really implant. I hope honestly that it only takes if it has the potential to be normal and healthy, but we'll see what God has in store for us this time. At least we conceived under a good sign-- Ricky's grandmother's yart zeit. Ana was conceived on Ricky's dad's yartzeit.
More later!
At least now I don't have to keep running to the restroom to see if AF is here. I've had cramps for 3 days and gas cramps for 6 or so-- a little odd, but could have been PMS. Also, cramps starting at 12 dpo are not as convincing as those starting at 10 dpo (Milena, Natalya), but we'll see what happens.
Today, I had my suspicions, but I really didn't know. My PMS symptoms are close to my HPT symptoms, you know. My face is rather clear, but I did get one pimple a couple days ago. I tried testing with OPKs and got what looked like a positive yesterday and the day before, but they were those 90% positives-- very dark, but were they really darker than the control? The test took no time to read positive, so I know the hormone is there, but now we'll just have to see if little bean has the goods to really implant. I hope honestly that it only takes if it has the potential to be normal and healthy, but we'll see what God has in store for us this time. At least we conceived under a good sign-- Ricky's grandmother's yart zeit. Ana was conceived on Ricky's dad's yartzeit.
More later!
At least now I don't have to keep running to the restroom to see if AF is here. I've had cramps for 3 days and gas cramps for 6 or so-- a little odd, but could have been PMS. Also, cramps starting at 12 dpo are not as convincing as those starting at 10 dpo (Milena, Natalya), but we'll see what happens.
Today I am 5 weeks and few days along. I could have a baby with a beating heart by now-- if it's not an empty sac. Exciting! I actually keep looking up miscarriage info. It's my latest hobby-- I figure that at 42 it's a likely possibility for me. However, much of the time I feel very positive. I think I'm just bloated, but I feel like someone has taken root. Time will tell. It's a scary time but nice too. No morning sickness or anything yet. No real signs that progesterone or hcg is rising-- except my skin is very glowy.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
January 28, 2012
New Year!!
Ana is now 18 months. She is an official toddler now-- having pronounced the word mine while pointing to herself. She entertains us all with the words she is trying to say. Doesn't have too many that I notice, but I think she will get there. Her most frequent phrase is "Iwanmama," but she has said papa, cat, two, three, and a few other words here and there. I caught her scolding the cat recently, pointing her index finger and repeating no, no, no. She is so funny. She will raise her hand whenever the question is posed whoever ...., raise their hand. Who likes cake? She does (hand goes up). Who likes yellow? She does. Who eats boogers? Yes, she does! Her older siblings love that they can get her to stick out her tongue umpteen times. We can also say show us your belly button, and she'll lift her shirt every time and show us, so proud of herself. This can go on for at least 5-10 times, maybe more. It's fun seeing her sitting at our kitchen counter next to all her siblings. She's just one of the bunch now. Natalya-- Ana-- Milena-- Alexander! Today she sat with everyone at Dominic's birthday at Jill's Gym. Ate and drake right along side all the big kids. Loved it. Left with green icing all over her chin.
Alexander is 5 1/2. Loves to socialize. Socializes at school too much, so we have to really monitor that his kindergarten work his getting done. No Wild Kratts when it doesn't happen. He is very capable though. His best bud right now is Dominic. They have similar interests. Yesterday I took Alexander shopping for the birthday present. He spent so much time looking for the perfect gift. He didn't want anything "lame." Finally, he chose this Ninja figurine that came with some kind of flying contraption with "bat" wings. Before we left the store he convinced me that he should get one too, then they could play together with their ninjas on a play date. He lucked out!! I'm a pushover.
Natalya just turned 4. She likes wearing a #4 dress one of her classmate's mothers made for her. Still wears what she likes 3 or more days in a row. Her best bud is Raine.
Milena is enjoying her school. She still knows everything around here. We had a little social crisis a few weeks ago when one of her classmates invited 3 other girls, but not Milena, to a an afterschool outing to a movie to celebrate her 8th birthday. It was OK that Milena didn't get to go, but the fact that they left from school in a group and the fact that there are only 5 girls in her age group and 4 went made the "exclusion" particularly obvious and painful. Hopefully, we'll learn something positive from this experience. Sometimes, though, people just hurt one another. What can you do? As someone who often feels invisible in social settings, I really felt for her though.
Ana is now 18 months. She is an official toddler now-- having pronounced the word mine while pointing to herself. She entertains us all with the words she is trying to say. Doesn't have too many that I notice, but I think she will get there. Her most frequent phrase is "Iwanmama," but she has said papa, cat, two, three, and a few other words here and there. I caught her scolding the cat recently, pointing her index finger and repeating no, no, no. She is so funny. She will raise her hand whenever the question is posed whoever ...., raise their hand. Who likes cake? She does (hand goes up). Who likes yellow? She does. Who eats boogers? Yes, she does! Her older siblings love that they can get her to stick out her tongue umpteen times. We can also say show us your belly button, and she'll lift her shirt every time and show us, so proud of herself. This can go on for at least 5-10 times, maybe more. It's fun seeing her sitting at our kitchen counter next to all her siblings. She's just one of the bunch now. Natalya-- Ana-- Milena-- Alexander! Today she sat with everyone at Dominic's birthday at Jill's Gym. Ate and drake right along side all the big kids. Loved it. Left with green icing all over her chin.
Alexander is 5 1/2. Loves to socialize. Socializes at school too much, so we have to really monitor that his kindergarten work his getting done. No Wild Kratts when it doesn't happen. He is very capable though. His best bud right now is Dominic. They have similar interests. Yesterday I took Alexander shopping for the birthday present. He spent so much time looking for the perfect gift. He didn't want anything "lame." Finally, he chose this Ninja figurine that came with some kind of flying contraption with "bat" wings. Before we left the store he convinced me that he should get one too, then they could play together with their ninjas on a play date. He lucked out!! I'm a pushover.
Natalya just turned 4. She likes wearing a #4 dress one of her classmate's mothers made for her. Still wears what she likes 3 or more days in a row. Her best bud is Raine.
Milena is enjoying her school. She still knows everything around here. We had a little social crisis a few weeks ago when one of her classmates invited 3 other girls, but not Milena, to a an afterschool outing to a movie to celebrate her 8th birthday. It was OK that Milena didn't get to go, but the fact that they left from school in a group and the fact that there are only 5 girls in her age group and 4 went made the "exclusion" particularly obvious and painful. Hopefully, we'll learn something positive from this experience. Sometimes, though, people just hurt one another. What can you do? As someone who often feels invisible in social settings, I really felt for her though.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
October 3, 2011
Anya keeps growing up-- still not talking but lots of vocalization as we approach 15 months. She adjusted well to day care with Miss Etta. Two more bottom teeth started appearing early in September, about the 3rd. She is a very smart baby. Last night she kept seeking and finding her baby book. She wanted me to look at it with her-- only that one.
Natalya is "sweet" at school. At home she can be a challenge-- hates reprimands, will scold and hit you back, call you poo poo head and stupid! Yet, she can be mischievious and get into trouble. She has made friends in C-1. Mentions Raine a lot, even had her first play date. Loves her new teacher. Is perfectly happy in her new classroom. Loves cooking/ helping in the kitchen and practicing gymnastics at Jill's. She's better this month, but still she gets very attached to one outfit, underwear and all, and insists on wearing it for days. She wants to nurse a lot and whines when she can't. Won't take no for an answer--- easily anyway. I'm conflicted.
Natalya is "sweet" at school. At home she can be a challenge-- hates reprimands, will scold and hit you back, call you poo poo head and stupid! Yet, she can be mischievious and get into trouble. She has made friends in C-1. Mentions Raine a lot, even had her first play date. Loves her new teacher. Is perfectly happy in her new classroom. Loves cooking/ helping in the kitchen and practicing gymnastics at Jill's. She's better this month, but still she gets very attached to one outfit, underwear and all, and insists on wearing it for days. She wants to nurse a lot and whines when she can't. Won't take no for an answer--- easily anyway. I'm conflicted.
November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving
Lots to be thankful for. As a mother, I am, of course most thankful for 4 healthy, growing children and their loving, supportive "papa". Life is more hectic, loud and sometimes stressful with them but never dull or lonely.
Anya is now 16 months. Not talking like crazy yet, but she is making progress and seems to understand quite a bit. Ask her to go throw something in the trash can, and she'll walk right over and do it. No hesitation. She says dog, cat, hi, and mama and papa, of course. I think she asks "what's that?" but it's not 100% clear. Loves books and buttons. Already knows how to navigate a Smartphone screen. I love the image I got in my head of her last weekend, though she wouldn't let me "snap" the shot. She's got a full head of blonde curls these days. She was wearing her birthday girl T and pink knit pants with a ruffle on the bootie. Over her pants she wore a frilly pink polka dot skirt covered with a layer of tulle. Very feminine, very sweet, very much like her big sis Natalya, who's all about twirly, tulle covered skirts lately. She is so funny -- will often wear an outfit she likes for several days in a row.
Natalya is almost 4. She knows her birthday is January 5th, and she is ready. She's moved onto C-1/ Ms. Sandy's class and loves it. She has several friends in class, Raine, Jessie, Caya, and Lilyanne. She's big on writing numbers and letters. Talks a mile a minute, and is "boisterous" once she's comfortable and gives up her reserved nature. She sings (I'm a little acorn brown), is an adorable pilgrim, and loves minastics (yeah, cartwheels). Still sleeps with mom and dad and loves mama milk. She's getting big for this, but I know it will pass all too soon, and I'll miss it, so I don't wean her. I know it will come one day.
Alexander loves drawing and singing. His best friend these days in Dominic. They play Wild Kratts. He's making progress with reading and sailing through kindergarten. His temper can be explosive, and I don't like how he uses the word stupid, especially with me and his sisters, but he also tells me he loves me and can be most affectionate. I think he knows right and wrong.
Milena is working on Jingle Bells on the piano. She wrote about herself at school. Said she was 4 feet tall, played piano, and had a "mixed up" family. She's friendly with everyone at school. Her teachers like her. Lately the friend she mentions most is Shepherd Harvill. I enjoyed my date to A Little Princess with her and Nati last weekend. They were so attentive!
Anya is now 16 months. Not talking like crazy yet, but she is making progress and seems to understand quite a bit. Ask her to go throw something in the trash can, and she'll walk right over and do it. No hesitation. She says dog, cat, hi, and mama and papa, of course. I think she asks "what's that?" but it's not 100% clear. Loves books and buttons. Already knows how to navigate a Smartphone screen. I love the image I got in my head of her last weekend, though she wouldn't let me "snap" the shot. She's got a full head of blonde curls these days. She was wearing her birthday girl T and pink knit pants with a ruffle on the bootie. Over her pants she wore a frilly pink polka dot skirt covered with a layer of tulle. Very feminine, very sweet, very much like her big sis Natalya, who's all about twirly, tulle covered skirts lately. She is so funny -- will often wear an outfit she likes for several days in a row.
Natalya is almost 4. She knows her birthday is January 5th, and she is ready. She's moved onto C-1/ Ms. Sandy's class and loves it. She has several friends in class, Raine, Jessie, Caya, and Lilyanne. She's big on writing numbers and letters. Talks a mile a minute, and is "boisterous" once she's comfortable and gives up her reserved nature. She sings (I'm a little acorn brown), is an adorable pilgrim, and loves minastics (yeah, cartwheels). Still sleeps with mom and dad and loves mama milk. She's getting big for this, but I know it will pass all too soon, and I'll miss it, so I don't wean her. I know it will come one day.
Alexander loves drawing and singing. His best friend these days in Dominic. They play Wild Kratts. He's making progress with reading and sailing through kindergarten. His temper can be explosive, and I don't like how he uses the word stupid, especially with me and his sisters, but he also tells me he loves me and can be most affectionate. I think he knows right and wrong.
Milena is working on Jingle Bells on the piano. She wrote about herself at school. Said she was 4 feet tall, played piano, and had a "mixed up" family. She's friendly with everyone at school. Her teachers like her. Lately the friend she mentions most is Shepherd Harvill. I enjoyed my date to A Little Princess with her and Nati last weekend. They were so attentive!
Friday, August 12, 2011
August 12, 2011
Went for check ups and vaccines yesterday. Renewed my driver's license at the DMV this morning. Getting ready for .... back to school.
2nd grade, kindergarten, pre k3, and day care.
Milena is just about 48" and 46 lbs.
Alexander is 42.5" and 42 lbs.
Nati is 37" and almost 30 lbs.
Ana is 29" and close to 18 lbs.
2nd grade, kindergarten, pre k3, and day care.
Milena is just about 48" and 46 lbs.
Alexander is 42.5" and 42 lbs.
Nati is 37" and almost 30 lbs.
Ana is 29" and close to 18 lbs.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
August 7, 2011
Anya is WALKING, even though Milena wishes it weren't so. She cannot meet a milestone earlier than her big sis after all. But really, as of July 25 Anya took her first step (or two). By this past week, just shy of 13 months, August 3rd, she was taking 4-5 steps at various times throughout the day. Any time now I expect her to "take off." As of now she's good at taking several steps before reverting to crawling, which she still does a lot of.
Alexander has been watching lots of TV when not perfecting his swimming or enjoying kid fun days at Camp Chai. His favorite is Phineas and Ferb. He couldn't wait to watch the 'movie' this week, P and F Across the 2nd Dimension. He did (3 times) but cried-- real tears-- at the end when the Platupus character, Agent P, left Earth and went back to space.
Milena-- oh the drama these days. "Send Alexander away." "You forgot to get my pajamas and underwear out, you just don't love me." Life is tough, isn't it? For her or for me is the question? She loved being Queen Furaday in Rapunzel at art camp and convinced the teacher of her Mad Science camp (with my help) to have their last day be a "pajama" day. Milena is 'swimming' better WITH GOGGLES that I have to keep replacing. We're on our 4th pair I believe.
Natalya is happily potty trained and still happily? not weaned. She likes wearing hair beads on her ankles and telling me to do stuff "right now." She enjoys singinig Fiddler on the Roof songs in her new car seat as we travel. "Put music on," she shouts.
Alexander has been watching lots of TV when not perfecting his swimming or enjoying kid fun days at Camp Chai. His favorite is Phineas and Ferb. He couldn't wait to watch the 'movie' this week, P and F Across the 2nd Dimension. He did (3 times) but cried-- real tears-- at the end when the Platupus character, Agent P, left Earth and went back to space.
Milena-- oh the drama these days. "Send Alexander away." "You forgot to get my pajamas and underwear out, you just don't love me." Life is tough, isn't it? For her or for me is the question? She loved being Queen Furaday in Rapunzel at art camp and convinced the teacher of her Mad Science camp (with my help) to have their last day be a "pajama" day. Milena is 'swimming' better WITH GOGGLES that I have to keep replacing. We're on our 4th pair I believe.
Natalya is happily potty trained and still happily? not weaned. She likes wearing hair beads on her ankles and telling me to do stuff "right now." She enjoys singinig Fiddler on the Roof songs in her new car seat as we travel. "Put music on," she shouts.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ana is One Year
On July 10 she turned a year. On July 14 we were at the pediatrician's office for a chest x ray. Turns out she has croup. Ricky and I were a little worried she may have aspirated a piece a walnut from our anniversary carrot cake.
Her stats at this point, before I forget, are weight: 17 lbs 11 oz, height: 28 3/4, head 17 3/4. There you have it for one year.
Her stats at this point, before I forget, are weight: 17 lbs 11 oz, height: 28 3/4, head 17 3/4. There you have it for one year.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 26, 2011
Time is flying by . . .
Natalya-- still potty trained. Love that. Hate that she whines for mommy milkie so much. I love to comply, but not as much as she wants it. Tell her NO, and she breaks into a crying fit. No to milk, or no -- you're doing something wrong, even though she knows she's doing something wrong! She can also be very explosive and rough-- with her toys and her real baby Anya, even though she loves Anya. What a nut! Is that the tom boy in her? She loves having conversations with herself. She seems to be, from what I can discern, extremely aware of her grandmother's death. It get incorporated into her play.
Milena-- wishes Alexander would leave this family, except when she's loving on him or enjoying Nick Jr games on the computer with him, etc. She did exceptionally well at her 3rd piano recital yesterday. Even Papa was very proud and full of praise-- Yeah!
Alexander-- is loving the computer-- Nick Jr's website has caught his attention. Last month he was all about Wild Kratts. Kept asking for a power suit. He also wanted a shrink machine. These things just don't come at Walmart. He learned how to swim this week ... for real. Now I wish he would learn to control his hitting impulse.
I'm still working on the girls. Hope Milena swims soon!
Today Ricky made a slip and slide in the front yard. All joined in, even baby Ana.
Baby Ana is approaching a year. Twice in the last couple days I caught her catch her balance and stand unsupported for a couple seconds. She's usually super smiley-- what a sweet baby.
Natalya-- still potty trained. Love that. Hate that she whines for mommy milkie so much. I love to comply, but not as much as she wants it. Tell her NO, and she breaks into a crying fit. No to milk, or no -- you're doing something wrong, even though she knows she's doing something wrong! She can also be very explosive and rough-- with her toys and her real baby Anya, even though she loves Anya. What a nut! Is that the tom boy in her? She loves having conversations with herself. She seems to be, from what I can discern, extremely aware of her grandmother's death. It get incorporated into her play.
Milena-- wishes Alexander would leave this family, except when she's loving on him or enjoying Nick Jr games on the computer with him, etc. She did exceptionally well at her 3rd piano recital yesterday. Even Papa was very proud and full of praise-- Yeah!
Alexander-- is loving the computer-- Nick Jr's website has caught his attention. Last month he was all about Wild Kratts. Kept asking for a power suit. He also wanted a shrink machine. These things just don't come at Walmart. He learned how to swim this week ... for real. Now I wish he would learn to control his hitting impulse.
I'm still working on the girls. Hope Milena swims soon!
Today Ricky made a slip and slide in the front yard. All joined in, even baby Ana.
Baby Ana is approaching a year. Twice in the last couple days I caught her catch her balance and stand unsupported for a couple seconds. She's usually super smiley-- what a sweet baby.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011
Hopefully, dad will like his new home. An apartment is a memory care unit at an Assisted Living called Emeritus. It's in G'ville, right down the street from Michael. Lots better than the nursing home where he has been this last month. I'll miss being able to visit, but moving him to Shreveport when he really is out of it and often agitated seemed like a lot. It's not like he would really relish the grandkids. I'm sure they'd cheer him up once in a while, but other times they'd probably overwhelm him . . . and it's not as if he really knows who they are these days.
Anya is now 11 months. Went for a check up on 5/24. She was 17lbs 5oz, 28 1/4 inches, and her head was 17 3/4. She is definitely saying mama now-- and means me. "Mamamama" when she wants milk. She will point to her boca and blubber. She pulls up and walks holding onto furniture since 6/1. We're now waiting for walking. She started getting her 2 upper teeth around 5/27 and now they are clearly descending. I love it when she laughs and gets excited: He He, He He. And she likes to box my face with both hands. Boy can she cry loud when she wants attention.
Milena opened some Ariel underwear on her birthday on 6/10, and Natalya immediately took an interest. At the dinner table she announced that she was taking off her diaper and would now put on underwear. She wasn't kidding. She changed and immediately took charge of her potty training. Basically, she's now trained. After 3 years and 5 months, it was about time! She likes her T shirt-- I love mama's milk. She's very cute when she talks lately-- uses her instead of she as a subject pronoun. "Her is sleeping." I won't correct her too much; I know this phase too will pass all too quickly.
Milena and Alexander are taken up with Kung Foo Panda. I like when they call Anya "Little Master" in their pseudo Asian accents.
When I told Alexander I needed more money to buy him something and asked him where he thought money came from he just said--- go get your other purse!
Anya is now 11 months. Went for a check up on 5/24. She was 17lbs 5oz, 28 1/4 inches, and her head was 17 3/4. She is definitely saying mama now-- and means me. "Mamamama" when she wants milk. She will point to her boca and blubber. She pulls up and walks holding onto furniture since 6/1. We're now waiting for walking. She started getting her 2 upper teeth around 5/27 and now they are clearly descending. I love it when she laughs and gets excited: He He, He He. And she likes to box my face with both hands. Boy can she cry loud when she wants attention.
Milena opened some Ariel underwear on her birthday on 6/10, and Natalya immediately took an interest. At the dinner table she announced that she was taking off her diaper and would now put on underwear. She wasn't kidding. She changed and immediately took charge of her potty training. Basically, she's now trained. After 3 years and 5 months, it was about time! She likes her T shirt-- I love mama's milk. She's very cute when she talks lately-- uses her instead of she as a subject pronoun. "Her is sleeping." I won't correct her too much; I know this phase too will pass all too quickly.
Milena and Alexander are taken up with Kung Foo Panda. I like when they call Anya "Little Master" in their pseudo Asian accents.
When I told Alexander I needed more money to buy him something and asked him where he thought money came from he just said--- go get your other purse!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 18, 2011
Life is much the same as it always was . . . and then again it isn't. These days I'm busy with 2 new projects 1) Teaching Bradley classes-- had 4 couples last night and 2)Researching nursing homes.
Ana is crawling everywhere since Easter (4/24/11). She does the traditional cross pattern, hands-knee version. She got a bottom tooth a couple weeks ago and just today I noticed the other bottom one on the left poking through. She's can pull up -- also new in the last week or ten days I'd say. She's trying to talk too. In addition to dadada, Ricky swears he heard her say mama on Sunday (5/15), and I'm sure she said hello on Monday. The articulation wasn't clear, but I know that's what she was trying to get out as we passed Ms. Cathy in the halls of Montessori. With her big blue eyes and smiley self, she should be a movie star.
Natalya-- well, we'd still like her to potty train. She's learning letters at school. Over the weekend I caught her reading her diaper. Z , zebra, "z."
Alexander-- funny as usual. His favorite show is Wild Kratts. He has to watch everyday and keeps begging for a power suit. For his birthday he did get Hexbugs, which he really loved. He's also looking forward to growing butterflies. Did I write that he got into Magnet last month? We're leaving him at Montessori for now though.
Milena is preparing to be a flamingo in her class play, just play the Mermaid' s Song in her piano recital, and would love to be Rapunzel in a play over the summer. Her mind is always going. I hate when her father gets really angry with her for not being organized and keeping up with her homework.
Ana is crawling everywhere since Easter (4/24/11). She does the traditional cross pattern, hands-knee version. She got a bottom tooth a couple weeks ago and just today I noticed the other bottom one on the left poking through. She's can pull up -- also new in the last week or ten days I'd say. She's trying to talk too. In addition to dadada, Ricky swears he heard her say mama on Sunday (5/15), and I'm sure she said hello on Monday. The articulation wasn't clear, but I know that's what she was trying to get out as we passed Ms. Cathy in the halls of Montessori. With her big blue eyes and smiley self, she should be a movie star.
Natalya-- well, we'd still like her to potty train. She's learning letters at school. Over the weekend I caught her reading her diaper. Z , zebra, "z."
Alexander-- funny as usual. His favorite show is Wild Kratts. He has to watch everyday and keeps begging for a power suit. For his birthday he did get Hexbugs, which he really loved. He's also looking forward to growing butterflies. Did I write that he got into Magnet last month? We're leaving him at Montessori for now though.
Milena is preparing to be a flamingo in her class play, just play the Mermaid' s Song in her piano recital, and would love to be Rapunzel in a play over the summer. Her mind is always going. I hate when her father gets really angry with her for not being organized and keeping up with her homework.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Are you OK, mom? Where are you? People have been writing short notes to me on FB all day. Sure it's not the most personal, but distributing my pain and getting little reassurances does help a little. Everywhere I look are signs of you-- presents, cards, notes, pictures, kid art ... Can't believe you will never speak back to me again. I know you'd like my hair with a cut-- not really, but yes really I remember how you always had to make our beds if we didn't, especially as adults. As kids we were trained too! Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due Together we are strong (Eccl 4-9) Joy Luck Club-- mom had best quality heart We've lost-- but considering all she shared over the years, we certainly keep so much of her, much more than we are even aware of--and that will sustain us, help us thrive So now your are with God. That I believe. You told me your biggest wish, after you died, would be that somehow you could speak to us here, inform us that you had landed, safe and sound. Even in your demise, you were looking for one more sermon. But you knew there is a maddening yet majestiv reason you cannot speak to us today, because if you could, we might not need faith. And faith is what yo uwere all about. I have to believe that you have melted back into His glory, your soul is like a returned favor, you are a star in his sky and a warm feeling in our hearts. We believe that you are with your forefathers, with your daughter, with your past, and at peace. THus says the Lord . . . I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you. Isaiah 38.5
More notes
See -- I knew I'd write more ---
I just remember something mom said in a recent conversation: I think I lived at the right time-- couldn't imagine growing up now/ or something very close to this.
Eery, kind of.
I just remember something mom said in a recent conversation: I think I lived at the right time-- couldn't imagine growing up now/ or something very close to this.
Eery, kind of.
Notes for a eulogy
OK-- yes, mom was a saint. I could think of some faults-- could be judgmental. None of liked to hear she didn't approve of what we were doing-- how did she know we were doing it? how did she know it was the wrong path or action?
Really my mom had her act together. She was organized and neat. She knew where things were. She kept a very orderly home-- schedules, meal plans, etc.
She was artistic and creative.
She was a helpful proofreader.
She could even do home repairs.
She got us through school
Being a nurse she could take care of us when we were sick. Always made us feel better.
She was a good ear.
She made sure we had adventures-- let us get out in the world
She helped us do our best
She loved tradition and family--see all the pictures in our house!
I try, but I'm Maureen-- I look a little like Rita, I have a little Rita in me-- but I'm no Rita. AT my house, there are dishes in the sink, dusty cobwebs, pictures that don't hang straight, kids with messy hair-- and art project that definitely need someone else's assistance. I also don't have her look that got us kids to get in line and act right. I'm more of a pushover.
but I got to me a mommy too-- I work hard in my home and out of it too -- job and kids, no nanny, just like her, and I try my best to keep the traditions I learned from her-- and maybe even improve on some of them or at least add my own touch
Really my mom had her act together. She was organized and neat. She knew where things were. She kept a very orderly home-- schedules, meal plans, etc.
She was artistic and creative.
She was a helpful proofreader.
She could even do home repairs.
She got us through school
Being a nurse she could take care of us when we were sick. Always made us feel better.
She was a good ear.
She made sure we had adventures-- let us get out in the world
She helped us do our best
She loved tradition and family--see all the pictures in our house!
I try, but I'm Maureen-- I look a little like Rita, I have a little Rita in me-- but I'm no Rita. AT my house, there are dishes in the sink, dusty cobwebs, pictures that don't hang straight, kids with messy hair-- and art project that definitely need someone else's assistance. I also don't have her look that got us kids to get in line and act right. I'm more of a pushover.
but I got to me a mommy too-- I work hard in my home and out of it too -- job and kids, no nanny, just like her, and I try my best to keep the traditions I learned from her-- and maybe even improve on some of them or at least add my own touch
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