Perhaps you find a mischevious 4 year old girl who has located the missing super-glue and attached her dress to her entire belly...what do you do?
Margarine.
Just in case you were wondering.
I love this girl.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Why google is my friend.
I learned something new this weekend.
Perhaps you find a mischevious 4 year old girl who has located the missing super-glue and attached her dress to her entire belly...what do you do?
Margarine.
Just in case you were wondering.
I love this girl.
Perhaps you find a mischevious 4 year old girl who has located the missing super-glue and attached her dress to her entire belly...what do you do?
Margarine.
Just in case you were wondering.
I love this girl.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bad Luck Streak
Eli is sitting on the couch, looking so depressed that you'd think his dog just died. Crews are working on our cable, meaning there's no chance of watching the Rangers on TV. We've had some bad luck lately, and apparenly this is the icing on the cake.
But seriously, listen to this. I'm starting to wonder if this house is cursed.
It all started two very long weeks ago when we were feeling victorious. 4 weeks post-partum and we survived the stomach flu, a different stomach bug, my gallbladder attacking me, and surgery that put me in bed for a week. I was recovered from surgery enough to sit up all by myself (I was so pathetic I could barely take being around myself) and the cabin fever induced dilirium lead me to believe a roadtrip would bring an end to our bad luck. We had a great time in Austin, getting most of the cousins together and squeezing in a visit with Eli's grandparents. A couple people made comments on how tired Eli looked. Did they forget how much he had on his plate? (all the while i'm thinking... c'mon Eli, you're not that tired. stop being so dramatic. because i'm really sympathetic). But then, he slept for the next 48 hours. His muscles were so sore that he couldn't button his shirt or hold open his jaw to brush his teeth. After taking him to the doctor for round two of testing, I started to panic when words like lupus, fibromyalgia, and HIV poured out of my doctor's lips. A couple days later Eli turned a corner with the pain, and the blood work showed improvement with his white blood cells. We dodged a bullet. Our doctor who has been practicing over 30 years had never seen anything like it. I'd been praying that God would send something to bring me closer to Eli, and help me be like Christ to him. Mission accomplished. (except for that whole being Christlike thing, in which I was completely lousy)
The next day to celebrate, we took the kids to a fancy haircut place and to get some frozen yogurt. After 1.5 hours (HOURS!!) of cutting bangs, our children looked like they stepped straight out of 1980 with mullets and bowl cuts. I cried, argued with the stylest, (ok, I yelled at her a lot and feel terrible) and she just continued to cut. Did I mention I'm trying to be God-like? Fail again. I prayed and prayed that I could fix the damage and it wouldn't be so noticible for our family portait scheduled for this weekend. (what? I'm not vain. Geez!!) I was so upset that we skipped TCBYs.
Sunday was a new day. A day of rest--the Lord's day. We had so much to be thankful for, and appreciated our good health. I still couldn't look at the kids without cringing, but I had to suck it up and move on. I made a pumpkin cream pie because I've been fasting from sweets for 40 days for life. But then before I got even a bite, the pie mocked me by falling on my freshly mopped kitchen floor. Glass shattered everywhere. There are just...no words.
But alas, the pie pan wasnt the only thing to break. Then next day it was the mop. Then the vent hood. And the toaster. And the printer broke. And the car.
WHAT WAS GOING ON?!? I think I needed a lesson in humility.
Monday brought crisp, sunny weather. Mass was beautiful and we saw our favorite 95 year old priest who bends down to his knees to hug the kids. I had a great meeting to plan our 3rd annual prolife youth conference featuring Dr. Janet Smith. (yay!!!) God was blessing me beyond measure.
Tuesday was equally wonderful. I made it to my Women of Grace group where we discussed meditative and contemplative prayer. I've been so prideful lately and thought I already knew how to pray. I hopped over to St. Joseph downtown for noon mass with Fr. Mario. I felt warm and fuzzy inside. Life was great. FINALLY!
Wednesday was down right cold for a Texan girl. I was trying to make it to 8am mass and frantically searched for sweaters for the kids. I'm pretty sure I was yelling to everyone and everything to hurry up (like, stop acting like you're two!!) and shoved everyone in the car. (because I'm sweet and sensitive like that, and stressing them out is exactly how you get your kids to be holy and quiet for mass). I close their door and hear it lock. My heart skips a beat. Glancing to the front seat I see my purse, phone, and keys. Max is screaming. I bang on the window tell Emily to get out of her carseat and unlock the door. She's stuck and is scared. Stupid 5 point harness! All 3 kids are crying hysterically. I run to my neighbor's to use her phone. No answer. Run across the street. No answer, no answer, no answer. (what are you doing at 8am?? c'mon people!) Finally about 5 houses down, just as I'm about to LOSE MY MIND, the front door opens. Within minutes the fire truck is parked outside my house and firemen are saving my babies. They're telling me that their own lil 4 year old could get out...that I strap mine in too tight. What's wrong with these people?! I thought a seatbelt was supposed to keep a kid in the carseat. Do they even realize that I'm super hormonal and I can't help my kids whose faces are beet red and tear stained and traumatized? I'm about to strangle them. (patience...patience) Max cried so hard that he passed out. Leo is yelling through tears "max is crying, leo is crying, emily is crying, and leo's scared!!" 45 minutes felt like hours, but we were all safe. So many heroes saved the day. My heart was gushing with gratitude. (ok, so my heart was still completely panicking, but *later* it was gushing with gratitude)
So there you have it. It's like a comedy of errors, with a happy ending. All harmless bad luck. Everyone's safe and sound and ready for whatever else God throws at us! (but honestly, I would be just fine with a couple boring days this week too:)
But seriously, listen to this. I'm starting to wonder if this house is cursed.
It all started two very long weeks ago when we were feeling victorious. 4 weeks post-partum and we survived the stomach flu, a different stomach bug, my gallbladder attacking me, and surgery that put me in bed for a week. I was recovered from surgery enough to sit up all by myself (I was so pathetic I could barely take being around myself) and the cabin fever induced dilirium lead me to believe a roadtrip would bring an end to our bad luck. We had a great time in Austin, getting most of the cousins together and squeezing in a visit with Eli's grandparents. A couple people made comments on how tired Eli looked. Did they forget how much he had on his plate? (all the while i'm thinking... c'mon Eli, you're not that tired. stop being so dramatic. because i'm really sympathetic). But then, he slept for the next 48 hours. His muscles were so sore that he couldn't button his shirt or hold open his jaw to brush his teeth. After taking him to the doctor for round two of testing, I started to panic when words like lupus, fibromyalgia, and HIV poured out of my doctor's lips. A couple days later Eli turned a corner with the pain, and the blood work showed improvement with his white blood cells. We dodged a bullet. Our doctor who has been practicing over 30 years had never seen anything like it. I'd been praying that God would send something to bring me closer to Eli, and help me be like Christ to him. Mission accomplished. (except for that whole being Christlike thing, in which I was completely lousy)
The next day to celebrate, we took the kids to a fancy haircut place and to get some frozen yogurt. After 1.5 hours (HOURS!!) of cutting bangs, our children looked like they stepped straight out of 1980 with mullets and bowl cuts. I cried, argued with the stylest, (ok, I yelled at her a lot and feel terrible) and she just continued to cut. Did I mention I'm trying to be God-like? Fail again. I prayed and prayed that I could fix the damage and it wouldn't be so noticible for our family portait scheduled for this weekend. (what? I'm not vain. Geez!!) I was so upset that we skipped TCBYs.
Sunday was a new day. A day of rest--the Lord's day. We had so much to be thankful for, and appreciated our good health. I still couldn't look at the kids without cringing, but I had to suck it up and move on. I made a pumpkin cream pie because I've been fasting from sweets for 40 days for life. But then before I got even a bite, the pie mocked me by falling on my freshly mopped kitchen floor. Glass shattered everywhere. There are just...no words.
But alas, the pie pan wasnt the only thing to break. Then next day it was the mop. Then the vent hood. And the toaster. And the printer broke. And the car.
WHAT WAS GOING ON?!? I think I needed a lesson in humility.
Monday brought crisp, sunny weather. Mass was beautiful and we saw our favorite 95 year old priest who bends down to his knees to hug the kids. I had a great meeting to plan our 3rd annual prolife youth conference featuring Dr. Janet Smith. (yay!!!) God was blessing me beyond measure.
Tuesday was equally wonderful. I made it to my Women of Grace group where we discussed meditative and contemplative prayer. I've been so prideful lately and thought I already knew how to pray. I hopped over to St. Joseph downtown for noon mass with Fr. Mario. I felt warm and fuzzy inside. Life was great. FINALLY!
Wednesday was down right cold for a Texan girl. I was trying to make it to 8am mass and frantically searched for sweaters for the kids. I'm pretty sure I was yelling to everyone and everything to hurry up (like, stop acting like you're two!!) and shoved everyone in the car. (because I'm sweet and sensitive like that, and stressing them out is exactly how you get your kids to be holy and quiet for mass). I close their door and hear it lock. My heart skips a beat. Glancing to the front seat I see my purse, phone, and keys. Max is screaming. I bang on the window tell Emily to get out of her carseat and unlock the door. She's stuck and is scared. Stupid 5 point harness! All 3 kids are crying hysterically. I run to my neighbor's to use her phone. No answer. Run across the street. No answer, no answer, no answer. (what are you doing at 8am?? c'mon people!) Finally about 5 houses down, just as I'm about to LOSE MY MIND, the front door opens. Within minutes the fire truck is parked outside my house and firemen are saving my babies. They're telling me that their own lil 4 year old could get out...that I strap mine in too tight. What's wrong with these people?! I thought a seatbelt was supposed to keep a kid in the carseat. Do they even realize that I'm super hormonal and I can't help my kids whose faces are beet red and tear stained and traumatized? I'm about to strangle them. (patience...patience) Max cried so hard that he passed out. Leo is yelling through tears "max is crying, leo is crying, emily is crying, and leo's scared!!" 45 minutes felt like hours, but we were all safe. So many heroes saved the day. My heart was gushing with gratitude. (ok, so my heart was still completely panicking, but *later* it was gushing with gratitude)
So there you have it. It's like a comedy of errors, with a happy ending. All harmless bad luck. Everyone's safe and sound and ready for whatever else God throws at us! (but honestly, I would be just fine with a couple boring days this week too:)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
So long gallbladder, it was nice knowing ya
My body is a jerk. An innocent little organ is being rejected and it's putting up a good fight to stay. Apparently there are these things called polyps which have grown thanks to my cells dumping healthy cholesterol on my gallbladder. They're pretty harmless except that they're too big and may turn into gallstones eventually. Even though passing stones sounds like buckets of fun, I had to make a decision. So the poor little guy will have to go tomorrow during the procedure to repair the hernia caused by growing gigantic children.
FUN!
What's even more fun? Being away from my 3 week old. He's so sweet and squeaky, smells like heaven, and is the most beautiful symbol of hope in the world. You'd think I'd be ok with this, seeing as how I was away from Emily for 82 days while she was in the NICU. Tomorrow we'll be apart for about 5 hours and I choke up just thinking about it. Please pray that my lil chubbs will be good for his Daddy!
On that note...
Here's some snuggly pictures!!
FUN!
What's even more fun? Being away from my 3 week old. He's so sweet and squeaky, smells like heaven, and is the most beautiful symbol of hope in the world. You'd think I'd be ok with this, seeing as how I was away from Emily for 82 days while she was in the NICU. Tomorrow we'll be apart for about 5 hours and I choke up just thinking about it. Please pray that my lil chubbs will be good for his Daddy!
On that note...
Here's some snuggly pictures!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Happy Birthday Eli!!!
This weekend we celebrated Eli's 28th birthday! We had a really great night beginning with mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and Bishop Cantu at San Fernando Cathedral. Following mass we were thrilled to be able to attend the JPII CHS gala honoring Karl Keating, the founder of Catholic Answers. Mr. Keating's speech inspired us to continue to live an authentic Catholic life despite what society and history suggests.
On Saturday we took advantage of the cooler weather (ya know, below 100*) and treked down to the Pearl Farmers Market. We had a nice little picnic down by the river and played soccer in the park!
And as if that wasn't a great day so far, we topped it off with a visit to the Children's Museum! Here's our little construction workers after operating the dump truck.
On Sunday my parents had us over for yummy steaks and a swim.
Happy 3 week birthday Max!
On Saturday we took advantage of the cooler weather (ya know, below 100*) and treked down to the Pearl Farmers Market. We had a nice little picnic down by the river and played soccer in the park!
And as if that wasn't a great day so far, we topped it off with a visit to the Children's Museum! Here's our little construction workers after operating the dump truck.
On Sunday my parents had us over for yummy steaks and a swim.
Happy 3 week birthday Max!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
It's a Boy!!!
The Labor
We had a surprise visit from two of my sisters from Dallas for the weekend, so I was determined to naturally induce labor. We started the day at mass at St. Joseph’s and afterwards I spent most of the day on my feet and praying. Eli was a good sport and humored me in all of my raspberry tea-spicy food-requests. Contractions began at 5pm, as per usual for the past 15 weeks, but this time I felt like I could put mind over matter and make these contractions work. So we put the kids to bed at my parents house and conned my sisters and dad into power walking down to star bucks. By the time we got home it was 10 pm and contractions had been 5 minutes apart for an hour. It was go time!
The Delivery
As I waited in the triage 3cm dilated for an hour; Eli was becoming doubtful and I was growing anxious. Then I had a miraculous 4.5cm measurement and a move to LDR at midnight. 3am epidural was a success (yay! Third time’s the charm!) At 7am we called the doctor with news that I was dilated to 8cm. Then we waited for what felt like years until about noon for the doctor to come break my water since the baby still wasn’t turned. The doctor left and while we waited for him to return, I started “practice” pushing, thinking I would have to work hard to turn the baby for delivery. My nurse was awesome, and on about my 5th push, the baby turned and she had to hold the baby inside me while screaming on her phone to get the doctor STAT!
The Baby
Maximilian Joseph was born on September 4th at 1:33 pm, weighing 9 lb2oz and 21” long. Resembling his big brother, Max has dark hair, fair skin, and the most adorable little dimple in his chin. He was named after two of our favorite saints. Eli and I walked through the concentration camp at Auschwitz in 2003 and remember the cell in which St. Maximilian Kolbe was martyred, sacrificing his life for a father and husband. Truly a modern day saint to emulate. Read about his story here! St. Joseph is a strong father figure as Christ's foster father, and much like both of our fathers in action and love. We have a deep devotion to Joseph and we pray to him daily for guidance and example.
The Family
Nothing fills your heart more than the beautiful love between brothers and sister. Our first week home was fantastic--I felt great, Max was a natural at breastfeeding, and Daddy was home to take the kids to Kiddie Park and the Children’s Museum. Wonderful friends kept meals on the table. We couldn’t have felt more thankful for the easy transition to a family of five. Things were so great that went to MOPS and my bible study, and had** a girls night out. Eli went back to work and squeezed in an out of town trip and a missions game. Commence week 2. I started having extreme stomach cramps. I ruled out the flu when the cramping got so bad after the 2nd day that I could barely walk or sit up. Eli’s mom was providentially visiting the next day and could babysit the kids while I saw my doctor. Turns out I most likely have a hernia of the abdomen and the bowels were squeezed between the muscle, and thus I have an appt with the surgeon next week. Then last night we were hit by a stomach bug. Thank goodness it’s the weekend and we can all snuggle on the couch together and watch UP! :)
We had a surprise visit from two of my sisters from Dallas for the weekend, so I was determined to naturally induce labor. We started the day at mass at St. Joseph’s and afterwards I spent most of the day on my feet and praying. Eli was a good sport and humored me in all of my raspberry tea-spicy food-requests. Contractions began at 5pm, as per usual for the past 15 weeks, but this time I felt like I could put mind over matter and make these contractions work. So we put the kids to bed at my parents house and conned my sisters and dad into power walking down to star bucks. By the time we got home it was 10 pm and contractions had been 5 minutes apart for an hour. It was go time!
The Delivery
As I waited in the triage 3cm dilated for an hour; Eli was becoming doubtful and I was growing anxious. Then I had a miraculous 4.5cm measurement and a move to LDR at midnight. 3am epidural was a success (yay! Third time’s the charm!) At 7am we called the doctor with news that I was dilated to 8cm. Then we waited for what felt like years until about noon for the doctor to come break my water since the baby still wasn’t turned. The doctor left and while we waited for him to return, I started “practice” pushing, thinking I would have to work hard to turn the baby for delivery. My nurse was awesome, and on about my 5th push, the baby turned and she had to hold the baby inside me while screaming on her phone to get the doctor STAT!
The Baby
Maximilian Joseph was born on September 4th at 1:33 pm, weighing 9 lb2oz and 21” long. Resembling his big brother, Max has dark hair, fair skin, and the most adorable little dimple in his chin. He was named after two of our favorite saints. Eli and I walked through the concentration camp at Auschwitz in 2003 and remember the cell in which St. Maximilian Kolbe was martyred, sacrificing his life for a father and husband. Truly a modern day saint to emulate. Read about his story here! St. Joseph is a strong father figure as Christ's foster father, and much like both of our fathers in action and love. We have a deep devotion to Joseph and we pray to him daily for guidance and example.
The Family
Nothing fills your heart more than the beautiful love between brothers and sister. Our first week home was fantastic--I felt great, Max was a natural at breastfeeding, and Daddy was home to take the kids to Kiddie Park and the Children’s Museum. Wonderful friends kept meals on the table. We couldn’t have felt more thankful for the easy transition to a family of five. Things were so great that went to MOPS and my bible study, and had** a girls night out. Eli went back to work and squeezed in an out of town trip and a missions game. Commence week 2. I started having extreme stomach cramps. I ruled out the flu when the cramping got so bad after the 2nd day that I could barely walk or sit up. Eli’s mom was providentially visiting the next day and could babysit the kids while I saw my doctor. Turns out I most likely have a hernia of the abdomen and the bowels were squeezed between the muscle, and thus I have an appt with the surgeon next week. Then last night we were hit by a stomach bug. Thank goodness it’s the weekend and we can all snuggle on the couch together and watch UP! :)
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