Ear Piercing!

Always has a big smile on her face!

Yay, daddy finally agreed to let Kayla get her ears pierced by someone other than the nurse practitioner since she is out on leave and won't be back until September.  So the big day was today.  She looks even more beautiful now.  I took her to get them at Pagonda and she only cried for a few seconds after it was all done.  They did a great job.  She hasn't even touched her ears so I don't even think she realizes they now have sparkly things in them.  She has pretty cubic zirconia (they look like diamonds but they're not).  

Look at those beautiful ears!

~Prilosec is Here to Stay~

Recent photo of Kayla

It's been a long few days.  I finally got Kayla to fall asleep just a little while ago.  Kayla's Pediatrician wanted us to try stopping her Prilosec to see if her Acid Reflux has gotten any better.  So she's been taking half her normal dose for the past few days.  Then she stopped eating her normal 5oz bottle as well as her solids (she usually never passes up bananas).  She kept pushing the bottle away, fussing and then today projectile vomiting started up again.  It was funny because Grandma (my mom) was actually out shopping with us and buying the little princess new clothes and spoiling her again as usual.  That's when she decided to projectile vomit all over Grandma in the store while Grandma was showing her a cute outfit she wanted to buy her.  (We didn't buy the outfit after that of course).  So I'm afraid she'll have to hang on to the Prilosec for a while.  The doctor wants her to continue it until her 9 month check-up.  The poor thing!  On top of all that she is so constipated that we (actually I) had to give her a suppository.  The poor thing has been through hell today.  I just hope she wakes up her usual happy self tomorrow because she is supposed to be getting her ears pierced at the doctors office.  Of course if she is still feeling lousy we will not punch holes in her ears on top of everything else she is feeling.  I'd be pretty pissed off if someone did that to me.  So I'll let you know how it all goes tomorrow.  Wish us luck!

Love,

Linda

~Sad News~

Before Kayla was born we had two cats, Buddie and Bailey.  They were the cutest and bestest pets we've ever had.  They helped us through a lot of tough times.  But when Kayla was born we had to send them to a better home because they kept jumping up on Kayla and we were so nervous they were scratch her.  Plus we were so busy with Kayla because she had been so sick with her Reflux (which we didn't know at the time) that we didn't have as much time for them anymore.  I was forgetting to feed them some days, etc.  

So anyways, a very nice woman in Burlington took them in.  Jason went and saw her home and everything.  She was the perfect person because she was an animal lover and knew what we were feeling because she had to give up her dog a few years ago to move to London for the Army and she was devastated.  She told us that we could call her and get them back anytime we wanted or we could visit them and she has kept us updated on how they have been doing, etc.  She is one of the nicest people I've ever met.  We'll over the weekend we got a call from her.  She was diagnosed with Leukemia about 5 months ago and has been going through Chemotherapy.  She said that she would not have gotten through it all if it wasn't for Buddie and Bailey.  She said they were her support team every time she came home.  They would follow her right to bed and sleep with her and it made her smile.  So now she is even more sick and needs to turn her home into a sterilized environment.  Basically she needs to get rid of her fish tank, her bird (which she's had for 25 years) and Buddie and Bailey.  She was crying on the phone with Jason and was devastated.  She doesn't know how she will get through the rest of her treatment without them.  Basically she was calling us to tell us how sorry she was that she couldn't keep them anymore and wanted to know if it was okay if they lived with her best friend.  Of course we said absolutely it's okay.  AND why was she apologizing to us.  She's sick.  We felt so bad.  

What it comes down to is that I believe everything happens for a reason and this is another example that proves it.  She took Buddie and Bailey in for us just 1 month before she was diagnosed with Leukemia.  They ended up being her support team at home and helping her cope with her illness.  I only wish they could have cured her but I know they will be great company for her friend.  And at least she will get to visit them if she ever gets better, which we are praying that she does because she is a great person and doesn't deserve this.

~Puffs~

First off, we woke up to a family of Turkey's in our yard.  The Mommy turkey just had five babies so she was taking a tour of our neighborhood with the little ones and decided to camp out in our front yard.  I went out to take a picture and the mommy got real mad and hissed at me.  Kayla was inside watching and thought it was funny but those things are vicious!  Jake sat in the window barking at them and they still just sat in our front yard not afraid of ANYTHING!  

By night they did end up moving to the neighbors house though so now they can have some company for a while.  It was nice to watch them but it gets old after about five minutes.

Anyways, Kayla had an exciting day today.  She had puffs for the first time.  She didn't quite get any in her mouth as you can see in the picture but she came close.  She got to play with them though which she had lots of fun doing.  And Jake, our dog, just loved picking them up off the floor.  He's been a great help with cleaning up after Kayla eats.  He lays down right under her high chair each time she sits in it even if she's not eating.  It's so cute!  I usually use a washcloth to clean her face and Jake licks her hands real good.  We're a great team!

We'll thankfully the sun made an appearance today finally.  Hopefully by this weekend we will have Kayla's new swing set up so her big cousin, Brinley, can come over and show her how to swing.  

~Goodnight 

Six Month Check-Up

Kayla had her six month check-up today.  Can you believe it!  I can't.  She is now 28" long and weighs 15 pds 11.5 oz.  She is very tall for her age but her weight is average.  She got 4 more shots today and did so good.  She cried for maybe 30 seconds and then was all smiles again.  The doctor said she is ready for stage 2 foods, yogurt, puffs and cherrios.  Then in about a month she can start having baby waffles, toast and other fun things.  We're so excited to feed her all the new foods.  I love shopping for them.  She also gets to start weaning off of her Prilosec and hopefully within a month stop taking it completely.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that her acid reflux won't come back.  

Still no teeth:(  The doctor said her gums aren't even swollen yet.  I'm getting so frustrated.  I keep thinking she's getting a tooth but then nothing pops out.  I thought she had one coming in on the top but the doctor said it was her gum line.  Shows what I know!  Oh and we can start giving her bug spray (except on her hands and feet because she chews on them) and sunblock.  Thank god!  The mosquitos are horrible and I hate to see my little muchkin get eaten up by them.  

So after our visit we had to wait an hour for the rain to slow down since it was down-pouring.  I'm talking buckets of water were falling from the sky.  It was ridiculous.  Plus it was thundering and lightening and I didn't feel like going to the car with a metal umbrella while it was lightening out.  With my luck the umbrella would get hit.  

After we finally made it home two hours after the appointment ended Kayla started to scream.  Her leg was completely swollen from the shots.  The poor thing.  I couldn't even touch her.  So I put her in the bath tub and she LOVED it.  She didn't want to get out.  I let her sit in there for about a half hour even though they say that's too long.  But she was so calm and happy in there.  Her poor leg is all bruised and swollen.  I ended up giving her some motrin and she's down for the night now.  Oh and I do mean the entire night.  She has been doing so great with sleeping through the night.  If I put her to bed at 7 she gets up around 7, but those last few times I said she was waking up at 3:00 was probably because she went to bed at 5:00 (her choice, not mine).  So she officially in the "sleep through the night" club.  Yipeeee.

We'll that about sums up the day.  Hope everyone is staying dry.  Oh and someone please send the sun back our way.  This rain is just getting to be too much.  Enough already!

~Loves

Another Hot Summer Day

Kayla slept for 8 1/2 hours straight last night and then wanted to eat so I fed her at 3:30 a.m. and she went back to sleep and woke up around 7:30 a.m.  So it wasn't as good as the 12 hours straight but it's definitely better than getting up 3 times a night and then at 5:30 for the day.  

We did our usual routine this morning.  Kayla got in her jumperoo (best thing ever created for babies) and watched Little Einsteins while I made myself breakfast and coffee.  Kayla ended up almost finishing an entire jar of oatmeal with banana's but she still hasn't done this yet.  Today was the closest she has come.  

So since we were both rested we made our way to the car and dropped off some books at the library before heading to Isis for mommy/baby yoga where Kayla loves to interact with all the other babies.  She is fascinated by them.  Today she won the prize for being the quietest baby during Savasana (relaxation and meditation at the end of each class).  

Jason went back to work today after a 5 day mini vacation.  He is planning on buying a motorcycle this week since the gas prices are killing us with his jumbo truck.  He found the one he wants but we just have to wait and see if he brings it home.  

We'll Kayla and I are going to sit outside and take advantage of this nice weather before it starts to rain again.  Hopefully we can get a quick walk in later with Leann (my friend who lives down the street).  Kayla loves walking with her, especially when she brings her dog Vito because she LOVES dogs.  Jake just has to walk by her and she will start laughing.  

Have a great day!

New Swing Set

Grandma and Grandpa surprised Kayla today with a great big swing set.  My father and Jason went to the store to get it today and when I got home they surprised me and Kayla.  I can't wait to put it together.  It has 3 swings, a slide, a little house to climb up to with a few little toys inside and a sandbox underneath and a canopy top and lots of other cool things.  She is going to have lots of fun!!!  

Twelve Hours

I couldn't believe it.  I woke up this morning at 2a.m. and thought something must be wrong.  Kayla usually wakes up at 12:00 to eat.  I peaked at the monitor and sure enough she was fast asleep.  Then I fell back to sleep and woke up at 7:00 a.m. (yup that's no typing error...7:00).  I ran into her room to make sure she was okay and she was playing with her fingers and looking up at the ceiling and when she saw me she gave me a great big smile.  I thought I was dreaming but it was real.  She had slept for 12 hours straight for the first time ever!!!!  Now I can only hope she can repeat this like every night.

~Words to Live by~

a few of my favorites...

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back."

Your presence is a present to the world. You're unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take the days just one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. You'll make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many answers. Understand, have courage, be strong. Don't put limits on yourself. So many dreams are waiting to be realized. Decisions are too important to leave to chance. Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying. The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. Remember that a little love goes a long way. Remember that a lot ... goes forever. Remember that friendship is a wise investment. Life's treasures are people ... together. Realize that it's never too late. Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Have health and hope and happiness. Take the time to wish upon a star. And don't ever forget... For even a day... How very special you are. 

Kayla's Christening

Daddy's Little Girl

Kayla was christened on June 8, 2008 at St. Anthony's Parish.  She wore a beautiful dress which my friends mom, Helen made out of my wedding dress.  It was perfect!  She did such a great job.  

My BFF, Amie, is Kayla's godmother.  We chose her because she was there for me through some pretty tough times and I don't think I would have made it without her.  She has two beautiful girls herself, 3 and 4, and she is a wonderful mother.  I would trust her with my life.  So I was honored to have had Amie as Kayla's godmommy.  

Our brother-in-law, Scott was chosen to be Kayla's godfather because he has become very close to my husband.  He is married to Jason's sister and he's been not only a great brother-in-law but a great friend to both of us.  Jason thought he would be perfect for the job since he also has a little girl, Brinley, who is Kayla's cousin.  We've watched him with Brinley and think he's an "awesome" dad (as he would say).  We were honored to have had Scott as Kayla's godfather, and he loves to be called "the GODFATHER." lol  It's so funny.

So anyways, the christening went smoothly considering it was at least 90 degrees outside (felt like 120) and Kayla had so much fun meeting the rest of our friends and family.  We had a party back at our house with lots of food and drinks.  We popped a bottle of champaign which we have had for about 5 years now and were waiting for a special occasion.  (It was actually for the hospital for when we finally had a baby but we never ended up drinking it there).

And that about sums up the christening...

~Kayla's Birthday~

We'll since Kayla is 6 months old now I'll just take you back to a few precious moments when her life first began...

Kayla was born on January 15, 2008.  It all started on January 14th at 8:45 p.m., just 45 minutes into the season finale of Prison Break.  I was thinking about getting up to go to the bathroom during a commercial but I didn't want to miss any part of this show.  We'll Kayla made sure I did.  My water broke and went everywhere.  I had no choice but to go into the bathroom.  Prison Break would have to wait until Kayla was born.  I of course made sure to press record and we shut the TV off and called the hospital.  They told me to come in right away but to take our time if my contractions weren't that close yet, which they weren't.  My BFF Jill was my partner for Kayla's birth since I wasn't sure Jason would want to do it all by himself and we had practiced hyponobirthing...and I just didn't feel comfortable with anyone else except my mom.  So by the time I got to the hospital I was 2cm and 100% effaced but there was barely any progress after a few hours in the holding room.  Everyone thought that it was going to happen that night so my mom had gotten up at about 2am because she couldn't sleep anticipating the birth of her first grandchild, and drove the 30 minute ride to the hospital.  My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece and brother-in-law all came to the hospital the next afternoon expecting Kayla to have been born already.  They all ended up waiting in the waiting room for quite a long time.

They had decided to give me pitocin which I really didn't want but had no choice since my water had broke.  I started to get very INTENSE contractions and decided that I'd go with the epidoral afterall which I also planned on not doing.  Everything just kept changing from there.  I originally wanted Hypnobirthing with no drugs AT ALL and then it turned into the complete opposite.  My mom ended up coming into the room during labor which turned out to be a great relief (now I had 3 people to yell at...it's always easiest to yell at mom in situations like this).  She did great, as well as Jason and Jill.  It was a very scary, amazing, intense, painful 18 hours of labor before the nurses finally told me to start pushing.  I pushed for 3 1/2 hours with the help of Jill, my mom, Jason, two nurses and the doctor, until the doctors decided that Kayla was stuck.  They said there was absolutely no way she would make it out unless it was via c-section.  I was horrified.  "Not even the vacuum will get her out" the doctor had said.  I knew who these doctors were because they all worked with my mother (she was the secretary in OBGYN) but I had no idea how good they were and they didn't know my history.  I was beyond horrified just thinking about one of them cutting me open.  What if they messed up.  What if they didn't know what medications I was on and they gave me something I shouldn't have.  What if they forget something inside and sew me up with it still there.  (We've all heard those stories).  I wished my doctor could have been there because she was the absolute best doctor I've ever had.  

So they got me prepped and started to roll me down to the OR.  My entire body became frozen with anxiety.  Then out of nowhere I hear "I'm coming, I'm coming.  I just saw your mom downstairs.  We're ready to go."  It was my doctor!!!!  Dr. Kolp!!!  Somehow seeing her face and her running around the corner just made me completely relax.  I knew I would be fine now.  It turns out that one of the doctors on that night had asked Dr. Kolp to come in early to cover a few hours of her shift so she could go to a party.  Thank god for whoever threw that party.  

So I'll spare you the gory details of the c-section and just tell you that Kayla was born at 5:27 p.m. on January 15, 2008 via c-section by Dr. Kolp (aka; the best doctor ever!!!).  I made it through perfectly, even knodding off to sleep a few times but kept getting woken up by Dr. Kolp and her team making jokes and keeping everyone so calm.  My husband was the first to hold Kayla and I've never seen a bigger smile on his face than I did that day.  He looked so proud.  He was able to cut the cord which he thought he wouldn't be able to do with a c-section but they let him and he was so happy.  

Thanks to Jill, my mom, and especially my husband, Jason for helping me through such a difficult labor.  I never would have made it without them.  

P.S. When I got home from the hospital I was able to see the final 15 minutes of Prison Break.  Now I can't wait for the next season to begin in September!!!

How we became three...

So here's a little background on how we became a family of 3....

About 5 years ago we decided we wanted a baby more than anything, but after 8 miscarriages and 2 failed IVF's the doctors, my husband and I all felt hopeless. There was no explanation to what was happening...no cause...no answers.

During these 5 years my uncle Hervey was in the hospital suffering from Picks Disease. My brother and I were close to him growing up. He would spoil us...when mom said no, he said yes...he was the best uncle a girl could ask for. We'll on February 22, 2007 my mom, me, my Aunt Nettie and Uncle Billy all sat by his bedside as he took his final breaths. He seemed to go peacefully but it was the worst thing to go through for my whole family. You see, he was only 49 years old. He had his whole life ahead of him, two kids, a wife, and tons of energy. He loved sports...loved to coach...loved kids!!!

My husband and I found out we were pregnant 2 months later. We totally didn't expect it...thought it would never happen again and that it was just never going to be something we could have together. The moment I found out I immediately thought of my uncle, as did my family. Although I was still not past the danger zone for complications/miscarriage we all believed that my uncle had somehow left this world and our baby was created in his absence. Now our baby girl is here and I truly believe my uncle made this baby happen. It's a Miracle! Of course it would not have happened without my husband, but the fact that we tried for so long and that it just so happened that we conceived only a few weeks after my uncle's death makes it seem too coincidental. Every time I felt nauseous, every time I think about my baby, every time I look at my daughter, I ALWAYS think of my uncle Hervey. I will love him forever and be forever grateful for this Miracle he has given us. Just like when I was a kid, he would always make sure I got what I wanted and yet again, he has made sure I've gotten what I have wanted my whole life...a baby! Even though he is not here today, I know he is an angel looking down on us and is trying to make things better for our family and he's kicking butt up there in heaven!!!