I'm Baaaaack!!

Okay, so I never really went anywhere..........just a temporary blogging hiatus I guess. I was going to shut my blog down permanently, however, I had a change of heart. Sort of. My husband has been my biggest supporter on my journey through the blogging world so he made me promise to leave my blog up for awhile before making a final decision. He had a lot of arguments as to why I should not quit blogging and after thinking about all of them I knew he was right.
I could not believe the overwhelming number of emails I received after my parting post from fellow bloggers telling me all the reasons why I should not quit. I even had people email me who are not bloggers, and have been lurking around my blog for months but have never left comments. To say I was blown away by this would be a drastic understatement. This is the main reason I fell in love with blogging to begin with- YOU ARE ALL SO WONDERFUL!!!!! And to hear that people actually love my blog and would be sad to see it/me go was very touching. I've often wondered why people read my blog. I'm not really that exciting- or so I thought. But to hear that you actually enjoy my blog, reading what I write and looking through my pictures............. wow. That made me feel so incredible! I have put a lot of work into my blog, I always try to put a lot of thought into my posts, I now carry my camera around everywhere and take pictures of everything- including plates of food and myself in public bathrooms (Thanks Shelia!) And, well, after not posting for awhile I didn't feel right. Something was missing from my life. Sure, I have extremely busy days now with two toddlers and a newborn, I'm not getting much sleep and my bathrooms have not been touched with a cleaning product in 6 weeks but still there was something missing. Once I figured out what that something was-my blog- I realized just how much joy I did get from doing those silly posts about my life! I missed my blogging buddies! SO many of you I now consider friends and some of you feel like family.

So, after weeks of thinking...............and thinking..................and even with some help from Cali thinking about what we should do................


I have decided to stay! My little blog really does bring me a big amount of joy. When I started this blog I never imagined how much I would get out of it, how many wonderful people I would meet, how I could feel so connected to women from all over the country (and world) that I have never personally met. I never thought I would be so inspired, so motivated, so daring, so hooked! This bloggin' thing has really become a major part of my life.

Although I can not promise how often I will post I am really going to do my best. I will post as often as I can and do my best to get around to see you all as frequently as possible. There has to be some organized system for doing so, right? And I also can't promise how interesting my posts will be.............or if they will even make sense! Cali is sleeping pretty good...........some nights........so I am not exactly at the top of my game. Six weeks of interrupted sleep is not working in my favor. I am exhausted and I honestly can't remember the last time I took a shower, although it can't be too long ago because I don't smell that bad yet! LOL!! But the hardest thing of all is that I am still trying to find a balance. Doing more with less sleep, making all three of my kids feel special without neglecting my husband, and trying my darndest to get something on the table every night besides french toast or hamburger helper. In fact, most nights it is my wonderful hubby who has been cooking dinner for our family. Bless him!

I have learned the last few weeks to just let some stuff go.............but the last few days I have been itching to clean, declutter and organize my apartment. The piles of clutter are taking over, the carpet needs swept and stuff falls out of every closet as soon as you open the door. Oops! With fall here I know that it won't be long before I look out the window and watch the snow fall. Meaning? Less outdoor time and more indoor time. Meaning? If I don't get this apartment under control soon I will be itching all winter and it won't be because of that wool sweater. I also want to finally finish redecorating my master bedroom because I have realized that I don't like my paint color or anything else in there...........at 2am................5am............9am..............or any other time of day. I have learned that I hate my slip covered couch too. Why? Well, because that pretty and "practical" slipcover spends more time in the washer than it does on the couch, leaving my couch very cold and naked looking and exposed to the "elements" of tiny fingers coated with ketchup and cheesy dust from Doritos and the many bodily fluids that excrete from three children. Another thing I have realized? I need to find a better hiding place for my nursing pads.....................

Kyle and Bella really enjoy playing with them and sticking them everywhere- from their bodies to the walls...............

They are definitely taking full advantage of mommy not being all that alert and on top of things!!! Going thru "no no" cabinets and flooding the bathroom floor with an out of control "tea party".

So anyway, where was I? Told you my posts might not make sense! Consider yourselves warned!!! LOL!!!

Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words and making me realize just how much I do love to blog. I will consider today the first day of the rest of my blog!!! See ya soon!

This post is dedicated to my Uncle D and my husband- thank you for making me question myself and encouraging me not to give up on something I love so much. :)

~Heather :)

I Have Learned.......

As a mom I have learned so many things. I have learned that you can't find all the answers in a book, schedules never really go as planned, and time goes by way too fast. I have learned that the floor is meant to be flooded, the new nic nacs are meant to be played with and the hand soap will end up all over the window sill and carpeting. (where else!?!) I have learned that food that is supposed to be hot doesn't really taste that bad cold, that make-up isn't really necessary before leaving the house and that a shower is definitely a luxury.

I have learned that I can change a diaper, make a bed, do the dishes and laundry and even paint a room with one hand while nursing an infant. I have learned that my kids will get sick every time we have established a sleep schedule or when we have big plans. I have learned that trips to the emergency room at one a.m. are inevitable and that maybe I do worry too much. maybe.
I have learned that my husband is my best friend and my biggest supporter and becomes more of both with each passing day..........even if he doesn't remember to change the empty toilet paper roll.

I have learned that my kids don't have to be clean to be cute and that they will live if I don't give them a bath every night. I have learned that I need to find balance instead of perfection and not get my feathers ruffled when things don't go smoothly. I have learned to be a more cautious driver, pay more attention to strangers when we are out and about and have become more aware of just how dangerous the world can be.

I have learned that as soon as you buy them that long awaited toy that they will be into something else entirely and that shoes will be outgrown within a month. I have learned that little ears hear everything- even from a big distance.

I have learned that I can make mistakes, get frustrated and even cry in front of my children and they will not only still love me but that they are learning from me and my emotions and how to deal with their own . I have learned that a band aid (or ten) can make any boo boo feel better if it has Diego, Dora, or Blues Clues on it and that Monsters really do live under beds.

I have learned that spills happen- and are expected, markers will become body paint and coffee filters make great art project materials when you are out of paper.

I have learned to always pack more for an outing than I know I am going to need because the time I forget the extra outfit is the time I'm going to need it and that toilets can flush a lot more toilet paper than you might think.

I have learned that the phone will ring or the kids will scream as soon as I get the baby to sleep.....or that the baby will cry as soon as I get to sleep. I have learned that it's okay to feed my family instant mashed potatoes or other prepared foods and that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are okay to serve for dinner...........sometimes.

I have learned that my home doesn't have to look like a magazine to be a beautiful place to be in and that the hallway can be a perfect place for the kids to ride their bikes.

I have learned that I fear death more- not because of death itself but for fear of leaving my children without a mother. I have learned to think more and plan more for their futures as well as my own. I have learned that I am a lot stronger than I ever thought and that I will do anything to protect my children. I have learned that I can be having the worst day- and with just one hug or one smile from my kids- all the negative can disappear.

But the one thing that I have learned that outweighs all else? I have learned that I LOVE being a mom! I really believe that this is my calling.............this is what I was born to do.

~Heather :)

Time

You hear the word "Time" used so much throughout an average day. It's time to wake up, time to go to work, time to make lunch, dinner, time to take a shower, time to go to bed, time is of the essence, time to plan for the future, time to think about that serious decision, time flies by and time to go................................

What about forgetting about Time for awhile. I am a planner. Always have been. I always come up with a plan and when things don't go according to my plans sometimes it seem to mess up my whole world. Throwing me off of my center of balance. Within the last couple of months I have learned that even the best laid plans can go amok. I have realized through this that I can only plan so much............but the best laid plans are actually created by God. He is on his own time, He has His own plans for our lives and we need to trust Him more and listen to what He is telling us or asking us to do. I think He has been speaking to me a lot lately...........saying "Trust in me. I know what you want, but I know better what you need."
I have become more faithful and have prayed more within the last year than I have before. Things have been chaotic for some time now but I have been leaning on God more and it has been very moving to see how He is working in my life.
With so many things going on lately-things that are out of my control- I have decided to give it all to the Lord. And I have decided to focus my attention on more important things...........

My husband and my children. My life as it is now. I have a great life that I am so grateful for. I am taking the "time" to enjoy it more and see all of the blessings- both big and small............

I moved the clock so as not to constantly be checking it. For the last few days it seems as though time has been standing still. Bella said a new word yesterday and my heart lept! One word brought me so much joy. Cali's belly button/umbilical cord was bleeding yesterday so I took her to the Dr to have her checked out. She was fine and later her cord stump fell off. What was so great about all of that? I took all 3 kids to the Dr by myself and the outing went extremely well! I was so pumped! I can do it- and I did! Kyle built an amazing structure out of his blocks last night and made up a cute story that went along with it.

Cali seemed oblivious to all of the noise and chaos and laid in Marc's arms for a long time. She looks like an angel when she sleeps and it is amazing to watch my husband hold our new bundle of joy. I watch him with the kids sometimes and I just want to cry because he is such a blessing to me I wonder how I got so lucky.

I have been so uplifted already this week, so encouraged. It's amazing what can happen when you allow time to stand still. The things you see, the things that happen everyday that you may have never paid attention to. Everyday little miracles and blessings happening right before your eyes................if you just take the "time" to see them.

There is a sign that used to hang in my son's room that says:

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up- much to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.........I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

How very true that is. But I think we can relate that saying to any aspect of our life- not just babies. Take the time to enjoy life's little miracles................whatever they may be for you!

~Heather:)

Adjusting to Our New Life

It has been wonderful since we got home from the hospital. Cali is doing very well. She is sleeping for a 6 hour stint at night and then awake to eat every 3 hours after that. She is pretty much on a schedule already!

I love to watch her sleep and have a hard time putting her down! I know she won't be this small forever so I am trying to cherish every second I can. She is so precious and it brings back so many wonderful memories of when Kyle and Bella were this age. How time has flown by......I look at Kyle and Bella now sometimes and my heart aches. I am glad they are growing and healthy but I also wonder if I really cherished their early months as much as I could have.

Cali likes to ride in her new seat. And who wouldn't- all dressed in it's pinkness!

Kyle and Bella are doing fantastic with their new baby sister. They love to take turns holding her, singing to her, and patting her back to help me burp her. They are so absorbed with her! They want to bring diapers and wipes and help change her.

Bella even shares her Bear and Kitty with Cali for her daytime naps. Now if you knew how protective Bella is of Bear and Kitty you would realize what a huge thing this is. The first time I saw her do this I cried...........I knew it meant she accepted and loved her new baby sister.
And Daddy is happy because he has a new sleeping buddy to cuddle with............

Bella is fascinated with Cali's hair (fuzz!) and loves to rub her head- which Cali seems to really enjoy as well!

We have had some moments here and there but overall I think we are all adjusting very well to our newest family member. She has only been here for a week but it feels as though she has been a part of us all along. She is another piece of our family puzzle that is making us whole.

Happy Birthday Cali! You are one week old today!

Hope everyone is doing well.

~Heather :)

Happy Birthday!!!

On Thursday at 5pm we checked into the hospital......
On Friday August 15th, 2008 at 1:22p.m., we welcomed Calista Kay into the world........... weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. She is perfectly healthy and absolutely beautiful.

After a long and tiring night, the doctor came in at 10:30a.m. on Friday morning and informed me that I wasn't progressing as well as they had hoped. After all of that time I was only dilated to a 5........... but worse yet the cervix was not where it was supposed to be. He said he would be back at 1pm and that he would check again and if I hadn't progressed that we would have to have a discussion. I knew what he meant. I did not want a c-section so I was a woman on a mission...........praying, changing positions, wiggling and shaking..............literally. My epidural wore off and I refused to get more until after 1pm!!! I didn't want to take a chance of the medication slowing contractions even more. The nurses came in at 12:50 and checked me..................I was fully dilated and Cali was crowning! That would explain the pain! The doctor came in, I pushed through three contractions and Cali was here!!! It was so wonderful!!! And despite all of the pain due to a lack of pain medication..........I wouldn't have changed a second of it!! A perfect birthday for our sweet Calista Kay......................


As I held her in my arms for the first time I honestly felt the world stand still. I forgot every care and fear I have had. I am so in love with her! I can't stop looking at her and I can't put her down........................

And neither can Daddy. There is something about a Daddy and his daughter that just melts your heart. Shortly after Cali was born Marc was staring into Cali's eyes and she looked up at him and you could just see an instant connection. It was such a moment.

Kyle and Bella have both been to the hospital and met Cali and were very excited to hold her and give her kisses. It was amazing to see the three of them together. I have three children!!! Wow! It still doesn't seem real. It seems like it's a dream. Even when I hold her, pull her close to nurse her, kiss her sweet little forehead, smell her new baby scent.............. it doesn't seem real that she is here. She is perfect in every way, she is healthy, she is whole, she is mine.

Thank You God for our new miracle: Calista Kay.

Thank You all for your thoughts and your prayers! As you can see- they work!!!

Happy Birthday Cali!!!

~Heather :)

We Sing HIS Praises!!!!!!!!!!

I was laying in a hospital bed this morning. It was 5:30 a.m., my heart was heavy, I was hungry, tired and scared. The pre-op room was eerily quiet as Marc and I sat there waiting. I said another prayer with tears in my eyes. I told God that I trusted in Him and knew that He would take care of us, but that He knew what I wanted- He knew the desires of my heart. I asked that He put his hands on Cali and wrap His love around me and protect us. I felt a new sense of calm.
A few minutes later a doctor came in and said he was going to do one final ultrasound before taking us into surgery. I watched the little black and white monitor and tears filled my eyes as the doctor told us the great news. "Against all odds............." My body was so light I felt as though I were floating!!!!!! Cali is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!! All threats, all complications and all risks have disappeared!!!!!!!!!!! GONE! As if they never existed. Against all odds?? I think not! GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!! He answered every one of the prayers that were spoken!!!!!!!!
Less than a half hour later Marc and I were bouncing down the hallway on our way back home. We are now able to let nature take it's course and bring Cali into this world the way she was meant to!!!!!!!
Praise be to GOD!!!!! I can not tell you how wonderful and full of His spirit I feel today!! I can not express how grateful I am TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your prayers, your thoughts and your concerns for our family. I BELIEVE in the power of prayer- today more than ever.
Please know that I consider each and every one of you a blessing in my life!!!
Thank You all so much!
God Bless,
Marc and Heather :)

Thank You

I want to thank everyone for their prayers. They mean so much to Marc and I. Even though there are complications the doctor has assured us that Cali is going to be okay.
We will be able to update you soon.

Thank You again for being there for us at this time.

God Bless,
Heather

Prayer Request

Today I had another doctor's appointment- followed by yet another ultrasound. The news we received was not the news we were hoping for. Far from it actually. I could tell by looking at my doctor's face that he hated saying the words just as much as Marc and I hated hearing them. I have a fantastic doctor, and medical care that is above and beyond. He tried to answer any questions that we might have but I couldn't think of any. I couldn't think at all. I sat in the office and my entire body went numb and everything around me was suddenly quiet.

Marc and I have tried all night to make sense of everything. Try to absorb the news......but it doesn't seem real nor do we want to accept it as real. We know that God has a plan for us. We know that God knows our needs, the desires of our hearts, our hopes. I have made a claim and I believe that God will acknowledge that claim.

I am asking all of you for prayer. I believe in prayer............and I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that God will welcome Calista Kay into His beautiful world safely, healthy and whole- the way He intended. I believe that God will protect me and keep me safe and healthy as well.
Please keep us in your prayers.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

I will keep you posted.

Hugs & God Bless,
Heather :)

Goin' To The Zoo- How About You??

On Saturday we decided to take the kids to the zoo. The plan was two-fold. One- to have a fun family day with the kids and Two- to try and encourage Cali's arrival. The kids had a ball but I ended up with not the first contraction. Part two was not as successful as part one! LOL!!! We asked Marc's Aunt if she wanted to join us (she has a son Kyle's age and a son who is 15 months old) She was excited to come and also brought her niece and nephew along. So- we ended up with six kids who ended up doing great! I was so proud of all of them.
We got out of the van and Kyle kept asking "Where are we going? What is this place? Is it going to be fun?" He was excited to find out and very excited he got to push Bella in the stroller!!


He is such a little man.....

Our first stop was the elephants. Elephants are probably my favorite animal. I just love their chubby, wrinkly bodies and their big ol' ears! How much cuter can an animal get?!?!

I love how this one is crossing his back feet!

Aren't they beautiful??

Next stop was Koala Junction. A train ride through the Australian Outback...... well.....as close as it gets in Ohio................

Kyle was in heaven! He loves trains so he thought he was cool stuff on this train ride. It was so fun to watch him- his eyes were the size of oranges the entire journey as he tried to take everything in. It's amazing how you can watch a child and then look at things in a different perspective.....pay more attention to the little things................

We got to see Kangaroos being lazy............

And Sandy the Camel...........................

Bella really enjoyed the ride too!! She kept giggling because the breeze was tickling her face!

After the train ride we got to pet two donkeys.... Jenny and Annie............ at first Kyle wasn't too sure about them but then he decided he really liked them.

Awww.... Daddy and Kyle went to get Mommy some water. They are so cute.

Kyle had fun listening through Kangaroo ears.....................

These birds were so pretty and the way the sun was reflecting off of their white feathers was just beautiful..............

This tree was incredible. The sun was shining just right through the branches and leaves and it looked liked something from a dream. It gave me the most peaceful feeling and I felt so small standing underneath of it. I think I snapped 20 some pictures of it!!

Next the kids, Marc and his Aunt went down a huge tube slide that came out in the base of a huge tree where we got to see this scary guy................

He was a mechanical alligator but boy did he look real! Yikes!!

The kids then got to play in another tube tunnel. This one was a lot closer to the ground!! The ran through the tunnel and played while the adults took a little break!!! I love this picture of Bella looking out one of the windows of the tunnel. It reminds me of a little doll in a box...

Kyle having a ball running through the tunnel......................

Bella having fun and trying to cool off under the mister.......

Next stop- petting zoo! All of the animals in here were so cute I wanted to take them home. I don't think they would be too happy in an apartment though! Maybe I should buy a farm!

These sheep were so cute................

This little miniature horse was stubborn! I could not get him to look at me for anything! I guess he has learned to ignore people!!

And this little guy I feel in love with! He was so precious and my favorite part about him? He was a ham for the camera! I snapped and snapped and he just kept showing off!!! Maybe he's a fellow blogger!

There were so many gorgeous flower beds and planters at the zoo. You can get so many ideas for your own garden!! These had to be my favorite! I just loved the color!

We stopped to see the Lions next. They were lazing around too. The one lion was laying on his back and rolling around. His girlfriend never even offered to scratch his back for him. Maybe he has learned in the past not to ask!!! LOL!!!

And then we have my king of the jungle. He's very tame though- and what a cutie!

Marc's Aunt took a family picture for us. I love her because she is picky like I am and knew to take several pictures!!! This was the best one out of the bunch...........my kids don't stay still very long!!

Okay, let's say goodbye to the lions!

And go see the flamingos....................

It amazes me that these birds can hold themselves up on those skinny legs. What's even more amazing is that they sleep standing on one leg! How can they get any rest like that???

On the way out I saw this beautiful flower display of the American flag. Oh how I wish I had a garden to do this in!! Isn't it gorgeous?? I would love to sit down and talk with the people in charge of landscaping at the zoo. Oh think of how much you could learn!!!

Okay, it's getting late and we need to head home. Goodbye animals! Thank You zookeepers!

It was a fun day and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Actually the adults did too! The weather could not have been more beautiful. Boy was I tired when we left...................and the van seemed to far away!! We wanted to all go back Sunday but the weather didn't cooperate so we stayed home and just relaxed.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

~Heather :)