Christmas

Today was a beautiful day. My one wish was to be able to stay home today. I did not want to have to take the children anywhere after they woke up and opened their presents. I thought it would be nice to allow Mariana to stay here and enjoy Christmas day together here. I got my wish. I hosted a dessert celebration. The family came to me and I stayed up all night baking yummy treats for them. I made two weight watchers recipe desserts that were fantastic, if I do say so myself. We had pumpkin roll, cookies, pies, a cake, and a jelly roll. It was delicious here.

During dessert we all exchanged gifts and enjoyed being together. It was the first thing I've hosted where so many were over. I greatly enjoyed it. The mess however was not terribly fun, lol. Beth stayed and practically cleaned my kitchen by herself... I was incredibly grateful for this. The gift exchange was lovely. I'm very grateful to everyone for the gifts we've received and more grateful for the gift of everyone.

Phillip and I feel that God has truly blessed our family. I hope that all of you feel the same way.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Christmas Evening

Today was Christmas Eve. Frankie, Grace, Nick and Faith, Phillip, Mariana, Maddy and I celebrated today. We exchanged gifts with the kids. It was very nice and fun. The children loved their presents and it was a great preview of what we have to look forward to tomorrow.

We went to Beth's house this evening. That was extremely nice! She had pizza and we all hung out and opened presents again. They got the girls some wonderful things. Mariana got an adorable outfit and doll. Maddy received her first teddy bear. It was a wonderful celebration of family and love.

This evening we got word that Phil's grandfather passed away. Everyone says that it was fitting that God should bring him home on the day that Grandpa most honored His son. Having been involved in the Christmas Eve celebration once in the past, I understand what they meant by this. While he will be missed on Earth, I'm sure his family will remember him with love and affection. He always struck me as a funny person who loved life and family. I do wish I could have known him a tad better.

Well, we're off to put together some things.

Grateful

My family is so wonderful. Phillip and I are about to celebrate Christmas in our own place for the first time ever. I know it would not have been possible if not for our parents. They've helped us so very much.

I cannot even begin to explain how much I appreciate the family God has granted me. I was given far more than a loving set of parents in my life. Between my mom and dad, my husband, and his parents I believe I hit the jackpot before I was even born. If I have a single Christmas wish, it would be that everyone get to experience the love and support Phil and I get from our family.

My Prima Ballerina and Her Beautiful Baby Sister

Mariana was in her first recital today. She danced a single dance with her class to the song "Christmas Wish." It was a simple dance, seeing as how the dancers were 2-3 years old. But it was wonderful. She was so beautiful on stage. She did a great job, moving gracefully, doing her best to remember the choreography.

It was a proud parent moment to be sure. In fact, I did cry. We sat, with Maddy on our lap, the entire family there. Everyone present to watch my beautiful girl in her first recital. Moments like this are to be cherished.

Madeline is reaching the point where she can sit up with assistance. If you let her go, she maintains her balance for up to 10 seconds at a time, but then inevitably falls over. She is the giggliest girl in the world. I tell you that girl giggles and smiles at everyone. I am so proud of both of them.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. The entire family gathered at Mom and Dad J's house. I made the mashed potatoes and baked some cookies. It was really neat to see.

My parents, Frank, Grace, Joan, Nick, Faith, Phil, Me, Mariana, Maddy, Meghan, Alan, Lily, Mom and Dad, Caitie, Josh, Hannah, Josh's mom (whose name escapes me, sorry), Beth, Kristina, Alyson, and Nikki all gathered for dinner... I don't think I forgot anyone... I do hope not. Being part of the Clark and Johnston family for so long, I've really gotten to see it grow. Phillip and I have been together for 10 years... So although we've only been married for over 3 of them, I've felt part of this family for far longer. We had a fantastic dinner. After everyone played Rock Band on the PS3. It's amazing how wonderful our family is as a whole.

Lily and Maddy are both getting so big and didn't lack for arms to hold them. Mariana entertained people with her adorable antics and speeches. Faith and Nick played with everyone and charmed them with their huge smiles. Family is such a joy.

On a different note, the napping schedule and such seems to be helping with Mariana's nights.

Problems and Solutions

Mariana has continued with her sleeping troubles. After doing more research, I've discovered that she DEFINITELY has night terrors. Her father suffered a similar fate as a toddler. This has been exceptionally problematic. I have been driving myself nuts. Phillip and I have been going crazy trying to keep her calm and comfortable while putting her to bed. Apparently, everything we've been doing has been the wrong thing. For instance, napping. Skipping naps perpetuates the problem. Night terror intensity and frequency increases with sleep depravation. Now she's not sleeping well at night, and then skipping naps... She's definitely not getting enough sleep.

We've begun a strict nap schedule and bedtime schedule. Hopefully, that will help.

Night Terrors

Mariana doesn't sleep. Who'd have thought I'd be complaining about my eldest child's lack of sleep when I have a 4 month old who gets middle of the night feedings.

Mariana goes down to bed at night and she becomes a different child. We tuck her in the same way as always, but she SCREAMS. She doesn't just scream, she kicks, she scratches, she completely freaks out. This is so unlike her. We're trying everything we can think of. But she's inconsolable. She even wakes up screaming and freaking out. I'm wondering if it's the moving that caused this, but she was fine for the first month. Why all of a sudden would this start?

We've tried taking away her nap, thinking that she'd be so tired without it that she will go to sleep, but that doesn't help... In fact, she seems to be getting worse. I have no idea what to do.

Strange differences.

Everything is going quite well with us. We greatly enjoy living in our own place. It's the simple things really. For instance, being thirsty at 11 PM and walking to the kitchen in your underwear and a tank top. Phillip lives in boxers past a certain time and until he puts on his work clothes. Mariana seems to be adjusting well. Her room is adorable. She is easier to keep an eye on here. I can see into her room from the living room and I can keep an eye on her from where I sit, here at my computer, which is a nice change.

However, I do miss certain things quite a bit. For instance, in the mornings, I would sit on the countertop while Mom prepared her breakfast or coffee or whatever, and I'd drink a cup of coffee and chat with her. Sometimes I'd complain about whatever Phil did to annoy me, or whether or not Mariana slept well, how Maddy kept me up, and sometimes I'd listen to her, or we'd do both. Today, I really miss that. I've gotten quite close to her and Dad. The other thing I miss is the afternoons. Dad would come home and we'd sit on the couch and have coffee or a snack and the 3 of us would just sit there chatting or watching TV together.

I do love it here though. I just miss the time we all had together so regularly.

Update on the move

Well, last Friday we started the process of moving. By Saturday night we were sleeping in our apartment. We've still got some boxes to unpack and some odds and ends to pick up, but it's going really great. The apartment is really coming along nicely and we're enjoying making it home for us. The girls are adjusting nicely. I still have to finish up Mariana's room. I think I'm going to take tomorrow or Thursday to empty it, paint it, and then set it up the way I really want it. We got her a new Princess border and a castle mural for the walls. So far, we love it here. The grounds are nice, the neighbors are friendly, and it's just wonderful.

For those of you who have helped, you guys were so awesome this weekend. Phil and I couldn't have done this without you. We're so comfortable and it went so fast because of all of the help you gave. Alan, Mike, Dad and Frank helped with the furniture and Meg helped me set up. My mom has been here for me nonstop helping me with boxes, clothes, and just getting set up.
I love all of you and thanks a bunch!

Moving Day Continued...

THANK YOU EVERYONE... All of the furniture is here and set up. Meghan and Alan treated us all to food! God bless them. The men were wonderful in getting the furniture all set up. The clothes and little stuff will be a slow process, but overall, it's livable here. THANK YOU MUCH!!!

Moving Day

It is moving day. We have a U-Haul that Phillip and my father and brother will be picking up in a little while. My in-laws are out of town. I do wish they were here while we moved because it feels wierd doing all of this with them gone. But I'm sure they'll appreciate not having to see the mess we inevitable will endure throughout the day. Yesterday I took over some boxes. The cable guy came and hooked up the cable television, phone, and internet service. As all of you are aware, we couldn't move into a place that didn't have high speed internet prior to our living there. While waiting for the cable guy, since he wasn't arriving until around 8 PM, we had dinner. My parents were helping so, they picked up some steaks... I cooked them and we ate on the floor. My mother had set up the kitchen while I moved a good deal of the boxes, so I had a fully functional kitchen last night. She's a sweetie. Frankie, helped me with the boxes until he needed to go home and get some sleep for work that night. I'm truly grateful to them for their help. I'm grateful to EVERYONE for helping this transition go as smoothly both physically and emotionally as it has thus far. Today, however, shall be the hardest day.

Wish us luck!

More Apartment News

The apartment we were planning to move into will not be available until mid October at the earliest. The previous tenants apparently did not take good care of it, and the tub is cracked, the carpet is ruined... SO, we had 2 options. We could wait until at least the second to third week of October or move into the apartment next door to the one that we were previously moving into. In which case, we can move as early as the 21st of this month.

Phillip and I elected to move to the new apartment number. I've already begun packing and I cannot see myself living for an additional 2-3 weeks at the least the way it is now. My head is spinning with how quickly all of this is occurring. This time last month we hadn't even looked at any apartments and now, we will be moved in less than 2 weeks.

Packing has been interesting with the 2 children. But as always, my family has been helpful and supportive. My mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law have been helping me with Mariana during the day, and Maddy still sleeps a great deal. Things aren't getting done as smoothly and quickly as I typically like, but it's getting packed up... Who would have guessed that you could accumulate so much stuff in so little time?

Apartment News

Our application was approved. We will have to pay the minimum security deposit, administrative fee, and pet deposit fee. All of this will be due by the end of September before we move in. We were planning to move before the end of the year, thinking that we might spend Christmas in our new place, but it appears we will be moving even sooner than that. There is a first story apartment available in October. Our move in date is October 1st. I've got a lot to do. I have packing to prepair for, storage to bring out, cable, electric, phone to set up. It's going to be a very busy month!

My family is being very supportive and helpful. I imagine it must be as sad for them as it is for us. Phillip has never lived elsewhere, but even more than that, we're moving with Mariana. Mom and Dad have been very close to her. They have been teasing us mercilessly, but understand our desire to be on our own. It will be a sad day and an exciting day at the same time. So, next month we'll be in our own place, wierd.

Apartment Found

Phil and I found the place we hope to move to. It's an adorable complex. There is a pool, beautiful courtyard, and it has secure access. It's near his work and everything. I'm very excited about it. Today we are going to take in the application and pay the application fee and such. Wish us luck.

Life Decisions

Phillip and I have been thinking that it is time we move. Our family has been fantastic and very supportive. I never imagined that we would all blend so well into one household, but we did.

Unfortunately, with another baby, it just feels a wee bit cramped. We've spoken over it again and again and decided that by the end of the year, we will probably have our own apartment. I've been dragging my heels really looking at places.

I'm excited at the idea and sad at the same time. When Phillip and I got married. It was the first time I'd moved from my parents home. I went straight from their house to Phil's family's home, my current home. I remember driving away with my car full of boxes. I stopped a brief moment and cried. I was thrilled to be married and moving in with my husband, the love of my life. But part of me cried for the closing of a chapter in my life. I imagine I will feel the same way when we move from here. I love my family. By that, I mean that I love my in-laws... I very rarely refer to them as my in-laws, because they are simply my family. It's almost like leaving home for the first time again.

Eventually I'm going to have to get this process going though.

Another day in my life...

Well, I figured its about time to update.

Everything is going really really well. Phil is working 2 1/2 hours a day, 4 days a week for the next 2 weeks. This has been both kind of sad and relieving. It's been sad because he has to work during his summer break and we were really enjoying him being home. It's relieving because of the money, of course. It's also been good for me because it's about 3 - 3.5 hours that I have the 2 kids by myself everyday. It gives me a minor preview of what life will be like in August when he goes back to work full time.

The kids are awesome. Mariana is really hitting her terrible twos. She's a great kid, but boy does she know how to test your patience, lol. She's been just a little challenging, but we love her all the more for it. She has been extremely sweet to her little sister. She hasn't required very much adjustment time at all and immediately started treating Maddy like she belongs. In fact, she cries when she thinks that Maddy isn't going to be with us when we go somewhere. She's learning new words everyday and really starting to amaze me with her intelligence. She starts dance class next month! I'm really looking forward to that.

Maddy is wonderful. She requires a little more effort from me than Mariana ever did just because of the choice to breastfeed. But, I'm enjoying the time with her. She's changing everyday and is beyond adorable. Her neck is strengthening and her head control is getting better. She's also losing the jerky motions of newborns and moves her arms and legs with more purpose and more gracefully now.

Phillip has been a Godsend. He takes great care of me and the girls. He does everything he can to help me and give me some time to relax. He helps straiten up, makes me food and drinks all day, takes care of Mariana and plays with her while I have to take care of Maddy, takes care of Maddy when I'm exhausted, and just about anything he can do to help.

So, that's about all that's going on right now. I'll update again soon.

Maddy is home

Madeline and I are home. She's a sweet little baby. Mariana seems to love her little sister already. We were fortunate in the fact that I am able to breastfeed Madeline, at least for now. Hopefully, my health will continue to bloom as she grows so this will not change.

She was 20.5 inches long and 7 lbs 0.3 oz. She has a head of hear, can you believe it? My little Maddy was born with hair, and I don't think she'll lose it, but we'll see.

I cannot believe we've been gifted with 2 little girls. Phil and I are so happy.

In more news. Meghan and Alan were blessed with Lily just 1 day after our Maddy was born. Lily is a cutie pie. Meghan's delivery didn't go quite as planned. After quite a bit of painful labor, she had a cesarean since Lily was breech. I told her that she can feel blessed in knowing her next delivery will be as easy as Maddy's was, since I remember the discouragement I felt at having a C-section with Mariana.

Meghan and Lily will be residing in the hospital for a little bit. Probably just a few more days. Lily has raised white blood cells, so she has to be given an antibiotic. Please pray for them.

Don't know how much more...

So, I know I sound dramatic. But honestly, I really don't think I can deal with 2 weeks like the past 2 days. I've passed out like 4 or 5 times within a 24 hour time span. Phil is going to call the doctor tomorrow and see what they say. I just feel so damn drained and out of it. My body is off. I'm afraid that if I do go through two more weeks of fainting and dizziness then I WILL have to go back on meds and I really was hoping to be able to breastfeed this time around. I don't know. Maybe I'm worrying too soon or jumping the gun, but the last 36 hours have not been fun.

Pray for me.

Mariana's NOT Sleeping

Mariana is 26 months old. She's never had a problem sleeping through the night and she always slept in her own bed in her own room. She's in a toddler bed.

She used to complain about bed time and my husband and I created a night time ritual to get her adjusted. Every night we tuck her in together. She says goodnight to everyone who is at the house, gives kisses, we change her into pajamas, she gets in bed without a fuss and we cover her up and say goodnight ourselves and such.

For the past 7 days EVERY NIGHT she has gotten up. I don't mean immediately after. I mean between midnight and 3 am. I walk her back to her room and put her back in bed, and sure enough within 45 minutes she's back at my bed "Mommy, I wake." I've tried skipping a nap and putting her in bed at the typical time, didn't change anything. She just keeps getting up. After about 3 hours of playing this game, I'm so exhausted that I put up her playpen next to my bed and then she sleeps there.

Is this typical? Does anyone have any suggestions? I just want to sleep well. I've been joking about how she's just preparing me for the newborn coming in a few months, but seriously!

Happiness

Phillip has been on vacation. Starting last Thursday and right on up until Sunday, no work and all play. Well, maybe a little work, but mostly play.

This means I've been immersed in my family for 9 days now with 2 fulll days left.

I love being a stay at home mom. It's wonderful and if it is the only occupation I'll ever have again, it's worth every moment and is more fulfilling than anything else I've ever done. I like being home with Mariana and I'm sure I'll like being home with Mariana and Madeline come July. But, after the last 9 days, I wish we could win the lotto and stay home together. I've so enjoyed watching Phil with Mariana. He's had so much time to enjoy what I get to enjoy daily. One of my favorite sounds is the sound of them playing. When I'm in the kitchen or another room and they're in our room playing, I can hear Phil growling and "Daddy's gonna get you" and such. Then I hear this high pitch giggle escape my daughter and I know what true happiness is. They are just so cute together.

Wednesday we went to the Florida Aquarium again. The Explore a Shore section actually had running water and such this time, so we took Mariana's swimsuit and let her run wild in the water and have a blast. Phil and I sat side by side watching our angel play and I wondered how I got so fortunate to have days like that.

Today we went to Adventure Island. We have not been since last year, so obviously today was a different experience with Nana. My brother, sister-in-law, mother, neice, and nephew came with us. Mariana had a blast. She loved the wave pool and the kids section. She ran and splashed. She giggled and giggled all day long.

With weeks like this, I wonder how life can get any better. I love my husband, I love my daughter, and I love my life.

My Blissful Existence

Well, I can't even tell you where I should begin. My pregnancy is going great. The baby is growing and we're almost in the third trimester. I'm at the point where my appointments are biweekly instead of monthly and the next one is my gestational diabetes test as well as my Rhogam shot. Maddy's heartrate is very stable and strong, my belly is growing big, and she's always kickin!

Phil is doing great at work. His evaluation came back and he's doing fantastic. They are very impressed with his teaching ability and such. He got all high scores.

Mommy is finally getting better! She's been my old mom again. She's been going out and waking up earlier. She and I have even begun going to the gym and walking the treadmills and getting in the pool there. We've spent a lot of time together in the past 5 days and only a small percentage of it was at her house and she wasn't in bed during any of it. This is monumental! She quit smoking and her medications are controlling her blood pressure and stomach problem. And she's on half the medications she was on 2 weeks ago. Its been great.

Today we went to the gym, then we went to lunch at the mall, then we got Mariana's picture taken with the Easter Bunny, and we went to my dr appointment. Twas a good day.

My Latest

OK. Last week was far better than the week before.

Mom is doing MUCH better. They managed to regulate her blood pressure and she's been able to hold down food for over 5 days now without any issues. Her medications were cut in half and then the dosages were reduced even further when she got home from the hospital. So, she seems to be improving. She is determined to get well, has quit smoking, and has been eating 3 meals a day for almost a full week. She hasn't smoked in over 2 weeks now. I'm very very pleased with the progress she's made.

I'm doing quite well. I had a follow up with the doctor and everything is going well with the pregnancy. He says I'm a very healthy pregnant woman with a very healthy baby. So there isn't anything to worry about. I think my little episode was God's way of saying, "Catherine sit still for a few days and take some time for you." I listened.

Yesterday we took Mariana to the Florida Aquarium. My daughter loves fish. So she was very excited and loved seeing all of the fishies and sharks.

Phil and I had a fantastic weekend and I'm completely destressed and relaxed. I'm quite energetic and happy in fact.

I intend to go to the gym today and renew my membership. We were going to just let it go, but I've been a member for 4 years now and my membership is less than 20 a month, so it's kind of stupid to switch or let it run out. Plus I intend to lose all of this baby weight and get in shape after this baby. In fact, I've decided to get healthier than I've ever been. Seeing my mom and her twin sister go through so much with their health has made me realize that I have to keep on top of mine now. Part of that is definitely activity and exercise. I looked up some stuff on Weight Watchers website. My in-laws have been advocates of WW forever. WW says that I should 115 lbs. SO, I'm gonna strive for 120 and see how I look. Of course this is all AFTER the baby is born and such. Wish me luck on that. I am slightly worried about looking too thin at that weight, but we'll see.

Anyone have any tips on how to potty train a toddler. She's 2. Two days in a row, she used the potty... then boom, she doesn't want to sit on it again. I dont' know if she's just not ready or if I'm just not on top of it enough. Oh well. Until next time, I hope everyone is well.

A week worth foregetting...

I've officially declared last week as one that I'd rather not have experienced. Monday my mom went to the doctor. They told her she had a bad flu and put her on an antibiotic. By Tuesday afternoon she'd been vomiting virtually non-stop since Monday night. Tuesday the doctor told her to go to the ER. Tuesday night they admitted her in the hospital for dehydration. Wednesday, I went to visit her and she didn't really know I was there; she was vomiting or sleeping the entire time. Wednesday night they moved her to ICU because she'd shown warning signs of a stroke. Her blood pressure was so high it was over 200/160. Thursday I went to see her in ICU and she was doing better. She hadn't eaten since Monday, but she was well hydrated and they'd maintained a healthy blood pressure for the entire afternoon. Friday morning I woke up and was bleeding... SO, I was advised to go to the hospital by my OB. Friday afternoon they admitted me for observation. I'm fine and the baby is fine. They have no idea what caused the bleeding, so I have to go to the doctor on Thursday or Friday this week. The good news is the Placenta Previa has corrected itself, so I don't have to worry about that anymore. We will still have another ultrasound in 4 weeks, but the doctor said I'm a very healthy pregnant woman with a very healthy child, so I don't have to worry...

My mom was supposed to be moved from ICU yesterday. But, they changed her BP medication and her BP dropped to 80/50. So, they wanted to keep her for more observation. UGH! I'm on bed rest until Monday morning, so I can't go to the hospital to visit her.

The only thing I can really say that has been positive in the last week is my family has been phenomenal. My husband has been so sweet and helpful. He's taking very good care of me and Mariana, emotionally and physically. My entire family has been supportive and loving. This week, however, better be an improvement.

What's Up Here.

I'm doing really well. Phil and I are as happy as ever (to which I know many of you are rolling your eyes and saying, "Of course, duh!") Baby number 2 is half way here. I'll be 21 weeks pregnant on Thursday and for those of you who don't know it, pregnancy is typically a 40 week process. My next appointment is on the 27th and after that I'll have another ultrasound. That ultrasound will tell me whether or not my placenta has moved away from my cervix, so here's hoping... We're also hoping to get another confirmation on the fact that we're having another girl. They were pretty sure on the last ultrasound, but I'll believe it better after they've seen "girl parts" (as the ultrasound tech put it) twice.

Phil's doing really well in school and settling into teaching even more with each year. Next year he'll even teach an AP course. He's looking forward to that.

I've been getting back into my scrapbooking and working on Mariana's baby book. I know I'm horrible, she had to turn 2 before I started it, but I have started it and it is going well. I've also discovered the extremely fun game Guitar Hero II. I haven't been on WoW too much recently, but not because I don't want to ever play anymore, just because I've been on kind of an off period with it.

Mariana is getting enormous! By that I mean big, not fat. She's growing really tall and beautiful and she's really growing up. She can count to 6. I don't know why 6, but she particularly likes 4-6. She's also getting rather good at identifying her colors. I'm very very proud of her and everyday she reminds me of how grateful I am to be her mother.

Right now the poor girl has a fever and is rather miserable. I, too, am sick. One of the joys of being a parent... I seem to have a cold far more often since she is forever picking them up from cousins or other family members who get it. While I can avoid them, I cannot refuse hugs and kisses from my adorable child.

So, that's what's going on. What it boils down to is I am blissfully happy. I'm enjoying my life and I'm eternally grateful to God, Phillip, and my family for everything they give me.

My Baby Girl Is Two

Today Mariana turned 2 years old. For her birthday her father and I bought her a Power Wheels Dream Dazzlers Jeep. We woke her up this morning and brought her out into the living room, where the angel was grumpy and tired. Then we brought in her car. She loves it. She says, "Das my car." Then I took her outside and let her drive it around the block. She did very very well.

I can't believe that's she is already 2. My, time certainly does fly by quickly. She's so cute and learning so quickly. I miss her being a baby, but I just know that she's going to be more fun and more adorable with each passing year.

We will be having her birthday party at Chuck E Cheeze. She's going to love it.

So far, I feel truly blessed with the gifts God has given me. I think the most important and wonderful gifts He's given me are my husband and my daughter. I don't know where I'd be without them. I just hope that God continues to give me the guidance I need to be a good mother and wife to them.