#11 and #12

#11 The CSIM... The Chicago Science and Industry Museum

and #12 I love taking walks with the family along the old bridge in West Lafayette by the train station with Liam in his sling.

First "Mini" Vaca

John and I decided we wanted to take the whole family on a small weekend trip while Rose was in town visiting. And now since we have the minivan we can all ride together. So our weekend trip turned into a day trip to Chicago. We spent the day at the Museum of Science and Industry, and the evening at the Navy Pier.

The museum is outstanding! There is so much to look a that you could literally spend a whole weekend there. A few of the boy's highlights were the submarine, the Harry Potter Experience, the toy factory where they could make their own toy, the huge train set, and they each got a set of dog tags with

their name, dob and chicago '09 engraved on them. Liam even got his own :)

In the evening we had a great dinner at the Pier, a beautiful ride on the huge ferris wheel, (where they charged full price for Liam to have a ticket), and ice cream cones to top the evening off.

What a lovely day! John did a great job planning everything and taking care of his family. He is such a great hubby and daddy! Kisses :)

Love

I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

the BIG c

Mom had her appointment with Dr. Reddy, her cancer specialist. This was her appointment to determine the plan for post surgery. The options had been running through our heads... radiation, chemo, interferon.... we did not know what Dr. would tell us.

First let me say that Dr. Reddy is wonderful. I had worked with him some when I was at Regional, and never heard anything but good. And today's appointment supported his reputation. He was very thorough, caring and had a great sense of humor.

He told mom that after her surgery next week he would like to see her in 2 weeks. He told her that he is 99% positive that the lymph nodes they will remove that day will not be cancerous. And if that 1% hits mom, and the lymph nodes are cancerous, she would not have to have chemo. So that was 2 pieces of news that totally put

our worries to rest. If they find cancer, she would have to have interferon shots, rather than chemo. Great, great news :)

We just need to get past her surgery and recovery n

ext week. And we can close this chapter and move on to much happier chapter in our life together.

One Day

To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.

ChI Town

I am up way too early getting packed to spend the day in Chicago with the whole family. Today is Rose's last day in town, so we are doing something special. Should be an interesting drive. We have a 2 month old, 6 year old and 9 year old, John, Rose and myself. We will hope for the best, and see how it turns out :)

It is amazing how much you have to pack for the little people. Lotza bottles, changes of clothes, plenty of diapers and wipes, entertainment for the older ones... and the list goes on. All for one day, not even an over night trip.

I am looking forward to some good quality time with everyone together. It is very rare that we have all 3 boys, John and myself together. And Rose is just an added bonus that is even more rare.

So here we go... watch out Chi Town the Wang's are on their way!

Supplementing

Today was Liam's two month check up with Dr. Bell. Everything is right on track except for his weight gain. He has been slow at gaining weight. For whatever reason, I do not know. He seems to eat and be satisfied. So, maybe my milk supply is insufficient or maybe he is just a skinny little baby. Whatever the reason, our Dr. would like to supplement breast milk with formula. So, when I return to work, Liam will have formula during the day, and when I get home, he can breast feed all night.

I really was wanting to exclusively breast feed. However, I am going with the flow. I am trying to not let this disappoint me. Liam needs some more nutrition, and formula is how he will get that right now.

John gave him his first bottle tonight and Liam sucked it right down. Liam was a bit confused with the bottle, but learned real quick. I am proud of him, but feel a bit empty without him attached to my breast all the time.

Can't believe he is 2 months! Time flies.

Where there is a will there is a Way

• You must persevere to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks

Life

Sometimes God has to turn your life upside down, so you can live right side up

My Happy Pill

I know that there is a point when people get so depressed that they need a depression medicatio, such as xanax. Those pills scare the crap out of me. What if they make you a different person, and you do not even know it because you are drugged up.

So, I have substitutes for xanax... my xanax.. things that take me to my happy place

• thinking about our 3 healthy boys
• appreciating my sweet husband that takes care of me & our family
• thankful for a job that I enjoy
• shopping for others
• my health
• good friends
• music

One Long Day

Yesterday was Mom's surgery to remove her cancer. Liam and I went to be with her, and set with Dad while waiting. It made for a long day. She had testing first, prep, her surgery, and recovery time. We were there from 930a until 7p. I really just sat and held Liam and visited with Dad all day, but I was exhausted from the worrying about Mom. 

The surgery went well. She recovered fairly quickly and the pain meds seemed to be taking care of any aches or soreness. We anxiously await the pathology report of the removed lymph node. Hopefully we will know something on Friday. We are just thinking positive, saying prayers and keeping our fingers crossed.

On a good note, Liam was the center of attention and 

brightened up the day for several at the surgery center. Everyone that walked by wanted to see him. Nurses that were not caring for Mom would come to her room because they heard there was a cute baby around. One older lady sat down next to me while I was feeding him. I wear a breast feeding cover that covers most of his body, so all she could only see was his legs and feet. She carried on about how cute a baby he was. 

Dad really enjoyed spending the day with him. He thinks he has the greatest personality and is so laid back. Liam was definitely full of smiles and giggles and made a lot of people smile in amidst the worry of the big C.  Liam doesn't kn

ow it, but that precious little smile of his is priceless. 

Wait a Minute

Yesterday I was not at home when our maid came. I think she may have taken advantage of the fact it was John here and he did not know exactly how long she was to be here. When she came the first time it took her 3 hours, and she said from then on it would only take her a couple of hours because she had done all the deep cleaning. I got home and the house looked good, but John said she was here 4 hours? What the heck? And she did less this time. This time she just vacuumed over our hard wood rather than mopping it. I had also wanted her to clean the stove last time and she did not, and once again she did not do it this time. She told John she would get it next time. I am going to wait and see how she does next time, but I am not having her scam us. There are other maids to be had out there. 

On Determination

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." 

~ Japanese proverb

"Pooling" out the Stops

Yesterday I went water walking with Christy and Rachel and Liam. This was my first time to go and was worried if the life guard would allow me to walk with Liam. He was in a sling and the water only comes to my upper thigh. I brought water shoes to ensure good gip and no slipping.  The lifeguard confronted me and said that no child of any age was allowed during water walking. So, I pulled out Indiana Law

Ind. Code § 16-35-6-1 (2003) allows a woman to breastfeed her child anywhere the law allows her to be. 

I did not have to argue anymore. She just said okay, and walked away.

We enjoyed an hour of walking, conversation and baby gawking. It was quite the workout, especially if you walk against the current. My thighs were definitely feeling it last night. And, it gave me a jump start to get back on track with my workout schedule.

I have really coma a far way. A few years ago, if the lifeguard would have told me that I could not be there, I would have said okay shyly and left. I have really started to stand up for my rights. I want to be a good example to our boys. I do not want them to just back down due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge. I want them to be strong and stand up for what they believe in. 

I cannot wait to go back again, what a great workout!

#10

 I heart my new bangs 

Good Advice

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

On Reaching Goals

It is not about getting to the other side of the pond...it is about the lily pads you use to get there

New Kind of Walking

I am going to go to water walking tomorrow. Or I should say I am going to give it a shot, I will have Liam. I think we will be fine as long as the water is just to my waist, he can be in his sling. I really need to do something outside. Maybe this will get me motivated to get moving. Penny and Rachel are the ones that told me about it and they are going, and I invited Christy. So, we shall see. I also want to go to the Farmer's Market afterward. It is going to be a fun Saturday!

#9

I just bought the swaddler blanket today and love it! It is a blanket that allows you to swaddle your baby with ease. It has velcro to keep it in place and snug. It is awesome, Liam is allowing me to lye him down for naps now. Love it!

Hip mom

My new sling for Liam... with instructions

Brittish Soccer League

Jacob's soccer camp was this week, British Soccer Challenge. He had a blast. He learned lots of new techniques for the upcoming soccer season.  He had a great progress report from Coach Luke. He was one of the youngest on his team, but he didn't let that stop him. He was right in the middle of all the kids, always giving his all. The camp was wonderful and well worth the money! Pictures to follow. ..soon!

Ex's

Too Blessed to be Stressed

ughh

This whole experience of breast feeding has been wonderful and at the same time super stressful. I do not know exactly how much he is eating, is he getting enough to eat, am I eating healthy enough for him? All these things crossing my mind constantly worrying about Liam's nutrition. And on the other hand I know breast milk is best for the babies and I have really enjoyed the time spent with him during feedings. 

Now,  I am trying to pump since I have to return to work in a little over three weeks.  Enters a new stress stage left. I gave it my first attempt and failed miserably. I could only get a few drops out.  Enter melt down, stage right. I started worrying more that this was a gauge to how much milk supply I have, and wondering what if I can;t pump what I will do when I have to work. 

So many worries, but it is so good for the little guy. So, tonight I will give it another shot. I will make this work.

Hopeful

Monday Mom goes in for her surgery to remove the cancer area from her lower back. At the same time she will have her lymph nodes tested to see if the cancer has spread. If the cancer is not in her lymph nodes, she will recover from her surgery and that will be the close to this chapter. If it has spread, then another surgery, chemo, and radiation...

*praying* *crossing my fingers*

The Come Back Kid

Tuesday, I am beginning to train for the 2010 Indy 500 Mini Marathon.  I know it seems a bit far away, but I am so out of shape after this pregnancy than ever. It is definitely going to take some time to get back on board with long distance running. This time around I want to participate in the training series that Ortho Indy supports to help prepare you for the big race. 

February 5K

March 10K

April  15K

May 8, 2010 Mini

I think John wants to run it with me this time, very excited! 

I can register as soon as possible, last year the event sold out in November. 

The game of Life

Never take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Tackle it Tuesday

So I have a few more things to add to my List of To Do's

• start pumping and using bottles
• crack down on studying for registry
• buy kitchen storage and organize cabinets
• move eliptical out

On Conviction

Follow your honest convictions, and stay strong.

William Thackeray

Bittersweet

Every year when my birthday rolls around I am excited, but also get a bit sad.

I get to wondering if my birth mother is thinking about me on my birthday. I do not get sad because I wish I was with her or that I want to know her. I consider my parents, my "real parents." I couldn't and wouldn't change anything, I love them to death. Being a mother, on Jacob's bday, I always think back to the day I had him, all these special memories I have. I get sad thinking about my birth mother's feelings on my birthday. Every year does she regret her decision, does she mourn, does she feel guilty about her choice, does she wonder where I am, what I am doing, does she not care at all, has she moved on and forgotten July 5 1980? All these thoughts. I have no control over how she feels, I cannot make her feel less guilt, if that is what she has. I can't thank her for making the choice to put me up for adoption rather than aborting me. 

So, each year on my birthday I say a little prayer for her. I want her to be content and know I am in an awesome family and I love her for making a hard and noble decision 29 years ago. thank you baby mama...

29 and Holding

I am 29 now, my last year in my 20's and it is going to be a good one! And I will welcome my 30's with open arms. 

I had a great birthday. We went back to Terre Haute to visit family and friends. Some of which this was their first time to meet Liam. Liam did fantastic commuting. the Forester was a bit crowded.... okay, a lot crowded. So, Monday morning we decided to get a mini van, and Monday afternoon, we were proud owners of the new Volkswagen Routan. 

When I met John I swore I would never own a mini van. I guess you never say never. With 3 boys, John and I, and a dog we need the space. Not to mention friends and mother in laws that need to ride along sometimes, in which case we would gave to drive 2 vehicles, 

We love the van, So much space, drives great, looks "cool" for a van. I am so happy with it! 

I also got a rock star haircut, a new flat iron, and a juicer for my birthday! I am so spoiled. Hello 29.

Is it Worth the Price?

Organic foods are expensive, but aren't the benefits worth the few extra dollars? Here is one way you can save money if you do not have the time, space, or energy for your own full blown organic garden. 

ouch

do not wear flip flops in the rain

Leakage

I have given cloth diapers a chance in the name of reducing our carbon footprint. I have given it a good effort, but it is not working out so well. I signed up for a month's service with My Green Diapers. The service is wonderful. They bring you a week worth of diapers and a start up kit (trashcan with liners air fresheners). Each week on your given day you set out your dirty diapers and they take the dirty and replenish your supply with  clean. You don't have to rinse the dirty diaper, nothing, just toss it in their trash bin. The price figures out to where you even save some money. What a great deal, and I really was proud to say we were doing this to help our planet. 

There are two problems with them. One, leakage. Every one that I have used has leaked. I had Penny, who uses this service as well, show me if I was doing something wrong. I am doing it right, it is just a fact that cloths leak sometimes. What a pain.  Two, the bulkage! They are so bulky and it makes his pants fit weird. 

So, I guess that I am throwing in the towel, calling it a good game, and cancelling the service. I gave saving the landfill 2 years worth of diapers a good shot. But I cannot deal with these two issues. What a great concept though. 

10 Commandments of Midwifery

A good midwife is worth her weight in gold if you want a good birth experience. Shop carefully and pay her well.
Thou shalt eat a healthy diet: 80-100 grams of protein, salt food to taste and lots of fruits and veggies and eat seafood; and be happy.
Trust Birth, trust yourself. You can do it.
Prenatal care is what you do between your visits to your care provider. Eat well. Love lots. Reduce stress. Your baby will appreciate it!
Homebirth: the gold standard. If possible, stay home for your birth. Birth centers are a good option, too. When necessary, hospitals save lives.
Avoid unnecessary technology like the plague. It may be the plague - including ultrasound (Dopplers and scans) during pregnancy!
Just say no to drugs and intervention.
Your body is perfectly designed to carry, grow and birth your baby. If that isn’t enough, your body can feed your baby too!!
Birth Works; let it. Know that you can do it. It is an awesome and important step to motherhood - a miracle you can achieve.
Thou shalt breastfeed your baby for as long as possible. The health benefit for motherbaby is unsurpassed by any other act. Breast is best.