I don't even know where to begin telling about all the money we are spending these days. Yesterday we had someone come give us an estimate to run heating into our two basement bedrooms. We found that our furnace is undersized and overworked, and to run extra registers would only make it worse. So today, we had a new furnace installed. I keep imagining those loud old-fashioned cash register dings. Cha-ching. At least it's a high-efficiency one that will get us a $1500 tax credit as well as a rebate from the gas company.
Jeff has had consultations at two different companies for Lasik. He will probably have his surgery in about three weeks. Cha-ching. Thank goodness for a health savings account. This is something he has wanted for a long time, and we decided a while ago that he would do it in 2010.
We applied for a new mortgage today. Actually, to refinance our existing mortgage. But since we're refinancing with a different bank, we have to pay more out of pocket. Cha-ching. We wanted to refinance with Chase (which is where our current mortgage is), but they have this stupid rule that a home has to be off the market for 30 days before they will even accept an application for a refinance. And if we want cash out (which we do), it has to be off the market for six months. We don't want to wait six months before applying to refinance. Once Lauren is sleeping through the night, I'm hoping to get her and Faith moved into their own room and Jeff and me into our own room in the basement, and that means we have to get going on fixing up the basement now. We really don't have six months to wait. So we went to America First and got locked in today for a much better interest rate on a 20-year loan. But we do have to pay an appraisal fee out of pocket. Cha-ching.
I guess if I think about it, it isn't too bad. The money that we get back from the loan will pay for the furnace, plus remodel the basement bedroom (we hope - I'm sure there will be many entertaining posts in the future, ranting about the remodeling habits of the Turvorts and how we have to fix tons of things that we didn't even know were issues). The HSA will pay for Jeff's Lasik. Okay, WE will pay for his Lasik, but at least the HSA is a way to pay for it over a year with no interest and with tax-free money.
Still, if anyone finds a money tree, please let me know.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Conversion to Motherhood
I heard a talk at BYU Women's Conference a few years ago, where the speaker described herself as a convert to motherhood. At the time, Michael was the only kid we had, but I knew exactly what she was talking about. I was never one to say, "A mom!" when people asked me what I wanted to be. I was going to be a teacher, or a mathematician, or a debate coach. Yes, I wanted to have kids, but that didn't seem like a career choice that I would be satisfied with.
To be honest, I still struggle with this sometimes. Leaving the job I had when Michael was born was one of the hardest things I've done. And now I am perhaps too attached to my hotel job. But Jeff will attest to the fact that I am much easier to live with when I get out of the house a couple nights a week.
But every once in a while I find myself overwhelmed with happiness that I get to be the mother of these kids. And I think there has been one defining moment with each one of them, when I have been converted to being that child's mother.
Michael cried a lot, from the very beginning, and it seemed like he had to be held all the time to be happy. One night when he was just a few days old, I was lying on the couch and he was lying on top of me. It had been a rough night, and he had finally calmed down. I was just rubbing his back, and all of a sudden I felt such an overwhelming love, like nothing I had ever felt before. And honestly, it wasn't MY love for him that I was feeling. It was like for a brief moment, I felt the love that God has for him. That's the only explanation I have for the intensity of that feeling. I think I was being allowed to feel that love to help me be a better mother to him. That was probably my first "conversion to motherhood" moment.
With Faith, I think it happened the first time I saw her. As most of you know, her birth was pretty dramatic. Jeff and I had some interesting experiences with prayer and listening to the spirit in the days leading up to her birth, and when all of the drama was finally over and Jeff brought her around so I could see her, and he said, "She's perfect," and I felt so much relief and fatigue and who-knows-what-else all at once. I knew that we had been incredibly blessed in the way things had happened, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for this little girl.
Yesterday I had my "moment" with Lauren. I saw in her eyes a look of joy. That probably sounds so strange, but it's the only way I can explain it. Her whole face was lit up with joy - and she wasn't even smiling. She has always been content and her countenance is pretty cheerful. But I'd never seen a look like that. I hope I never forget it.
I sometimes wish I was more like the people who, for their entire lives, have wanted nothing more than to be a mother. But I'm not. Motherhood did not come naturally to me, and there are still some rough and bumpy moments, when I start to wonder why I entered this path in the first place (I really hope I'm not the only one who feels that way). I still want to go back to school, and I'm not sure when, if ever, I'll leave my hotel job. But when I have these incredible moments with my kids, I am reminded of what really matters most. They are my most important work. Gradually, I am becoming "converted" to this whole motherhood thing.
To be honest, I still struggle with this sometimes. Leaving the job I had when Michael was born was one of the hardest things I've done. And now I am perhaps too attached to my hotel job. But Jeff will attest to the fact that I am much easier to live with when I get out of the house a couple nights a week.
But every once in a while I find myself overwhelmed with happiness that I get to be the mother of these kids. And I think there has been one defining moment with each one of them, when I have been converted to being that child's mother.
Michael cried a lot, from the very beginning, and it seemed like he had to be held all the time to be happy. One night when he was just a few days old, I was lying on the couch and he was lying on top of me. It had been a rough night, and he had finally calmed down. I was just rubbing his back, and all of a sudden I felt such an overwhelming love, like nothing I had ever felt before. And honestly, it wasn't MY love for him that I was feeling. It was like for a brief moment, I felt the love that God has for him. That's the only explanation I have for the intensity of that feeling. I think I was being allowed to feel that love to help me be a better mother to him. That was probably my first "conversion to motherhood" moment.
With Faith, I think it happened the first time I saw her. As most of you know, her birth was pretty dramatic. Jeff and I had some interesting experiences with prayer and listening to the spirit in the days leading up to her birth, and when all of the drama was finally over and Jeff brought her around so I could see her, and he said, "She's perfect," and I felt so much relief and fatigue and who-knows-what-else all at once. I knew that we had been incredibly blessed in the way things had happened, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for this little girl.
Yesterday I had my "moment" with Lauren. I saw in her eyes a look of joy. That probably sounds so strange, but it's the only way I can explain it. Her whole face was lit up with joy - and she wasn't even smiling. She has always been content and her countenance is pretty cheerful. But I'd never seen a look like that. I hope I never forget it.
I sometimes wish I was more like the people who, for their entire lives, have wanted nothing more than to be a mother. But I'm not. Motherhood did not come naturally to me, and there are still some rough and bumpy moments, when I start to wonder why I entered this path in the first place (I really hope I'm not the only one who feels that way). I still want to go back to school, and I'm not sure when, if ever, I'll leave my hotel job. But when I have these incredible moments with my kids, I am reminded of what really matters most. They are my most important work. Gradually, I am becoming "converted" to this whole motherhood thing.
Monday, December 28, 2009
A nice surprise
I got a card yesterday in the mail from a Mary Cook in California. I could not for the life of me think who Mary Cook was, but when I opened the card, I found a very nice note, telling me that the wedding cake I did for her daughter was beautiful. (Yeah, remember the worst wedding cake I ever did? That's the one.) She even threw in a $20 tip, which was kind of her. It was a very pleasant surprise, especially since I was ready to give a good chunk of her money back.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas
We had a great Christmas this year. The kids were spoiled and got more than they should have, and Jeff and I probably got more than we should have, too. We tried really hard to explain to the kids (especially Michael) that Christmas is NOT about Santa Claus, but it's hard to say that, and then see all the gifts that "Santa" brought, and have it not be about Santa and presents.
We had a special Family Home Evening where we talked about Jesus' birth, and we had a family prayer before we opened gifts, but when I asked Michael why we had Christmas, he still said, "So Santa can bring us presents." And when he said his prayers on Christmas Eve, he said, "And bless Santa that he can come visit us tomorrow." So the message obviously didn't quite sink in.
We had told Michael that when he got up on Christmas, he could look at the gifts, but he couldn't touch them or play with them or open them until after breakfast. He was very excited to see that Santa had brought not one, but TWO remote control trucks. When I suggested that one was probably for Daddy, he got even more excited - which was nice. Faith got a baby doll with a stroller, bed, and high chair; and Lauren got a play mat which will hopefully keep her entertained for hours on end as she gets a little older.
All the kids also got a ton of other toys, clothes, etc. Like I said, they were spoiled. When it was all over, Jeff and I spent a lot of time cleaning out about half of the toys we already had to make room for the new stuff. The back of the van is currently full of things to drop off at the Ogden Rescue Mission thrift store tomorrow.
I think in future years, Christmas will be different. I like giving the kids fun gifts and toys, but really, I think it was just too much. We didn't spend a ton of money, but I just don't want Christmas to be so much about the presents. I'm thinking that starting next year, we'll do maybe a Christmas outfit, a book, a game, and a special toy or two for each kid. I want to downsize, simplify, make it more about Christ.
We had a special Family Home Evening where we talked about Jesus' birth, and we had a family prayer before we opened gifts, but when I asked Michael why we had Christmas, he still said, "So Santa can bring us presents." And when he said his prayers on Christmas Eve, he said, "And bless Santa that he can come visit us tomorrow." So the message obviously didn't quite sink in.
We had told Michael that when he got up on Christmas, he could look at the gifts, but he couldn't touch them or play with them or open them until after breakfast. He was very excited to see that Santa had brought not one, but TWO remote control trucks. When I suggested that one was probably for Daddy, he got even more excited - which was nice. Faith got a baby doll with a stroller, bed, and high chair; and Lauren got a play mat which will hopefully keep her entertained for hours on end as she gets a little older.
All the kids also got a ton of other toys, clothes, etc. Like I said, they were spoiled. When it was all over, Jeff and I spent a lot of time cleaning out about half of the toys we already had to make room for the new stuff. The back of the van is currently full of things to drop off at the Ogden Rescue Mission thrift store tomorrow.
I think in future years, Christmas will be different. I like giving the kids fun gifts and toys, but really, I think it was just too much. We didn't spend a ton of money, but I just don't want Christmas to be so much about the presents. I'm thinking that starting next year, we'll do maybe a Christmas outfit, a book, a game, and a special toy or two for each kid. I want to downsize, simplify, make it more about Christ.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Catch-Up Post
As promised:
The family Christmas party. My whole family came up on Saturday for our First Annual Hansen Family Christmas Party. We've had Christmas activities in the past, of course, but now that the family is getting bigger, it's just really hard to all go to Delta with all of the gifts for all of the kids, and then haul all of those same gifts (plus more) home. So from now on, Jeff and I and the kids will have Christmas morning in our own home. Although, Mom and Dad, you're always welcome to come spend Christmas Eve night here and have Christmas morning with us. I promise to play the Hallelujah Chorus at some indecent hour and wake you up.
The party was a lot of fun. Mandi was in charge, and all Jeff and I had to do was get the house cleaned. Jeff took care of most of that (thank you, thank you, thank you). I did the bathrooms, but he pretty much did the rest. And thanks to Mom and whoever else cleaned up after and did the dishes. That was a pleasant surprise.
We exchanged gifts, played games, ate Costco chickens, and just enjoyed each others' company. It was a fun activity.
*****
The day before our activity, I had a wedding cake to deliver. I baked it on Wednesday and frosted and decorated it on Thursday, then just had to deliver it on Friday. It was the WORST wedding cake I've ever done. Mostly, I wasn't feeling well. I've had some issues with recovering from this C-section, and I haven't bounced back as quickly as I thought I would. There was one time a few days ago when I seriously thought, "Maybe I've already died, and I went to hell." That's how crappy I felt. So anyway, since I felt so crappy on Thursday, I didn't end up icing the cake until later at night. And the lighting in my dining room is bad. So I thought it looked pretty good, until I saw it in the daylight on Friday. But by that time it was too late to start over. Thanks to a very talented florist, however, the cake turned out okay. I would even say it turned out well. She is a VERY talented florist. I didn't get any photos, but the mother of the groom is supposed to get some for me. I'll post them, so you can see how good a bad cake can look.
*****
Michael has started singing his own version of "Follow the Prophet." He sings "Follow the Christmas Tree." Yes, sacrilegious, I know. He started pounding out some notes on the piano and singing it, and he told us "That's a new Christmas song." No kidding. Then he played it again, but it was a little different that time (of course). So then he said, "That was a different Follow the Christmas Tree." We asked him how many there were, and he said 81. Yes, 81 versions of this charming little ditty:
*****
And finally, I took Lauren to have some photos taken today. My friend Whitnie just finished up a photography class, and she has been looking for subjects to practice on. So today I took Lauren over to her home and she took photos. It was nice - especially because Jeff stayed home today and I left the other two kids home with him.
Anyway, I didn't expect to see the photos for several more days, at least. But tonight, Whitnie and her family brought the CD over to us. She said she had so much fun that she spent all day working on them. Here are a couple of my favorites:
In the cocoon:
Her cute feet. I wish you could see how long her toes are, but she just would NOT uncurl them.
Love the yawn.
She looks so sweet here.
Whitnie made this tutu, and I think it's so cute.
Her only smile of the session.
And of course, the cowboy boots. I had to get a picture with the cowboy boots.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Whitnie. These turned out better than I had even hoped.
The family Christmas party. My whole family came up on Saturday for our First Annual Hansen Family Christmas Party. We've had Christmas activities in the past, of course, but now that the family is getting bigger, it's just really hard to all go to Delta with all of the gifts for all of the kids, and then haul all of those same gifts (plus more) home. So from now on, Jeff and I and the kids will have Christmas morning in our own home. Although, Mom and Dad, you're always welcome to come spend Christmas Eve night here and have Christmas morning with us. I promise to play the Hallelujah Chorus at some indecent hour and wake you up.
The party was a lot of fun. Mandi was in charge, and all Jeff and I had to do was get the house cleaned. Jeff took care of most of that (thank you, thank you, thank you). I did the bathrooms, but he pretty much did the rest. And thanks to Mom and whoever else cleaned up after and did the dishes. That was a pleasant surprise.
We exchanged gifts, played games, ate Costco chickens, and just enjoyed each others' company. It was a fun activity.
*****
The day before our activity, I had a wedding cake to deliver. I baked it on Wednesday and frosted and decorated it on Thursday, then just had to deliver it on Friday. It was the WORST wedding cake I've ever done. Mostly, I wasn't feeling well. I've had some issues with recovering from this C-section, and I haven't bounced back as quickly as I thought I would. There was one time a few days ago when I seriously thought, "Maybe I've already died, and I went to hell." That's how crappy I felt. So anyway, since I felt so crappy on Thursday, I didn't end up icing the cake until later at night. And the lighting in my dining room is bad. So I thought it looked pretty good, until I saw it in the daylight on Friday. But by that time it was too late to start over. Thanks to a very talented florist, however, the cake turned out okay. I would even say it turned out well. She is a VERY talented florist. I didn't get any photos, but the mother of the groom is supposed to get some for me. I'll post them, so you can see how good a bad cake can look.
*****
Michael has started singing his own version of "Follow the Prophet." He sings "Follow the Christmas Tree." Yes, sacrilegious, I know. He started pounding out some notes on the piano and singing it, and he told us "That's a new Christmas song." No kidding. Then he played it again, but it was a little different that time (of course). So then he said, "That was a different Follow the Christmas Tree." We asked him how many there were, and he said 81. Yes, 81 versions of this charming little ditty:
*****
And finally, I took Lauren to have some photos taken today. My friend Whitnie just finished up a photography class, and she has been looking for subjects to practice on. So today I took Lauren over to her home and she took photos. It was nice - especially because Jeff stayed home today and I left the other two kids home with him.
Anyway, I didn't expect to see the photos for several more days, at least. But tonight, Whitnie and her family brought the CD over to us. She said she had so much fun that she spent all day working on them. Here are a couple of my favorites:
In the cocoon:
Her cute feet. I wish you could see how long her toes are, but she just would NOT uncurl them.
Love the yawn.
She looks so sweet here.
Whitnie made this tutu, and I think it's so cute.
Her only smile of the session.
And of course, the cowboy boots. I had to get a picture with the cowboy boots.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Whitnie. These turned out better than I had even hoped.
Falling Behind...
Yes, I'm falling behind on my blogging. But who has time? With Christmas, kids, new baby, family, etc., I'm lucky to keep up with the laundry! Oh wait, I haven't been keeping up with that, either.
But I promise, before I go to bed tonight, I will sit down and blog about the family Christmas party, the worst wedding cake I've ever made, Michael and his 81 arrangements of a very annoying song, Lauren's newborn photos, and maybe a couple other things as well.
But I promise, before I go to bed tonight, I will sit down and blog about the family Christmas party, the worst wedding cake I've ever made, Michael and his 81 arrangements of a very annoying song, Lauren's newborn photos, and maybe a couple other things as well.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Unmotivated...
I wandered around the house today and realized that I have a LOT to catch up on. The dishwasher needed to be unloaded; the sink was full of dirty dishes; there is laundry to be folded; the bathrooms are dirty (one of my biggest pet peeves); the kitchen needs to be swept and mopped; the table needs to be wiped off; the carpets need to be vacuumed; and on and on. But then I went to take a nap instead of doing any of it. And after my nap I wrapped some Christmas presents.
I'd better get off my duff, though, because we have to clean the house before the weekend, when all of my family will be here for our Christmas activity. And I have to bake a wedding cake tomorrow and decorate it on Thursday and deliver it on Friday.
Just one more thing - why am I so cold all the time? I can't get warm for anything. I wear my jacket all the time, and turn the heat way up, and I still am constantly freezing. The only thing I can think is that I'm not getting enough calories, with breastfeeding and all. But I also don't have any desire to eat. I'm hungry, but I can't find anything that sounds good, except water, which has no calories at all. It's like being pregnant all over again. Except at least this time, my belly is getting smaller instead of larger.
On another note, Lauren had her two-week appointment today. She weighs 7 pounds 4 1/2 ounces, and is 21 inches long. She grew an inch and a half in two weeks! The doctor said she looks great. She's a pretty mellow baby, for which I am very grateful. She doesn't cry much unless she thinks I'm starving her. She's good-natured and generally content. She's starting to focus on people's faces, and she tries really hard to hold her head up by herself. I still think she looks like a little old man, just like Michael did. Honestly, she doesn't even look like a girl to me unless she has a bow or headband on her head. She's cute, just not very feminine-looking yet. Of course, that's probably because she looks so much like Michael.
I'd better get off my duff, though, because we have to clean the house before the weekend, when all of my family will be here for our Christmas activity. And I have to bake a wedding cake tomorrow and decorate it on Thursday and deliver it on Friday.
Just one more thing - why am I so cold all the time? I can't get warm for anything. I wear my jacket all the time, and turn the heat way up, and I still am constantly freezing. The only thing I can think is that I'm not getting enough calories, with breastfeeding and all. But I also don't have any desire to eat. I'm hungry, but I can't find anything that sounds good, except water, which has no calories at all. It's like being pregnant all over again. Except at least this time, my belly is getting smaller instead of larger.
On another note, Lauren had her two-week appointment today. She weighs 7 pounds 4 1/2 ounces, and is 21 inches long. She grew an inch and a half in two weeks! The doctor said she looks great. She's a pretty mellow baby, for which I am very grateful. She doesn't cry much unless she thinks I'm starving her. She's good-natured and generally content. She's starting to focus on people's faces, and she tries really hard to hold her head up by herself. I still think she looks like a little old man, just like Michael did. Honestly, she doesn't even look like a girl to me unless she has a bow or headband on her head. She's cute, just not very feminine-looking yet. Of course, that's probably because she looks so much like Michael.
Monday, December 14, 2009
On My Own
I thought Jeff was going to work from home for another week. It has been nice having him here. Actually, it's been hard, because while he's working, I have to keep the kids upstairs, where there are no toys, no TV, no Daddy. So the kids have been a little temperamental, and I've been a little anxious to have the basement back. But still, I didn't think I'd be on my own with three kids for another week.
But I was wrong. I must have misunderstood. Today Jeff went to work and I had no choice but to go to work as well, being caretaker of three. In all honesty, it went pretty well. All the kids were fed and dressed by nine or so. I took a shower, and we left at 10:00 to do the grocery shopping. Three kids at the grocery store was an adventure, but we survived and managed to get home and put the groceries away in time for Michael to eat lunch and catch the school bus. By this time, I SOOOO wanted a nap. But I had to go into work today for our monthly front desk meeting (and annual Christmas gift exchange), and I hadn't prepared yet. So I spent Faith's nap time getting ready for the meeting.
And now it's 10 pm, and the kids have been in bed for an hour and a half. I took a trip to Michael's by myself after they went to bed to pick up some things for this weekend (making a wedding cake, and having a family Christmas party), and I am exhausted and want to go to bed myself, but I also really enjoy having some time without them. And I have a lot of Christmas presents to wrap. What to do?
I think sleep is going to win.
But I was wrong. I must have misunderstood. Today Jeff went to work and I had no choice but to go to work as well, being caretaker of three. In all honesty, it went pretty well. All the kids were fed and dressed by nine or so. I took a shower, and we left at 10:00 to do the grocery shopping. Three kids at the grocery store was an adventure, but we survived and managed to get home and put the groceries away in time for Michael to eat lunch and catch the school bus. By this time, I SOOOO wanted a nap. But I had to go into work today for our monthly front desk meeting (and annual Christmas gift exchange), and I hadn't prepared yet. So I spent Faith's nap time getting ready for the meeting.
And now it's 10 pm, and the kids have been in bed for an hour and a half. I took a trip to Michael's by myself after they went to bed to pick up some things for this weekend (making a wedding cake, and having a family Christmas party), and I am exhausted and want to go to bed myself, but I also really enjoy having some time without them. And I have a lot of Christmas presents to wrap. What to do?
I think sleep is going to win.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Dear Winter...
Yesterday Jeff and Michael spent some time outside playing in the snow. They had a great time building a snowman.
And Michael even made "two big trees" all by himself.
I occasionally looked out the window to see how they were doing.
We've had our fun for the year. Dear Winter, please feel free to leave.
And Michael even made "two big trees" all by himself.
I occasionally looked out the window to see how they were doing.We've had our fun for the year. Dear Winter, please feel free to leave.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cute Faith
I finally gave Faith a haircut. I was worried that I would cut all of her curls off, but it turned out okay. However, I believe in the future I will leave the hair cutting to those who have been trained.
And other random, recent photos of Faith:
And other random, recent photos of Faith:
Friday, December 11, 2009
Resolution re-cap
So I was looking today at my list of 2009 resolutions. Just to refresh your memory, here's what they were:
1. get out of non-mortgage debt
2. exercise 4 days a week
3. give up French fries
4. give up carbonation
Hmm. How did I do? Well, we're not out of non-mortgage debt. We bought a minivan, and we financed it. But that's the only non-mortgage debt we have. We do have a credit card that we use mostly for gas, and we pay it off each month, so it doesn't accrue interest. I don't count the credit card.
I exercised four days one week.
I have cut way back on French fries, but I do still occasionally indulge. But once every couple of weeks is lots better than two or three times a week. I'd call that progress.
I still like to drink soda. But as with the French fries, I've done much better. And honestly, I choose Sprite or other non-caffeinated drinks more than I choose Coke, so that's improvement.
Okay, so I failed on all four. Obviously those weren't good resolutions. (Has nothing to do with my willpower.)
For 2010:
1. stay out of non-mortgage, non-vehicle debt
2. exercise four days a week, at least once a month
3. eat French fries no more than once every two weeks
4. drink soda no more than once a week
What was that about raising the bar?
1. get out of non-mortgage debt
2. exercise 4 days a week
3. give up French fries
4. give up carbonation
Hmm. How did I do? Well, we're not out of non-mortgage debt. We bought a minivan, and we financed it. But that's the only non-mortgage debt we have. We do have a credit card that we use mostly for gas, and we pay it off each month, so it doesn't accrue interest. I don't count the credit card.
I exercised four days one week.
I have cut way back on French fries, but I do still occasionally indulge. But once every couple of weeks is lots better than two or three times a week. I'd call that progress.
I still like to drink soda. But as with the French fries, I've done much better. And honestly, I choose Sprite or other non-caffeinated drinks more than I choose Coke, so that's improvement.
Okay, so I failed on all four. Obviously those weren't good resolutions. (Has nothing to do with my willpower.)
For 2010:
1. stay out of non-mortgage, non-vehicle debt
2. exercise four days a week, at least once a month
3. eat French fries no more than once every two weeks
4. drink soda no more than once a week
What was that about raising the bar?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thankful Thursday
1. I'm thankful for my serger. It makes all of my projects look so much more "finished." And I'm a perfectionist, so this is very important to me.
2. I'm thankful for staple guns. My dad fixed our couches a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get around to fixing the upholstery that covers the springs until yesterday and today. The staple gun made it much easier (and the serger made it much nicer looking).
3. I'm thankful for the little travel bed that we moved Lauren into. The pack-n-play was just too bulky to have in my bedroom. And besides, it blocked the heat vent, which made the room way too cold to have a baby in anyway. The travel bed fits right on top of my dresser. I have to get out of bed to feed her at night, but at least it's warmer and I can walk in the bedroom.
4. I'm thankful for Kid to Kid, where on an impulse, I bought said travel bed several months ago.
5. I'm thankful for friends who donate their kids' old clothes to me. Both Lauren and Faith got some darling things from my friend Brandy.
6. I'm thankful for a warm house, presents under the Christmas tree, cute kids, a good husband, nice sheets on my bed, a sleeping baby.
Life is good.
2. I'm thankful for staple guns. My dad fixed our couches a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get around to fixing the upholstery that covers the springs until yesterday and today. The staple gun made it much easier (and the serger made it much nicer looking).
3. I'm thankful for the little travel bed that we moved Lauren into. The pack-n-play was just too bulky to have in my bedroom. And besides, it blocked the heat vent, which made the room way too cold to have a baby in anyway. The travel bed fits right on top of my dresser. I have to get out of bed to feed her at night, but at least it's warmer and I can walk in the bedroom.
4. I'm thankful for Kid to Kid, where on an impulse, I bought said travel bed several months ago.
5. I'm thankful for friends who donate their kids' old clothes to me. Both Lauren and Faith got some darling things from my friend Brandy.
6. I'm thankful for a warm house, presents under the Christmas tree, cute kids, a good husband, nice sheets on my bed, a sleeping baby.
Life is good.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Faith loves bananas. But she won't eat one unless SHE holds it. And it has to be in the peel. You can't peel it and put it on her tray. Nope. Won't eat it. I think my mom must have given her a banana in the peel while the kids were in Delta. Ever since she came back, it has been the ONLY way to eat one.
Here's Michael holding Lauren. He was very excited to meet her when my mom brought him and Faith back from Delta. He is a good big brother.
Faith has done really well with Lauren around. I was worried about her. But she's very sweet to Lauren - calls her "baby," pats her head or belly, tries to give her a binkie when she cries. It's cute. But I can also tell that it's hard on Faith to have to share the attention. She's been a little more whiney than normal, and she just needs some extra attention.
With another child, I had to find another Christmas stocking. Michael and Faith had matching ones, but I couldn't find another one that matched those for Lauren. So I decided to copy the ones Jeff and I have and make a new one for each kid, so the whole family would have matching stockings.
Here are the originals, which I bought at Fred Meyer ages ago for Jeff and me:
And here's my version for the kids:
This was a fun project - and really easy. And the best part is, when we have kids in the future, I can just make another one to match. Aren't snowmen cute? I like snowman Christmas decor so much better than Santa decor.
Here's Michael holding Lauren. He was very excited to meet her when my mom brought him and Faith back from Delta. He is a good big brother.
Faith has done really well with Lauren around. I was worried about her. But she's very sweet to Lauren - calls her "baby," pats her head or belly, tries to give her a binkie when she cries. It's cute. But I can also tell that it's hard on Faith to have to share the attention. She's been a little more whiney than normal, and she just needs some extra attention. With another child, I had to find another Christmas stocking. Michael and Faith had matching ones, but I couldn't find another one that matched those for Lauren. So I decided to copy the ones Jeff and I have and make a new one for each kid, so the whole family would have matching stockings.
Here are the originals, which I bought at Fred Meyer ages ago for Jeff and me:
And here's my version for the kids:
This was a fun project - and really easy. And the best part is, when we have kids in the future, I can just make another one to match. Aren't snowmen cute? I like snowman Christmas decor so much better than Santa decor.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Visit from Grandpa
Today my dad came to visit. He had a lot going on at work, so he couldn't come up with my mom earlier this week. But work took him to North Salt Lake today, so he drove the extra 30 minutes to visit his newest grandbaby. Dad does NOT like to hold babies. But he held Lauren and said we should take a picture of the rare event. I tried, but the batteries in my camera were dead. So being the nice dad he is, he went and bought me some batteries and then held her again so we could get a picture.
He's such a good grandpa, and a great dad, and I'm really grateful for him.
Lauren is doing great. She pretty much eats and sleeps, like most babies. She's a good eater, which I'm very thankful for. She's already changed a lot in the last two days. I know I'm biased, but I think she's a very pretty girl. When she cries, though, her face wrinkles up and she looks like a very old, very small man. It's kind of ugly - but one of those "it's so ugly it's cute" looks. I can't wait to have photos taken (I'll be calling you, Whitnie!).
I'm doing pretty well. The pain is worse than I remember it being with Faith, but it could be that I just don't remember. I'm grateful for pain meds and ice packs. I am planning to go home tomorrow morning. It will be nice to have a change of scenery. You can only watch so much HGTV, and spend so much time on the computer. I'm looking forward to eating non-hospital food and sleeping in my own bed, and seeing Michael and Faith again. I've missed them.
He's such a good grandpa, and a great dad, and I'm really grateful for him.
Lauren is doing great. She pretty much eats and sleeps, like most babies. She's a good eater, which I'm very thankful for. She's already changed a lot in the last two days. I know I'm biased, but I think she's a very pretty girl. When she cries, though, her face wrinkles up and she looks like a very old, very small man. It's kind of ugly - but one of those "it's so ugly it's cute" looks. I can't wait to have photos taken (I'll be calling you, Whitnie!).I'm doing pretty well. The pain is worse than I remember it being with Faith, but it could be that I just don't remember. I'm grateful for pain meds and ice packs. I am planning to go home tomorrow morning. It will be nice to have a change of scenery. You can only watch so much HGTV, and spend so much time on the computer. I'm looking forward to eating non-hospital food and sleeping in my own bed, and seeing Michael and Faith again. I've missed them.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Lauren Ann Sabin
Lauren was born at 7:42 am this morning. It was very strange to have a scheduled C-section. We went in at 5:30 to do all the lab work and finish the registration process. The worst part of the day was getting the IV. It took four people and seven pokes to get it in. Here is my bruise from one of the pokes (not very in focus, but you get the idea).
Yeah, that was not fun. But the rest of the process was fine. The surgery went well - no trauma or drama like there was with Faith. Lauren weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long. She screamed for about 10 minutes when the doctor pulled her out. She was not happy to be yanked from her warm world into the ice-cold operating room. (It was FREEZING in there.)
At first I didn't think she looked like either Michael or Faith. Just kind of a mix, I guess. Actually, I thought she looked like a little old man. But now that she's a few hours old (all of 15 hours now), and some of the puffiness has gone down, I think she looks quite a bit like Faith. Or Michael. Okay, so I really can't decide.
Just a couple more:
I'm feeling really good. I've been up and walked around a couple of times, and I don't really have much pain. I'm told, though, that the pain meds that they added to the spinal will wear off in the morning. So we'll see how I feel then. But now, it's time to sleep.
Yeah, that was not fun. But the rest of the process was fine. The surgery went well - no trauma or drama like there was with Faith. Lauren weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long. She screamed for about 10 minutes when the doctor pulled her out. She was not happy to be yanked from her warm world into the ice-cold operating room. (It was FREEZING in there.)
At first I didn't think she looked like either Michael or Faith. Just kind of a mix, I guess. Actually, I thought she looked like a little old man. But now that she's a few hours old (all of 15 hours now), and some of the puffiness has gone down, I think she looks quite a bit like Faith. Or Michael. Okay, so I really can't decide.
Just a couple more:
I'm feeling really good. I've been up and walked around a couple of times, and I don't really have much pain. I'm told, though, that the pain meds that they added to the spinal will wear off in the morning. So we'll see how I feel then. But now, it's time to sleep.
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