tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55341941744754806742024-03-05T15:22:00.012-08:00Becoming MommyRheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-57364430954204465382016-10-03T06:40:00.001-07:002016-10-03T06:42:45.663-07:00August 20, 2016For just over a month now, I have been Rheannon Drumm.<br />
(Kinda. I am still in the name change process.)<br />
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We had a wedding and brunch (Because who can afford $50+ per person for a dinner?) And it was wonderful.<br />
The wedding coordinator messed up on my song (A Thousand Years by the Piano Guys) and missed my cue, only the kids danced, and everyone bounced about the time I turned to Aaron and said "I am over this wedding. I just want to be with you". And every second was perfect.<br />
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I had my mom and stepfather, Tom. Joel was on top of the world having everyone he loved in the same place for so long.<br />
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Somehow along the way, from getting my neck burnt during my hairdo process (two of my wonderful friends showed up early just to do my hair and makeup, thank you Sarah and Bonnie)<br />
to walking down the staircase, my mind went blank. <br />
I mean blank...<br />
Like, Dad has to carry me because I can't remember how to walk.<br />
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After so much planning and waiting I was shocked by something.<br />
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I didn't care.<br />
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I didn't care if people danced. If the music was right, if I stumbled on my way. I didn't care if I mumbled through my vows and only Aaron could hear me, if I fumbled getting the rings on or looked silly in pictures. The one thing that I could think the entire morning was, this is it. I am finally getting married to the man I know I was meant to marry.<br />
<br />
And Joel is dancing his butt off.<br />
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Near the end, after we had all decided that was enough wedding for the day, my brother showed up with what made the entire marriage worth it.<br />
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My nephew Hayden.. The very first apple of my eye.<br />
My brother came up the staircase, and I saw a tiny blonde behind him.<br />
<br />
"No way" I thought (and said out loud). And then Hayden looked at me and I felt the world melt around me. It has been over 4 years since I had the chance to hold him. I went straight to him with my arms out, wondering how he would react. And after looking me over, Hayden reached right back and let me pull him into one of the most meaningful hugs I have ever had. I whispered to him how I missed him and love him. He patted my back and said<br />
"Yup."<br />
<br />
(Yeah... he's a boy.)<br />
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Joel joined us on our first dance (Very upset that I was getting so much attention, he had to remind me that he was my one and only.)<br />
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Yes. The past month has been a whirlwind of emotions, stress and bliss. And I wouldn't have it any other way.</div>
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Except potty training... I'd like to skip potty training....</div>
<br />marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-71593292949110192992016-09-09T13:35:00.002-07:002016-09-09T17:33:19.723-07:00Well HelloSo much! So many posts to come! So slow to post them!<br />
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Since my last post.. a wedding. A marriage. Tears, laughter, anger, fear. Etc etc.<br />
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<br />
But writing any post brings me back to when I first met Aaron.<br />
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Meeting the person you're going to marry is some kind of emotional ride. We broke up no less than half a dozen times throughout our 8 years. But we still hung about knowing what the inevitable was. (And it has come to pass after all.)<br />
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I don't know what made him realize it. But I can pinpoint my realization to the moment I realized I loved this man.<br />
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We were going to have our first date night. Having only been "seeing each other" for about a week, I showed up at his house ready to go. We never went. He spent our entire time on the phone talking to other girls. And my heart overflowed the entire time.<br />
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I never heard his voice go so soft.<br />
I had never dreamed he had some mushy, almost girly side to him.<br />
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When they finally hung up he wiped tears from his eyes and looked at me.<br />
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"Sorry Rhea. They're my girls. They always will be."<br />
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I heard stories upon stories. Skateboards he made them from random bits. Dora the Explorer he was forced to watch to make them smile.<br />
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The terrors, the horrors of twin girls. And how much he missed it.<br />
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<br />
Those are his girls. His Mia and Mya..<br />
And if I wasn't okay with that, that was okay. I could go. But those were his nieces, and they would always be the first girls to have stolen his heart.<br />
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I'm okay with it. After all. They are his girls.marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-64845328263332240012016-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:002016-05-10T11:40:06.804-07:00Been too long... againWill all my posts begin with me saying how long it's been?<br /><br />Yes-it is STILL a goal of mine to be a regular blogger. And that might happen soon enough as I start settling into a nice routine.<br />
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Which is really starting to happen without me even trying. I guess that happens when you have a job.<br />
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Not just any job.<br />
Finally I am lucky to have a job that I don't just like sometimes. I have one of those jobs where the best thing about it isn't the paycheck, and when I think about what all I am getting out of it the paycheck is probably 3rd or 4th on the list.<br />
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I'm in college with the dream of becoming a vet tech (LVT). And a wonderful friend happened to mention she works at a vet/doggy daycare, and they were looking for some kennel assistants. Was I interested? Hecks yeah!<br />
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I started work more than a little nervous. I worked hard on my social anxiety for months the past year, going through intensive therapy and focusing all my energy on getting past it. I came pretty far, I wouldn't even say I suffer from social anxiety any longer and I've graduated to simply being shy and introverted.<br />
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But that doesn't make me any less socially awkward. I am years behind in the social category, having missed the important years (preteen, teen, early adult) of learning HOW to interact and build relationships.<br />
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And I'm lucky enough that so far it seems that my coworkers haven't written me off because of that. Awkwardness and all, they are all amazing to me. Adding to the list of things I am getting out of this job, right along with training and experience I need for my future career, I am getting confidence every day when it comes to interacting with strangers and acquaintances alike. (Yes-interacting with acquaintances has always been harder for me then strangers.)<br />
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And despite my belief that I would miss Joel way too much to ever enjoy working, I actually find us having MORE fun. I am more relaxed during family times, and I can enjoy these moments so much more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it LOOKS like a mess. But that was just how he made his "Bed"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-20016588308444563282015-12-13T09:20:00.001-08:002015-12-13T09:20:34.110-08:00Big boy bed Joel truly is on the fast track to big boydom. As I type this he is, for the second morning, fast asleep in his new big boy bed.<br />
(Okay I kind of cheated on this one. It's actually a little-big boy bed.)<br />
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For Christmas, Aaron and I take the opportunity to be a bit more practical with gifts. (It helps that his birthday is in November.) This year we couldn't help but notice he was starting to look quite large in his crib. We talked it over and decided it was time to get him a toddler bed.<br />
We bounced around on ideas of a pirate ship bed, a construction truck bed, and settled on a simple brown bed with fun bedding. <br />
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We asked his Aunty Amy to take hang out with him while we put the bed together and moved his crib out of the room.<br />
This was the most we could "surprise" him with the bed. Not wanting the bed to be a traumatic experience for him, we talked about the move to him for weeks in advance, and brought him with us the night before to buy it. We even let him help a bit in the beginning stages of putting it together, but I don't think he knew what it was. (Kid just likes helping us put things together.)<br />
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After we had it all set up and ready we called him in to see what he thought. We got a great first reaction with a loud "WOW!".<br />
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He loves his bed. Not so much at bedtime- but what kid wants to go to bed?<br />
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Cupcake brought him a gift from Santa on his first morning in his bed to reward him for being so big.<br />
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I'm still waiting for Santa to give me something for handling him growing up. I've deeply contemplated shoving him back into an infant outfit the past month.<br />
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<br />marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-84806017775447406412015-12-13T00:30:00.003-08:002015-12-13T00:30:54.910-08:00Baby to boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a few weeks I was fighting the thought that Joel's hair was getting a little... too much.<br />
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His last haircut had left him without any of his baby curls, and I spent days agonizing over getting those curls back. I watched his hair grow out, I stalked him with a straight-egde trying to find any hint of a twist coming back. After declaring repeatedly that his unruly hair was simply growing out, I decided I had to face the facts and give him his first true blue big boy hair-do.<br />
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I searched around for cuts I liked (it turns out, boy haircuts aren't all that diverse) and then hunted down a nice little-person oriented salon. After finding the one with the best reviews, Aaron and I dropped in and asked a stranger to take sharp blades to our precious boys head. Which oddly enough, Joel took quite some time accepting.<br />
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His hair has never been quite this short, and I am learning all too well how hard it is to style boys hair if you are as out of the hair loop as I am. And just like that, in the time it took her to shave up his little head, my baby vanished and was replaced with an authentic little human.<br />
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My baby has officially become a little boy. And already, I'm beginning to see the little man he's going to become all too soon.<br />
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<br />marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-68644327513188622342015-12-01T20:17:00.001-08:002015-12-01T20:17:36.181-08:00Cupcake Joel's 2nd birthday has come and gone, and I'm left wondering how on earth this happened in the blink of an eye.<br /><br />
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My tiny little baby has transformed into a walking, talking, full human with his own opinions (which he makes very known.) And let me be the first to say- he's pretty darn amazing.<br />
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Santa must agree because on his birthday he sent a strange visitor. We were all a little put off by him at first. We read his story and after a discussion about this tiny guest, Joel tipped me off that the little guys name was Cupcake. ("Duh mom", he must have been thinking. "Don't you see the outfit he's wearing to celebrate ME?")<br />
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Well, after that day the tiny guy was gone. Only to suddenly reappear a few days ago...<br />
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Cupcake is back. With a new story and a wonderful new tradition to start with my family. <br />
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I know some people really dislike, or even straight out hate the Elf of the Shelf tradition. I personally couldn't be happier to start a silly tradition with Joel and give him small memories to smile back on. He seems to be catching on already (to the extent a 2 year old can.) He understands Cupcake moves around and says good morning and bye to him. He also understands that Cupcake has something to do with Santa... though I'm not sure he knows how to feel about that.<br />
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<br />marmeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17209734317492789689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-85280784942375152562014-11-04T22:17:00.000-08:002014-11-04T22:17:20.132-08:00Joel....My Joely.<br />
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One year ago today, you decided it was time for our adventure to begin.<br />
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One year ago today, my wait was finally at the end, and you were on your way into the world.<br />
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There is so much about you that is special. Like, the way you kiss and lick the wall. Or the way you break into tears any time you see or hear another crying. <br />
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Right now you are in your crib, fast asleep and stealing my heart all over again with every groan and every roll. And all the sentimental mommy feelings I'm having this week have been nothing more than a nuisance to you every time I snatch you up from playing to smother you in kisses.<br />
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Joel, you are amazing. You light up an entire room with a single smile, and amaze us all every day with everything you learn.<br />
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I know that you will grow to do amazing things. One day you will change the entire world in the same amazing way you have changed mine. <br />
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I hope you grow to be patient and kind. Stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves. Be brave enough to follow your heart, it will keep you on the right path. <br />
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And above all, know that no matter what, if you are ever to lose your way and make mistakes- we will always be here to offer guidance, forgiveness, and most of all, unconditional, never ending love.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-47443672268043865472014-08-07T21:52:00.003-07:002014-08-07T21:52:51.077-07:00Goodbye, my friends This post is hard.<br />
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It is hard to find a title for it. It's hard just bringing myself to write it. And to simply be in the position to write it is the hardest of them all.<br />
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Puppy and Blue are dogs I have known over half my life.<br />
Blue came into the family when I was 10. My brother's dog, I would often ask him if I could babysit her. (For payment of course. I was a wise business woman, making ten cents for playing with her in the backyard.)<br />
Just about half a year later, I got Puppy. I'll never forget the day. My mom and I wandered into the SPCA thrift store just to look. In the back they had the dogs, and of course I had to look. All over dogs were jumping and barking, and in one kennel there was a puppy. Just a small puppy with a cone on her head, laying and staring at a family that was trying to coax her over to them, showing no interest in being their pet. She had recently been fixed, and handled the surgery pretty badly. She had no energy, no will to eat, and probably wouldn't make it.<br />
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We learned that after the family had given up on her, and I approached the kennel door. She got up on her feet and came over, tail wagging a mile a minute.When I asked if I could adopt her, the SPCA worker didn't hesitate a moment before telling me yes, I could take her home that day.<br />
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So we did. And Puppy became my very first friend in Nevada. My very first, and very best.<br />
And after Blue, I think I was her best friend too.<br />
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But like I said. I've known them over half my life. The fresh memories of bringing them home are 14 years old, and the puppies turned into large, graying dogs. Games of fetch became impossible with their failing eyesight and hearing. Their energetic dancing slowly faded away, and was replaced by weak legs that at times failed to lift them off the floor.<br />
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So after weeks of watching them take turns falling, having days where they couldn't get up for hours at a time, and becoming too weak to eat, we had to make a hard decision and say good bye.<br />
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With no way to ask them if they were ready, if they were in pain, if they were tired and ready to go, we had to figure out the best thing for them. We had to make the choice to let them go, to spare them agony.<br />
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I couldn't make that decision. As much as I love them, I couldn't bring myself to decide something so permanent. Something I had no way to even communicate to them. It fell to my dad to make the choice. And I knew it was right.<br />
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On Monday morning I sat with them. I gave them hugs and kissed their ears, whispered apologies and "I love you"'s that they couldn't hear, but I hope they could feel. I sat between them and hoped they felt the never ending love until their very last moments. And then I sat with them longer, kissed them both again, and all but collapsed on them in tears when the realization hit me that they would not be getting back up. I sat and cried and stroked them until it began to feel different.<br />
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Until they were carried away, I expected them to get back up.<br />
Even now, I expect to hear a bark. I expect to see a furry mass wagging a tail at me.<br />
I even find myself wondering where they are... what's going on with them. The image of them taking their last breaths won't leave me. I am grateful to have it, knowing they went peacefully and laid next to each other. But something about that image makes me feel more helpless than anything I could imagine.<br />
They were my dogs. And I was supposed to protect them. From the moment the vets began, I felt the strongest desire to stop it. To save them. But I couldn't. In the end the best thing for me to do, was to do nothing, but love them.<br />
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Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-58729900524413619122014-07-21T12:42:00.001-07:002014-07-21T12:42:52.947-07:00Cloth diapering, Best Bottoms This will be one of many posts about diaper types and brands we're using (or have used) on Joel.<br />
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Best Bottoms diapers are up first.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bestbottomdiapers.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/diapers/500/foxtrot_a12_snap.jpg&maxx=300&maxy=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bestbottomdiapers.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/diapers/500/foxtrot_a12_snap.jpg&maxx=300&maxy=0" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Picture from bestbottomdiapers.com)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Best Bottom diapers caught my attention with all the prints and colors. I fell in love with the fox patterns, their Christmas colored diaper, and their cow print. (And basically all the others.) We bought a few before Joel was born to try out, and have bought a few more over the months.<br />
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Best Bottoms is an AI2 diaper (All in 2) or a hybrid. The waterproof covers (or shells) are sold separately from the absorbent inserts. While the covers are one sized (they have snap rises and will fit most babies from birth to toddler), the inserts come in sizes small, medium, and large. They also come in overnight, stay dry, and hemp. We have a mixture of all the inserts and personally, the hemp are my favorite (very natural and much thinner.)<br />
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The shells can be used multiple times. If wet, just change the insert, wipe them clean, and put a new insert in them. You can also use prefolds or flats in the covers, and we often use them over fitteds at night. When I change Joel, I most often reach for a flat, a small doubler (an added insert that gives extra absorbency but not too much bulk) and a BB cover. Joel has been wearing them since he was only 2 weeks old, and at the start there is a learning curve to putting one sized diapers on newborns (with all cloth, not just Best Bottom). Despite that, we had no leak issues until Joel was older and simply peed too much for the inserts we were using. (Very simple fix).<br />
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I love that when we are out for a few hours, or might be out later than we think, I can grab two covers and some inserts and tuck them into the diaper bag as extra/emergency diapers. They are simple enough for even non cloth diaper people to figure out. The only con I would say, is changing the insert does require you to touch the pee. We use wipes to unsnape the insert from the shell and toss it into the wet bag to avoid that.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-76324964607211224392014-07-18T01:26:00.001-07:002014-07-18T01:44:17.520-07:00Summer adventures One thing Aaron and I were most excited about when we had Joel, was summer. Summer in Nevada is hot and dry and generally uncomfortable and unpleasant (for me). But, it is also prime time to fill your free time with fun things "enjoying" the weather. (Or, doing anything to avoid melting in it.) And now that we have Joel, thinking up and planning our activities is almost as fun as actually doing them.<br />
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Recently we have felt a bit of a slump when it comes to thinking up things to do. We are pretty tight on cash, and our usual go-to summer activity of swimming in the Truckee river isn't safe for Joel. With my mind being pretty focused on getting into shape (Almost 1 month of no pop! Woo!) I decided what we needed was a family hike to a nice calm body of water. So we planned a trip to a lake hotspot an hour or so away, surrounded by hiking trails of all difficulty levels. And hours into the planning, we changed our plan and decided to drive up to Lake Tahoe.<br />
And then on our way out, we changed our minds and went with the original plan. (And when I say "we" kept changing our plans, I mean I couldn't decide what I wanted to do.)<br />
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We had no idea how Joel might be with a long day out like this. He has never been to a big body of water, or spent an extended amount of time outdoors. I drenched him in sunblock throughout the day, kept his bottles on ice, and stole an idea from my favorite blog <a href="http://marriageconfessions.com/">Marriage Confessions</a>. I brought along a dry washcloth in a ziplock baggy and throughout the trip, whenever I thought Joel might be too warm, I took it out, wet it, and wiped him down. And he had more fun than I could have imagined!<br />
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Joel truly is a water baby. Not content to just dip his feet or sit on our laps, he first insisted on standing while I held his hands and the waves lapped over his feet. It wasn't long before he decided that wasn't enough, and plopped right down into the water next to Aaron, trying to catch the waves as they came. <br />
If you only have experiences with oceans, let me clarify waves. These were no surfer waves. They were barely more than ripples caused by boats in the distance, and raised the water by no more than 2 inches.)<br />
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I'd known from the start he was a water baby. But I had never expected him to be so thrilled by nature. Flowers, the water fall, the river under the bridge, all amazed him. He swung his legs and jabbered the entire hike to the waterfall, and back to the car. He laid on a towel longer than I have ever seen him be content to lay, and stared at the trees and sky above him. I can't blame him. It was a beautiful day at a beautiful place.<br />
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I can't wait to take him out again. Nothing beats getting exercise, getting into shape, and getting to have fun with your family at the same time.<br />
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If you haven't yet, head over to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rheabecomingmommy">Facebook page</a> and 'like' my blog.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-80643708359811126162014-07-11T23:44:00.001-07:002014-07-11T23:44:39.029-07:00Bragging rightsOkay. I would just like to point out...<br />
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I made this.<br />
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Well... I guess WE made this...<br />
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And as such... we get to do this...<br />
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<i>(You can tell these pictures are old, as they are missing the two pearly whites that are now poking through his lower gums!)</i></div>
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So far we have gotten two sets of professional pictures done. One set was done two months ago by an amazing photographer. I swear he took over 100 pictures and they were all awesome! We got his 6 month pictures done just recently at Jc Penney's, and they did pretty good as well.<br />
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<br /> I'm not sure HOW I could have anything to do with such an adorable handsome little guy. But I do. So I get to brag.<br />
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Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-30484850359882843352014-07-07T22:17:00.000-07:002014-07-07T22:17:37.082-07:00Makin Milk One day Joel decided he didn't want to nurse. My perfect natural nurser would flip out, screaming and crying hysterically if he was held in any way that was related to nursing. I kept trying to get him to nurse, and continued to pump milk to give him, and my supply dwindled away. So for many months now, Joel has been a formula fed baby.<br />
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There is nothing wrong with feeding formula. It gives him nutrition he needs and I don't judge any woman who chooses to use it over breast feeding. But it really isn't what feels right for our family. So, 5 months after giving up on trying to keep a supply, I decided to try something even harder than that. I've started on the road to relactation.<br />
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This took days of googling and talking to lactation experts. Last week I rented myself a hospital breast pump, baked some lactation cookies, bought some fenugreek and mothers milk tea and began the journey.<br />
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So far, this isn't easy. Taking 20 minutes every couple hours to pump is rough with an 8 month old demanding my attention. It hurts, it costs a bit *though not as much as formula*, and it is tiring physically, mentally, and emotionally.<br />
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Luckily I have support coming from every direction in every way to help me out. I can only cross my fingers and hope that with enough dedication I will be able to get Joel back to at least mostly breast fed.<br />
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So there is that. Hopefully one day I will be able to make a blog about my success with relactation, and offer advice and support to women who are doing it. :)<br />
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(As of now hopes are high. Who knew a few drops of milk would be SO exciting?)Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-38129354631750576172014-06-15T00:15:00.000-07:002014-06-15T00:15:13.336-07:00Father's Day 2014 So, about a year ago I remember posting for Father's Day. This year, Joel is here to help us celebrate it.<br />
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The poor planner I am, I thought Father's Day was MONTHS away. Suddenly it was only a few weeks away, then just 3 days. This has been some year for fathers around here. My Dad has done more than you could believe for me and my little family this year. With the year starting off with some really rough, stressful pitfalls, I don't know that we would have been able to get through it. We sure wouldn't have gotten through it feeling as secure, hopeful, protected and blessed as we have been. And there is no way we would be as strong as we are now, or as close to being back on our feet any time soon. My family is truly blessed to have him. He's really taken us all in, and most valuable-he has taught us how to be stronger as a family, how to be stronger for Joel. (That's my dad. He's always been my hero. But don't tell him, he doesn't like this mushy sentimental stuff.)<br />
And I sure love seeing the bond between my Dad and Joel. It really is something to see your parents with your kids. (I'm sure parents feel the same about seeing their kids, with kids.)<br />
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And Aaron sure has jumped into his role as a dad. (Not that I expected any less from him.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Doesn't he look ready to jump into the role?)</td></tr>
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Seeing Aaron become a father has been something else. Throughout my pregnancy, he seemed to transform before my eyes. But having Joel here, in his arms, has changed him even more.<br />
I didn't even know it was possible.<br />
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It goes without saying, Aaron loves his son. He loves being a father. Though he insisted to never want children for most of the time I knew him, he is a natural. And I have never seen him so devoted as he is to Joel. (No, not even to the guitar or magic tricks or skateboarding. And I had always been amazed at his devotion to those hobbies.)<br />
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Having Joel has changed the core of who Aaron is. Or maybe it just let it show. Whatever Aaron might have been before, a musician, a writer, a free spirit, I believe what he truly is, and always was meant to be, is a Daddy.<br />
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Tonight I helped Joel make Aaron some Father's Day gifts. As I said, I had not been planning as I should have (I am a horrible procrastinator) and my original gift ideas (custom guitar picks and an engraved pocket knife "Joel's Daddy", fell through due to utter brokeness. But at the last minute I managed to find ideas for pretty cute homemade gifts I think Aaron will love. (Which isn't too easy- he is a man without much sentimental hormones. EXCEPT, when it comes to Joel.)<br />
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<br />Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-48458070351232859942014-06-12T00:51:00.000-07:002014-06-12T00:51:07.729-07:00Things you only hoped for<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A friend of mine on facebook shared this image today. I read it, ready to feel a little upbeat and positive from a clever saying while I continued looking at my newsfeed.</div>
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What I didn't do was prepare myself for a wave of emotion.I didn't expect this simple black and white image to hit me quite so hard.</div>
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Because right now, I am struggling. I am trying to enjoy life as it comes, while I impatiently tap my foot waiting for a few key things that feel as if they will never happen. I have recently realized I was trying to put a pause on life, waiting for these things to happen for me to truly live. But we all know life doesn't work that way. So much of it has been going by while I have been waiting for events that will make it better. </div>
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And I don't know how many times I have cried on Aaron's shoulder the past few months, wailing that it was never going to happen.</div>
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Seeing this image reminded me of another time in my life when I was waiting and hoping. Unable to enjoy the life I had, because I couldn't stop focusing on what I didn't have. Believing that the biggest of my hopes was so out of my reach, thinking that I might as well let it go. So many days passed me by while I sat and dreamed about when my life would really start, instead of enjoying the life I had- convinced I would never have my dreams come true.</div>
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And now here I am. I just spent the last few hours feeding, bathing, and tucking in my dream come true. The most amazing of all my hopes and wishes is now my reality.</div>
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And that makes me optimistic that, eventually, everything I'm hoping for will be along. But for now, while I wait, I think I'll keep on enjoying the best part of my life.</div>
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Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-91216126492610325702014-06-11T00:02:00.002-07:002014-06-11T00:04:27.636-07:00Mother's Day Last month I had my first Mother's Day (post-delivery, that is.) Our "Mother's Day celebration" stretched from Friday through Sunday.<br />
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On Mother's Day itself, we kept it pretty low-key. Aaron took me for an early Chinese to celebrate. Afterwards we went home and I celebrated Mother's Day doing what I love doing most.<br />
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Being Joel's Mom.<br />
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We walked, we swung, we snuggled. Aaron and I watched Joel sleep, changed his diapers and kissed his belly.<br />
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For me Mother's Day was all about celebrating and remembering the most important day in my life, the day I met the little guy who turned me into a mother.<br />
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But like I mentioned, our Mother's Day started on Friday. Aaron took me to pick out my mother's day ring. </div>
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It has a beautiful blue topaz (Joel's birthstone is topaz.) and two admittedly tiny diamonds (Aaron's birthstone.)</div>
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But the ring was only part of it. This ring came with a surprise!</div>
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Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-67963744974476039202014-06-08T00:18:00.002-07:002014-06-11T00:04:54.562-07:00Has it been so long?Well, to the people who read this blog (I can't believe anyone does. Hi there!) it has been quite awhile.<br />
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Life happens and it has been hectic with tons of stuff I'll not put on here. But things seem to be calming down and I am pretty saddened that I lost so much time on here. So many posts I didn't make!<br />
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But it is never too late. Right?<br />
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This Thursday my little boy turned 7 months old. Which didn't seem like that big of a deal until Aaron said<br />
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"This kid has been out of you for 7 months now."<br />
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I honestly think my uterus sobbed at that realization. My baby? 7 months? OVER half a year old? LESS THAN half a year to being a year old? How on earth is it possible? I honestly thought (almost worried) that the bond we had, that feeling of closeness only I could have with him while I carried him, was going to fade away. But it has only grown stronger.<br />
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My boy is sitting up, crawling, understands the relation between words and events ("Let's go rub lotion on you" can prompt him to rub his face in little circles like I do when applying lotion), and tonight during bathtime another milestone!<br />
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Joel has a cute little habit of waving his arms up and down, smacking his legs in the process. During his bath after dinner he did that and made a wonderful discovery when the water splashed up around him and into his face. He looked up at me for a reaction (something I've noticed he does often when he is unsure of a new situation), so I smiled and clapped. Encouraged he did it again, then got both hands into it. Then we kissed goodbye the days when only Joel got wet during bathtime.<br />
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When Aaron came in Joel decided to show him his trick, and there was no doubt he was proud to show off to his dad. After every few splashes he looked up at Aaron with the biggest grin, his eyes twinkling, his face saying "Isn't it cool Dad? See what I can do?"<br />
(I have no cute pictures to go along with the story, since I'm not too keen on sharing his bath pics with the world. So here are some unrelated, random cute pictures.)<br />
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<br />Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-24868381763641188702014-03-13T00:23:00.001-07:002014-03-13T00:27:57.783-07:00Describing Heaven in pictures...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaSJdl_REQP8cWYV93IwFdj_ur5LPMnCIdQTQO7OYCogBPekezRlUGxbr20HpDUFOUscrK2tjxtcoPIaENxwKlDyYJvJ-ool-XzQBVyoe7_HZ0JM_c53mutGAsdCiM6jNseeDx701utA/s1600/131105_036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaSJdl_REQP8cWYV93IwFdj_ur5LPMnCIdQTQO7OYCogBPekezRlUGxbr20HpDUFOUscrK2tjxtcoPIaENxwKlDyYJvJ-ool-XzQBVyoe7_HZ0JM_c53mutGAsdCiM6jNseeDx701utA/s1600/131105_036.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-55456796770841677782014-03-13T00:14:00.000-07:002014-03-13T00:14:14.716-07:00It's time!<b>Talk about neglect!!!! So much has been happening... before I get to posts about TODAY, let me do some posts about 4 months ago, to the most wonderful, MAGICAL time of my life. </b><br />
<b>Partly because I owe it to this blog and my "diary", and mostly because I could USE some magical feeling right now. </b> <br />
<br />
Up until November 4th, those were probably the most magical words I had heard. It's time to get that baby out of there. Yes! A day before I was set for an induction, which I had said all along I would NOT allow to happen.<br />
No, I wanted my son to choose his own birthday. And induction simply wouldn't be part of my birth.<br />
Only, whenever you make a plan, be prepared for God to smile down at you and throw a curve ball. Because the moment you hear the words "death" and "baby" in the same sentence, you honestly don't give a hoot about anything. Not about your birth plan, your dream birth, the unknown things you might come across. No. All you know in that moment (if you are as lucky as I was) is an unbreakable faith and trust in your doctors and God.<br />
<br />
So, less than a week in advance, I sat in my car outside my doctors office, crying to my mom on the phone about having to be induced. My mom wasn't due to fly in until November 7th, and my son was due to start being forced out late on the 5th. The earliest the doctor could get me in. And though I don't think I ever voiced anything other than my frustration about being induced, the truth was I was terrified. My mommy was across the country and my blood pressure had reached the point where, if it raised before induction, I risked having seizures that could injure my son. And trust me when I say being 24 and days away from giving birth does NOTHING to minimize the "I want my Mommy" panic.<br />
<br />
Luckily my mom was able to come out earlier. On November 3rd she came out and I think I was instantly calmed just by the NEWS that she would be here. Monday we took a shopping day, just a girls day at Target, looking for pjs and comfy things I would need in the hospital. The problem was, the more we walked, the wetter my pants got. <br />
See where this is headed?<br />
<br />
So on November 4th, my water may or may not have begun to leak. Nobody could agree. Didn't really matter though because my BP was so high, his time was done. And I was satisfied enough that he HAD chosen his own time.<br />
<br />
Off to the hospital, where I was hooked up to monitors, moved to another room, hooked to more, then the dreaded IVs.<br />
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<br />
An IV to make me dilate.<br />
Another to lower my blood pressure and prevent seizures (which, oddly, also was used to STOP contractions)<br />
So, another to induce contractions.<br />
The list goes on. I felt like a darn test subject!<br />
<br />
I asked my doctor if he could just give me the c-section I knew I would need, but being the optimist he is, he wanted to wait it out.<br />
Oh, silly doctors.<br />
<br />
A little after 3am on November 5th he came in with the news. Joel was transverse, I was stuck at 8cm, and each contraction I had was making my own blood pressure spike dangerously high, while Joel's was dipping too low. He handed a baffled Aaron his scrubs and told us to get ready.<br />
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After holding my own tears back so I could scold my mom for crying ("It isn't like I'm dying!") and saying a prayer together, I was wheeled out of the delivery room and taken to the operating room, probably the SCARIEST place in the hospital (Y'all should work on that...) where I had to be prepped for about an hour before Aaron was able to come in to comfort me. By this point, I had been given even more medicine in the IVs, I can't even tell you what it was for, and I was fighting to stay awake and keep the blackness from overtaking my sight.<br />
<br />
I stared at Aaron for what seemed like only a few seconds before the doctor asked him to stand up. He did, and took a step back with his hands over his mouth.<br />
"Rhea, he's.... he's beautiful.<br />
And he has a HUGE penis!"<br />
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<br />Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-23413024473683575412013-11-13T07:17:00.000-08:002013-11-13T07:17:32.133-08:00To catch you up.... Again, it has been way too long! So much has happened and I, as a failed blogger, haven't written a single post about any of it.<br />
<br />
When I was about 34 weeks along, Joel stopped moving one day. I drank some water and he failed his kick counts (were you count every movement for 2 hours until you reach ten. Something he usually hit in less than 10 minutes.) So, scared and praying, me and Aaron headed to the hospital for me to be hooked up to monitors.<br />
<br />
After scaring us by taking a few extra seconds to find Joel's heartbeat, we learned he had moved to a weird position and was moving just fine, but for some reason I couldn't feel it. His heart rate was steady and they wanted to watch it for awhile just to make sure. While they did, they found a problem on the monitors. My heart rate was HIGH. And it was staying high. They took a urine and blood sample and found things wrong with both, so I was sent home with a nice big jug for a 24 hour urine test.<br />
For those who have never done this, it is just what it sounds like. For a full 24 hours, every bit of pee had to go into this big jug and kept in my fridge. Fun to do in the middle of the night.<br />
<br />
To spare anyone reading this all the boring details, I was monitored closely (twice a week appointments hooked to machines) for the next few weeks. My blood pressure wasn't getting better and my doctor was hopeful I would go into labor on my own as soon as I hit term. But at 38 weeks my blood pressure spiked a bit more and all my lab results agreed that I was right on the verge of being dangerously pre-eclamptic. (Is that a word? Well, either way, I was developing pre eclampsia.) So my doctor scheduled an induction for the night of November 5th.<br />
<br />
God and Joel had other plans and set out to let us know that no plan of ours means anything to the world. Monday, November 4th, I was shopping with my mom and my water... sprung a leak. I headed to my doctor only to be told my blood pressure was too high, and whether or not I was in labor already, it was time to get that baby out of there. Labor and delivery where an adventure in themselves and really deserve their own post. For now I'll say, the entire thing followed the theme of throwing plans out the window and being completely out of control.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-70982492261060854312013-09-20T12:58:00.003-07:002013-09-20T12:58:47.296-07:00A shower and some more 3dA few weeks ago I had my baby shower. I'm not a baby shower expert, but I thought mine was pretty darn impressive!<br />
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My step-mom Lisa threw our baby shower and she went all out.<br />
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I adored it. So much that I brought most of the decorations home to put up. (Sigh. Never happened. :( Though that welcome banner WILL be put up when Joel is born.)<br />
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So many awesome people came and gave Joel some awesome gifts. I can't wait until he is here to use everything and thank everyone himself.<br />
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But until he is here, I thought I would share some pictures of our 3rd and last 3d ultrasound.<br />(Yes, we did another one. We couldn't help it! And boy has he filled out since the last one.) This one was done at 32 weeks. We watched Joel chew and suck on his umbilical cord, grab at it and put it in his mouth with his hands (I was impressed!), smile, glare, pout, stick his tongue out, and taste the foods I had eaten before the scan. I think he is pretty darned cute myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling big</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angry boy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Yes, that's my son. I can't get enough of him. I imagine he'll look quite a bit like these pictures but I still can't QUITE channel the images into a real baby in my mind. <br />
<br />
So now, with the shower and the 3d scan out of the way, all there is left for us to do is wait for our chunky little man to make his appearance.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-58571179332710359492013-09-12T16:33:00.002-07:002013-09-12T16:33:18.343-07:00A letter to the wombDear Tenant...<br />
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I'll start by saying, I'm sorry for poking you so often the past 8 months. I try to make up for it by sitting and laying in the most uncomfortable positions possible any time you stretch out, I bet it's getting pretty cramped in there and I want you to be comfortable. Your dad would say, "He's running out of womb."<br />
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In a few short weeks you'll be here in our arms, and I miss you already. But after having you all to myself for so long, I guess it is only fair for me to share you with the world. I know your dad just can't wait to get his chance to hold you. And whether we're ready or not, the time for that is just around the corner. My goal for the past 8 months has been your safe arrival, and I pray that I've given you everything you will need to enter the world healthy and strong.<br />
<br />
The world is a big and scary place, and your first day in it won't be a picnic for either of us. I have to remind myself that besides our voices, everything will be new for you. You'll probably feel overwhelmed. If things are too much, just close your eyes and listen to me and your dad. We'll be right there, and we'll carry you through the new experiences.<br />
<br />
I've learned so much from you already. Everything you do amazes me. I've really learned about life and living since you came along, and I know you have as much left to teach me as I have to teach you. I hope I teach you the right lessons. And I know you'll have alot of lessons you have to learn on your own. But I'll be right here to support you as much as I can through them all.<br />
<br />
I know it sounds like alot, so relax and enjoy the next few weeks and I will keep giving you everything you need.<br />
<br />
Love from the outside world,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
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P.s., If you could stay out of my ribs for the next few weeks, I would really appreciate it.Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-64097280748759682222013-08-30T23:23:00.002-07:002013-08-30T23:23:52.920-07:00Cloth diaper starter stash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGB8bL0uCrohzBSyV5jZ7ge-yJMfZtpGW9I3qLIL14UH08iQ7ZKDLBddGo9uO6FTn8arYCrVovajQWxZfA8E0vYyhK9kJT-LsuIH2mmUayqnSO2sR5Z4ZuXooa7Qf_W2ehiUw4GFdpJr4/s1600/diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr6GREEqlw_tfNSfbsfi9DBBvRaOG0k1_lAIaSXLPfpwfCAaR2P2JAhn_TFSrQNw4q7NbAhmJCDU_cXl6zD_4v5tgggwFL88CcpNDgPbrhh7LLLRN5xjnz1mU5bLGTgfI8so_n6ycpbw/s1600/more+diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr6GREEqlw_tfNSfbsfi9DBBvRaOG0k1_lAIaSXLPfpwfCAaR2P2JAhn_TFSrQNw4q7NbAhmJCDU_cXl6zD_4v5tgggwFL88CcpNDgPbrhh7LLLRN5xjnz1mU5bLGTgfI8so_n6ycpbw/s320/more+diapers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prefolds, covers, and snappis, with 2 newborn Bum Genius all in ones</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I've always known I wanted to use cloth diapers. Long before I got pregnant I stumbled upon cloth diaper websites and was amazed at the different types.<br />
Pockets, which you stuff with absorbent inserts yourself. They are waterproof and great if you want to control how absorbent they are.<br />
All in ones, which are the ENTIRE diaper! Absorbent inside, waterproof cover attached.<br />
Prefolds, which you fold over the baby or use as an insert and couple with a nice cute waterproof cover.<br />
Fitteds, which are a diaper that is ALL absorbent, and are paired with a cover to make them water proof. <br />
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When we found out I was pregnant one of the first decisions made was about diapering. I approached Aaron hesitantly, fully prepared to sway him with information on long term pricing, resell value, health benefits. In the end I needed nothing more than the statement<br />
"Aaron, I want to use cloth diapers."<br />
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That was all it took, and he agreed. At the time I think his reasoning was more based on his trust in me as what he calls a baby expert. (I am, in my own opinion, by no means a baby expert.) The more I've learned about them the more I have exposed him to, slowly to try not to overwhelm him (boy can cloth diapers be overwhelming!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwv_u-KXhzC-ByS2le9CHMlTokGj9BdtxiygCceV-SzxalAtKXJN0O8RexQW4IOG46xbMR1aLrtF7LVUvFi35eWuuMoXYy-xSo3drAO9Z-_XNKOX6o0NWijPTKWkdABsjvdBbl-WP_RQ/s1600/diapers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwv_u-KXhzC-ByS2le9CHMlTokGj9BdtxiygCceV-SzxalAtKXJN0O8RexQW4IOG46xbMR1aLrtF7LVUvFi35eWuuMoXYy-xSo3drAO9Z-_XNKOX6o0NWijPTKWkdABsjvdBbl-WP_RQ/s320/diapers2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green thirsties fitted, two BG all in ones, and a thirsties cover.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuvUYiWvtx_uLt2K-oDp83pa6xR0BoHbPjnOM1Tp-Qserc8a_hiHsfuZfQjAoWkXZRIFvMT-THrmFDvOZnADMHtkRL2LiDY6EypB55j-eFJn58MJi3PV5HOTk5gKPvnVCWhG5KB9aiSE/s1600/diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuvUYiWvtx_uLt2K-oDp83pa6xR0BoHbPjnOM1Tp-Qserc8a_hiHsfuZfQjAoWkXZRIFvMT-THrmFDvOZnADMHtkRL2LiDY6EypB55j-eFJn58MJi3PV5HOTk5gKPvnVCWhG5KB9aiSE/s320/diapers.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Lil Joeys, and a Thirsties cover.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As I've been building my stash my view has shifted a few times. At first I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed, determined to have the PERFECT cloth diaper stash before Joel was born. I was horrified. What if I forgot something? What if I had too few of something? What kind of mom would I be?<br />
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I realize now, after asking many people and reading many blogs about it, that I need not worry. I have been slowly building our diaper stash, but I think I am done buying until Joel is born. We will have a few packs of disposable diapers, just in case I did miss anything. But I feel pretty prepared. And really, if I did forget to get enough of something or forgot something completely, there will be plenty of time to realize this and buy what is needed after Joel is born. And as every baby and family is different, I think what I have bought will be perfect for showing us what works best for him, what we like best, and what we could leave out of our stash completely.<br />
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I have some all in ones (AIO), some fitteds for nighttime use, some covers to put over diapers that aren't already waterproof. And I will of course be reviewing EVERYTHING I use. And just in case any cloth diaper expert stumbles upon this and wants to offer my some advice (or someone just curious, as I am, about what other people use as a starter stash), here is my complete list of my stash!<br />
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2<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/bumGenius-Newborn-Cloth-Diaper_p_4252.html"> newborn Bum Genius AIOs</a><br />
5 <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/-Thirsties-Duo-Wrap-Diaper-Cover_p_3659.html">Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers</a><br />
21 prefolds in a mixture of brands, all about the size of <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Bummis-Organic-Cotton-Unbleached-Pre-fold-Diapers-6-pack_p_3563.html">preemie Bummis prefolds</a><br />
17 prefolds which are about the size of <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/GroVia-Bamboo-Prefolds_p_4766.html">Grovia bamboo prefolds size 2</a> or <a href="https://www.kellyscloset.com/OsoCozy-Packaged-Indian-Prefolds-Unbleached-6-pack_p_3883.html">Osocozy prefolds, size 1.</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kellyscloset.com/-Wet-Bags-Pail-Liners_c_589.html">2 large wet bags and 2 smaller, diaper bag sized wetbags for on the go.</a><br />
2 <a href="https://www.kellyscloset.com/Best-Bottom-One-Size-Diapers-Cover-Only_p_4145.html">Best Bottom covers</a><br />
1 <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Thirsties-Duo-Diaper_p_3786.html">Thirsties Duo Diaper</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Thirsties-Hemp-Inserts-2-pack_p_3452.html">A 2 pack of thirsties hemp inserts</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kellyscloset.com/Best-Bottom-Inserts_p_4197.html">6 best bottom stay dry inserts, 3 overnight inserts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Rumparooz-LilJoeys-Newborn-Diapers-2pk_p_3978.html">2 Lil Joeys</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kellyscloset.com/Thirsties-Duo-Fab-Fitted-Cloth-Diaper_p_4209.html">2 Thirsties Fitted diapers</a><br />
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Many of these diapers fit babies for a large majority of time (some are 8-35 pounds!) The prefolds can even be used as inserts once the baby is too large to have them folded around him. I will probably do many more blog posts about cloth diapers. I am obsessed with them (they are an easy addiction to fall into) and I love talking about them. I made the majority of my stash prefolds and covers because they can be washed by hand. Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-75524762726026371492013-08-25T02:01:00.001-07:002013-08-25T02:01:29.451-07:00Growing Joel, Part 2The last time I posted about <a href="http://rheabecomingmommy.blogspot.com/2013/06/growing-joel.html">growing Joel</a>, I was about 17 weeks along. And boy was I excited about the "HUGE baby bump" I thought I had. Since then 12 weeks have passed and I can now look back at everything before 23 weeks and smile at that tiny stomach I proudly thought was so big back then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad22/joelsmarmee/Facebook/Growing%20Joel/1025892_3216662672817_782606931_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad22/joelsmarmee/Facebook/Growing%20Joel/1025892_3216662672817_782606931_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 weeks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 Weeks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We are already one happy little family. At least, I like to think that Joel is happy in there.<br />
It's hard to me to believe there are only 8-11 of my weekly pictures left before he makes his entrance. I just can't wait to greet my little man in person. <br />
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<br />Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-23344488555196067522013-08-15T15:00:00.000-07:002013-08-15T15:02:56.899-07:00Preparing for the babyI recently found myself 7 months pregnant.<br />
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I'd like to know how the heck this happened? Where was my warning!? I am 28 weeks along, expecting a baby anywhere from 9-12 weeks.<br />
In my apartment.<br />
Depending on me.<br />
Expecting me to know what I'm doing.<br />
And all my years of babysitting and nannying have NOT prepared me for a 24/7 gig.<br />
When do I pack the hospital bag? The diaper bag? Why isn't this common knowledge?!<br />
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I thought I was preparing pretty well for the little man. But now I wonder... is it really so important to have his name up? Will he be able to read it?<br />
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Will he appreciate the room buddies I put up around his crib and changing table? I imagine he'll be more at ease with two big octopi watching over him all the time.<br />
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Will he understand the HOURS that went into picking out just the right cloth diapers to go on his cute little tush? (You can't just slap ANY diaper on a tushy as cute as Joel's. He needs the CUTEST ones! More on the choice to cloth diaper later on.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the smiling dog and mess on the floor. Men and their shoes... Sigh.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I know he'll one day be able to appreciate the second 3d ultrasound we had.<br />
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In his room I have his closet organizer with his clothes hanging in order of size. I have his coming home outfit from Grammy (my mom), his toasting outfit that Aaron bought him, his first night home's pjs from his Grandma (Aaron's mom), and his first "out on the town" outfit from me.<br />
We have some onsies with short and long sleeves and random outfits and pjs. But the problem lies in me.<br />
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I'm a LIST person. I need a list! Do I have enough footy pjs? How would i know this without marking them off a LIST?!<br />
Do we have enough hooded baby towels? How would I know!? I DON'T HAVE A LIST!<br />
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Did I get enough crib sheets for his toxin-free, organically grown and made crib and mattress? </div>
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I DON'T KNOW!! I HAVE NO LIST!</div>
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HOW WILL JOEL SURVIVE WITHOUT ENOUGH CRIB SHEETS?!</div>
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Being set with my cloth diapers was easy. There are lists all over the internet and many support groups (Yes, Cloth diaper support groups) online to run what I have by, and be told what I need. </div>
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I wrote down my list and have had a wonderful guideline to stock up on my cloth diaper stash for the first few months of Joel's life. My baby's butt will be fine. </div>
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But how on earth will I survive as a mom if I don't have enough soft fuzzy blankets for him? </div>
Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534194174475480674.post-31383597632620692292013-07-15T17:14:00.000-07:002013-07-15T17:14:07.140-07:00Flying While Pregnant This mini-vaca I have felt pretty blessed to have an "easy" pregnancy. By that I mean, I got all my throwing up out of the way in the first few weeks (though in those few weeks I think I barfed enough for the entire 40 weeks. On another note- I HATE the word barf. But there is no GOOD phrase for it, is there?) My back hurts and my feet hurt, but they aren't swelling like I've seen in some of my friends, and Joel has been taking it easy with the bladder punches so my runs to the bathroom, frequent as they are, haven't been enough to really annoy the people sitting near me.<br />
<br /> But before I flew, I was scared! I read and looked for other's experiences, and I thought I'd share some of my own tips and thoughts about my own experience flying or traveling in general while pregnant.<br />
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First, especially if you're flying, get a doctors note. I cleared it with my doctor (who clears flying up to 28 weeks along, but many doctors have different policies) and got a note just in case. Some airlines want to see a note past a certain point in your pregnancy, and even if you haven't reached that point yet it could cause a hassle if they decide they want to see one for you. It's just as important though just so your doctor is aware you are planning to travel, whether by plane or car, in case they want to do an extra check for any possible problems<br />
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Don't skimp on the water. I know it's a hassle already to have a million bathroom runs a day, and generally they are only more annoying during a trip. But water is important and the bathroom breaks aren't as daunting as they seem after you've reached your destination. The last thing you want is to skimp on the water for convenience, and end up dehydrated on vacation. (That can lead to many issues, including a trip to the er, contractions, and general uncomfy-grumpiness. Not really that convenient at all.)<br />
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If you're flying, try to get an aisle seat. This will help you feel more comfortable with the pee-breaks you'll need to take, but also encourage you to stretch your legs. One of the bigger issues (my doctor said) with traveling is sitting for so long. That's a lot of pressure for quite some time, and let's face it, airplane seats aren't really built for longtime comfort. Taking a walk up and down the aisle occasionally or just stretching your legs out in the aisle (rotate your ankle and flex your toes, point them up and stretch your legs) and shifting your position will help with leg and back cramps. And in my case, due to a low lying placenta, sitting for too long can cause bleeding, which would mean an instant trip to the emergency room upon landing.<br />
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Bring some snacks. Most people do this already. But airport food is EXPENSIVE ($4 brownie anyone?) and many airlines don't even offer peanuts anymore without charging you. A purse filled with granola bars, trail mix, any type of snack is a good idea. Plan for delays or any type of event that may keep you from being able to purchase snacks at any point. A fed mommy-to-be is a happy mommy to be.<br />
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And last, don't forget to plan for an emergency. Bring along your doctors information, your id (of course) and any insurance cards you might have. Look ahead of time for hospitals located near you, and if possible find some that take your insurance.<br />
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Most of all, have a good time and stay safe! Kick up your feet when you get to your destination and relax. Rheannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967369409860806158noreply@blogger.com0