On Sunday we had Gracie Dedicated at our Church. It was a beautiful presentation before the Lord. I Thank God for her and realize what a miracle she truly is. She wore an adorable pink and chocolate brown dress from her " Auntie Desiree" and she had on fancy socks and shoes and a hair band that her Nana in Georgia got for her. It was so wonderful having my parents out for a special day. They were not able to be around for the other children's dedications and adoptions so it was nice to have them there on that day.
Life is crazy busy right now. I have my parents in town for a visit over a long weekend. We are having a blast and I am taking a ton of pictures so get ready to have a lot to look at after I get them all uploaded to my computer in a couple of days. You are all gonna beg me to stop with the pictures.
Today we went out for an awesome breakfast. It was one of those stick to the ribs kind of breakfast where you could go the rest of the day without eating. Even the boys ate a lot. Dominic enjoyed Peanut butter and chocolate pancakes. Reynaldo had his usual French toast. I had an awesome California Omelet with avocado in it and I had grits. Jim had waffles and my parents had an egg and meat meal. Miss Kiarrah had FRENCH FRIES. She has gotten to be a pretty picky eater lately.
Later we headed over to Liberty State Park and took the ferry to Ellis Island and to the Statue of Liberty. It was a gorgeous day.
I will try to post again soon
Greetings from Sunny Jersey. I write to you through bleary eyes caused by lack of sleep but with joy bubbling over in my heart. I love being a mom. All of my kiddos are doing great. The butterfly is flourishing at her little preschool and coming home with songs and stories of her classmates. She loves the program and it is the best thing we could have done for her. I have decided to keep her there for the Fall instead of putting her in the public school system.
Rey is loving having all of the kids in the neighborhood to practice all his sports skills with. He is quite the athlete and especially loves to play football. There are a few little boys in the neighborhood that you will find in our yard on a regular basis. I am so happy we moved here and that the kids are so adjusted to it. This is the kind of neighborhood that I wanted them to grow up in. It is all about families and playing outside and just being kids. Not an overbooked social calendar filled with classes to the max. Kids are only kids once.
Dominic loves the outdoors too but also likes his quiet time in his room. He has developed a major love of reading!!! That brings a major smile to my face because I share this hobby with him. You will find me with my nose buried in a book quite often. Dominic has also been enjoying corresponding through snail mail with his cousin Sean who lives in Indiana. He misses him so much.
Miss Gracie is doing wonderful. She loves to sleep!!!! DURING THE DAY!! Lol but not at night. She is a total cuddle bug and loves her siblings. They enjoy feeding her and holding her. She has changed our whole family in so many ways. Ki loves to sing to her. Especially, You are my sunshine. We took Gracie to the Dr. and she needs to eat a little more. She is still not at her birth weight. She only weighs 7lb 14 oz. I have tried many times to breast feed but she just will not latch on. I am currently pumping and then supplementing with 2 bottles of formula. Would love any advice on how to increase my milk supply. I had a breast surgery 7 years ago and I think it affected a few of my milk ducts so I am not able to produce enough for her. I am giving her what I can because it is better than nothing at all.
I will post pictures later after I upload them.
Mommy and baby are doing quite well. I am quite sore after the C section and lacking in major sleep but so happy. Gracie is such an awesome baby and quite the little sleeper. I hope she stays that way. I look forward to many naps with her. The kids are very anxious for us to come home tomorrow. Reynaldo still doesn't realize that we get to "keep" her. Thought you might enjoy a few more pictures. We have had many vistors and can't wait to recover and then get back in the world with all of our friends and loved ones.
The kids were so excited to meet their sister. Especially Dominic. Reynaldo's first question was asking me why her skin wasn't brown like his. That took some explaining. We are all doing wonderful and recovering nicely.
I bet this is the message that you all have been waiting for. Gracie is finally here. After a long night of no sleep and the little one moving up a storm inside my womb, I woke up tired and cranky and ready for my little sweet potato to make her appearance. I was scheduled to have an ultrasound this morning to check her fluid level and if it was low they were planning to do a C section tomorrow am. Well, They placed me on the fetal moniter after breakfast and for some reason her heart rate was sky high and tacky. Next thing I know I was being rushed to the OR for surgery right away. Jim had left 1/2 hour before that to go home and I had to call him to come back. Long story short, her umbillical cord had two knots in it and she was not getting oxygen or anything. They did the surgery right then and there and couldn't even wait for daddy. Was was born at 11:06 am and weighs 8 pounds 2.9 ounces and was 20 inches long. She is extremely healthy with no sugar issues and her lungs were developed. I praise God for a beautiful healthy baby girl.
Quick update. Well it has been a week and I am still in the hospital. Had an amnio yesterday to see if Gracies lungs were developed and they poked me three times ( ouch) and were not able to find a pocket of fluid large enough to take fluid out without risk to hitting Gracie with the needle. She is 8 pounds already so there is no way they are gonna let me wait until the 10th for the C section. I am VERY uncomfortable and having problems with my blood sugar crashing due to vomiting. UGH. SIck of needles for insulin, for bllod checks for amnios, and for IVS!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday I had myself a good cry fest because I miss my kids so much. Hopefully today we will have some answers and know what is going on. Meanwhile. Gracie is doing wonderful and extremely active. She just likes to kick and put pressure on my siatica and it makes my legs numb out on me. Sleeping is next to impossible. Hopefully the next time I write it will be about Gracie's arrival. Thank you so much for your prayers. It means the word to me.
Thought I would give you all another quick update. I am in the hospital due to some cramping and contractions. Came in last night and they have had me on fluids and have been monitering Gracie. All is well. The contractions are too sporatic and far apart for now so they might send me home tomorrow. I am just ready for baby girl to be born. My hubby was nice and brought his laptop in for me to use tonight. I am so lost without my internet.
I have been amazed with how many people have stepped forward to help with the kiddos. I go to such an awesome and amazing church. We have not had to worry about the kiddos at all.
Well, Hope everyone is doing great.
Just a quick little note. I am without internet service for a while so have not been able to post. Please don't give up on me. I will be back soon. I am scheduled for my C Section on August 10th if I don't go sooner. Hope everyone is doing well.
We had a pretty low key weekend. Saturday we took the kiddos to see Transformers. Awesome movie btw. They just could have done without the sexual content, especially knowing the younger kids would want to see the movie too. The graphics were awesome. The boys were on the edge of their seats the whole time. Ki was good until about the end then she had enough.
We ran errands and then sat outside. I was pretty uncomfortable all weekend so I did a lot of laying around and sleeping. I just have so much pressure when I walk.
I am seriously thinking of taking my blog private. Would love to hear some opinions on that. I really don't want to lose my readers but would feel more comfortable knowing who my actually readers are. Especially when I post pictures. Would you keep reading my blog if I made it private?
I had such a mopey down day today. I think this whole C Section thing has me scared. Just the thought of the epidural has me freaked. I am not one that tolerates pain well. Plus I am feeling down because I just don't have any of my family around. I am having one of those " I want my mommy" kind of days. I have my friends but some days you just need your mommy. It upsets me that they are not hear to share in this whole experience with me. The family I do have here just are not really active in the whole thing.
Sorry for such a negative tone. I literally burst into tears today. My husband didn't know whether to cry with me or laugh. I wanted to smack him.
Feeling lots of pressure today. It is getting painful. I wish I wasn't overweight to begin with because I am sure that isn't helping things. We are headed into a huge heatwave and UGH! I am just not ready for that.
The boys had a busy day. They worked on workbooks, wrote letters, wrote in their journals, and read. They also watched movies and played PlayStation. It was actually a pretty decent day. I just wish I could get them outside more often. I just can't stand the heat and we don't have any shade.
Kiarrah had an awesome day and came home with a hundred kisses for me. She has been very loving lately. She is very chatty and turns everything she says into a song.
Well, off to bed here. Hopefully I can get some sleep.
Sorry I haven't been on in forever. Been having computer problems and also just getting very uncomfortable and tired. I only have a few more weeks to go. Yesterday we had a really nice time at a BBQ at our Pastors' house. It is so nice because they live on our block so we didnt have far to go and the kids were so well behaved. We have been invited to a few cookouts in the last few weeks but we just haven't been able to go because of how I have been feeling. I hate missing out on stuff like that.
Went to the Dr. on Monday. Gracie is doing well. The boys got to see their first ultrasound and are so excited. Everyday they ask me if she is coming out yet. They sent me over to L & D because we weren't sure if I was having real contractions. Come to find out I was dehydrated and need two bags of fluids and I was having Braxton Hicks and all the pain has been round ligament stretching. Geez it hurts. I am such a baby with pain.
Kiarrah is loving school and thriving there. It was just what she needed. She comes home happy and tired and is a major pleasure to be around. She has gotten in a little trouble but that is to be expected.
The boys have been kept busy with the summer library reading program and writing in their journals and playing outside. I try to get them out for a few hours a day. Thank goodness it has been a little cooler out.
Jims wounds are healing. He has gotten so much grief about his "booboos" GOOD!
I have my baby showers coming up and I am getting so excited. We went out the other day and bought my travel system. We figured we better get the carseat now after the scare on monday. My grandparents helped me get it with baby money. I can't beleive how expenesive those things are. My parents are bring out the crib in Sept. I just need to get a mattress now.
Well, I best get in the shower. We have a few little errands to do today.
Boy am I sleepy today. It is definitely going to be a nap day!! Ah!. Just the sound of it is making me yawn. The kids had one more half day but I let them skip it. Ain't I a cool mom?? LOL. It is just so hot out there and I was dreading the walk there and back.
Dominic was pleased because he has been punished from his PlayStation and got it back today. You can guess what he will be doing today.
Reynaldo is just happy to be home with "Momma". He misses me when he is at school. That makes me teary eyed. Today we are going to sign up for the summer reading program at our library. Later today today the boys have check up appointments with the Dr.
Ki had an awesome first day at preschool and get this... Actually took a nap for them. That girl never naps. I hope it isn't something that is gonna wear off. She really enjoyed herself and was kept busy.
I had my Dr. appointment and this was my first appointment without taking Kiarrah and my blood pressure was better than it has ever been. He said was doing really good and to just take it easy. We also talked a lot about post partum depression and they gave me some helps and resources to help me out. I am not as worried about it as I was.
My great friend Sarah watched the boys after school for me while I was at my appointment. She is like Mary Poppins with her bag of goodies. I was so impressed with what she did with the kids. She took them on an imaginary trip to Hawaii. She brought a map and showed them where they were going exactly. They did coloring sheets of airplanes, made glittery fish and tissue paper fish, did something with coffee filters and made lei's. She also made this octopus matching game. They had a blast. I am so blessed with awesome friends that take the time to understand my kids and know how to love on them and give them what they need and that is acceptance. They have had so many people walk in and out of their lives and I think they have learned who is gonna be there for them. Those are the people they cling too.
Last night Jim and I went to a Sectional Pastor meeting. What an awesome word from God. Our worship team ministered and they did a great job. It felt weird not really seeing the kids for most of the day but they had a good day, I got a break and we all missed each other. Sometimes a break is just what you need.
Well, off to boil some hard boiled eggs for the worlds famous soccer player.
The "butterfly" started preschool this morning. She woke up so excited and just ready to start her day. She claims that she hopes that she gets homework.
The boys went to one of their last two half days of school. These half days are such a waste. Dominic seems sad that school is ending but is looking forward to fun times in the back yard swimming and playing football. Reynaldo feels the same.
I have a 32 week appointment with my Dr. Hopefully things are progressing well. Let the countdown begin. I noticed this morning that i have a major waddle going on. I am gonna try to get more things ready for the baby this week. I am having a shower in a few weeks that I am really excited about.
Not much else going on. I am going with my husband and Worship Team and Pastors to a Sectional meeting tonight. We got a sitter for the night so it will be a nice break. The Worship team will be ministering.
Now to get a little bit of stuff around here done.
Yesterday we had a very nice day. I have the sunburn to prove it. We decided to take a trip down to the shore so we could at least go once this summer. We headed down to Island Beach State Park which is our favorite. Nice clean sandy beaches, clean bathrooms and nice and quiet without the glamour of the boardwalk. The kids loved the water although it was only 64 degrees. Dominic lived in the water most of the time and then enjoyed tossing a football around with dear old dad. Reynaldo and Kiarrah enjoyed playing in the sand and simply filling a bucket with water and dumping it. It was only about 80 degrees so it made for a pleasant day.
Reynaldo and his buddy Jasaiah. 
Dominic played a raccoon during our Creation Production End of the Year Show. He did an awesome job creeping across the stage. We are also so proud of the art work he had on Display at the Art Exhibit. He is very talented and loves Art Class. I will have to make sure that I take some pictures of some of his Art Work. He will continue classes in the Fall when the Art Academy starts up again.
Here is a picture of Kiarrah in her ballet outfit. She danced with her Arts Academy Class during the Creation production that was last Saturday. She has a great love for movement and surprised us with how well she followed directions and loved being on stage. This is not something we will be giving up on.I hate even posting this because I don't want to be so down and negative. This is so not me and I think that is what is making it so much harder for me right now. I am really going through some ugly depression. In fact yesterday it was so horrible that my hubby came right home. I was a wreck and couldn't stop crying.
Kiarrah has been out of control and the boys have been EXTREMELY fresh and defiant. I don't know if it is because the baby is coming or what. They are out of school as of next Tuesday. Yesterday I was trying to get some things done around the house because I want to be alittle more organized for when Gracie comes. Also I have a lifegroup coming to help clean my house and I just need to get some stuff put away so it will be easier for them. Anyway my doorbell rings and it is some lady telling me that my daughter has been hanging out the window for the past 5 minutes. She opened the window which was locked mind you and then proceeded to open the screen. I was in shock and so embarrassed. The lady proceeds to speak to me like I am a horrible parent. I didn't know how to respond. I was in shock. I came back in the house and proceeded to breakdown. I called my husband and just sobbed. I started having horrible contractions and knew I needed to calm down and get a grip. He called me back and said he was on his way home. I felt horrible. I didnt want him to have to leave work but I was scared and out of it. I can't handle her right now. I am so unstructured and tired and have some stuff that needs to be done. I can't just sit there and stare at her all day and watch every move she makes. I feel like the worlds worst parent. I have a child that hangs out windows, runs in the street and runs out of the house. She has no concept of fear and no impulse control. The drugs really screwed her up that way. After a call to our church we have decided to enroll her in the Preschool. It is way more than we can afford but if we don't do something I am gonna end up in the hospital on bedrest or in preterm labor and it is still too early. I can handle the boys alone and they will allow me to rest when I need to. They like their down time. yes we have issues but nothing like it is with Kiarrah. I don't know how we are gonna do this but I am totally trusting God on it. We are applying for Urban league but that will take a month or two to go through approval so we will need to pay for it until then.They are working with us on it and that is a huge blessing. Can you please just agree with us in prayer that God will provide? It would cost me more to have someone come to the house to help out and it would be more stressful with another person here. Everyone has plans for the summer or jobs or their own responsibilities so it is crazy. Also could you pray that I can get through this dark period. I am very scared of dealing with post partum because of having a strong history of depression already. I went off meds when I got pregnant for fear it could hurt the baby. There is not enough research out there to show it won't.
I feel very vulnerable sharing all this but I need help and prayer. Thanks for listening. If I am quiet this is why.
What do you do for a child who just has no fear and doesn't even have a clue that there is danger out there and that some actions can cause her to get hurt? I have a child who has no impulse control and thinks nothing of running in the street or going outside by herself or thinks nothing of hanging out a window. Is the wiring that screwed up in her brain? Can you teach a child to fear? Can you teach them to have impulse control? I am just so baffled at how a child can be like that.
My husband took Kiarrah on Friday to his company picnic which is held up at camp. It was a nice relaxing day for me. I basically didn't do a thing but I will chalk that up as following Dr.'s orders. Well, while at camp I find out that Jim decided to forget that he is 38 years old and not as sturdy as he used to be. He decides to ride a slide board scooter down a hill really fast!! What he forgot to notice is that there was a bump in the road up ahead and he hit it head on and went flying in the air with not the greatest of ease and hit the ground and slide for quite awhile. Meanwhile removing several layers of skin in the process on his whole leg and hand.
They cleaned him as best they could and he headed home to share his great excitement with me. The dummy wanted to do it again until he saw the blood. My past few days have been spent bandaging and unbandaging him and cleaning his wounds. Thank God it doesn't gross me out and I still want to be a nurse. He is trying to seek a lot of pity from me but he ain't getting it. Stupidity doesn't deserve it. Big Mr. Macho Jim can barely walk and whimpers when he gets bandages changed. Toughen up big guy.
This morning Kiarrah tells me that she knows what she wants to be when she grows up. A teacher, a fighter fighter ( firefighter) and a mother. This all being said with her little New Jersey Accent. She then proceeds to tell me that she has to get married too because Reynaldo told her that if she wants to be a mother that has to be done first. She then says "He's a smart boy". This just made Rey glow. Right you are baby boy and baby girl.
I have a new obsession!! FLAN. OMG! It is to die for. Our friend 's mom made a coconut Flan and my mouth is starting to water just thinking about it.
Today has been a nice quiet day. I started my day with this returning morning sickness but it has subsided. I am actually child free until about 3:00. Daddy took "the butterfly " to his work company picnic. Hopefully she is having a blast and will come home tired but not too tired. She has dress rehearsal for the show tomorrow night. She is so excited.
I spent the morning reading, shopping on eBay for nursing Jammie's and comparing baby carriers LOL. Found one I want but it is just too much money. Hoping to find one on EBay cheaper.
I also worked on my baby registry and I had to come up with a list of names for invites for one of my baby showers. After that my morning was shot. My husband told me I was not allowed to do any cleaning. What a Guy. Think I will keep him Forever and Ever. Did I mention how wonderful he has been to me lately?
I am kind of in a funk today. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed. My hormones must be out of whack or something. I need a nap. I am going to spend the morning going through 2 boxes of baby stuff that my friend Crystal in TX sent me. What a blessing. I actually cried when I opened the boxes. For some reason it hit me, I AM HAVING A BABY. I mean I have know it all along but it just seems so much more real because the time is getting closer. I still have so much to do to prepare but yet need to take it easy and then on other days I have no energy.
We have a huge production at church on Saturday. Kiarrah will be dancing with her Creative Movements Class. They are dancing to Zipadee Doo Da and she will be a sunflower. The boys will be animals. Also some of Dominic's art work will be on display. He is extremely creative and already has his own palette as his instructor says. We are so blessed to have an Art's Academy through our church. Reynaldo's drum class will not be doing anything in the show this year. Maybe next year. He is gonna make a cute little mouse though.
I will be sure to take pictures.
I had an appointment with the Dr. Monday. Everything looks good except the fact that my BP is up a little and I am not getting any rest and I am overdoing it. ( Ya Think? I have three kids and a house to take care of?) Anyway We are looking at August 10th as C section Day. I was given the major scare tactic of taking it easy until week 34. He said there was a whole floor at the hospital dedicated and full of women like me who are stubborn and don't take it easy. If I am in the same position when I go back on the 25th I am being admitted. I think it worked. I am scared and trying to obey. Gracie Girl is head down. My fluid is ok, cervix length is good but placenta is still very low. She is still beating me up big time. She loves to move around. I am having a lot of pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks. Just pray that I can get through the next few weeks. The kids are out of school on the 26th so then life gets crazy.
I am not sure who wrote this but this is awesome advice.
CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14 K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34 Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
It was such a busy weekend. It is finally getting to the point where I am forced to slow down. My energy level comes and goes and I am getting so worn out so easy. I guess I will need to now with no choice in the matter.
Friday I went to Walmart and bought the kids a small pool to play in. They were thrilled with it and used it that day. It was in the 90's outside so it felt awesome. We had a bunch of friends over later that evening for pizza and just plain fellowship.
Saturday Jim went to sing in a concert in Conneticut with our Worship Team. I was orginally going to go with him but it was so hot and the concert was outside. I knew I would be trying to chase the kids everywhere. Not something I am up to at almost 8 months pregnant. Instead I met with my friend Dawn and her daughter and we went to visit them and then we went to Chuckie Cheese and then to see the movie Surfs Up. We had a blast although I am so not a fan of Chuckie Cheese. It is crazy there. Jim actually beat us home.
Yesterday was an awesome uplifting sermon that really spoke to my heart. I spent a lot of time at the altar just talking to God. I know he has some big things planned for my life and I want to be in His Will. I don't want to be scared anymore of those things. He is bringing us to a whole new level in ministry and I want to be focused on him. I thank God for the friends around me that have a desire for the same things. It amazes me at how much God already uses me to minister to those around me. I want Him to use me.
Later that afternoon we spent time with more friends as different people stopped by. I love living where I live. We are surrounded by people we know.
Today I have a Dr.'s appointment to check on baby Gracie. Next week is another Ultrasound. I am more excited about that one. I do need to talk to the Dr though about all of this pressure I am feeling. It gets worst when I walk around. Baby girl needs to stay in there and bake alittle longer.
Friday I was holding a newborn on my lap with his little rear seated on my belly and Gracie was kicking away. I was teasing Elijah's mommy saying that Gracie is already kicking his butt :)
The boys are so ready for school to be over. Reynaldo is finally doing so much better in school. He is actually liking writing sentences. I really need to work with him over the summer. I think we are going to do some journalling and letter writing to family and also we will work through some workbooks. We will do school stuff for 1-2 hours a day. That will also include reading in that time. I want to work with Kiarrah. My only concern though it that she is so bright now I don't want to get too far ahead or she is going to deal with major boredom in school when it starts. She is already doing Kindergarten work and will only be starting preschool.
I will work with her a little though. She wants so bad to spell stuff and read. Maybe we will start with a few basic sight words. I also need to get some more craft supplies. She loves doing crafts. Dominic does also.
Well, I best hit the shower. Kiarrah is sitting her telling me she wants to get all pretty. LOL
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