A baby A baby

With all these new babies coming it's got me thinking about my own story about my two little bundles.  I can't believe how much I've already forgotten!  This entry is about JJ.  I don't intend to be graphic, but it is a birthing story so I will put up a sensor warning. 

JJ was born on her actual due date, but labour started two days before.  She was my marathon baby.  Two sleepless nights and 2 hours of intense pushing.  I have no idea how I did it since I now get grumpy when I miss an hour of sleep.  We were fortunate to have the same midwife for both our girls.   For our first baby we also wanted someone else there ... glad we did because it was a long few days.  

My friend Sarah and Matthew were an awesome team.  I went into labour at Swiss Chalet on Friday evening and she came Sunday morning at 8:30.  I remember the labour being somewhat okay ... it was the pushing that killed me.  I had an epidural late Saturday night hoping I could get a couple hours sleep before pushing, but how could I sleep knowing a baby was going to shoot out of me as soon as I reached that dreaded number 10.  I had no idea they would keep the epidural on while I pushed ... wish I had known that.


Anyways, at 6:30 am they told me I could push.  I have never been so exhausted ... she was big.  With some help and intervention with the Dr she finally came out.  I remember my midwife saying ... "this baby is older than 40 weeks" ... pretty sure I pushed out a 44 week baby.  Probably not, but sometimes I wonder.


There you have it ... from then on she has been ours.   All 8lbs 9 oz of her

Tee's story to follow ...

... AND THE WINNER IS ....

And the winner for the winter blues giveaway is ....

Mobachs

You will be receiving a handmade bracelet like this in the mail ...

   Thanks for everyone's suggestions for beating the winter blues.  You will have another chance to win something in February so stay tuned!

WINTER BLUES GIVEAWAY

I didn't understand this whole "winter blues" thing until recently.  You just do your thing and eventually winter falls into spring.  Now that I'm home with my kids and becoming increasingly afraid of the snow I understand the winter blues.  I went to Julia's Christmas play and wiped out in the parking lot.  If that wasn't bad enough I couldn't get up!  Fortunately a friend pulled a car up so I could pull myself in.  I NOW HAVE THE WINTER BLUES.

I decided that winter is definately harder than summer for someone with young kids and someone with a disability.   I also decided that I wasn't giving into it.  I started making conscious decisions to make winter as good as it can be.  I still can't wait for spring and walk gingerly with my cane, but I've come up with a few ideas to lift my spirits during these "house ridden" days.  

1) Take vitamin D suppliments
2) Try a new recipe for a really healthy supper.  Shakes things up a little and adds some extra nutrients to your body
3) Try a new recipe for a really unhealthy dessert.  
4) Start a new project that gets you really excited.
5) Get outside for even a little bit each day.  I'm taking Julia's bus pick up and drop off as an excuse for me (and Tee if she's awake) to get some fresh air and just clear my mind.
6) Work out.  I'm doing a new video right now that's really hard, but I just remind myself that the longer I do it inside when it's freezing the more the results by the time spring comes and I can start walking around.
7) Family indoor picnic.  Make something fun that the kids will like and eat it on the floor with a fun movie.


These are a few ideas.  Now I want to hear from you!  What are some of your ideas to beat these winter blues?  Get creative!  I'm going to be giving away a prize.  I haven't decided what it will be because it will depend on who wins. It will be a personalized prize!  It might be one of my nameplates for your child, or some new jewlery I've been making or maybe a monogrammed pillowcase for your little one. 

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment on my page with a suggestion for beating the winter blues. 

2. For an additional entry, post this giveaway on your facebook, then leave another comment on my blog letting me know you did that.

3. For another entry, subscribe to my blog, then leave another comment on my page letting me know you did.

I will announce the winner next Monday!

In the words of Val ... Isn't it an amazing day!?

It's a great day to start a new blog.  JJ is at school.  Tee is actually sleeping.  Soup is on the stove and my housework is done.  Not to mention it's freezing outside and being curled up with my laptop when I see how cold it looks out my window gives me a warm feeling.

One thing you will learn about me is that I love any excuse to celebrate anything.  What's next? ... Valentines Day.  JJ has already started her Valentines for school.  I know it's really early, but making something for 28 kids takes a long time!  Here's her surprises for her friends.  I think she's doing a great job ... still a lot to go.

Now the question is ... What do I do for M?  I am looking for suggestions.  Please sensor your ideas and message me any ideas you wouldn't want your children to read ;)  We won't be going out this year so it has to be something we can do here ... hoping for something creative.  I still have a bit of time so give me your suggestions!


I hope you are all enjoying this very very cold day.  My next blog will include a giveaway.  Stay tuned to see if you could be a winner ;)

Let's try this again

I Had a blog a long time ago.  I came across it awhile ago and the last post was a picture of a little blonde one year old ... ya, it was a long time ago.  I guess things changed a little when I got pregnant with #2.  You can look it up hopeful-journey@blogspot.com.  I'm going to give it another go.  I hope you'll join us on our journey.  This blog will be filled with entries of a little family of 4.  A mommy, a daddy, a 4 year old and a 2 year old.  I hope you will share with me as I share with you what it's like to be a stay at home mom with a physical disability and two little monkeys full of adventure.