Enter Carmella

Saturday night at 9:56pm Carmella Mae entered our world in the usual way, but lets face it, the usual way is always exciting and wonderful.

It began at about 4:00 in the morning. Contractions, nothing major or insistent, but not leaving either. The day progressed. At around 8:30 I thought my water was leaking. Off to the Midwives we go to get that checked. Baby is fine, maybe just a small or high leak. Watch it as the day goes on, but we think you are in labor for sure this time.

I spent the day watching Jason make a small patio in the front of my house. Forgot the sun was strong, that explains the farmers tan. About 5:30 call a friend to help give me a blessing. Is this baby ever going to come! 6:00 lets go get pedicures. Off I go with Julie Ann, and Valerie. Cute toes, now I'm hungry where should we eat? On second thought take me home, this is starting to hurt.

Jason, I think we need to go to the birth center now. Get Rachael to babysit, drive to Cleburne with Julie Ann, and Valerie in tow. Arrive about 8:20. Man this is really hurting!

dilated to a 4. What! it feels like more than that!

Contractions come faster, and harder. Oh Mama! That HURTS!

7 cm. Lift the belly, get in the tub, Oh that feels better, for about a second.

9:54pm, My water just broke! PAIN!!!!!!

Her heads out!

One more push, She's here, she's perfect! 9:56 pm.

Thank you Jason, Midwives, Julie Ann, and Valerie. I couldn't have done it without you.

The End is Near

I was just looking at our family picture at the top of the page, and thinking about how small my belly looked then. It is amazing what just a few months can do to change a person. Back when we took the picture I was still a little apprehensive about having another baby. She was rather unexpected, and it took me a while to wrap my head around the idea of another baby. Even a few weeks ago it seemed unreal to me, even with all the heart burn, sleepless nights, and swollen feet. But this last week has changed everything. We set up her dresser and crib. I washed and folded all the tiny baby clothes. I put up the bassinet in our room, and stocked it with diapers and wipes. Being surrounded with all things baby has really gotten me excited. I am so looking forward to meeting this new little girl who would not be stopped from being apart of our crazy family.

I have this image in my mind of what she looks likes. Since we are naming her after the Italian side of the family I picture her looking Italian, with dark skin, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. Nothing like the other girls, a look all her own. I'm most likely wrong, but its fun to imagine.

I think I am finally ready to have a baby. Now its just a matter days, and a few sleepless nights.

Confessions of a Wall Scribbler

This morning at breakfast Addie had a confession for me. It went something like this...

"Mama, last night I colored on the wall."

"You did? Where?"

"No, don't see it!"

"Why not?"

"Cause you be mad at me."

"Oh, was that a bad choice?"

"Yes, I sorry."

"Are you going to do that again?"

"No, never ever."

"Okay then, I love you."

"Thanks mama."


I love that the guilt was too much for her. She is so sweet, and tries so hard to be good, but those 3 year old impulses just take over sometimes. Now I just have to hunt down where the scribbles are, since she still won't tell me!

My Sweethearts

I used to dislike Valentine's Day. In fact Jason and I never celebrated it because our anniversary is only 2 weeks before. But for the last couple of years I have really been enjoying celebrating it with the kids.

Last year I made a Love Note box, and starting one month prior to the big day, we start writing each other love notes. I provide pretty little papers and markers, and when we get the whim we start writing. We even did it a couple times as part of our family home evening lesson.

Then for FHE the week before we decorated Valentine Boxes and set them out for decorations.

On the Actual day, which this year just happened to be Monday, I filled the girls boxes with treats and new stuffed animals. Then for FHE we opened our boxes and passed out the Love Notes. We had so many notes this time! Some were sweet and some were funny, and Ivy gave several to herself. Addie's were cute little scribble pictures. We had a great time reading our notes out loud and telling everyone how much we love them.

For dessert (as if all the candy wasn't enough!) I made Valentine sugar cookies. We had such a great night, and Jason keeps telling me it was the best Valentine's Day he's ever had.

I just love the love!!