tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46325563999041939272024-03-14T05:22:01.610-07:00whathappened?Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-46374219648312531042015-05-29T06:05:00.001-07:002015-06-29T10:03:02.991-07:00One month, 20 months, and 52 months May 24, 2015 <div>Those are the ages of my sweet babies. <div>Nainoa I thriving. He is filling out some of his clothes. Wearing size one diapers and eating like hungry happy puppies. And that is what we call him. Puppies. We only call him that because Melia calls him that. And everything else.</div><div>She is starting to say more words now. Grandma and grandpa are here and they read to her all she wants. So the point to things in the books and say then out loud and she sometimes repeats. So she says duck, apple, eat, all the animal sounds and much more. She still loves to eat. Yesterday, we were outside in the front playing basketball with Marcus and Melia was on the tricycle. I needed to go in to check on baby Nai so I told juan, "keep and eye on Tita, I don't want the mosquitos eating her alive." Then she jumped off the tricycle and started following me exclaiming "eat!" She thought I was heading back inside to get more food. Right after dinner! That girl. If someone is in the kitchen, she's in the kitchen. If the fridge or pantry opens she rushes in. </div><div>Back to Nainoa. He has quite a lot of baby acne but I think it is clearing up a little. He is quite a handsome fella. He can now follow a moving object with his eyes and turn his head toward someone. I love it when I'm feeding him and he squirms and grunts until a little fart escapes his little body. After he eats I lay him on my chest and he stretches his little arms and curls his legs up underneath him. His mouth opens wide and he sometimes twitches. Sweet baby sleep. </div><div>Marcus went on his first one-in-one outing with Bumpa! They went to Brazos bend and got to see alligators in the lake. He also got to pet a little baby alligator. He loved going alone with grandpa and the best part was that grandpa bought him some Oreos out of the vending machine. </div><div>I had my first migraine this week and it was the most horrible experience. I couldn't eat or sleep and the pain was excruciating! I tried so many things to alleviate it: diffuse peppermint, ibuprofen, ice packs, hot Epsom salt bath, propped up sleeping, and more pills. Finally I called my midwife Bernadette and the nurse said to come into the clinic. Juan drove me there. I felt like throwing up all day and Juan's driving sent me over the edge. I threw up right outside the door to the birth center. </div><div>They hooked me up to an IV and Bernadette started dumping oils on me. She put frankincense on top of my head and forehead, peppermint on my cheeks and eucalyptus on my chest. It was kind of oil overload but I started feeling tingly in my hands and feet. The toxins were leaving my body. I got cold from the IV fluids so she covered me and put rice bags all over my body. Then she started massaging my head. It felt so wonderful. Like she was extracting all of the pain. I'm so grateful for Bernadette. She is a lifesaver. She talked with us while she was working on me. She said she loved nainoas picture so much that she framed it and put it in one of her birth rooms. That was very flattering. We were happy to leave though.</div></div>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-38219450666626968112015-05-02T06:44:00.001-07:002015-05-29T05:31:04.087-07:00One week oldI am just so crazy in love with this little man. It feels like falling in love irresponsibly. I want to spend every minute with him and kiss him all over his delicious little body. He is so beautiful! Perfect skin and sweet smelling head. His cute little frog legs curl up under him when I hold him to my chest. Last night he slept in his crib and only woke up once. I fed him and he went right back to sleep. According to everyone we are breaking every rule of infant care. He slept with 2 blankets and on his belly. Gasp! Terrible! Well, he's had a healthy birthweight and perfect apgar. He hasn't shown any signs of stress and poops and pees plenty. I guess there is a risk for sids with every baby but I guess we are risk takers when it comes to sleep. <div><br></div><div>Marcus just adores Nainoa. He loves to hold him and looks at him with so much love. I hope they become great friends. </div><div><br></div><div>Melia on the other hand is somewhat disinterested and throws a fit when she wants to take the attention away from him. Natural. She is quite the character lately. She LOVES to eat! She is such a chubby girl. Her grandmas worry about her but I'm not worried at all. She is so healthy! Eats rice and avocado and fruit most of the time. Her vocabulary is expanding rapidly. When she turned 18 months old she started calling nearly everything that moved 'puppies'. Dogs, lizards, bugs, and they don't move but stuffed animals. I have always been mommy or Maymie. Marcus, Martize. Juan, daddy. Other words she says now are shoes, juice, eyes, agua (ga-ga), and up. She understand commands and when asked/prompted will throw something in the garbage, head for the door, head for the stairs, clean up toys, prepare herself for a nap, and nearly everything. She is just going to take off with words soon. Oh, and since the Pitas got her she has learned how to say pita. At first she said 'Pia' but now she says 'pita, pita, pita!' She loves her abuelita Ana Mirian. The others day when was put down for bed by her she called out her name and stated crying. She was calling for her, begging her to come back and get her. Such a darling girl. I love her so much! She is getting into her terrible twos though...here we go. </div><div><br></div><div>I should have wrote more about Marcus. He is a good little boy. He has his moments but for the most part he helps me with the younger birds, plays very imaginatively, and is nice and careful with babies. He still has an obsession with hot wheels and matchbox cars. He could play cars all day long. He loves to be spoiled by his abuelita, Pita. He is speaking more Spanish with them! It makes me so happy to hear him say, 'pita, yo quiero jugar carritos,' o 'quiero quaker!' o 'vamos a jugar!' He understands what they say to him most of the time. He is a bilingual kid! I want to live in a Spanish speaking country so that he can really learn Spanish and use it with his peers. We might move next March so we will see :)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-17293352197652943582015-04-25T16:47:00.002-07:002015-04-25T22:22:07.008-07:00Nainoa's birth storyThank you for taking the time to read about our sons happy birth day. I would love to know your thoughts or questions about it so please comment at the end.<br>
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It's been 24 hours since our third baby beautifully came into our lives. I am laying on my bed resting and listening to him make sweet newborn noises. I feel like I'm in heaven.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH9ud0YnfrDObx1nhrVevwXlu0RNy7IrsABxV5Mt47H7c9r-yZFTEeihKyYcHwFs0R24RfujcYXQ8XujMK111mcO4_KwdLbnNE6MXHvi6RDTiAFGeC41UDJN7-jg6P-Zc85oc0_Nvu-5D/s1600/IMG_6453cropflip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH9ud0YnfrDObx1nhrVevwXlu0RNy7IrsABxV5Mt47H7c9r-yZFTEeihKyYcHwFs0R24RfujcYXQ8XujMK111mcO4_KwdLbnNE6MXHvi6RDTiAFGeC41UDJN7-jg6P-Zc85oc0_Nvu-5D/s1600/IMG_6453cropflip.jpg" height="275" width="320"></a>Nainoa Colton Gomez (Juan likes to call him baby Nai) decided to make us wait a little for his arrival. He was due on April 16th which came and went with no signs of labor. I was fine with that because my in-laws arrived that very day and it was nice to catch up with them and get them settled into our routine with Marcus and Melia. I was very relieved that I didn't go into labor before they came because without their help we are pretty alone here in Texas. We do have a great ward family and neighbors that were ready and willing to step in and help us. But it is nice to have live-ins when you have needy babies running around the house. Melia took to her abuelita (grandma) so nicely. She was shy at first but then it was like she remembered her from her last visit and would not let her go after that. She started call her 'Pia!' and would rather go to her than anyone else. Marcus loves to play with 'Pita', Juan's grandma so it has worked out nicely.<br>
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<div>My in-laws were expecting me to go into labor any minute so the days dragged on and everyone started to get very anxious. I had my 41 week appointment with my midwife, Bernadette on Thursday April 23rd. She asked me if I wanted my membranes swept and call me crazy but I just didn't feel right about it. I wasn't ready. I hadn't had enough sleep the night before and to be completely honest I was having some fears. Fear is a very powerful demotivator and women naturally have many things to be fearful of. I knew that I shouldn't be fearful because I had been preparing my whole pregnancy, as well as my last pregnancy, for delivery time. Still, it's like a championship match in sports. Athletes prepare so much and for so long and it all comes down to one short game where they have to prove themselves and perform their very best.</div>
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Bernadette told me to go home, rest up, mentally prepare and come back the next morning ready to have a baby. So I did. Well first I went to the grocery store to make sure we had plenty of food in stock (not just for us but also because my brother-in-law had just flown in and boy can he eat! Lol). That afternoon it was hard to rest with all the excitement and kiddos so my Nano (Juan) took me out on a date. We went to a movie (Age of Adaline- great movie by the way) and for a walk in the park. Nano really helped me feel supported and empowered and got me pumped up and ready to give birth.</div>
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The next morning, at 3 am I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. My thoughts were racing and my back was aching. Honestly, I hate being pregnant, it is so hard for me! I am nauseous after every meal, I have anemia and PICA (a condition that makes me crave non-foods like chalk, dirt, and concrete), and my back, hips and pelvis are always sore. But, I'll stop complaining because many women have it worse than me and I always tell myself to be grateful because my babies, though debilitatingly parasitic, are healthy. If I didn't have healthy pregnancies I wouldn't be able to birth the way I choose to so that is a big plus.</div>
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When Nano woke up I asked him to give me a blessing (he is a priesthood holder in our faith and can put his hands on my head and give me a blessing through the spirit). He quickly did so and got ready for work and the gym and took off. I was able to fall back asleep but after an hour was awakened by the garage door. I thought to myself, 'oh I really hope he is going to stay with me.' He came upstairs and said, "I don't know what I was thinking, I'm not going to work, I'm going with you to your appointment!" I was so grateful he followed the spirit! I needed him!</div>
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We quickly got ready and he woke up his mom and grandma to make us breakfast. Grateful again! I was just going to have a piece of toast. They made us a feast and we took off for the birth center with full bellies. 8:00 am. When we got there my midwife made me drink a strong tea to help soften my cervix and then checked me. I was dilated to a 4. She got things going by separating the bag of waters a little from the uterine wall. She said his head was not in an ideal position so she adjusted my back a little and did some interesting massage on my lower back. Then she told us to go walk for an hour and then come straight back.</div>
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There was a nice big park nearby so we stopped there to walk it out. It was a beatiful morning. A little sticky with humidity but there was a nice breeze and the park was full of birds singing and friendly squirrels rastling around. This is my idea of the beginning of a natural childbirth experience. Nano only noticed the mosquitoes. If you know my family you'd know that we all get stupidly optimistic every time we head out into nature. I mean, I was in the middle of a contraction and I saw a bunny rabbit in the bush and I started inching closer to get a good look at it! Nano had been timing my contractions and asked, "so did your contraction stop then?" I was like 'oh yeah, I think so.' Talk about pain management! I called my dad and told him where I was. He told me I couldn't leave until I spotted an armadillo. I know, we are ridiculous. On with the birth story.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ1V2uNUZDbXBUm_elvjfGrqXldrhWOG4hNdcQjBTR5xV4PZXbombizl_7gourDJNIk9meeF7ngQIH1XTNmt0tJd3dpqXLQ8aaXtQIClIoSNGPiPezEA-CR7xaCnxSE4OqOKTZR2fdSP-/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ1V2uNUZDbXBUm_elvjfGrqXldrhWOG4hNdcQjBTR5xV4PZXbombizl_7gourDJNIk9meeF7ngQIH1XTNmt0tJd3dpqXLQ8aaXtQIClIoSNGPiPezEA-CR7xaCnxSE4OqOKTZR2fdSP-/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>My contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart and about 2 minutes long but not strong. Very manageable. I was able to walk through all of them. 10:00 am. When we got back to the birth center they sent us to our room and told us to make ourselves at home. This is the first reason I love birth centers. They make you feel at home. We had a queen size bed in the room, decorations, high ceilings, windows, comfortable chairs and an over-sized tub. We got situated and I laid down to rest up a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72N-jzpHWbGuQArzEdrwrnf-sK8WTl-DorwNQRwVSRSFcsbOfGXGsS2S6lW386YiWcLH4wpAoOeaOgOhzpd-3WocCe2F1zZLhzHcYAr7O9YDgw3M8TS7xqJYt_KBMCI-S4VrXn99mZAxI/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72N-jzpHWbGuQArzEdrwrnf-sK8WTl-DorwNQRwVSRSFcsbOfGXGsS2S6lW386YiWcLH4wpAoOeaOgOhzpd-3WocCe2F1zZLhzHcYAr7O9YDgw3M8TS7xqJYt_KBMCI-S4VrXn99mZAxI/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>Nano just looked at me like now what? I told him I just wanted to rest before my contractions got stronger. I guess he didn't feel totally comfortable because he said, "why don't we just go home and wait until you really go into labor?" Um, honey I am in labor. He argued back that I probably had a good 3 or 4 hours until things would really get going. I told him the last thing I wanted to do was get in the car and go home to messy screaming toddlers just to turn around and come back. He persisted and tried to convince me. Finally, I said, "let's wait till she checks me and see what she says." Nano, "okay, fine."</div>
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My pressure waves (contractions) started to get shorter and stronger. I floated on my belly and hung over the side where Nano was, laying my head on his leg while he rubbed my back. It felt so good to have him rub away the pain. My midwife came in and asked if I was ready to push. I didn't think I was that far along. She checked me and said I sure was! Crazy! I told her not yet because my friend hadn't arrived yet. Back-story: I was so fortunate to meet someone a few weeks before my due date that had also given birth in the water AND in the caul (bag of waters). She had been planning to come and help us with her essential oils and photography. Well, she didn't make it (sorry Larissa!) I should have held him in for you ;)</div>
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I started to feel tons of pressure and reached down and could feel the baby's head. Time to push. I told Nano to take off his shirt and jump in. With a room full of ladies he said, "are you ready for this?" Haha, funny guy. As he proceeded to enter the tub, my midwife retorted, "uh, actually were not ready for you yet, how much do you weigh? 200?" He replied, "well I recently lost 30 pounds." We had to let some water out before he got in otherwise our teacup would have overflowneth.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3Epde_XG2-NbUc-Sj06zGok-eus0kZ29MitjasKU3enS3noNDf7MvztIbd-ph6A3zgJrh67Ydc8Atj-kTNoxUBTEldG2AYPxqGABWH9dzAiKwJulJdmvimRmByib9wPZoWD8bFfKOxDO/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XR9xPtg-3zIb4J1jXnddAF88Ez-He8EFJAXeDqwsNOZrM7ba3cKBsTJs5sacWltWtvZNWhe-OfgCimio164KCuhLZAHbHiYj3HqY83g-HXxQNZ907HlI7WbDhjQMXfpd20dzN2F8jgW6/s1600/IMG_6471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XR9xPtg-3zIb4J1jXnddAF88Ez-He8EFJAXeDqwsNOZrM7ba3cKBsTJs5sacWltWtvZNWhe-OfgCimio164KCuhLZAHbHiYj3HqY83g-HXxQNZ907HlI7WbDhjQMXfpd20dzN2F8jgW6/s1600/IMG_6471.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>Nano really saved me at this point because I started to get light headed and tingly. My contractions were very strong and close together. I was leaning back on him at first but then turned on my side so he could help by rubbing my back. He held me up like a baby and rubbed my pain away. It was incredible to have him right there with me through all the pain. I could not have done it without him. </div>
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The time came to push and I knew I wouldn't be comfortable on my back. I had to hold on to something so I turned and faced Nano and put my arms around his neck. I gradually got louder with my moaning and was basically screaming in his ear by the end. He just held me up and encouraged me. My midwife helped guide my pushing and after about 4 difficult pushing sessions through contractions, the baby was out! I'm not going to lie, I really felt the ring of fire this time. Like I was pushing a burning bowling ball out of me. Ouch! 12:45 pm. Nano had to catch the baby when my midwife brought him out of the water because I was so disoriented. It was an indescribable feeling! We did it! And Nainoa looked so peaceful and <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4KOSmomJn7zv7Ipa_jE7VHK0ezOnoKamJ2-aQY-rODftvDMEGkJynehE1uFl8-wcqfoZkps1cLKFv5aSt8WgyodzYAqkwOKU3Hjv5ZT4epai5jS5uTW-R_Fexo6yVYcxr0ccPns66Snv/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4KOSmomJn7zv7Ipa_jE7VHK0ezOnoKamJ2-aQY-rODftvDMEGkJynehE1uFl8-wcqfoZkps1cLKFv5aSt8WgyodzYAqkwOKU3Hjv5ZT4epai5jS5uTW-R_Fexo6yVYcxr0ccPns66Snv/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" height="358" width="640"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJvG1TG-IwzRAYZlklSZkcoVpVHMZm8LMoCXZ1jwvp3QLCS9JOzcT6HQmyk1tOfgZ4V5aKrw3PDM1_Z87y_Y2UAbkQG5y9RJAhR8RychGjmSbk9a-OXLyLP7xVu66qeTsQ0M0gpwUNdkO/s1600/IMG_6478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJvG1TG-IwzRAYZlklSZkcoVpVHMZm8LMoCXZ1jwvp3QLCS9JOzcT6HQmyk1tOfgZ4V5aKrw3PDM1_Z87y_Y2UAbkQG5y9RJAhR8RychGjmSbk9a-OXLyLP7xVu66qeTsQ0M0gpwUNdkO/s1600/IMG_6478.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>calm like he didn't know what had just happened. He barely moved at first and that made Juan nervous. My midwife assured him that he was slowly taking it all in, no rush to take his first breath. He was purple and beautiful (this is why purple has been my favorite color since Melia was born). Black hair all over his head. Wrinkly skin and long fingers. Our perfect baby boy.</div>
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While Bernadette suctioned him a little and put a towel over him, we were able to get a little more comfortable and check him out. That first interaction with a newborn angel is priceless. It was a perfect moment and I'll never forget it.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBdxbnmoFyUiF6d9bTFK6XSO8XR_QHDdGR46gx0y63E-3iPxSRrQt4e69Y833ysXIxIR7ZpQx-UDwC01Je_zWYJL4f84uz9KniTh2n3y74Kxh_fBoOfK2wzd1cIeayV_NKRC0j3z0Z48j/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBdxbnmoFyUiF6d9bTFK6XSO8XR_QHDdGR46gx0y63E-3iPxSRrQt4e69Y833ysXIxIR7ZpQx-UDwC01Je_zWYJL4f84uz9KniTh2n3y74Kxh_fBoOfK2wzd1cIeayV_NKRC0j3z0Z48j/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mKQXdTCc16rxvvNjtXR9oq4d-67eoEbJSi3XMgxx2JCPtLA6WFQyB3UGMlTS3Gblkrn4qY6WzrhrmYsTDgC8Z6TTVfmbjzqiOsDtj8m8CLGxHLy6CijIL3s-FifPDprkEl1WAQbx3Up9/s1600/IMG_6528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mKQXdTCc16rxvvNjtXR9oq4d-67eoEbJSi3XMgxx2JCPtLA6WFQyB3UGMlTS3Gblkrn4qY6WzrhrmYsTDgC8Z6TTVfmbjzqiOsDtj8m8CLGxHLy6CijIL3s-FifPDprkEl1WAQbx3Up9/s1600/IMG_6528.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>After we finished getting acquainted. The nurse let out our water and I birthed the placenta. While I was holding Nainoa in the tub he had his first bowel movement all over me. Nice, thick black meconium. My midwife wrapped up the placenta and carried it with the baby over to the bed. He didn't make a sound, perfect little angel. We cleaned up a bit and they helped me out of the tub and over to the bed too. I got to hold baby Nai and he was able to latch on for the first time. He was so alert and peaceful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyROQvKYL4M53AkPCKGDgCaiA56WMxK4u4DmnZ2BvefP3NhXvY7zoOpH4MlRUW06A5yPeEyGgbX6lifnx9hsMY_t26W12Il5ZU31sE6irzzhlXC6y85rmm-MSrhO7eRfOe8T_BzrjuBrP6/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyROQvKYL4M53AkPCKGDgCaiA56WMxK4u4DmnZ2BvefP3NhXvY7zoOpH4MlRUW06A5yPeEyGgbX6lifnx9hsMY_t26W12Il5ZU31sE6irzzhlXC6y85rmm-MSrhO7eRfOe8T_BzrjuBrP6/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>After we bonded for a bit my nurse took Nanioa to be cut, measured and weighed. She did it all right there in front of me on the bed. Nano cut his cord that had been attached the the placenta for about an hour. Then the nurse measured him, 22 inches, long, like his big brother and sister. The moment of truth came, she went to weigh him. Nano was sure he was a 10 pounder but the rest of us guessed around 9. He was an a ounce heavier than his big sister at 8 lbs 13 ounces. Then Bernadette checked to make sure all his body parts were in good working condition.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbgtJu9DsUplfzW4tZtR45fSnmB49plkNe-L7TdV3TFgvrTU1JvCIGgwjKr9RVNC93N3Wasf7jf0SJvidxWieFSXJCS05sTTdNNP9944nb0xtTDl-BLldA9FjbdfgWNtxZAD5l3d2fX79/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbgtJu9DsUplfzW4tZtR45fSnmB49plkNe-L7TdV3TFgvrTU1JvCIGgwjKr9RVNC93N3Wasf7jf0SJvidxWieFSXJCS05sTTdNNP9944nb0xtTDl-BLldA9FjbdfgWNtxZAD5l3d2fX79/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>Then it was back to the tub for me and baby. We would have an herbal bath together. This was such an awesome experience. The herbs help me to heal and help the baby to relax and adjust. It was so awesome to see how calm and comfortable he was in the water.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpnS8iQ028eSXp_D5cKuXQM5cSkqdFqPptfCyXS7rz9YokgoL4GYLFEs_BX0RBdmzl1MQXUiPDe9W5e4OhRa-QpUu7v-DLiK0rqzgYANI7nVQJa_QIIolZh-2rM7NIoo61JJW3cHEbWID/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpnS8iQ028eSXp_D5cKuXQM5cSkqdFqPptfCyXS7rz9YokgoL4GYLFEs_BX0RBdmzl1MQXUiPDe9W5e4OhRa-QpUu7v-DLiK0rqzgYANI7nVQJa_QIIolZh-2rM7NIoo61JJW3cHEbWID/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" height="200" width="111"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH_G5nlIpcKULGQio_v-1PTPlVQbBbfucuzftafKwNUajCpSbRUqxHCAMSMQpBRJYuxgexA0MU3v3THdFGHfGP_ZfffjwP06ADrHeM31gdHXOrPx6yGLuqJFKhLQtCRxcQiS5-CcuUN-B/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH_G5nlIpcKULGQio_v-1PTPlVQbBbfucuzftafKwNUajCpSbRUqxHCAMSMQpBRJYuxgexA0MU3v3THdFGHfGP_ZfffjwP06ADrHeM31gdHXOrPx6yGLuqJFKhLQtCRxcQiS5-CcuUN-B/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>Nano then took baby away and got him dressed. My midwife asked if I wanted my hair washed. I didn't really want to do it because I was tired but she said, "oh I'm going to wash it for you honey." Well alright then! I felt like the beast on Beauty and the Beast as she scrubbed my scalp and sprayed me down. It felt soooo good though. It was so nice to not have to wash myself or even dress myself. They did it all for me. What a great perk of going to a birth center! Nano even asked when he got his turn. Man, I felt like I was in a spa because my friend arrived a little while after I gave birth and she applied some of her oils to my feet and calves to help me relax and recover. She also took a bunch of pictures for us. Thanks Larissa!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2nr-e8SEGXjiFnF6qm7JsRzphAwY3j3ZDBqul7q1AmzbgZxPsOeKsKMtClC-3HUI5Dzh9-38Nt0mVYtK8APlQDE9sm0bHVtjOsk9TEtyMB8SZ3YXTfitha_5xxHw_vZM9-QmtFo0FWQM/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2nr-e8SEGXjiFnF6qm7JsRzphAwY3j3ZDBqul7q1AmzbgZxPsOeKsKMtClC-3HUI5Dzh9-38Nt0mVYtK8APlQDE9sm0bHVtjOsk9TEtyMB8SZ3YXTfitha_5xxHw_vZM9-QmtFo0FWQM/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" height="179" width="320"></a>Nainoa fell asleep on his big soft daddy while I rested a bit on the bed. The nurse checked my vitals and went over our discharge information. We were out of there by 5 pm, closing time. I've always hated how long they force you to stay at the hospital so I felt free as a bird to be able to go home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEqVJh6HbGHZ4naUCs0TaognbzqsebzrwJbrJE3aHWYZP5iE1gfvErPh2tZYBCvxxY0TUbnQNzij1piCi3Rt844eZGETj9drIiSzse05GWYGa11mIOWLWQs2viDdxkCCk7wZ02WlIcUWd/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEqVJh6HbGHZ4naUCs0TaognbzqsebzrwJbrJE3aHWYZP5iE1gfvErPh2tZYBCvxxY0TUbnQNzij1piCi3Rt844eZGETj9drIiSzse05GWYGa11mIOWLWQs2viDdxkCCk7wZ02WlIcUWd/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" height="320" width="179"></a>We arrived in a short 15 minutes and Marcus was so excited to see his baby brother. He wanted to hold him for a long time. When it was time to let abuelita hold him he got mad. Transitions are hard for widdo guys. We let him hold baby Nainoa again and he was so proud. I loved having all my babies around me. Happy moment. Happy day. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy birthday Nainoa! Welcome to our family!</b></span></div>
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Baby Mel's birth story has to start with her big brother's birth story. Marcus was born a healthy 10 pounds 1 ounce with a nice cone head and big lips.<br>
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He had a great start at life but I, on the other hand, had a less than ideal birth story. I was induced 5 days after my due date because we knew we were going to have a big baby. I wanted to try to have the baby naturally without the epidural but the pitocin was up way to high by the time I got to 7 centimeters and my contractions were 1 minute apart and a minute long, giving me practically no break at all. So I got the epidural. It was nice at first to have that break from the pain and I took a long nap (which, if you really think about it, is a really odd thing to do while your in labor) but I now wish I had never been induced in the first place. When it came time to push, some guy came in that they told me was the doctor on duty and lifted his eyebrows at me and suited up. Poor thing had to wait for 2 1/2 hours for me to get the baby out. He got bored a few times and walked out telling the nurse to call him if anything started happening. He never uttered a word to me the whole time but rather whispered to the nurse and I knew he was wanting to wheel me in for a c-section. I gave it all I had and somehow pushed that baby out despite hardly feeling a thing. I'm leaving out a lot of details but the point was I had a terrible first experience giving birth. I tried to forget all of it when they placed sweet baby Marcus on my belly but it was hard to while the doctor was stitching me up. He kept asking for more thread and he wouldn't tell me how many stitches there were because he lost count. The next SIX MONTHS I bled and suffered. Though the pain gradually eased it never fully let up. It was uncomfortable to sit, stand and walk let alone carry and breastfeed a growing 10 pounder. Needless to say, when my husband asked me when we were going to have more my anxiety would give me nightmares and I wondered if I really even wanted to have more children. I knew that I wanted more children but not more childbirth experiences like the one I had.<br>
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Well, after 1 year and a difficult miscarriage my heart started to ache for another baby. We tried for another year after losing one at 14 weeks and finally we got pregnant right after Christmas last year. We were really excited but I still always had anxiety about the impending birthday of my little girl. This time wanted to have a better experience, but what? Another epidural? I wasn't sure of my ability to deliver naturally and drug free, I mean I had a 10+ pound baby for crying out loud. I tried not to think about labor and deliver the first half of my pregnancy but just about having a new baby girl and all the new experiences we would have.<br>
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I started thinking more about natural childbirth when a few friends had their babies naturally and told me their experiences, all positive. One friend, whose hero is Ina Mae Gaskin, delivered her first, a 12 pounder, at home naturally (but it was a 24 hour labor- eeek!). <a href="http://buchananites.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-birth-story-starring-amos-buchanan.html">Another </a>had a water-birth in a birth center employing hypnobirthing techniques. <a href="http://suzieandcreightonbell.blogspot.com/2013/08/birth-of-our-liliana-long-version.html">Another</a> had her first naturally after taking a 12 week Bradley method course with her husband/coach. And another had hers at home with 2 midwifes with her other 2 kids running around the room.</div>
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So there I had it. 4 friends who did it and did it well. So I started asking myself millions of questions. I asked my friends questions too. I wanted to know everything there is to know about how to deliver naturally. So I researched the Bradley method, hypnobirthing, acupressure, doula massages. I checked out books and documentaries from the library and spent hours and hours watching and reading everything I could get my hands on. I learned so much about birth and a woman's body and its amazing capabilities. The reoccurring message that I got from nearly every source I tackled was that if you are able to breath and relax through pain and discomfort then you can endure childbirth. I also learned that I needed to recruit my husband to not only be by my side through it all but to act as my coach, doula, massage therapist, and motivational speaker. He was very supportive of my wishes and read from my books, watched some videos and listened to me go on and on about what I was learning. I knew I could count on him.<br>
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<b>Setback</b><br>
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Two weeks before my due date I felt as if I might not be capable of achieving my goal when my husband fell and sprained his ankle badly. I know it sounds dramatic but I lost all hope as I saw him fall to the ground and writhe in pain and then barely able to walk for a week. I had been relying on him so much so suddenly having to take care of him, Marcus and my 9-month-pregnant self was overwhelming. I went from getting a foot massage every night to having to treat and care for his foot every evening from 5 until bedtime. Before the ankle sprain the kitchen and dishes were cleaned every night. Now they piled up and the kitchen stank. I had to do things I probably shouldn't have been doing while pregnant like carry a naughty, screaming 30 pound toddler up the stairs to bed. I knew I couldn't deliver a baby without him so I thought about hiring a doula or buying a birth tub or even changing to a midwife that would deliver my baby at home in a tub. Every option came with its high costs and added stress. One day while frantically making phone calls and exploring my options on the internet I stopped and stepped away from it all and laid down on the bed. I cleared my head and immediately a scripture came to my mind: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. I repeated it over and over again. I knew I needed to trust The Lord more and just believe. Of course, in the back of my mind I was still stressing out about everything.</div>
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<b>Breakdown</b><br>
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So I had an appointment with my midwife that very day and I just broke down to her and told her everything that was going on. She already knew my birth plan and hadn't said much about it. She mostly talked about how powerful the mind is and if I can think it in here (pointing to her head) then I can do it. I felt like she had confidence in me. She said exactly what I needed and it pumped me up to give birth naturally. So I gave up on trying to find a doula or birthtub or birth center and I started to believe. Every time a doubt came into my mind I pushed it out with 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.' And believe me- lots of doubts came. It surprises me the negative responses you can get when you tell someone that you want to give birth naturally and drug free. Why don't people say, 'Good for you!' or 'You can do it' or 'That is awesome!' rather than: 'Oh, I am so glad my wife is gonna get the epidural' or 'Just wait and see how everything goes, you might change your mind' or 'Scary!' I got all of the later but none of the former so I kept it to myself most of the time.<br>
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<b>D-day</b><br>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHP4Aie3-IR12h8RkM1LGoSng1wWtZaO2x3y3Tpq8nS7uxRCWkxxFiVk0gZvMdvS1AI7dcYYtOFWZdXNmZfB6MncWqP9w1atCK_hVbpS7WYMefFd_sNkobbwIy-A6CPOKa-OFRdLVoZ-B/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHP4Aie3-IR12h8RkM1LGoSng1wWtZaO2x3y3Tpq8nS7uxRCWkxxFiVk0gZvMdvS1AI7dcYYtOFWZdXNmZfB6MncWqP9w1atCK_hVbpS7WYMefFd_sNkobbwIy-A6CPOKa-OFRdLVoZ-B/s320/DSCN0136.JPG" width="258"></a></b></div> We took this picture just a few hours before I went into labor.<br>
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So my due date came...and went. But not without some significant progress toward going into labor. I went to my midwife appointment and I had already been 4 centimeters dilated with an extremely soft cervix. This time I was 5 centimeters dilated, 70% effaced and still had a cervix soft as butter. So we decided to strip my membranes. For those who don't know it is simply separating the bag of water slightly from the side of the uterus near the cervix. It is supposed to help get labor started and helps the body release hormones to start contractions. It was uncomfortable when she did it and I thought the baby would fall out after that but it just felt like menstrual cramps for 24 hours. I was a little dissapointed. The next day, Thursday September 19th, my menstrual cramping continued until we were heading in the car to Marcus' soccer practice at 6 pm. I felt tightening come and go in my back and belly so I started timing them. Half way through his practice I had timed about 5 of them and they were about 5-6 minutes apart. They weren't painful, in fact I was talking through them and laughing and getting super excited that this might be it. Juan was getting excited too. I called my mom and sister and told them. I told some of the mom's at the soccer practice that I was having contractions and they just looked at me like I was crazy for not dashing off to the hospital.I was just breathing deeply through them like I had practiced, pushing as much air into my belly as possible which helps relieve the pain. So as they were wrapping up the practice Juan shooed his family (oh, by the way I forgot to mention that my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and grandma-in-law had been here with us for a few weeks) into the car and we headed home. I told Juan not to rush because I wanted to labor at home for as long as possible. We got home and started going through our hospital bag and making sure we had everything. Marcus was being kind of difficult to put to bed so Juan had to leave me in the room a few times to help his mom. The contractions progressed to about 3-4 minutes apart when I was walking around but 6-7 when I sat down. When Juan came back in the room I told him that and he thought we should stay at home for a little longer. Then some stronger waves came and I just knew we needed to get to the hospital. Juan disagreed and it made me unsure too. He told me he thought that they weren't painful enough because I was talking and walking around and when I had the contraction I was just breathing deeply and looked really relaxed. That's hypnobirthing for ya!! It is amazing how relaxed you can make yourself with a little practice. When I listened to the hypnobirthing audio files during my pregnancy they made me relax so much I always fell into a deep sleep. I highly recommend them!<br>
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<b>To the hospital we go!!</b><br>
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Juan felt I wasn't ready so I tried to explain to him about the hypnobirthing and that the contractions really were stronger. I headed down the stairs and out to the car but he still took his time talking to his mom and grandma and grabbing some other things. We took this picture before we left for the hospital.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR0aKlcmKGooVQgheUErJfqvJ09IvX9WT0vUyzKMxvKCo242mgxrvIC1hQOuDI6llYGLCerpJgPzZM0Sr_9TpvyD5Y6W80kQYD2dTgsXO__av57T-xZyOUzNaOvvhOxvSZjrub3JZZoEV/s1600/DSCN0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR0aKlcmKGooVQgheUErJfqvJ09IvX9WT0vUyzKMxvKCo242mgxrvIC1hQOuDI6llYGLCerpJgPzZM0Sr_9TpvyD5Y6W80kQYD2dTgsXO__av57T-xZyOUzNaOvvhOxvSZjrub3JZZoEV/s400/DSCN0142.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
We were super excited! So the plan was for my sister, Sarah to come to the hospital with us if it wasn't too inconvenient for her. Since it was 9:30 it was perfect for her. She had already gotten all 5 of her kids to bed and was excited to come with us. We went to her house so she could follow us. We were keeping it so cool that when I called her upon arrival we asked her if she wanted Juan to take their garbage out to the curb. She was so confused because she thought we would be in a rush. My mom came out to my window to say good luck and I smiled and said hi. Sarah was in such a rush we were telling her calm down everything is fine. So we took off. After making a turn and going a couple of blocks Juan was looking back to make sure she was behind us, but she wasn't. So I called her. She was all flustered and said that as she started driving she realized that she couldn't see. She forgot her glasses! So she had to run back and get them. I can just imagine the look on my mom's face when she ran back into the house and how fast my skinny little sister scaled the stairs. So we waited for her at the intersection but it wasn't long. We had a good laugh at her expense. You have to know, my sister is the sweetest most generous, positive person you will ever meet. I knew she would be a perfect pseudo-doula for me!<br>
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<b>Centennial Hills Hospital</b><br>
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We got to the hospital around 10 o'clock. Juan had been timing my contractions the whole way there and they were about 2 minutes apart. We parked and walked into the emergency room. The place was packed with people and I just smiled as I walked by. They all stared at me and started whispering. I had grown accustomed to this because I carry so low and it just looks like a basketball in my shirt; those are the exact comments I always get out in public. I had to stop a couple of times before we got up to the second floor, crazy hospital doesn't have an elevator!! JUST KIDDING! I'm not that tough! Okay, not funny.<br>
When we got to the labor and delivery front desk I went up to the lady and smiled and said we are here to have a baby and asked if the room with a tub was available. She looked at me like, 'haha- we'll see if you are really in labor first.' She sent me to triage to have me checked. Sarah couldn't go into triage with us so she went to the waiting room. I had to pee in a cup first and then lay down on a bed that was separated from another couple with a curtain. We had no choice but to hear their conversation with the nurse. They were being sent home and the lady sounded like she was almost in tears- that sucks!<br>
So it was my turn to be checked. Moment of truth. 7 centimeters! Juan was smiling ear to ear and gave me a high five. Then our nurse for the night, Joan came in to meet us. We hit it off right away which was important for us. She joked with Juan saying, "my name is just like yours only switch the U for an O." I was so relieved when Juan told me that he liked her. The reason was because we had a terrible nurse with Marcus- worst ever! I was so excited to be 7 centimeters but still getting a good break in between contractions. When I was at 7 centimeters with Marcus they were 1 minute apart and a minute long thanks to the oxytocin. I was feeling really good about everything at this point.<br>
Joan checked my contractions and the baby's heartbeat. Everything just grand! I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">gave Joan my birth plan and she told me she would do her best to stay out of my way but needed to check me intermittently and give me a hep-block (stick a needle in my wrist just in case I needed fluids or asked for drugs). The thing is huge but I tried not to let it bother me. </span></div>
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Then she wheeled me into our room and Juan started to set up shop. We had our birthing ball, Iphone with speakers, heating pads, lotion, lavender Essential Oils humidifier dispenser, massage balls, and hypnobirthing audio files. I closed my eyes during contractions and went to my special place, Temple Beach in Laie in the early morning with the waves crashing in the background and it felt just like being in paradise. I did my deep breathing through contractions while Sarah and Juan massaged my lower back. </div>
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I tried numerous different positions; kneeling on the bed and laying on the ball turned out to be the best although I moved around a lot in between contractions. And I just let Sarah and Juan alternate massaging me since Juan needed to take a break for his ankle. The nurse told me they could check my dilation anytime I wanted so I told her I wanted to wait for my midwife, Angela. She walked in minutes later and I was so surprised to see her. I introduced her to Juan and Sarah and she turned to me and asked, 'Are you really in labor?' I have to tell you, I absolutely love Angela and I knew Juan would like her too. We had fun joking around a bit and it boosted my spirits because the contractions were getting a lot harder. She checked me and I was at an 8. So we started working through the contractions again. Juan and Sarah were amazing at helping relieve and distract from the pain. I was getting so much encouragement and I was so grateful to have both of them and Joan and Angela all there for me. It got to a point where everything was a blur and I just felt hands all over me. I think Juan was massaging my legs, Sarah my back, Angela was holding my hand and Joan had the monitors on my belly. How awesome to have a nurse crouch down and hold the monitors in place for me instead of strapping me up like an inmate. I loved Joan!<br>
Since, the contractions were much stronger Angela wanted to check me again. I was at a 9 1/2! I couldn't believe it. She told me I could listen to my body and push soon. So I asked for the squat bar and they quickly set it up for me. It was nice to stay upright and lean on it in the bed because I felt like I was helping the baby to move down. Sure enough it didn't take long for me to feel that urge to push. So I listened to my body and pushed a little while kneeling or squatting on the bed. At this point the pressure of the baby was helping ease the pain of the contractions and I was feeling awesome. Yes, it was painful but I was still getting a nice break in between contractions. I wholeheartedly believe that it is a huge blessing from God that women get those breaks in between the intense pain because otherwise we wouldn't be able to do it. What was amazing is we were able to joke around during the breaks. I was able to push for a while with the squat bar but then my legs started cramping so we needed to try a different position. I had been scared to lay on my back because sometimes I have terrible tailbone pain but I tried it and it actually felt more comfortable. I started pushing with the contractions and Angela coached me. The contractions were excruciating but being able to push felt awesome. I felt like I was being productive rather than just enduring through them. </div>
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<b>To break or not to break</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnV_KPFATsEWIBflYOpkafIpRxMTbt7t983zGSqAIsk65SjkrM84dMlSWIhyphenhyphenPwmrc5h4QF6DDVlmj6csHkt9lvDHnzRnTgbhWkaGqUor5CtIrkxEjmVDQR1upCp0zIyAWh2fqUiNddCJ2/s1600/DSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnV_KPFATsEWIBflYOpkafIpRxMTbt7t983zGSqAIsk65SjkrM84dMlSWIhyphenhyphenPwmrc5h4QF6DDVlmj6csHkt9lvDHnzRnTgbhWkaGqUor5CtIrkxEjmVDQR1upCp0zIyAWh2fqUiNddCJ2/s320/DSCN0170.JPG" width="320"></a>This is my midwife, Angela- love her to death!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
At this point my water hadn't broken yet and I could reach down and feel the bag. Angela asked if I wanted her to break it, telling me there would be a lot more pressure but it would go fast. It was hard for me to decide because I hadn't thought about it much before. She told me that in her 15 years she had only delivered 2 babies in the bag so I said, "let's make it 3 then!" So she held a cloth over the bulging bubble while I pushed just in case it burst. Juan wanted to get a closer look at it and Angela said, "At your own risk, buddy." He explained to me that it was so thin and transparent. At first it was just a bulge then he could see the head and features. The bag was as clear as water. I pushed during about 5 more contractions and baby girl came sliding out. Angela had to slow me down a bit and I did my best to hold and push when she told me too. It was so amazing what she was able to do! She supported my perineum so it wouldn't tear while the head was coming out. She had also been massaging it before to prevent tearing and it worked. </div>
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<b>Baby in a bag</b></div>
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It was so fascinating to see baby Melia in her home before Angela tore her out. It was like literally peeking into the womb. So incredibly amazing! My only regret for the whole labor was not getting a picture or video of it. Here is one from the internet and it looked very much like this.<br>
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And the bag was so thin too! All Angela had to do was pull at it a little and it tore. Water came spilling out like a water balloon and she lifted the balloon over her face. What a gorgeous baby! She was purple and perfect! She didn't have a lot of vernix on her and her hands and feet were pretty dry and pealing which is normal for babies that go past their due date. They placed her on my chest and Juan yelled, "cheeee-hoo". We looked at the clock. 2:30. The exact time of day that Marcus was born. So my labor in total was about 8 hours. 4 at home and 4 at the hospital. And I know it sounds crazy but it was probably the best 8 hours of my life. Such an amazing experience.</div>
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<b>Baby Melia</b></div>
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I am so in love with this little girl. She is absolutely perfect. I fall in love with her more and more each day. She is so sweet and tranquil! I love hanging out with her. I'm so grateful that my in-laws are here to spoil us and I get to spend most if my time with her. I couldn't be a happier momma. I can't wait to have another!<br>
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Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-18564820798106175392013-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:002013-09-09T11:28:28.298-07:0039 weeksWow! what a ride it has been. it seems like almost yesterday I was 30 weeks and thinking little of the impending birth of my baby girl. now the time is upon us. I have only 9 days til my due date. I'm cramping, tightening and contracting. I could go any minute now!<br />
my doctor checked me on friday and said I'm 4 cm dilated and my cervix was soft as 'buttah'. she compared it to a couple of weeks ago when it felt more like the cartilage on a nose and how quickly it became so soft, ready to ease a baby out. YAY! let the baby easing begin.<br />
that's the good news. the bad news is nano recently sprained his ankle and I have had to take care of him, marcus and myself over the past week. it has not been easy. I have relied on him so much these last few months that it really was a difficult change to have to take care of him. the dishes piled up for 5 days and the kitchen stunk. nano always does the dishes. always. his return home from work means more work than relief from taking care of myself and marcus. I had to get him ice buckets and hot packs and food and whatever else he needed plus keep marcus fed and happy and wipe his bum. needless to mention, my belly is ginormous and I waddle. plus, my nausea came back in this final trimester and being in a stinky kitchen making food for my baby boys is the last thing I want to do. on top of all of this, we are trying to get the house ready for guests flying in on tuesday from ecuador. yes that's right, 4 of my in-laws will be taking over my house for a month (well, not technically- one of them, the witch aunty will be here for 3 days, my sis-in-law for 2 weeks and grandma and MIL for 5 weeks). soooooo....yesterday, I wore myself out cleaning floors, the backyard, the kitchen and doing laundry. I'm so sore today I couldn't make it to church. <br />
NEVERTHELESS, having to do all of these things has been a great blessing in disguise, as most trials are. I've been planning and preparing for a natural childbirth for so long now and I have placed a lot of expectations on nano for supporting me during my labor. I have researched the bradley method, hypnobirthing and accupressure for labor extensively. read the books. listened to the audio files. watched hours and hours of dvd's that I could get from the library and watch on youtube. I urged/begged nano into diving right in with me but if you were a guy, would you rather watch soccer/tennis/whatever sport or read a book about the first and second stages of labor? I set myself up for disappointment when I constantly found him watching soccer highlights instead of preparing for OUR birth. the bradley method teaches that the husband should be as involved in the whole process as the momma and all of the feminist bones in my body agree with that. since he sprained his ankle I have been freaking out about the whole thing. I contacted a bunch of doulas to find out how much they charge and all of them were a pretty penny ($600-$650). I researched birth centers in vegas and there are NONE! I even considered buying a birthing tub but the hospital gave me trouble for that. Renting one was a pretty penny too but buying one, way cheaper, would create a lot of work for Juan- work he is unable to do quickly because he is lame. So....to make a long story short- too late - I caused myself a whole heck of a lot of unneeded stress trying to figure out who was going to help me through my labor.<br />
just when I put my head down in defeat after exploring all of my options, the scripture came to my mind: <span style="color: #38761d;">Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. <span style="color: black;">I kept thinking it over and over again every time something else came up to stress me out.</span></span> then my attitude changed. nano can't do labor for me. <b>I</b> have to birth this baby. <b>ME</b>! I can't expect him to take all the pain away because he can't. it is going to be painful and I am going to have to endure it with the help of The Lord. last night, I was having contractions and jumped in the tub and called nano in to stay with me. just having him, a priesthood holder, by my side while I was in pain was so comforting and reassuring. I didn't go into labor, it was more like a drill but it helped me realize how much nano is going to help me by just being there by my side, with his foot propped up, through all of the pain and joy of bringing this baby girl into our family. I know I need to trust in The Lord too and everything will turn out alright in the end. I can't wait to hold my little girl!Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-34011305772914870112013-07-25T12:16:00.001-07:002013-07-25T12:16:27.172-07:00It's timetime to blog again. I feel like life is just passing me by and I am not cherishing the moments. I have been down about blogging lately because our camera broke. We mostly take pictures with our Iphones which I don't think turn out as good but does it matter? At least we have some pictures. Our camera got sand in it so if we do use it we have to edit out the grey dots in every picture.<br />
This spring we went on a camping trip to the Valley of Fire with Aunt Bun AKA Marylu. Our campsite was happily situated among some massive red rocks that blocked the sun and wind. What a cool campsite! Good job Juan- he set up our tent practically by himself.<br />
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After we set up camp we went on the White throne hike. Marcus loved playing with the cool sand in the shade. The coolest part (cool-awesome, cool-not too hot) of the hike was the slot canyon. We also climbed up to an arch for a nice family picture. As you can see I am showing off my baby bump quite nicely.<br />
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That night it was nice and cool and we were woken up by the rising of the moon. It was almost as bright as the sun! Marcus slept through it though- thank goodness.<br />
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We didn't want to stay long cuz it can get really hot in the middle of the day here so we just drove to the Elephant rock for some pictures and headed home. What a fun Memorial Day weekend!<br />
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I forgot to mention that Marcus brought along his 'sapopoop', also known as a froggy potty. He has been a champ with the potty training, I must say.Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-67856965548829546902012-11-01T13:23:00.000-07:002012-11-01T13:35:23.227-07:00Giraffy Halloween!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marcus is getting really good at his ABC's and what better way to do it than as a giraffe! We had a fun halloween even though we got the sniffles- probably from a sugar overload. Oh and he does know the rest of his ABC's- Juan just started talking on the phone at the end of the video and ruined it. Happy Halloween!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnRvpuU1B3dKHQeO6Nn68tx8cP0TYdV5DhxbRgNaZXQuRioha4KewvOc8kYqa8CaoF7EUVyl0j5euc9oLRtg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-45274780340345588832012-09-24T17:39:00.000-07:002012-09-24T17:39:19.067-07:00better blogging on the way...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSGNCJ_we3Vm7sMZkrA3fo6fRUpRMlTTFW36VqfXjApo9MQdNtML0o5yFReOiBuIRlAhzxDHUhm6PKMr-P-97gV7C0gRsnmxDAWbCuC2YReyoqE-2FBDlQW47zF6GDr2MlE8cSSIX5RHL/s1600/P1060927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSGNCJ_we3Vm7sMZkrA3fo6fRUpRMlTTFW36VqfXjApo9MQdNtML0o5yFReOiBuIRlAhzxDHUhm6PKMr-P-97gV7C0gRsnmxDAWbCuC2YReyoqE-2FBDlQW47zF6GDr2MlE8cSSIX5RHL/s320/P1060927.JPG" width="320" /></a>okay- I have been a terrible blogger lately and I would like to change that. I have my excuses though- like - I can't get a good picture of Marcus anymore because he wants to play with the camera before I get a chance to take a picture of his smiley face. So all I end up with is a fussy face like this one: <br />
Or- the excuse that my computer SUCKS and is so slow I have to sit and wait for hours for just one picture to load. AND I don't save any pictures on this computer because it will run even slower so they are all on Juan's flat screen tv/monitor. Yes, we mounted a computer on the top of the wall. So imagine trying to work on something with a little mouse while sitting on a reclined lazyboy. You can see it behind Marcus in this picture. When Juan was mounting it on the wall for some reason he kept hitting nails in the 2x4's so he kept going up and up. His defense was he couldn't go down because Marcus would destroy it. Good point. I digress.<br />
Putting all those excuses aside- here I am blogging. Ya happy?<br />
Oh- one more thing to complain about... for some reason I can't load videos onto my blog anymore!!! WHY???!!<br />
So pictures will have to suffice. We went camping and I took a bunch of cute videos of this little guy pushing the broom around. Let me tell you this guy is definitely domesticating. His favorite toys are the washer and dryer, the broom, and the plunger, naturally. He wouldn't play with sticks (Mom! I'll get dirt under my nails) or rocks (I'll just push em around with the broom). His favorite thing to play with were the tongs I was trying to use to turn the tinfoil dinners with oh, and the lighter of course. Pyro. <br />
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We had a good time though. And Juan hardly complained it blew my mind. He told me later that he wanted to complain every 20 minutes he woke up to the sound of his shivering body. But he chose not to ruin it for me. Isn't that sweet?? I enjoyed most of it but realized that without my dad around I have to do all the work. Now I am so grateful for all the camping trips we went on and all the work that my dad did to make it happen. Even though he will say it was his pleasure and that he enjoyed every minute of it, it still was a lot of work. Now I need to pay it forward to my kids so they can have a good time in nature. We do it all for the chance to be completely surrounded by nature. And it is worth it.<br />
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We celebrated my niece, Ashtyn's birthday. I love that little girl so much. She is wearing the shirt we gave her and I helped make the cake too. It was kinda thrown together because you can't frost a bundt cake but that is what she wanted. And my sister is obsessed with sunflowers so this is how it turned out. <br />
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The skittles at the bottom are supposed to be a fence. Anyway, we tried :p<br />
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My sister has been having car trouble so Marcus and I got to spend the whole day with her little cutie, Lexy Lu. Here they are chasing each other and throwing rocks through the fence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IXWZ3lvNYFmmLVlfFefkeoGr63053klWS26qjGyTSvly8Khgot0GMR6N1F4HL_axXBJvc7MSYcJ-TTPFtTK9g94E9EnMo8KrKu0wB6hUUa7GLMUh1UeP5EuxHAuNUsJ_Ps6b2LAFgwMJ/s1600/P1060967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IXWZ3lvNYFmmLVlfFefkeoGr63053klWS26qjGyTSvly8Khgot0GMR6N1F4HL_axXBJvc7MSYcJ-TTPFtTK9g94E9EnMo8KrKu0wB6hUUa7GLMUh1UeP5EuxHAuNUsJ_Ps6b2LAFgwMJ/s320/P1060967.JPG" width="240" /></a>It's always a good time with these yahoos. They are learning social skills through trial and error. Sometimes I have to peel one of them off of the other but they still get excited to see each other. Don't be fooled by that adorable face Lexy has put on in this picture. She can be just as mischievous as Marcus if not more ;)Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-66937300823823148662012-08-31T14:24:00.001-07:002012-08-31T14:29:47.092-07:00bubbles bubbles bubsasWe have been having a lot of bathtime fun lately. Marcus just loves bubbles! The video didn't load and it was so adorable of him laughing his head off at Juan blowing the bubbles in the air. This is his pre-bubble-blowing face. Haha! Yeah- that is peanut butter on the side of his mouth. <br />
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And finally, his best modeling pose. We should get this guy into a bathtime bubbles comercial! Who wouldn't want to jump in a tub of bubbles after looking at this picture! HA!<object class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="UPLOADING" height="266" id="BLOG_video-UPLOADING-3" width="320"></object><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYa42hpfAHtCxKjU7tzDtuBfFJDZC2252T3zDHra-NUBPo0-6zV8UI5yxjhUQ5U5UyQXXvy9jpTFZ9kDSMi24GrY10oFZSScIyrLuseP7O-Q73em7gYDJ01ULKrnPom-cwv8COBCe6sbb/s1600/P1060918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYa42hpfAHtCxKjU7tzDtuBfFJDZC2252T3zDHra-NUBPo0-6zV8UI5yxjhUQ5U5UyQXXvy9jpTFZ9kDSMi24GrY10oFZSScIyrLuseP7O-Q73em7gYDJ01ULKrnPom-cwv8COBCe6sbb/s400/P1060918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-970413211817119502012-08-06T11:22:00.001-07:002012-08-06T11:22:33.782-07:00Moving on after a miscarriageI started writing this a few months ago and I just finished it. It is a long one:<br />
<br />
I need to write this as part of the healing process. I may just have to sit here with tears streaming down my face trying to see the words slowly coming together on the screen of my laptop. I cry tears not only for myself but for all the other wonderful women in my life that have also experienced the loss of a precious baby. As women, we have a special kind of intuition, we just feel our babies inside us from the beginning. And we know when we have lost them if it has ended in a miscarriage. But the first time it happened to me, I didn't have a clue.<br />
Here are the awful ugly parts of my story<br />
Miscarriage #1 (nov 2009)<br />
I was still trying to get used to the daily struggle with nausea and strong smells and morning sickness when it was the 9th week of my very first pregnancy and my doctor had scheduled an ultrasound. I was so excited to see a REAL BABY inside of myself I could hardly concentrate at work and surprisingly I felt as if the nausea had eased or at least maybe I was just so caught up in the excitement that I was ignoring it. All my hopes and dreams of becoming a mother and having my own little precious baby that would one day look like me or act like me came to a sudden halt when the ultrasound tech didn't let me see the screen and coldly informed me that the doctor would be in to tell me the results of my ultrasound. I hated the doctor when she told me the news that there was no heartbeat. She had to tell me a few times how certain she was of the results because I didn't want to accept it. She did consent to having another ultrasound a week later with Juan there and that visit was just as miserable as the first with confirmation of the miscarriage. The hardest thing about it was the coldness of our doctor and her terrible bereavement skills or lack thereof. I had a D&C a couple of days later and cried my way through the next few weeks whenever I had to stop people from congratulating me on my pregnancy that I probably should not have announced to the world in the first place.<br />
Miscarriage #2 (apr 2012)<br />
We found out we were pregnant on valentines day this year (2012). I was nervous about it at first because we didn't have insurance because Juan had just changed jobs and had a probationary period of 3 months before the insurance would kick in. We had to pay cash for our doctors visits. I felt very nauseous and fatigued for 2 months until the day I started spotting. I called the health nurse and she advised an ultrasound but we knew it would be very expensive. So we found a clinic that does ultrasounds for cheaper- you know the happy ones where they have a wide variety of ways to see your unborn baby and print your out 3D pictures. We did the cheapest one just to check for a heartbeat. Well there was no heartbeat, which is what we expected, and the poor ultrasound tech didn't know what to say to us. The night before I felt different. I just knew our baby was gone because my nauseousness was coming and going and I was feeling more energized. We paid another $250 for a doctor's visit and she confirmed that I had had a partial molar pregnancy. Go <a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/molar_pregnancy/hic_partial_molar_pregnancy.aspx">here</a> for a medical definition. Basically, the embryo had never developed into a fetus but my body was still producing prenatal tissue and I was experiencing all the pregnancy symptoms. I would need to have the tissue removed and tested for malignancy. Cancer? What the...<br />
Now what were we going to do? Without insurance the option of having a D&C by my doctor at the hospital was out of the question. The cost could be anywhere between 6,000 to 10,000 dollars. Since I ruled that out my doctor gave me the option to wait the 12 days until my insurance kicked in to have the D&C or go to an abortion clinic. AN ABORTION CLINIC! I was horrified of the thought. Stupid insurance!! <br />
So, I decided to wait. With the threat of having a natural miscarriage I tried my best to take it easy but how can you do that with a 1 year old? The inevitable happened and I started bleeding heavier than I ever have before. Without any other options we called the abortion clinic. My body was not able to wait for our appointment and passed a lot of tissue- what I thought was the fetus. I am so glad that I had Juan there at the time and that Marcus was sleeping because it was not easy emotionally.<br />
Our experience at the abortion clinic was unique to say the least. We had to be buzzed in at every door and there were bulletproof windows with speaker holes like you see in the movies when someone goes to visit a prisoner. Juan was not allowed in the room where I had my ultrasound and met with the doctor. Everyone in the waiting room kept there heads down and no one was talking. The most silent waiting room full of people that I have ever been in. We just stared at the fish tank. I hated the doctor from the minute I met him. He seemed to be caught up in the politics of abortions rather than the people. He treated me just like he would treat any woman patient wanting to get rid of whats inside. I had a cold sore on my lip and he said to me-<br />
"Oh, you have herpes. You know where you got that from right? Yeah, and if you keep going down there you are gonna pass it to the next person and its gonna get passed all around and get really ugly so you need to stop." I could not believe it. The reason why I had a 'stress sore' on my lip was because I was under a lot of stress from the miscarriage. I wish Juan would have been in the room to punch him in the face.<br />
So gladly accepting the laughing gas the room was soon spinning and my body and eyelids got heavy. I had to tell myself that I at least wanted to hear what they were saying. I tried to focus the energy that was being numbed out of me just to listen to what the doctor was saying.<br />
"Wow, she is already dilated almost completely," and "this is a lot of tissue," and "there is plenty of tissue here to be sent to the lab, just put it all in the jar."<br />
It was really scary to say the least. I was able to relax after they took the laughing gas off and wheeled me into the recovery room. But that was short lived. The recovery room was very open- really just the hallway foyer to all the other operating rooms. There was someone right next to me (I think it was the 15-year-old-looking girl). The doctors and nurses were walking in and out of all the operating rooms while the doctor barked orders. I was forced to listen to their conversation because the gas had not worn off yet. Someone came into the room and started showing the doctor some documents. It was something controversial about abortion like a study or something political. So the doctor started cursing and flying off the handle over this issue. I had to lay there and listen to his rantings and it made me tighten up and wish I could get out of there. Finally, I felt a little more feeling and sat up. The nurse ran over and said, "Oh, honey! I don't think you are ready to get up yet." I told her I was fine and she helped me to the bathroom. Finally peace and quiet. I stayed in there until I felt recovered enough to walk out to the waiting room and Juan. It felt so good to walk out of that terrible place. I don't know why but I just felt sick about the whole experience. I am so glad it is over and I am so glad we have insurance now.<br />
<br />
Interspersed tender mercies of the Lord <br />
1. The experience of losing a baby helped me form a friendship with a dear sweet sister in our student ward who had lost a baby at childbirth. I admired and still admire her courage and testimony. <br />
2. We were all the more grateful for the news of a second pregnancy of our sweet baby Marcus.<br />
3. We were able to get pregnant again only 4 months after the D&C.<br />
4. Whenever I found out of of other sisters in our ward who had had a miscarriage I wanted to run to them and cry with them. I was able to form more meaningful relationships.<br />
5. We have Marcus- who is the light of our lives<br />
6. My mom and dad just happen to show up the weekend that we found out we had lost the baby. They stayed with us for a long time and we had some great bonding moments.<br />
7. The lab of the abortion clinic sent samples to my regular OBGYN so they were able to tell me the results.<br />
8. The result were surprisingly that I no longer have any cancer cells.<br />
9. We are able to try to get pregnant again.<br />
10. We were able to go on some fun trips this summer and I was able to do some things that pregnant women can't do: go down a waterslide, hike a 17 miler, and play in a volleyball tournament.<br />
<br />
It has been a while since this all happened and I can finally say that I have recovered from it. I look forward to adding little cuties to our family in the future and I think if there are any more bumps in my baby making years we can make it through. It will be alright in the end and if it isn't alright then it isn't the end. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-67031589838588332182012-06-27T22:46:00.001-07:002012-07-05T10:13:05.709-07:0017 months? already??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe my little big guy is already 17 months. Its true what everyone says about how fast they grow. I am such a terrible person and have not recorded all the hurdles he has passed. I started a journal a while back and made a goal to just write one sentence a day. Guess how many sentences I wrote? yup- you know me all too well.<br />
So here is a list that proves that Marcus is a totally awesome kid. I will list the most recent stuff first:<br />
1. He can feed himself with a spoon<br />
2. He climbs up onto a chair at the table and sits down ready to be fed (no more high chair)<br />
3. He still eats at least 1/2 avocado a day<br />
4. He can catch a ball. piece of cake.<br />
5. He loves to throw balls across the room. Heads up!!<br />
6. He also likes to experiment the projectilability of many other objects: spoons, forks, blocks, books, brushes, toothbrushes, mascara, tampons (which leads to number seven.)<br />
7. He can reach his little dirty paws into any drawer in the kitchen and bathroom without any trouble at all (we are no longer allotted a 'junk' drawer)<br />
8. He gets his shoes, a book, and his balls when asked<br />
9. He knows how to productively ask for milk (sometimes hysterically).<br />
10. He can kick a ball and drink his milk at the same time<br />
11. He can swim in and out of his inner-tube (only in the living room of course)<br />
12. He kisses on command<br />
13. He high-fives on command (also, when the opportunity arises, he likes to high five your face) <br />
14. He can go up and down the stairs of the slide (that's right, its more fun to go down the stairs rather than take the 'easy' way down. I guess the rest of us are just lazy)<br />
15. He can bark at the dogs and meow at the cats in the neighborhood.<br />
16. He can jump off the end of the couch onto the love sac<br />
17. He can dump water on his own head at bathtime<br />
18. He can take off his own diaper in the morning while still in bed....and still peeing<br />
19. He can climb into his toy box and empty the entire contents of it till the floor is impenetrable in less than 5 minutes <br />
---aaaaaaaand last but not least--- <br />
20. He can cue his audience for applause when he successfully does any of the above<br />
<br />Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-56886704201259228092012-04-09T11:06:00.003-07:002012-04-09T12:15:19.593-07:00EasterI love love love love Easter. who doesn't? I almost wish there were more songs and hype about it because it is clearly the second best holiday of the year. This year I didn't get to celebrate at home (in rosytown) which is the best! but...I did have Sarah and her kids to celebrate with which made it awesome. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7Ice8g7xypTDP8hkab5Av2VffXTVxPK-kP2_vI1c3NEpixnwN6l4mjBfVgGb418ivsIvgxhDZKCVoByEylHhOYEUSMXzQ5gB-1-dSGgmFWl-jO5e1Te4KS_LyQ1EIBAAuywAza_HIbYZ/s1600/P1050905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7Ice8g7xypTDP8hkab5Av2VffXTVxPK-kP2_vI1c3NEpixnwN6l4mjBfVgGb418ivsIvgxhDZKCVoByEylHhOYEUSMXzQ5gB-1-dSGgmFWl-jO5e1Te4KS_LyQ1EIBAAuywAza_HIbYZ/s400/P1050905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729478909058399874" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAgT1QW0G1NoG64WqrW5Z52iYmdUyWC2hv43wO3Hbk5QwXfQLsJuz9zUms38o_j36sf7jNzedRBqRgiDXTpDLBefatXyO47eL5AcZNymg1Ld9ru0SidRB_AEpRuw4ZChkMf6mdDBotVdY/s1600/P1050908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAgT1QW0G1NoG64WqrW5Z52iYmdUyWC2hv43wO3Hbk5QwXfQLsJuz9zUms38o_j36sf7jNzedRBqRgiDXTpDLBefatXyO47eL5AcZNymg1Ld9ru0SidRB_AEpRuw4ZChkMf6mdDBotVdY/s400/P1050908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729480720763628850" border="0" /></a>You gotta have candy-craving-kids in order to enjoy the hunt. It was especially fun because I got to play Easter bunny for the first time! I didn't have the slightest idea how fun it could be. Hiding eggs and stealing baskets and candy in true Easter bunny fashion (reference to Uncle Marshal). It was a delight.<br />And this year we had Marcus and boy did he catch on quick. After observing his big cousins he realized that as soon as you find an egg you start yelling back at the table triumphantly. For him it doesn't matter what you are yell just as long as get back to the group as quickly as you can with the prize egg held high over head. He loved it. Just as much as his first taste of all the delicious kinds of candy coated chocolate and jelly beans. Oh, and did I mention- he already adores eggs- hard boiled eggs. Eats at least one everyday.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZwmp_b-GqfYa4N8vJg7yaF4hSrZJGm-h44f_zstAAx2Ovczp3F1GHeSPg8nI7NOBqbOQrk0ZlFKyN76PFm8qiD7HALp_zXqsSRunP6z5kHil4010fVH-Fb3buEFqw5nxJonICM6_Ru1Y/s1600/P1050924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZwmp_b-GqfYa4N8vJg7yaF4hSrZJGm-h44f_zstAAx2Ovczp3F1GHeSPg8nI7NOBqbOQrk0ZlFKyN76PFm8qiD7HALp_zXqsSRunP6z5kHil4010fVH-Fb3buEFqw5nxJonICM6_Ru1Y/s400/P1050924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729478583509116322" border="0" /></a><br />Having kids makes holidays especially special. And I am not just talking about for the hunt or the candy. I am so grateful that my little guy will be mine forever. My Savior made it all possible. I love my little family now and can't wait to get to know the rest of the little angels that heaven sends our way. I only hope that I can be a worthy and able mommy to all of them. The sickness that I am feeling right now is quite a trial. I am doing it for our second little one. Jesus suffered for all of us. I am so glad that I can be a part of his plan of happiness in bringing little souls so the earth. The pain and sickness is only temporary. The joy is eternal.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Happy Easter!</span>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-89666984264282681202012-03-28T10:19:00.010-07:002012-04-12T14:24:06.124-07:00By the seaWe had an awesome vacation a few weeks ago. Juan's brother, Andres, came for a visit from Ecuador and stayed with us for a while so we took him and Marylu along with us to San Diego.I was pleasantly surprised how close it is to drive to California from Vegas- only about 4 hours. We stayed with Juan's friends the Walkers in Mission Viejo the first night and Saturday we went to Sea World. Marcus enjoyed it so much even though we sat in the splash zones during every show. He only cried a little bit when we got splashed. Most of the time he was very entertained. His favorite part was the turtle aquarium. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLNbBpq66d3PKXoHF8KHNzaa6xhLm_rekvd4AFT16mz7ROk9c1OSnuCeFTIMhrKm7yhXAwEMtZeV0MQhEi7isnAZaCBtdgm9rmBzWsmlf4w_EsDDuVhWkboOVEQcLVNM1c2bqs-MvTwWv/s1600/P1050750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLNbBpq66d3PKXoHF8KHNzaa6xhLm_rekvd4AFT16mz7ROk9c1OSnuCeFTIMhrKm7yhXAwEMtZeV0MQhEi7isnAZaCBtdgm9rmBzWsmlf4w_EsDDuVhWkboOVEQcLVNM1c2bqs-MvTwWv/s400/P1050750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730598754935532002" border="0" /></a>As the fish swam right by his face he tried to grab them- it was so cute to watch. I wish I would have gotten a good video of it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZliSPoFMvnkvu846Rl3FNF9VXwLYuJ4zKw6vRAzmL0hcXLFopGGaEEF8BpZ2lryVnm6rBtL_Jp7ajSTpCSJVUGyZ6MQdzbMzByITGx2-7bhBQ88ljvJavp3B2tlmqfNXOYhAFynrb8qg/s1600/P1050756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZliSPoFMvnkvu846Rl3FNF9VXwLYuJ4zKw6vRAzmL0hcXLFopGGaEEF8BpZ2lryVnm6rBtL_Jp7ajSTpCSJVUGyZ6MQdzbMzByITGx2-7bhBQ88ljvJavp3B2tlmqfNXOYhAFynrb8qg/s400/P1050756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730598749288348354" border="0" /></a>We loved seeing dolphins, killer whales, sea lions and all kinds of creatures of the sea. Still, I like to see it all in the wild and I found myself missing Hawaii and snorkeling. I would do anything to be able to swim with dolphins again in the wild.<br />Marcus' favorite part in the whole park was the baby fishbowl. In my opinion this was genius for the little toddlers to run around in. He met some other cute fishes too.<br />That night we stayed in Carlsbad in a hotel a few blocks to the beach. The next day, while Juan and Andres went to a Clippers game during the day, Mare and I took Marcus down to the beach. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfRPNhoqT_zFM3FHA-ll6E6tQCqRYM5uFqhF9t8AUr134ARJ-5OdDL8l0f-3esHEzpEm6ojDcQvwWtY4_uLR_Xe_cYoWynOh3QaDRw_FC7AxwRNFS-dnubodnLhfM_fOktUx309Z7gTuW/s1600/P1050815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfRPNhoqT_zFM3FHA-ll6E6tQCqRYM5uFqhF9t8AUr134ARJ-5OdDL8l0f-3esHEzpEm6ojDcQvwWtY4_uLR_Xe_cYoWynOh3QaDRw_FC7AxwRNFS-dnubodnLhfM_fOktUx309Z7gTuW/s400/P1050815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730604003826308466" border="0" /></a>What a fun time we had; playing in the sand, finding seashells/rocks, and chasing birds away from our picnic. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhSOT1TPiQY0hAPWaP50BFQWa5gkqSwaK2UbXWkH__f6VyyrS-exSB2JLJg_1eBVDsK6SEj21bA5BMPJIeixkWBbMgGHBkdFop2VeNcoDIVBf_cHsUn6ONFx5i8SU7YuC0dQgV-WV-6rl/s1600/P1050817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhSOT1TPiQY0hAPWaP50BFQWa5gkqSwaK2UbXWkH__f6VyyrS-exSB2JLJg_1eBVDsK6SEj21bA5BMPJIeixkWBbMgGHBkdFop2VeNcoDIVBf_cHsUn6ONFx5i8SU7YuC0dQgV-WV-6rl/s400/P1050817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730604006443955570" border="0" /></a>Marcus ate it a few times...literally...and after the third time, and it was into the water because a wave wiped him out, we decided to pack up and head back. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M2APOgYI_KYoN7v102gzm-fFQcEVEADjPPxjAUbxO46MVH-xonUL2ecSZfdHNVzjaPX0yVTmvoIIsUm9wRXz7EKIT0wsFp0jl6q4MWibGI19j7ZLfI9Q9V24nOPJKna-u3ydN35wSJ1a/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M2APOgYI_KYoN7v102gzm-fFQcEVEADjPPxjAUbxO46MVH-xonUL2ecSZfdHNVzjaPX0yVTmvoIIsUm9wRXz7EKIT0wsFp0jl6q4MWibGI19j7ZLfI9Q9V24nOPJKna-u3ydN35wSJ1a/s400/IMG_0816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730609463289679458" border="0" /></a>SO MUCH BETTER THAN GOING TO A BASKETBALL GAME! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsWEXueXApX1i-cybAAKp-CsqwEpcumiMekxiVVT4RsONENABDx5M0GpYE3ynHLzp78RqYGQofyB_RTEeVjw2Twr54s80kyuvHSRSfDuyuREvbEt7Sqj0cjjQ9L-8vJa0ysVDXV-YThsZ/s1600/DSCN3469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsWEXueXApX1i-cybAAKp-CsqwEpcumiMekxiVVT4RsONENABDx5M0GpYE3ynHLzp78RqYGQofyB_RTEeVjw2Twr54s80kyuvHSRSfDuyuREvbEt7Sqj0cjjQ9L-8vJa0ysVDXV-YThsZ/s400/DSCN3469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730610979341228210" border="0" /></a>Our last day was pretty awesome. We got to see the San Diego temple and went to a beach in La Jolla where we got to see about a hundred leopard sea lions basking in the sun <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWKU3bw8pvYA7M2cp_RKf2HI5Tf8FcNcaS4jUjAJQP2PNf069MHqAWiyj4997gPm_fIF9-1mwfkWBBOGDozMgVqcimafqe5RtPd8O3hIwWqyMDU71fU9nEobB5Ggr74rfFB0bx584o18V/s1600/P1050847.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWKU3bw8pvYA7M2cp_RKf2HI5Tf8FcNcaS4jUjAJQP2PNf069MHqAWiyj4997gPm_fIF9-1mwfkWBBOGDozMgVqcimafqe5RtPd8O3hIwWqyMDU71fU9nEobB5Ggr74rfFB0bx584o18V/s400/P1050847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730611683453786002" border="0" /></a>and some huge pelicans. Can you spot them on the rock?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2wxJ34_IKBy8f7scsZsyGpDZA04TeeO_AAh_MepBlEWqg1HkVBsbQxMlO_C2NDSMgA2OeYOxnhc1Q9FIl2oGb4fU3UKNwjPPicPyqQuPN9ZmeWTDI1BOl6AO-Oxxn6O87nmFZstkNs3B/s1600/P1050853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2wxJ34_IKBy8f7scsZsyGpDZA04TeeO_AAh_MepBlEWqg1HkVBsbQxMlO_C2NDSMgA2OeYOxnhc1Q9FIl2oGb4fU3UKNwjPPicPyqQuPN9ZmeWTDI1BOl6AO-Oxxn6O87nmFZstkNs3B/s400/P1050853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730611691964113954" border="0" /></a>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-47065219840508613732012-03-14T22:50:00.002-07:002012-03-17T21:44:37.098-07:00smile wide and droolI love my little man. ever since i can remember he has been dripping from the mouth like the bulldog in Rio. I think its his happy attitude and hunger for...well...food. some of his favorites include:<br />
eggs<br />
avocados<br />
shrimp<br />
chicken<br />
spaghetti<br />
grapes<br />
bananas<br />
cottage cheese<br />
shredded cheese<br />
granola bars<br />
I could go on and on...he is not a picky eater.<br />
Lately, I have felt like we are really communicating effectively. When he wants to go outside he brings me one of his shoes. Then I point to the other shoe and explain that he needs it and so he goes and retrieves it as well. At meal time when he is not happy with one of the options being thrust in his face he looks heavenward as if saying a prayer and puts his hands on his head and under his chin. I abuse this one a little too much cuz I love seeing him squirm and stress out :)<br />
To the relief of both his parents his favorite toys are balls. Big ones, small ones, deflated ones and especially bite size ones. That might be the only reason why he likes grapes.<br />
He is a very independent little guy. It is very hard to get him to hold your hand while walking and he has exhibited frustration when I have tried to help him climb up onto the slide or chair. <br />
He is a fast learner and daredevil (like his mom). He loves naps, the iPhone, and food (like his dad). <br />
Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-11045053004444948932012-02-29T20:31:00.002-08:002012-02-29T20:38:04.364-08:00long time no seetime to just say something here since a few months have passed by. uh...a lot has happened since halloween. we had a wonderful thanksgiving and christmas out in rosytown with all the fam. i love it there with everyone- pure bliss. new year's was spent at lauradaves which was a lot of fun, of course. that is until kids started throwing up. then a week later Juan had an job interview in las vegas so we headed down there (here) and the day after the interview they called him up and offered him a job. so the last day of january we packed up our lives in a big moving truck and drove 7 hours to vegas. and here we are in our little apartment. we live a few blocks away from sarah which is awesome.<br />that was a quick up to speed post...but i left out one minor detail....<br />we found out on valentine's day that....drum roll please.....i'm pregnant.<br />so that means i am sick. as a dog. but not throwing up. hooray!Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-74588119282237331302011-11-03T12:28:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:42:25.266-07:00HALLO...When's Christmas?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNge_-sSIBugJlC0IR2iQGKxEu9f7-RZIqHzMgGluvBphMdEx_dzvzFnmp-38UMo-_8DtA9BS0oie5amfWEDhEA5guyLn1236OlvjHg8wyaqnwQ1Oi0qBopo8n4cRDdTMEsQXcTU6wRiku/s1600/P1040789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNge_-sSIBugJlC0IR2iQGKxEu9f7-RZIqHzMgGluvBphMdEx_dzvzFnmp-38UMo-_8DtA9BS0oie5amfWEDhEA5guyLn1236OlvjHg8wyaqnwQ1Oi0qBopo8n4cRDdTMEsQXcTU6wRiku/s320/P1040789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670857198204313778" border="0" /></a>Carving pumpkins is super fun- I admit. But all the rest of the stuff I've grown not so fond of. Call me a 'bah-hum-bug' but I don't like to dress up myself and go beg for candy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVbN3GeDJyHNNRFbSYfNGOlIAZ5Q1Ugpznh_uMeC7IbDQJCNi4FRrk0OfQHddhQ2n3Qj2dkk4-10Ma_EUFPszF-QEeTXh-BLH4KXmzs-UbpT6L_6u3DM7X5lbLysjTMLXtTHWFB8kxJ8t/s1600/P1040790.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVbN3GeDJyHNNRFbSYfNGOlIAZ5Q1Ugpznh_uMeC7IbDQJCNi4FRrk0OfQHddhQ2n3Qj2dkk4-10Ma_EUFPszF-QEeTXh-BLH4KXmzs-UbpT6L_6u3DM7X5lbLysjTMLXtTHWFB8kxJ8t/s320/P1040790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670855676848757682" border="0" /></a> I dressed Marcus up as a giraffe and we knocked on two doors but that was it for the 31st.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2cay_ZacBF4-a6AzbEwWx64wYs4XQ-EHFnx4YjMJNYlpmWUM9WbX-tL-62s8Pjk0sE4-7KZ7ruPvix787s5uNJJ6O7-fXOs-ZkbIfV0hQXUkIm79phRA8yYeNRSl4mWhmsTDcpLIYp4a/s1600/P1040774.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2cay_ZacBF4-a6AzbEwWx64wYs4XQ-EHFnx4YjMJNYlpmWUM9WbX-tL-62s8Pjk0sE4-7KZ7ruPvix787s5uNJJ6O7-fXOs-ZkbIfV0hQXUkIm79phRA8yYeNRSl4mWhmsTDcpLIYp4a/s320/P1040774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670855668266871794" border="0" /></a> The fun was had when Jordan, Laura, Dave, Jamie and Nathan came over for chili, scones, pumpkins, donuts and cider.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcB6FWQ0CZZWu6miNh2jDMDacrPpGycbgyukBKbVusQlWTu89M0eqra3e-XJJFvpmOHj-3nUDgUltDAFBdKdIA6IRSS24sHjO4SF7lkLzbHGanA7Qp5CUdAuomSVa4wCOnzfNk_bJ8JB6/s1600/P1040796.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcB6FWQ0CZZWu6miNh2jDMDacrPpGycbgyukBKbVusQlWTu89M0eqra3e-XJJFvpmOHj-3nUDgUltDAFBdKdIA6IRSS24sHjO4SF7lkLzbHGanA7Qp5CUdAuomSVa4wCOnzfNk_bJ8JB6/s320/P1040796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670855709753500802" border="0" /></a><br />So I am really looking forward to Christmas this year! What do you want for Christmas? I just can't wait to spend quality time with the fam!Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-62352839952785024982011-10-07T09:28:00.000-07:002011-10-07T10:04:56.787-07:00X RATED!okay not really but i just wanted to warn you.<br />so lately this little guy can't lie down long enough for me to get his pants on let alone his diaper. oh, and he would rather eat the wipes than let me wipe his bum. he is still at the stage where everything goes in the mouth (other mommies? when does he grow out of this stage?)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs0QOBrpiByed7cuM_zHvfMrMjuuTVHzHMbBV_51z6cXksgjQjRhoO_cPgbnVitlZtabWRvN5io-H9At3gWkeacvIw6ffXOYI0lmvaXmmNYoTuC5oXMd9ujL4PpAJstG-Sl9e8P8pbdOV/s1600/P1040496.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs0QOBrpiByed7cuM_zHvfMrMjuuTVHzHMbBV_51z6cXksgjQjRhoO_cPgbnVitlZtabWRvN5io-H9At3gWkeacvIw6ffXOYI0lmvaXmmNYoTuC5oXMd9ujL4PpAJstG-Sl9e8P8pbdOV/s320/P1040496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660788615353513058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-K1jm7sELz0Qm3DPdGBdNB_xBgdOX5J4ql7_OTKiELvehQf1rRUhzticFPeAzfIB0n84Bx5r7Q31IeSIDGuD4mmOhBQPpbfenPxUJjwVJFOvauk5rDEJFfVYZGfnLAEdNarirl_oVCSt/s1600/P1040494.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-K1jm7sELz0Qm3DPdGBdNB_xBgdOX5J4ql7_OTKiELvehQf1rRUhzticFPeAzfIB0n84Bx5r7Q31IeSIDGuD4mmOhBQPpbfenPxUJjwVJFOvauk5rDEJFfVYZGfnLAEdNarirl_oVCSt/s320/P1040494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660788611011713570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSkEMHef1e1T90W1TM02ziDhyphenhyphens0SQfM2uhKvuaEmhay80_4N9WMoQOESDk0D1By2XKiA-YzMUPyQA0AbyHaIMyStWyGX58RXqeGKVv37nFCVfvODyy66svEiUOkiJgwOpBWAxGGDh3SUx/s1600/P1040503.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSkEMHef1e1T90W1TM02ziDhyphenhyphens0SQfM2uhKvuaEmhay80_4N9WMoQOESDk0D1By2XKiA-YzMUPyQA0AbyHaIMyStWyGX58RXqeGKVv37nFCVfvODyy66svEiUOkiJgwOpBWAxGGDh3SUx/s320/P1040503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660788621428637410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy1wnhtMAmGaAr05HGvAn02RCisYJ3Ci8CZvbWs-PhGeNt79ZogCXosY30Mg368mkpvQSONE6JeN3dSuR6Z0BhIrPpo0Q-s3VunFeI-5tzZHFXJz8mvw1c2OT_cH-AtzGZ5pfmQ4Ap1iK/s1600/P1040515.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy1wnhtMAmGaAr05HGvAn02RCisYJ3Ci8CZvbWs-PhGeNt79ZogCXosY30Mg368mkpvQSONE6JeN3dSuR6Z0BhIrPpo0Q-s3VunFeI-5tzZHFXJz8mvw1c2OT_cH-AtzGZ5pfmQ4Ap1iK/s320/P1040515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660788626081058306" border="0" /></a><br />regardless of my complaints he still manages to rock my world and he is way more entertaining than tv or youtube or facebook. that is the reason my blogging has tapered off. I'm having too much fun (either that or i'm pulling my hair out cuz he won't go down for a nap!).<br />latest entertainments include:<br />1. figuring out how to crawl with a favorite object. he resorts to trying to hold it in his mouth and crawl but it never works because he has to breath heavily and crawl at the same time. MULTITASKING IS HARD!<br />2. he treats our apartment like an obstacle course- racing from one end of the room to the other and back and around. he wants to try out his standing abilities on every elevated object no matter how tall or small. that means he is sticking his bum in the air while holding on to a flat-on-the-ground book wondering why he's not standing.<br />3. peek-a-boo is his favorite game. whoever is holding him during this game gets all slapped up for the duration. he just cannot contain his excitement while waiting for you to pop your head up.<br />4. this one's hilarious! he can wail with is mouth closed! when he is done eating his squash and i mean DONE! he cries with his lips closed. i have yet to get a good picture of this.<br />5 lastly, i love watching him wrestle with his daddy. this is usually right when juan comes home from work and they are both bursting with excitement to see one another. today was the first time that marcus cried when daddy had to go back to work. not just a whimper-and-forget-about-it cry. he cried for nearly 30 mins while looking at the door.<br /><br />isn't that sweet?Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-91175820924542686372011-10-04T14:30:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:03:52.493-07:00Too many girlsWhat's happening to the Y chromosome these days? I mean I have always been a proponent for friendly competition between women and men but this is a whole different realm of competition: X vs. Y.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswedDGeLTNop3CY-pXEumTWHiB7U1h50S5QZK62AVrBIehZyPw6DzPQtAm-QUvUfCw9H3Zgt6pN4HLIC6Hi0w7AmxsvNlZiGwBL-7g9YbRyEdUGI2N-Mk8szPeMsiCJqJ9fKeCK4lEqic/s1600/086.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswedDGeLTNop3CY-pXEumTWHiB7U1h50S5QZK62AVrBIehZyPw6DzPQtAm-QUvUfCw9H3Zgt6pN4HLIC6Hi0w7AmxsvNlZiGwBL-7g9YbRyEdUGI2N-Mk8szPeMsiCJqJ9fKeCK4lEqic/s400/086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660060991332773250" border="0" /></a><br />Poor Marcus will wipe this sweet smile off his face when someday soon he realizes that all of the cousins that are his age are girls. With nobody to play cars and shoot bad guys with he will be one sad kid.<br />There's Maya, Alexis, Emily, Camilla, Linda (chinita), and now my other sister Laura found out she is going to have a girl too! I'm gonna have to have another boy so that he has someone to play with. (I'm not making any announcements here.)Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-82932600304157845792011-07-03T18:27:00.000-07:002011-10-04T14:46:48.303-07:00Viva Ecuador<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8GJRCxzHvgZkqUKvsN1DKyo7Hb-Y53TwOC4ABLISHVzKxCJ88M1qji2dhIMm1hV7VOS8XbjHqaNCuJl8bVF0rxt8eOxCrCIYXc6o4KdsDJFoShUpJetAvEaFIxm1h7vUERiLjUcEFSrE/s1600/P1020725.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8GJRCxzHvgZkqUKvsN1DKyo7Hb-Y53TwOC4ABLISHVzKxCJ88M1qji2dhIMm1hV7VOS8XbjHqaNCuJl8bVF0rxt8eOxCrCIYXc6o4KdsDJFoShUpJetAvEaFIxm1h7vUERiLjUcEFSrE/s320/P1020725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625308880328450466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-chc03hzz_APLoJsGPx4teuwPL4JsjjpK8la_gs84gxtWiuiuYI6Idd8464ZdSzmKZ29pUjVV0pDJ6x8n2u5xo2vlFC7frvyIO_iRl0wZXIqVB56pEzyzYHgi52R1mJ37pqQ761xeOR/s1600/P1020416.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-chc03hzz_APLoJsGPx4teuwPL4JsjjpK8la_gs84gxtWiuiuYI6Idd8464ZdSzmKZ29pUjVV0pDJ6x8n2u5xo2vlFC7frvyIO_iRl0wZXIqVB56pEzyzYHgi52R1mJ37pqQ761xeOR/s320/P1020416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625308873158592738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBDU81grOV_HrUpEOVPpUKOGVcnYSmu-CmxS7kPXOL_KmCKp6gOrzJFfRisBpe8IoGnc5FonejxwjLtFoKSy08TdUMng7OcutX2U5AVhrzuWN-V0DpF7EZtiMWVpBe5XIVF2zVE-8bJTo/s1600/P1020316.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBDU81grOV_HrUpEOVPpUKOGVcnYSmu-CmxS7kPXOL_KmCKp6gOrzJFfRisBpe8IoGnc5FonejxwjLtFoKSy08TdUMng7OcutX2U5AVhrzuWN-V0DpF7EZtiMWVpBe5XIVF2zVE-8bJTo/s320/P1020316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625308868178375682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6qbSHX80AIjy5uoKYlGy-mOP6fFBFA0l_K6XBpSxmsO54iE_XKd7i8rrmQzJ9vhZ3X_aakoAL41ci3-ZIawjDwvsyV2HafJm7-j0ELDd8So5kaTS4kPxhICzC2iDckm8zA5wHUt4vDa6/s1600/P1020729.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6qbSHX80AIjy5uoKYlGy-mOP6fFBFA0l_K6XBpSxmsO54iE_XKd7i8rrmQzJ9vhZ3X_aakoAL41ci3-ZIawjDwvsyV2HafJm7-j0ELDd8So5kaTS4kPxhICzC2iDckm8zA5wHUt4vDa6/s320/P1020729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625308899408344018" border="0" /></a>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-13167983690767375802011-05-14T01:40:00.000-07:002011-05-14T02:23:14.704-07:00HEY! I got my new shoes on and suddenly everything is right!i love april and may!! and november and december and january and february. why...you ask? cuz april is our wedding anniversary and easter- may is mother's day, november is my birthday, december is christmas, january is my son's birthday, and february is my husbands birthday and valentines day. i like march, june, july, august, september and october too- but lets just talk about april and may right now, okay?<br />for our anniversary, juan gave me a photo shoot! our friend, <a href="http://www.lobleeblog.com/">leeyen</a> took them at maleakahana beach park and we had so much fun. It was the same day that marcus turned 3 months old too. we love our little bubs- he is such a fun little guy- the joy of our lives.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQkXRt204umtiGgiNt2h5iiK9dd76pZl23VJz3e7eN8l6mlxB4p75byyQA3cn00c0oEWyojIn45saA4wCuZtuGVZTr6U7SyAH8wTxUxOrmE9D0hyphenhyphenGUC1xKCH7tYYfWL7ItlXhmxStelV4/s1600/Gomez07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQkXRt204umtiGgiNt2h5iiK9dd76pZl23VJz3e7eN8l6mlxB4p75byyQA3cn00c0oEWyojIn45saA4wCuZtuGVZTr6U7SyAH8wTxUxOrmE9D0hyphenhyphenGUC1xKCH7tYYfWL7ItlXhmxStelV4/s320/Gomez07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606494564081055266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3MRu6EkeZ4wviF1P7cUBamba_e2oWseSzwWpzc-G3P-ivDQ0dRvkz6sk52vnjPyv3LeV9E2T6W5uDhYT_Vn-FesL8LP8VhnUAwoLvcOFpdB2JLQ86z0JLyn8ipBwv4Yvqzpcr8GaY01O/s1600/Gomez52.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3MRu6EkeZ4wviF1P7cUBamba_e2oWseSzwWpzc-G3P-ivDQ0dRvkz6sk52vnjPyv3LeV9E2T6W5uDhYT_Vn-FesL8LP8VhnUAwoLvcOFpdB2JLQ86z0JLyn8ipBwv4Yvqzpcr8GaY01O/s320/Gomez52.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606494574904243298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdphIdXGiQTgMkTz0hUWDAM91v6RHRu7cPM3JI8pLoPxMa44j21G5AEyDLELKB0-01rZI9EVDmkFiv4vn8hWSl6dLObnFYQS3d83DurLuzIWH_-HCc6OSJtPxF99VnwhEHEfSa9trWIFv/s1600/Gomez51.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdphIdXGiQTgMkTz0hUWDAM91v6RHRu7cPM3JI8pLoPxMa44j21G5AEyDLELKB0-01rZI9EVDmkFiv4vn8hWSl6dLObnFYQS3d83DurLuzIWH_-HCc6OSJtPxF99VnwhEHEfSa9trWIFv/s320/Gomez51.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606494570805788994" border="0" /></a>he is getting so big and recently we have had so much fun trying different things to get him to bust a gut. a baby's laugh is the best sound in the world<span style="text-decoration: underline;">!</span><br />I love being a mom and this passed mother's day was officially my first. the greatest gift in the world is of course my little bubba but juan also spoiled me. he made me breakfast in bed and gave me chocolates and a lei. AND....he gave me these sweet new shoes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphZSBgWD2tFY4mamkyy6T_lOo4ay8jqjOhyphenhyphengYg1XeVnwXCinotgNCEwPY6aq1m8UxKqN3QMsi7g4XAhVd_l_IQ7G_iQgRZ2hGjFNcJNM9VV4j88_BpSYYF6VhTRy00kd1IXizRgvMaMo9/s1600/P1020107.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphZSBgWD2tFY4mamkyy6T_lOo4ay8jqjOhyphenhyphengYg1XeVnwXCinotgNCEwPY6aq1m8UxKqN3QMsi7g4XAhVd_l_IQ7G_iQgRZ2hGjFNcJNM9VV4j88_BpSYYF6VhTRy00kd1IXizRgvMaMo9/s320/P1020107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606498749746504946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvILHgnI3Lpadw1Exol8TUIMloHe6fwK4nyMdZCMMIo_a7fJpNrMPA4gyQRGdX5C9L_AEKFDRIuL1wbzhBxDAxFClmNoz86hBvsnzeayPAtQ5tyrSbmbnwmV-WjThLVV3tZ0ZNMGQdlu8/s1600/P1020108.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvILHgnI3Lpadw1Exol8TUIMloHe6fwK4nyMdZCMMIo_a7fJpNrMPA4gyQRGdX5C9L_AEKFDRIuL1wbzhBxDAxFClmNoz86hBvsnzeayPAtQ5tyrSbmbnwmV-WjThLVV3tZ0ZNMGQdlu8/s320/P1020108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606498759353362994" border="0" /></a>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-92107490130872668862011-03-26T13:37:00.000-07:002011-03-27T23:47:41.977-07:00Kuhio day at the beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZDTfVb6wrviBBuybk695q7BOJKMHB1KX_XtnKAQt8HbCxDymTijAZmhjnvq6VFNx9KA35ZPVHrwXWM-dwksL96oPxIj0UqsepMODi9WlptTQvtxJUjOCLLgZZ2tyV-P9g8KfTNVL-MAD/s1600/P1010471.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZDTfVb6wrviBBuybk695q7BOJKMHB1KX_XtnKAQt8HbCxDymTijAZmhjnvq6VFNx9KA35ZPVHrwXWM-dwksL96oPxIj0UqsepMODi9WlptTQvtxJUjOCLLgZZ2tyV-P9g8KfTNVL-MAD/s320/P1010471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588653490279265778" border="0" /></a><br />It was Bubba's first day at the beach- a beautiful day at one of my favorite beaches in Hawaii, Waimea Bay. We went with our totally awesome friends: Janelle, Kelepi & Janine, and Rebecca & Tyler. We had such a good time riding the waves and listening to the whales under the water. Incredible, yeah? Bubba was such a good sport. He and our friend's baby, Kilipati are really close in age and get this- he's named after an island. Maybe there is an island for Marcus....and...YES! There is! I just looked it up and there is a Marcus Island. Take that Kilipati!! If you don't believe me check <a href="http://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/japans-marcus-island-annexation-dokdo.html">this</a> out....anyway....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-rmpn-sialnlhsPtdjYUu9YB02DxIdoGMeEzRLlIUnZ5CYQuwuxwtqS-a07ioH_FUc9pdeQbv71lU239po9NbKsyIMCCkKk9Lq_uF6EKnwYWXECg4PAb95_jhT8OZmoVzFODdJcsqxnP/s1600/P1010483.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-rmpn-sialnlhsPtdjYUu9YB02DxIdoGMeEzRLlIUnZ5CYQuwuxwtqS-a07ioH_FUc9pdeQbv71lU239po9NbKsyIMCCkKk9Lq_uF6EKnwYWXECg4PAb95_jhT8OZmoVzFODdJcsqxnP/s320/P1010483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588653496767638514" border="0" /></a><br />Whenever we go to waimea we are reminded of just how much we love hawaii and are going to miss it when we leave. If only we could convince our families to move we would stay here forever!<br />Whadaya say guys?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxUg1oYov0smOYb0KYrbINOnDcuJjK_JH05IhyMEOoLEUy6oSx1UVPorPJhqafFnKmXiicw7U6NHQxdxvYLKxUn_K351L8Us8xAZf1LfsDCUaFBTBchxwZ2m3_X6M1dSNdM79Xmwz3Kql/s1600/P1010490.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxUg1oYov0smOYb0KYrbINOnDcuJjK_JH05IhyMEOoLEUy6oSx1UVPorPJhqafFnKmXiicw7U6NHQxdxvYLKxUn_K351L8Us8xAZf1LfsDCUaFBTBchxwZ2m3_X6M1dSNdM79Xmwz3Kql/s320/P1010490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588653500867440482" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzl9WPmEA1AWE2LY5DmafLYNG5vJ5G2ZnczEAeUhry522FU0rtJaDGf3CBfsI1imI_xFRBy9N72atyPO6Pnnw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-78526417116973016842011-03-07T16:50:00.001-08:002011-03-07T20:29:55.062-08:00Time to say goodbyeto my horse mane. I think this is the longest that my hair has ever been and its thanks to those crazy pregnancy hormones. This is as much as the hubby would let me chop off. She said that she layered it but it doesn't look like it. Does it?<br /> __________________Before____________________________________ After__________________<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeV9safAHf_fQ9unMOaeiIXRq4F2bIC-ygr9dFAflWX2oLeeLmKTfxQJbYjNaa-w0aPnBqVwBPriGNvmLZ1Hv6IVDboUhI7Q_f7oZJShmTY-wTiH_EauX4xEjMJKQjlySaiEzzOtD_uq/s1600/P1010212.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeV9safAHf_fQ9unMOaeiIXRq4F2bIC-ygr9dFAflWX2oLeeLmKTfxQJbYjNaa-w0aPnBqVwBPriGNvmLZ1Hv6IVDboUhI7Q_f7oZJShmTY-wTiH_EauX4xEjMJKQjlySaiEzzOtD_uq/s320/P1010212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581517055282981202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iO7HYPMLLR9NJ4otbOlzkp0_5qwU6Bf0yx9ADuAUY9RTMRB2rcERXDrvM32mu5PhzleGIX60fbdwFPuMX-FSkAqyFsVz-nV-5u0xEh3WcydXZ3HUBIKpd_ugEvy_yy9Rh_yglFmJbn_P/s1600/P1010214.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iO7HYPMLLR9NJ4otbOlzkp0_5qwU6Bf0yx9ADuAUY9RTMRB2rcERXDrvM32mu5PhzleGIX60fbdwFPuMX-FSkAqyFsVz-nV-5u0xEh3WcydXZ3HUBIKpd_ugEvy_yy9Rh_yglFmJbn_P/s320/P1010214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581517061721276498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hg4yS-prhJ7RAkYSIzRNcu9Bn6JrPH6avljg43ZSQzyrsJa5bNsK8B0xg5YfZu1aEYhwHgmGXM6Zs28AOHjLsqOvEAuphLK-Mcj7lPgEgKnnsFStYZSAYcWKcwzwAieYkbX5N1L591bt/s1600/P1010209.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hg4yS-prhJ7RAkYSIzRNcu9Bn6JrPH6avljg43ZSQzyrsJa5bNsK8B0xg5YfZu1aEYhwHgmGXM6Zs28AOHjLsqOvEAuphLK-Mcj7lPgEgKnnsFStYZSAYcWKcwzwAieYkbX5N1L591bt/s320/P1010209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581517047882400050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOpJaNUDmnV7gnySmZNNzOnBKGEddEhdfeeYR9lyYaGwiwHtlO5gta-zeGeJxuECGbymoe-_j_bS6G_NY3enMPeBFps7ETYgOSRZ6u5Iw__yFw7P0MQUTiWf-RXq0B3tCZW9mZB0dRHpY/s1600/P1010213.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOpJaNUDmnV7gnySmZNNzOnBKGEddEhdfeeYR9lyYaGwiwHtlO5gta-zeGeJxuECGbymoe-_j_bS6G_NY3enMPeBFps7ETYgOSRZ6u5Iw__yFw7P0MQUTiWf-RXq0B3tCZW9mZB0dRHpY/s320/P1010213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581521009332771458" border="0" /></a><br />I'm a long-haired gal- always will be. I don't think I could ever pull off a cute pixie or bob. I don't care if babies pull half my hair out.Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-55646340353783436582011-02-24T20:03:00.000-08:002011-02-25T11:40:33.928-08:00one month old already!!i can't believe baby marcus is a month old!! its hard to believe because i am still trying to recover from delivering him. -_-<br />well here are a bunch of pictures of our growing boy. he is such a adorable precious little soul. we are crazy about him. it seems like every morning we are surprised at how different he looks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW6mtF27bsVSw90CDvEj1mySaaPv-OZZAxiui5YQEoJCbSRpdKbPkuvXJvRgyT6O0EnxHKEDNfyBjY2VpE2y13BqwODOaS6ScqJrNMvwfWBOQ8IgPbCbNADUKadI8RRd_Yrj7MR7OgyAJ/s1600/Copy+of+DSCN2722.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW6mtF27bsVSw90CDvEj1mySaaPv-OZZAxiui5YQEoJCbSRpdKbPkuvXJvRgyT6O0EnxHKEDNfyBjY2VpE2y13BqwODOaS6ScqJrNMvwfWBOQ8IgPbCbNADUKadI8RRd_Yrj7MR7OgyAJ/s320/Copy+of+DSCN2722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711454416741090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH9rDShiU0By6GmKz8KzLs4hQruTqyrwgea8lSCoafpJt7pungLnSqKEWsUSVzBkr3CezRIqGBV9sQJ0VEILh07K73rCMU0pt2EPeMx1PGwoICjwYFvA1DtEt8NTGCRIZ6-VPjJKe6Y0Z/s1600/Copy+of+DSCN2719.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH9rDShiU0By6GmKz8KzLs4hQruTqyrwgea8lSCoafpJt7pungLnSqKEWsUSVzBkr3CezRIqGBV9sQJ0VEILh07K73rCMU0pt2EPeMx1PGwoICjwYFvA1DtEt8NTGCRIZ6-VPjJKe6Y0Z/s320/Copy+of+DSCN2719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711460656028498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8edoi9gS6pNagSG_MYNWI6oh40znnwg_jSLPw0pdKASutPsOrMWRuN4ekpzGnds5FtxbrFm-XUo8AQHXRD2r5n-UDlFdEWpOrZXuCFnWBRDA3UjyzcCwK0zuNKBYVOdM0-Ux_4CkZE2lA/s1600/DSCN2749.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8edoi9gS6pNagSG_MYNWI6oh40znnwg_jSLPw0pdKASutPsOrMWRuN4ekpzGnds5FtxbrFm-XUo8AQHXRD2r5n-UDlFdEWpOrZXuCFnWBRDA3UjyzcCwK0zuNKBYVOdM0-Ux_4CkZE2lA/s320/DSCN2749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711469822761570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcqfRPMvlEBWaJCNxUXHM76JivjK2691kY4LzTfoTtwlIT4AhuIU6ABr756hGXroUqp6Eq9n2U04qD5KG-vZJEX_Mxeg1bHnrc0qPPdgpH3ttW0UQmOTWGV4Q-VZ54KUVSdtiyBASdqnc/s1600/DSCN2742.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcqfRPMvlEBWaJCNxUXHM76JivjK2691kY4LzTfoTtwlIT4AhuIU6ABr756hGXroUqp6Eq9n2U04qD5KG-vZJEX_Mxeg1bHnrc0qPPdgpH3ttW0UQmOTWGV4Q-VZ54KUVSdtiyBASdqnc/s320/DSCN2742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711472939785458" border="0" /></a><br />despite what you might gather from this picture- he loves to take baths. he just doesn't like how cold it is when he has to get out of the bath.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z4e2e44-ZKBiiVBRMcpO1w6FEkfLoGU5TL710y13cpUjKjKOZV3xIe9_K-s2MB_yUl7eNSXldmt96Qqqs4lcBYiqWQoUXlS5GIzzhyphenhyphenNOM9a44ui3oHXsmCv7qt1NWy3Jub0CaHx7RPjB/s1600/DSCN2765.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z4e2e44-ZKBiiVBRMcpO1w6FEkfLoGU5TL710y13cpUjKjKOZV3xIe9_K-s2MB_yUl7eNSXldmt96Qqqs4lcBYiqWQoUXlS5GIzzhyphenhyphenNOM9a44ui3oHXsmCv7qt1NWy3Jub0CaHx7RPjB/s320/DSCN2765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711463389760834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHcDz5nPDUhUExn2REzwFJHW40YJLL3OYAYb3NWSMt2VDBZVWJnnAXenJcTfWKxqjqYwmp4vaZ_i5GO03RdiwUKaWkWpDFgG9xfIY6rmVT2uNGt7s8yDWISt-aI_cW70CcEyIerQDAS_H/s1600/P2010271.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHcDz5nPDUhUExn2REzwFJHW40YJLL3OYAYb3NWSMt2VDBZVWJnnAXenJcTfWKxqjqYwmp4vaZ_i5GO03RdiwUKaWkWpDFgG9xfIY6rmVT2uNGt7s8yDWISt-aI_cW70CcEyIerQDAS_H/s320/P2010271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577712708135946242" border="0" /></a>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632556399904193927.post-62790358261207353532011-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:002011-02-24T18:09:33.657-08:00Our precious baby...Marcus Bradley Gomez was born @2:10 am January 22, 2011, 10 lbs. 1 oz., 22 inches @ Moanalua Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many people asked me if I was having twins and now I know why... Here is my basketball belly picture right before we went to the hospital. I have a smile on my face because I had a scheduled induction. I was already dilated 4 cm. for over 3 weeks so doc gave us the go ahead to be induced. It was time to speed things up even though I was only 5 days over my due date. Its a good thing we were induced-otherwise- 11 pounds anyone?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoAMGYRDpJqBgOK9JJnQwOgaYz2OxnNHROTa06UMOsDcbOSlQ3nl-qW5yCn-Xtykq2rUTZZ3YxXiUXBslzdSjTfq2MV6U0UYDx1xyvh6s_bzLvvDKGpzAMKRt8_BM_uoUTR8wJ6m7Q1YR/s1600/P1210110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoAMGYRDpJqBgOK9JJnQwOgaYz2OxnNHROTa06UMOsDcbOSlQ3nl-qW5yCn-Xtykq2rUTZZ3YxXiUXBslzdSjTfq2MV6U0UYDx1xyvh6s_bzLvvDKGpzAMKRt8_BM_uoUTR8wJ6m7Q1YR/s400/P1210110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576960179529596994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOwaCDsmXIC5xUs5UfM9Gwsierrr7nq1e9F6blCc5Jn9F8frJebM4WEpL-aVZBmRSpnvhDnvXU3yWIQ0eMhs7ixfyXeswm9bs7uKd9q_TqvRBDBnk9BrfmKRxMZ47XEq5ownsMU8FCYSC/s1600/P1210123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOwaCDsmXIC5xUs5UfM9Gwsierrr7nq1e9F6blCc5Jn9F8frJebM4WEpL-aVZBmRSpnvhDnvXU3yWIQ0eMhs7ixfyXeswm9bs7uKd9q_TqvRBDBnk9BrfmKRxMZ47XEq5ownsMU8FCYSC/s400/P1210123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577361107073037538" border="0" /></a>This is right before they hooked up the oxytocin- calm before the storm. I was a little scared to be induced but everything went just fine until my contractions were 1 minute apart and very painful. I started to get very tingly in my feet and hands and very light headed. That's when they checked me and I was at a 7 so I had to decide between an epidural or IV. Luckily I chose the epidural otherwise I don't think I would have been able to push my sweet little 10 pounder out.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8SSCpGul0jVNZ7Vv4SahTPk1FDEpRMk0KEu1VPRceSKqEKJpgxovRtV8wm8dhaWmTXR109jNdXKFJKnVBuoeQ08gr6uLMp5VhYrLYZr1ygrqK4aDZ_rEcZJEEWaBoOjokqZq_OjjddGr/s1600/P1220140.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8SSCpGul0jVNZ7Vv4SahTPk1FDEpRMk0KEu1VPRceSKqEKJpgxovRtV8wm8dhaWmTXR109jNdXKFJKnVBuoeQ08gr6uLMp5VhYrLYZr1ygrqK4aDZ_rEcZJEEWaBoOjokqZq_OjjddGr/s400/P1220140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576960186874777074" border="0" /></a>Cone-head baby Marcus. Poor thing was stuck in the birth canal for 2 1/2 hours. We did it Baby! Everyone gasped when the nurse announced "10 pounds and 1 ounce". I couldn't believe it! I started to believe it when the doctor who was stitching me up kept asking the nurse for more and more thread. He wouldn't tell me how many stitches I had. He also wouldn't tell me that they were considering a C-section...he just kept whispering to the nurse the whole time I was pushing. Interesting- I've heard that a lot of women yell at their husbands when they are in labor- well, I yelled at my doctor. No joke. Oh- and Juan kicked the nurse out of the room when she came in to try to move me to another room right after I had fainted. I have a little theory that A LOT of night nurses either hate their shift and take it out on the patients or they aren't good nurses so they have to take the crap shift. I say a lot because my aunty is a night nurse and I am sure she makes the exception.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWniZo03RluE16n53Gv0-NDtdN5cIFDtZNIfhvOCha2VkNuPQl1446VuKUivlHbkVnF2FyR16tE4TbMLWno3h-bE7mPrKZ0jvYo4gaIzU94Zo_DV6ZMkA3WlcZT904PP7knc6NmBRFzrS/s1600/P1230179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWniZo03RluE16n53Gv0-NDtdN5cIFDtZNIfhvOCha2VkNuPQl1446VuKUivlHbkVnF2FyR16tE4TbMLWno3h-bE7mPrKZ0jvYo4gaIzU94Zo_DV6ZMkA3WlcZT904PP7knc6NmBRFzrS/s400/P1230179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576960187170674434" border="0" /></a>This was our first car ride. Coming home from the hospital. He was a bobble head baby in the back seat of our old clunker. We made it home safely and ever since have been getting to know each other and loving almost every minute of it. Thanks to my mom and Juan's mom we have been able to adjust well. They are both gone now so we are gonna have to figure things out on our own. It is going to be hard to mimic grandma's special touch. We are still very immature, impatient young guns- we have a lot to learn. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWniZo03RluE16n53Gv0-NDtdN5cIFDtZNIfhvOCha2VkNuPQl1446VuKUivlHbkVnF2FyR16tE4TbMLWno3h-bE7mPrKZ0jvYo4gaIzU94Zo_DV6ZMkA3WlcZT904PP7knc6NmBRFzrS/s1600/P1230179.JPG"><br /></a>Shimmyshimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03638001215321990128noreply@blogger.com2