New Mom Haircut

Something had to give here - about 7" of hair! I thought I might start crying at the hairdresser but actually it felt great! I literally had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders as those extra inches were starting to feel more like postpartum dreadlocks.

I just hope I don't cry the first time I try to style it myself, or lets just hope I have time to style it. Just in case - the hairdresser made sure to keep it long enough to pull back in a pony tail. Now all I need is a little beauty rest.

I think Henry is still getting use to it becuase he keeps staring at me.

A Birthday Party for Mom

My mom's birthday is this week and I'm a bit stuck as to what I can do for her or what I could give her.

This picture is from her birthday party last year. Originally us girls thought to take her to lunch but she said "No way! What a waste of time, money and calories....do you know for the cost of lunch we could purchase a whole case of food". She proceeded to plan and organize her own party and scheduled appointments for us to go work at the welfare square cannery.

We had so much fun dry packing potato flakes and dried apples. I can't remember how many cases we filled but my mom purchased one for each of us and offered it as our party favor. I was especially impressed and inspired by the organization and efficiency of the whole facility and kept wishing I had visited there before we remodeled our kitchen.

So what do you do for someone so selfless and practical? She already has everything she needs (if not mutiples as she is still the habit of buying in bulk). Any ideas?

"If wasn't laughing I'd be crying"

This is Clara’s “after” picture from an episode that almost tipped me over the edge. She is wearing a Carter’s fleece zip up that our family sometimes calls a Teletubbie suit. This particular Teletubbie suit has been altered and I have now re-named it the “safe sleeper”. It was actually Paul’s mom who came up with the idea when I was dealing with all Maryanna’s taking off her dirty diapers in the crib issues. She suggested cutting off the footies, trimming the neck ribbing and zipping up the back as a solution. Clara is now the one who needs this bedtime/naptime uniform.

It would not have been so bad except I’m feeling a bit frazzled. Paul has been off on an adventure with the two older boys which means I’ve been on my own with the 4 younger ones, or in other words, the 4, 4 and under.

The challenge of this situation didn’t hit me until after I dropped them off at the airport and decided to go straight to the grocery store. So after a 10-minute car seat unbuckle and unload we were off on our own adventure. Little Henry (just barely 2 weeks old) was for the most part quiet in his car seat carrier - if only it didn’t take up so much of the basket space. Clara rode high – half standing in the child’s seat and constantly trying to climb out or bite through the food items just piled up around her – plastic wrappers, peels, and all. Maryanna enjoyed the freedom of not having to ride in the cart and especially loved swinging like a monkey from the handle. Peter was good in staying by my side but whinnying and crying the whole time about being thirsty and having to go to the bathroom. The poor little guy got knocked over 3 times by my cart as it was piled so high with groceries and babies that I could not see him over the top. It took a trip down the bulk food aisle to get us through this grueling errand. Even I was in need of a good treat and soon had a half eaten bag of “energy packed” trail mix spilling all over the inside of my purse.

So I decided maybe it was not a good idea to take this little band of babies out on my own. We celebrated the next day at home and called it “pajama day” because even mommy was still in her Jammies at 6 pm.

Clara’s participation in “pajama day” celebration ended earlier as she found a way to take it all off (including her dirty diaper) during her naptime. I had quite a mess to clean up and it would not have been so bad had I not done a similar clean up just the day before. Also the laundry was really starting to pile up! But I was able to chuckle a bit as I clipped her nails in order to clean up the finest details.

If only it didn’t happened again tonight! After a long night of interrupted sleep, a tiring day of bouncing a colicky baby, 2 other kids that refused to nap, another one who peed on the couch, and a very messy dinner I needed a break (and a shower)! So I settled the older 3 in bed 30 minutes early and began comfortably nursing the baby in quiet of my bed. Peter then steps in my room and casually states “do you know Clara has pooh in her hands and she is rubbing it on her arms, blankie, and crib”. This is the point where tears started welling up in my eyes. I thought to call Paul and just vent! But he was having too much fun and I didn’t want to make him feel guilty. I called my mom and just begged her, “honestly how did you do it? How did you not go totally insane”! She started chuckling and then gave me some practical advice such as “you need some rest” and “it may be time to potty train Clara”. I kept pursuing until she said, “if I didn’t laugh I would have cried”.

So after a good laugh with my mom on the phone I felt much better. I felt good enough to fold two loads of laundry in the bathroom while I watched Clara in the tub and was glad to have shared this little moment with both her and my mom.

Laughing is definately a great coping tool as it is impossible for us moms to anticipate what challenges will greet us in caring for our sweet children. That is half the fun and adventure. These challenges definately help us build our character and stamina as I suppose it will be needed as they all grow into teenagers.

What a great joy it is to have children....just when we think things are falling apart a smile, a hug, and laugh reminds of us of our greatest blessings and what really is most important.

Garage Sale Report

Tis' the season to dig through people's junk. That is exactly what my Mom and I did for a few hours this morning. We started out in the Avenues, which was fun because that is where she grew up, and then made our way down through Sugar House and across to Country Club.

Here's what I was looking for:
-Ride on toy for Clara
-Bundt cake pan
-Cake stand
-ice cream maker
-Good books
-Size 8-10 church pants
-Dresser for the girls' room
-Vintage fabric

Here's what I found:
-My Little Ponies $.25
-Beanie Babies $.50
-Popper toy $1.00
-Vintage glass juicer $1.00
-Ride on toy car for Clara $6.00 (this was my favorite purchase of the morning)
-Size 3 April Cornell dress $10.00 (more than I typically spend but its in excellent condition and will be so cute for fall)

I also got a call from Becca around 8:45 am - not pictured are the size small fuzzi bunz that she found for me at a yard sale in Highland - $2 each. It is great to be connected to the sister's garage sale network!

Kids at Play

Each enjoying their Saturday morning surprises.

Baby Burritos

The past couple of nights our little Henry has been busting out of his burrito. I'm really in need of some rest so I'm hoping these new aden and anais swaddling blankets do the trick tonight. I picked them up along with a few other essentials at our local lactation station and like them because they are soft, lightweight, and large enough for swaddling big babies.
All of my babies except one loved being swaddled and there is certainly no guessing which one refused to be contained even at such an early age. So here's hoping for a good night's (or at least 3 hour) sleep.

Tagged

I was tagged by Carly and since I don't have much to blog about today this should be fun. Just wish I could find a fun photo to attatch

3 Joys:

-Sitting on the couch (been doing that a lot lately now that I'm nursing) and watching and listening to the kids play. It cracks me up and is especially funny when they don't realize I'm watching.

-Starting, working on and finishing any creative project

-A clean house as this only enhances my other 2 joys

3 Fears:

-Swimming in the ocean at night (might be because my older brothers exposed me to JAWS I at a very young age)

-Rattle snakes (there have been several spotted way too close to our home)

-Getting another rash or having to be hospitalized for any reason other than having a baby

3 Goals:

-Get back into phase III clothes (currently still in phase I which means the same clothes I wore 5 months pregnant)

-Clean out all the weeds and start a garden before Summer hits

-Build and succesfully operate a solar oven (Just for some good homeschool fun with the boys)

3 Current Obessions/Collections:

-Japanese sewing books

-Garage Sales

-Pressure cooking (well I've been thinking about it a lot and looking out for good recipes)

3 Random Surprising Facts about me:

-I use to really enjoy correspondence with pen pals. When I was 12 I had pen pals from Nebraska and L.A., during the Gulf War I wrote letters of support to random soliders, and in high school I had two pen pals from Japan (they always sent me the coolest stickers!) and one pen pal from Lithuania. I always wished I could meet Rita from Lithuania as we became quite close over a span of 6 years. We then lost touch during college as we were both moving about quite a bit.

-When in China I ate fish eyeballs, cow lung, cow intestines, chicken feet, and duck head. I was quite adventurous and it was a way to show polietness and gratitude towards those offered such treats. I'm just glad I was not offered snake's blood, dog, cat, rat, or grubs as those were also local favorites.

-Paul and I went to school with each other since 1st grade and one year for Valentines' he gave me back the little looney tunes' Roadrunner card I gave him in 1st grade. The letters were crooked and backwards but said "To: Paul From: Alison". Also in our 3rd grade class we were asked to draw a picture of each fellow student on their birthday with an included messagee of why we thought they were special. Paul and I both saved our birthday books from that year and each have the pictures we drew of each other so long ago.

I tag my sisters even though I pretty much could fill out this tag for most of you - I just want to see if you can surprise me and whether you actually make it through to the end of my posts.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Now that I have 6 of my own kids I'm starting to wonder how you did it. It seemed so normal to me to be a part of a big family... I didn't understand why outsiders made such a big deal about having 17 children. I guess that is because I was on the recieving end. It is amazing how you had the ability and energy to love and serve us individually.

One of my fondest memories with you was a quiet and rainy Saturday afternoon when I was just 8. For some reason we were the only two home and the house was already clean! You could have taken a nap and left me alone to play with my Barbies but instead you asked me what I wanted to do or if there was anything I wanted to learn. I said I wanted to learn how to sew so you got out your old Bernina and some white jersey knit fabric with printed hot pink hearts. We didn't have any patterns so I grabbed my Cabbage Patch doll and you laid out some newspaper and we traced it with a marker. You showed me how to add seam allowance and then let me cut it out and operate the sewing machine all by myself. It was a little sleeper that turned out rather sloppy but I couldn't have been happier. We never did have another quiet day to sew together but you let me use your sewing machine whenever I wanted and then even gave me my own for Christmas when I was just 13. I never had any formal sewing lessons and would make several mistakes as I just winged most of my projects, but you were very kind in your corrections. I remember getting stuck on certain projects so I'd have to wonder around the house until I found you, sometimes you would be asleep on the floor. I'd wake you up and you were always willing to give me direction before you put your head back down to sleep.

In addition you would stay up late helping us with a paper or poster for school, you were a "room mother" for at least two classrooms every year, you were up early every morning scraping ice off the car then chasing us out the door with a plate of breakfast, and always quick to love and hug us even when it was unwanted and undeserving.

Even as adults you continue to extend your love and service to each of us. I remember while you were in Germany you would periodically call to check up on me and offer all sorts of counsel, advice, and support. Now we live much closer and we have been most recently blessed by your service in caring for the kids, folding laundry, and sweeping out my garage.

I don't think you ever stop doing. And although your doings may not always be perfect, your intentions certainly are.

There really is no gift we could give to show our full appreciation for the work you have accomplished as a mother. It frustrated me when I was younger and wanted to know what to "buy" you, you would always say "just be nice to each other", or "just be good". So despite my overtiredness, that is what I wish to give you this year. Towards others, I will try to emulate the same patience, love and service you have shown to me.

Thank you for your example, and thank you also for having so many so many children so my life would always be full with someone to play with, hang out with, or talk to.

Also, I hope you start writing your book soon because many of us young moms could use your practical tips, and advice in addition to a good laugh.

Thanks again Mom! We love you!

Garage Sale finds

Suz and Emily have got me garage-saling again. The fun thing is Paul really likes to go as well so my mom came over this morning at 7:30 am and we made a date of it. We typed all the addresses into Microsoft Trip Planner and had a scheduled route of 10 stops. I think we inadvertantly intimidated a few fellow garage-salers as we sat in our car idling with the laptop open, plotting our next stop. It was a lot quicker to do it this way rather than just following signs (Now that I'm nursing I'm back on the clock so we only had 2 1/2 hrs).

Here is a report of today's finds:

Playmobil Jungle set - $3
Eyewitness videos - $1
Disney movies in Chinese - $1
Usborne board book - $1 (a little expensive but worth it because the girls love usborne books)
1940's World War II book - $1
Huge tarp (not pictured) - $2

Paul and I work well together and see eye to eye on the garage sales. Neither of us like clutter in our home, so we tend to be very selective about what we buy. I like to look for books, toys, videos, and homeschool activities for the kids - its cheaper than library fines and they get so trashed anyways. Paul really likes just looking at old junk and occasionally buys old books and sports equipment. I think he also really enjoys the people and neighborhood watching aspect of it. We both like old, cool furniture (Paul calls it "fully depreciated furniture") - some of our best buys came as newlyweds on a severely limited furnishing budget. The most thrilling thing is the unexpected treasures - last week Suz bought some vintage Barbies for $20 then sold them on ebay for $580. I've never had that much luck but still enjoy the hunt. It is also fun to be out in an old hoodie with unbrushed hair and flip flops as that seems to be the standard attire for both the buyers and sellers. The kids sometimes enjoy tagging along if its not too early but are always anxious to read, watch, or play with whatever purchases are brought home. These Spring/Summer Saturdays sometimes feel like Christmas for them so it might be wise for us to actually save some items for Christmas.

Happy Birthday Super Hero

Amongst all the joy and transition of our new little baby we almost forgot Paul's birthday. He's been the Super Hero around here doing pretty much everything. The morning of his birthday I slept until about 9:00 am and was surprised to find he had already set the table complete with a bowl of cut up strawberries, a pile of scrambled eggs, little cups of yogurt, and toasted egg-o waffles. I had intended to make him breakfast, but then again I also had intention of making him a cake and possibly doing laundry and even getting showered and dressed. The day slipped away as I was occupied just keeping babies happy and none of that happened. Good thing our neighbor delievered a delicious meal complete with an angel food cake. I'm just sorry that Clara dug her hands into it before we could place it before our big birthday guy. But he was a good sport and just started cracking up. At least Oma & Opa, and Nanny & Poppy remembered to send a gift - they both gave him a jigsaw puzzle. My brother John came over later that night and treated him to a root beer float then he and the kids completed the 550 piece puzzle of Michigan Stadium while watching basketball. Hopefully I'll be able to make it up for Father's Day, or I'll just give him a free pass this Sunday for Mother's Day and get up early and make him breakfast.

Rest, Recovery and Reality

I'm on my own this week and kind of wish Paul was still around to work his magic. He spent the last week getting kids up, changing diapers, making breakfast, cleaning up breakfast, playing with kids, making lunch, cleaning up lunch, putting kids down for naps, making dinner, cleaning up dinner, playing with kids, and tucking them in bed. This was all done on a swollen ankle while occasionally bouncing a fussy baby. James commented "Wow, Dad you've done something Mommy has never done - cooked us dinner while taking care of six kids"! I really do have a super hero husband.

All sorts of funny comments and observations continue to spill out from the kids. Here are a few of the momorable ones:

Maryanna while patting my still protruding belly "Mommy - you got another baby in there"? I answer "no" James chimes in "Well what is in there"? I try to brush it off and say "I don't know but I sure hope it goes away soon". William then approaches, wraps his arms around me, and says "At least it is easier to hug you now".

Peter is a somewhat precocious four year old so I never know what to expect when he opens his mouth. He climbed up onto my bed while I was nursing Henry and said this: "Mommy, did you know that a woman's nipple is actually considered a private part so you should try harder to cover them up." I thanked him for the reminder.

Maryanna has shown the most interest in our little Henry. She also really likes the Wiggles so she calls our Henry the baby Octopus. She often says "Mommy, your baby octopus is crying" or "the baby octopus hungry". She noticed the little scab from his PKU test and asked "Mommy bad guys hurt the baby octopus"? I said "no, it is from the Dr.s because they want to look at his blood". She answers "Dr.s very, very scary" I try to reassure her but also glad she's not due for a check up for several months.

As for Clara, it is still hard for us to figure out what she is trying to say. She has been very helpful in keeping her hands all over all the pacifiers, trying to change her own diaper (just like Maryanna use to do) and placing all sorts of foreign objects in the toliet. The strange thing for me is last week she was the baby. This week she is a toddler if not little girl or giant. She now plays with "the big kids" while I care for Henry and has a new found freedom that is worthy of its own post.

I still may be a bit out of it and therefore missing my "filter" but this is how I feel: super tired, and still really hungry. I am also humbled by all the help sent my way - my sister who went to Costco and stocked our fridge, my brother who took the older five to the zoo (by himself!), my mom who not only took care of the kids while I was in the hospital but also cleaned my house and cleaned out my garage, neighbors who brought treats and meals, and I am especially overwhelmed by Paul's ability to do it ALL without one comment or complaint.

In addition I can't help thinking about how fast these babies grow up. I keep teasing the kids that I'm going to invent a shrinking machine so they can always stay my babies - they say "no way mom I'm going to be taller than you by the time I'm 12". I think they're right and just hope I have the ability to give them all the love and teaching they need during this short time that they are still mine.

On a lighter note I'm also wondering when I will squeeze into normal clothes, when I will be able to complete a good blow out of my hair, if I'll ever catch up on sleep and laundry, if it is acceptable to bring 6 young kids to costco with me, if its time to get a cleaning lady again, and when I'll be back behind the sewing machine.

As for blogging, Paul noted in our 2006 Christmas letter that I developed the ability to type one handed and navigate my laptop with my toes. I still have that ability and therefore able to multitask while nursing and caring for Henry.

Did it work?

I previously announced that I was going to be induced early Monday morning however that was not the case. First of all my mom was out of town and her flight did not come in until 11:30 am so we did not have anyone to watch the kids. Secondly, Paul, who had injured his ankle several weeks ago playing basketball, was in need of some X-rays as it became quite swollen and seriously aggravated after all our walking and hiking trying to throw me into labor. Luckily there was no sign of a fracture so he was sent on his way with a brace. The problem was his car battery was completely dead. He spent an hour waiting for AAA and then another hour at the car dealership getting his dashboard re-set. By this time there were no beds available for me to be induced. But I was somewhat relieved as I was still hoping to go into labor myself. I went in for another NST and was happy everything still looked great but was advised to schedule my induction for the following morning. I really did not want to get induced - I had to have pitocin with Clara's delivery and did not want to go through that again.

After trying all the natural methods to get labor started there was only one thing left to do - Castor Oil. I asked myself what could be worse castor oil or pitocin? The internet offered all sorts of recipes, horror stories and success stories which left me very indecisive. My midwife cautioned me but said it may be worth a try. So I stopped by the pharmacy and asked the clerk not to laugh at my single purchase. When I got home I was quick and efficient in doing laundry, feeding the kids, and tucking them in bed. I was restless and running out of time before my scheduled induction.

7:50 pm - Feeling somewhat desperate I mixed 1 oz. castor oil with 8 oz. of OJ quickly chugged it.

8:50 pm - No change so I mixed another 1 oz. castor oil with OJ and quickly chugged it. This time I had Saltines ready for the horrible texture and after taste.

9:50 pm - No change and almost in tears I packed my bag for the hospital and went to bed.

10:15 pm - I had to run to the bathroom. Two more of these episodes (though not too horrific) soon followed.

10:45 pm - I experienced one really hard contraction. I was so excited I woke up Paul and jumped out of bed only to discover I had just wet the bed or there was leaking fluid. I called my Mom not knowing what to do and my Dad who had also picked up the phone was wise in telling me "Stop messing around and get to the hospital".

10:55 pm - My Mom was over and there was no doubt my water was breaking. I had gone through three outfits in that time. I grabbed some sweats and an old PENN t-shirt of Paul's. My Mom who obviously has more experience than anyone was wise in handing me 2 size 5 Kirtland diapers and two bathtowels and urged me out the door. I was soaked by the time I climbed in the car and soon experiencing some very painful contractions. It was a memorable drive to the hospital. Paul almost missed the I-15 exit and I was anxious as I could tell the baby was coming quickly.

11:15 pm - We make it to the hospital. I refused the epidural and all pain medication but comforted knowing that Paul is a great and very experienced labor coach.

12:53 pm - Baby Henry is born. After all the weeks of waiting we joyfully meet him. I am exhausted but on a high - same feeling I had after finishing a marathon. Winded, almost floating and super hungry.

I am glad I held out for this quick, uncomplicated natural delivery. As for the castor oil, I'm not sure if I'd do try it again but then again you start to hit a somewhat crazy mind set when you reach day 12 of being overdue.

More than anything I am overwhelmed by the joy and blessing it is to have children. I also recognize that the pregnancy, labor and delievery is the easy part. The real test of my patience, endurance, and faith will come in the rasing of these precious children.