Christmas Follow-up

Christmas was wonderfully spent with our families. Unfortunately we have two little sick ones and no available appts. at the pediatrician's. Guess we'll just try again tomorrow. Wesley either has an ear infection or molars coming in. Carlise is miserable with a hacking cough and very lethargic from the lack of sleep caused by her cough. We have a cool mist humidifier running in their room, baby Vicks on their chests, and ibuprofen for the pain. And because they share a room, Wesley isn't getting good sleep, either. (so neither are we) Hopefully, we can get an appt with someone tomorrow. All 10 doctors and 3 Nurse practitioners were full today. We just want to make sure that if Wesley does have an ear infection, we can catch it early. There's nothing to do for Carlise except a cough suppressant at night, which we already have for her. Forgot about it last night, though. Here's hoping for some good sleep tonight.

Reason for the Season!

This is a very cool display that we found in our neighborhood last year and finally took a picture of it to keep. I thought that this display explains very plainly why Christmas is so important. The first time that I saw this chills went down my back. Any how hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

A Capella - 12 Days of Christmas

Computer Shopping

it's time for a new computer. Ours has just about had it. We're looking at a Mac because we just hate windows and pcs can be a big pain. I called Lyns and her Mom for help. They were the first people I knew with a Mac. We're looking on e-bay for something used. And I drooled over some Mac laptops. Oh, how I wish, but then again what would I need one for? silly me, always trying to spend money. Ben keeps me grounded though. =]

Carlise has been requesting to go look at lights every night after dinner. We love it! We listen to the radio and she sings along to the christmas carols. We say, "Look Carlise! See the lights?" and she says, "Look Wesley! see the lights?" She's been very caring and attentive to her little brother. It warms our hearts.

My knight in shining armour rescued me today. It was a task I couldn't take on and he swooped in and saved me from it. *sigh* (I HATE potty training accidents)

Christmas Shopping

We braved the crowds today for some shopping. Ben went and did all his shopping for me while I headed across town to get groceries. (I didn't want to risk running into him in the store. I hate ruining surprises!) We both made it home in time for naps. Actually, he finished shopping and wrapping my gifts before I got home. Then we went out again last night for stocking stuffers. Currently I hate Wal-Mart (except for groceries) and love Target. They not only have Happy Holidays, but Merry Christmas as well. Not to mention no stupid t.v.s blaring at you or music and announcements that can be heard anywhere in the store. it's so much quieter and not surprisingly our kids act better in there.

Sticker Love

so, Carlise has been resisting more than just potty training. She's been refusing to go to sleep both at naptime and bedtime. We've tried singing, playing with her hair, pleading, threatening, and spanking and nothing works. That is until i discovered my child's love of stickers. So, now when we lay her down we remind her. "Go straight to sleep, don't play, don't get out of bed and when you wake-up you can have a sticker." It has worked for 2 weeks now without a hitch. Of course, I learned after the first success (and tantrum) that I had to use different stickers than the ones for potty success. Just glad I love stickers too and have a huge supply of them. =]

Changing- Diapers that is

So, I've been looking into modern cloth diapers. Don't say "Ewwww!" just yet. (I can see your face Lyns) They have come a long way and there's no more swishing them in the toilet. The realization that we will have 3 under 3 and all in diapers scares me (especially the cost). Carlise is very resistant to potty training and I'm not going to force it. Especially just for her to regress after the baby is born. Did you know Wal-mart sells them online? pretty cheap, too. I think we're going with All-in-ones (AIO) which are just as convenient as disposables, only you re-use them. yay! I have a friend in the breastfeeding support group who is trying to sell her stash. I went over yesterday and looked at them and she sent me home with some to try out. We're still not even sure if this is what we want to do. I have to be able to keep up the laundry. And I'm going to buy disposable liners to deal with the solid matter. They make it so much easier. The ones I would LOVE to buy (but would also need a loan to do it) are the bumgenius one-size diapers they're like an AIO, but are actually a Pocket diaper. You stuff a pocket to customize the absorbency of the diaper. The thing I love about these is the fact I could diaper all 3 of my children with one diaper. No different sizes to deal with because it fits 7-35lbs. Oh well, I can drool. =]

Family Names

okay, so I got another side of family names and the only ones we could use are surnames Careaga (Care-E-Aga) and Cortina. So, that won't work. We probably aren't going to use Sarah, just too common for us. It's so hard for me to just pick a name out of a book. A name has to be attached to someone or it's just another word. So, I'm hunting for a short one or two syllable name for a middle name with Josephine. I've loved that name ever since I found out his great-grandmother was named that.

Surgery scheduled

As of last friday, in 2 months we will have our little girl. My surgery is scheduled for Valentine's Day. Ben & I will celebrate valentine's the day before. I remember Mom & Dad doing the same thing because mom had a surgery scheduled for valentine's day one year. Now the name game is really on. We want a name so Carlise & Wesley can associate who she is once she's here. I borrowed a HUGE baby name book (over 54,000 names) from a friend and all we got out of it were 3 names. Danica, Ilaria, & Shoshana. So far from family files we only have Josephine, Iona, Lavinia, Kovenne(or Koeven) and Sarah. The only name combinations we've heard: Sarah Koeven(or kovenne) and Sarah Josephine. We would like to have a name decided before the new year. I really wanted Josephine for a first name. I like Sarah, but it's just so common!! decisions, decisions.

Ammon is here!

Stacy did so awesome! Her due date was friday and she had an appt. and her blood pressure was really high so they sent her to the hospital. They decided to go ahead and break her water at 4:55pm. She got an epidural at a 4 and very quickly progressed and he was born at 9:55pm.He was 6lbs. 3oz. and 19 in. long. He has blond fuzz on his head and he's nursing great.

Early Sweetness

Carlise woke up at 6am yesterday morning and came in our room. She kissed me on the forehead and rubbed my hair. Last night she got hurt playing, so Ben picked her up and she said, "I want my momma!"

My daughter really does love me! (even with my strictness and anger) I've got to learn to just let things go and just breathe.

art

What's sad is that I had no clue who Del Parson is. So, I googled it this morning and duh! I have like 5 of his pictures in my home and I love his work and the church uses it the most. For those like me who don't know, His most famous is the portrait of Christ in the red robe. You should check out his website and read his story. It's very touching! (grab tissues).

Name That Baby

We're having a hard time naming this baby. We like to use a family name and an uncommon name. Carlise (un) Theone (f & un) and Wesley (f) Denton (f & un). We've been through my Mom and Father's geneology and we couldn't agree on any names. We're waiting on the geneology from Ben's grandpa & grandma's geneology on his Mom's side. We've heard 2 names from that side we like: Josephine & Lillian. So, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Baby Shower

Saturday I hosted a baby shower for my George (Stacy). She's so cute preggo. They've had a nervous time with the pregnancy because early on they detected a heart arrhythmia. They haven't noticed it since, but she still has to avoid certain foods and drinks. She's having a boy and they're naming him Ammon.

When I was pregnant with Carlise I commissioned Stacy to create for me an alphabet chart. It is totally unique and complete with alliteration for each letter. Then when I became pregnant with Wesley I commisioned her to create a number chart 1-10. Mom and I paid to have her artwork professionally scanned to digital file. Really, she's that talented and doesn't see it, and her artwork is Awesome! Hopefully Stacy Creations will be up and running soon, but first to birth that baby. Due December 7th

BabyWearing

so, i've just discovered the world of babywearing and i've done some research. I like the Moby Wrap especially with UV protection. Majority of the year our UV rating is 11+ (the highest). But, I can make a wrap really simple and RIT makes a UV wash additive for your laundry for only $1.99 a box. But, I need something simpler since I will have 2 toddlers and a newborn that nurses frequently. I like the ring slings because they are very adjustable and I can wear Welsey currently in some of the positions. I'll have Anna make one probably. I think a pouch will be the easiest to use especially at first. However, I need to get a pouch for Ben, too. Mom used to sew every project I wanted, but her health has really gone downhill in the last month or so. Not to mention she has lots of other things going on, so she's only movitivated if I sit in the sewing room with her. And sincer her house is torn apart right now and isn't child-proof. That won't work. What I really need to do is have her show me how to use my machine so I can practice and get better and just make my own items. But, until I get really good, I'm not making something that is supposed to contain my children. Safety being an issue. Plus, it'd be great to be able to experiment and actually make my own clothes and misc. baby crafts for my children.

One income is hard enough, and Ben has to go back to school and finish something. or rather just start. He didn't get an associates before his mission and worked instead when he got home. Add a third baby in diapers to our situation and it's going to be tight. But, I know we'll manage.

parenting

Ok, so I really need to find the cord so I can download pictures from my camera. And now I know why growing up there are so few pictures of mom. Our little man, Wesley, is now 1. I can't believe it's already been a year and he's changed so much. Sad thing, Lyndsey came by last week and it was the first time she's seen him. Oy! Carlise is almost 2 1/2 and being a little mommy. She repeats everything I say. Especially if it's directed to Wesley. I can't imagine where she gets that bossiness from. =] Ok, i did the exact same thing when I was little. Everyday is full of tantrums and triumphs with our little drama momma. I wish we could freeze time, but then again not. Parenting is so bittersweet. We miss the newborn and the littleness they have when first born, but every new step is exciting to watch them learn and grow.

Pumpkin Time

These are the family pumpkins I made while waiting for little man to be born.

First Post

I started a blog for our family. We'll see how well I can keep it updated, maybe Ben will help. I dont' have any updated pics, except for this picture of baby #3's profile.