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.