My parents are always asking me if I am writing down the funny things my kids do. I'd like to say I am, but I'm not. So, as of today, each Sunday I'm going to try and jot down a few of the highlights from the week. It's not much, but it's something:
Sydney lost her first tooth while chewing on a rubber worm at Grandma Edie's annual Halloween party. Of course the tooth fairy did not come and owes her a "note" as well as some cash.
Paige painted herself with sour cream, tried to clean the toilet with a roll of toilet paper, and puts everything she can down her undershirt where it lodges, uncomfortably, in the top of her diaper. Tonight we found a yellow crayon, a small "people" and many pieces of chicken and rice. Yum
Avery dressed as a "rock star" for the Halloween party and ended up looking like she was ready to hit the town. She looked fabulous -- too fabulous.
Addison finished reading Freckle Juice, her first longer book. She decided she wants to be a doctor and a Mom when she grows up.
Jack will only wear his tractor pajamas to bed and has been unrolling all my rolls of wrapping paper in order to get to the cardboard "sword".
Cooper discovered his tongue and sticks it out of his mouth constantly. He is currently slightly above the top of the growth charts.
I have to write a paper this week for my class. Any ideas?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Birth of a Mother
One week ago today, I watched a new mother be born. As she labored, without medication, for 24 HOURS, then with an epidural for another 8, and then pushed for 2 hors, I watched as she fought desperately to overcome last minute self-doubt and fear of the unknown. Her body, mind and spirit were straining to come together in order to allow the birth process to happen. I could almost physically see the struggle pass through her like waves, mimicking the contractions themselves.
First, there was staunch determination to go through the birth process unmedicated in order to fully "experience" birth and the wonders that come with it. Coupled with that fierce determination was absolute terror which would wash across her face and practically paralyze her with each contraction. She was already learning the lessons all mothers feel when they have to sit at the bedside of their sick child, determined to stay awake all night if necessary, experiencing fear at the prospect of their child's future.
Next, I watched with relief as she realized her own limitations and that of her body's and accepted an epidural. She had to go through the mental turmoil of questioning herself and her decision, and wondering if she could still be considered "tough" or "strong enough." What mother doesn't question that constantly? "If I had just..." "Would it have made a difference if...?" She was required to let go of whatever control she thought she had over the situation and allow the process to happen. This is a lesson experienced over and over in motherhood.
Last came the true work- that of releasing her baby into the world. Although completely exhausted, she had to dig deep within herself and find the strength to do for her son what he could not do for himself. She had to push past the limits of her own mind and body and find a new, deeper place--that of mother -- and she did. It was a beautifully painful thing to witness. Allowing our babies to go out into the world is a task which, thankfully, takes about 20 years to complete, but starts with that first great effort.
She is already a fantastic mother. Just as her birth story was unique, so her mothering will be also. She will bring new understanding and depth which will add strength and beauty to the millions of other women who call themselves mother. I was proud and honored to be witness to a birth of a new mother.
I love you sis!
First, there was staunch determination to go through the birth process unmedicated in order to fully "experience" birth and the wonders that come with it. Coupled with that fierce determination was absolute terror which would wash across her face and practically paralyze her with each contraction. She was already learning the lessons all mothers feel when they have to sit at the bedside of their sick child, determined to stay awake all night if necessary, experiencing fear at the prospect of their child's future.
Next, I watched with relief as she realized her own limitations and that of her body's and accepted an epidural. She had to go through the mental turmoil of questioning herself and her decision, and wondering if she could still be considered "tough" or "strong enough." What mother doesn't question that constantly? "If I had just..." "Would it have made a difference if...?" She was required to let go of whatever control she thought she had over the situation and allow the process to happen. This is a lesson experienced over and over in motherhood.
Last came the true work- that of releasing her baby into the world. Although completely exhausted, she had to dig deep within herself and find the strength to do for her son what he could not do for himself. She had to push past the limits of her own mind and body and find a new, deeper place--that of mother -- and she did. It was a beautifully painful thing to witness. Allowing our babies to go out into the world is a task which, thankfully, takes about 20 years to complete, but starts with that first great effort.
She is already a fantastic mother. Just as her birth story was unique, so her mothering will be also. She will bring new understanding and depth which will add strength and beauty to the millions of other women who call themselves mother. I was proud and honored to be witness to a birth of a new mother.
I love you sis!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Lessons From a Mini-Van
Freedom is a difficult concept. We all say we want it, but do we really? I think we all want freedom as long as everybody plays by the rules, but as soon as someone breaks a rule, we're ready to yank our freedoms away. I had an experience with my kids the other which brought this into perspective for me.
All God had to do to teach me little lessons in patience each day was to make me have to pile six children into a mini-van. Due to the space constrictions, it's not too long before somebody has "touched" somebody else, or looked out "their" window, or "breathed" on someone, etc... Sometimes, as was the case the other day,a full on hair-pulling, pinching, pushing fight breaks out and intervention is required.
I was about 1/3 of a mile away from home when one of these occurred so I did the stereotypical thing and pulled that little van right over, got out, came around to the side, yanked the door open and pulled the two offenders out. Then I did the un-stereotypical thing and walked back around the driver's side, got in and started to pull away, just so I could see the looks on their faces. It was totally worth it and allowed me to cool down enough to think about what I was really going to do. I wanted to send a clear message because I was tired of the whole "don't make me pull this car over" routine. I then stopped the van, rolled down the window and told them to start walking. They were going to walk the rest of the way home. They looked at me like I couldn't possibly be serious. I "seriously" rolled the window back up and drove up ahead about 100 yards and waited. It took about a minute for them to realize I wasn't coming back, so they started walking. Every time they got close to the van, I would pull ahead another 50 yards until we reached our street. Since then I have had fewer disruptions because they know they may end up walking again.
My thoughts during this whole thing, however, were centered on who was observing this and wondering why these children were walking by themselves, during the middle of the day, along a busy road, and deciding they should call the police. I was just waiting for CPS to show up when I realized how much we have limited our freedom to parent how we see fit. I wasn't doing anything abusive or dangerous. I was trying to teach my children a lesson by using natural consequences and in a way that, I hoped, would be really effective instead of just more threats. We've become so judgmental and intrusive into everybody's lives that we've forgotten there are many ways to live and parent.
Freedom means allowing some bad things to go on. With freedom comes the possibility of wrong choices and hurtful actions. Obviously I would never want to see a child intentionally hurt or neglected in any way and I would kick the crap out of anybody I saw participating in such an activity, but I'm not ready to live in a "Big Brother" society for the sake of preventing any deviance from the prescribed path. However, I think we've become lulled into this false sense of "freedom" by listening to all the "experts" telling us what to do, think, wear, drive, eat, etc... We need to wake up and reclaim our true freedom before it is too late. If that sounds a little revolutionary, maybe it is.
All God had to do to teach me little lessons in patience each day was to make me have to pile six children into a mini-van. Due to the space constrictions, it's not too long before somebody has "touched" somebody else, or looked out "their" window, or "breathed" on someone, etc... Sometimes, as was the case the other day,a full on hair-pulling, pinching, pushing fight breaks out and intervention is required.
I was about 1/3 of a mile away from home when one of these occurred so I did the stereotypical thing and pulled that little van right over, got out, came around to the side, yanked the door open and pulled the two offenders out. Then I did the un-stereotypical thing and walked back around the driver's side, got in and started to pull away, just so I could see the looks on their faces. It was totally worth it and allowed me to cool down enough to think about what I was really going to do. I wanted to send a clear message because I was tired of the whole "don't make me pull this car over" routine. I then stopped the van, rolled down the window and told them to start walking. They were going to walk the rest of the way home. They looked at me like I couldn't possibly be serious. I "seriously" rolled the window back up and drove up ahead about 100 yards and waited. It took about a minute for them to realize I wasn't coming back, so they started walking. Every time they got close to the van, I would pull ahead another 50 yards until we reached our street. Since then I have had fewer disruptions because they know they may end up walking again.
My thoughts during this whole thing, however, were centered on who was observing this and wondering why these children were walking by themselves, during the middle of the day, along a busy road, and deciding they should call the police. I was just waiting for CPS to show up when I realized how much we have limited our freedom to parent how we see fit. I wasn't doing anything abusive or dangerous. I was trying to teach my children a lesson by using natural consequences and in a way that, I hoped, would be really effective instead of just more threats. We've become so judgmental and intrusive into everybody's lives that we've forgotten there are many ways to live and parent.
Freedom means allowing some bad things to go on. With freedom comes the possibility of wrong choices and hurtful actions. Obviously I would never want to see a child intentionally hurt or neglected in any way and I would kick the crap out of anybody I saw participating in such an activity, but I'm not ready to live in a "Big Brother" society for the sake of preventing any deviance from the prescribed path. However, I think we've become lulled into this false sense of "freedom" by listening to all the "experts" telling us what to do, think, wear, drive, eat, etc... We need to wake up and reclaim our true freedom before it is too late. If that sounds a little revolutionary, maybe it is.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Happy Birthday Peaches!
After the birth of two healthy daughters, I experienced two devastating miscarriages. If you know me, you know I don't like feeling like I can't do something, so I was absolutely determined to get pregnant and carry a healthy baby come what may. Ten weeks into yet another pregnancy, I was cleaning my grandparents house when I felt a sudden cramping and a whoosh. I ran to the bathroom and couldn't believe what was happening -- another miscarriage. My cute Grandma tried to help me as best as she could by providing what she had at the time -- Depends Undergarments and words of comfort but I was shocked and angry at having had to experience this again and starting to wonder what was wrong. I called my midwife and made an appointment to try and decipher the problem.
A week passed and finally it was time for my appointment. I was really upset. Not only because of the miscarriage, but I was still nauseated and feeling pregnant. I didn't know the universe could be so cruel as to make me continue to feel crappy while not being pregnant. When I told my midwife how I was feeling she suggested an ultrasound just to make sure everything had been cleared out. I didn't even want to look at the screen and view my empty uterus, but I was compelled to. And there, to our complete surprise, was a baby! A perfectly healthy looking and growing baby! I couldn't believe it! My midwife thought I must've been carrying twins and miscarried the other one. I believe Sydney had been trying to come and wasn't taking any chances, so two bodies were created and she picked the healthier of the two and the other body was discarded. The universe had been merciful and I proceeded to have a pleasant, healthy pregnancy.
Eight months later, and the most pleasant of all my pregnancies, Sydney Alisha was born August 31, weighing 9 lbs 2 ounces. She was so big she broke her collarbone upon delivery but she healed well and didn't seem to be bothered by it. She also had two knots in her umbilical cord which, according to my midwife, can cause death in an infant if they tighten during delivery. Her delivery was fast and furious because she must have known she just needed to get out of there before anything happened with those knots. Aside from that, her delivery was relatively easy and was the first time I didn't have to deal with stitches afterward so I felt GREAT!!! Angels were continuing to watch over her and me.
I consider her my miracle baby. Heavenly Father had sent me another beautiful girl who loved to smile at everybody. Her disposition was so sweet we started calling her "Peaches" right from the start. She loves anything pink, still smiles at everybody constantly, is extremely articulate and wants to be an artist when she grows up. I think she has a lot of my Grandma Foo in her, who died the year Syd was born. In fact, sometimes I wonder if my Grandma just found a way to turn around and come right back.
After Avery and Addison, I didn't know what more a third girl could possibly bring to the table. Well, Sydney is wonderfully unique and adds so much to our family that I can't imagine not having her. I love you Sis! Happy 5th Birthday!
Monday, July 28, 2008
He Could Sell Popsicles to an Eskimo
I have to give a virtual high-five to my terrific husband who landed a new job within Fidelity Investments! Forty people, most of whom have been with Fidelity longer than Bret, applied for a position for which there were only FOUR slots available. Not only did Bret get the position but he was told he "blew the interviewers away" during his interview!
Bret is a very charming guy and genuinely enjoys talking with people. He is truly interested in what they have to say and is good at drawing them out. This new position involves a lot more sales and I know he'll do a fantastic job. Heck, he charmed me into marrying him and look what I prize I am :)
Anyway, way to go babe! Your family is proud of you!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I Think I've Found "The One"
I think I have finally found a Pediatrician/Family Practice doctor with whom I will be for eternity! My personal wellness philosophy includes a good mixture of western and eastern medicine. I'm all for antibiotics -- when they are absolutely necessary. I'm all for hospitals -- when they are absolutely necessary. However, I think there is so much that can be done to actually heal the body instead of just treating a symptom and I think that's where eastern/alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, comes in.
I've had a difficult time finding a doctor who is comfortable with both aspects. Usually they're one or the other and won't really discuss the other side. Well, two weeks ago that all changed for me. I met Diane Farley-Jones MD AND certified Homeopathic and her husband Steven Jones NP at their clinic in Lehi and felt like I didn't have to hide anymore. I could actually discuss my feelings and questions concerning vaccines, homeopathics, nutrition, etc... The doctor didn't even wince when I mentioned home birth, homeschooling and noticed my son was uncircumcised. I could just be myself.
If anyone has been looking for a doctor who doesn't seem to have a God-complex and is willing and wanting to discuss all options and is extremely knowledgeable in all areas, then Alpine Clinic is the place for you. Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging these people, but I can't help it. When you've found the one, you want to share it with everyone.
I've had a difficult time finding a doctor who is comfortable with both aspects. Usually they're one or the other and won't really discuss the other side. Well, two weeks ago that all changed for me. I met Diane Farley-Jones MD AND certified Homeopathic and her husband Steven Jones NP at their clinic in Lehi and felt like I didn't have to hide anymore. I could actually discuss my feelings and questions concerning vaccines, homeopathics, nutrition, etc... The doctor didn't even wince when I mentioned home birth, homeschooling and noticed my son was uncircumcised. I could just be myself.
If anyone has been looking for a doctor who doesn't seem to have a God-complex and is willing and wanting to discuss all options and is extremely knowledgeable in all areas, then Alpine Clinic is the place for you. Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging these people, but I can't help it. When you've found the one, you want to share it with everyone.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Life for Paige 5
I AM going to get a picture of this and when I do I will post it and you will all agree at how pathetic her little life can be sometimes. Recently every time, and I do mean every time, Jack and Paige go into the backyard the following scenario unfolds:
I hear the sound of the hose turning on. I open the window and yell at Jack to turn the dang thing off! By the time I get to the side door to really make my point, Paige is already standing there with the most pathetic look on her face -- SOAKING WET! The poor girl gets completely drenched by her brother every stinkin' day! Not ever having a big brother I can't relate to what she is experiencing, but I guess (I hope) these experiences will just make her a stronger person. Poor girl!
I hear the sound of the hose turning on. I open the window and yell at Jack to turn the dang thing off! By the time I get to the side door to really make my point, Paige is already standing there with the most pathetic look on her face -- SOAKING WET! The poor girl gets completely drenched by her brother every stinkin' day! Not ever having a big brother I can't relate to what she is experiencing, but I guess (I hope) these experiences will just make her a stronger person. Poor girl!
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