First Outings, Dr's Appointments, and Sleeping

Last week was my first time out with both girls by myself. I actually had to get Ella in to see the doctor for her tummy issues (which I will explain in a moment), but used the opportunity to run some errands since we were already out and about. After her appointment, I took them to Target to try to find an Easter dress for myself. Ella slept the whole time. Even with Kaylee screaming Ella's name into the carseat to wake her up. Kaylee was such a good girl, patiently waiting for me to pick dresses and try them on.  We ended our Target visit without a single meltdown.  Then, we had to go get Ella's prescription. On the way there Kaylee started whining obsessively. I seriously debated not going and having Adam pick it up later, but decided it would be better to start Ella on it sooner than later.  We get down by CVS only to discover that this particular CVS is no longer open. They have moved. Ugh. So, I start heading to the one down the road from us. (Kaylee is by this time having an all out meltdown.) Luckily it has drive-up service. I get up to the window and the lady tells me that she is out of this particular medicine. (Kaylee stops whining at the window out of curiosity.)  The lady calls the one down by Adam's work and they have some of the medicine. She then told me that if I head over there, they should have it ready for me by the time I get down there. If she would not have said that statement I would have let Adam pick it up because I did not want to listen to Kaylee anymore, but since she did say it I decided to still go get the meds.  However, I gave them an extra couple of minutes by running through Starbucks drive-thru for a quick pick-me-up.  (All the while Kaylee is listening and observing.)  As soon as we get back on to the road to head to CVS, Kaylee starts her I am not crying with tears, but making this really annoying sound as if I am crying sound again.  I get all the way down to CVS and they too have a drive-up window. (Kaylee is quiet while I talk to the guy that looks like a highschool student.)  He tells me that he JUST got the prescription and it would be 5-10 minutes. They also don't let you sit there and wait. You have to park. So, I pull away wishing I had some earplugs knowing what was about to erupt in my backseat.  Only this time Kaylee wakes Ella. So, now I have a chorus of meltdowns behind me. I want to cry. My beautiful first outing was now a pitiful conglomeration of Ella's real tears and Kaylee's whining. Needless to say I still reflect upon this trip as a success. I was able to get out to the doctor on time. Both girls were quiet when we were "in public". And I FINALLY got Ella's meds.

At this appointment that I mentioned above, Ella was diagnosed with having reflux.  Acid reflux is when the stomach's contents goes back up into the esophagus, causing baby to feel miserable.  It usually happens after a feeding, which luckily for Ella happens every 3 hours. Poor thing is pretty much crying anytime she is awake so I knew something was wrong with her. Anyways, now she is on some baby zantac which is an antacid.  I have not seen a huge change, but there have been about 10 -15 minutes a day where she is not crying and seems content so I think it is helping. Time will tell. Please keep praying for our little Ella and that this medicine would bring some continued relief for her. She woke up at 5 this morning with an upset tummy and is still at this moment having a rough go at it. It's 12:30.  I just feel bad because there is nothing I can do for her and I can see that she really does not feel good. Thanks! Yesterday was her monthly check-up. She weighs 10 pounds which is more than Kaylee weighed at 3 months so she is doing great! She is at 58% for weight. She is 22 and 1/4 inches long putting her at 74% for length.  The doctor said she looks great and that she hopes the medicine continues to help.  This was another successful outing with both girls. (This time with zero meltdowns.)

Last on the update agenda is Kaylee. She is making awesome progress in her sleeping behavior. For the first 4 weeks in her big girl bed she had been an angel. She would climb into bed, give you kisses, and go to sleep without any fuss. Then, all of a sudden she was waking up in the middle of the night screaming and crying. That finally stopped the week before Ella came. Also, when we first put her down she would start crying and getting out of bed to stand next to the door. She was a terror. We tried everything. We left her door open. We left the hall light on. We gave her a nightlight. We shut her door. We stayed in her room with her.  Nothing worked. Anyways, we have been listening to her cry every night for months. I am proud to say though that for the last 3 nights she has not gotten out of bed and she has not cried. She has been doing great! Praise the Lord!!!

Hope all of you are having a fabulous Tuesday!

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Marriage HOT

Adam and I have been discussing marriage lately and how sometimes it can be a walk in the park yet other times it can be more difficult than getting Kaylee to follow directions. All in all, marriage takes work! LOTS OF IT!  It's not something that you can just put on or take off whenever you feel like it, in spite of what our culture wants you to believe.   All of this discussion spurred my

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Marriage HOT

1. Put God first -This is one that I find to be THE most important thing to keep my relationship with Adam going. Things in my life always seem to reflect my personal relationship with God.  When I struggle spiritually, I also struggle with Adam. He may not even have a clue that I am upset or irritated with him. It gradually gets worse until I surrender my thoughts and my heart back to my Creator God and spend time with him.  I am also talking about a putting God first - together. Something Adam and I have tried to do ever since we started dating and even some as friends is pray together daily. Through our praying together, we are remembering that God is the author of our story and without Him, we are nothing.  In order to keep your marriage HOT, you absolutely MUST put God first!

2. Communicate - You have to talk. Nothing zaps a relationship faster than not keeping in touch with your spouse.  Some people have better communication with the check-out lady at Wal-Mart than they do with their own spouse.  You must communicate about everything.  Keep in touch with one another. Even in the mundane daily things. Surprise your spouse - ask them how their day was, listen intently, and ask questions to show that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.  If you aren't communicating with your spouse, you might as well skip the rest of my list and just start working on this one.  If you want a great relationship with your spouse, communicate! It is key!

3. Go on dates together - I never understand why people get married and stop dating their spouse. The only super enjoyable part about dating was when I FINALLY knew I was with the man that I was going to marry and that I was going to get some one-on-one time with him away from the ordinary.  Getting dolled up. Sneaking kisses here and there. Holding hands. Now, please understand, I know having kids slows down the dating. When Adam and I were first married we went on dates once a week. Now we are lucky to go once a month.  The main thing is making time for your spouse, showing them you still need them/want them.  Giving yourselves a chance to COMMUNICATE without kids around.  If you want your relationship to heat up, dating is the way to go! (Oh and one last thing - dating could even just be telling your spouse to be ready at 8 when the kids are in bed, taking a blanket to the back yard, and lying down to look at the stars and catch up. It's free and you don't have to get a babysitter!)

4. Put your spouse's needs first - This one is super hard for me. I can be super selfish at times and truly all about me!   It is important though that I meet Adam's needs. If Adam needs me to be in good shape, I need to be in good shape. If he needs a break from our girls, I need to give him one. If he needs me to stay up with our girls because he is sick and needs to sleep, I need to do it. Not in a proud, boastful way. I want to do it because I love him. His needs are important to me. If you want to really make your relationship change for the better, put your spouse's needs first. (Here is a great book on this topic you would like to check it out!)

5. Focus on marriage - Adam and I have tried our best to make our marriage be a focus in our marriage at least once a year.  Meaning that we try to go through a book, take a class or study at church, or be a part of a marriage group to strengthen our marriage. We strive to make our marriage a top priority and this is one of the ways we do that. We don't want to see our marriage become stagnant. I encourage you, if you want to see your marriage grow for the better, make marriage a main focus.

6. Fight fair - Something Adam and I have really worked hard at is fighting fairly. If things get super heated we try to take time to calm down and remember what we are really fighting about. We try to get arguments done before bed.  We also have a rule that we cannot talk about controversial topics and issues after 8 pm. Simply because nothing good can come of the conversation that close to bed time. Also, we make an effort to hear one another out. I may not change Adam's mind on the topic, but I feel better knowing that he considered what I said. In order to make your marriage run well, you have to fight fair!

7. Set goals together - Adam and I have this long list of goals that we would like to complete by a certain time. We try to sit down once a year to go back to this list and check off the things we accomplished and write down when they were accomplished. We also add to the list at this time.  One of our goals on our list is to put in a deck in the back yard.  It may not be something we get done for a very long time, but it motivates us to save money so that it may be a possibility.  Having goals gives both of us sight into our future. A good reminder of the future you have together is to have goals that you can meet, together!

8. Write love letters to one another - Nothing can say "I love you" as clearly as a letter.  It expresses feelings and emotions that you might not otherwise usually convey. (even if you are communicating well!)  I have found that one of the best things for me to do if I am irritated with Adam about something, is to sit down and write out what I love about him. Soon, the things that I was upset about are long gone and I am all "googly" eyed toward my love of my life once again.  You want to remind yourself and your spouse how you feel?  Sit down and write them a love letter. See how hot your marriage is then!

9.  Say I love you and give kisses every day - I think this one is super duper important.  It is by far the easiest of the 10, I think, yet the most over-looked.  Every morning I look forward to Adam coming in before leaving and kissing me good-bye for the day and telling me he loves me. I cannot remember a morning that he hasn't done this.  It may be habitual at times, but without hearing those words and having that physical connection with him daily it would be easy to feel disconnected from him. This is one small thing that you can try that can make a big difference in your marriage!

10. Have sex - I put this one last because it is crucial to the relationship. Gentlemen, in order for the average woman to be interested in doing number 10. She has to (#4) have her needs met through 1,2,3,8, and 9.  Ladies, in order for your spouse to (#4) have his needs met, he needs #10.  If 10 is being met, the average man is more interested in 1,2,3,8, and 9. It is a circle and someone has to start it. Don't wait for your spouse to step up to the plate on this.  Take initiative. - Now then, I am not going to get real personal on this one. However, it still needs to be discussed.  Keep in tune with your spouse in this area. Meet each other's needs here! (See a theme) Make things fun and interesting. Try new and different things.  Make time for it! Having sex with your spouse will definitely help keep your marriage spiced up!

Adam and I have come a long way in our relationship. We still have a long way to go. However, I feel we have what it takes to keep our marriage HOT! Do you?

Running on Low

It's been a long couple of weeks.  The lack of sleep is taking a toll on me.

I am tired, worn-out, completely over spit-up, sick of the crying, frustrated with the defiance, and need a gentle cup of refreshment from God.

Ella has been having tummy issues. I am beginning to think it is more than gas. She has an upset stomach almost immediately after eating. Usually resulting in her spitting-up all over me what appears to be everything that she has eaten.  Currently, I am giving her gripe water and gas drops a little before feeding her (the nurse at the ped recommended this), but it does not seem to help at all.  Needless to say this tummy issue is making my nights and days long.

Please pray for our little family. Thanks.

If Only I Could Nap

I am desperately wanting a nap. However, I am sitting her listening to my almost 2 year old Kaylee stand by her bedroom door crying in protest to the nap that she so desperately needs.

Ella is quiet in her room. I am guessing she is out. Now if Kaylee would just give in, then I could get that nap.

Things here have been ok. I am just taking it day by day.  One day may be miserable, but the next may be great!  Mostly depending on how much rest I have gotten.

Ella has some extreme gas that causes her all kinds of tummy pain. And the girl spits up a ton. She has doused herself 4 different times now where she needs a bath and new clothes after because of how nasty she is.  Poor baby.

Speaking of Ella, she is now stirring in her bed. Kaylee is singing in hers.

I suppose I should just go start some laundry or some other productive activity since it does not seem that a nap is on the horizon.

Joyful Moment of the Day: Ella smiled at me today. Her first official smile. Kaylee gave her first smile to Titus. Ha! Take that, cat, you are losing it!

Everyone is up and at 'em!

It all began at 8 when both girls woke up at the same time.

Kaylee's morning routine is to have her diaper and clothes changed, brush her teeth, and eat breakfast.

Ella's current routine is eat, play, sleep.

The goal is to have Kaylee wake up and have her routine done long before Ella wakes up.

Somehow I managed to get both routines rolling without either child having an emotional breakdown.

There is more.

So Kaylee was eating breakfast and I was trying to make something for myself. Ella was in the pack-n-play until I could move her to the bouncy seat over by Kaylee and I at the table.  I went to check on her while I was waiting on the toaster only to find that she has soaked herself in spit-up. Her front was soaked.  Her back was soaked. The pack-n-play sheet and water proof pad were soaked. I had no choice but to give her a bath.

So, I get her bath ready in the kitchen and while I am bathing her Kaylee finishes eating. Kaylee starts saying loudly, "All done! Please! Please!"  This means that she is finished with her oatmeal, but really wants something else to eat. If you don't get to her right away she does what most toddlers do and starts playing with her bowl and spoon. I was in a frantic hurry to finish Ella's bath!

Needless to say, I successfully finished Ella's bath, Kaylee's breakfast, my breakfast, and got Ella down for a nap without anyone having a meltdown.  All by 9:30.

I honestly don't think I would have made it through if I had not had a good night's rest last night. Adam was wonderful to let me go to sleep at 10ish while he took Ella downstairs during her normal "gassy" time of the night. He has to get up by no later than 6am to get ready for work so staying up late is not on his agenda. However, the night before had been rough for me because Ella was awake from 10pm-3am crying so I had not gotten any sleep and did not get a nap yesterday. My emotions and body would not have handled another night like that. So, Adam taking Ella down so I could rest was exactly what I needed.  Adam said Ella fell asleep almost right away last night so I am glad he was able to get some rest too.  He is such a good husband and father and I appreciate all that he does for us. I think the morning would have been extra crazy if I was still running on low in the energy department.

Hopefully, the rest of the day will be uneventful! :)

Transistion

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of family, visitors, tears, and tantrums.

Some days seem to be easier than others. Usually depending on Kaylee's mood.

While my parents were here, Ella's first days home, Kaylee was a nightmare.  I began to see defiance and crabbiness in my daughter that I was not ready to see. I knew she was going to have a hard time, but I missed my sweet girl. 

My brother's visit overlapped my parents' visit. The last few days that my parents were here I realized that part of the problem was that Kaylee was not getting any sleep. Ella was waking her up.  So, to remedy this, Ella and I slept out on the couch during my brother's last few days here.  Needless to say, my darling Kaylee was slowly coming back thanks to the much needed rest she was getting.  Michael was able to see the delight that she usually is.

Adam went back to work yesterday.  I am so overwhelmed at the thought of having the two girls by myself.  Kaylee really wants to help, but her "helpfulness" is not so helpful.  She loves Ella and kisses her about as much as I do I think.  Ella does not like to be put down. My fault. I love to hold her. However, I cannot get anything done. 

Going out by myself with the girls terrifies me. I remember when I first had Kaylee and thought it was so difficult to get out with her. Now I have to get two dressed, fed, and out the door.  I will eventually take this task on, but I am just not ready yet. Maybe in a few weeks.

After two days on my own, I see that this is doable. It is still overwhelming at times thanks to my splendid hormones, but I see how it is possible to take care of two.

My next goal is to figure out how to take care of the two girls, myself, and the house. Good thing I don't have to add work to that mix for a while. Phew.

Joyful Moment of the Day: After Adam got home, Kaylee and I ran to Target. I got Kaylee and Ella matching Easter dresses. Yay!