Brit's Crew Is GROWING

2013-04-25T17:47:00.002-07:00

The earth never stops turning,

2011-05-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

my life never stops changing. I read my last blog and realized. I do not have enough days in the week to keep up with the blogging. But I think for major events, it is a useful tool.
This year so far:
I became a full time RN.
Chap turned 11, Tyler turned 14, Jewelian turned 12,
Baby Harry turned 1 & had a BIG circus party.
My "little" brother and sister turned 30!!

It has been eventful enough for me already this year. Period.
However, life changes, families evolve...
which leads me to one of the proudest moments so far in my lifetime - my first born will be 18, graduate from high school, and leave for the United States Marine Corp all within a 2 week period.
My baby that I had when I was still a baby, has become a man. Not just any man, a great man! I had tons of amazing help along the way, I could not have done it without the support of many people. But, if you have seen my boy and I together - I am the one person he is most like. He pretends to hate it every time someone tells him "you are just like your mother," but if you look real close - he has that impish, shit-eating grin.
The poem I wrote for him for his senior ad in the yearbook is this:

What I would do to go back in time,
feel your tiny hands in mine.
We have grown up together through the years,
through fun, fights, laughter, and tears.
The most important thing I need you to know,
is that I love you more than you will ever know.

So proud! Love you MORE!,
Mommy & Harry

I can't wait to see the future, my heart is swollen with pride.
My eyes are swollen from the tears. My baby is about to be a marine.

There will be lots of prayers, worry, and proud moments in my future - funny how that is kind of like the past.

Folding Christmas Card 2010

2010-11-15T13:05:00.001-08:00

With Love Blue Christmas 5x7 folded card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Baby-wearing, Cloth-diapering, Breast feeding (in public!), tattoo having, concert attending mom

2010-07-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

I love the looks I get when out in public. I have always lived life to the fullest no matter what any one else thought. I used to get crazy looks for dancing on bars or all my tattoos. Now I get crazy looks for feeding my baby, and changing his diaper! You can't imagine the shock on the faces at Walmart when I walk in wearing my child !! GASP!!
Recently we attended an all day concert in Buda, Texas (close to Austin). You would be amazed at the gawking crown right outside of "weird" Austin! Yes, it's a baby. Yes, he can breathe! Yes, that is a cloth diaper. Yep - I wash them in my washer! O, is he eating?? No, I make sucking sounds for fun. I have the greatest time explaining all of these strange occurences to people. After a silly sarcastic comment or two I have even converted some people. I doubt I will see any of their 3mth olds with a mohawk anytime soon, but a girl can dream, right??

Photo shoot

2010-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Eff you Reflux. or, Reflux can suck it.

2010-05-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

We=baby & I
We sleep in 45min intervals. (Hubby sleeps just fine)
We breastfeed every hour.
I change 8-10 cloth diapers a day.
I do 2 loads of laundry a day because everything has been puked on.
We wear our outfits for a maximum of 2 hours.
I now know that a dog will eat vomited breast milk.
Reflux you can eff off thank you very much.

Words of wisdom from reflux.com:
Beth’s Rule of Sixes – completely unscientific

If you can answer yes to six of these, maybe it isn't "just" colic... maybe it is acid reflux

Your baby cries six hours a day

For six days a week

It has been going on for over six weeks

The neighbor six doors down can hear the screaming

You tried six formulas or cut six foods from your diet if nursing

You and your baby need six changes of clothes per day

It takes six hours to feed six ounces

Your baby never sleeps for more than 60 minutes at a time

Your baby spits up six times after each bottle

You keep wondering if you overlooked a 666 birthmark

At the last six appointments doc said "colic" or “babies just cry”

You dread driving anywhere more than six minutes away

Your baby belches like a six year old

Six hours alone with the baby is the max anybody can take

You do six loads of laundry a week - just for you and the baby

By six pm you want a 7

Boob man

2010-05-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

My exclusive breast feeder is only happy on a boob. Like father, like son I guess!
I will say that bf'ing at your 13-year olds baseball game is interesting.

Harry V

2010-05-05T17:20:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Cloth diaper!! First try...

2010-05-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

Birth Story

2010-04-25T17:04:00.001-07:00

Should've gone natural as planned...

Baby boy is here, and smaller than estimated LONG - sorry.

-->

I was induced 4-22 due to suspected macrosomia, excessive swelling, GBS positive, and issues with my IBS. I arrived for my induction at 7. By 9:00 Pitocin, antibiotics, and fluid were all running.
At 10:30 I was between a 2 & 3, so he broke my water. Baby was still -4 station. About 1:00 my sister had talked me into an epidural. Boy, was that a mistake! My blood pressure dropped. I had to have to hits of epinephrine. This in turn made the baby's heart rate erratic. He slowly adjusted, and I was given Zofran for nausea. It only worked on one side, and I could not lift my right leg. I was not happy. My last 3 births were epi free, & I should';ve held out on this one. I truly regret the useless epi with all that I am,
At 3:30 I was only a 4, and baby was in same station. The nurse and I started talking about a c-section. All of a sudden about 3:45 I felt a burning sensation with a lot of pressure. I knew something had changed. My wonderful nurse agreed to check me again. I was a 10, but there was a small lip. OB was called, along with several other nurses. I pushed for 2 contractions when they had to turn off the epidural. We waited for it to wear off enough so that I could feel where to push. I began pushing again. Baby was still very high.
There was also the issue of tearing. In my 3 previous pregnancies I experienced 4th degree tears in 3 directions. When baby's head was about half way out the OB had me stop pushing so that I could stretch around baby (hoping to prevent a tear), After a while he could see that there was no way I was going to stretch that big.
He performed an episiotomy, I also tore internally. I asked the OB how many stitches - he said he stopped counting. Baby Harry V was born at 4:56. He was 8 lb 9 oz. OB had projected 10lb based on 33 week sono & me measuring between 4-6 weeks ahead.
He had some breathing problems in the first cpl of hours, but everything seems to be ok now. I am breast feeding him now, and he is already a pro. He has eaten 3 times in the last 2 hrs. He is a monster already, lol.
Recovery will be a LONG process, but he is SSSSSOOOOO worth it,

38 weeks 5 days

2010-04-21T09:29:00.001-07:00

Wow. Induction tomorrow. Thank God, lol.

38 weeks

2010-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

How far along?: 38 weeks
Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Maternity clothes: yes - and none of them fit at all anymore. Wearing the same pants/tank tops everyday, beacuse they are the only ones that fit.
Sleep: none. Between carpal tunnel, swollen right foot, and hips, I cannot get comfortable. Sleep is not possible.
Best moment of the week: Setting the induction date!
Movement: A LOT!! He likes to try to push his butt up between my ribs. Head butting my cervix like a trampoline.
Gender: ALL Boy
Food cravings: Strawberry milk, spinach
Labor signs: some crazy BH, Pelvic pressure, head butting my cervix. Contractions all the time - but they are doing NOTHING...
Belly button in or out: Flat. Stretched and yucky brown color. Looks like a weird smiley face w/my piercing and the scars from my lap chole.
What I miss most: sleeping comfortably, seeing my feet normal size, heart burn medication, not throwing up in my mouth, not peeing when I sneeze, cough, laugh, walk...etc. Not being stared at. People not falling over themselves when they see how big I am. Breathing. Walking.
What I'm looking forward to: Next Thursday!!

Induction Scheduled! 7 days til an outside baby!!

2010-04-15T09:14:00.001-07:00

Induction is scheduled!! April 22nd. EARTH DAY!! Which for all my friends who call me a tree hugger, ha!
Anyway, so how do I feel about induction for the 4th time? Let's go back to when I first found out I was pregnant - I said I wanted the completely natural - call the hubby & tell him my water broke, labor at home, experience. Yeah, I'm over it. This baby is HUGE, I am miserable. Between reflux, asthma, and IBS I am over this pregnancy. I want an outside baby! My feet have swollen so large that I have stretch marks!! You can't even tell where my lg calves end and my feet begin.
So, induction it is! No, I do not plan on having an epidural with this child either. Yes, I know you think I am crazy!
I am ready for BIG baby Harry so I can breastfeeed, cloth diaper, and teach him how to be a tree hugger too.
Preppy teenager - turned hippie. mom of 5 by next week!!!

The Benefit for my sister.

2010-04-13T10:13:00.001-07:00

Danielle is only one of the 1,100 women killed each year due to the act of domestic violence. Thousands more are continuously being abused and only a handful of them are seeking the aid of shelters. We need your help in making a difference.

The Battered Women’s Foundation has become an enormous part of my friends and her families lives. In just four years, thier memorial/benefit has impacted numerous women and children and helped to provide them with life changing experiences. As they approach thier 5th Annual Danielle LeBlanc Memorial Concert on June 12, 2010, at No Frills Grill in Arlington, their family would like your help. They are still in need of some larger items such as fencing, authorities, staging, shirts for volunteers, etc. All of these things have a price and with the ability to network I believe we can make this one of the most beneficial years yet.

We are also collecting any items that may be put in the raffle.

The Battered Women’s Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the support of women and children whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. The foundation provides clothing & food distribution, counseling, educational services, and more.

We would like to thank those of you that graciously contributed to last year’s event. You played a very large part in making our benefit a huge success and helped warm the hearts of many women and children.

If you are able to contribute or help us out in any way, please contact me or mail to: Anna Marie Corbin, Attn: Danielle LeBlanc Memorial Concert, P.O. Box 746, Burleson, TX 76097-0746. Or, if you would like, I could arrange to pick the item up at your convenience.

If you have any questions regarding this event or would like to be a sponsor, feel free to contact Anna Marie Corbin at 682-465-5631 or 682-465-5631 or anielleleblancfoundation@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your assistance.

We truly appreciate your support of the Danielle LeBlanc Concert Benefiting Battered Women.

37 week OB appt

2010-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

GBS swab. Dilated to 1cm and 70% effaced. With my last 2 boys I was dilated to 3cm @ 35 weeks, and they were both induced at 41 weeks. So even though I am due April 30th, I predict I will be induced with this one also. In fact, if I left it up to this kid I bet he would be a June baby, lol.

Dr still says I am measuring about 4 weeks ahead - so 41weeks. After growth ultrasound, DH birth weight, and previous babies, dr predicts a 10lb baby. I have to agree since @ growth u/s he measured almost 6lb.

Feet are HUGE. Nursery is closer to complete.

36 weeks

2010-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

How far along?: 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 26 lbs

Maternity clothes: yes - and none of them fit at all anymore. Had to buy some new clothes with only 4 weeks to go!

Sleep: none. Between carpal tunnel, swollen right foot, and hips, I cannot get comfortable. Sleep is not possible.

Best moment of the week: Getting to go see Princess in Spring Branch for the weekend.

Movement: A LOT!! He likes to try to push his butt up between my ribs.

Gender: Boy

Food cravings: Strawberry milk, Kolaches

Labor signs: some crazy BH, Pelvic pressure, head butting my cervix. Contractions every 7 min during THE LAST SONG. Then, nothing.

Bell button in or out: almost out. Stretched and yucky brown color. Looks like a weird smiley face w/my piercing and the scars from my lap chole.

What I miss most: sleeping comfortably, seeing my feet normal size, heart burn medication, not throwing up in my mouth, not peeing when I sneeze, cough, laugh, walk...etc. Not being stared at. People not falling over themselves when they see how big I am.

What I'm looking forward to: an outside baby.

2010-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

34 WEEKS!!

2010-03-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

How far along?: 34 weeks
Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Maternity clothes: yes - and none of them fit at all anymore. Most are way too short to cover boobs/belly.
Sleep: none. Between carpal tunnel, swollen right foot, and hips, I cannot get comfortable
Best moment of the week: Getting my big kids for part of their spring break even though it was their dad's yr.
Movement: A LOT!! He's huge, and not real comfortable.
Gender: Boy
Food cravings: Strawberry milk
Labor signs: some crazy BH, Pelvic pressure, head butting my cervix
Bell button in or out: almost out. Stretched and yucky brown color. Looks like a weird smiley face w/my piercing and the scars from my lap chole.
What I miss most: sleeping comfortably, seeing my feet normal size, heart burn medication, not throwing up in my mouth, not peeing when I sneeze, cough, laugh, walk...etc
What I'm looking forward to: Finishing the nursery!!

Growth U/S

2010-03-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had a long sono, probably because Amazing Hubby and silly OB could not quit talking. Yeah, I probably had something to do with that, also! Anyway, after many comments about how huge his head is, how he looks like a hippo baby, how massive his feet are, etc. The estimated weight is 5lb 12oz. That can be + or - 1lb 3oz. Dr says he'd guess larger, rather than smaller. He is head down, and his butt is in between my ribs. Yeah, like I didn't know that already!
Amazing hubby and OB discussed male part size. Said daddy should be proud. Yeah, they were really having a good time. Hubby even asked if OB had located the motorcycle that he was sure his son was building! OMG.
Little one was there, and chimed in frequently. He is crazy excited, and has been SO helpful!
Had Hooters for lunch. Baby either hates it, or loves it. He was kicking like crazy!
Today I am making burritos, soup, enchiladas, and lumpia to freeze. I hope it lasts a few weeks after birth, but I bet it'll all be gone before he even gets here, knowing my family.

2010-03-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

How far along?: 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 22 lbs
Maternity clothes: yes - since 9 weeks, and some do not fit at all anymore. Most are way too short to cover boobs/belly.
Sleep: none. Between carpal tunnel, swollen right foot, and hips, I cannot get comfortable
Best moment of the week: baby shower! we got TONS of stuff!
Movement: A LOT!! Amazing Hubby got to feel him a lot last night.
Gender: Boy
Food cravings: Mc Doubles.
Labor signs: some crazy BH, Pelvic pressure
Bell button in or out: almost out. Stretched and yucky brown color.
What I miss most: sleeping comfortably, seeing my feet normal size, heart burn medication
What I'm looking forward to: Growth Sonogram Thursday. My 5th Sono!!

1. Finish wall (converted front living room into nursery) - tape, mud, texture.

2. Paint

3. Wash clothes

4. Buy carseat, PnP, and more CD (cloth diapers)

5. Set up room

6. Install car seat

Wow, the list is not so bad. (It would be better if it was done, though!)

It's getting hard to do anything since my right foot is swollen 4x its size and it won't go down :(

31 week appt.

2010-03-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

HKSV is measuring 37 weeks!! WTF?? So, now we will have a sonogram on 3/11 to determine size & a plan if he is really that big.

30 weeks 5 days

2010-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

Belly is getting BIG! Bella is not excited about the wrap, until she is put in it. Then she is in LOVE :)

30 weeks~

2010-02-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

How far along?: 30 weeks
Total weight gain: 22! :(
Maternity clothes: yes - since 9 weeks, and some do not fit at all anymore :(
Sleep: none. Between carpal tunnel and hips, I cannot get comfortable
Best moment of the week: Tax return & being able to start HUGE pre-baby remodel!
Movement: Tons! He's mean!
Gender: Boy
Food cravings: Chinese
Labor signs: some crazy BH
Bell button in or out: almost out
What I miss most: sleeping comfortably, my feet, being able to put on my shoes
What I'm looking forward to: building/decorating the nursery
Milestones: carpet is out, painted most of house (waiting on kitchen/baby's room), floor is started.

2010-02-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

How far along?: 28 weeks
Total weight gain: 16 lbs
Maternity clothes: yes - since 9 weeks, and they are not fitting as well now :(
Sleep: a lot! due to flank pain - unexplained...
Best moment of the week: baby Harry kicking the monitors for over an hour
Movement: Tons! He's mean!
Gender: Boy
Food cravings: ribs, bacon
Labor signs: not really
Bell button in or out: almost out
What I miss most: sleeping comfortably
What I'm looking forward to: tax return
Milestones: new ER visit. hating my OB...

POAS to 26 weeks

2010-01-29T12:43:00.000-08:00