Party of Six

One Year

2012-09-24T23:06:00.001-04:00

A year ago, at 9:59 am, Arabella Zoe entered the world screaming before they even had her out. I remember laying there on the csection table, wondering if they had started, when I heard a cry. I asked is that was the baby and the nurse said no way, it was too fast, but sure enough it got louder. She was literally crying while still inside. All moms are relieved to hear that sound, but after all I had been through, it was the most incredible sound I will ever hear. She was a tiny, perfect, pink bundle. I watched closely as they looked her over, asking repeatedly "is she okay?", the nurse keep assuring me she was perfect. Neil brought her over to me and I just cried watching him in her arms. They wheeled me to recovery (this hospital never takes the baby from your sight, unless there is an issue) and I was shaking so hard. I remember being cold with the boys, but nothing like this, my body was shaking so violently that I was afraid to hold her. They laid her on my chest and instantly my body when still. I held her close and looked over her from head to toe. She was REAL and finally in my arms.

Parts of my heart that I thought would never be filled again, were. People say we have spoiled her because we didn't ever put her down (pfft you can't spoil a baby with love). I wouldn't have done it any other way. While I sit here wondering how a year could go so fast, I also know I savored every moment of it.

I am still nursing her and really have no plans to stop any time soon, she will let me know when she is ready. She isn't quite walking yet, but getting closer everyday. She crawls and cruises fast as lightening and has knack for mischief like her brothers did. She just started dancing this week, which slays us all. She can say momma, daddy, doggy, kitty, touchdown, more, some form of all three boys names, hi, bye, and she tries to copy what ever we say.

I try, but I can't find the words to express how complete and happy she has made our family. I am just as in awe of her as I was a year ago today. She is the light of her daddy's eye and her brothers favorite person. As bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to the baby year, I can't wait to watch her grow and change.

Happy Birthday Arabella.

**party pics and post to follow

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After- So much fun!

2012-09-10T17:48:00.001-04:00

We were able to attend a pre-show dinner and meet get a behind the scenes peek of the show, as well as meet Merida in person! My kids were thrilled!

The show itself was fantastic, colorful, entertaining, and engaging. It was fun to sing and dance along in the audience!

I am so thankful to Feld Entertainment for the opportunity to see the show! If you are interested (you should be!) in finding out more, check it out here.

And the Winner is.....

2012-08-10T16:06:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Lake Buena Vista Factory Store $50 gift card is:

Christina Larsen said...
I think I would spend it in Gap!

August 1, 2012 4:48 PM

Per Random.org

Congrats!!!

Back to School with Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Giveaway

2012-07-31T14:34:00.001-04:00

It’s almost August, and you know what that means: school bells will be ringing soon, and so will cash registers during back to school shopping. If you’re like me and most of the consumers recently surveyed by the National Retail Federation, shopping smarter and stretching my budget will be a priority. With four kids total and three rapidly growing boys going into to school, I am always looking for a way to save.

The Florida Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. this Friday, August 3 and ends at 11:59 on Sunday, August 5, so plan now to take advantage of that. I have been looking for deals all summer and will continue looking for deals throughout the month.

That’s why I plan to head out to destinations like Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, one of Central Florida’s best-kept shopping secrets where you’ll find savings up to 75% off at select stores. The village-style center offers a customer-friendly shopping experience and 50 spacious outlet shops with convenient store-front parking, including 2012 newcomers Big Dogs, Crocs and Jones New York. Great deals are going on now at many favorite retailers.

Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Center! Visit the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores website and tell me which store you will likely spend your prize in! Contest ends August 10th at 3pm.
You can get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s website, then bringing it to Travelpro at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. The Center is located at 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535), Orlando, FL 32821.

Happy shopping!

Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After

2012-07-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn. And get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle.

It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to our hometown! Playing the Amway Center Sept. 7-9. Get 4 Tickets for just $48 with code MOM12. The offer is valid for these performances: Sept. 7^th 7:30pm and Sept. 9^th 1pm or 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Not valid on Rinkside or VIP tickets. Offer not valid day of show.

Here is the awesome part, I have the opportunity to giveaway 4 tickets! Comment on this post with your favorite character that will be in the show! Contest ends August 14th at 9pm.

"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."

Never a Dull Moment-Beach Edition

2012-07-31T13:07:00.001-04:00

We have been at the beach every weekend this summer. It's been too hot to do anything else! Bella LOVES it. She squeals when she sees the ocean and loves to splash. She isn't even afraid of big waves. This weekend we were able to see dolphins up close!

As cool as it was, we had a huge scare on the way back! We had all waded out to a sandbar to watch the dolphins, they are only feet from us! We were all able to walk out there easily, but when we headed back it had gotten WAY deeper. Neil cant swim and it was over his head, he almost killed my sister. My friend almost went under with her son and I was swimming my ass off and not getting anywhere with Noah and Jordan, I think we were caught in a rip. Luckily my friends hubby got their baby and Bella to safety and raced back for Neil. I was able to remain calm (rare for me) and the boys and I swam to shore. As native Floridians, we should have KNOWN better! The water was deceptively glassy and was shallow. I will never take a risk like that again. We were RIGHT in front of the life guard several members of our group were screaming and the guard never moved! I have always had a false sense of security thinking they could save us if we were to run into trouble in the water..not anymore.

We will still go back this weekend, but will not be wading out very far at all!

Happy 4th of July!

2012-07-11T12:42:00.000-04:00

Bloggers Block

2012-06-27T21:52:00.001-04:00

I can't place why I haven't blogged, I keep meaning too, then I realize it has been 2 months again. Arabella is 9 months old and a shining light in our lives. The boys still adore her even though she bites them. She isn't quite crawling but she manages to get around pretty well. She is still nursing almost exclusively, she is just getting the hang of food. She isn't a fan of anyone outside of the family and will scream bloody murder if anyone dares to hold her. I don't mind though, I love having a momma's girl. I still cant get over how much I LOVE buying dresses and boys. She is so very different from her brothers, but every bit as awesome.

The boys are all home for summer break and I am loving sleeping in! They are finally getting old enough to let the me and the baby sleep in. They are still rowdy and a handful, we have already had one need stitches. I can not believe that I will have a 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders (and a one year old) next year. Jordan rocked the FCAT with near perfect scores and will be tested for gifted next year. Isaiah is also on the fast track to gifted and was the top reader in his class. Noah exceeded all his goals and has gone further than we could have dreamed.

As for me, I finally graduated with my AA (with highest honors), but honestly I have no desire to continue. All I want to do is be a mommy. I think that is the root of my lack of blogging and tweeting. I am still sucking up every moment of Bella's babyhood and having fun with my sons.

update

2012-03-05T23:10:00.000-05:00

Whoops, I realized it has been 2 months since I have posted. I keep meaning to, but for some reason I just haven't.

Arabella is already five months old. She is pushing 18lbs, sitting, babbling, and starting solids. I am still breastfeeding and loving it. She is like sunshine and I am the happiest I have been in a long time.

I am still battling anxiety pretty hard core. Arabella has started to go long periods between bm's and I worry like crazy. But she is better than any xanax. The boys adore her and it fills my heart to the point it could burst.

Five years ago today I was finding out that we were losing Kai. In five days it will be the anniversary of his loss. I never thought I would feel whole again. We will always be missing part of our family. But I can see now that the pain does dull. I type this with a chunky sleeping girl breathing on my chest and I feel complete.

Circus Night! Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS

2012-01-13T10:20:00.002-05:00

The boys had a blast!

They all had different favorite parts, but the big cats and motorcycles were big hits!
The show is in town until Sunday! If you would like to go here is a great deal!
Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout
For more information on the show, visit
www.Ringling.com.
*I would have taken more pics but I had a very overwhelmed baby in my arms!

"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."

Three Months

2011-12-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

I can't believe she is 3 months old already. There still aren't words to explain the joy she has brought into our lives. I love my husband even more watching how he is with her. I am in awe of how much my sons love her.

You would think that adding a 4th child would be more work, but it has turned out to be the opposite. They love helping with her and are so proud of her being their little sister.

At her 3 month check up, she was 14lbs 4oz and 23.5inches long and in the 90% for weight and the 25% for height. Considering she was in the 5% for weight and 20% for height when she was born, she is growing REALLY well. I am still loving breastfeeding. This time around we have gone pretty much full crunchy AP, though we are doing vaccines. Cloth diapering is working out great for us. I can't believe I ever used disposables! Bella is rarely put down. She is normally in someones arms or being worn, as a result she almost never cries (part of that I am sure is pure luck in getting a happy baby). She smiles all the time, until I take out the camera, then she refuses. She is laughing and cooing now too. Everyday brings something new and even though she is our 4th, it never gets old.

Whole

2011-12-30T09:15:00.001-05:00

A little over a year ago I wrote this post about being broken and coming to terms with the fact that I would never have another baby. Little did I know, just days later Arabella would be conceived. On Superbowl Sunday I found out she was on her way, I was terrified and the pregnancy was long and scary. But here I am, writing this post with a sweet sleeping little girl on my chest.

2011 was not an easy year, but it left me infinitely blessed. My family is complete, my heart is full.

Swedish Baked Rice

2011-12-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to share this for a long time, it is an old family recipe that my father and I have been adapting/perfecting for years. It's hard to describe it. It is not overly sweet or custard like, it's delicious!

Swedish Baked Rice

2 cups rice
4 cups water
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp salt

Put all in pan, bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and cook til done.
Prepare the rice the night before and cool.

In another bowl mix together:

2 cups milk
3 eggs beaten
3 or 4 tbsp sugar (My dad likes is sweeter and leans to the 4-5 tbsps, I like less.)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Add cooled rice.

This will look a little like rice pudding. Pour into large baking dish. I suggest not too deep or this will take FOREVER to bake, I do a larger shallow one. Bake covered at 350 for 45 mins, uncover and cook an additional 15. This is a temperamental dish and cooking time will vary. Should be set and not soupy all the way through.

Since we are a large family this feeds 6-8 heartily. I normally have to double it for family gatherings.

And the Winner is..................

2011-12-23T23:22:00.000-05:00

Comment number 12!
Barbara P said...
I havent been since I was a kid and my kids have never been!!!

Congrats!

Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS

2011-12-22T10:12:00.005-05:00

Looking for a holiday gift that is sure to thrill? Ready for something BIG to arrive this January? Don't miss DRAGONS, a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth! ®. Playing the Amway Center Jan. 12-16.
Here's your chance to win four ticket vouchers good for any performance of DRAGONS! Just comment below about what you are most looking forward to seeing!
Contest ends 12/23 at 11pm, so hurry!

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout.

For more information on the show, visit
www.Ringling.com.

We'll see you at the show!

"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."

WTF Happened to Compassion?

2011-12-15T00:04:00.001-05:00

This subject is painful and personal for me, so I am going to get ranty and leap up on a soap box.

I am talking about the Duggars and the insane comments I am reading about their pregnancy loss.I have actually had to unfriend a few people in the last few days over this. The comments are sickening.

If you read my blog, you know I was in the same place she is almost 5 years ago. I lost a baby at the same gestation. For those of you who didnt know Michelle Duggar was almost 20 weeks with what turned out to be a little girl, when she found out her baby passed away. She ended up delivering the baby at home.

Reading comments like the vicious ones aimed at the family takes me back to the pain I went through. You arent just sad, you don't love your other children any less by grieving this loss, your world is shattered.

I had three children when I lost Kai, it didnt make the pain any less. I would imagine having 19 wouldn't make it any less painful either. To comment that this was a warning from God or that her body is telling her no more, is just plain bullshit.

Pregnancy loss (and for the love of God, this was NOT a miscarriage) can happen to any mother, at any time. I went on to have 5 more losses before being blessed with Arabella. Thank God no one else gets a say in my fertility.

Maybe you don't agree with the Duggars' choices, and that is fine, this is a free country. But when a family is grieving the loss of their child, just say "I am sorry" and shut the hell up.

So much...

2011-11-12T18:23:00.000-05:00

has happened in the last few weeks I haven't had a moment to formulate a blog post.

When Arabella was 5 weeks old, right before Halloween she spent an entire day screaming, SO unlike her. That night on a hunch I took her temp, she didn't feel that warm, but low and behold she was 100.8. Ped told us to go to the Children's hospital. It didn't even occur to me we would be admitted. The boys never had a fever that young. It was not fun, she had an iv, blood tests, and a spinal tap. All together we were there 2 1/2 days. She was perfectly fine and only had a small virus. The hospital we stayed in was awesome. They allowed her to cosleep with me and nurse the whole time without interruption. I was so scared, but so thankful that she got great care and is healthy now.

Sweet Bella is now 7 weeks and weighs 10lbs 4oz as of last week and 21in. She is a happy little chunky monkey and we are all even more smitten everyday.

Now for our other drama...

About a three weeks ago I had 2 molars pulled. Afterwards I started feeling like I had something stuck in my throat, I thought it was just trauma from the dental surgery, but it kept going. I didn't think about it while Bella was sick, but when she got home I noticed it was still there. I was worried it was strep so I had it checked. The doc I saw thought it might be anxiety related and seeing how I had been through so much stress and have an anxiety disorder, I thought it was possible. But the same anxiety had me worried it was something more. I went to an urgent care center that is set up like an ER. They did an xray to rule out foreign bodies, it was clear. So they ordered a CT scan, which showed a goiter and diffuse shotty cervical adenopathy (the node issue they reason was from the dental issues). So they ordered a thyroid ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a multinodular goiter, with 2 nodules smaller than 1cm, one of them is on the anterior which is why I can feel it. All of my labs are normal, thyroid levels, cbc, liver, kidney, everything clear. Hell they even tested me for stds. So now I am faced with trying to find someone to examine the nodules with my insurance running out in 2 weeks. In that time frame.

I am hoping to see a surgeon this week. Not sure if I need a biopsy, surgery, hormones, or what.

I am scared. One of my big anxiety triggers is a cancer fear. The odds of it being thyroid cancer are low, but I am struggling with anxiety all the same. The doctor gave me Ativan and said it was safe with nursing, but I feel guilty even thinking about taking it.

Nursing is another issue. Sadly, some of the treatment options for the thyroid would mean I have to wean her. I am worried about that too, since she wont take a bottle at. all. But of course she needs her mommy healthy, so I will do what I have to do.

Please pray I find a way to get the care I need before my insurance runs out and that it is NOT cancer.

One Month Old

2011-10-25T16:57:00.000-04:00

She is wiggling in my arms as I type, I could get drunk from just smelling her little head. I sit snuggled with her most of the day. When I am not holding her, daddy is.
Nursing is going amazingly well. I love her happy gulps followed by her contented sighs. I love that she has gained almost 3lbs in four weeks, purely on what she is getting from me.
Sweet little Bella has brought joy, so so much joy. My heart is so full it could burst, the sky is bluer, the sun warmer, everything is wonderful.
I look back now on all the losses, the pain, the scary pregnancy, and it was all worth it.
I am so very thankful for our little miracle.

Sibling Love

2011-10-19T19:36:00.001-04:00

Following every "congratulations" I get asked if the boys are jealous. The answer is not at all. All three boys love their sister, even at their young age, they have witnessed what we have been through and know what a miracle she is. Jordan and Isaiah tell my they are soooo happy to finally have a sister. She is doted on and kissed gently all the time. It melts my heart, but nothing as much as Noah's absolute adoration of her. It's beyond love. You never know what to expect with autism. He was excited about the pregnancy and was the only one to ask to feel her kicking, so I had hope that he would know how to be gentle and could understand how tiny she would be. Nothing could have prepared me for how he instantly and intensely bonded with her. The look on his face says it all.

2011-10-15T19:29:00.000-04:00

Who has time to blog, when I have this sweet face to snuggle and look at all the time. I can't believe tomorrow she will be 3 weeks old!

First Bath

2011-10-10T10:40:00.000-04:00

In true Arabella fashion, she fussed for about 2 seconds and then relaxed and enjoyed it. I love her so much.

Thankful

2011-10-09T10:40:00.000-04:00

I couldn't bring myself to blog about this while it was happening, but if you follow me on twitter or fb you saw the updates and pleading for prayers.

In the hospital Bella was deemed "perfect" and I could finally breathe after 9 months of wondering if we made the right call skipping the amino. At her first in office check up the doctor noticed that her butt crack looked "off". I had noticed too, but remembered all three boys looking a little weird too, mostly because they were all so skinny they had no butt fat. She pointed out that it could be a sign of spina bifida or tethered cord syndrome, but said not to worry, we would just watch and see...Uh NOT what you want to say to a mother in the throws of postpartum anxiety. We ended up seeing almost all the doctors in our large practice over the course of a week. The consensuses was that there was a very very very small chance it was either of those things, but for peace of mind we would so a spinal ultrasound and xray.

Taking pity on my train wrecked mental site, they got her in very quickly at the hospital with a pediatric radiology dept.

I was crying by the time I got there...

The scan itself was nothing, Bella slept through it. Unlike pregnancy ultrasounds which I can read now, I had no idea what I was looking at. I stared at the screen, gently stroking her cheek with tears rolling down my cheeks. Techs are not supposed to tell you what they see, but this tech was a mother of an infant too and let the word normal slip a few times and even let me know she didn't think xrays were needed.
After consulting with the doctor, they decided to go ahead and do the xray because we were there and it would just back up their findings.

I got the call that afternoon, both tests were NORMAL.

I cried and praised God. I am so thankful. So very.

Since then we have been nailed with news that normally would have sent me into a panic mode (financial), but now? Really? It doesn't matter. I have my 4 healthy children and an awesome husband. The rest will work out.

Arabella Zoe

2011-09-30T20:12:00.001-04:00

It's hard to explain, after 37 weeks, this pregnancy was surreal. Even after hundreds of doctors appointments, too many ultrasounds to count, and listening to her heartbeat every night, part of my brain struggled to comprehend that we were having a baby, a girl no less.

After my 36 week appointment at the high risk, I started to feel off. Contractions picked up and I felt sick and dizzy. I ended up back in l&d, thinking once again, it was nothing and I would be going home in a few hours. Arabella was doing well on the monitors, but me? Not so much. My blood pressure has jumped from 110/74 earlier in the day to 155/116. They thought it had to be a mistake and tried taking it over and over, but it was still high. The contractions were coming every 2-3 mins, but were doing nothing. I was admitted and given magnesium sulfate, hoping it would stop the bp and the contractions...

Once I was diagnosed with preeclamsia, I thought for sure they would do the csection, but no. I spent a LONG week in the hospital, it was hell on my anxiety, but it was totally worth it. My bp spiked again and since I had finally hit 37 weeks, they finally decided it was time.

Arabella Zoe arrived via csection at 9:59 am on 9/25, 5lbs 15oz and 19.5 inches. She is tiny, but strong. She is just about the prettiest baby ever. I am so over the moon in love. We all are. We only put her down to sleep and that is reluctantly. Watching the boys love her is just amazing. I haven't written about her birth until now, because there are just no words that can explain our joy. Not sure there will ever be enough to tell.

36 weeks

2011-09-16T22:39:00.001-04:00

*ignore the awful hair! I went and got it done after this picture.

Wow. I have now officially past when I has Isaiah too. I am starting to think she is in this for the long haul.

Which now isn't so long.

At our appointment on Thursday, we were expecting to see a 6 1/2 lb baby based on the measurements from 32 weeks when she was 4lb 9oz, but she was only 5lb 8 oz. Not a terrible size at all, considering the boys were all small too (well not Jordan so much he was 6lb 6oz at 35 weeks), but her growth dropped from the 55% to the 24%. If you remember I tested for a possible NT defect early on and that test can also be an indicator that the placenta will break down prematurely, that seems to be happening. There is still great blood flow and there isn't calcification so far, but they are not willing to risk pushing the pregnancy past 38 weeks.

I am 10000% inclined to agree.

From what I know right now, still waiting to hear from surgery scheduling, the csection date should be 9/30, unless I go into labor on my own before then. I had my last (THANK GOD) P-17 shot, most say 7-10 days after the last one labor begins. I will be 37 weeks and term then, so BRING IT ON.

Honestly, if my water broke right now I would be very relieved. I am worried about her, as I have been the past 36 weeks. I just want her safely in my arms. Again they told us she has a lot of hair and big lips, I can't wait to see her.

35 weeks

2011-09-11T19:28:00.001-04:00

Weight still about the same, I go up a lb and down a lb. I go for my last p-17 shot on Thursday and after that she is free to come! To say I am grouchy is a minor understatement. So ready for this baby girl to get here, but really want to avoid the NICU so I hope she hangs in for 2 more weeks.