Time fly's when your having fun

Lyla's Birthday

2013-01-20T16:42:00.002-05:00

Finally........she is 3 weeks old and I am just now getting to this. I guess I could get away without ever writing the details of her birth down, as like the other 3 it is a day we will never forget. Some may think that the 4th child's Birthday is not as exciting as the first, but all 4 of their birthdays are days that I will treasure forever and reflect on them each year when their special day rolls around.

Lyla was due to arrive on the 16th of December,I thought for sure I would NOT make it to the 16th. After all this was my 4th and I had been having braxton hicks contractions for weeks. I remember feeling anxious to meet her yet nervous to become a mom of 4! As the the 16th came and went I grew more and more nervous of going into labor on or around Christmas and missing being home with the girls. I was scrambling to get all of my Christmas shopping done and wrapped and everything prepared for Adam. Let me add that wrapping presents while 9 months pregnant is NOT an easy task (Iam surprised that alone didnt put me into labor) My Dr had me go up to the hospital for an NST and Ultrasound and to meet with a Dr to discuss my options as I was 3 days late. The NST and Ultrasound showed that Lyla was happy where she was. My plan all along was to try for a VBAC and because of the previous C-section my options for induction was limited. I left the hospital feeling a little sad that she wasn't ready,as I was secretly hoping they would just admit me and we would get to meet her! But we left with a date December 25th.

Early Christmas Eve Morning (8 days past due) I woke up to strong contractions about 6-10 minutes apart. I woke up Adam and he frantically packed the kids up to bring to his moms and we headed to the hospital, only to be sent home a few hours later as the contractions stopped.

Christmas Day came and I was a nervous wreck all day. I was told to expect a call from Labor and Delivery around dinner time to head in. So after 4pm every time the phone rang my heart dropped. They finally called and told us to head up around 7pm. We arrived,met our awesome nurse,got checked in and went over the plan of action. Which was to insert the foley bulb to dilate my cervix and hopfuly kick start labor. So they inserted the foley (OUCH!!!) and turned down the lights and told us to get some sleep. Adam did just that, me on the other hand couldn't between the anxiety and infrequent contractions I maybe slept 3 hours.

The next day was a whole lot of painful contractions and walking around the hospital to help things along and to peek into the nursery to get a look at the sweet newborn babies. Finally sometime after lunch the Foley bulb came out, I was dilated to a 5-6 :)

We spent the next few hours breathing through painful contractions, bouncing on the birthing ball and more walking. Finally at about 8-9 centimeters I got the epidural!!!!Auntie Kelsey arrived and 2 hours and 3 pushes later our Beautiful Lyla Reese entered this world the day after Christmas at 10:59 pm weighing in at 9lbs 4oz and 21 inches long. They laid her on me and all I could do was cry. I kissed Adam and we looked at each other in amazement. I was so thankful she was here, she was healthy and she was beautiful. She is perfect!!!! I wouldn't change a thing about that day.....It was amazing!

In that moment Adam and I became the proud parents of 4 beautiful girls!

Happy Happy Birthday Lyla Reese!

Sneak Peek

2012-11-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

Today Adam, Kaylah and I got to have another look at Miss Lyla. I was so excited/nervous since I haven't had an ultrasound since my 18 week anatomy scan. My OB ordered this ultrasound because my fundal height was measuring 4 weeks ahead.

I was so relieved when she said everything looked perfect :) fluid, heart, measurements....all PERFECT!! She is currently in the 68th% at 7lbs 2 oz and expected to gain another 2 lbs before delivery. Which means another 9 lb baby!! The tech was sweet enough to get some 3D shots of her face for us......and I am in love with my sweet little chubby cheeked girl!

Weekend Re-Cap

2012-11-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

I am so excited that we are getting so close to the holiday's. For two reasons....One being this is my favorite time of the year!! Love,love,love everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas, the food, lots of family time, decorating, lights, Christmas music, my Christmas scented candles, seeing the excitement in the kids, I could go on and on. How can this time of the year not make you happy? And of course getting closer and closer to meeting Lyla!!! We have only 4 more weekends until my due date!!!!!! Eeek So lately our weekends consist of getting things checked off our to-do list! Well its mostly a list I made for Adam of things I cant do ;0) While I have been cleaning (nesting) like crazy around here! Everything from floor boards to dusting the crown molding.

In between cleaning and preparing this weekend we ...........................

Took care of two sick little girls!! Alivia and Emma caught hand foot and mouth and have been battling fevers and sore blister lined mouths :(

Saturday Kelsey and Brendon came over and watched Alivia and Emma while Adam and I met up with his parents, sister and brother in law to see a comedy show. While Kaylah got to go see the Little Mermaid play with friends at the High School and have a sleepover.

(before we left....Lyla and I)

Sunday Alivia and I (Emma wanted no part in it) made an Indian headband for thanksgiving and she wrote all of the things she was thankful for on the feathers.

Kaylah had her friend Maya over and I made a scavenger hunt list for them to look for in the woods. Which kept them busy for awhile! Will definitely be doing this again when the girls are looking for something to do!

Which brings us to now.....where I am currently still in my pj's exhausted from staying up too late and waking up too early....counting down the minutes until bedtime!

34 week with Miss Lyla

2012-11-12T11:28:00.001-05:00

How far along? 34 weeks (last week) 35 weeks today!

Total weight gain: up another 3 bringing me to 34 pounds total

Measuring: 38 weeks!!! expecting another big baby

Maternity clothes? Yes but even those dont fit.....belly is always hanging out these days! (see below)

Stretch marks? No new ones....just the same old ones becoming more noticeable with my expanding waist line

Sleep: frequent bathroom trips and coughing fits

Best moment this week: Been pretty quiet here lately, and thankful for that! We did get her stroller and car seat this week !! And her swing,diaper bag, and bassinet are all ready for her arrival! Love envisioning her in them :)

Miss anything? YES! turkey,mustard,lettuce and pickle subs. Also would love a big glass of Sangria :)

Movement: Yes :)

Food cravings: Everything especially sweets

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Adams cologne ....and giving the girls a bath....something about the heat and the smell of their shampoo ....blah

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: No...but increasing braxton hicks

Symptoms: Exhaustion, no energy,no patience and moody, constant hunger and lovely pelvic pain.... killer HEARTBURN...thank god for zantac!

Belly button in or out? In...getting flat..ish

Wedding rings on or off? Off....but only as I just discovered my diamond is loose :(

Happy or moody most of the time: MOODY...pretty sure everyone in my house hates me!

Looking forward to: getting another ultrasound next Tuesday, as I am measuring 4 weeks ahead. And weekly OB visits after that :)

According to BabyCenter Lyla is 5 1/4 lbs and over 18 inches long... I think she is bigger though!!

Happy Halloween 2012

2012-10-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

Witch, spider princess and Cleopatra

Kaylah "playing" the part

Before Daddy did her "makeup"

After

Em being a Ham

Kaylah "better dealed us" this year and went trick or treating with a friend, but Camden (Iron Man), Curley and Nikki joined us!

The 3 Amigos

Sweet sisters

Pumpkin time

2012-10-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

Last night after dinner, we carved pumpkins (better late than never)

This year because we were so late and we didn't have any stencils, they each drew what they wanted with marker and Adam and I carved them (with a little help) They did all the scooping!!

Alivia's Pumpkin

Emma's...... obviously ;)

Kaylah's

and even one for little Miss Lyla (thanks Daddy)

Then we all carried them out front to display them. Just in time for Halloween!

And they came out perfect!!!

Hurricane Sandy

2012-10-31T13:57:00.003-04:00

Was lame here in Hanson. I have to admit I was hoping for a little more excitement. On the flip side after watching news coverage after the fact I am thankful,as she really did cause havoc on other parts of the East Coast. As for us she was more of an annoyance.

That morning I ran my sick Emma to the pediatrician for her cough and fever (bronchitis) I felt like I was rushing around to get home before the storm hit so I could catch up on laundry and clean before we lost power. Which doesnt take much on our street, we always lose power!!!!!

And this time was no different....for about 24 hours we were without, but thankfully we have a generator. This allowed us to plug in our refrigerator, freezer, tv, a lamp, and phone charger!

Being without, sure makes you thankful for the little things. Like not having to hold a flashlight while getting up to go to the bathroom a million times in the middle of the night ;) Or not having to worry if your phone will die so you can check Facebook!

I made a pasta dinner by candlelight and we all ate in the living room while we watched TV. The kids loved this :) They also loved that school was canceled for 2 days!!!!! I however did not love that part!

Happy 11th and 3rd Birthday!!!!!

2012-10-31T13:33:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we had family over for the girls Birthday dinner. On the menu as requested by the girls ...was Lasagna, pasta and meatballs, salad, garlic bread and Macaroni and cheese!! And of course (selfishly) Guiseppes Bakery cakes. Every time one of their birthdays roll around, I am always amazed at how fast a year goes by, now that I am a mom. I am even more amazed that I have an 11 year old and that I am about to be a mom of 4!!!!

And more than being amazed I am so very thankful to be a mom, their mom and mom to 3 (almost 4)girls.

Poor Emma spent her party coughing all night....literally :(

Happy, Happy Birthday to my 2 October babies!

May all your wishes come true!!!

Why???

2012-10-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

Why did I send Adam to McDonalds at 10:15pm the other night for a McDouble (no onions) and a small fry? Because I have no will power these days....NONE!!!

And for the record .......it did not live up to its expectations :( and I felt guilty after as Lyla was going crazy probably on salt and fat overload ;)

32 Weeks

2012-10-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 3 pounds in two weeks...Ill take it :0) 31 pounds total I think??

Measuring: 36 weeks!!! expecting another big baby

Maternity clothes? Yes Maternity and long regular shirts

Stretch marks? No new ones....just the same old ones becoming more noticeable with my expanding waist line

Sleep: started sleeping really well this week....feeling more exhausted

Best moment this week:

Miss anything? YES! turkey,mustard,lettuce and pickle subs. Also would love a big glass of Sangria :)

Movement: Yes :)

Food cravings: Everything especially sweets

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Adams cologne ....and giving the girls a bath....something about the heat and the smell of their shampoo ....blah

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: Nooooo

Symptoms: Exhaustion, no energy,no patience and moody, constant hunger and lovely pelvic pain.... killer HEARTBURN...hip pain also struck this week. Was so bad I was envisioning myself in a wheelchair ;0)

Belly button in or out? In...getting flat..ish

Wedding rings on or off? Off....but only as I just discovered my diamond is loose :(

Happy or moody most of the time: MOODY...pretty sure everyone in my house hates me!

Looking forward to: Celebrating Kaylah and Emma's birthday's on Sunday:0)

According to BabyCenter Lyla is over 3.75 pounds and 16.7 inches long... I think she is bigger though!!

Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest

2012-10-25T17:32:00.001-04:00

And Kaylah won 2nd place!!!!!!! She came home running off the bus to share the news! This meant Kaylah gets her poster displayed at Mike's House of Pizza, 2 FREE small cheese pizza's and a ride up in the ladder truck along with the 1st and 3rd place winners. She was so happy, because 3 of her friends from Mrs Hall's class also won, best in their classes :)

Daddy took a half day at work and we headed to Indian Head last week to watch her go up in the ladder!

Here is Emma on the way...She was so excited.

Getting ready to go up

and......their off!!

Kaylah said you could see Boston at 90 feet up

Emma was trying to get her attention

The three winners and their free pizza certificates

Grammy, Nathan and Ella came to watch too

and they got to sit on the fire truck to pose for some pictures!!!

31 Weeks

2012-10-17T20:16:00.001-04:00

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain: Yes it was bad at this last visit...Iam now up 28 pounds....feeling like I have blown up :( but doesnt stop me from sneaking out at night to buy Suzie Q's... and taking the long way home to eat them!

Maternity clothes? Yes Maternity and long regular shirts

Stretch marks? No new ones....just the same old ones becoming more noticeable with my expanding waist line

Sleep: Some night are better than others....on those other nights I am up from about 3-6am.

Best moment this week: Nothing to exciting....we did have a 4.5 earthquake that just about the whole town of Hanson felt.....except me!

Miss anything? YES! turkey,mustard,lettuce and pickle subs. Also would love a big glass of Sangria :)

Movement: Yes :)

Food cravings: Everything especially sweets

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Adams cologne ....and giving the girls a bath....something about the heat and the smell of their shampoo ....blah

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: Nooooo

Symptoms: Exhaustion, no energy,no patience and moody, constant hunger and lovely pelvic pain.... killer HEARTBURN

Belly button in or out? In!

Wedding rings on or off? Off....but only as I just discovered my diamond is loose :(

Happy or moody most of the time: MOODY...pretty sure everyone in my house hates me!

Looking forward to: My appt. next week and being one week closer to not being pregnant! Which bums me out that I feel so sick that I cant enjoy these last few weeks of my last pregnancy. I know I sound like a baby, but this pregnancy is kicking my butt! Just the thought of walking up the stairs exhausts me...no exaggeration!

According to BabyCenter Lyla is over 16 inches long and weighs over 3.3 pounds and is approaching a growth spurts.

In 15 days...

2012-10-11T18:17:00.000-04:00

This

CRAZY

Sweet

Funny

Little

Goofball.......Turns 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alivia's Very 1st cheer game

2012-10-10T12:35:00.002-04:00

And she was soo nervous! Since this was her first game, I think a lot of her fears were not knowing what it would be like cheering in front of a bunch of kids and parents. I am embarrassed to say that I bribed her with hot chocolate to get there,as she was refusing. She finally agreed and looked soooo stinkin cute in her cheer uniform.

We had to get there early for pictures which I think turned out great!

(top row, 2nd in from the left)

I *nearly* cried when she walked on the field. For two reasons 1) She looked so sweet and little 2) I was so, so, SO proud of her for pushing through her fears and going

Shakin her booty

At the end they got up in front of everyone and did their cheer. She looked nervous at first but jumped right in and did it.

(back far left)

So proud of my sweet shy girl!

Baby Ryan #4 Week 30

2012-10-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

Better late than never .....right? Cant believe we have only 10 weeks until we meet Ms Lyla Elizabeth. Here's whats up ;0)

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain: I was up 16 pounds at my 26 week appt. Dreading the scale at my appt on Tuesday

Maternity clothes? Yes Maternity and long regular shirts

Stretch marks? No new ones....just the same old ones becoming more noticeable with my expanding waist line

Sleep: Some night are better than others....on those other nights I am up from about 3-6am.

Best moment this week: Our short little vacation we took up north to the Fryeburg fair...possibly the last one as a family of 5

Miss anything? YES! turkey,mustard,lettuce and pickle subs. Also would love a big glass of Sangria :)

Movement: Yes :)

Food cravings: Everything especially sweets

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Adams cologne ....and giving the girls a bath....something about the heat and the smell of their shampoo ....blah

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: Nooooo

Symptoms: Exhaustion, no energy,no patience and moody, constant hunger and lovely pelvic pain

Belly button in or out? In!

Wedding rings on or off? Off....but only as I just discovered my diamond is loose :(

Happy or moody most of the time: MOODY...pretty sure everyone in my house hates me!

Looking forward to: Hopfully getting another US...we haven't seen her since our week 18 ultrasound!! And OB appts. every 2 weeks after Tuesday!!

According to Babycenter this week Lyla weighs around 3 lbs and is 15.7 inches long:)

Happy 75th Birthday Grandpa

2012-05-03T13:10:00.001-04:00

Alivia's concert and gingerbread houses

2012-01-05T11:21:00.001-05:00

The week before Christmas was Alivias school concert and make your own gingerbread house! Adam took the day off so he could come too :0)

They had everything all set up when we got there and sweet Mrs Baglole even let Emma make her very own gingerbread house! Anna, Alivias BFF was sitting at our table,so both of my girls were excited about that!

They were so sweet together...Love when they love eachother :-)

Emma was making a big mess and I was eating all the candy ;0)

Here is Emma hanging out with the big girls Anna,Robin and Alivia

The finished product's

So cute and I must say that vanilla frosting on graham crackers = amazing!

Here is Emma and Daddy being crazy waiting for the show to start

And there she was my sweet shy girl up on stage! Without fail EVERY TIME my kids have a concert or a game (or parent teacher conferenes) I have to hold back the tears.... I think its a mom thing. It just validates that my babies are growing old and dont need me as much. Which is a good thing too (trust me)...but makes me feel so unbelievably proud of them! Anyways ;0)

She did great...she looked nervous a few times so I made eye contact with her a made this huge smile and wide eyed look, and clapped like a crazy lady........ but she did awesome!

granddaddies rotary Christmas party!

2012-01-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

I think just about every year sine Kaylah was a baby we have been going to the Rotary party with grammy and granddaddy. It always involves Dinner (pizza & salad) and Santa!

Here the girls are with cousin Nate waiting (patiently) for Santa to all their names

Emma was so exited when Santa walked in!!!

Kaylah and Santa

Emma and Santa...guess she only likes him from distance

Alivia and Santa

And here is my attempt at a group shot of the cousins.... which was impossible

as you an see!

Yesterday was a great day!!

2011-12-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

I do have to update all of the wonderful things we did before Christmas but

before I need to scream from the roof tops that our mentally unstable, horribly

mean and selfish (probably the most vindictive people I have ever met)

neighbors have moved !!!!! YAY I was smiling ear to ear when I found out. I

have

to say that I do feel bad for their new neighbors that they will be preying on

before you know...wish I could warn them actually!! I really am unable to

express

just how hurtful and cruel these people have been to our entire neighborhood.

Bullying is not just between kids......but neighbors too apparently(grow up)!

There were

times when I almost got down to their level and wanted to

do something like this

but we didn't.... and in the end we won!!

and to them I say

Wiedersehen


Adiós

Au revoir

good bye!!!

2012 is off to a great start already :0)

School concerts and Ugly sweaters

2011-12-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

Last Monday was Kaylah's school Christmas concert at the high school

They did a wonderful job and the little girls were excited to sing along. And I will admit that I got a little teary eyed seeing Kaylah up there...... She just seems so big now :0(

Then Wednesday Alivia stayed after school (again soo big) and had cookies with the Claus's. She got all dressed up and looked so sweet. She was so excited and nervous about this. She wanted to go but but unsure about getting her picture with Santa and Mrs Claus. But she did it...even the picture and was so proud to tell me when I picked her up!

When Alivia was getting ready for school Emma wanted in on the pics and brought down her dress and threw on her "Uggs"......I think she can pull it off ;0)

Friday was our Yankee Swap with our close family and friends. This year we threw in the ugly sweater part....which was fun. Especially seeing the guys in sweaters!

I made a few new recipes which turned out awesome! Some Santa sangria......

Some...not sure what these are called but they were easy and yummy

and saltine toffee which was amazing and super easy!

And a group shot of some really awesome/funny people that we are so lucky to have in our lives

Then Saturday we headed to My grandparents for an early Christmas. They left today for California for the week.

Emma got this creepy little hedgehog (not sure what it is) that she fell in love with. I wish simple things made everyone so happy!

My grandmother made us girls some aprons so here we are showing them off and trying to get her to pose for the picture.

So another awesome Christmas weekend down. Cant believe only 7 more sleeps!!! :0)

Weekend fun

2011-12-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

It seems like we have so much Christmas stuff to fit in before Christmas Day. So Saturday we went to Middleboro to see Uncle Mack and his friend as Shepard's in the live Nativity. It was cute and they had hot chocolate and cookies for the kids and me ;)

It was FREEZING......

The girls really enjoyed it and it was nice for them to see the true meaning behind Christmas!

Then tonight we went to the festival of lights in Bridgewater. Kaylah brought her friends Mia and Courtney. We were almost there when I realized the battery in my camera was dead :( I am so bummed I wasn't able to take any pics. But it was fun and we got a preview of the girls Christmas concert songs on the way home.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-05T09:44:00.002-05:00

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O Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T20:26:00.000-05:00

Friday night we went and picked up this beauty :0)

The kids were so excited and couldn't wait for Adam to get home so we could go

So we set it up and let it sit over night

Emma was so psyched. I just love how they light up over everything Christmas.

And these two wanted to pose by the tree and have their pic taken!

Tonight we hung all the lights and decorations

We are down a few decorations that Iam hoping a glue gun will fix.....Em is still learning that they are not toys ;0)

Every year Santa brings a new ornament for each of our little ladies. I love that our tree is full of meaningful ornaments. Like family vacations and homemade ones from the past few years. Here are my favorite....The girls first Christmas ornaments.

Kaylah"s

Alivia's

Emma's

Christmas Lights

2011-11-28T19:32:00.001-05:00

This weekend Adam and I put up our outside lights. He did the house lights and I did the bushes. I couldn't wait for the kids to see them especially Emma, because whenever we would drive by a house all lit up up she claps and yells " Yay Christmas lights!!!" So cute!

So after we decided to head to LaSalette with Curley, Nikki, Cam and Kaylahs friend Victoria!

It was nice because it wasn't cold...but not as fun as I remember as a kid!

I think the kids enjoyed seeing the lights

Some sweet cousin love :0)

So in love with this time of year!!

xoxo

Thankful

2011-11-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

This year I have so much to be thankful for.... Well I think we all do but sometimes life gets too crazy to stop and think about how lucky most of us really are! SO here is my 2011 thankful list :0)

!. My 3 sweet little ladies
2. My husband who works his butt off to provide for our family
3. Our home, and the thought that our kids will grow up here
4. The fact that I am able to go to school and the fact that I am some how getting good grades!
5. Being able to host Thanksgiving in our house and be surrounded by the most amazing family and all 7 seven of my brothers and sisters!
6. My best friend of 13 years
7. My sister Kelsey for all her help and support
8. My sister in law and almost sister in law that have become more like sisters to me
9. But most of all our health and health of our family, because that should never be taken for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving
xoxo