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Sunday, March 30

A Few Pictures








I still need to get a family picture taken so I can redo my header image.

Monday, March 24

The Baby's Here



Well, I had the baby at 2:57 Easter Morning. And the experience was amazing and wonderful. Everything went so well. And it wasn't as painful as I worried it would be.
This was my first experience with a completely natural birth at home, and really, it was by far the best birth of the three that I have had.
On Saturday morning, I woke up and just knew that I was going to be in labor. I have no idea how I knew, but I did. I went into nesting mode and cleaned up the house like crazy, which I am so glad that I did.
I also started having contractions. They were irregular throughout the day, but they stayed put no matter what activity I did, sitting, standing, laying down. So, I really thought that this could be it. I didn't call my midwife, however, until 8:00 that night, after I had a bloody show and more consistent contractions. She had me time them for awhile and call her back. At 9:30 P.M., my midwife, my friend and doula, Tiffany, and my other friend, Sara, came over to be with me during my labor and delivery. At around that time, I was checked and was 5 centimeters, so my contractions throughout the day had done stuff, which was nice to know.

For the entire labor, my contractions stayed about 4-5 minutes apart and lasted about a minute, and were very manageable.
It was fun having my friends around, because it was very social. We were constantly cracking jokes and having a good time.

Wearing Tiff's hat and being silly.



Eating a snack before starting to walk up and down the stairs sideways to help the baby move down.



I also spent some time on an exercise ball, which actually felt really good during contractions. That gal in the picture with me, is Merrie, my midwife.


It was so wonderful being at home. I got to eat if wanted to, and drink fluids. I got to hang out in an environment that was relaxed. And I felt safe the entire time. And I became a big fan of the pool. It felt so relaxing to be in the warm water.



The gals all kept talking about how calm and peaceful I was during contractions. Sometimes, they couldn't even tell I was having one. In fact, my friend, Sara, took several pictures of me in the middle of a contraction, so that I could see how peaceful I looked.





From past experience, I kept waiting for my contractions to get really intense or right on top of each other. I began to think that maybe I wasn't progressing. My contractions seemed to be easy, although they did hurt.
I mean here are several where I really felt them...




I even joked at one point that I was bored. My midwife found that comment to be rather funny. She mentioned that she had never heard anyone in labor say that before.

After making that comment, however, we decided I should be checked again. And we found that I was 9 centimeters dialated and fully effaced. The only thing keeping me from 10, was my bag of waters keeping the baby up a bit. I couldn't believe that I was at 9 and not feeling miserable. So we headed back to the pool to work on trying to push and break my waters.



I pushed through several contractions and then asked my midwife to help. All it took was a little touch of her finger, and my waters were broken. So now, it was time to push the little guy out.

Before heading over to be by my side for the pushing, the hubby said a little prayer.


I can't remember how many pushes it was, but I know it went fast. It did hurt, but it wasn't as painful as I had thought that it was going to be. And if you had told me as he was coming out, that he was 9 lbs., I wouldn't have believed you.







Saturday, March 22

So, I Think

I don't want to jinx anything...but I think that today is the day. Just a feeling I have. Although, I have had this feeling several other times over the last couple of weeks.
But, really, this time it's different....or so I'd like to think.
The hubby left a little bit ago, to take my MIL to the airport, which is almost 2 hours away. So, he won't be back until around noon, I think.
And, he took the kids with him, so that I could sleep.
Unfortunately, everyone woke up late this morning, so I got up to help get the kids ready. And once I get up, I am up. I don't feel tired though, for once!
So, I am cleaning. I am doing things that are harder to do when the kids are in the house, like mopping.
I am also distracting myself with other's blogs, right now. One of the blogs had this test on it. So naturally, I had to use a free minute to try it out too.
73 words

Speed test


I mean, one must take full advantage of a house without children in it, right?

:o)
Okay, off to go do laundry and mop. Yay!

Friday, March 21

Fun With Grandma

I know that I have been MIA for a couple of days. I wish I could say it's because I have had a baby. But, nope, that's not the case. My Mother-In-Law has been out for a visit, so we've all been hanging out. The miss has been having so much fun doing girly things with grandma, like putting on makeup and such.
Here's the miss and grandma.
 
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Wednesday, March 19

That's Better

The mister was up in his room playing. The miss ran to get him and bring him downstairs. And on the way down, she hollered about how he had poop in his diaper and really smelled.
So the kiddos played for a few in the front room, but the miss was very bothered by his stench. And no, mommy hadn't changed him yet.
So the miss ran into the kitchen and came back like this.....




And she said..."There, that's much better."

Idol Top 11 Review

These are going to be out of order, sorry. I had to work tonight. I got to see 3 performances while on my break, and the rest were watched via youtube, with some videos having poor quality.
But here goes...
First of all, I found most of the performances to just be bland, really. It was a boring night. And is the theme going to change next week??? PLEASE!!!

Okay,

Amanda O. - Back in the USSR.
I am really not a fan of this performance at all. And I think I am bored with her.

Kristy Lee Cook - You've Got To Hide Your Love Away -
Oh the poor dear is so pitchy.
Her eye makeup is so pretty though and she has such gorgeous teeth.
I don't think she has a strong enough voice to make it much further in the competition, sadly.

Michael Johns - A Day In The Life-
I really do like his tone and I think this was a great performance!!!

Ramiele - I Should've Known Better
Okay, She is having pitch problems and I am having a difficult time getting into the performance. But the end of her song was very good.

David A. - Long and Winding Road
I have never been a fan of this particular Beatles song, but he did a great job with it.

Brooke White - Here Comes The Sun
She is so cute! Can't you just see her as a mommy, singing this song to her child, while rocking the little tike to sleep?
This isn't my favorite performance of hers, but it was still sooo great. I am definitely a big fan of hers.

David Cook - Day Tripper
Okay, he's got such a great voice, and he did such a great job. And that was a cool effect thing he did, btw.

Carly S. - Blackbird
Awwww Sighhhhh! This is my favorite Beatles song, mainly because of the lyrics. I LOOOOVE this song. I love Sarah Mclachlan's version of it too, by the way, from the I Am Sam soundtrack. I loved the key change she did in the middle of the song. And I love how she changed it up at the end. I'll say it again, and probably every week, this girl is a pro! And I love how she put Simon in his place!!!

Jason Castro- Michelle
Okay, I really think it would benefit him greatly to work on his breathing. He needs to start doing major breathing exercises. It would really help to give him a richer sound. His notes aren't supported well at all. And there he goes singing, hugh, again.
This performance was blah to me.

Sayesha- Yesterday
Okay, I am not sure if I like the key she chose to sing it in. Her voice almost seems too heavy for this song, if that makes any sense.
It was pretty, and she did a good job, but I think it would have sounded better in a lower key.

Chikezie- So when he started, I wasn't getting into it at all. I found him to not really be the ballady type. But then he ripped out the harmonica and got all into it and rocking it and it was a great performance.


My Favorite of the night, David Cook and Carly S.

Bottom 3 - Amanda, Kristy and Ramiele

Tuesday, March 18

The Baby Confuses Me

I am 39 weeks today, and for the past 2 weeks I have been having contractions. Sometimes it is very easy to tell when they are just Braxton Hicks contractions, but there are other times, like last night, when I truly think I am in labor, only to have it stop.
I decided Saturday night, after another time of insisting to myself that I was going into labor, that I won't focus on the contractions anymore, until they are very painful.
That only scares me a little bit, because I see myself waiting until they are on top of each other and I am really hurting, before I call my midwife. And I may end up cutting it close, as far as getting everyone here on time.
I almost called her last night, not because they were on top of each other, but because they were different this time and felt so real and were painful. But since it was 1:30 A.M., I decided to go to sleep, and, well, they stopped.
But for an hour, I had contractions every 4 minutes, that lasted 40 seconds or so. And at the end of each one, it went into my back and hurt. So, now I am certain I'll have back labor with this baby. At one point, I think I even said, "ouch", because the pain it caused in my back, well, it wasn't fun, LOL.
So, I turned the fireplace on downstairs, in the room I will labor in, so that it would get nice and warm down there, and I went to bed. I thought for sure, I'd wake up in pain or my water would break or something. But, here I am, 5.5 hours later, without a contraction in sight.
Everyone says that once you are in labor, you'll know. And I have had 2 kids already, yet one was induced, and the other came after my water broke, and once the contractions hit, they came on pretty forcefully. So, I don't know what it feels like to start out labor with contractions, that end up getting stronger and stronger.
But, I do know, that last night I knew.....I thought I knew....but apparently, I didn't.
And, so, I am left confused.
I did read a great blog the other day, Olive Plants. The writer is a mom of 8, and she has been having these same kind of contractions, like me. So, at least I know that I am not the only one.

Sunday, March 16

Pinata Girl

Sometimes, I think my miss is dramatic....but this takes the cake. It's sooo funny, though.

Saturday, March 15

Singing Through The Pain

My friend just sent this to me...and I think I may just have to give this a try!!!!!!
Here’s what the site said..
"Singing or toning during labor contractions is a wonderful coping technique for labor pain. Vocalization through singing or toning creates a vibration throughout the body that can assist the muscles and ligaments to relax. Singing and toning also facilitates full deep breathing which brings fresh oxygen to the mother and baby. Vocalizing can also relax the jaw which correspondingly relaxes the pelvis. Singing or toning also has emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits promoting mind-body integration, centering, and focus."

Also, I was thinking last night, that one of the first places I tense up, is in my mouth. I clench my jaw. I do it constantly. In fact, a lot of times, when I do that, I have to focus on placing my tongue on the roof of my mouth, so I can't clench my jaw as tightly.
And I know, when in labor, I will clench my jaw, and that will make my contractions worse.
But if I sing, well, it will be impossible to clench my jaw.



Singing has always relaxed me...it was my escape when I dealt with very emotional things, with my family, growing up. Oh, and what a gorgeous voice this gal has.





Thursday, March 13

Childproofing

I need to get me that dog! (yes, I know that isn't written properly)

You Could Be A Wii-ner

So when the Wii first came out, I thought, that sure does look like fun. Then, I played it at my friend, Sara's house, and fell in love. Yet we still don't own one. I would love, LOVE to have a Wii. And I would love the Mario game, since I am a huge Mario fan. Mario has got to be my favorite part about any Nintendo game system. So, when I saw there was a chance to win a Wii, I was all for it.
And if you are like me, wanting a wii, you could try to win won as well.

All you have to do, is Click Here for a Chance to Win a Nintendo® Wii™!

Charter High-Speed® Internet for Life, is giving you the chance to win a Nintendo Wii Console, Wii Stand, 5 Sports games (Boxing, Baseball, Tennis, Golf and bowling), 1 Remote Controller, 1 Nunchuk Controller, 1 Sensor Bar, 1 Wii AC Adapter, and 1 Wii AV Cable. You'll be all set to just plug it in and play.
And while on Charter's site, check to see if Charter services your area, for a chance to bid on receiving Charter High-Speed® Internet for Life. Bids start at just $10.00

So, give it a shot and you could be a Wii-ner. :o)


Wednesday, March 12

Why My Mister Doesn't Need Toys

So my 20 month old, the mister, doesn't need anybody to buy him toys, because he barely plays with them.
Instead, he will spend an hour, at the unplugged microwave. He opens it, places a toy pan in it, and then closes it. He then repeats that a million times.
He takes out the pots and pans, goes to my utensil drawer to grab a spoon, and stirs imaginary food around in a pan. He then walks to the table to place the pan up there. He repeats that a bagillion times as well.
And his favorite toy lately is an empty gallon jug.
He takes the lid off and puts it back on and off and on and off and on. He throws it down the stairs and then fetches it. And he repeats that a dozen times.
So, I think we are saving tons of money on toys for him.

My 4 year old little miss on the other hand, has a room full of toys, but claims that she has nothing to play with. She then lists off tons of toys and movies to me each day that she wants me to go and buy for her. I always tell her no, because I will not allow my kids to be spoiled.
Maybe I should hand her an empty milk jug and tell her to go have fun!

Tuesday, March 11

Top 12 of Idol

So, Boomama has invited us Idol fans to discuss each night's performances throughout the rest of the season. So, since I am a fan...and have been discussing them since the top 24 on my myspace blog, I figured, why not do it here too. So, here goes... And just so you know, I am picky when it comes to technical stuff like pitch, breath, pronunciation, so you may hear a lot about that in my critiques.

1. Syesha Mercado - “Got To Get You Into My Life”

Okay, I don't think I have ever heard this song before. She seemed drowned out by the band. I do love the band by the way. I was bored with her performance, but she does have a beautiful voice.

2. Chikezie - “She’s A Woman” -
First time I have seen this side of him. He nailed his performance. It had a soul/rock vibe and it really showed off his range. Superb!

3. Ramiele Malubay - “In My Life” - Okay, I keep waiting for this girl to just belt. She has the chops. Singing softly, however, does show the control she has with her voice...but why, oh why, won't she ever belt or make some parts of the song louder or something? Give me something, Ramiele. She did struggle with her low notes. I didn't like the key she sang in. And, like the judges, I kept waiting for her to change it up a bit.
I think she is still safe this week, but it really wasn't good, at all.

4. Jason Castro - “If I Fell” - Okay, I feel like I have heard the same version of his arrangement before in a cover of this song. It's bugging me too. I know I have! He has gorgeous natural vibrato, by the way. He needs to work on his breathing. He kept breathing in the middle of phrases. And please sing the word, "you" correctly. It isn't, "Hugh", it's "you". I still think he sounds really great.
Okay, I found it!!!

From LYRICSMODE.COM lyrics archive
Song lyrics |
It isn't exactly the same, but very similar parts. Not that it matters. I am just happy it isn't bothering me anymore.


5. Carly Smithson - “Come Together” -
Okay, this chick is a pro, people. Look at her confidence and the way she owns the stage. Another great performance from her. She rocks! And on a side note, I'd really love to know the story behind her tattoo.

6. David Cook - “Eleanor Rigby” -
I am not sure why, but I was wondering today, if someone was going to sing Eleanor Rigby. I had a hard time getting into his performance though. It was bland to me until the chorus. I loved the chorus. I loved the ending too. He did a great job, but it wasn't better than his version of Hello.

7. Brooke Smith - “Let It Be” -
I just LOVE this girl. I will probably say that every week. I love her personality. I want to be her friend, LOL.
I also love vocals with piano. At first, I thought she was struggling or distracted, but it turns out, she was just emotional. I loved her song choice, and I loved her performance. She did great!

8. David Hernandez - “I Saw Her Standing There” -
I am sorry, but David really bothers me. I am honestly ready to see him go home. And please, people, stop breathing in the middle of words...don't sing "sta..(breath)..anding.

9. Amanda Overmyer - “You Can’t Do That” -
I have to admit, I am not a fan of Amanda's. But she is a great performer, I will give her that. She gets into the song, dances all around, gets the crowd involved. I don't think she'll be in it much longer though.

10. Michael John - “Across The Universe” -
I do love this song...and I was moved by his performance. I saw his emotion when he was singing it. And I sat, frozen, watching him. I think he did a great job.

11. Kristi Lee Cook - “Eight Days A Week” -
Woah! What did she do???? It may just be me and my ears, but it seemed like the band was faster than her, as if she was off beat the whole time. It bothered me, distracted me....and I kept waiting for the band to slow down and match her tempo.
I was not impressed. I haven't really been impressed with her much at all this competition, except for her Amazing Grace audition and her 80's night song. Those were great. Everything else, like tonight, has been blah. I wish Alaina was still in it and Kristy wasn't.

12. David Archuletta - “We Can Work It Out” -

Well, poor guy, this was definitely not his night. But I don't think he has to worry at all about being kicked off. He just didn't have the confidence tonight. He still showed off his vocals though.

Best of the night, for me..... Chikezie

Worst of the night, for me.....David H. and Kristy
And one of them will be going home, I think.

All About Your Favorite Shows

So, now that the strike is over, have you been wondering when your favorite shows will come back on?
Well, here's your answer.

Monday, March 10

The Party Post

Ultimate Blog Party 2008

Okay, I really needed to get this done before the party ended. I think I may be fashionably late. What else is new?
Welcome to my little place on the web.
My name is Erica and I am a Christian mommy of soon to be 3 kiddos. I will be 38 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow and I am sooooo ready to meet our new baby boy.
And unlike my other two, this one will be born at home, with a midwife, and in the water. I didn't have the best hospital experiences with my first two, and I think that this time around, it will be amazing. So I am ready. And I keep telling the baby that, but I think he wants to stay put for now, although, I have been having weird contractions the past week and a half or so, so it's all really confusing.
Anyway, I have a four year old daughter who is referred to on my blog as the miss, and a 20 month old boy referred to as the mister. I have no idea what the baby's nickname will be yet. Any suggestions?
Let's see, I started taking web design classes last year, but in the fall, I put them on hold due to the pregnancy and being so very, very tired. Plus I work nights after staying home with my 2 kids all day long, which is already enough to wear someone out.
I love web design though, and although I still consider myself a newbie, I have learned quite a bit, and started making blog designs for blogger. It's a lot of fun. I really enjoy being creative and putting a smile on the face of my customer. I know it is so much more fun to blog, when your blog actually reflects who you are, in its design. And that's why I like designing for other bloggers.
In my free time time when I procrastinate on all of the things I need to be doing, I enjoy making quilts for my kiddos or watching junk on television. My favorite shows are Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Friday Night Lights and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Oh, and I can't forget American Idol.
Did I mention that I also love to sing?
I have been posting about Idol on my myspace blog, since the top 24. I like to give my opinions on the contestants. But maybe I'll start posting the idol posts on here too, so any fans of the show out there, can comment. It would be fun to chat about it with you all.
Well, I wish I had some fun stuff to giveaway or other interesting things to chit chat about, but really, my brain has been mush lately. I blame it on the pregnancy. But what do I blame it on once I am no longer pregnant?
I hope you have fun wandering around my blog.
Please leave a comment so that I can go visit your little shindig.

Oh, I almost forgot which prizes I would like to win. We are supposed to share that, so here goes.
Here are the Ultimate Blog Party Goodies that I'd love to win.

15 — $50 gift certificate to Kids Magical Wonder
Provided by: Kids Magical Wonder
Prize details: Get ready to shop at their trendy baby and children's boutique! Kids Magical Wonder is donating a $50 gift card to their online store.

34 — Custom Tutu
Provided by: Live~Love~Dance Boutique
Prize details: The winner can design their own children's tutu size newborn to size 6.

78 — 50 Custom Photo Cards for Any Occasion
Provided by: Polka Dot Bumblebee -
Custom Photo Cards & Personalized Stationery
Prize details: Choose from any of our 500+ designs or we will work to create a custom photo announcement for any style and occasion. Custom birth announcements, photo birthday party invitations, photo holiday cards and much more! Bee original…never cookie cutter! (Retail Value $50)

137 — Go BPA Free Sippy Sampler Kit
Provided by: The Soft Landing
Prize details: Finding safer alternatives in baby feeding gear can be tough. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! The Soft Landing is offering an exclusive Sippy Sampler Kit - a unique grouping of the best non-toxic sippy cups on the market today. Your choice of boy or girl colors. Value: $43


103 — 7 Pink Brick Box Play Sets
Provided by: LEGO
Prize details: LEGO will give away 7 Pink Brick Box play sets, in honor of the 7 day long Ultimate Blog Party! LEGO® Creative Building sets offer open-ended creativity and endless play possibilities for children of all ages. With the new Pink Brick Box moms and their daughters (and sons!) can build together with classic iconic LEGO bricks in a new color splash! Little builders can practice being creative with this new tub featuring a multi-colored assortment of bricks, perfect for building a cute ice cream parlor, animals, flowers, people, cars and more. Set includes building instructions for 3 models and photo inspiration for 15 more. New storage case allows for quick and fun clean-up. Ages 4+.

Thanks again for visiting!

Sunday, March 9

Some Pictures

Here is the mister this afternoon, sleeping for the first time in his big boy bed.
I only had to put him back into it 2 times, before he conked out. He doesn't like the pillow, so that will take some getting used to for him. He insisted on sleeping on his quilt instead.


Here is the miss, last week, before she gave herself a hair cut.


And here she is now, after she had some fun with the scissors.

Saturday, March 8

So Excited

THIS is on hold and waiting for me at the library.
I am really looking forward to reading it. And I will definitely tell you how it is.

Has it really been 4 days?

I can't believe that I haven't blogged since Tuesday. Well, actually, given how busy I have been, I can believe it. But I used to blog every day, faithfully. I used to think of a million things to blog about each day.
Lately, though, what has been on my mind, are all the things I want to get done before the new little baby comes. I will be 38 weeks on Tuesday, so it isn't much longer now.
I have fit in doctor and dentist appointments for the kids during the week, and have fit in much needed errands in between nap schedules. I have also been cleaning and organizing like crazy. Oh, and not to mention, I have been soooooo tired!!!

I am going to have a homebirth, and I am one of those people that don't want other people in my home, if it's a sty. So, I have been trying to really stay on top of the cleaning. Right now, my bedroom is the only room that is really in need of serious cleaning, so that is my project for tomorrow, or maybe Monday.
I just know myself, and I know that if my kitchen has dishes piled up and there is a mess everywhere, I won't be able to relax while in labor. I'd probably be ordering someone to clean up the mess.
But who knows, maybe I won't even care at all. I may be too preoccupied with labor to care.

All the baby clothes are washed and put away. We just put together the mister's toddler bed, that is now in his room next to the crib. I don't know yet when he'll officially use it, but it's there. Right now, he has been having fun jumping on it.

I have all of my homebirth supplies organized together, including the pool that I will be having him in.

So, now we are just waiting for the baby to decide it's time to come on out.

My other two were late. My miss was 2 weeks late and had to be induced, and my son was 4 days late. But I have talked to the baby and he knows that he is to come early. And I am not even asking for THAT early, just Easter weekend, so like 3-4
days early. I don't think that is asking too much.
So we'll see if he obeys mommy, or not.
If he is anything like his siblings, then he won't obey me. ;o)

I do need to take a picture of my miss tomorrow. She had gotten a pair of kid scissors a couple of months ago. And she has been so good with them, that sometimes, while the mister is napping, I let her sit at the table and do crafts, while I get some cleaning done. I take out glue, paper, glitter, feathers, all sorts of fun things. Well the other day, I let her use her scissors too. And, well, she cut her bangs and she did a number on them.
I know that every kid does that, and thankfully we didn't have any photo shoots planned. And thankfully, she didn't do more than the bangs.
But my oh my, it sure is pretty.

Ya know, I never did cut my hair as a child. See, I was too smart for that. I didn't want to have my hair look funny. Instead, in first grade, I got in trouble for cutting the hair of the girl sitting in front of me. And I cut quite a bit of it.
I am sure her mom just loved me.

So, a picture of the hair will be posted soon, I promise.

And, the Ultimate Blog Party at 5 Minutes For Mom started up on Friday, so I need to get some festive fun happening on my blog and write my party post.

I am such a slacker.

So watch for that too. Hopefully I can get it done before the party ends on the 14th.

Well, I am out of things to write about for now.
Have a great weekend.

Tuesday, March 4

Midnight, not a sound from the pavement

The hubby was reminiscing through his memory box yesterday, and found this picture.

So, I thought I'd share. I think I was 3, maybe 4, in this picture.
And I am not quite sure why it was in with his memories, hmmmmmm.

Saturday, March 1

But, Aren't You Only 19?

Now that I am farther along in my pregnancy, most guests checking in at the hotel, comment on my pregnant state. Most say I look like I am due any day. They then tell me congratulations, and ask me if it is my first. When they hear that it is my third, they usually look a little shocked. Not because it's a third, but because as the guests then respond, "Wow, you look so young, how old are you?"
Yes, they just blurt that out. And yes, I do look young.
The people I just checked in, told me that they thought I was 19. But, nope, I am 28, folks. They also usually are shocked once I tell them that too.
I find it funny sometimes, how blunt people can be. Although, I don't feel any comment has ever been mean.
I used to hate looking so young, but I think as you get older, it's nicer to look younger. Maybe when I'm 40, I'll finally look 28.
Who knows!