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Now that I have 3 kids, this site address is no longer appropriate. Please continue to follow my crazy life at...

http://www.camaratafamilymoments.blogspot.com

Annie hits again...

Yesterday was a pretty typical morning here at the house. Annie was playing in the basement, Wes was sleeping in his bouncy chair, and I was working on the computer. Annie came up and asked me where Wes was. I claimed not to know. She searched our little house to find him in his bouncy chair down the hall from me. I told her to leave him alone because he was sleeping. She said, "no he's not." I said, "Yes he is." and returned to my "work" (I'm not fooling anyone). I looked up to see Annie pulling Wes, in his bouncy chair, down the hallway towards me...I let it pan out. She pulled him to me, turned him around and said, "See he's awake!" Wes's eyes were as round as saucers as having just been dragged around the house by his sister!! Wes has a lot to learn about his big sister!

Later on that morning.....

Annie comes up from the basement wearing Brenden's Superman costume from Halloween when he was 2! She went running around the house yelling, "Superman to the rescue!" Hilarious! It got much better when she found the cape too!! (I'll add the pictures soon)

I love my little girl to pieces!

Life

Life has a way of balancing itself out....I firmly believe that there are bigger plans in place than mine. I also believe that my family was given to me for certain reasons. Growing up, my sister and I have not always gotten along, BUT we've always depended on each other. When I lost my mother, I turned to my sister to fill that roll. I know that she was given to me because of our mom. I can't think of another reason why. My mom taught us a lot, but one of the things that sticks out and is with me every day is loving my sister! She is the most amazing woman! She possess a strength and courage that I can only hope to share. She is incredibly intelligent and giving. She is gentle and caring. Heather is simply incredible! And she is MY sister and best friend.

I did not realize just how much I missed her until she came to visit this past weekend. She took time out of her schedule to make time for me. She flew in and came straight to work with me. She held Wesley all day while I held parent conferences. We spent the rest of the weekend just being together. She made each one of my children feel loved and special. Annie loves to play with her and Brenden looks up to her as "the doctor". He believes that she can heal all! We had an amazing time and dropping her off at the airport wasn't so bad. It was when I got into the car to drive home that I realized how lonely I was without her. Making matters worse, Wesley smelled like her! She laughs at my stupid jokes, is patient when I'm crazy, and makes me smile when I'd really like to cry. Heather and I finish each others sentences or say the same thing at the same time. Why? Because we think the same! This visit made me really realize how much I miss being able to see her every day! Thanks for coming Roo!!

Wesley

Wesley is now 6 weeks old! He's doing really well. He's on a very loose schedule. He eats whenever he wants and sleeps whenever he wants. He has been going to bed around 9pm and waking any time between 1am-4am. I'm pretty happy with his (yep, he's running the show)schedule right now. I'm finding it very hard to put him down knowing that he's my last baby! Most of his naps are in my arms (He does sleep in his cradle during the night) or whoever is visiting! I do know that I'm going back to work in 4 short weeks and he probably needs to be on a better schedule, BUT I'll work on that next week...right?!

Brenden's Tooth...no more!

My son Brenden has a way of loosing his teeth! His first was knocked loose by improper Lego use. The second came out because of the first one going early and leaving a huge space next to it. And now, the third tooth has come out! This time he was climbing our backyard tree while carrying a Lego creation in his mouth. Well, Bren and his infinite grace fell and the Lego invention knocked his top front tooth loose (should I discontinue his use of Legos?) Anyway, it got really loose and was hanging by a thread UNTIL Heather came to the rescue! Last Thursday Heather pulled the sucker out! We stuck to our family's tradition of a wet washcloth pull! Bren was really nervous but when he was reminded that the Tooth Fairy would leave goodies, he surrendered!

This is my boy now!

Yes, the Tooth Fairy left Legos!

Family

This is a post that is LONG past due!!! I am finally finding the time to say thank you to the people who have helped me so much! When I came home from the hospital Troy and my dad were there to help. Lana (my mother-in-law) came the following day, and then came Sandy. For two whole weeks, I did not cook or do any laundry (as much as I tried to)! My dad and Sandy cooked all the meals and then some. While Lana trucked at least 20 loads of laundry up and down the stairs! Not only did they do this plus house chores, they found the time to entertain my children and make them all feel special in a time of change. Brenden was shipped off to school but got a special pick-up every day from his Papa! Annie played dolls with every adult, made cookies with Sandy and read with Grandma. These loved ones did this because they love me and my family. I have often said I am blessed, but I really feel that way! The biggest THANK YOU to all of you! I love you and know that we are loved..

My Little Mommy

Annie and I were at Babies R Us shopping yesterday. Not a big deal. I had Wesley and she had her baby. All was going quite smoothly. She found a little pink princess rocking chair while I shopped for Wes. I had my back to her when she said, "Mommy, my baby is hungry." I told here to feed her. The woman shopping next to me and I were sharing friendly banter when she chuckled and said, "I guess you are breast feeding?" Huh? I was confused and looked up to see her watching Annie. I turned to see my precious little girl with one side of her shirt up and her baby to her chest! I was a little shocked but pretty proud of Annie. Yep, I am breast feeding!

New Days

I am overjoyed at being a mama to three! I love watching them interact with each other in new ways every day. Our new routine has evolved into Brenden holding Wesley on the couch every morning while I get breakfast ready. Annie is usually not far away and stops in every now and then to kiss her baby brother.

I am trying to take it easy and today I took my first nap!! I know, "sleep when the baby sleeps", but it's impossible with kids to be with! (Thanks to dad and Lana I have the much needed help!)

Tomorrow will mark the first day that Brenden returns to school while Annie and I are home with the baby. We've decided to pull Annie out of preschool until I return to work in April (yes, I'm going back). So much fun to be had!!!

Wesley

This is our Wesley!!!

This was taken at 2am which was apparently his awake time!!! In the hospital we would stroll the halls and chat with the nurses until he'd finally fall asleep. Thank goodness this stopped before we came home!!!

Wesley James

Sunday, March 7th I went into labor! I was shopping (shocker) with Brenden at Khols (Mom had her hand in this) when my water broke. Talk about unexpected! Both Brenden and Annie were late and I expected this little one to be the same. It did not happen! We dropped the kids with Gina and headed into the hospital. Labor began and was well until I had an epidural. Now with Annie, after the epidural her heart rate dropped and then recovered. With this baby, he didn't recover. So, I was swept into the OR while Troy was given a gown and proper gear. I've never had a c-section and this was pretty hairy. I just wanted the baby to be born safe and healthy. And so he was! Wesley James made his way into this world at 9:50pm weighing in at 6lbs 14oz and 19inches long. He is my biggest baby by 4oz and 1inch!!
The kids came the next day to meet him and I am the proudest mama! Annie and Brenden adore him!!!! Annie counted his toes, loved his head, and just plain stared at him for the longest time. Brenden asked to hold him immediately and is taking the role of BIG brother to 2 very seriously!!

Children's Museum

My little darlings on a recent trip to the Children's Museum. Loving it!!!

Teachable moments

As a teacher, I am forever looking for those moments to teach my very own children. They are sponges right now and I take advantage of that at every opportunity, possibly a little too much! Anyway, Annie has loved reading from the start, but in a very different way than Brenden. Bren loves to look at the pictures and only wants to know the "real story". He very rarely makes up stories. But Annie, man she'll "read" anything you put in front of her and make up stories til the cows come home. It has been a real treat to watch them grow as little readers.

I came up from doing laundry in the basement to find my kids sitting and "reading" instead of watching the movie I put in for them (yes, the TV makes a great babysitter for this mama doing laundry)! YES, they are reading the phonebook! Yes, Bren is wearing a Boston Red Sox hat (so much for the Brewers). The phonebook has been one of Annie's favorite reading books. She loves the white pages and gives the yellow pages to Brenden. Simply amazing!

Cold days lead to...

Cold winter days lead to crazy nights!!! Even the dog gets into it. You do notice that Troy is being a good sport about it all. I however, was loving being on the sidelines!

Winter Days

Living in the cold for several months a year leads to wondrous play! Roo got the kids this wonderful gift for Christmas and we saved it for one of those days. It is a Crayola crayon maker. You know all those tiny bits of crayon that "can't be used"? Well, Crayola has invented a way to put them into good use again. You choose all the tiny pieces, mix them up, and put them into this little machine, wait for about 20 minutes AND presto...new crayons!!! They suggest mixing light and dark colors to create amazing crayons. Wow!! You know what we used to do in my days? Shave the "no good crayons" onto wax paper and then iron them until they melt making beautiful hangings. Maybe a project for yet another cold day...

PICTURES

I lost the cable that will allow me to send pictures to my computer!!! They will come very soon...I hope.

Being pregnant

Being pregnant, as you women know, offers its rewards and its pains. Really, I mean you can have the best of two worlds in the same moment! For example, I feel this child o'mine move as soon as I wake up! Which means I feel my entire stomach rolling and pushing out at all waking moments. A blessing and a pain!

Being pregnant with this third child has been very different from both of my other pregnancies. I never swelled with Bren or Annie, but with this one I have to wear braces on both hands at night to keep my hands from falling off (not literally)! I waddle! I can't sleep. I can't stay still. I am trying to enjoy it because this is our last baby, but at times the only place I feel OK is crying in the shower.

Now, bitching aside, we come to the more serious side of this pregnancy. Recently my blood pressure has risen, my blood platelets has dropped, and I have tested positive to Betta strep B (need antibiotics during delivery). This means not going full term with this baby. I'm nervous and scared. You know that I have to be in control of everything or else I freak out. Well guys, I'm freaking out! I am trying to come to the realization that this is not in my hands. I am not qualified to make the decisions here. It has been 5 days of me trying to get a handle on this. I'm trying to slow down and sit more, but really what mother can sit down for more than 5 minutes without having to DO something?!

So, I will keep you posted on the delivery date. We should know more soon. Thank you for the prayers that I know are coming my way!!

life

Things have been pretty "normal" around here. However, Brenden has been stepping up his responsibilities all on his own. He's really taking charge! It's not always received well, but from one eldest child to the next...well done! Anyway, the kids and I were out eating dinner at a fine suburban establishment one night a couple of weeks ago when the strangest things occurred. We were in the restroom (not strange for this 7mth. prego) and Annie claimed she didn't have to go. Well, I had to and so did Bren so she was forced into the restroom with us. Annie was putting up a fight (imagine that) when Bren stepped in and offered an "option" to Annie. This is the conversation...
Bren: Annie why don't you come with me?
Mom: You OK with that Bren?
Bren: Yep, Ann let's go.
Mom: Are you sure?

At which point both kids smiled and walked into a stall together.

Bren: Ann will you hold my coat?
Annie: Sure, I'm going to keep my jacket on cause it's chilly.
Bren: It is a bit cold out.
Bren: Thanks

They head out to wash their hands. I'm totally loving this moment and stand in the all to listen.

Bren: You need to wash your hands Annie.
Annie: Nope, I didn't go.
Bren: But you touched things in the bathroom!
Annie: Can you lift me?

I come out and lift her because Brenden is ready to try! All goes well...

Are you kidding me?! I fight with this little angel all the time about everything and in steps my 6 year old boy and makes it all better!!! Little miracles...

Christmas in Florida

Our trip to Florida wouldn't have been complete unless we made a trip to the beach! I'd forgotten how beautiful the Gulf Coast really is! It was a balmy 67 degrees and we loved every minute of it! Brenden spent his time digging or chasing the seagulls away, while Annie made houses with Uncle Doug. The water was freezing but the sun was warm! A great way to end our vacation!

What a face!!!

Maybe an engineer in the future?

This family packed into our van with our dog and headed to Florida for Christmas. Yep, we drove the 26 hours to be with family for the big day! We did split the drive into 2 days. We drove the 10 hours to Winchester, VA to spend the "night" (5 hours doesn't really cut it) with my sister and Shane. Then spent 16 hours driving the next day all the way down to Cape Coral, FL. The drive went really well. I am surprised as to how well we all handled being in a car (and that close to each other) for that long! We made it without injury or major problems!

Christmas morning came quickly for this family! The kids were ready for all that the day promised. Now this is where I will continue to struggle. I don't want the message of Christmas to be endless presents, but it seems that I am fighting an uphill battle! Regardless, the family had a great day opening presents and visiting with family! Troy's uncle Doug came over for most of the day and Annie absolutely fell in love with him!

We spent the next four days lounging in the pool and eating our way around the house! It really was a great vacation!

It was a great trip for all of us! Troy and I got some much needed rest and the kids loved being with the grandparents. Family time is wonderful!

BIG snow!

I love the snow!! I just can't get enough of the stuff. Many people think I'm crazy, but I do love the snow. Unfortunately this year I'm having trouble fitting into my snow clothes, so I'm stuck enjoying it through my little family!

This last snow was a real doozy! We got just around a foot of snow! Bren was in heaven! He played in it all day. I had to force him inside. Annie was out for about 7 minutes and declared that she was done (she's an indoor kinda girl). It was beautiful plus it got me a lovely snow day off from school!

Baking cookies

Do you love the faces?!

Every year we bake Christmas cookies. This year was no different. Brenden is a great big help in the kitchen and really loves to bake, Annie on the other hand likes to help for about 10 minutes and then she's done. It's OK, because she then turns her attention to all the dirty dishes we've made! All turns out lovely!