Girl's Update

I haven't posted a girl's update lately so here it is. Actually, can we pause for a moment while I realize that I now have to say girls!!

Okay pause over, OMG I HAVE GIRLS!!!!!!!!

Mackenzie

age: 2 years and 9 months

• Clothing size 2T and some 3T (I like to buy clothes big, especially shirts so I get more wear)
• Shoes 6 but soon a 7
• Diaper size 5 although 4 works and hopefully soon no diapers at all!!

Who needs talking when you can sing EVERYTHING!

This girl loves to sing and it is the cutest thing to listen to. 

Loves her Disney princess, when asked which is her favorites she names all of them!!

Asks to go outside all the time!

Asks to play with play doh on a daily basis (thanks youtube)

Is the best big sister ever!!

She doesn't care what she wears on a daily basis but, lights up if I put her in a dress.

Loves to play with her princess magic clips and make them "new dresses" out of play doh

(again thanks youtube)

We are working on potty training but, she shows little interest in the process.

Baths are an all time favorite! When she is done she will put away her toys, drain the tub and wrap herself in her towel.

In the car she likes to say "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom!"

When I finally get her to realize I am answering her she replies with "Look!"

I say look at what and she points and says ridiculous things like; "Ice cream cloud, or green dog."

It's quite annoying, obnoxious, cute.

She loves to help give big sister baths or bring her toys or wrap her in blankets.

Ainsley

age: 11 weeks

At her 2 month check up she was 11 lbs and 5oz and 22 inches.

Loves tummy time and really, really, really wants to roll.

Thinks Peek-a-boo is fun and makes the cutest face.

Sleeps 6 hours at night, although on the night's I have to wake up early I think she would sleep longer but, I have to wake her up to feed her.

Likes to cat nap but, will take one really good nap for me daily.

LOVES TO SMILE!

She also loves her sister and will smile like crazy at her.

She tried to laugh earlier in the week and I think her sister will make her laugh first.

I love being a mom to 2 girl's, I want to find them matching pjs, how cute! For mother's day I am so doing co-ordinating outfits!!

Maybe a post on that??

Spring Fashion

Us in the Pacific Northwest have had some nice spring weather for a few weeks now. Then suddenly out of nowhere it snowed!! Only little, but it also got cold! The warmer weather though totally got me amped up for spring and summer. I took out all our winter gear and put it back in storage and pulled out my brightly colored tops. The transition though can sometimes be tough when it comes to fashion, so here are some of my tips.

image source: Pinterest

1. Add color

Winter can bring in some darker tones grays and blacks it's time to spice those up with pops of color. Add it in with your shoes or purse, even a necklace can do the trick.

image source: Pinterest

2. Add a sweater

Pull our those summer dresses throw a sweater over top and maybe a cute belt and you have a cute outfit!

image source: Pinterest

image source: Pinterest

3. Put on rainboots or add tights

I had to borrow a picture from pinterest for this one because, I have yet to buy cute rainboots. Spring means rain and your boots can be the perfect accessory. They have tights in super cute prints now! So put on some printed tights underneath that summer dress and go!

image source: Pinterest

4. Do light layering or one less layer.

In the winter I am the queen of layers in spring it can be too much. So switch it up instead do some light clothing to layer up or keep the same cute winter outfit and take off one layer.

I hope these tips help with the transition and here's to hoping for some warmer weather coming up soon. Don't forget  March is in like a lion and out like a lamb!!

You are Worthy

source

In the book of John there is a phrase said 4 times and honestly it made me LOL! Literally I laughed out loud. It is "the disciple whom he loved." Now why does this make me laugh? It is not completely for certain that John wrote the book of John but, it is pretty certain. So, that means John said this about himself. At first I thought, "How arrogant!" Then after some thought, prayer and a sermon or two I realized this isn't his ego, this is knowledge. He knew he was greatly loved by Jesus. I don't think this is ridiculous of him to think. John was one of the three that Jesus would take with Him to close quarters. John was also found to be sitting on Jesus' lap, and at death Jesus asked John to take care of His mother. It's not hard to say these 2 had a close relationship and that he was a disciple whom Jesus loved.

Through this we can learn something from John. We can have the confidence to say; "I am someone who Jesus loves." Sometimes we forget how much we are loved by Him. We look at our mistakes, failures, shortcomings and we say; "God can't love me, or maybe God loves me but, I am not one of His favorites. Shoot! I am not even a blip on His radar." That isn't true, you are one of His favorites, He doesn't look at your shortcomings, failures, or even sins. He looks at you and sees you covered in Jesus' blood, He sees you as someone His son died for so that He could have a close intimate relationship with you. Don't believe me? Let's look at some scriptures that tell us what he thinks of you. 

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,

(read all of 139, it's great!)

Song of Solomon 6:3

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine;

Matthew 10:30-31

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

John 3:16

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(replace world with me)

I could go on and on but, I think this is enough to prove my point. He created you knowing you would make errors and have mistakes. He spent time creating you and He did not make a mistake! He claims you as His! He has spent time counting the hairs on your head, planned out your future and sent His son to die so He could be intimate with you.

This week look in the mirror and say; "I am someone who Jesus loves." Every time one of your shortcomings, mistakes, sins pops up it's ugly head remind yourself; "I am someone who Jesus loves." Any time you feel lonely or unworthy shout out; "I am someone who Jesus loves." Repeat; "I am someone who Jesus loves." until it's so written on your heart that you won't ever forget that You, yes You, You are someone whom Jesus loves. Take a cue from John crawl up in His lap, hear His heartbeat and be reminded that He loves you!

source

Dorinda

Friday Favorites

Sorry, I haven't posted in awhile life has been a little busy lately with the new addition. Before we get into Friday favorites here are few updates.

Personally; I went in for my 6 week check up and that nasty fibroid is actually coming out of my body. So I have to have surgery done to remove it! I am not at all excited about this. It is just a outpatient surgery but, still.

Ainsley is doing great, we got an ultrasound to check on her kidneys and everything came back normal and no need for future testing.

Mackenzie is loving being a big sister and is testing her independence. No I don't think she is testing us because of sister I think she's just at that age where she wants to learn how far she can go.

Family wise everything is going great! Our Pastor has been teaching about Money (listen to it here) and this last Sunday pointed out that although we are heading in the right direction financially we need to stay with my parent's longer than planned to keep going on this track. We are considering buying a mid size SUV soon though. I am super excited a SUV I think I have been asking for one since we got married (7 years!).

I also have not posted lately because I felt like my blog was getting away from my original intent and that I was posting just to post. So, I plan on posting purposeful content with better quality pictures. Now I am not a photographer and sometimes there will be cheesy phone pictures because we are out and about and that's what I get but, all my fashion and makeup pictures I plan on doing higher quality. I plan on bringing back more tips on life, family, mommyhood and kidmin although the focus will probably be more on family because that's where I am at in my life. I plan on posting more devotional ones and updates on the girls. I want to bring back more mommy/baby faves and outfit ideas for kids. I still have 20 lbs to lose from pregnancy and when I go on that journey I will post again. With that I vow to post more intentional content not empty fillers. I will still do Friday favorites because they are one of my favorites to do! So here are this month's Friday favorites.

1. Fashion Favorite

With having to breastfeed I have to wear clothes that make it possible. Anything button up works.

Pinterest

2. Girl Fashion Favorite

Not only is this one of my favorite scriptures but, now it's a shirt for my girls' to wear.

Pinterest

Favorite Blog

This is actually a friend's blog. I really love her recipes!! Also, her baby girl is way too cute!!

Wholesomely Fit

Favorite Podcast

I recently discovered all that the world of podcast could hold. I found this one series based on a true crime. I listened to all 12 episodes in 3 days, needless to say I was addicited.

Serial

Favorite Quote

Haha! Look at fashion favorite. This is everyday!!!!!

Pinterest

Favorite funny

We have had a mild winter here, and I love it. For those suffering though this is pretty funny. Kentucky Police issue warrant for Ice Queen

Kentucky Police

I hope you all have a great weekend! I don't have a lot planned this weekend but, I plan on enjoying some family time.

Dorinda

All things Hearts

I haven't posted a shopping guide in awhile and the other day while doing some online window shopping I came across a bunch of super cute heart items. With Valentines day coming up I thought I would share!!

Toddler heart

Love dress/ heart overalls/ heart dress/ heart shoes/ heart pj's/ heart tutu
Mickey shirt/ King of Hearts pj's/ Monster heart socks/ plaid shirt/ Love machine shirt

The picture doesn't show it super well but those overalls have a heart on the front! Can I have those in my size? I also love the idea of having pj's for every holiday, why should Christmas get all the fun??

Baby Heart

#adorable outfit/ heart pj's/ pink tutu/ heart colo block dress/ heart hat/ heart blanket
i heart u pj's/ # heartbreaker onesie/ Major flirt outfit/ Hello ladies socks/ mommy onesie 

Shopping for a newborn again has been so much fun! I forgot how small the clothes are!!! I love the blanket, it could go boy or girl, and I am all about the gray!! My cousin had a little baby boy the same day Baby A was born, so that's why I chose to do a boy section too. I love the gray pj's I think if you pair that with a red bow a little girl could rock them too! And, the mommy onesie, please, the cuteness is irresistible!!

Mom and Dad Valentine

lace top/ pink skinnies/ heart pj's
love boxers/ red pants/ red t shirt

Of course moms and dads are the hardest to shop for, so I went with pink and red. The mom outfit could so go together but, I do think if a dad was to rock all that red it might be a little scary.

I'm not sure what we plan for Valentine's day, probably something on the chill. For the girls I think I will get each of them a piece of clothing and a toy or book, maybe a small box of candy for Miss Max. Mondo and I always make something for Valentine's day, this year it will be either a chatbook or a shutterfly book. Need an idea for Valentine's day here is a previous one I posted for the inexpensive.

Also, a blogger I follow at The Little Things We Do, has issued a "Choose Love" challenge. It's spending 7 days showing your husband you love him. Each day has a new challenge. I want to try this and encourage you to try too. Check out the Challenge here. 

What are your Vday plans??

My 2 year old has too much screen time

I let my daughter play with the I-pad WAY too much, but I refuse to feel guilty about it. Here's why!

at hospital after baby sister was born

1. It's been a better teacher than me.

Since I have been busy being pregnant, working full time, or even taking care of a second child. My teaching time with Mackenzie has lacked. I was really good doing crafts with her, or teaching type activities, or even baking with her. With busy schedule, tiredness and more I haven't been able to do that. Her favorite thing to do on the Ipad is to watch "videos" (youtube), she chooses some videos that sing about colors, shapes, letters. Even the games we have downloaded for her help with those and I have seen a bigger improvement in her learning her colors, than when I was "teaching" them to her.

2. It's help her imaginative play.

Some of the "videos" she watches are the ridiculous ones where they unwrap new toys. Sometimes they play with them and create stories. I have been watching her take her "elsa and belle" dolls and mimic the play she has seen. In fact the other day Belle put Elsa down for a nap. She also loves the playdoh videos where they make things, food or new dresses for the dolls. She loves to "cook" for me or make her dolls new dresses.

3. Her vocabulary has increased.

Everyday she surprises me with a new word or phrase. Or even the new items she now knows what they are. Such as "My little pony", or garbage trucks. 

4. It's a moment of bonding.

Her and her daddy will lay in bed and watch music videos every once in awhile. She loves it, she curls up next to him and picks out videos for them to watch. He loves to expose her to some of his favorite songs. She loves to watch Star Wars (rebels) with daddy. Even us as a family, we have been watching the latest season of "Once Upon a Time" together. Since it has Elsa! It's nice to sit on the couch, snuggle and have some settle down time. 

5. It gives me a break.

It helps me to have a moment of pause, especially if the girls didn't nap at the same time. Or if I need to switch laundry loads. One day it allowed me to take a shower. Mackenzie had the Ipad and Ainsley was with me in the bathroom. I knew everything was fine, since she is glued to the screen. We took/take the Ipad to doctor appointments to keep her busy while I talk with the doctor. If Ainsley needs extra attention, I don't feel like I am neglecting Mackenzie if I let her play with the Ipad.

Now I will admit there are days where she has it way to much, and now that things are becoming more of a routine with 2 girls, I have limited the amount of time she plays with it. I also turn off the TV for a few hours a day and make sure I spend quality time with Mackenzie. If I can't give Mackenzie a huge quantity of time I want to make sure I can give her quality time. There are so many articles out there about not letting your kids have screen time, I used to feel guilty about the amount of time my daughter had in front of the TV or Ipad. I refuse to do that, it has had some benefits. Like I said I do try to reduce the amount of time, spent in front of the screen but, as long as the screen is not her parent and I am still getting in my quality time with her, I will no longer feel guilty for allowing my daughter to indulge a little. Hey, I do! Why not her too?!

Just Arrived; Ainsley Goe

Ainsley Goe made her appearance in this world 10 am, Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

Here's her story!!

Warning: it's not short!

The Friday before, the doctor scheduled me for an induction Monday January 5th, 7 am. Fridayafternoon he called me back and asked me to reschedule for Tuesday morning at 7 am. I unwillingly obliged, hoping I would go on my own over the weekend. The weekend brought a lot of emotional turmoil as I tried to induce labor on my own, the only thing I didn't try was Castor oil, after some research I deemed it unsafe for me and baby and not worth the risk. Sunday morning I skipped church due to being in such a bad emotional spot. Sunday night I realized I was worrying too much and needed some prayer support from some of my church leadership. I texted 3 people that I needed to go into labor by Monday night to avoid induction. The actual induction didn't scare me, I had to have pitocin with Mackenzie to speed up labor, I just didn't want to be induced and have a long, hard labor. One of the people I texted was our Pastor, Monday afternoon he texted and asked if I had gone into labor yet, I replied "No, but my nails are done." he laughed at that.Monday brought a lot of sitting, hanging out with my family as our last day of 3 and trying to calm my worries. Tuesday at 3 am I woke to contraction pains, I found this odd because even though I had contractions for the past few weeks, they never bothered me at night. I started timing them because they were feeling intense, they were 4 to 5 minutes apart and 45 sec to 1 min long, borderline "go to the hospital," according to google. So I opted to ignore them since I would be there in a few hours anyway. 3:30 am, I couldn't sleep due to the contractions, not the pain, just the annoyance. So I decided to get up and finish packing; standing up made my water break! I woke up Mondo, finished packing and was at the hospital by 4:30 am.

They skipped triage and put me in a room almost right away. I had to wait in the waiting room for 20 or 30 minutes, annoying! They got me set up, asked me all the questions and finally checked me. Shocked to learn I was already at a 6 and handling the pain great. I don't really remember times after this. The contractions were getting closer together and intense, I opted to have an epidural. I got that and felt great, a little TMI on top of the contractions I was having gas cramps, the epidural helped with that too. After the epidural they put in a catheter, and a few minutes after that I heard a pop and a bunch of water rush out. I thought the catheter came out, my nurse said "no, the rest of my water broke." Apparently I have 2 sacks one up top that popped at 3:30 am and second lower one. After that popped the nurse checked me, I was 100% ready to go but, baby was still high. So she told me to sit there and let the contractions "labor down" the baby. This was hard because I did have the urge to push. Finally, she called the resident OB/GYN, baby was coming out at a weird angle so while I pushed the Doctor would turn her. They gave me an oxygen mask because after pushing it would take awhile for Ainsley to recover and her heartbeat come back up. After a few pushes they made me wait again for my doctor to show up. I had to wait for about 3 contractions before I could start pushing again. Once my doctor showed up I pushed through 3 more contractions on the final push of the 3rd contraction, they told me to stop, I was confused (why stop?) and then I saw her! 5 1/2 hours after showing up at the hospital I had a baby. I was warned by my nurse, next time let them know I labor fast.

After labor, I did tear a little so they had to give me some stitches. Then they found some leftover membrane inside me. So for 1 hour after birth, I had to sit there while they dug the rest out. I probably could have gave birth without the epidural but, my doctor said that I definitely should be glad that I had the epidural now. My mom, Mackenzie, and Grandma got to come in and see Ainsley. Mackenzie was super excited. My mom took Mackenzie home and they took me and Ainsley to our new room. After we were settled in our new room, Mondo went home to be with Mackenzie and put her down for a nap. I told him to go, not knowing what was going to happen next.

Once there the nurse was concerned about Ainsley breathing very fast, she called in a resident pediatrician who thought that maybe due to the fast labor and the fact that the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, which was the cause of the slow heart rate return during labor, she might have some fluid still in her lungs. So, the doctor ordered chest xrays and extra labs. Then the nurse checked on me. I was bleeding way too much and had huge clots on top of it. During pregnancy I had developed a fibroid on my uterus. This was causing my uterus to not close up properly and for the clots to get stuck inside me. So they moved me and Ainsley closer to the nurse's station for constant observation. Both, the pediatrician and my doctor said this wasn't anything to be extremely worried about, just cause for extra concern. The resident OB/GYN spent some time "digging" inside me to get all the clots out and check my uterus. My uterus should have been closed up but, there was still room for 2 fingers. So, they put me on pitocin to cause contractions to close that up. With out the epidural any more, the "digging" hurt like no other. At this time I texted the same 3 people to ask for prayer again. I was simply too weak to pray on my own, I knew Mondo was praying too as I had called him to fill him in. They also gave me a shot for the bleeding, pain medicine because it was bad, extra fluid due to the amount of blood loss, and antibiotic for my positive Group Strep B and how long after birth I had been "left open". Under doctor orders every hour a nurse had to come in and push HARD, very very HARD on my uterus to get it to move down and to get the blood clots out. Ainsley had her extra labs done and they came in our room to do the chest x-rays. One nurse suggested lots of skin on skin contact with Ainsley to help us both recover and I must say it did. That evening, friends and family came to visit and I felt like a zombie. I could barely walk to the bathroom on my own. That night Mondo went home to be with Mackenzie and I was on my own to take care of Ainsley, I was thankful for the nurses. Ainsley also chose to feed all night long!!

Our view Tuesday morning

The next morning Ainsley and I both got a clean bill of health. Although, we would still have to stay for another 24 hours due to the Group Strep B and lack of anitbiotics during the quick delivery. Ainsley did have fluid in her lungs but, she worked them out on her own. I no longer had people pushing on my stomach every hour. Mondo and Mackenzie came in the morning with Cinnabon, and we got some family photos taken, our hospital has a photographer come around the rooms for a complimentary photo shoot. Although I had managed to put on makeup for the photos, I couldn't move from the bed, I hurt so bad. The rest of the day went by uneventful, Mondo and Mackenzie went home for nap, Mondo came back just him in the evening and that night Ainsley fed all night long.

Thursday morning we were discharged early and sent home. I got to take an actual nap, and spend time with Mackenzie. Although I was still in HIGH amounts of pain and my feet had swollen bigger than ever. I was told my swollen feet was due to the meds and the extra fluid they had given me. One week later and my feet are almost normal size. That evening we went as a family to Old Spaghetti Factory for a celebratory/ birthday dinner for Ainsley.  

This is my complete labor story. As I look back I realize how scary in the moment it was, I never did feel scared or worried though, that would be the peace that passes all understanding!

Mondo was my rock during this time. How he stepped up and cared for his 3 girls is beyond belief to me. I barely had to move a finger which I believe helped me recover so quick. He made sure I got lots of rest when I got home and spoiled Mackenzie so she would know just how loved she is! Words don't cover the amount of love and gratitude I have for all he has done for me and his 2 daughters the past few days.

Mackenzie is completely smitten by her little sister. You can see signs of jealousy every once in awhile during this adjustment process. Actually, I wouldn't say it's jealousy it's more of not understanding, why baby sister gets so much attention, why mom can't pay as much attention to her, and why baby sister has stuff she can't use or that she has to share.

Ainsley came home with newborn rash, most of that is gone. She was low risk for jaundice and I still haven't seen a sign of it. She eats like cray cray, doesn't like her bassinet and still has her day and night backwards. I am sure at her doctor appointment tonight we will find out that she is back to birth weight. She was 8.5 lbs at birth 21" long. When we checked out she was 7.11 lbs. Just like her sister she pictures big but, she is very tiny. We had to go buy newborn clothes just so she would have some. All I could find of Mackenzie's was 0-3 months and those swim on her.

Me, I am glad to finally be returning to myself. I have survived my first day at home by myself with the 2 girls and am looking forward to getting back into some sort of routine.

Thank you for giving me some time enjoy my new little girl and adjust to my new role as a mom of 2. I do have some more posts planned and hope to get those out soon.


Until then,
Dorinda