wow, has it been a while!

I just have to share this layout. but SHHHH! it's not going to be revealed until wicked awesome Thursday at www.scrapbookeronline.com! So don't tell big sis! lol
I love this paper by 7gypsies! perfect to show off my blessings! I look at my family every day and smile at how lucky I am.

so what to say?

Been a while since I've made a post, but now I can't think of much to talk about! lol Here's a layout I did this week. It will be in the August/September issue of www.readysetcreate.com and the sponsor was Pressed Petals! I just love their stuff!!!

I was supposed to try to get Braden switched to soy formula to see if he improves as far as gassy tummy and some fussiness, but that didn't work so I just bought some more Mylicon! I'll try again later. He enjoys nursing and I do, too, so why should I give it up? I mean it is the milk God intended him to drink, right?

These super hot temps are making us all cranky. Hailee can't go out to play for more than 15 minutes at a time before she's thirsty and bright red so having her under foot all day is adding to the crankies. Darren finally noticed yesterday, and he's been sick so he's spent the last 2 days just sleeping! Glad he's at work today, but wish I could find something to keep Munch busy.

I'm still waiting for airfares to drop. My mom and sister are going to come visit in September :) and then Darren & I and the kids are going to Seattle for Christmas!!! YAY!!!! Can't wait!!!!

It's Thursday

It was a long night with Braden last night. He woke every 2 hours and then I was up with him for over an hour at 6:20...then he only slept from 7:40 til 8:00!!! But, I got him down at 9:00am and he slept another 2 hours so I was able to get this layout done!

He is now on his 3rd nap, and he's going down nicely..no fighting it and waking back up the minute he touches the mattress! So now I'll clean my desk and fold some clothes...then maybe I'll do ANOTHER layout!!!

Thank you, JulieAnn!

Well, my dear friend, JulieAnn, saved me! She has a copy of my gdt application that I sent to MF so now I can share the work I submitted!!!

So I guess you could say these are my "WINNING" pieces! The pail is a gift for my sister, and I used all Crate Paper and a Bazzill blossom. The layout is using, of course, Basic Grey!! Lollipop Shoppe!!! and some Queen & Co. flowers.

**SHOCKED**

Well I am just SHOCKED!!! I will be one of the guest designers at www.scrapbookeronline.com from July - September! I can't believe it! Yes, I did apply, but I wasn't really expecting to get it...I just felt I had to apply, being a "sista" and all! lol I'm so excited...it will be such fun working from the "other side" with the wicked awesome design team and Sue, the other guest designer! I'm a little nervous though...WAT has always been something I admired and looked up to..now I'll be a part of it! OY! Gotta get my groove on so I don't disappoint anyone!

I was going to post the layouts I submitted, what I can now call my "winning" layouts...but I forget which ones I sent to MF! lol How bad is that? I know they were from my dt work at www.scrapbookplayground.com, but I can't remember which! oops!

Happy Father's Day!!!

well here are 2 layouts with Darren and his kids! I used Crate Paper!! They are sponsoring us this month at www.scrapbookplayground.com and you can see them in the gallery June 20th!!!!

Happy Father's Day, Darren! I love you and the kids love you!!! Thank you for such a beautiful family!

**SHOWDOWN AT THE PLAYGROUND**

The Showdown at the Playground!

Scrapbook Playground is having a HUGE contest! We will be taking submissions from now until June 25th. To enter, submit your best layout. The Playground Bullies (AKA as The Design Team) will pick their favorite 25 pages, and those lucky people will enter into the 8 week contest.
We are looking pages that are strong in photography, creativity, and overall design. Originality and creativity in all areas is very important. Layout entries will be judged on all of the above.
Queen of the playground is one who displays unique and inventive layouts that are clean, inspiring and creative. Does this sound like you? Come join the Showdown at the Playground, and you can become Queen!

Official Rules:

Dates of Contest
The Contest starts NOW. You have until June 25th to submit your best layout to be considered for participation in this contest.
This contest will run with the following dates:
June 26th-June 30th , 1st elimination round 2. We will go from 25 finalists to 20.
July 2nd to June 7th. Elimination round 3. We will go from 20 finalists to 15.
June 9th to July 14th. Elimination round 4. We will go from 15 finalists to 10.
June 16th to July 21th. Elimination round 5. We will go from 10 finalists to 8.
July 23th to July 28th. Elimination round 6. We will go from 8 finalists to 5
July 30th to Aug 4th. Elimination round 7. We will go from 5 finalists to 3.
Aug 5th to August 11st. Elimination round 8. We will go from 3 finalists to 2.
August 13st to August18th We will have our Scrapbook Queen of the Playground!

www.scrapbookplayground.com

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

Well aren't they just too cute!? I think so...but yet I'm they're mom so I guess that's expected. But this is a great picture of them together! They're both happy and looking at the camera! Not bad seeing how Braden is only 5 weeks old! lol





We took Braden to the ear, nose, throat doc today. He says he's fine, nothing wrong and it's just going to have to fix itself. Laryngomalacia. Big word for something not serious! But it's a relief, I was dreading surgery of any sort.

hmm...

it's been a while since I've posted anything so I guess I'll just ramble.

Hailee is pushing every button I have. She's trying to see how far I'm willing to budge. And I'm proud to say...I'm not budging!!! She's just going to have to get used to the idea that babies take time, and she still has to have manners and mind! She's wonderful with Braden, and loves to help out with him..but everything else she will challenge me on! Darren took 2 boxes of toys to the attic yesterday because she refused to clean her room up. Any other day she cleans up after herself...I needed her to do it yesterday since we're having company today and she would NOT do it. I made her stay in time out on her bed until she cleaned. That didn't help, so Darren packed up all the stuff on the floor! She helped! Didn't even phase her...she said "I have too many toys anyway". Good grief, 4 years old are fun! lol

Braden is still having breathing trouble, but the zantac the specialist put him on has really helped in reducing his spit up! That's nice, wish I would've had someone put Hailee on that! He sleeps really good at night, most nights, not so good during the day. But I wouldn't switch that around for anything! I was up with him from 4:30 until 6 this morning because he kept waking himself up trying to catch his breath.

well that's my rambling...here's a sneak peek at my latest layout! It can viewed in the gallery at www.scrapbookplayground.com on June 5th!!!

I finally scrapped!

I did my first layout since Braden's been born! It isn't my best, but it felt great to do it! So for those of you who read my blog, you get a sneak peek!!! This is a layout for www.scrapbookplayground.com . It will be uploaded in the gallery on May 20th for our Queen & Co. sponsorship!
So, it's my first layout since having a baby, first layout of the baby, and first layout using the AWESOME Basic Grey Oh Baby Boy papers!!!! Yes, it was FUN!!!

not much left...

not much left for me to eat or drink! This poor little baby can't handle red sauce (spaghetti, pizza, etc.), soda (the carbonation), anything spicy, and yesterday my decaf mocha upset his tummy! AAAAAHHHH!!! SO...nothing with flavor to eat and I'm down to just water to drink! The things I do for my kids! I would be devastated if I couldn't nurse so out goes all the good stuff from my diet! I'll be fine. As he gets a little bigger I can start adding things back in...hopefully not too long from now! I hate water. Really. I can't stand too much of it. So boring, no flavor. Blah.

My Family!

This is my new family. I couldn't be any prouder. Hailee is a fantastic big sister, and a great help. Of course she does get jealous when I'm nursing Braden because I can't focus on her, but I'm sure she'll get over that soon! (oh I do hope so!) Darren is a HUGE help! WOW! I guess it's because this time around he has experience and isn't as intimidated by a baby in the house. He isn't even mad when he gets woken at night! lol With Hailee it got to him when he'd hear me get up with her all night. And she was in her own room! Braden is in our room and I feed him on the bed. Darren either sleeps through it or wakes up and helps when I have to change a diaper or go to the bathroom! I feel like the luckiest mom and wife in the world (but I know all women feel that way!).

How Braden came into the world!

First I just want to say thanks to everyone who has sent me such nice emails and pm’s. You’re sweet thoughts and wishes mean a lot to me!

Okay, so we got to the hospital Sunday night about 5:45 pm. I was on an IV right away but the pitocin didn’t get hooked up until 7:30 pm. I was already dilated to 4cm!!! Wow! I went from 0 – 4 in under a week, what a relief. So I was told I could have my epidural when ever I wanted. That made me smile! The contractions were tolerable, but my back started to hurt real bad so I did get the epidural at 11:00 pm. That was awful. He had to give me so much numbing stuff that I couldn’t feel my boobs or shoulders when he was done! But once he got it right…aaahhh! Then they broke my water at 11:30 pm (they tried earlier but the doc thought he felt the umbilical cord so didn’t want to risk it). The contractions still went unnoticed but around 2:00 am I could really feel the pressure towards my butt and was uncomfortable. I kept pushing my epidural button but it did no good! Lol Around 4:00 am they had me do a test push because my cervix was gone except for what she called a “lip” on one side. So I pushed and it went away, but when I relaxed it came back…and Braden’s heart beat dropped to 96 and the nurse put me on oxygen and had to make me lay in a weird position because that’s what made the hb go back up. Then we tried pushing again at 5:00 am and was successful. So after 1 REALLY good push she said okay this is it. Then I did 2 more pushes and she stopped me, by putting her hand on Braden’s head and telling me to relax. Yeah, whatever! Lol The doc and more nurses came in to help push because I couldn’t reach the handles and my hands kept slipping off during a push. So with Darren on one side, a nurse on the other, they supported my legs and held my hands. One big push and out came his head. Then I had to work the shoulders. OH MY GOD! I’ve never felt pain like that before…I thought I was on fire! His shoulders started to come through but got stuck. I was SCREAMING!!! The epidurals are made now to only relieve contractions and some pain, they want mother’s to be able to push on their own so you don’t get numb down there anymore! Well then WHY did I get the epidural??? Well after 1 nurse and the doc pulled Braden, another nurse on the bed with me pushed my stomach, and Darren and the other nurse with my arms and legs…Braden was born at 5:33 am, Monday, May 1st, 2006. But does it stop there? NO! They cut the cord and rush him to the table (Darren was supposed to cut the cord but they didn’t give him the opportunity). It took them 2 minutes to get Braden to breathe. I flipped out. I kept asking what was wrong because I didn’t hear him, when Darren calmly said they’re getting him ready, I panicked. I just knew something was wrong...I went into hysterics…crying, asking for an answer, I almost hyperventilated. Darren stuck the oxygen back on me to get me to breathe better. Finally, a good cry came from my baby boy. Darren took the oxy mask off me and showed me where to look to see him moving and crying. So then I cry in relief some more. After that they’re working on him and checking all his stats and getting me cleaned up (by the way…no episiotomy, no tearing, NO STITCHES AT ALL!!!) the main nurse called another one in to look at him and they were whispering. So here comes the panic again. Come to find out they thought his shoulder was dislocated from being stuck for so long, but it was fine. Thank God! I didn’t get to hold my son until 6:30 am. What a relief to finally see him. Then of course more tears!

So glad I’m not doing that again.

Okay, so now I have my son and think all is well. Not so. The stuff with his kidneys is fine, no more fluid. Good. But now he has a new problem. His scrotum was real swollen but his testicles aren’t inside. They didn’t come down. Still not down. But they say that it will fix itself within the next couple weeks. I hope so. How awful to have to take my baby to a urologist to get him to find them! And his jaundice is not a major concern, but a concern. I have to take him to the doctor tomorrow at 1:00 pm to be rechecked.

So this sweet, adorable little boy has been causing “problems” since the day I found out about him. But he is oh so worth it! I’m am so blessed and whatever problems he has, will work out and I know I’m going to have a wonderful life with this little stinker!

Hailee is just in awe of him, constantly giving him kisses, rubbing his cheek, and telling him “I love you, Braden”.

so many emotions...

Well there is an end in sight. My doctor appointment wasn't very fun because I found out that even though I'm having strong contractions I'm still not dilated. But Dr. H did tell me that I am going in Sunday evening to be induced! YAY! I'm excited to know it's almost over, but I still have 4 more days to wait. Excited, disappointed, nervous, anxious. *sigh*

Tomorrow is going to be a sad day for this mommy. I have to go in to register Hailee for pre-k. Sad, proud, sad, excited, sad.... I can't believe she's old enough to start school. But she is so ready and that makes me so proud because I know she will love it...school, friends, teachers...it's what she plays when she's at home anyway! Just look at her...so big yet so small. It's going to be much more difficult for me to let her go everyday than for her to leave. At least I can admit that!

So not happy...

here it is 3 days after my due date and my contractions have pretty much stopped. This is getting to really irk me! This, I'm sure, means I still have not dilated. I really wasn't wanting a c-section but at this point I'll do whatever it takes to get this baby OUT! Besides, the doctor said if I have a c-section they'll be able to repair my hernia, too! So, you see, it could be a good thing.

well stink...

today's my due date and still NO baby! All this waiting is making me crazy. I had some good, hard contractions on Tuesday, then they slowed down. THEN yesterday I had some serious pains and was really considering a trip to the hospital, but they weren't contractions so I knew the doctors would just send me home anyway. I feel pretty cruddy today and my mother-in-law said she felt the same way before she went into labor with one of her kids so I'm hoping this crud is worth it!

Today is Darren's 35th birthday. Wow. I remember celebrating his 22nd with him right after we started seeing each other. How time flies. The best part is that I love him more now than I did then!

My two favorite ladies....

Aren't they beautiful? My mom and my daughter! This was taken 2 days ago before we went out for dinner. We did get some photos of me with them but who wants to see a big, fat, pregnant lady? Not me! lol

I'm anxiously awaiting my doctor appointment tomorrow. They are going to do an ultrasound to check Braden's kidneys. If he still has fluid around them then I may get induced. At least that's what they told me at my last check up. Mom is going with me so she'll remember to ask the important questions!

So I guess that's all for now, until I have more news. Cross your fingers for me...I want this little boy out asap, but I also want him healthy.

So much fun!

Well, we are having so much fun with my mom here! She is really helping out so much. It's weird sitting back while she cooks and cleans, but she insists! I do help a little...a girl gets bored you know. I really should be getting lots of scrapping done, but just haven't had the "oomph" to do it! Hard to believe, I know! I've been doing lots of online shopping so I can't say I don't have enough new goodies to play with, because boy I do! Maybe tomorrow. That's my goal. (Don't we all look alike in this photo? Well, except for my ENORMOUS prego face!)

We got out today and got a few more things for Braden. Diapers are pretty important to have ready :) But after walking through Wal-Mart my legs and feet hurt SO bad! I came home, put on my jammies, laid on the couch, and took a nap. AHH! What a nice feeling. I go in for my check up on Monday and plan on BEGGING the doctor to let me have this little guy early! I'm so miserable and it's getting so hard to move around...heck it's getting hard to breathe, he really should induce me and make me happy! right!

Hailee is really excited. She goes through Braden's clothes and shows us what she likes, changes dieapers on her stuffed toys (she's actually pretty good at it!), and tells us (mom, me and Darren) how much fun it will be with a baby in the house..."even if he just sleeps and poops"! lol I just hope all the sleeping doesn't make her bored and then disappointed!

Well, this big lady has had it and am off to bed! Happy weekend to all!

if you're looking for something fun to do check out the online scrap party at www.scrapbookplayground.com. It's going on tonight and tomorrow! Fun challenges already posted and more games to come tomorrow!!!

Time to get serious...

...about this whole take it easy thing! Mom is here, and helping a ton, but it's hard to just sit back and let her do everything. Plus, I'm used to going out and doing things when she visits, and since she hasn't even been here a week, it still feels like one of her fun trips here. But, we went to walmart this morning and now my ankles, feet, and toes are so swollen! They look horrible and feel horrible! But, only a little over 5 weeks left until my due date...3 if I'm lucky :)

I haven't taken a TON of pictures since we're not doing a whole lot, but I do have a few and hope to get a really good one of my mom and Hailee to post on here!