People either love them or they hate them. I am usually one of those people that hate them, but I am going to embrace it this year and see how it goes. If anything, they will serve as a reminder for the things I WANT to do, but for some reason haven't.
1.) Take more pictures. I used to take pictures when it wasn't cool to take pictures. People thought I was weird for trucking around my SLR around everywhere I went. Then my camera broke and mommyhood happened so I had no money to replace it. All of the pictures I have of Avah as a baby are on my mom's now non-working computer. I probably have 3. It makes me terribly, terribly sad. I know they arent lost forever since we can restore the hard drive, but there still isnt that many since I didnt own a camera. I just do not want to look back on all of these years and have no photos to show for it.
2.) This is VERY cliche, but I want to lose weight and get in shape. Ive already gained 25 pounds in this pregnancy (eeek!). I am not too concerned with losing the weight since I hate being this big (even though its for a reason) but I want to actually get in shape while I'm at it. I am trying to prepare now so I set myself up for success.
3.) Do more "Mommy and Me" activities with Avah. We dont do a whole lot together besides going to the park and that kind of thing. We used to do more but I've been so busy lately with school, work, and just general upkeep of the house that its hard. It needs to be closer to the top of the priority list. Pretty soon shes going to be a tween and wont want anything to do with me. Things like arts and crafts, cooking, baking, board games, etc are gonna happen more around the house.
4.) Schedule evening activities better so there is more time to relax and read to Avah at night. I have a tendency of looking at the clock and realizing we have 30 minutes to bathe, brush teeth, get dressed, and do homework. If you know Avah then you know that it takes her 30 minutes just to get dressed. Shes the slowest person ever. If she doesnt get in bed on time shes a complete monster the next day (we've tried adjusting her bed times on several occasions because its really early, but she needs a ton of sleep). Anyway, evening routines need to be more relaxing and loving instead of crazy and rushed.
5.) Be more loving with my husband. Part of this has to do with being pregnant and feeling like a house. No one that doesnt already know thinks I'm pregnant. I definitely have a belly, but apparently it looks like a large gut instead of a 6 1/2 month pregnant belly. I shouldnt let people's opinions bother me so much, but instead of feeling beautiful and pregnant I just feel fat. Its hard to explain. But moving on, because of that I am less touchy feely with Justin because I feel not so attractive. Little actions go a lot way, like hand holding while I'm on the couch reading, etc.
6.) Blog more! I dont see my friends a whole lot for various reasons, but in my opinion, blogging helps us all stay more connected. I also like the fact that I can come back and read through this at any point in my life and remember. I love those kinds of memories.
7.) Make a few photo books on Snapfish. We made a photo book for our wedding of Justin and I as kids (growing up) and then a few as adults. We used it as our guestbook. I love it! I want a photobook of Avah's first year (I need those pictures from my mom!) and also do one for the new baby as well. I also want to do "year" books as well. I should start on 2010!
8.) Save more money. We had a good chunk of money saved up but we spent it on our wedding and honeymoon. I want to build our savings account again, and ASAP! I also need to watch my spending. I tend to spend a little here a little there and it really, really adds up. I also want to start couponing more than I do. I know its totally nerdy, but I get a kick out of seeing the "Savings, 50%" on my receipt. Its totally awesome because thats money we could be saving for something fun instead!
9.) Sew more. I really enjoy it.
10.) Finish projects soon after I start them. I have a tendency of dragging things out and that needs to stop. It drives both me and Justin crazy!
Ok thats it. If you havent already you should post your resolutions! I love reading other peoples.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wedding Photos
Sorry (to the 5 people that read this) about taking so long with these! Heres a little glimse of one of the best days of my life...
I spent sooo much time trying to figure out how I wanted the stupid escort cards to look. I thought of doing a board, having them printed, etc etc etc. In the end, no one actually followed them and the seating arrangement was a total mess. They looked pretty though!
My dad and little brother stained and nailed the table numbers together. I loved them so much. Because those two did them they had SO much character. There was even two sixes for a while due to the nine being nailed in upside down but I guess someone fixed them. I was going to leave them that way, haha!
Pretty water.
The cake. I didnt spend a whole lot of time envisioning this. The base that it came on was wrong but I didnt notice until about a month later after looking at pictures. I guess it wasnt that important! All in all, I thought it turned out very nicely.
Where all the magic happened
Awww
Avah getting dirty before the wedding
My sister and my mommy
My handsome little nephew, Dylan
My mommy and Karly
Awwww
Dylan, Avah, and my little sister Mitra
Avah and me after the wedding...she was exhausted
Avah and Justin before the wedding
My dad walking me down the aisle
First kiss!
October through December 2010
Since I've been slacking so much here is a little photo montage of our lives from October to December!
Justin and I looking amazing as always
My beeeaautiful wedding ring
This is Avah's "scary" face
"Grrrr"
She's six!
Haha I love this picture!
Decorating the tree!
Avah holding up Justin's T-Rex ornament
On to 2011!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sew Cool
Ok, Ok. The title is totally dorky. I totally love it though so whatever.
If you recall several posts ago I mentioned that I was going to be sewing an apron. Well, it turned out...ok. I have learned that patterns are not my friends. I started using a pattern and quickly just decided to do my own thing about half way through. It turned out ok, but its way too big on me so it makes me look about 40 pounds bigger than I actually am, which I do not need. Even so, it keeps my clothes clean when I cook and I am proud of it!
My next project was a quilt. I made one for Justin's mommy as a Christmas gift, and it turned out ok. My washer kind of ate it and thats unfortunate. I made one for my dad and step mom too but the washer really ate that one so I need to fix some of the seams. My washer eats everything...we are gonna get a new one before it eats all of our diapers.
I have been really pissed at myself for not taking more pictures. I PROMISE I will. I am going to make a list of new years resolutions. One of them is going to be to take more pictures. Hmm. More on that later.
If you recall several posts ago I mentioned that I was going to be sewing an apron. Well, it turned out...ok. I have learned that patterns are not my friends. I started using a pattern and quickly just decided to do my own thing about half way through. It turned out ok, but its way too big on me so it makes me look about 40 pounds bigger than I actually am, which I do not need. Even so, it keeps my clothes clean when I cook and I am proud of it!
My next project was a quilt. I made one for Justin's mommy as a Christmas gift, and it turned out ok. My washer kind of ate it and thats unfortunate. I made one for my dad and step mom too but the washer really ate that one so I need to fix some of the seams. My washer eats everything...we are gonna get a new one before it eats all of our diapers.
I have been really pissed at myself for not taking more pictures. I PROMISE I will. I am going to make a list of new years resolutions. One of them is going to be to take more pictures. Hmm. More on that later.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Avah Karren: A birth story, 6 years later
Six years ago on December 12, 2004, Avah Karren was born into this world.
Its hard to believe that six years have passed since the first time I held her tiny body in my arms. They say time speeds up tremendously once you have kids and they weren't kidding. I wish I could go back in time and cherish every single moment, every baby kiss, every snuggle, every cry. Its sad to know they are gone forever. Its a good reminder to myself that I need to learn to live in the moment. She is so amazing at six years old and has grown so much, even just in the past couple of months. If you blink you'll miss it.
I was miserable towards the end of my pregnancy. I was bored, having stopped working in October and being due on December 19th. I also had a growth spurt and the belly that was so small during my entire pregnancy bloomed into a full on pregnant belly. I couldn't move very well and I just plain wanted her out. I wanted to meet her badly...getting off of the couch without help was an added bonus. In an incredibly selfish move, just weeks after my mom went through surgery, Avah was induced the morning of December 12, 2004. I did not have a scheduled induction, per se. The hospital called at about 5 am to tell me there was a spot open and I should come down. My mom drove me to the hospital, checked me in, and I changed into my hospital gown. I was given my first round of medication to induce labor at 6 am. I was comfortable and the time flew by. At 10 am the nurse came in and gave me Pitocin through an IV. By Noon my contractions had begun and were strong and unforgiving from the get go. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't focus on anything but the awful pain. I was delirious with it. I don't recall a whole lot from Noon-5pm but the pain and seriously wanting some chocolate! At 5pm the doctor came in and I got an epidural...sweeeeet relief. I was able to relax for a few moments but then, only moments after the epidural was administered, Avah went into distress. The charge nurse came in, flipped me on my side, and put pressure on an area of my abdomen. The entire room came alive with nurses, and I heard words being thrown around like "Distress", "C-Section", and "Emergency." I was terrified. The nurse at my side was able to shift Avah around and her heart rate normalized. The nurse checked me right after and found that it was time to push! Only three contractions later, Avah Karren was born at only 5 pounds, 8 ounces, and 19 1/2 inches long at 5:55 pm on December 12, 2004.
As soon as she was born they placed her on my stomach and I remember being completely and totally freaked out by it. This completely formed baby was just inside me and is now laying on my stomach! I didn't know how to touch her, what to do, or what to say. My motherly instinct was NOT instantaneous. My mom cut her umbilical cord and they took her away very briefly to wipe her down and handed her back to me all snuggled in a blanket. I breastfed her immediately and it was then that I realized, she is mine. This is the person that I have gotten to know after the last nine months. Words cannot describe the feelings that come over a mother when she holds her child for the first time. It is incredible, life changing, and terrifying all at the same time.
For days and days after her birth I was so emotional. I was afraid to drive with her, afraid to sleep in case she stopped breathing, afraid that anything bad would happen to her. For about 6 months I was a terrible driver because I was so skiddish, constantly over correcting and being too quick to brake. I finally realized I was more likely to get in an accident driving that way and started driving better again. Being a parent turns you into, well, your parents! I finally got why my parents were so freaking worried about me all of the time. That day and in that very moment, I learned what love truly is.
So, Happy Birthday Avah! No matter how big or sassy you get, you will always be my baby. I love you.
Its hard to believe that six years have passed since the first time I held her tiny body in my arms. They say time speeds up tremendously once you have kids and they weren't kidding. I wish I could go back in time and cherish every single moment, every baby kiss, every snuggle, every cry. Its sad to know they are gone forever. Its a good reminder to myself that I need to learn to live in the moment. She is so amazing at six years old and has grown so much, even just in the past couple of months. If you blink you'll miss it.
I was miserable towards the end of my pregnancy. I was bored, having stopped working in October and being due on December 19th. I also had a growth spurt and the belly that was so small during my entire pregnancy bloomed into a full on pregnant belly. I couldn't move very well and I just plain wanted her out. I wanted to meet her badly...getting off of the couch without help was an added bonus. In an incredibly selfish move, just weeks after my mom went through surgery, Avah was induced the morning of December 12, 2004. I did not have a scheduled induction, per se. The hospital called at about 5 am to tell me there was a spot open and I should come down. My mom drove me to the hospital, checked me in, and I changed into my hospital gown. I was given my first round of medication to induce labor at 6 am. I was comfortable and the time flew by. At 10 am the nurse came in and gave me Pitocin through an IV. By Noon my contractions had begun and were strong and unforgiving from the get go. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't focus on anything but the awful pain. I was delirious with it. I don't recall a whole lot from Noon-5pm but the pain and seriously wanting some chocolate! At 5pm the doctor came in and I got an epidural...sweeeeet relief. I was able to relax for a few moments but then, only moments after the epidural was administered, Avah went into distress. The charge nurse came in, flipped me on my side, and put pressure on an area of my abdomen. The entire room came alive with nurses, and I heard words being thrown around like "Distress", "C-Section", and "Emergency." I was terrified. The nurse at my side was able to shift Avah around and her heart rate normalized. The nurse checked me right after and found that it was time to push! Only three contractions later, Avah Karren was born at only 5 pounds, 8 ounces, and 19 1/2 inches long at 5:55 pm on December 12, 2004.
As soon as she was born they placed her on my stomach and I remember being completely and totally freaked out by it. This completely formed baby was just inside me and is now laying on my stomach! I didn't know how to touch her, what to do, or what to say. My motherly instinct was NOT instantaneous. My mom cut her umbilical cord and they took her away very briefly to wipe her down and handed her back to me all snuggled in a blanket. I breastfed her immediately and it was then that I realized, she is mine. This is the person that I have gotten to know after the last nine months. Words cannot describe the feelings that come over a mother when she holds her child for the first time. It is incredible, life changing, and terrifying all at the same time.
For days and days after her birth I was so emotional. I was afraid to drive with her, afraid to sleep in case she stopped breathing, afraid that anything bad would happen to her. For about 6 months I was a terrible driver because I was so skiddish, constantly over correcting and being too quick to brake. I finally realized I was more likely to get in an accident driving that way and started driving better again. Being a parent turns you into, well, your parents! I finally got why my parents were so freaking worried about me all of the time. That day and in that very moment, I learned what love truly is.
So, Happy Birthday Avah! No matter how big or sassy you get, you will always be my baby. I love you.
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