Move over Michael, here comes Russell!

Yesterday was the first day of Russell's swim lessons. I brought my camera for the unknown to follow. He is fearful of our HOA's pools and usually clings to me for a minute or so before insisting he be returned to the pool steps. The thing is, we live in California where there are more pools than most states' combined. He needs to at least be able to have the skills to survive a fall, lest it happen. I also really wanted him to be challenged and learn to obey authority other than myself or Dan. I don't see the need for him to be in preschool and so this is a perfect opportunity for his personal growth.

Out of the 30 minute lesson, only 5 minutes were filled with tears. The teacher was firm but patient and instructed him to breath/blow out air and count to 10. He did great and the other parents said he'd done well for his first lesson.

Move over Michael Phelps, here comes Russell;-) Maybe the 2028 games?

Okay, so maybe there was a little bribe involved, but we all need a reward for trying hard, don't we?

Visiting Friends

While visiting my family, I was blessed to catch up with a few friends as well. Kate (above) is a friend from my high-school days. She recently moved back to the Island from Halifax. (Below) Sue recently moved back to Victoria as well but from my hometown here in California. It was a little strange to have my California life and my B.C. life overlap because they are really quite separate. Once Russell got over his cranky spirit for the day, the boys had a fun time together:-)

I was also able to catch up with Jen and Tanya. No pictures to share but I really enjoyed our lunch together and the conversation. Thank you, ladies!

Visit to Vancouver Island

We try and spend Russell's birthday on the Island if it is our 'off' year for Christmas in B.C., so I packed the kids up and we flew up to Victoria on the 31st for seven days.

My surviving grandparent is my Grandmother and it was really sweet to see her hold Camille. I didn't get a 'four generation' photo of Camille, me, my Dad, and Grandmother, which I regret. My grandmother is 97 years old and time is borrowed.

We celebrated Russell's fourth birthday in style! My dad rented a clown costume and Russell kept eyeing my dad's gig. Lots of fun!

One morning, my Mom and I and the kids went down to Cowichan Bay for a nice walk. It was quite cool so we didn't stay long. Russell found the bakery with no problem:-)

Sisters:-) Candice and myself.

My mom and her granddaughter. It was so nice to have a helping hand with Camille. Baby Girl is social and doesn't like to be put to nap if she can otherwise be engaged.

For a special lunch, my Dad and I went out to A&W. This may not seem like a treat but since we rarely eat fast food, it was:-) Most of the A&W's here in the Bay area are now tacoria's or car washes:-( Nothing like yummy onion rings and root beer served in a frozen glass.

I love Camille's 'bunny suit' and sadly she is growing out of it. The poor kid keeps getting wedged into it every time we leave the house but that's okay for now;-) The stewardess wanted to hold Camille and I appreciated the help. She was really sweet to Russell as well and gave him a package of wax-like straws to mold during the flight.

We arrived home on Saturday and relaxed all day Sunday. Russell was so glad to see his toys and hasn't wanted to be entertained by us since!

Update soon

The kids and I have been in Victoria, B.C. since last Sunday, the 31st. We got home last night safe but tired. Will updated soon:-)

Happy 4th Birthday, Sweetheart!

We love you so much and we're proud to call you our son!!

Happy 4th Birthday!

3rd birthday

2nd birthday.

1st birthday.

Newborn birthday.

My new role model

... is Michelle Duggar.

Let me start off by saying there is no desire in my heart to have 19 children although I believe God has placed this passion (and ability) in Michelle and her husband's hearts (and body!). I just know my body is not made for carrying babies unless God sees fit.

Here is today's interview on Today with Meredith Viera . The couple and most of their children are reporting from Little Rock on the condition of 7-week old Josie (born at 1 lb 1oz in December) at 25 weeks gestation.

I enjoy watching the TLC show "18 Kids and Counting" in the afternoons if I have a break. If I could sum up what I like about the family, I would note:

#1) Love and respect in marriage

Michelle and Jim Bob's (sorry, but doesn't 'James Robert' sound much better??) love and respect and visable affection for each other. It is difficult enough for Dan and myself to prioritize our marriage sometimes, let alone with so many more children. Jim Bob often is holding his wife's hand or her waist, and I swear Michelle still blushes when he does so.


#2) Patience

Michelle's patience for the kids. In the 'line up' of children, there are six boys from age 11-5. She often remarks that the children just need a place to get out their energy. Granted, the children have acres of land and thousands of square feet in their home to run and place, but they are very noisy nethertheless. She and Jim Bob discipline for sinful behavior and not just childishness although sometimes the line between the two is thin;-) This has been a good reminder for me during the day when Russell's crazy and silly side emerges!

#3) Godly direction

I love the clips of footage of Jim Bob and Michelle sitting at the table with their family and reading just a few verses of scripture and then talking about the meaning of the verses and conversing with their children about daily life application. JB gives them enough to think about and not so much to only hear "wah, wah, wah" (as in Charlie Brown...).

#4) Enjoyment of children

Michelle and Jim Bob love spending time with their children and truly enjoy their children. Yes... sometimes this is very hard to do! They don't see the kids as a bother and through work and play, are with their children guiding them and nuturing them. JB and Michelle have taken their kids on flight across country, on mulitple bus trips (to DC, LA, NYC, and the midwest). If they can take their kids on vacation, anyone... yes, anyone can:-)


So's here's to the Duggars, one positive Christ-centered family on TV:-) Yeah, TLC!

Fun with Friends

A few days ago, my friend Nadyne brought over her boys, Caleb (3.5yrs) and 3 month old Matthew (above). Matthew is two weeks older than Camille. These babies are only two of the miracles born in the 2009 year. Such wonders!


And yesterday (Saturday) long time and very dear friend Laura (we met in '96 in San Diego as teenagers) came for an overnight visit:-) She was in Vegas for a trade show and decided to return to Nashville via San Francisco.

I've spent many a New Year's Eve with Laura and we've met up with each other in Greyhound stations, Amtrak stations, ferry boat landings and more than a few airports over the years. It's been over 18 months since we've seen each other but our time was sweet. Thanks for taking the time, Laura!!

How important relationships are to each of us. They are the essence of life.

Happy 3 Months

In the blur of late-night feeds and diaper blow-outs, three months passes so quickly. We've settled into a new routine that works for our family.

Camille doesn't like tummy time but holds her head up well unless she is tired. She coo's and 'talks' in her own way and loves to have one-on-one time. She loves to be held and dance and watch herself in the mirror.

Russell is her number one fan and he says that "Camille is my best friend." If he is in the room, she follows him with full attention. I hope their affection for each other continues all throughout life:-)

A gentle reminder

Times like these, with so much loss of life in Haiti and when a loved one passes away, it is difficult to always be mindful of the big picture God has drawn. I heard this song today on the radio and wanted to share it... I hope this encourages you and causes us to continue in prayer and support for those left behind.

Temporary Home
-Carrie Underwood

Little boy, six years old
A little too used to being alone
Another new mom and dad, another school
Another house, that'll never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my temporary home

Young mom on her own
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go
She's looking for a job, looking for a way out
'Cause a halfway house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we'll find our place here in this world

This is our temporary home, it's not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we're passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where we're going
I'm not afraid because I know this is our temporary home

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers"Don't cry for me, I'll see you all someday"
He looks up and says "I can see God's face"

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this was my temporary home
This is our temporary home

Songwriter(s): Laird, Luke Robert; Maloy, Zac; Underwood, Carrie

Remembering Anna

I 'met' Anna through BabyCenter during my pregnancy with Russell as we were both on the January 2006 board. She was a frequent poster and her posts were full of personality. I connected more with her in this last year when we both found out we were pregnant and both due on October 28th- with girls. She had lost a pregnancy at 16wks the previous year so she also understood the pain of miscarriage and loss.

After delivering Camille on October 22nd, she delivered Isabella on the 26th. Such a wonderful time! Six days ago (Thursday), Anna went in for a tubal ligation and returned home. Somehow, her bowel was perforated and sepsis set in. From what I understand, she had a fever on Friday and was seen by a doctor and told to take Tylenol. On Saturday, she was admitted to the hospital as her organs began to shut down. She died on Monday afternoon.

I guess online friends of today are like the old pen-pals of yesterday. Sometimes you never get to meet the person in real life but they still have become a part of your life and thoughts. I'll miss writing Anna and listening to her stories of raising three crazy boys and one precious daughter. My heart aches for Davide, her husband, and the many dark days ahead for her family and closest friends.

Embrace life today in honor of Anna.

Bedtime

She falls asleep easily now. No more 30 minute cry-outs:-) She loves sucking on her index and middle fingers while resting.

I love this girl.

Bathtime

Still can't believe this blue-eyed girl is mine.

Prayer for Haiti and Kristen

A RPL blogger and adoptive mom, Kristen, and friend of Anne's, is currently in Port-au-Prince with her 9 month old daughter while visiting their soon-to-be adopted son in the orphanage. Please pray for her and her family and the children at the orphange while they try and recover from the 7.0 earthquake. In the States, this would be devastating. In Haiti? Unimaginable.

No news is good news

Sorry there hasn't been much to report here. The Christmas lights are all put away although we still have the cards hung because I like to see them. The place always looks a little bland after Christmas decorations are put away.

I've gotten back on the elliptical to ease my conscience. I love not having to huff myself to the gym and worry the whole time what my kids are up to or worry about a time constraint. When Russell was born, Dan was still doing shift work so he was home a lot of days in the month. Now, with him working regular hours, I'd never get to the gym if I had to wait until after 6pm. Glad for the elliptical purchase:-)

Russell will be four in a few weeks. I'm flying up to Victoria on the 31st for a week to see the family and celebrate his birthday. I'm returning back just before the Vancouver 2010 Olympic games begin. It would be wonderful to see an event or two but there is no way that is happening. Too much money and too much effort to make that possible. I remember watching the Torino 2006 games from my couch just after Russell was born and I was a new mom. I can't believe it's been four years already. Dan won't be able to join us this time since vacation time is a precious commodity around here.

Camille has been very smiley lately and today, I got her to laugh in the mirror:-) Precious moments. She has chunky cheeks like her mama (sorry, kid) and a calm personality (unless it is 5-7 pm and she is too tired to be happy and not tired enough to sleep). After letting her cry through her 3pm night feed, she's since been sleeping through the night (8pm- 6am) for the last week. I knew it was time to give up her last night feed when she slept from 8pm- 5:30am on her own on Christmas Eve. She sleeps in the living room in her pack-n'-play since I don't want to hear her occasional midnight chirps and Russell talks/sings to himself for so long that he keeps her up if she's in his room. We definitely need a bigger place to live... but that's another story for another day.

Thanks for checking in.

New Year, New Shoes

Happy New Month, New Year, New Decade. One friend mentioned that the new year is like grace... it gives us the feeling that we can start afresh with no baggage and a clear conscience. Sounds good to me!

December/January is also the time of the year when Dan and I get new running/athletic shoes. With all the walks to the park and Dan's occasional jogging, our shoes are worn out by December. This year I wanted to try Sketcher's new 'Shape-Ups' that have a contoured base and sole. I wore them the other day when I was out and about. Wow- they sure work out the calves! They are super comfy and even make me stand an inch taller:-)

The other pair I bought was a pair of Mary Janes from Born. I'm still waiting for them to arrive from Amazon but the ratings on the shoe were extremely positive. It is sure nice to have something make me feel special. It's hard being a mama and serving the kiddos continually. Might as well do it in a great pair of shoes;-)

Christmas in review

Christmas was a weeklong event this year:-) We opened presents early on Sunday the 20th since the next day we were travelling to Colorado and didn't want to take the gifts with us. Dan's enjoying his new iPod Touch and I love my accompaning radio/docking station. Russell was given a new Bible and board games.

The next day we flew to Colorado, rented a car, and drove to our friends' house. They moved from the Bay area in August and we've missed them dearly ever since. They graciously hosted us for two nights. It was so wonderful to see the kids together again and to just relax in their home:-)

Wednesday morning greeted us with six inches of light, powdery snow. Very unlike the snow in B.C. that I am so used to. I don't think Dan even broke a sweat while shovelling. After packing up the car, we drove up to Fort Collins to visit Dan's sisters and their families. The drive was a slow go in all the snow and wind but we made it safely. We stayed at the in-laws' house until Monday morning when we returned to Denver and flew home:-)

Miss A.

The in-laws open presents on Christmas Eve, which was different for me. The cousins opened their stockings on Christmas morning and even made a stocking for Russell to open:-)

Dan's parents holding Camille. They had driven up from Tucson for a few days. It was their first time meeting Camille.

We really had a nice Christmas week. For a few days it was only 18F which is frigid for a gal like me who loves beaches and warm weather. The wind was something I've never experienced before. Whew. We landed back in the Bay with a balmy 56F day:-) Ah. There is no place like home!

Just a quick post

We're still here in Colorado! We arrived on the 21st after a good flight with two very calm children. The day after we arrived it snowed six inches of nice, light, powdery white stuff. Since then, it's been extremely COLD. When I step outdoors I forget to breath for a few seconds since it almost hurts. The wind is the worst. We had a wonderful Christmas with Dan's family and it was a fun time to be had. We'll be home on the 28th:-) Will post pictures then... hope you all had a relaxing Christmas season!

A Joyous Welcome

Three of my in-real-life bloggy friends had their new babies this week:

Anne: had baby girl Mary Adair after two years of secondary infertility (on the 18th)

Amber: had baby Boy (yet to be named)... after three years of every bad prognosis and IVF (on the 19th)

Marcia: had baby Kai after quite the long labor (also on the 19th)!

Please stop over and give these women a shout of support. Every baby has been dreamed of and loved for so long. May each of these children grow to love God and be a blessing to all they know.

Checkin' out the Christmas Lights

On Monday night we met up with some friends and went to check out the light display in one of the neighborhoods. We've gone for the last four years and this year was relatively warm in comparison. The first year, Russell was 11 months old and in the stroller. Now, Miss Camille is in the same stroller. Sweet times.

Russell and Maddie. One friend (Mel!) noted it was strange to see the decorations without any snow but almost every Christmas I remember on Vancouver Island didn't have snow so it doesn't seem too out of the ordinary. Last year, the Island was buried under snow and I'm sure we'll have snow in Colorado this year. (Anyone besides April notice our blog is snowing?? I love it!)

Aw! Ann with her newbie son, Cole. Lots of 2009 babies in our group of friends.

PS- our bill from the hospital arrived yesterday. Any guesses on the amount of a healthy, non-intervension birth?

$27,951.50.

Thank-you, God, for Dan's job and health insurance. We only pay $100.

A post about not posting

Sorry for the lack of entries lately. Any time I've had to sit in front of the computer has been to Christmas shop at my favorite store Amazon.com. Where else can you get books and diapers and gadgits and gizmos all in the same place?? Plus, I love it when the mailman hands me my new box of goodies and I haven't had to shop with two kiddos in tow (one of which refuses to enter any store at the mall unless you count Starbucks...). Besides, with tax at almost 10% locally, I'd rather get more bang for my buck online.

We're off to Denver next week for Christmas. I'll try and post something before next Monday but if I don't, Merry Christmas!

Happy 30th to Me!

Yesterday was my 30th birthday:-) My mom flew down from Victoria last Tuesday just in time to help celebrate American Thanksgiving with us and Dan's cousins in Sacramento. She left for home this morning but was able to be here for my birthday... the first birthday we've celebrated together since 2001 when I moved to the States. We had a wonderful dinner at The Fish Market and cake for dessert. I was blessed with many cards from abroad and my answering machine was flashing with kind messages. What's not to love about birthdays?

We loved having my mom in town. An extra pair of hands does miracles with two kids. No wonder families hire nannies. We stayed local during this visit as we did a lot of driving together when my mom and dad came to visit in the summer. Russell liked seeing my mom play the guitar and she even started to teach him a Christmas song/hymn. I totally underestimated his ability to memorize! Glad they had something to bond over.

Thanks for visiting, Mom! We miss you already.

My little lady

Camille's one month appointment was today. She now weighs 8 lbs 15oz and measures 20.5 inches and is 50% percentile in size. She's really a lovely baby. She isn't nearly as fussy as Russell was and only cries when she is bothered by a hungry tummy or burps. She certainly can work herself into hysterics, though, when we let her cry-it-out but promptly falls asleep when comforted. We are completely in love with our little princess. I love to lay down and let her fall asleep in the crook of my arm and listened to her sleepy breathing and feel her warm body. Every tear we shed was worth these moments.

Three Weeks Old

My friend Sue (a Victoria native) came to visit today- with camera in hand! Her husband is a professional photographer and she loves photography as well, and she asked to take some sweet pictures of Camille. Of course, I said yes:-) Sue and her husband and two boys are moving to Victoria in two weeks. I'll miss them but I'm so glad I'll get to visit when we are on the Island!

Making Time for Russell

Russell adores his little sister but I find that he's acting out in other ways that show he knows that the family dynamics have changed: he trys to talk over me when I'm on a phone call (he used to NEVER do this) and pesters me (i.e. hit) when I am trying to feed Camille- as he knows I'm not going to jump up and discipline him immediately. Grrr. He's had ample discipline lately and we'll preserver but I also want to make sure that I am giving him special time during the day that is interactive and not just co-existent.

One thing Russell loves to do is help with the baking. He can already operate the stand-mixer and follows directions closely when I show him how to scoop ingredients. Today we made chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. Yes, they tasted as good as they sound! The apron Russell is wearing was a take-home party gift from another child's birthday party. It was nice to have some positive time with Russell instead of feeling impatient with him and worn out by repeated warnings. I wonder how families with so many children function??

Big Brother, Little Sis

At the same time Camille was born, Russell came down with a head cold. True to form, with the cool days and cold winds, his cold turn very quickly into croup (we'd seen the ped that afternoon and she said he was fine). Dan ended up taking Russell to the ER since it was the worst case of croup he's had so far. Since then, the croup subsided into a barking cough and head congestion- enough to be banished from Sunday School and play dates for two weeks now:-(

Needless to say, we've tried to keep Russell from loving Camille too closely but he just adores her and likes to be up close and personal. Amazingly, Camille has stayed healthy despite the germs being blown her way. This is the first picture of the kids together, this afternoon, as it was the first time I let Russell hold Camille. He was SO excited, he actually sat down for a picture!!

One Week Old

Oh, so perfect!

My 'Twins'

Camillle & Russell: 3 years 8 months 3 weeks and 1 day apart. Who'd known??

A few pictures of our growing family

After coming home on Wednesday from my OB appointment (0%, 1cm), I never dreamed that only 24hrs later we would be meeting our daughter for the first time. What a shock!


At 4:20 am on Thursday morning, I awoke to use the bathroom and my waters broke. We grabbed the overnight bag and woke up Russell (who was only too glad to be awake). I called the hospital to let them know we were coming in and we were there by 4:50 am (50%, 3cm). Russell was so excited to finally visit the hospital he'd often asked about.


The nurses started the antibiotics for my GBS+ and then Dan took Russell to our friends' house for the day. Unlike my delivery with Russell my contractions did not start immediately. Finally, six hours later they started (at 10:30 am) but I could barely feel them. I began to get anxious that I'd be in labor for the dreaded '20 hrs' that sometimes happens.


At 1:30 pm, the contractions were only a 2 or 3 on the pain scale and by 3:30 pm, they were at a '5' (80%/ 5 cm). Literally, between one contraction and the next, I couldn't handle the pain and asked for an epidural. If my labor had been so drawn out already, I feared I wouldn't have the strength to push when it came time. At 3:50 pm, I began to feel the need to push (100%, 10 cm) and the nurses started calling for the OB to come. The epidural didn't have time to work but it was nice to know if the labor had been longer, it would have helped. The OB ran into the room at 4pm after the nurses had told me not to push for the last ten minutes- which, is very difficult to do! After two contractions (4 minutes), Camille was born. The cord was wrapped around her neck and the OB quickly undid it. Dan cut the cord and placed the baby in my arms.


I momentarily held Camille and then asked the nurses to take her. I wanted to make sure the bi-lobed placenta would be delivered safely and I would not be at risk for hemorrhaging. By God's complete grace, the placenta came out in one piece and the OB assured me that there was nothing to be afraid of. I think he was as relieved as I was. It was then I started crying in relief and joy over Camille's birth and in sadness for the losses we had experienced and the realization that Camille could have been a 'loss' as well, had it not been for God's infinite plan.


It is surreal to have a little one in our arms again. Two to three years of sorrow are not easily erased and I pray with time, our hearts will heal over the past. For now, we are savoring as much as possible because we know with time, Camille will be an active little girl running through life.

Russell loved the cafeteria once he realized they sold chocolate covered doughnuts!

She's Here!!

Just the stats for now!

Name: Camille Elizabeth
Date: 10/22/09 @ 4:05pm
Weight: 6 lb 14oz
Tip-to-toe: 18.5 inches
Looks likes: Russell!

Still, no signs...

Yes, Baby Girl has decided to tuck herself in for the long run.

I noticed the Christmas items at Target this week, jammed in behind the current Halloween display. It occurred to me that Mary, Jesus' mother, rode on a donkey for 60+ miles before arriving in Bethlehem and delivering Jesus later that night in the stable.

Hmm, anyone have a donkey?

Week 38 and counting

According to the doctor's exam this morning, Baby Girl has no intention of coming any time soon. A little discouraged? Yes. With Russell, my body had prepped itself for two weeks before I went into spontaneous labor. This time? With only two weeks left before the official due date, I'm guessing this one will want to be overdue. I don't know if I can handle another full two weeks. I'm already getting short and impatient with Russell and some moments of the day I can barely walk because my pelvis hurts so much. Ugh. I haven't complained much during this pregnancy but I feel like I can (a little) right now.

In other news, we all continue to be healthy, yeah! Russell's gotten used to washing his hands immediately when we come home from shopping, etc. Nice not to have to fight him on that one. We had 2-3" of rain yesterday from the storm left over from Japan. It's 72F today so everything is drying out quickly. Russell was excited to use our umbrella- you can tell he's a Cali kid;-)

October... already??

It's difficult to believe that our first RE (fertility specialist) appointment was last September, thirteen months ago. We were scheduled for an October appointment but a cancellation allowed us to be seen in September. We had two more losses after seeing the specialist, and then January came around. Now, here we are, very pregnant and yes, very nervous about the next chapter of our story as a family.

I saw my OB yesterday and according to the check-up, baby will not be here for a little while yet. We discussed how the birth would proceed ideally, and then discussed options if anything went awry. Trust me, it's easier to discuss options when you're not contracting and in intense pain! I remember having to sign papers during my labor with Russell, and I remember thinking, "are you kidding me? Now?" I could have signed away anything at that time and I wouldn't have cared.

My pregnancy and delivery with Russell was ideal in many ways. We'd never had a loss and I never considered anything would go wrong. This time, I've read too much and 'met' too many women online that have had deep sorrow in their lives. We treasure each and every prayer for us during the remainder of the pregnancy and especially, the delivery.

Other than that, life has been quiet here. After seeking high and low for canned pumpkin, my friend Elizabeth (THANK-YOU!), dropped by and delivered two cans which she found at another store I had not yet checked. I've been told by stores that canned pumpkin is a 'seasonal item' and won't be stocked until later in October. After all this time of living in the USA, I still am not used to Thanksgiving in late November, only four weeks before Christmas. Totally wrong. I wish they'd bump it into October like the Canadians did. All that to be said, Russell and I made pumpkin spice bread with maple cream cheese frosting. Mmm. At this point in the pregnancy, I don't eat as much anymore since my organs are jammed into my lungs, but it sure is nice to have a tasty treat in the house when hunger does happen:-)

That's all for now, I suppose. Thanks for checking in with us!