All moved in and enjoying our new home.

It has been longer than I intended, but we are all moved and settled into our own home. :)

We moved in the middle of September and Sydney and Clover settled right in.  Sydney spent her first night in her new room in a toddler bed.  She did great and had no issues with the crib to bed transition.  Her room is nice and big and she enjoys playing in it when we are home.  Clover gets to be outside frequently and gets along with the neighbors pug.  Its  nice neighborhood and quiet too. :)

Work is keeping me busy, along with donating plasma, and running thirty-one parties.  Lots on my plate.

Sydney is growing so fast and her vocabulary is so big.  She has started to sing songs, and counts to 30 along with learning her letters.  Im such a proud mommy.  Her 2nd birthday was fun.  We had dinner that day with friends at Perkins, and then a party at the cottage with family and a few friends.  She is so loved!

August!

Its mid August already.  YIKES!  Time really flies!

We have been keeping busy.  Recently, I was approved for an apartment so we should be moving in the middle fo September to a townhouse style apartment.  Two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, livingroom and kitchen downstairs, and a one car garage.  The neighborhood is in a nice location, lots of trees, little traffic or noise.  Im really excited for us.

I also started a new job last week.  While its not in nursing, its still a good company, and Ill stay there until I find another nursing job. 

The 3rd annivesary of Sachas death came and went in the middle of a busy week.  So while I had her on my mind constantly, I think being really busy probably helped.  I didnt have any energy left over to give to a sad mood really.  I told Sydney stories about Sacha and showed her photos that day.  Sydney loves looking and pictures and pointing Sacha out.  :)

Not much else going on.  My thirty-one sales have been decent considering the amount of work I have done.  I hope to keep up sales so that I make $100-200 a month.  It will definately help bills. 

Sydney will be 2 in a few  weeks so we are having a family party at the cottage that weekend.  On the day of her birthday, Im having dinner at Perkins with her where some of her friends and my friends will join us.  I want to make sure the day includes something special for her.  Its a Thursday this year so I will be at work during the day unfortunately.

I think things are looking up.  We are both reasonably healthy and happy, and Im so thankful for every day with Sydney.

Chin up people!  Every day you wake up is another day you get with loved ones, and to make the world a better place.

-Abi-

Summer bucket list

When summer began, I made a list of things in my head that I wanted to do with Sydney.  Even though money is tighter than tight, I have managed to get through a few things.  We have been to the Milwaukee Zoo, Madison Zoo, Mulberry Lane Farm, strawberry picking, and Rhapsodies.  I still want to go to Menomonee Park Zoo, the Kalahari in the WI Dells (as we have a gift card to use up), and camp in High Cliff or another local camp ground.  I think Sydney has been having fun, and in between everything I keep her busy with some lazy days in between.  She is in swimming classes and we go to story time too.  Im so thankful to have a kiddo who likes exploring the world around her, and is a good traveler in the car too.

We are very lucky to have such great friends and family to support us through this year of change, and who we love spending time with.

Potty training update, activities, the twins, and more

I kept meaning to type up an entry, but life has been busy and my evenings usually find me tired and hitting the pillow after running around and getting chores done.

Finally, here I am.
Okay, so the last post included potty news.  While Sydney still requests to use the toilet or potty chair occasionally, we are primarily back in diapers.  Im not going to push it as she is still very young.  But I think it is a clear indication that she knows what potty training is all about when she is capable of asking me to put her on the potty half way through bath time so she doesnt pee in the tub.  I think THAT is awesome.  :)

We have been keeping busy with story times, park play dates, lots of coloring, some painting, fine motor skill activities like putting pipe cleaners through holes in a colander, scooping dry lentils and peas from different size bowls back and forth, and more.  Sydney has fun with all of these things, and her vocabulary is just blossoming as she learns new words and terms.

Swimming lessons started last week, so we go on Tuesday evenings for a 25 minute class with about 8 other babies under 2 yrs old.  So far, she seems to enjoy it.  We have worked on safe entry, sitting jumps, standing jumps, and getting used to being on her belly and back in the water.  A few of the kids in the group also go to story time so its nice to see familiar faces.

Jason brought Sydney and Xander to the zoo in Green Bay on Fathers Day.  Sydney apparently had fun.  She loves animals so Im sure she enjoyed seeing them all.  I am planning a trip to the Madison zoo and the Milwaukee zoo in the coming months.  I know she will have a blast there too. 

It is strawberry picking time so I am hoping to take Sydney to a strawberry patch and pick a pint or two.  We will see how the weather cooperates.  Mosquitoes are out too so I am sure to come home bitten.  Maybe if we go early enough in they day we can avoid the heat and the bugs.

We went to Kellan and Declans 3rd birthday party.  Lots of fun.  I made them little superhero shirts and masks.  They seemed to like them.

Oh, and the Saturday before Fathers Day, Sydney went on her first kayaking excursion.  We were paddling with 3 other Yakkers.  It lasted about 1 hour, 45 min.  She had fun.  Jason was there too so we took turns having her in our boats.  Im glad she enjoyed it.  

Thats about it!  Sydney is keeping me busy.  And job hunts, apartment hunts, and insurance hunting all have me busy at night.  Fun stuff.  Until next time...

Potty training, sippy cups, and more!

In the few weeks since my last post, Sydney has been taking big steps in her little world of toddler-hood.  She no longer gets bottles.  She was only getting one at bedtime and one in the morning, but now she only gets one if she is overtired and cannot sleep, which is rare.  Sippy cups everywhere, always needing to be washed, always needing to be refilled.   :)  Thankfully she isnt picky about the kind of cup, so we have a good assortment. 

She also started to potty train.  She basically started herself.  Im letting her lead the way, with little nudges to help.  She has a "rewards" jar with sweet treats for when she has successes.  And we also have a stash of little toys like My Little Pony and Play Doh accessories.  She seems to understand when she needs to go, but we dont always get there on time.  She is still in diapers overnight, but we use pull-ups and toddler underwear during the day.  One day she went FIVE times!!  Many mornings, she wakes up with a dry diaper and pees in the potty right way.  Shes just amazing.  :)

The warmer weather is definately being enjoyed by us.  I have my bike in a bike shop getting the wheel fixed so the brakes no longer rub.  Hoping to have it back in a few days.  Sydney LOVES going on rides with me. 

We now have a YMCA membership, so thats exciting.  I hope to get Sydney into swimming lessons in a few weeks, and I hope to use the gym and other things there while Sydney is with Jason.  They have drop-in daycare so I can let Sydney play with other kids while I work out if I want.  Lets see how it all goes!  The YMCA was good enough to give me a discount through their "scholarship" program.  :)

Thats about it! 
I love my little girl, and Mothers Day this weekend will be just as special as it was the first year.  I will be making a stepping stone with her again, as I hope to make that a tradition.  I just have to go and buy the kit. 

Some heartbreak this week.

This week was a rough one.  It started out with an attack on me by someone who is very angry with me.  Although it was verbal, and I have been through it before with this person, it still affected me.  Apparently, when I was used to having these verbal attacks more frequently, I was numb to them.  But now that it has been a few weeks, it was a good jab to the heart and mind.  I am okay and will move forward, but knowing someone you loved, and who used to love you, now really seems to hate you and treats you that way, it sucks.  Its a terrible feeling to know someone hates you.  Hopefully, with time as a helper, we can be friendly with eachother and civil.  I wish for that for my sake, but more importantly for Sydney's sake.

On Tuesday, my family said farewell to Sanibel (Sanny).  A family doggy, at 14 years old she was not well.  She had gone from 18ish pounds to 10.5 pounds over 8 months, was not eating well, and was vomiting alot.  My parents got her when she was around 2 years old.  I remember the day they picked her up.  I lived in an apartment in Milwaukee with Sean at the time, and they chose our home to introduce Sanny and Shadow...neutral ground.  The dogs were put in the livingroom with the door closed, and they duked it out for a few minutes.  Rank was established and Shadow was the leader of the pack.  Sanny was a good sister to Shadow, and became a good sister to Oliver when he moved in.  She may have been a grumpier dog than normal, have health issues on and off, and may have been snappy, but we all adored her and she was very loving (on her terms).  It was time for her to go, and she seemed ready.  The Rainbow Bridge accepted her within 2-3 seconds of the medicine being given...and the sun was shining to allow for an easy trip.  We are all pretty sure Sacha was on the other end of the bridge to welcome her "home" and now she runs free with no pain, playing with her puppy friends, and cuddling with Sacha. 

So...as this week moves farther into the past, I will focus on making each day count...being the best mommy to Sydney (and Clover) that I can, and being a great friend, sister, aunt, cousin, daughter, and sister-in-law to my family. 

Just remember..."Just keep swimming..."   Thanks Dory.

Spring is here!

Spring has arrived!  Sydney and I really enjoyed the few days of higher temps.  Today, with a temp of 25 and a windchill of less, it was not so welcome.  But we got out and went to story time anyway.  Sydney loves it...she loves books, other kids, and all of the toys that appear after the stories have been read.  She is getting to know a few of the other kids a bit and it seems she feels more comfy there. 

Arts and crafts have been on our to-do list for the last week.  We have been making some Easter themed crafts to send to relatives, and so hang out around home.  Whenever I say, "would you like to paint?" or "would you like to color?"  her eyes light up.  She repeats "paint" or "color" clear as day.  I love that she loves stuff like that.  Its fun watching her. 

I have decided to curb my snacking, soda drinking, and fast food eating so as of today Im being strict with myself.  Im logging my food intake on My Fitness Pal, and logging any exercise I get in too.  Last week I had a "body scan" that lets me know my lean body mass vs fat body mass.  And a coach at Recharge talked with me about goals and how to achieve them.  So Im going to give it a try.  Log my food, get more exercise, and keep my metabolism cruising throughout the day.  Lets see what happens.  :)

Attached are a few pictures from the last week.  Enjoy.

Words!

This week, Sydney has been saying words I never knew she knew before.  It is so entertaining listening to her try to speak her mind.  Todays word was "mouse".  Her friend Piper gave her a temporary tattoo of Mickey Mouse on her arm.  Sydney was pointing at it saying "mouse" when we got home.  It was a pleasant surprise.  She also said "cheese" many times as we had a snack the other day.  She has a little lisp so its so cute to listen to her. 

She also is getting the hang of her colors, animals, and clothing pieces.  Im always asking "whats that?" when she is looking or pointing at something.  And sometimes she surprises me with a new word, said as clear as day. 

Sydney recently named her blanky "Beebo".  "My beebo" is a frequent phrase when she reaches for it.  And she said "dody" when in the car yesterday.  Her dody is her pacifier.  My little baby is growing up so quickly!  And I am treasuring every minute possible. :)

Goodnight from a very blessed mommy.

The loss of a close friend stays with you always

Well, it has been quite the week.  Sydney has been an absolute joy.  So full of energy, a few new words, and proving how smart she is over and over.  Im so thankful I have her in my life. 

On Wednesday, I got news of the death of my good friend Michelle.  She fought a long battle with cancer and the cancer finally got her.  It was heart breaking to hear the news from her sister.  But being through the death of Sacha, I am ready to help her sister Steph through this as much as I can.  Its a terrible thing to experience.  Like me and Sacha, she and Michelle were best friends, very close. 

This week has brought back very detailed memories of losing Sacha.  The phone call from my dad telling me the news.  My call to Joel.  The week-long trip to North Dakota for her funeral.  Everything.  Sometimes reliving such memories isnt a bad thing.  But it sure does hurt the heart. 

So, tomorrow will be a rushed day.  After picking Sydney up at noon, Ill be going to Milwaukee, praying I make it to the last part of Michelles funeral.  I will have missed the visitation already.  If I miss the funeral, its okay.  Ill still appear and drop off the cards I have for the family, and the purple stuffed unicorn I received in the mail this week for Michelle.  I was planning on visiting her this weekend sometime.  The last time I saw her was at her benefit last year.  Im thankful she got to meet Sydney.  Below is a photo of them together.

Forever in my heart, Michelle will be.  I hope Sacha has welcomed her to the world of no pain, nice weather, and good people.  Sacha can show her the ropes of being a great angel.  Love you both, girls!

A Wintertime favorite

One of my favorite things to do with Sydney this Winter has been going to story time at the local libraries.  She is usually pretty attentive when a book is being read or songs are being sung.  And afterwards, there is always playtime with the other kids and various toys the libraries pull out of hiding.  Here, she is pictured with a pile of books she walked around and grabbed from other kids when they weren't looking.  Shes so silly.  :)  I hope she is learning lots, though at this age its hard to tell.  But the socialization is definately something beneficial. 

My sweet girl is back to her self. :)

Sydney has really been blossoming these last few days.  Her language skills are soaring, and her fun demeanor has fully returned after being sick two weeks ago.  She had a long 8 day case of the flu with high temperatures and lethargy.  She was feeling so yucky.  This mommy felt so bad that I couldnt do much for her, but so thankful all she wanted was for me to cuddle and soothe her.

Its amazing how something like seeing your baby with the flu makes you think twice about the next time you feel crappy.  If I now start to feel stiff and feverish, or get a sore throat, or an upset tummy, I just keep trudging through my day.  Because if I fall victim to a germ's nasty ways, Sydney will not get the care and attention she deserves.  She is my rainbow on a rainy day, my firefly on a summers night.  I adore her so much. :)

This weekend we spent an afternoon at a water park hotel with our friends.  Sydney had fun once she got used to the noise.  It was SUCH a load place.  Not really worth the price, but seeing the Carters made it worth while.  Attached is a picture of us on the "lazy river", and of her "playing" UNO with Colin.  When Morgan and Riley were eating their food, Sydney decided to steal some.  So there's a photo of Sydney caught in the act.  I'm thankful for a good camera on my phone.  :)  Lots of memories.

18 months have come and gone.

Today marks Sydney's 18 month milestone.  She is a thriving, healthy, smart, sassy, funny and energetic little girl.  I spent some time thinking of the last year and a half, and I am so blessed and lucky to have Sydney in my life.  I feel she has helped me become a better person.  With every given day, I am thankful for little things Sydney accomplishes, the big things she teaches me.  Motherhood is such an incredible journey and I cannot wait to see what each day will bring.

My pregnancy....the begining of a new life.

As a kid, I always knew I wanted to be a mom someday.  Of course, everyone wants to have a child when "the time is right", when you live in a nice home, have money to spare, and everything is hunky dory.  I am a bit of a realist and I knew that isnt how things would go.  Just looking at the world around me, I knew better.

When I became pregnant in November of 2011, I was living in a rented house with my husband and stepson.  Life was a bit bumpy at that time.  Money was tight, and there were many family frustrations.  Sacha (my sister) had died in August of 2011 so we were all trying to figure out our own path through grief.

The morning I found out I was pregnant, December 2nd at 3am to be exact, my mind was racing.  I had assumed I was for about a week already just because of some nagging feeling in my head.  I made the decision to keep my secret for a few weeks and to surprise Jason with the news on Christmas Eve.  Talk about a hard secret to keep!  I, of course, shared the news with a friend who I had promised I would tell first whenever the time came.  She was thrilled I kept my promise.  But telling just one person about a life changing event?  Thats tough!

Jason, of course, was happy with the news.  Slowly we told other family and friends.  My pregnancy progressed nicely.  I had some swelling that kicked in about half way through, and wound up with gestational diabetes needing insulin injections every night at around 32 weeks.  But otherwise, I was able to stay active until the heat wave of that summer hit in early June.  90s+ for weeks!  It was crazy.

When planning for Sydney's birth, I had a list of baby names hanging over my desk that I was constantly adding to.  Although, "Sydney" was one of the first girls name I wrote down, and it just seemed so right.  We chose to find out the sex of our little peanut, and kept that a secret until after my baby shower in June.  Then I decided to give our little girl my sisters name for her middle name.  I was sure Sacha would be watching over her, like she does with my twin nephews.

Due to my diabetes, that gave my pregnancy the title of "high risk".  My doctor was incredible every step of the way.  He and I talked candidly about things.  And I knew I would be induced no later than my due date so there would not be any issues with babys size.  Sometimes with diabetes, a baby can be quite large and moms sugars and blood pressures can be affected.

I was induced on the morning of my due date, Aug 28th.  Dr. Gonzalez gave me 3 rounds of induction medication called Misoprostol.  That took 9-10 hours.  During that time, my blood pressure started creeping up, while the medication was not successfully dialating me.  After a long day of waiting around, the decision was made at 7:30pm to do a c-section.  I was excited.  I was, of course, ready to go through natural labor, but having a c-section had always been in the back of my mind and I felt pretty prepared.

I was given an IV, a catheter, and prepped for surgery very quickly.  And by 8:40pm Sydney was born.  I will never forget that experience, the doctor and anesthesiologist involved, and the look on Jason's face as he watched.  I had to wait about 30 minutes to hold her for the first time since I had to be stitched up.  But it was nice knowing Sydney would be meeting my parents and best friend right away.

As I was wheeled down the hall back to my hospital room, I knew my life would never be the same.  And I am so thankful to be able to be a mommy, and give my nephews a cousin, my brother, his wife and my brother-in-law a niece, and my parents another grandchild.

Welcome to my journey. 

Our first kiss.

What a beautiful little girl.