Monday, February 11, 2013

Meet Sarah

 
 
Hi my name is Sarah and I am a 30 something stay/work at home mom to my 3 year old surprise baby boy. See I was told at 18 that it would be hard for me to conceive due to surgery. Then came an even bigger blow 2 years later when I was given a PCOS diagnosis. I cried for days, the only thing I knew for sure was I wanted to be a mom when I grew up.
 

I met my now husband in March of 2008 and we've been together ever since. Much to my surprise, in January of 2009, after a week of being sick with what I thought was the flu, we got a positive test. I was just sitting there in shock, hubby well he didn't know what to do. I had a fairly easy pregnancy well after about 5 months in when I could finally keep things down for the most part. I went into labor just shy of 36 weeks, the Drs. tried to stop it but Matthew wanted nothing to do with it. My birth plan went out the window. See I thought I wanted to have an epidural and I wasn't going to be able to do it without one. I learned on September 14, 2009 that I was so much stronger than I ever thought. 12 hours 31 minutes after my very first contraction I gave birth to a perfect 6 lb. 8 oz. 19 ½ inches baby boy. I had no time for my epidural and after 1 push he was out. We came home 4 days later as a family of 3.


I spend most of my time with my son but I enjoy my occasional nights out when I go to work selling Tastefully Simple. Sunday's will always be football days in our house, it's either on TV or hubby is playing it but I wouldn’t change it. The last 3+ years has not been easy on us, I lost my bio dad in 2010, Matthew was diagnosed with a speech delay and well hubby and I have had our ups and downs. Would I change any of it, no way. I love being a wife, a mother, sister and aunt. I have found an amazing group of mom's along my way and reconnected with friends who are more like family.
 
 

Monday, February 4, 2013

The Sisterhood....



When pondering the question and thinking of a unique organization, club, something in my background or anything that would show my diverseness among the other Mamas who write for the blog, I immediately thought of the sisterhood that I am a member of. I did not join this sisterhood out of willingness, but without it I would not be the person I am today. The members of the club are not blood-related to me, but they understand my situation far better than my own friends and family do. Though I have not met the majority of the sisterhood face-to-face, I know that they would drop everything on a moments notice to aid a fellow member if necessary. The sisterhood I speak of is like no other; membership cannot be bought nor inherited. It demands women to be strong beyond their years and requires unwavering pride in and dedication to a man and a country. It is founded in a love so deep that even six thousand two hundred and thirty-four miles serves only to strengthen the members’ support of their men. Although life in the sisterhood is extremely difficult, and at times lonely and demanding, I am honored to be counted among the few and the proud. The title I hold is not glamorous by any means, but I would not trade it for the world. I am among the silent ranks of the United States military – I am a Proud Marine Wife.

As a Marine wife, I am a member of a sisterhood of women who have the courage to watch the men they love go into battle and the strength to cheer them on until they return. Our sorority knows no rank, for each of us earned our membership with a marriage license. Marrying my Marine granted me automatic membership into this group. It is an overall acceptance and understanding that is hard to find. The women that I have met are some of the most incredible women I have encountered in my life, and I am very blessed to have them. We may not be a recognized club or organization, but we are a force that continues to make an endless impact on our nation and the world. The bond and loyalty we share cannot be replaced. Upon meeting, there is an instant connection between members because we are truly the only ones who know what it is like to miss our marines. We share the same loneliness and struggles; whether it be sleeping alone at night or not seeing a spouse for days, weeks, months and over a year. Most importantly, each of us understands the importance of encouraging each other to stay strong in a time of war.

Many civilian newlyweds tend to believe that their undying love would inevitably ward off marital struggles. To the contrary, military wives enter marriages understanding that it will be their love and devotion that will conquer the inevitable challenges ahead. Marrying my marine has impacted my life so much; I deal with things on a day-to-day basis that most twenty-year-olds do not have to deal with. As a Marine wife, I am faced with obstacles and hardships that many of my peers cannot comprehend. More importantly, it has taught me invaluable lessons; specifically, I have gained a deep understanding about responsibility and priorities. The greatest benefit is that I have come to cherish freedom and life. Freedom derives much of its value from the lives given in its cause; life derives much of its value from the freedom it secures. These lessons may have been decades down the road for me without my marriage and my sisterhood.

Currently my husband is on Instructor and Inspector Duty, in Plainville, CT. Without the wives and girlfriends of Marines – my support system – I have no idea how I would be able to handle this lifestyle. I have met some of my best friends through the Marine Corps and have such a bond with them that nothing could ever replace. Time away from my husband is challenging, but I love him more than anything and will continue to support him. I have many roles in life; I am a daughter, sister, student, friend, and co-worker, but my most important role in life is being a wife. If my husband is at home with me or a million miles away, my role is unchanging; I will honor, love and support him. The sisterhood of fellow Marine wives just makes it a hundred times easier!





Monday, January 28, 2013

Little Brother's Birthstory


I had a plan. We had a plan, a very specific plan. Not everything works out according to the plan. The plan was I was going to wake up in the morning with contractions five minutes apart and ninety seconds long, just as I had with my previous two births. I was to drop my oldest off at school and my youngest at my in-laws, have the in-laws pick up the eldest and keep both children overnight. My husband was to call out of work for the day, phone my doctor’s office (as well as my Doula – Coretta) to relay the contraction information and state we would be on our way to the hospital. The plan was to deliver a happy healthy boy in delivery room one, while taking advantage of the Jacuzzi tub for a water-birth. The plan was to go IV and medication free through the duration of my stay, which I planned on making as short as possible.

What follows is what actually happened, with Baby Brother’s birth story, I want to express that this is not how birth is for everyone, nor should it be expected to be. Every mother, every baby, every birth is different. None is better or worse than the other, each is merely a process, a beautiful process we as mothers endure in order grant life to our precious little ones.  I had an all-natural birth and I thought it was awesome.  BUT...I know that a lot of people do not choose the route that I took and I want to say that I completely respect that and I do not judge.  Just because I think natural-birth is great, does not mean that it's for everyone. 

After two separate solid evenings of all-night contractions over a week apart leading to a whole lot of nothing and being weeks late, I was convinced of two things. 1) My baby hates me. And 2) He’s never coming out.

I had a routine OB visit on my birthday, in which we had the unpleasant (for me) discussion of induction and the ‘risks’ of waiting for the little guy to appear on his own clock. I was ordered to complete another Ultra-sound, in which the little guy appeared perfectly healthy and I was able to buy some more time before a nearly mandated induction. I was given Friday (two days away), I refused. I was then scheduled for Monday morning to which I complied (having full and complete intentions on canceling when/if he did not arrive).  I left the office in tears again, for nearly the 30th time this pregnancy.  The most frustrating part being MY body was ready to deliver, HIS was not ready to enter the world, and so many of the conventional and even unconventional ways to speed up the process would not accomplish a darn thing.

I woke the next day and BAM. NOTHING. AGAIN. Now, I assumed if contractions or water breaking did not occur during the night, the day was lost and he was not coming. I made this assumption because of two things, first, BOTH of my older children were born at the 9 o’clock hour, and second, I know that MOST births begin when the mother is able to relax…which for me only happens when I am out cold. I went about my day in my usual misery of discontent but I felt a ‘little off’. My husband for the umpteenth time offered to stay home from work ‘just in case’, I laughed and he drove to work.

After having a VERY few sporadic contractions throughout the day, I mentioned to Coretta had been occurring suddenly stopped, I continued with my assumption that today is NOT the day. I then packed up my daughter and drove to pick up my son from school. On the drive there I had two decent contractions (on the 35 minute drive), nothing while I waited in the parking lot for a ½ hour and when I loaded the children back into the car I felt a gush run down my leg. I attempted NOT to freak out as I could have just peed myself. The contractions were completely stopped again, so I assumed, it was a small leak and things would be moving along at a snail’s pace.

I proceeded to my normal mommy duties, homework help, art project, hot cocoa, snack, brownie baking, dinner preparation and playtime supervision. As I did these things the contractions returned, although they didn’t seem ‘right’ (each was only 2 or 6 or 3 minutes apart, lasting 20 or 95 seconds, consistently - inconsistent and unpredictable). I then chalked it up to false labor and continued on. At roughly 4:30, I was keeled over in pain, false or not I needed to get the kids out of the house before I scared them. I then asked my oldest son to call his grandparents to pick them both up and pack a bag for the overnight visit.  I then texted my husband to come home.

When my in-laws arrived I could barely speak, I kissed the children good-bye, told my father-in-law to “Get OUT” (I apologized later) and went into the bathroom to splash water repeatedly on my face. Once they finally left, I heaved myself over the birthing ball sobbing that my husband was not home yet and I would have a baby at home, alone.

When I heard his car pull in the driveway, I nearly died. I had already “pushed” twice. He entered the house thinking it was a false alarm. I handed him my phone and he knew it was real. He called my midwife and my doula, Coretta, changed from his work clothing and berated me with questions I was in too much pain to answer. I let out an “I cannot do this”, and he reassured me.

I was starting to get a little bit frantic during my contractions and had a hard time staying calm, the only thing I could think of is how a baby born ANYWHERE other than in the hospital would have to be in the NICU for observations for hours. My husband helped me to the car, each step excruciating… he couldn’t even carry me successfully. Three times during our walk to the car he asked if I wanted to just go back in the house, and once as we attempted to get into the car. It felt like it took forever to get into the car. I felt some relief being in the car… until the urge to push came again… and again. Every light we came to looked red. I sobbed in the front seat of the car, praying he would run every red light. I felt a huge gush and the urge to push again. I was concentrating so hard on avoiding the unnecessary pushes and staying calm. It was an enormous relief to me when we pulled up at the hospital. I then could face the reality that little guy’s head was about to crown.

I heard my husband yell to the valet for a wheel chair and he and another man lifted me into it. I continued to tell myself not to push, to no avail. It seemed we hit every road block on the way. The doors opened sooooo slowly, the elevator was miles away and the doors on the elevator did not want to close. When we approached the entry doors to the labor and delivery, I let out a huge sigh of relief.  My husband pressed the buzzer for us to be let onto the labor and delivery floor, and we were let in almost immediately…a nurse and my midwife were there, ready and waiting.

My husband wheeled me into delivery room one where our water-birth was supposed to take place. The midwife and the nurse helped me to stand and asked me to get on a gown. I laughed, well laughed as much as a woman could in full labor. In this standing position I then pushed again and could feel his head. I could also feel the eyes of everyone in the room, sort of scared, sort of out of place, sort of wondering how I was going to get undressed and in a bed in the matter of minutes or seconds that this little guy was going to be born.

Birthing in a hospital bed was not part of the plan. I strongly believe that is what caused the vast amount of stitches with my other births, the plan was to avoid stitches at all costs and by the looks of things not only was nothing going according to the plan, but tearing also seemed inevitable and stitches seemed realistic.

As I pushed that eighth or so time, I told the midwife to cut off my pants and get the baby. She just looked at me. The three of us managed to get my pants to my ankles and I was able to lean back slightly onto a bed, push one more time and he’s head was out all the way…inside the water bag. The midwife was shouting for help and for someone to get her a ‘hook’ to remove the bag, nurses rushed in from everywhere. She managed to pull the water bag off of his face and guide him the rest of the way out unassisted.

For a second I felt robbed. Robbed of the birth I had planned. Robbed of every having the birth I had hoped for. Then, I heard my little guy cry. And in that moment nothing else mattered. I did not care that my plan had fallen apart; I did not care of all the blood and water all over my house and car, or the clothing that needed to be tossed. I did not care that I had endured monumentous pain for hours. I did not care that I had to wait weeks to see his beautiful face.

My midwife handed him to me and instantly nothing else mattered.

The nurses walked around preparing medicine after medicine for me, since I was not given anything prior to the birth, but on my behalf (and knowing my wishes) my midwife stated I did not need anything.

My husband then called Coretta to tell her ‘not to rush’ and ‘he was already here’ and she didn’t believe him. We all smiled and laughed over the ‘I told you so’s’ I had stated weeks ago of barely making it to the hospital.

My little guy was bathed and returned to my arms. My husband phoned all the family to share the news and Coretta walked into the room shocked she had actually been in the elevator during his birth.

Much of my plan had fallen by the wayside, since although he made me wait weeks for his birth, he had me wait only hours for his delivery, I didn’t need stitches or medication or an IV, but I did not get my water birth. I did end up with a gorgeous, alert, healthy, little guy and an early release from the hospital.

Meet Jessica

Meet JESSICA





My Name is Jessica Miner, but I am so much more than that.  I am a Wife, a mother, a step-mother, someone’s daughter, an Aunt, a friend to many and a follower of Christ.  I try and live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment while doing that.  Although life wasn't sugar, flowers and candy canes. 

Growing up I thought life would be so much easier and often dreamed that picture perfect photo for my life.  At the age of 18 my then ex-husband thought it would be great to welcome a child to the world.  Freshman in college and the world at my feet I thought nothing was impossible.  So in July of 2001 we welcomed our beautiful daughter to the world.  I was unstoppable.  Two daughters later following in 2003 and 2006 and almost 8 years of marriage I was brought to a path I never saw coming my way.  January 2009 is a month that forever changed my family dynamics.  I was face with the awful truth that my husband, my high school sweet heart someone that I had grown to love and care for had cheated on me and decided to up and leave for the other woman.

Picking up the pieces with 3 young children at home wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  I vowed to be there for them and to not stop and keep my head high, promised to show them a strong woman.  I thought for certain it was going to be just me and them.  Much to my own thinking my current husband Craig greeted me at my door step one day as he picked up his own daughter from a play date with my then 7 year old daughter.  Two weeks later we went on a long wonderful tractor ride in the pouring rain and have been in love ever since.  Married in January 2011, welcomed our son to the world in February of that year and then most recently welcoming our daughter in September of 2012. 

Together Craig and I have 9 children and we are a very blended family!  Not always going the way we like to see it and constantly talking about how we miss our children when they are not with us.  As some of you may know with a blended family the joys of becoming one are great, but the always having children in separate places is a constant state that is always there.  Craig works hard for the family outside of the home trying to provide for us while giving me the joy of being a stay at home mom.  The past year has opened a door for me to be able to put my talent as a knitter/crocheter and start my home based crafting business.  

Although the path of life twisted and turned in ways that I wouldn't have thought it would.  I am truly at a happy place in life.  The journey of life, of motherhood, of being a wife is always unexpected and thrilling all while not giving us the happy smiling faces we would hope for, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  Forever a wife, a mother, a step-mom, a daughter and a friend.  Waiting for the next day!



Saturday, January 26, 2013

Dear Corinne




 Dear Corinne,

You are two years old now, I know that makes you a Big Girl, but you will always be my Baby.  It seems like just last night I was rocking you to sleep while singing to you and we were taking long naps on the couch together.  When Daddy and I fumbled our way through your first bath and dreaded cutting your nails.  I remember staring at you and wondering how it was possible to have so much love for another person.  Because of you I am a better wife, a better daughter, a better sister, and a better friend and I thank you.  
I just want to tell you that you are the coolest two year old girl I know.  You're so cute when you wear your Divas and dance to "Baby Baby" and you are officially Taylor Swift's biggest fan!  And when you're just sitting in your car seat gazing out the window I long to hear your thoughts.  I look forward to watching you grow from a toddler to an adolescent.  From a teen to a young woman.  And from a woman to a Mom and wife.  
From the day you were born I have been so proud to be your Mother and I am lucky to have you in my life.  I cherish each and every moment we have together and I look forward to many more. 

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Meet Aubrey


I’m pretty sure I was supposed to be a Princess….. No seriously someone better fix this situation!!!! Hahahha!<------ this quote pretty much sums me up! :)

But with all joking aside here is me in a nutshell…… For those of you who don’t know, my name is Aubrey. I am your typical twenty something suburban mom and house wife… who’s heart just happened to be stolen by a man who raised his right hand and swore to protect our county- making me a Marine Corps Wife! To say I’m proud of my husband would be an understatement. I truly love him and support him unconditionally- 110%. Even though his job often requires us to be apart frequently, move a lot, and face many obstacles most young couples don’t, I have grown to accept, adapt and most days, love our life as a military family. Nothing gives me greater pride then to see MY Husband serving a country I so deeply love.

I also have three of the most gorgeous twingles on the planet- Madison, Jonathan & Kennedy. Madison & Jonathan (aka Maddie & JR or Bubba) are my 2 ½ year old B/G twins & Miss Kennedy Grace is their 17 month old baby sister. Having three babies only 15 months apart certainly has it challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They have truly made me into the person I am today & am beyond blessed to be their Mama!

Our family is currently stationed in CT on I&I orders (I can explain more of the “military talk” I use later) & it definitely has been a love/ hate relationship. It has taken a lot of growing on my part to even use love & CT in the same sentence. Although the obstacles we have faced here have been frequent, the friendships I have made have truly outweighed all the negativity. I may never be a “New Englander Girl” but New England will always hold a special place in my heart.

So..... here is my blogging journey through life- my ups and downs and everything in between… a misplaced Princess trying to figure out if THIS TIARA IS THE ONE THAT FITS??



Wednesday, January 23, 2013

How to Set a Homeschooling Schedule


How to schedule

1.       Determine what your priorities are in general. 

a.       When the dust settles on each day, what will you want to look back on and KNOW that you accomplished? 

b.      Each academic subject? Bible study? Piano lessons? Character building?  Speech development? Reading lessons? 

2.       Take a week to live life with this question in your mind, “What are my priorities?”  Some of you may already know that without having to really think about it too hard.

a.       Designate a notebook and pen and as you think of things, write them down right away.  Make sure to write down specific priorities for each child and for yourself separately.

b.      At the end of the week, take stock of the things on your list.

c.       Find a nice spot in your home where you can really get some work done.  Bring out your notebook and give each priority a rating.  Make sure to include weekends in your schedule!!  Then, by priority, make a schedule for each person in your home right down to the baby. 

d.      Now, try to live your schedule for one week and see what happens.  By the end of the week, you will hopefully have a very good framework for your schedule. 

3.       Homeschool scheduling can seem like a HUGE task, yet, with a little planning you can create the perfect homeschool schedule for your family.

4.       Set a time to start and end the day.

a.       In the real world, there is a time to get up and a time to go to bed.

b.      My biggest concern when I started homeschooling my children was that they develop good habits.

c.       No matter what they do in life, they will need the discipline to get up in the morning and to go to bed at a proper time.

5.       Schedule a Lunch time and Recess/Break Time.

6.       Determine Your States Laws For the Number of Hours and Days of School.

a.       Some states require number of days and some require number of hours.

b.      All year, 3 months on and one month off, or 9 months on and 3 months off.

7.       Consider the Number of Children in the Household.

8.       Plan in Normal Household Activities, Such as Cleaning, Cooking, Laundry, Rests...

a.       Check out age appropriate chores for preschool children.

9.       Schedule in Extracurricular Activities.

a.       Athletic activities, Library story times, field trips to the fire house, park, zoo, Children's Museum and library visits.

10.   Schedule the Hardest Subjects When The Children Are At Their Best.

a.       It is common in classrooms that Math and Reading are completed early in the day.

11.   Decide whether you want a Time/Clock Schedule or an After Breakfast and Before Lunch type schedule.
~Jamie