Think Family.Net

September 5th, 2008 by Natalia

Jackson woke up this morning in a good mood as usual. He hugged my neck and kissed my cheek. This was our conversation:

Me: “Guess what?”

Jackson: “What, mama?”

Me:”Happy Birthday Baby, You are 2!”

Jackson: “Oh.”

Me: “Can you hold up 2 fingers and say I’m 2?”

Jackson: “No, Nine.”

Me: “You are 2 years old now. That’s a big boy.”

Jackson: “NO! Niiiiiiiiiinnnnnnneeeeee!”

Me: (showing him his fingers) “One, TWO!”

Jackson: “No! One, NINE, GO!” (Attempting to jump off his bed.)

Me: “Two. Two. Two. Two. Two.”

Jackson: “Nine, nine, nine, nine, nine.”

Me: (HUGE sigh) “TWO.”

Jackson: (Laughing) “Ok, mama. TWO……. Nine(whisper). (More laughing)

The little turkey was messing with me the whole time! He’s way too smart.

Here is a little update on his smartness:

• He has been sleeping in his own big boy bed, alone, ALL NIGHT since the middle of July!
• He is still a very picky eater. Some days he will eat anything I give him… other days the same foods are looked upon as poison. His favorite food right now is chicken. He likes yogurt and raisins and cheerios.
• Vocabulary : Of course “nine” is his word of the day. Everything is “mine.” We are working on sharing. Phones, Cars, trucks, planes, boats, etc… are generally called “bye-bye.” Food and drink are “bite.” He uses “on” and “off” interchangeably. He signs “more” and “please.” He frequently asks “Why?” He asks, “Who’s that guy?” “Outside” is his favorite place to be. “No” seems to be at the top of his list still. He combines it with “mama” “dada” “shishi.” He points to my stomach and says “my baby.” He says other random phrases from time to time. So, I know he knows a lot of words - he just chooses them wisely!
• He’s a whoppin 32lbs. He’s tall, like his daddy.
• He loves Sponge Bob, unfortunately. He also enjoys Loony Tunes.

Just for fun, here are some comparison pictures.

Just Born - Sept 2006

1 year old- Sept 2007

2 Years Old-  Sept 2008

September 3rd, 2008 by Natalia

As you already know, I’m choosing a birthing center over a hospital and a midwife over an OB this time around. I’ve had SO many people tell me I’m crazy for wanting to do this naturally, for opting to feel the pain, and for not being in the care of my old OB who has a 60% C-section rate. It’s very important to me to avoid a c-section at all costs. My primary goal is to have the baby in the healthiest way possible, even if it means I have to feel some pain. I’m not scared. I’m empowered. I’m going to do something for my baby that a lot of women opt not to even try and do. Anyways… here are some articles, that once again, show that avoiding interventions that lead to a c-section is the right choice. (Disclaimer - if medical reasons necessitate a c-section…then I don’t knock you. It’s the ones the ELECT to do them for convenience that drive me nuts.)
Natural birth ‘may aid baby bond’
Cesarean babies’ ‘diabetes risk’
Cesareans ‘may harm lung growth’
More deaths for Caesarean babies
Caesarean ‘raises womb-tear risk’
Caesarean link to placenta risk ‘
‘Unnecessary’ Caesareans warning

I could go on and on.

Would someone tell me why these OB’s are STILL doing so many unnecessary C’s?????

September 3rd, 2008 by Natalia

I’m now 29 weeks pregnant, in case you were wondering. Time is flying by. Here are some pictures for those of you who aren’t privileged to see me in all my “heffalumpness” in person. Ashton took them for me yesterday.

I am huge already.

And just for the sake of comparison… I found this picture of me in the same clothes… about a week before Jax was born. I was 38 weeks. I am almost as big already. YIKES!!!

August 29th, 2008 by Natalia

Last night Ashton and I went to sign up for a cheer leading program that cheers for basketball games. We arrived and filled out the forms, paid, got measured for uniforms, and were ready to head home… UNTIL we saw her friends Sierra and Madison in the Basketball tryout line. We had a little change of heart and decided that basketball would be more fun!

So we got our money back, re-registered for the correct sport, got sized - AGAIN - and had to stand in another line for tryouts. They really look at how much skill and experience each child has and try to make the teams even. Ashton did great! Here is the best picture I could get of her “trying out” with my cell phone, from a distance. She’s so cute.

I think this will be a lot of fun.. I’m honestly glad that she changed her mind. I started playing bball in the 3rd grade and played until high school. I think it will be great exercise for her. And the good news is… the gym is air conditioned. NO sitting out on the hot soccer field while hugely pregnant! Hopefully, the baby will hold off until the games end…. ON MY DUE DATE!

August 27th, 2008 by Natalia

Today is our 3rd Anniversary! On one hand, it seems like a lot longer. On the other, it seems like just yesterday that he asked me to be his wife. He took me out to a nice Mexican dinner and then a couple of margaritas later(at least for me-I don’t remember if he drank any. I think he was so nervous) we ended up taking a walk in a park. I was checking out the fireflies and the ducks - completely oblivious to the fact that he had a weird protrusion in his pants pocket. Several times he had the ring box out behind me..I didn’t notice. I sat down on his lap and he showed me the ring. I almost fell over backwards. I was sure that we’d be together forever… just with different last names. It was a huge surprise. I think he said, “Will you or would you like to be my wife?” I of course said, “hell yeah” or “shhheeeeyeahhhhh” or something else really sophisticated and romantic. The best choice I have ever made, by far!

The past 3 years have been so busy! Ashton started kindergarten. Jackson was born. Kylie is on the way. I’m sure Kevin is thinking..”What the heck did I get myself into?” 2 babies in 2 years! It will definately be an adventure, but together we can do anything. I’m looking forward to many many many more years of fun and adventure together. I love you baby!!

Here is a picture of us PRE-WEDDING, when we started dating. (Ignore the stoned look on Kev’s face… I think the camera caught him pre-sneeze!)

Here is a slide show from our wedding.

August 25th, 2008 by Natalia

I can’t believe it. Ashton started the 3rd grade today! *Tear* They just built a new school a little less than a mile from our house. So this year she can walk to school. This morning we walked. I thought I was going to die. My butt cheeks tried to go AWOL on me. I was going forward and they just weren’t going to do it. Have you ever seen some one fighting with their own ass? Well, that was me this morning… I’m massaging them while walking down the street. Pounding on them.. telling them that if they don’t take me home right now… I would never feed them anymore of that yummy coconut cake. (We all know that when you eat that stuff… that’s where it goes.) I must have looked like some pot-bellied, butt rubbing, pervert, pushing a stroller, while talking to her bum. Hopefully, anyone in the hundreds of cars that passed by, assumed I was talking to Jackson and not my butt. I don’t remember that walk being so hard in the past… We’ve done it a million times… I guess being 7 months pregnant.. and not walking much lately because of the extreme heat is taking a toll on me. By the time Jax and I returned home I was sweating profusely. I mean drenched.. You’d think I had just run a marathon… But nope… Just a slow walk home and a struggle with my fanny. I’m picking her up in the car this afternoon… I’m not making that journey, again, in the 100 degree heat. I’m going to have a preventative chat with my backside this evening in preparation for tomorrow’s walk!

August 22nd, 2008 by Natalia

Today, I’m baking and cleaning all day long. Kevin is attending a testosterone filled event(fantasy football draft) tomorrow and he’s in charge of bringing the sugar! By he I mean “I”. He has asked me to make my coconut cake and a bunch of chocolate chip cookies. Cookies are a mess to make so he’s getting Nestle tub o’cookies. I need to spend more time on the cake! Here is my recipe… It’s great. You should try it.

Nat’s Easy Coconut Supreme Cake

Ingredients:
1 box coconut supreme cake mix
3 large eggs
Vegetable Oil
Water
2 creamy vanilla frosting
Filling: 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
4 tbsp milk
1 cup flaked, sweetened coconut

Method:
PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F.

GREASE and FLOUR 3 - 9 inch cake pans.

PREPARE and BAKE cake mix according to directions on package.

While cake is baking prepare filling. STIR together sugar, sour cream, milk, and 1/2 cup coconut flakes.

Remove cake layers from oven and allow cake to remain in pans as you prepare to stack and fill. Remove first layer and invert onto cake plate. Using the wrong end of a wooden spoon poke holes approximately 1-inch apart until entire cake has been poked. Spread 1/3 of the filling mixture on cake layer. Top with next layer and repeat process. Top with last layer and repeat process again.

Allow cake to cool completely.

Frost top and sides of cake.

Sprinkle entire cake with desired amount of coconut.

Enjoy!

August 18th, 2008 by Natalia

Here is the crib bedding we got today… It’s quite sassy and pink. I know Kev, will just love it!!!!!!!

August 11th, 2008 by Natalia

Ashton’s been gone visiting family in west Texas for a week now. It’s been a busy week. I thought I would write her a letter and include pictures of all the happenings that have happened while she has been gone… (I’m sure she will be glad she missed them.)

Dear Ashton,

We all miss you very much, BUT we are glad that you are having fun square dancing, inner tubing, shopping, golfing, playing with baby goats, pizza baking, taco making, watching movies, and just plain relaxing! While you’ve been away Jax and I have been very busy.

First of all, Jax is taking very good care of your baby while you are gone. He has been giving her baths every night.

He’s also insisted on wearing your hat, almost every day. (Maybe it reminds him of his “SHISHIE”)

On Friday, I was cleaning out my office and Jax was playing in the living room as usual. I hear him giggling hysterically so I go to check on him. Here is what I found!!!

Jax had blanketed the entire living room wit baby powder. It took me and Carmen forever to clean this up. Our vacuum broke in the process. Ash, aren’t you glad you weren’t here? HA! I thought the shirt he was wearing on this day was very apropos considering his FATHER did this with AJAX when he was little.

Yesterday, I walked in and Jax was smearing diaper cream all over his lips and face…. Saying YUMM! I don’t think he got any in his mouth… Thank goodness! AGAIN… like father like son…. Kevin diaper creamed his poor brother from head to toe when he was this age. He cream the poor guys eyelids shut… I definately think genetics are playing a role in this!

Now, on to what you really wanted to see, my little Ash E. Poo… Your new bedding! Here it is! I hope you like it… I love you! I spent the ENTIRE day today cleaning out and cleaning up your room. I hung all your laundry and your room is spotless! (THANK YOU MOMMY!) I thought you could use a more grown up bedding set since you are going to be a 3rd grader soon!!!

Sheets…

Well, I need to go cook dinner. I love you and look forward to seeing you real soon.

Hugs and Kisses,

MOMMY

August 8th, 2008 by Natalia

Yesterday we had a 3D ultrasound and confirmed the FACT that Kylie is a girl. She was so active that it was hard to get a good picture. She was kicking and punching and flipping. She was opening and shutting her mouth like she was talking. It was so cute!! I wanted to be sure and post these pics as soon as possible, so that my princess could see them while she is visiting Grandy.

2D- Girly Parts

3D Pics (Click to Enlarge) I thought they were easier to see when they were smaller…

It was a really neat experience. I’m just glad to confirm that she is indeed a girl. Let the frilly shopping commence!