Mi Twentyforf

 Even though I woke up to this...

This year's birthday was by far the best I have had in a long time. 

Alan's parents are usually the ones who watch our kids when we go out, but this year we decided to just take the kids. Have a FAMILY birthday dinner. Not be selfish parents like we had originally planned. I chose Texas Roadhouse. Now if you haven't been there, you must go! AMAZING! I won't go into the boring details on what we ate but here are a few pics....

And then we looked outside...BLIZZARD!!!

Took us FOREVER to get home from Orem. By the end of it, the kids were all fussing. Alan dropped me and the kids off at home and then left to go get me some cake and icecream...My brother Jake and his wife Estef came down and sang and ate with us.

 And no...That's not it.

The next day. Yes, I did celebrate my birthday 2 days in a row.But this day was reserved for my friends who wanted to go to dinner and shopping with me. So I said Adios to Alan and said "I don't know when I'll be home." 7 wonderful words.To me. Not him.We decided on Chili and had a blast!

Madlyn and Niki has to leave early so they missed the picture. Left to right is Vanessa, Tesha, yours truely, and Harmony ( She's having a cute baby in about 10 weeks!!!) She thinks she's huge, we think she's not and just gorgeous!

I's not sure what a couple of 24-25 year (Ok Im the only 24 year old in the group and I'm the baby) old mom's are doing at the mall taking picture with mannequins, but we got yelled at by some girl that worked there that told us we couldn't take pictures int he store. What a buzz kill!

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

Merry Christmas 2010!

Every year I tell myself, "Leah, you're going to start early this year." You know, throughout the year getting presents that way come December we're not bombarded with shopping and the chaotic people that are in the same boat as me. Guess what I did? Yup, waited until December. Ill never learn.

This Christmas was going to be great. We ended up having Kymber for Chirstmas Eve and Christmas morning. Our very first Christmas with all 3 munchkins. Perfect right? At first it was...

Alan's family every Christmas Eve has a big party. For the last few they have rented out jumping Jacks in S. Ville for the whole family for 2 hours so the kids can get worn out. They had so much fun. We had to take Xander home early because it was during nap time and it wasn't enjoyable to him. Nor for us whith all the whining and crying...Alan's mo kept Kymber there for the rest of the time so she could still have fun. Later on Christmas Eve Kymber kindly reminded me that I forgot to make Santa cookies. I tried to convince her that Santa would be happy with marshmallows. You think she bought it? Nope. So off to Fresh Market (the only store open at that time) and we got "Santa" some soft chocolate chip cookies (Per request from "Santa" himself) She also drew him a picture and poured him a glass of milk.

Then off to bed she went. Alan ate the cookies and drank the milk while I wrote the kids a letter back from Santa. By the way, who knew Santa has such amazing handwriting! And then it continues...

The first thing Kymber said to me that morning as soon as she saw the presents under the tree was "Why didn't Santa bring me more presents?" Seriously? Little stinker. Good thing you're cute! Looks like we're going to have to have the "Meaning of Christmas" talk. So it began...Xander wasn't into opening presents. All he wanted to do is play with Kymber's toys. Maybe next year? I wont go into to detail on the gifts every one got , but our kids lucked out. Even baby Zac. Alan was quite surprised on his gifts and got what he'd been talking about forever.

Xander's favorite gift. His "Buzzing Toothbrush"

Christmas this year was interesting ,but by far one of the most memorable and fun ones. The Christmas tree has already been taken down and my living is now empty and lonely. I. love. it. Kymber's already asking about next Christmas and I kindly remind her that it's a year away. One. Long .year. away. (Little bit of a smirk when I write this...can't help it)

Family Update

Where has the time gone? I'm a complete slacker! Another family update is needed and then I promise I will TRY do this once a week like a good blogger mom should!

Zachariah-Almost 5 months old and at 4 months he was almost 20 lbs!
Zac,aka Chumly, has been such a blessing in our lives. I couldn't have asked for a better little baby. Never cries for one. That is unless he's hungry. Don't mess with his food! Can't you tell I stave him? He's the happiest baby and is all smiles and laughs.
Zac got his first two teeth at 4 months old. Can you say ouch?! Never nursed a baby with teeth and let me just say, I'm in pain! he rolls over and has even got on his elbows and knees. I think my baby is growing up way too fast.

Xander-
Honestly Xander is pretty much the same. Barely speaks. Every now and again he says a new word and we make a big deal out of it. For example, the other day after blessing our dinner he copied us and said "Amen". Said it again too! Has he said it since? Nope. Cause thats how he rolls. He's getting to be quite mischievous. Kymber never had an interest in the toilet, however we caught Xander the other day with a whole loaf of French bread and dipping it into the toilet. Gross. That's only on example. He's also been doing wonders since he had his tubes put in. Went sooo smoothly and we actually went and left a doctors appointment a while back with no ear infections! Wahoo!

Kymber-
My little girl. I love her. Although she's at this stage where she asks about a million questions. She catches me off guard sometimes and drives me crazy, but it's worth it. As she would say, "We're still buddies!" even when she's in time out. It's nice to know I'm still loved even when I'm being a meany mom! I sy all the time she's like a 13 year old trapped in a 4 year old's body. Very pre-Modonna and is into all things girls. this includes jewelry, clothes, makeup and shoes.

Alan-
Has finally become a Veteran. NO MORE NATIONAL GUARD! No more shaving, No more weekends without him. I'm soo proud!

Me-
I know you're more interested in the kids but I'll update you on me. Not pregnant this Christmas for once! Can I get an Amen?!  I'm enjoying m y 3 kids and have decided since we're going to be in this basement for a while I'm finally going to decorate it. My passion is crafts and I thoroughly enjoy sitting at the table doing nothing else. I'm a work aholic at my house. Drives Alan up the wall with how much I am constantly cleaning and worrying about how messy the house is. Slightly OCD, but what would he do without me?! Everything I do, I do it for my kids and husband and wouldn't trade it for anything else int he world.

Mini face lift and fall cleaning

Just call me Superwoman. Wannabe Superwoman. 

I tend to believe I'm Obsessive Compulsive. Alan jokingly, I hope, keeps telling me that I'm just controlling. Well, yes, I'm that too. I proudly admit it. Alan is the laid back one which makes us even out for that most part. I guess that's how it supposed to work.
For those who have never stepped foot in our place-I envy you. I hate it. It's old. The obsessive me decided to do something about it. I'm tired of apologizing for the state of our humble abode. It's dark and gloomy. Yes, a mini face lift. Call me crazy because it's a rental, but our landlords are awesome and charge us next to nothing for it. Not that it's worth any more that what we pay. We decided we'll prob be here for a while, maybe a few more years, while we save for a house or a job comes up.
Yes, I've decided to paint. Call me crazy. I have 3 kids under 4 so what in the world am I thinking. Alan hates painting. I will be attempting this alone. Hence Superwoman. I already have the entry way done and some of the hallway and the kitchen done. I'm committed. Now it's only white of course "Rental friendly colors" I don't mind. Maybe it'll brighten up the place and not look so...basementy?
With  luck I'll convince my mom to come over for conference weekend so my little brother can watch the kids while my mom and I tackle the house.Poor Alan will be at Guard for drill weekend (did ya catch the hint of sarcasm?? Again. He hates painting.) Nothing like painting, listening to conference and feeling the spirit, and spending time with family.

An apple a day...

So the saying goes...any apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apparently not in this family.

Zachariah and Kymber had their well child check ups today.

Zac Age: 2 months

Weight: 16 whoppin pounds! Percentile you ask? 99%
Height: 23.5 inches 64% (Ok, so apparently he's got his dad's genes for sure. Short and stalky!)
Head circ: 16 in and 60%

Now the only concern I had was that Zac all the sudden randomly stops breathing for 20 seconds or so. Scares us to death. Mentioned it the our wonderful doctor and he said it may be because of acid reflux. Yup, he spits up like crazy. Another wonderful (Not) trait Alan has passed down to our children. Boo. Xander had the same thing. So off to WalMart again for meds. Prevacid. Worked for Xander. Worked for me when I was pregnant. It had better work for him!
He also got 3 shots in his poor leg and one taken by mouth. Poor baby didn't like it but soon forgot after his dinner was shoved in his mouth. That and 1/2 tsp of Tylenol should do the trick!
Zac is one cute boy! He's smiling like crazy and wakes up about once a night on average and even sometimes sleeps from 10:30-6 or 6:30 AM.  Knock on wood (knock knock!)

Kymber Age: 4 years ( almost!)

Weight:35.6 lb and 58% (Pretty average)
Height: 40.1 in and 71% (Always been a little tall)

She is one healthy 4 year old! Did great even when she got a shot in the leg. Doctor listened to her heart and said she has a little heart murmur. So once again we're going to meet with a specialist to make sure that it's benign and not something to worry about too much. Better to be safe than sorry!

Heart Murmur

Definition

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound made by turbulent blood flow in the heart. Some adults and many children have incidental heart murmurs that are harmless (benign). At least 30% of children may have an innocent heart murmur at some point during childhood. However, some heart murmurs can signal an underlying heart problem.

Heartbeat: Anatomy of the Heart

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Benign heart murmurs are caused by:

• Turbulent blood flow through a highly dynamic but normal circulatory system
• Slight valvular abnormality with no long-term consequences (such as mitral valve prolapse , a congenital condition)

Abnormal heart murmurs can be due to:

• Structural abnormalities of the heart valve (most common):
  
  • Congenital (present at birth) defects
  • Acquired (eg, arteriosclerosis , rheumatic fever )
• Structural abnormality of the heart muscle:
  
  • Congenital defects
  • Acquired (eg, myocardial infarction , congestive heart failure , long-standing high blood pressure )
• Abnormal holes in the structure of the heart persisting after birth:
  
  • Septal defects —connection between the heart's chambers
  • Patent ductus-arteriosus —connection between the major artery and vein of the heart
• Endocarditis —infection of the inner lining of heart valves and chambers (endocardium)
• Pericarditis —inflammation of the saclike membrane that encloses the heart (pericardium). This may be caused by:
  
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Heart attack
  • Autoimmune disease
• Cardiac myxoma—a benign soft tumor within the heart (rare)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for normal heart murmurs include:

• Age: 3-7 years old
• Pregnancy

Risk factors for abnormal heart murmurs include:

• Rheumatic fever
• Arteriosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disease
• Congenital heart defects or disease

Symptoms

Benign heart murmurs usually cause no symptoms. Patients with mitral valve prolapse sometimes complain of vague chest discomfort and other symptoms. It remains unclear whether or not the valvular abnormality is causing the symptoms.

Symptoms of abnormal heart murmurs include:

• Shortness of breath
• Light-headedness
• Chest pain
• Palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• Exercise intolerance

Diagnosis

Most benign heart murmurs are diagnosed during the course of a routine physical exam with a stethoscope. Some abnormal heart murmurs are also discovered this way. Other abnormal heart murmurs are discovered initially by their symptoms.

Tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram —a test that records the heart's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the surface of the chest. This does not diagnose the cause of the murmur but can provide other useful information about the condition of the heart.
• Chest x-ray —an x-ray to determine the approximate size and shape of the heart, and the presence of associated lung swelling (pulmonary edema)
• Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
• Cardiac catheterization —a tube inserted into the heart through an artery (usually in the groin) to detect problems with the heart's structure, function, and blood supply
• Blood tests—to check for evidence of a recurrent heart attack or other diseases that may affect the heart (eg, kidney disease, infections, autoimmune conditions)

Treatment

Benign heart murmurs require no treatment. Treatment of other heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause and extent of the problem.

Treatments include:

Medication

Medications can either treat the cause of the heart abnormality associated with the murmur or help compensate for its dysfunction:

• Diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digitalis—to treat heart failure
• Antibiotics—to prevent or treat endocarditis
• Anti-inflammatory drugs—to treat pericarditis

Surgery

Surgery is often necessary to treat severe heart abnormalities:

• Replacement of defective heart valves with artificial ones
• Correction of congenital heart defects
• Removal of heart tumors

Prevention

Preventing benign heart murmurs are unnecessary. To help reduce your risk of developing an abnormal heart murmur:

• Get prompt testing and treatment for strep throat to prevent rheumatic fever.
• Reduce your risk of atherosclerosis to help prevent valvular heart disease in the distant future. To do this:
  
  • Eat a low fat diet .
  • Get regular exercise .
  • Monitor blood pressure.

Although not routinely recommended for every type of heart murmur, you may need to take antibiotics before and after some medical or dental procedures that could allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Ask your doctor if you need to take preventive antibiotics (eg, if you have a high risk condition).

Another ear Infection...

Ever since Xander was born we've been in and out of the doctor's office with ear infections. Needless to say doesn't take them as well as Kymber did...

The other day I woke Xander up for the morning (thought it was odd it was 9 am and he was still out) grabbed him and could have sworn I had burned my hands he was so hot. After worrying about him and finally giving him medicine I called and made him a doctor's appointment. Luckily the same day. That doesn't happen. I was periodically checking his temperature, which was never below 100 and even got up to 103. When I finally took him to his appointment they first weighed him. 25 lbs. He's soo heavy I thought he'd weigh more.  Next was getting temp checked. A whopping 103.6! The doctor checked his ears out and what do ya know...another ear infection. Now, it had been the 4th or 5 th time this year in the doctors office and 2 times in the instacare for his poor ears. Antibiotics-you are NOT my friend! 10 days of gross diaper changing!
Now I'm tired of putting him on meds every month or so. Doctor what can I do?! Yup. It's time to start thinking about getting tubes in his ears and will have a specialist call me and set up an appointment. They called. It's on Monday. My poor boy. Doctor said it's genetic. Come to find out Alan's ears are scarred because of infection. So are his dad's. Zac had an ear infection at 2 weeks old! His time will come I'm sure of it.
Now, of course I had to come home and research it.

Interesting to say the least. I hope I, and Xander, will survive. Prayers are needed.

Kids update

2 kids was easy. They played together and Alan and I could double team it. 3 is a different story. Especially when I'm home by myself while Alan is at work. I've got a baby that is nursing constantly, a 15 month old who is now walking and well he's your typical toddler, and an almost 4 year old. I must say, I do not love the age. And I though 3 yrs was hard....

Zach (Zachariah)- He'll be 3 weeks old this Friday. Can't believe how fast the time goes when you're not pregnant! The poor baby has had a cold for the past week. I'm finding myself quite frustrated because aren't breastfed babied supposed to be healthy for the most part? And this is my first that I vowed to strictly breastfeed. Guess it doesn't protect the baby from everything and anything. Had his two week well child check up yesterday and the doctor said he's looking great. He's now 10 lb. 10 oz. ( which is a lot considering he lost weight in the hospital) and 22 inches long.Everything went well until the doctor looked into his ear. The right one. It's pink Oh yay! I know the drill. The cold has moved to the baby's ear and is pink. So anti biotics for the next ten days for the little one. Other than that he is such a sweetheart. He likes to sleep right next to mommy at night, and of course I let him ♥...for now.

Xander-Now 15 months old and is a hand full! He doesn't destroy everything but he sure is a curious little man. His daddy is his life and nothing could ever replace his daddy. When we first brought Zach home Xander would just hot him and scream at him. Out of anger? Im not sure, but we think so. Now he loves to kiss him and immitates all the noises he makes. If the baby is crying in mommy and daddy's room Xander will plop down and just sit outside the door listening to him and even try to go into the room out of concern. It's pretty endearing. Xander jibber jabbers abut everything now and it's just a matter of time before he starts having conversations.
Bebe- Barney, baby, bottle
Dadda- His daddy of course
He can sign for more
Claps his hands when you say yay
immitates noises especially laughing
Blows kisses
(More to come when I think of more)

Kymber- Oh she's at that age where she's hard to handle at times. She is such a head strong person and knows what she wants out of life. And she'll go get it no matter the consequences. She loves to argue when she doesn't get her way and likes to challenge you to see how far youll let her take you. She doesn't get far around our house. Rules are rules and time out has been the one thing we have that makes her listen ( for the time being anyway) She does love her mommy though. I cannot do any errands without taking her with me or else she cries (even screams bloody murder for me) We love going on mommy daughter dates and getting a treat at the store.  I've started home preschool until she gets into real preschool in the spring. Shes a pretty smart cookie! Kymbers a good helper when she wants to be. Her favorite chore is cleaning the bathroom. odd? But I love it!

He's here!

Just as suspected I ended up going into labor July 23. All night I had about one large contraction every hour. This is NOT unusual for me though. So I did not think anything of it. That morning I woke up and was very nauseated! Felt like I had the flu. Misery. Contractions started and just for fun I started timing them. Good thing!! I ended up calling Alan to come home from work and had my mother in law take the kids while my brother took me up to the hospital to meet Alan. I was monitored for ten min and was immediately admitted. What a relief. Very glad it was not just another false alarm! 11:30 AM and had the baby at 3:48 PM.

One major update

I realized that it has been 2 whole months since I have posted anything on this blog of mine! i've been soo crazy busy sitting at the computer kept seeming like a waste of time. Soo much has happened in two months.

June: In June we celebrated our 2 year anniversary. With 2 kids we wer'nt able to do much but just spending time together at home when the kids are in bed is soo worth it!

July: July 4 was fun this year with both kids. We met Alan's family at the SF library park for a picnic. I loved dressing the kids up in their red white and blue for the holiday! The kids soooo much loved the fireworks this years. We went to his sisters for the big ones but just had to get out the small stuff early on.

On Thursday July 22 Spanish Fork was having their festivities. I had had a doctors appt earlier that day and was dilated to a 4 1/2 and my midwife stripped my membranes so chances that I was going to have this baby that weekend were extrememly high. We decided to take the kids to the carnival and let Kymber ride some rides for some family time before we're out numbered and before she went to her dad's for the weekend.

     It was soo hot that day we were all miserable, including Kymber, but insisted on riding all the kid rides

Almost 32 plus the worst luck ever!

I have been sooo terrible at posting anything lately. Seems like my life keeps getting busier! I went in for yet another OB appointment. Started off as the usual. Bathroom's free. Did urine test. Then nurse took me in to get me ready for the midwife. 145.8 lbs now. That would be only a 1.8 lbs weight gain in 2 weeks! Yes, I do keep track in my little planner. I write down pretty much everything. Blood pressure is good as usual. And when she left about a min later comes knock and in walks in one of the other midwifes at New Beginings. 2 appointments in a row this has happened. And guess what? Yup! My Nurse midwife I was seeing resigned. I'm slightly bitter this happened sooo late I'm my pregnancy (even though they are all nice) IF you know my background I swear I have the worst luck with doctors. Here is my rap sheet: With Kymber I saw Dr Wylie ( loved her and she delivered her) Got pregnant with Xander. Went to make an appt and found out she left to do her residency at the U, so I made the appt with Dr. Gordan. Turns out I saw Dr. Gordan once and the next appt I found out that he had passed away! He had his nurse practitioner Heather who worked with him and that's who I saw the rest of my pregnancy with Xander. While in labor Dr. Judd delivered Xander because Heather was out of town. Pregnant again!! Found out Heather left Aspen's so I had to see Dr. Judd. Didn't like him so I moved to New Beginnings to see Heather again! Love her! Well....like the beginning of my story goes Heather just resigned so now I see the other midwifes. Oh just my luck!

Each person is different so I made sure I went over everything I had talked to Heather about. Turns out the this one doesn't wanna induce exactly a week before and will induce that Monday since it's a holiday weekend. BUMMER! 2 days won't hurt me right? Everything looks fine but since I've been ahving sooo many contractions they're going to "check" me at 36-37 weeks when they do the group B strep test to see if I'm dilating at all. (They normally wouldn't until 38 weeks)

A belly pic will be posted soon!  Then End.