Violation?

So yesterday Ethan got a note sent home saying that he was in violation of the dress code, in that his hair was too long. I know he is going to a private, Christian school, but come on people its 2009 not 1959, oh and we live in CALIFORNIA in a beach town. Needless to say we weren't happy, BUT not wanting to be "those" parents, I took him to get his hair cut today. He's actually quite cute and he likes it so its all ok. But still, really???

Had a midwife appointment today too, it went well. I am 16 weeks today, I felt the baby move, like kick my hand, yesterday for the first time and that was so great. Gordon felt it on Sunday while we were laying in bed watching a movie. We are going to get an ultrasound in the next few weeks, probably around 19 weeks, just to make sure everything is looking good. We have decided to not find out the sex of the baby, which is going to be hard for me because I am an impatient person. We found out with both Ethan and Addison what we were having, so we think that the surprise will be fun.

Speaking of Addison, she really is turning into a toddler, tantrums, strong will and all. It's hard for me to try and transition into more of a discipline structure with her because she was my little angel baby, she was the most perfect baby anyone could want, and all of a sudden she has this will and stubborness that is new to me and hard for me to accept. It is what it is though and I am figuring it out :)

These past few weeks have been filled with some sad news of a couple who is very close to us whose marriage is over, and I think it has made Gordon and I appreciate how hard we have worked on our marriage and the love, commitment, and appreciation we have for each other has only grown deeper.

My mom flies out next week for a quick visit and I am so excited, and I can't wait to spend some time with her, although I know that she will be mostly dominated by Ethan, he LOVES his nanny.

Thats about it other than cooking, laundry, cleaning, errands, park, baths, hugs, boo boo's made better with a kiss, oh and speaking of kissing, better give the husband one before passing out from exhaustion in bed.......

Mel x

First Day

Today was FINALLY Ethan's first day back to school. He started a new school this year. Gordon and I decided to send him to a private, christian school. I did tons of research on the place before making the decision. The curriculum looks great, the teachers are all accredited and are state certified teachers. Its a K-8 grade school, so he will go to the regular public high school, we just think this will be a great start for him. I was already happy when we found out there were only 21 students in his class, and none of the classes go over 24 students. SO we are happy. Here are some pics from today, and one of Addison looking like she's 3 yrs old or something.

First Official Appointment

Today was our first official appointment with the midwife, meaning she drew my blood for all that stuff, and the pee sample, blood pressure, discussed more stuff. It was so great, she came to my house, and this time her assisstant (apprentice) came along too. They are both such amazing woman, I loved how we all just sat around in my living room chatting like we had known each other forever. Ethan was playing the Xbox the whole time, Addison was napping, it was just great. We discussed different testing you can get, or decline if you choose. Risks, benefits, etc. We talked about nutrition, and I found out some really neat info on stress hormones, and happy hormones and how your growing baby relates to them, and how you can really make the whole "being made" process a great one for your little unborn child.

We went to the beach this afternoon, we ended up staying for 3 hours, which is a first for us. Usually Addison is having a meltdown after about an hour, hour and a half max. We had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and s'mores, the big kids played down in the surf for awhile, and it was a great afternoon/evening.

Thats it for now, I hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend and just chillax!!!!

Mel xoxo

11 weeks 3 days pregnant

Our Weekend

The tent I made for the kids

Inside the tent

It stayed up the ENTIRE weekend

The weekend went by way to fast, as usual. Gordon is going to New York tomorrow and won't be home until Friday, boo, but on the up side, he lands around noon and is coming straight home, thus starting the LOOOONNNG weekend for Labor Day, so that is something to look forward too.

We had fun though, we went to the beach Saturday and Sunday, which was much needed. The beach is such a great place for rejuvenating, I know I say that every time we go, but it really is, something about the sun, the sound of the waves crashing, the smell of the ocean, its so great!

I faced a fear on Sunday, I went ALL the way in. I never do that, I have this fear of the unknown, the stuff I can't see. I have been telling myself for a the past year that if I am going to LIVE here, 2 blocks from the ocean I really need to just get over it. I am missing out on all the fun. So gripping the hand of my friend, Claudia, sorry if I broke your fingers C!!! We ventured out. I had so much fun and I was not even scared once I got out there, jumping over and going under waves. Letting them carry us back to shore then running out again, next time we are bringing a body board, oh and I want to learn to surf now :) YEA ME!!

I am really excited because our small group is going to officially start meeting again, in two weeks after school gets back and everything is settled from summer. We are doing the Fireproof Series, and Gordon and I can't wait! We (him and I) have also decided that we are going to go through the Love Dare book, so that will be fun.

Also accomplished this weekend, we FINALLY got everything Ethan needs for school, uniforms, supplies, lunch box, shoes, socks and undies :) WHEW so glad thats done!

Ok thats about it for now, I hope you all have a fantastic week!!

Mel x

10 weeks, 5 days pregnant

Meeting #1

So we had our first meeting with our midwife last Friday. It was so great, especially because all of her visits will be done in our home, so no need for a babysitter, or to try and keep kids occupied while in doctors office.

She was so nice, and so helpful. She answered all of our questions, we talked about previous pregnancies, this pregnancy so far, previous births, how I felt about them, what I wanted differently. She gave lots of examples of different situations she had been in and how she dealt with them.

We discussed fees, and how to get the most out of our insurance, which should be 100% but due to "ignorance" it can be a struggle, but that is an entirely different blog.

We are just so so excited, she is coming back for another appt on Sept 5. Hopefully we will hear a heartbeat then :)

If anyone is interested or curious about midwives and homebirth, etc. I really love Ricki Lakes documentary "The Business of Being Born". Its very informative about he US healthcare system surrounding birth and I found it so so interesting.

Thats it for now.

Mel xoxo

9 weeks 5 days pregnant

Cash for Car

Well we did it, we saved enough cash to buy a car and have no car payment, yea! Well we still have one for G car, but we are working on getting that paid off. Baby steps people! Its not a clunker either, well maybe it could be traded as one right now under the government thing, but its really not. Its in good condition even though its 9 years old, and it hold all my kids, and has room for all the "stuff". I never thought I would be so happy and content to get an "old" car. Isn't it interesting how God can change your priorities :)

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Moving on.... some sad news, the first friend I ever made here in California is moving tomorrow. Miranda and her family are moving to Hawaii, Ethan and her son, Jaylen, were in Kindergarten this past year together and we have had some fantastic times together and I really am going to miss them. Below is a pic we took today of the kids, Ethan, my friends two, and our other friend, Claudia's, kids, they were quite the brat pack all of them together.

From left: Jade, Ethan, Jade, Jaylen, Skye

Well I think thats it, oh except we have our first midwife appointment on Friday, and I am SO excited. I can't wait to get going with the whole homebirth process. I am going to do a video blog of that whole process, so I will post a link to that on Friday after its finished. I really want to get the awareness out that giving birth is not an illness, and its not something to be feared. Its a beautiful, natural process that we have all become a little to "clinical" about, in my opinion, and I just think it would be nice to share our story. So enjoy. Have a great week.

Mel xoxo

BLAH

Ok I think I need some female reassurance or something. The last few days I have really felt down. Like maybe depressed but not sure?! I feel ugly, fat, and sick. I haven't done laundry all week ( my wonderful husband has been doing it in the evenings), my house is a mess, I haven't cooked a single meal since I have been back, unless you count mac-n-cheese or pb&j (and thats for dinner people!).

I know its probably just this whole first trimester thing, but I really don't remember feeling this bad with the other two, and I DID NOT have this horrific "bump" which at this point, lets be honest, must be fat, with the other two either!!! I feel like I am failing miserably at mommyhood and being a good wife.

G has been great, he keeps reassuring me that its fine, he's fine, I look fine, he doesn't mind. But you all know that sometimes those reassurances just don't quite cut it, not into the deep corners of your mind. I feel panicky, and just kind of sad.

Maybe I am just grieving the loss of my beloved Granny, but logically I know its all going to be ok, she is in a better place, etc, etc. I can't distinguish between grieving for her and just feeling crap because I am pregnant and in the wonderful first trimester?!?!?!

SO if anyone has anything they would like to comment, or whatever, it would be nice. Anyone ever felt this way?? That would be nice to hear to. Thanks.

Mel xoxo