Eliza Geneal

I can't begin without saying first that this labor and delivery was so completely different than Harley.

I was due on the 20th of September and was scheduled to be induced the 25th, if she didn't come by herself.... Like I said completely different.  Since with Harley I had to be induced, and stay an extra night at the hospital to hopefully get my cervix to dilate. So, you can only imagine my expectation in going by myself. Not high.

On the 21st, I hadn't packed any overnight bags, hadn't done any laundry or finished my sink full of dishes.

After a long day of corn, I finally got to sit down about 10:30pm and contractions started... Since I was not expecting this to be real I drank some water and took a shower, hung out... They kept coming.

Obviously I couldn't sleep so, I did my last minute details. And worried constantly about what I was forgetting... Oh diapers, hadnt gotten those.  Oh, and registered my car, nope... The list got longer and funnier.

So at 12:30 I called my dr. To make sure I wasn't over thinking it.

I wasn't.

Mean while Austin was at his aunts house helping her paint and redo her living room and kitchen... By about 1:15 I told him to come home if he wanted to shower.

He hurried home, and  dropped Harley at his aunts and got to the hospital around 2:00am.
I was at a 4.5, by myself! I was ecstatic, and exhausted.
At 5am i had gotten to a six, and could barley keep my eyes open.

I decided to get an epidural so I could hopefully rest a little before the arrival.

I did. Slept during labor, weird.i woke up at 8:00, and was ready... Waited an hour or so for her to drop further down. And one push later, she was here.

Amazing.

8lbs 5oz, 20" and perfect.

Things I never knew

There's a big giant list of things I never knew I would experience, with a new addition to our family this has become more apperant.

I never knew I would be okay with someone eating a snack in my bed.

I never had any idea that you could love others more than yourself, every minute of everyday.

I had no idea what it felt like to have the desire to give someone who can barely manage to keep her eyes open for longer than twenty mins everything.

I didn't know that having two children would only make you want more.

I never knew that seeing your oldest child care for and love your other would put you nearly in tears every time.

I had no clue that weeks  would only go by faster.

I never knew that nursing in public without a nursing cover wouldn't bother me.

I really am surprised that a sink full of dirty dishes is not a big deal anymore, and if I actually get to scrubbing the toilets, it's a big accomplishment .

I never knew I would I wish I could always have a newborn sleeping on my chest.

I never knew any of these things, what a blessing.

Me and My 9month Pregnant Belly

There are a lot of excuses as to why I never blog.
Today, I'm going with a slow computer...

I am baffled once again, how in the world did I get here, and so quickly?

What we've been up to... well, honestly it's been a trio Me, Harley, and Stella.  Austin is gone for 2-3 weeks at a time.  so, maybe he could count for like a .25 and the small child growing inside of me probably counts for another .25. so a fair 3.5 persons have been running this show.  And by show I mean the F150 driving, Watermelon throwing, corn selling show I only get to participate in 60 days of the year.

Other things besides corn?  Not really, we nap when we get a chance.  Same with showering (tmi? ha) and honestly count down the days until we get a Sunday... a day to rest. 

Since corn has started what has happened?  I've gotten a toe smashed and lost that nail, Harley has only gotten cuter and I have tried to somehow add days to the count down of when this baby is coming... Unfortunately I do realize that I am not really in control of when she arrives, and ultimately I can not wait.  But, it would be more convenient if she waited until the 30th of September... lol. hopelessly, hoping.

I have piles of cereal bowls, and glasses everywhere around the house.  And actually get to them once a week, if I'm lucky.  I have sewed a few things for the new babe and Harley.  Can't wait to see them side by side. I probably haven't vacuumed in a week, and built my very first shelf in Harley's closet... since we live in a tiny condo, and I somehow need to fit two little girls clothes into one closet.  But, It can be done.  At least there is a closet, and their clothes aren't too big yet.

Lastly, I get asked constantly if I'm "ready"  This loaded question I believe has been answered above.  I probably am no where close, I am extremely excited, and luckily the only thing that's really important on my to-do list is getting her here.  Believe me that list grows leaps and bounds each day in an attempt to be "ready" But, I realize most things on it probably will take a back seat to the fact that I have 12 days to my due date.

Sorry, for the scattered thoughts and the random update.  My effort will increase and hopefully the posts will be more worthy of reading.

Note to self: Actions speak louder than words.

Today at the pool, I was so lucky to witness my first incident of bullying... to my little girl.  I've never wanted to kick a 3 year old so badly, and her father too for that matter.  I could make this story long, but since I'm really not the best writer I will say just this.

Bullying is everywhere.  It broke my heart to see Harley get treated like that.  And others recently like that poor lady on the bus in Greece NY... what are we teaching our kids?  usually it is our actions that show them how to act, not our words.

I hope that I advocate something different, that Harley stays loving, and sweet.  I suppose it is up to me to show her how, not that kid at the pool.

Thoughts from an ameture

Theres no un cheesy way to say this, but I am a person of lists. I list everything in my head... The order I'm going to do housework, the money I've spent for the day/week, everything. The past few days I've been slowly listing things I think every mom should do for her daughter. Mind you this is a rough draft since my daughter is only 19 months old, and I haven't scratched the surface. 1. Always give her the eggs beaters of cookie dough. She will look forward to being in the kitchen with you. 2. Use the three minute rule, practically anyone can handle any situation for at least three minutes. Or in other words: patience. 3. Give her loves all the time, request hugs and kisses. 4. Read. Both to her, and by reading in front of her. 5. Paint her toes. She will love it. 6. Never wear any "nice" or fragile jewelry while around because, you absolutely have to let her wear everything. And she will love looking in the mirror with them on. 7. tell her she's beautiful. Because, it's true. 8. Let her hold the bubbles, yes you will get wet and soapy... But, everything is in that little bottle. 9. Laugh with her. 10. Dress her up, odds are that chance will be gone before You know it. 11. Kiss her father. 12. Let her hold bugs, and pick them up yourself ... Even if you are terrified. 13. Pray with her. She reminds me daily for naps, meals, everything. She wants to always say a prayer. 14. Let her get dirty. Mud,grass, water, Popsicles... They all wash out. 15. Shoes are not always necessary. 16. Get excited with her, no matter what it is. She will love the praise. 17. take her to the zoo. She will love the monkeys. 18. Let her be independent. Even if that means getting a scrapped knee, or a goose egg. She will learn. 19. Let her have your tooth brush, even if she takes it outside... Nothing is cooler than using moms stuff. 20. Throwing all the pillows off the couch, and jumping into them is the most entertainment either of you ever need. I love my little girl, and will continue to add to my list. This is by no means a guideline or a rule book. Merely my observation of one beautiful little girl who has not only helped me make another long boring list, but has taught me a lot about love. Ps sorry about the format, did this from my iPad.... And will not look pretty, looks normal in my draft.

I Just Read

A few things about the Northwest particularly Canada, North Dakota and parts of Montana... many of you  probably know way more than I do about it but, oil boom? ... over 20 billion barrels to "frake" ... can I just say what my mother always says (which drives me crazy btw)  "The universe will provide"  Who knew in this insane money strange world we are in that, that place would be a gold mine?  Lol.

Basically I just had to share on how hysterical I find all of this.  Because, probably the ONLY time in my life I actually believe North Dakota exists.  My prior belief was different since I have not once met a person who had been nor had lived there.

It is Always Time For a Good Trip

We just got back from a 7 day cruise to Mexico. Cabo San Lucas, and Peurto Vallatra. Can I just say that hanging out in 80 degrees the past week has been pure heaven.

It has ALL Come and Gone

Christmas, New Years, 2011.... have all come, and left even faster.

Can I say that having a little one during these holidays makes it better than you could imagine? She was a sweet heart, thinking every present was hers and loving every article of clothing, every toy, and everyone who gave them to her.

I've recently thought a lot about that. How astoundingly beautiful it is to find someone who loves the bag as much as the gift, and loves whoever gave it to her even more than the entire thing. It has impressed on me greatly this year to see things in her eyes for how special they really are. I mean, I usually just toss out the bags and take back what I don't LOVE... but, thankfully I have a little girl who teaches me daily of how cool a bottle cap is or how fun an empty stainless steel pot is, or really how unimportant most things are. I love this about Harley, her excitement for everything. I hope it sticks, and that she will continue teaching me things so valuable.

Ps sorry for the mushy topics as of late...