Almost 4 months!

My baby girl is getting so big! She's found her voice, and let's you know she's here! She is so quick to flash you a smile, and it's usually a whole face smile. we've found her ticklish spots and her giggle is infectious. Ryken's still the big helper, and talks to her like we do. " hey honey," "let's see what she gots in there" (during diaper change) "what's all the crying about?" The other day he was sitting on the couch with me & Ellie, and he said, "Daddy calls her pumpkin, you call her sweet pea..." At this point he looks up with his cute little face, and you can just see the wheels turning. Then he lights up, looks at her and says, "hey little bulldozer!" She now has a nickname from Ryken, too.
Ryken turned 3 in July, and we had all his friends over for a Thomas party in the backyard. he's so grown up already, and becoming quite the little man. He definately makes me laugh.
Elliana has rolled over already, and I think the beginning of a tooth is near. She is drooling like crazy, and I can see the tip of it trying to come through. So far, she's literally been the perfect baby. When she's awake, she's happy and content. She eats well, and sleeps from 7:30pm to about 6:30am. (One dream feed at 10pm ;)
She's wonderful! Takes a bottle if I'm going out and doesn't make strange. But tonight after I fed her, I left her with Rob while I went to the superstore. came home 45 min later, and she had just fallen asleep. She screamed the whole time I was gone! What!!! My sweet baby? No... couldn't be. I wonder what went wrong. I think she was over tired, and when she wants to sleep, she wants to be put in her crib, and left to fall asleep. Rob tried to rock her, and apparantly she just sreamed harder. Poor Rob. When I got home, he had just fixed himself a hot chocolate with Baileys. needed a little somehing. We'll see how the night goes...

Elliana Marie

She's here! Has been for 8 weeks actually, and I'm just now making the time to post about her birth. Been a little busy with two kids in the house! Elliana was born on May 24th at 7:47am. My contractions started on Fri night at 11:30pm. Rob and I were just going to bed when I felt a twitch in my back. About 5 min later it came again. I looked over to Rob and said, "i think I'm having a contraction!" He just said, "oh yeah..." nonchalantly, and rolled over. Well, I figured I was on my own, for the first bit anyway. i finished packing all of my bags, and cleaned up around the house. I didn't want to phone my mom too soon, 'cause she was coming with us to the hospital. I phoned the hospital after an hour of contractions, and they told me to wait one more hour, and then come in. So at 1:30am, my mom and dad came over. My dad was staying at our house with Ryken , and after we stood together and prayed, my mom, Rob & I left for the hospital. I was feeling really excited to get this going, but a bit anxious about the whole process!
We arives at the hospital at 2:00am, and after the nurse checked me, she said i wasn't even dilated yet. Arghhh!!! They sent us back home! Iwas sooo disappointed, and felt bad for waking my mom up. We all went back to my parents place, and tried to get some sleep. Well, they did. I didn't. The contractions were steady the whole time, and at 4:10am, my water broke. Then the contractions really got strong. We got to the hospital at 5:00am, and they checked me again. 1-2cm! This couldn't be happening! Iwas thinking the 2nd would be a lot faster, and I was barely dilated. At 6:30am i was 4 cm, and finally asked for something for the pain. I had laughing gas, and it did absolutely nothing. I remember looking at my mom and saying, "I'm not laughing yet!" i threw up a few times, which i absolutely hate doing, but Rob was so supportive and there to help. Every contraction i got, he was there to push on my lower back. ALL back labor. I didn't even feel it in my stomach. My mom was such a support as well, and kept handing me ice chips. Which was really helpful. There was a shortage of nurses, and an overage of women having babies! It was pretty much us 3 doing it on our own, and I liked it that way. At 7:30 i was 6 cm, and asked for something stronger to help the pain. I had phentanol(spelling?) in the iv, and that immediately relaxed me. The contractions had been so intense, and i was exhausted from the pain and lack of sleep. I had a good rest between contractions, and Rob thought that i looked dead. I was quite out of it 'till the next contraction came. I told them i had to push but they said to wait. It felt like i was being ripped in half! Then they checked me again and said I could push. While I was pushing, my legs totally cramped. But then it went away. My mom later told me that they put a needle in my leg, which is why they relaxed so quickly. After 3 pushes she was here! the nurse said" it's a girl!" I looked at her in the doctors hands all stretched out and screaming her head off! From 6 cm dilated to seeing my baby in about 15 min! It is absolutely amazing to me, how the pain was instantly gone. With tears in my eyes, i looked at Rob, and my mom. I had squeezed both of their hands so tight, i was hoping I hadn't hurt them! The first thing I said was, "It's a girl! We're done!!!" Then I added, "ohh, we need to go shopping!" They put her to my chest right away, but she was not interested in feeding. I looked at my little girl, while she wailed away. Her cheeks were so chubby! she had a double chin already, and rolls at the back of her neck. The sweetest little rosebud lips, and dark hair. I couldn't believe she was finally here. The doctor asked me her name, and I said "Elliana Marie. It means 'My God has answered me." He said, "that seems about right."
She was 8lbs, 9 1/2 oz, and 22 inches long. A big girl! Rob's mom came in to work that morning, and gave her, her first bath. My dad came with Ryken and he was a little nervous, but very curious. he climbed on to the bed with me and looked at his new sister. We got a few pics, and then my mom and dad went to get something to eat, while Ryken stayed with us to get acquainted with this new baby girl. He was especially interested in how she was going to eat! He said, " mommy, she's chewing on you!" Quite cute. After about an hour, my parents came back, and took him home. There were no rooms for us, or even available beds, for that matter. We stayed in the case room the entire time. try taking a nap, with women screaming all around you! At 12:00pm we decided to go home. I was feeling great, and Elliana was eating well. My sister and her husband, had come for a visit, just as we were leaving. We decided to meet at my parents for lunch the next day, because we were celebrating Justin's birthday. Elliana was born on the same day as her Uncle.
On they way home there was an accident on the abby/mission bridge. We sat in traffic for about 40min. Not what I wanted to do! Elliana slept through the whole thing, and we even stopped for Tim Hortons. Ryken came home a few hours later, and we struggled through our first night with her. All she wanted to do was nurse! Ryken didn't wake up with her crying, at least. I finally broke out the soother, and that seemed to do the trick.
Now she's on more of a shedule, and sleeping so well at night. 8 hours the other night! She is a wonderful baby, and very content. Ryken is such an amazing big brother, and loves to "pet" her. The first day home, he held her for 1/2 an hour!
we love our new addition, and she seems to complete our family. It's hard to believe she's only 8 weeks. I can't really think of us without her. she's perfect. And I can't believe I thought I'd have a hard time loving her. It is still a bit different, because we just met! But when she smiles at me, my heart melts, and I am completely in love with my baby girl.

Well, I'm officially overdue. Past the point, cooked this one long enough, good to go. I think I've been in the "nesting stage" for about 3 weeks now. I'm definately ready to meet this little one! Ryken asks me everyday, "why's that baby not coming out?" We're all getting anxious to see what it's going to be!
One thing's that been keeping me busy is our basement renos. Rob and I have just finished the painting last week, and it's starting to look great. Right now, he's working on the laminate. It'll be so nice to have a place where we can just hang out. A spot for all of my scrapbooking, sewing, and somewhere to put all the toys. Pretty soon, I'll have to take out all the baby toys, that we had in storage. Just when things were starting to get uncluttered!
Ryken's been enjoying his new trampoline. He's been going to gymnastics once a week, and loving it. He practises his moves, and burns his energy in the backyard. His latest thing is telling me everyday, that he's getting big. And then he throws in that he's 4 already. Slow down buddy, it's ok to stay my little boy! He loves to make me laugh, and is starting to tell jokes that we've taught him. " What's a pirates favorite letter? ....Rrrrr." He scrunches up his face so cute when he says it.
I'm trying to see the positive in being overdue. Realizing that I only have so much time left, with just me and him. it's been so special with him being my little man, and now my time's going to be divided. I'm a little scared in how it's going to change, but I know he's ready. Seeing him with my friend's little girl, is so cute. Bringing her toys, or just saying hi to her. I'm excited to add to our family, I just hope I can love them equally.

It'd been raining for so long, that we had to go get some fresh air, even if that meant getting a little muddy. He loved splashing in those puddles!

31 weeks in these pics

Well, I'm almost 33 weeks, and I've started the countdown. This baby is a real kicker (not as strong as Ryken was) and moves around like crazy! The other day I was almost sick it was moving so much. It really is an amazing feeling to have a live little person inside of you. I'm starting to wonder what this baby's going to look like. I'm looking forward to see how Ryken's going to be around the baby. We've been prepping him the whole time, and it's been great to for him to see his new cousin, who was just born last week. I think he's starting to understand the whole idea of this new baby joining our family. We always talk about what to name the baby. We have a boy's name, but have been struggling to find the perfect girl's name. the other day Ryken, out of the blue, stopped and asked me, "if the baby's a girl...do you like the name Kessie?" We'd never talked about a name even close to that, nor has he ever even heard it before. He just made it up! Not that bad actually. It might turn into a nickname for one of the names that we had chosen.

Well, I'm snowed in and Ryken's sleeping, so I thought it'd be a good time to get on the blog again. We had a great Christmas, and visited lots of family. Ryken got totally spoiled, and every toy he got, seems to make noise! Christmas morning, I woke up to Ryken saying, " mom I got a new veggie tales dvd!" took me a minute to register, 'cause I was sure that was one of his presents under the tree. Yep, He had gone straight to the tree, and opened a present. At least it was only one! He learned 3 songs at Sunday school, and performed them in front of the whole church with his class. He did so well! All the words memorized, and the actions were great! He loved to sing all 3 of them to anybody who'd listen. He got a guitar from my parents, and I often hear him from his room strumming away, and singing his new favorite songs. So cute! Throughout the holiday season, I think he may have got a little confused. We went to the flying club to see Santa...who made his grand entrance coming down from a helicopter. We saw a church play, where baby Jesus was really just a doll, and Joseph was played by a girl! One afternoon, leaving London Drugs parking lot, we saw three East Indians crossing the sidewalk. 2 seconds later, Ryken said " mom, dad, I saw the wise men!" Of course! After all, they had the same kind of hats!
Our New Years was a bit of a right off; Ryken came down with a horrible fever, that ended up lasting a week. Antibiotics helped him out, and pretty soon, he was back to his old self. On the 12th of Jan, Ryken was a ring bearer in his Uncle B's wedding! He and his cousins were all involved. He go to walk down the aisle in his little suit, holding a fishing rod, with the ring tied to the end. He did such a great job! He was such a handful afterwards, though, that I got my parents to pick him up, so I could enjoy the reception...without having to run after him! It was a beautiful wedding, and we now have a wonderful new sister in law.
Ryken's been loving the snow, and eating it seems to be his favorite thing to do with it. Then we come inside for hot chocolate. We discuss baby names, and have come up with a few good ones. This baby sure moves around a lot! I've got my nursery all set up, and am feeling great. Few more months to go!

I'm so excited to be at home for a Christmas season. The past 2 years in a row, we've moved on Dec 16th. I've actually been able to decorate! Ryken is getting really excited, and is looking forward to the presents. My mom gave him the Sears wish book to look at, and he would point to every toy, and say " I want this toy, and this truck..I want lots of things mommy." Yeah well, I want lots of things too.
We've been practising our Christmas songs for the Church performance this year. Ryken is in the 2 year old Sunday school class, and is going to be singing 3 songs at the front of the church with all of the other kids. In one week, he memorized all three of them! He loves it, and knows all the actions. So cute. I'll be bringing the video camera.
this is us picking out our Christmas tree. it was quite the all day affair! From picking out the perfect one, bringing it home, putting on the decorations, and cleaning up afterwards, it took us all morning! It was a great experience, one that we'll have year after year.

We took a trip to Vegas at the beginning of December. 4 days, 3 nights. Just long enough to get away, and not too long to leave Ryken with my parents. We had a great time with 2 other couples that we went with, and kept busy doing the tourist thing. Found some great deals at the outlets, and looking through all the amazing hotels, was awesome. we also went to the Hoover Dam...it was huge! We phoned Ryken every morning while we were gone, and the huge snowfall kept hime occupied. the last day we phoned i told him we were coming home to kiss him goodnight in his car bed. He replied "Mom, come home and give me a hug." Awwww...I needed to go home! He was super clingy the first two days that we were back, but then he realized we weren't going any where, and got back into his regular routine. it was great to have one last vacation alone. Might be the last one for awhile!

fall photo shoot

So we went to a church "harvest party" for halloween. We were going to take Ryken out around our cul-de-sac, but with the freaky monsters, and sawed off heads hanging from their homes, we thought it would be better to spend the night somewhere less scary. I bought Ryken a lion costume, and face paint to go along with it. We got him all dressed up and he loved it! He was telling me that he had sharp toes like versace (our cat.) Then i think he got too hot in the house, because he told us he didn't want to be a lion anymore. he took it off, and we couldn't get him to wear it again. So he went in his regular clothes, and we threw a plastic, yellow hat on his head. Construction worker! Anyway he had lots of fun, and got way too much candy. The same week we went to 2 kids birthday parties, and got goody bags with more candy! I think i'll have to help him out with that. ;)

So yes, we're going to have another baby! We've told a few people already. Mostly family and friends, but with the top button of my pants usually open, and me not lookin' so hot lately, I thought it was time to blog about it. We're very excited that Ryken will be a big brother. we've told him about it, and i think he kinda understands. I was talking to Erin on the phone the other night, and Ryken started putting his finger in my belly button. I looked at him, and he said "I'm trying to get the baby out!" He's quite in love with any baby that he sees, but it may be a different story when he finds out this one is here for good. They'll be almost 3 years apart, so i think he'll be able to understand a bit more by then. we've been praying for this one for awhile, and didn't know if it was going to happen. God is good. Every child is such a blessing.

This is the masterpiece, I found after leaving Ryken alone with his felts for 5 minutes. I tried to be stern about it, but I wanted to get my camera! And how could I get mad at that face? With all the colors that were used, he had put all of the lids back on to the right color felt.
Thank goodness they're washable!

Ryken showing off the toys his daddy won for him at the fair. It was a stupid pinball game, and we really wanted him to win that car. The whole time we were cheering "Go daddy, go daddy!" And he won! Mind you the other competitors were an 8 year old girl and her mom. But he won!
Ryken's really shown an interest in letters and numbers lately, so I've started doing preschool workbooks with him in the morning. We were learning our colors and the letters that spelled them. I wasn't sure if he was paying attention, until he recognized to letters in a row! He loved it, and wanted to keep doing more. A few days later, he pointed to my shirt and said, "hey look! Letters! that says mommy." My shirt actually said "Roxy," but was I going to tell him that? No, instead I agreed. Yes, that says mommy. So cute!
I also taught him his phone number. He tells you the number, then says..."trouble...tell sheriff." Who knows? it might come in handy one day. Only problem is, he wants to tell everbody! As soon as he hears someone say a number, he starts rattling off his phone number. I think I've gotta stop that.
We're pretty much done with naps, and he's finally going to bed at a reasonable hour. 8:30pm instead of 10:00pm. When he had naps during the day, 1-2 hrs, he!wouldn't go to sleep at night. it was driving us crazy! I think we'll stick to this routine for awhile and see how it goes. We still have a quiet time in the afternoon for about 1/2 hr. Gives me a chance to do things, while he plays cars in his room.

That was it for summer? It went way too fast, and wasn't nearly hot enough! We did get some sun in Oroville, though. We just got back from a 5 night holiday, and had lots of fun with our family while we were there. We came home through the states, so we could hit the Premim outlets and do some shopping. Wouldn't you know, everyone else had the same idea, and we were stuck in traffic for over and hour. As we were getting closer, I pulled out my makeup bag, to do some touch ups before we got there. Ryken was watching me, and asked me what i was doing. i told him I was doing makeup. After a couple seconds he looked at me and said, "that's enough." i guess he goes for the natural look.
These pics are on ryken's new trampoline! well, not new really, a garage sale find. We set it up, while he was having a nap, and brought him outside as soon as he woke up. He was so excited! we have to jump on it everyday.