Life Comes With a Latte, Mommy Problems

Is it bedtime yet??

I have yet to announce this on my blog but many of you know from my Social Media Channels that my 5th child, 4th girl, was born about a month ago. (Birth story to come) Since then, I’ve been adjusting to this new “normal”.

My two older daughters, from a previous marriage, live with their Dad & Step Mom most of the time. I thought with only three it would be a little easier. Boy, was I wrong!

I now am a mother of three kids under 4, two of them are 14 months a part & the youngest is a newborn. Whoa…never thought this would ever happen.

Every newborn requires middle of the night feedings. Bailey, my newborn, is pretty good about feeding at night but I need uninterrupted sleep to function. Despite getting up 2-3 times , I’m hanging in there. I am thankful I can sleep until 8 or 9am. My minis are good about that.

Usually my husband takes my son to summer camp, or, our babysitter comes to babysit my 14 month old, Skylar, so I could run errands, attend appointments & work. Not today! 

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For the first time ever, I ventured out with the 3 “mini”minis today. Ryan is supposed to be at camp at 9am….that did not happen! He got to camp an hour late. On the way into camp, my Skylar tripped and bumped her head on the pavement. She is fine and only cried for a few minutes. There is now a red bump on her forehead.

Next the two girls and I headed to the Post Office. Skylar thought it would be fun to keep running behind the counter while I was taping a package. It took me about 15mins to finish the package because I had to keep stopping to grab her. Now, I know you’re probably thinking that I should have put her in the stroller, well I don’t have a double to fit both car seat for Bailey & Skylar. There was no way I could carry Bailey & the package and push Skylar.

When we finally got back in the car, 30 minutes later, I was shakey. It dawned on me that I was so worried about feeding the minis but ran out of the house without fueling myself. There was not a drive thru Starbucks around and I didn’t want to take the girls out again, so I did it. I went through a Chick fil a drive thru for a frosted Coffee. Never ever do I do fast food but refused to take girls out again. Also, says the trainer in me, some fuel is better than no fuel. #FitTip

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Next, we’re off to the Chiropractor. Because of my poor posture due to lack of ab muscles and constant baby holding, my body is compensating with my back thus causing pain. It wasn’t an option, I had to get adjusted! I’m in there waiting, Bailey needs change and fed and Skylar starts to fuss because she was confined to the stroller. Thankfully, I got my adjustment while the receptionist held Bailey Boo and the doc distracted Sky. I would have loved to have stayed for some treatment but it was already time to pick up Ryan.

Back in the car we go to drive down the street. Can I just say, I strongly dislike taking the car. I prefer to walk everywhere because 1) I’m moving & burning calories 2)I do not have to keep moving kids in and out of the car and 3) BOB (stroller) requires 0 gallons of gas to cart the kids. Unfortunately, not everything is in walking distance or walking accessible with kids.

After searching a few minutes for a spot , I pull in , turned off the car and look back, they are asleep! I was already five minutes late and really did not want to wake them up or take much more time picking up Ryan. Thank the Lord, one of my co workers walks out and was gracious enough to stay at the car and watch the girls. 

Back home we go but only to clean, cook, clean and cook some more followed by baths, laundry & play time. Oh and I’ve got to get my workout & work in somehow!  IS IT BEDTIME YET? I’m exhausted physically, mentally and it is only NOON! How the heck can I do this daily? 

Can’t believe I’m saying this but its actually easier with all 5 minis! They drive me insane with their constant bickering but my 2 older girls are very helpful. I’m also able to have somewhat of a conversation with them. I keep telling myself, this will get easier and God does not give you anything you can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much. 😉

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Life Comes With a Latte, Mommy Problems, Religion & Faith

Whoops! (There It Is)

I think most of us can agree that life can sure throw some curve balls. I am a mom and have been for over 12 years. I never thought I’d have 4 children. But as that saying goes, “expect the unexpected”.

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Autumn, Summer, Skylar & Ryan…..My Four Monkeys!

Even though I never thought I’d have several children, they were really all planned. Not one of them was unplanned, including my angel baby, Tyler. He would have been number four but passed away at 16 weeks in the womb.

Right after having my youngest, who is now 9 months old,  people ask  would if we are done. I replied,  “I’d love to be done but ultimately it is up to God”.  I mean, how can I say absolutely not when we should be open to life. Besides, I was ready to restart my fitness journey and move forward with the MMF organization, 110%.  Well, God sure has a sense of humor! 

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I try to be a decent Catholic.

I expected my period early December and even though I felt like it was coming, it just was not happening. For my piece of mind, I took a leftover unused test from my pregnancy with Skylar – my youngest. I knew it would be negative because I had tracked my cycle and was not showing signs of ovulation.  Much to my shock & surprise, it came out very positive. I cried and cried. I called my mother and cried some more and just laid numb on the couch for the rest of the day. For days, I did not believe it and was adamant that this was not real. I felt embarrassed, helpless and alone. I was afraid to tell anyone, including my sisters who are my best friends.

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12 Weeks

After several weeks, I finally decided to go to the doctor.  By this time, I was over 10 weeks. This certainly is not too late to go to the OB but with other pregnancies,  I’d go as soon as 6-8 weeks.  I think a part of me was expecting a false positive pregnancy or a miscarriage. 

My husband and I went for the first initial visit. My OB/GYN is a practice of great doctors and I’ve had them all a part of a delivery or a procedure. Needless to say, they know me well and I am very comfortable with all of them. For this particular visit, I had Dr. Maute . She has got to be the sweetest doctor ever &I could talk to her for hours. She was with us when when delivered our Angel Baby and has the greatest bedside manners. Dr. Maute walked in the room and just smiled. With a very positive attitude and outlook, she helped ease the tension and fear I had and reassured me everything would be okay. The ultrasound began and I waited to see if I really had a another little life inside of me. As soon as the ultrasound began…..THERE IT WAS!  A strong heartbeat and lots of movement from this little one. 

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Baby Vose

After this appointment, I accepted that God has created this life for a reason. Though I’m unsure why, He has the ultimate plan and I’m just going with it.

Since the initial prenatal visit, I have been back about twice. The baby is still growing and so is my belly. Am I happy ??  Well, I am happy God  has chosen me to carry out His plan. But I’m not going to lie, I’m scared!  The WHAT IF’s and HOW’s haunt me daily.

Despite my griping and moaning, I do believe these little guys have a reason for being created. It may be a “whoops” on our part but not for God. He doesn’t make mistakes. 

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16 Weeks