My teeth are tight. I went for my first teeth tightening today. They changed both wires on both top and bottom, their thicker and stronger... and tighter. The lady changing the wires even said "This is going to feel very tight." They also put a wire/net type (a thicker wire) across the gaping holes where I had the 2 top teeth pulled. She said those wires will help to close the gaps. YES!! I was wondering when that was going to happen, so finally its begun!
I was lucky that the appointment worked out so well. I went to bible study this morning (I love that type with those ladies! Time to talk, and relax without a kid hanging off my leg!!) and get some good soul food, and prayer! My really really really good friend said she could watch Eli while I had my appointment, so she took him home with her while I went off to my appointment. I was surprised when she said that he was chatty the whole way home because generally he is very quiet when he's not around his mom & dad. But I also find it very comforting that he was chatty, because that means he feels safe and comfortable. Thanks Alex! When I got to her house to pick him up he was very happy, and playing with her son. I think its good for Eli to play with him, and learn how to play with another boy... especially one that is a bit older! Its such a blessing to have friends to switch baby sitting off with, makes my life alot easier!!
So now Eli is sleeping, and I get to relax for awhile. Its so good to have that quiet time.
I'am Karla, he is Andy. We have been married since 2007, and along the way we have had 2 precious little boys. Our lives are crazy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. These are the writings of my journey as a stay at home mom, and along the way Ill show you some DIY projects that I love doing!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sleep & other things
Not that I want to jinx it or anything but I am completely and totally amazed! The past few days Eli has slept like a champ! We're putting him to bed around 8:00pm depending on the night and how he is feeling, and he's been sleeping till 8:45am-9:00am!! I cant believe it!!
I wake up and look at the clock and figure its time to get up, and he doesnt wakeup for awhile! Its nice to have some time in the morning to myself to check my email, tidy up, get his breakfast started, or even get dressed myself!
Tomorrow morning we're heading out of the house for around 9:00am to be somewhere for 9:15, so I have a feeling Ill have to wake him up instead of him waking me up! I remember when he used to get up at 5a.m, and the day was so long! Just wait, because Ive said all of this tomorrow he'll be up before the sun! And I have to be honest, as I got up this morning after sleeping in until 8:20ish, I thought to myself that Im really enjoying my sleep and am not sure if Im ready to have another baby anytime soon because it'll be another long year before I have sleep to myself again!
Last night, I headed off to the Catholic Church in Sherwood Park, they were having a blood donor drive and Ive wanted to donate for a long time. Since before I had Eli. But I couldnt because I had been to mexico, or gotten a tattoo, or was pregnant and then after I was pregnant I couldnt either for 6 months because I was RH negative, and had to get a shot after I had Eli, so yesterday was the day! Or not. I went in for my appointment, sat down and waited for my number to be called. They checked over my information, then poked my finger to check my iron levels. Awesome!! The woman said that girls generally never have such good iron. The lowert they'll accept was 123 and I had 150. The girl sitting beside me had too low of iron so couldnt donate. Anyways, next I filled out my form, and waited again to speak to a nurse. I went back into her little area to talk. She took my blood pressure which was awesome as well. (Am I feeling good about myself at this point or what!!!) Then she took my temperature, 37.8 degrees celcius. I had a fever. I felt fine, wasnt feeling warm, or ill at all. She said that it was an issue because the highest they'll accept is 37.5. Of course. She said if I wanted I could wait 10 minute, but if I had been sitting with my jacket off, and hadnt just drank a coffee or anything chances are it wouldnt go down. Since I had to be home in less than an hour because Andy was going out, I didnt have time to wait. I was kind of shocked walking out of there, I didnt think the thing to stop me from donating blood would be my temperature! Maybe next time. So Ill call today to make another appointment to donate blood at the next blood drive, and we'll see what happens!
Anyways, I should tidy up the house and maybe have some breakfast before Eli wakes up. I should also maybe go check to see if he's breathing since its almost 9am. Remember Im not complaning or anything, and itll be just my luck that ive completely jinxed this sleeping routine!!
Here are some picture from our Family Christmas this past weekend! Enjoy!
Getting the chicken ready for fondue!
My 2 boys!
Hi Mom!!
Hanging out on the couch
Eli apparently not impressed
I wake up and look at the clock and figure its time to get up, and he doesnt wakeup for awhile! Its nice to have some time in the morning to myself to check my email, tidy up, get his breakfast started, or even get dressed myself!
Tomorrow morning we're heading out of the house for around 9:00am to be somewhere for 9:15, so I have a feeling Ill have to wake him up instead of him waking me up! I remember when he used to get up at 5a.m, and the day was so long! Just wait, because Ive said all of this tomorrow he'll be up before the sun! And I have to be honest, as I got up this morning after sleeping in until 8:20ish, I thought to myself that Im really enjoying my sleep and am not sure if Im ready to have another baby anytime soon because it'll be another long year before I have sleep to myself again!
Last night, I headed off to the Catholic Church in Sherwood Park, they were having a blood donor drive and Ive wanted to donate for a long time. Since before I had Eli. But I couldnt because I had been to mexico, or gotten a tattoo, or was pregnant and then after I was pregnant I couldnt either for 6 months because I was RH negative, and had to get a shot after I had Eli, so yesterday was the day! Or not. I went in for my appointment, sat down and waited for my number to be called. They checked over my information, then poked my finger to check my iron levels. Awesome!! The woman said that girls generally never have such good iron. The lowert they'll accept was 123 and I had 150. The girl sitting beside me had too low of iron so couldnt donate. Anyways, next I filled out my form, and waited again to speak to a nurse. I went back into her little area to talk. She took my blood pressure which was awesome as well. (Am I feeling good about myself at this point or what!!!) Then she took my temperature, 37.8 degrees celcius. I had a fever. I felt fine, wasnt feeling warm, or ill at all. She said that it was an issue because the highest they'll accept is 37.5. Of course. She said if I wanted I could wait 10 minute, but if I had been sitting with my jacket off, and hadnt just drank a coffee or anything chances are it wouldnt go down. Since I had to be home in less than an hour because Andy was going out, I didnt have time to wait. I was kind of shocked walking out of there, I didnt think the thing to stop me from donating blood would be my temperature! Maybe next time. So Ill call today to make another appointment to donate blood at the next blood drive, and we'll see what happens!
Anyways, I should tidy up the house and maybe have some breakfast before Eli wakes up. I should also maybe go check to see if he's breathing since its almost 9am. Remember Im not complaning or anything, and itll be just my luck that ive completely jinxed this sleeping routine!!
Here are some picture from our Family Christmas this past weekend! Enjoy!
Getting the chicken ready for fondue!
My 2 boys!
Hi Mom!!
Hanging out on the couch
Eli apparently not impressed
Saturday, November 27, 2010
2010 Family Christmas
Our 2010 family Christmas has come and gone. It was great! Just like old times! It actually felt like Katherine was never even gone! So awesome!
Spending the time together as a family, hanging out around the table, openning presents and having a drink or two was such a blessing! Eli did awesome. He was distracted all night and he didnt have one upset at all! Weft him there to sleep over, so we didnt have to drag him home super late. He went to bed around 10p.m, (waaay later than usual, by almost 2.5 hours!!) he had no issues going to bed. We put him in the crib, he rolled over and didnt make a peep. He did however wake up at 6a.m. My poor mom! But he had a great time! I was so proud of him. He was such a character, and brought so much laughter to our Christmas this year!
Because he was so over tired today he slept for 4 hours, a well needed nap. We went off to church tonight, and it was a breath of fresh air. We were blessed by the service, and it was awesome to be there! We came hom and put Eli to bed and now we're relaxing!
Nothing like a weekend of family and relaxing!! Aaaah.
Spending the time together as a family, hanging out around the table, openning presents and having a drink or two was such a blessing! Eli did awesome. He was distracted all night and he didnt have one upset at all! Weft him there to sleep over, so we didnt have to drag him home super late. He went to bed around 10p.m, (waaay later than usual, by almost 2.5 hours!!) he had no issues going to bed. We put him in the crib, he rolled over and didnt make a peep. He did however wake up at 6a.m. My poor mom! But he had a great time! I was so proud of him. He was such a character, and brought so much laughter to our Christmas this year!
Because he was so over tired today he slept for 4 hours, a well needed nap. We went off to church tonight, and it was a breath of fresh air. We were blessed by the service, and it was awesome to be there! We came hom and put Eli to bed and now we're relaxing!
Nothing like a weekend of family and relaxing!! Aaaah.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
We're meant to be
Im talking about my dear husband and I. I truly believe we're meant to be. Some days I wonder (depending on what day of the month it is) and other days I know! Theres no doubt in my mind.
Its funny, because I truly believe that Andy and I should've met way sooner than we did. We met through a mutual friend, and I had known this friend for years and heard him talk about Andy many times. I went to the same church service for months as Andy, and at one point felt that I should go over and talk to Andy and his friend (I hadnt yet met either of them!) but ignored the feeling. Later on, once we had met I learned of Andy's story growing up and how his parents were missionaries in Spain. I told my mom about his story and my mom informed me that she knew his mom and had gone to a ladies retreat at Salem Acres (a bible camp I grew up going to, as well as volunteering at!!) The summer And and I met I went off to camp for a week to volunteer as a camp counsellor. We had just started dating, and I told him of this camp. He asked me the name, and I told him. Turns out that he grew up there for a small portion of his life. How crazy is that!? So off to camp I went. My co counsellor in the same cabin turned out to be his cousin!?! What a small world! I couldnt believe it!
Just after Andy and I started dating we were hanging out after a church service with a bunch of other friends. Andy asked "So, do you like stuff?" and I said, "Stuff is good." He was so surprised that I said that, and later informed me (down the road once we were serious) that he has told his best friend Ryan that the girl he was going to ask the girl he was going to marry if she liked stuff, and if she said stuff is good, he would marry her. I know, dumb right? But I think its funny!!
Okay so heres another thing I think is pretty neat. Personally, I think our personalities really compliment each other. He is the complete opposite as me, and when people say "opposites attract" I think this couldnt be more true. We keep each other balanced. When I look up the meanings of our name, this is what comes up:
Karla: Strong and Womanly
Andrew: Manly and Courageous
I think, what are the chances of that? We just balance and compliment each other so well.
Recently, I heard someone talk about marriages and how your spouse should be. This person said that there is no one in the world that loves you more than your spouse. They are your biggest cheer leader, supporter, lover, and friend. And in this case, this is so true. Andy always supports me in whatever I want to do. Like the expensive art class Im taking. Or the crazy dance classes I like to do. He is always behind me 100%.
After being married for 4 years (in April) we sure have come a long way. It hasnt been easy, and there are times where I wonder how the heck we've done it, but he is my best friend and lover. I couldnt ask for anyone better. Ya know that check list that every girl has for the guy of her dreams? All of my boxes are check off when it comes to Andy. He is the man of my dreams.
Its funny, because I truly believe that Andy and I should've met way sooner than we did. We met through a mutual friend, and I had known this friend for years and heard him talk about Andy many times. I went to the same church service for months as Andy, and at one point felt that I should go over and talk to Andy and his friend (I hadnt yet met either of them!) but ignored the feeling. Later on, once we had met I learned of Andy's story growing up and how his parents were missionaries in Spain. I told my mom about his story and my mom informed me that she knew his mom and had gone to a ladies retreat at Salem Acres (a bible camp I grew up going to, as well as volunteering at!!) The summer And and I met I went off to camp for a week to volunteer as a camp counsellor. We had just started dating, and I told him of this camp. He asked me the name, and I told him. Turns out that he grew up there for a small portion of his life. How crazy is that!? So off to camp I went. My co counsellor in the same cabin turned out to be his cousin!?! What a small world! I couldnt believe it!
Just after Andy and I started dating we were hanging out after a church service with a bunch of other friends. Andy asked "So, do you like stuff?" and I said, "Stuff is good." He was so surprised that I said that, and later informed me (down the road once we were serious) that he has told his best friend Ryan that the girl he was going to ask the girl he was going to marry if she liked stuff, and if she said stuff is good, he would marry her. I know, dumb right? But I think its funny!!
Okay so heres another thing I think is pretty neat. Personally, I think our personalities really compliment each other. He is the complete opposite as me, and when people say "opposites attract" I think this couldnt be more true. We keep each other balanced. When I look up the meanings of our name, this is what comes up:
Karla: Strong and Womanly
Andrew: Manly and Courageous
I think, what are the chances of that? We just balance and compliment each other so well.
Recently, I heard someone talk about marriages and how your spouse should be. This person said that there is no one in the world that loves you more than your spouse. They are your biggest cheer leader, supporter, lover, and friend. And in this case, this is so true. Andy always supports me in whatever I want to do. Like the expensive art class Im taking. Or the crazy dance classes I like to do. He is always behind me 100%.
After being married for 4 years (in April) we sure have come a long way. It hasnt been easy, and there are times where I wonder how the heck we've done it, but he is my best friend and lover. I couldnt ask for anyone better. Ya know that check list that every girl has for the guy of her dreams? All of my boxes are check off when it comes to Andy. He is the man of my dreams.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Cloth Diapers
Something Ive been thinking and considering is switching from reusable diapers to cloth diapers. I have a few girlfriends who strictly use cloth diapers and they swear by it. Even though Eli is 1.5, Im thinking that we can save money and possibly have him potty trained sooner, or at least have him realize when he's wet.
I would have to change him more often, pretty much any time he pee's as compared to disposable which mask the feeling of being wet, so he can go longer wearing a disposable diaper. Its expensive to invest in, but once you do it pretty much will pay for itself because we wont be spending $50 + per month on disposable diapers.
Its way more economical and we'll have less garbage. Its something that Id like to do with our second baby (whenever that may be) so if we invest in them now, we have all the diapers we need for baby #2.
The hard part is finding which diapers work best for us, theres so many cloth diapers to choose from. Ive decided Im going to buy a few used ones, figure out what works best and then hopefully invest in some. Like I said its expensive off the bat (a few hundred dollars at least!) but it will pay for itself in just a few months.
Any thoughts?
I would have to change him more often, pretty much any time he pee's as compared to disposable which mask the feeling of being wet, so he can go longer wearing a disposable diaper. Its expensive to invest in, but once you do it pretty much will pay for itself because we wont be spending $50 + per month on disposable diapers.
Its way more economical and we'll have less garbage. Its something that Id like to do with our second baby (whenever that may be) so if we invest in them now, we have all the diapers we need for baby #2.
The hard part is finding which diapers work best for us, theres so many cloth diapers to choose from. Ive decided Im going to buy a few used ones, figure out what works best and then hopefully invest in some. Like I said its expensive off the bat (a few hundred dollars at least!) but it will pay for itself in just a few months.
Any thoughts?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
So blessed
Im feeling so blessed these days. Life is good. We are so blessed beyond words, I just cannot explain it!
Tonight we went over to Andy's aunts place for his Grandparents birthday party. Great food & company made for an awesome evening. Generally, when Eli is in an unfamiliar place around alot of people he clings on for deer life to who is most familiar... Andy or me. Well tonight was different. He was relatively comfortable from the time we walked in, and by the end of the night he was the centre of entertainment. He was dancing with andys iphone in hand (which was playing the music) and loved going from person to person mooching whatever food he could get. He was so happy and content. It was a joy to sit back and watch how happy everyone was just watching him.
Im really enjoying being a mom these days. Eli is talking more and interacting way more than before. He understands what we say, and for the most part listens to us. I never expected that a little guy could bring so much joy and happiness to our lives... but he sure has. I love being his mom and spending time with him.
This week is going to go by so fast, but Im looking forward to it. I get to go out with one of my girlfriends for supper, working out, and my baby sister is coming home for a few days and we get to celebrate Christmas on Friday night! Im not even excited about presents and stuff just spending time with my sister. I cant wait for Eli to see her (I know Ive told you all this before but . . .) Im just that excited! If you think of me this week, please pray for her safety as she travels home on the roads. Its only 12 hours from Montanna to home but lets pray for good travelling conditions and safety. I appreciate it!!
Tonight we went over to Andy's aunts place for his Grandparents birthday party. Great food & company made for an awesome evening. Generally, when Eli is in an unfamiliar place around alot of people he clings on for deer life to who is most familiar... Andy or me. Well tonight was different. He was relatively comfortable from the time we walked in, and by the end of the night he was the centre of entertainment. He was dancing with andys iphone in hand (which was playing the music) and loved going from person to person mooching whatever food he could get. He was so happy and content. It was a joy to sit back and watch how happy everyone was just watching him.
Im really enjoying being a mom these days. Eli is talking more and interacting way more than before. He understands what we say, and for the most part listens to us. I never expected that a little guy could bring so much joy and happiness to our lives... but he sure has. I love being his mom and spending time with him.
This week is going to go by so fast, but Im looking forward to it. I get to go out with one of my girlfriends for supper, working out, and my baby sister is coming home for a few days and we get to celebrate Christmas on Friday night! Im not even excited about presents and stuff just spending time with my sister. I cant wait for Eli to see her (I know Ive told you all this before but . . .) Im just that excited! If you think of me this week, please pray for her safety as she travels home on the roads. Its only 12 hours from Montanna to home but lets pray for good travelling conditions and safety. I appreciate it!!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Braces Update
So Im going onto 8 weeks with my braces. It feels like its been longer than that, unfortunately. Im not longer in pain with my teeth (depending on the day). My teeth are sometimes sensitive but not as bad as it was in the beginning. The pain in the beginning was horrible, and the canker sores I had were even worse.
But so far I can see that my teeth have started to straighten out. The bottom I can visibly see, and my bite has changed. At the beginning I couldnt bite down, my teeth wouldnt touch which made eating very hard. Now I can eat no problem and bite down into foods fairly easily. Ive had a few issues with the gaps where I had 2 teeth pulled. Because theres no bracket to hold the wire in that spot Ive had the wire bend and come out when eating. The first time it was a bagel and the second time was eating a halloween chocolate bar. oops. I was able to get it back in the second time, but the first I had to go in to get it fixed.
Poking wires havent been an issue for me too much. The only poking wires Ive had is where I hook my elastics too, and thats been a pain, but I figured out last night how to fix the issue myself.
So far Ive adjusted to my braces really well. At first I was very self concious and uncomfortable but now Im back to smiling big and not worry about them. I have my first adjustment/tightening in a few weeks so Ill let you know after my adjustment how I feel. I think that Ill probably be pretty miserable for a few days.
Keep you posted!
But so far I can see that my teeth have started to straighten out. The bottom I can visibly see, and my bite has changed. At the beginning I couldnt bite down, my teeth wouldnt touch which made eating very hard. Now I can eat no problem and bite down into foods fairly easily. Ive had a few issues with the gaps where I had 2 teeth pulled. Because theres no bracket to hold the wire in that spot Ive had the wire bend and come out when eating. The first time it was a bagel and the second time was eating a halloween chocolate bar. oops. I was able to get it back in the second time, but the first I had to go in to get it fixed.
Poking wires havent been an issue for me too much. The only poking wires Ive had is where I hook my elastics too, and thats been a pain, but I figured out last night how to fix the issue myself.
So far Ive adjusted to my braces really well. At first I was very self concious and uncomfortable but now Im back to smiling big and not worry about them. I have my first adjustment/tightening in a few weeks so Ill let you know after my adjustment how I feel. I think that Ill probably be pretty miserable for a few days.
Keep you posted!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Cars, Cars, Cars
Andy and I always said that once he was done school and was a journeyman we would get a new vehicle. Well that time has arrived and we feel completely overwhelmed. I do at least.
So many choices, and of course I like one vehicle and Andy likes another. Ill be the primary driver of our new vehicle. We're not too sure if Andy's little tercel (which was my first car!!) will survive another winter, so we figure we have to do something pretty fast. For those of you that know my husband (and he'll agree with this!) he's an import snob. Just this weekend we were talking about it, and he couldnt agree more, but he wont buy a domestic vehicle... only an import. Sometimes this bothers me, but since he will be the guy doing the work on it, I suppose I shouldnt argue!
We've looked at the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4, but lately our eyes have been interested in the Subaru Forrester, as well as the Mitsubishi RVR (a new SUV). We're looking for an SUV of some sort, not really ready to commit to a mini van yet. But the choices out there are endless. A new vehicle goes along with a hefty price tag, and I dont want to be paying a $1000 in car payments and insurance in a month! Debt scares me, thats probably a good thing.
I made the phone call to the bank today to talk loans and all that stuff, we figure thats the first place to start so if we find something we have the funds in place.
So what do you think? Any good SUVs out there that have stolen your heart? Id love to know!
So many choices, and of course I like one vehicle and Andy likes another. Ill be the primary driver of our new vehicle. We're not too sure if Andy's little tercel (which was my first car!!) will survive another winter, so we figure we have to do something pretty fast. For those of you that know my husband (and he'll agree with this!) he's an import snob. Just this weekend we were talking about it, and he couldnt agree more, but he wont buy a domestic vehicle... only an import. Sometimes this bothers me, but since he will be the guy doing the work on it, I suppose I shouldnt argue!
We've looked at the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4, but lately our eyes have been interested in the Subaru Forrester, as well as the Mitsubishi RVR (a new SUV). We're looking for an SUV of some sort, not really ready to commit to a mini van yet. But the choices out there are endless. A new vehicle goes along with a hefty price tag, and I dont want to be paying a $1000 in car payments and insurance in a month! Debt scares me, thats probably a good thing.
I made the phone call to the bank today to talk loans and all that stuff, we figure thats the first place to start so if we find something we have the funds in place.
So what do you think? Any good SUVs out there that have stolen your heart? Id love to know!
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