Story of Baby #2

Once upon a time Jay and I were very confused in life and unsure about a lot of things.
We were in a situation that isn't ideal for doing much of really anything- survival mode is what I like to call it.
We were just about to move to a new town so Jay could finish school and any change is stressful. Big changes...

That's where faith and a lot of prayer come into action.
I saw miracles happen in my life- wonderful things I never could have imagined.

And then we knew we wanted another baby.

The big question was when?

Of course after we move and get settled.
And of course we must wait until we have a secure job and know we can afford another baby.
Maybe we should just stay close to my parents so my mom can help with the first trimester (remember my pregnancy with Grant- so sick- my mom saved us because I really couldn't handle food).
Let's make sure Jay can be home with me and help with dinners during the first trimester even- that would be good to plan on.
Oh and what about Grant? Is he old enough to have a sibling? He's still so little and needs so much attention- can I handle having another one?

I thought once you started your family, that you would just know naturally and easily when the next baby was to join your family. Maybe it's because we are a student family and finances really do have a big part to play in our decision...Well, there were just so many questions and so many thoughts as I'm sure many people go through when they start a family or question whether or not it's the right time to have another baby.

This is what happened:
We prayed.
And received an answer that we were not expecting: not to wait.
We both knew it and we both felt it was right even though we had no idea how this was going to work out.

So here I was, pregnant and so sick. We were moving.
Things weren't perfect- we ate kind of poorly, I could barely help with packing- Jay was still working.

But it seems as if everything worked exactly how it was supposed to.

We moved,
Jay was home as he signed up for classes and started looking for a job.
Classes started and I started feeling better (around 14 weeks).
Jay got a job as nausea totally subsided (16 weeks). How did this work? How? I was able to have Jay help with things until almost exactly when I started feeling better again.
And even though it looks as if we have to use medicaid again, I am so grateful.
Grateful that even though it's not what we wanted to happen for paying for the baby, that I got an amazing doctor who is respectful of natural childbirth and supports this endeavor that I have.
Grateful that we didn't wait, grateful that I had help from Jay, even in the midst of moving, and that he got a job right after I started feeling better.

And every time I think it might not work or get scared or fearful, I remember that prompting and I know that somehow this little one is supposed to come right now and so far things have worked out just fine. There is a plan and Heavenly Father makes things work when we put our faith and trust in him.

Friends and Prayers- Sushila and Grandma Marbles

When I moved into our apartment building, I had a vision.
There would be 50 moms exactly like me, same age with same aged kids running around.
I knew we would all meet together in the shared yard area and do finger painting and talk about motherhood.
And my new best friend would live right next door to me. We would knock and drop our kid(s) off to each other on a whim, knowing the other would return the favor when we needed it.

*Sound when a record scratches*

Yah- not my reality at all. There are no children playing outside- only the next door neighbor's kids who I might have to tell you all about here pretty soon. Do people even live in those other apartments? It's like a ghost town most of the time..."where is everyone..." is a thought that frequents through my mind as I look around at the closed blinds and quiet apartments.

What has happened instead is a woman in my new ward put on the relief society announcements that she had extra grapes (did I tell you that Grant is a grape addict? Well, he is..."papes" are his favvvorite) so of course I called her up and went on over. We stayed for hours. She had this cute little marble run that G just couldn't get enough of so we stayed. I chatted with Grandma Marbles- yes this is what she calls herself- and G just played over and over again. Did I mention she is 93 years old?!!! She's got some bounce in her step though and is so cute. She calls me the next week and says she was just so glad we came by and to come and give her a hug at church and come visit again.

Then, one day at an area social Jay and I met a couple from Nepal. The husband Ramsy is doing his doctorates and his wife and son had just moved here to be with him. The little boy Srijan knows English from school but his mom, Sushila is just barely learning. We agreed it would be a great idea for her to come over and practice her new language with me since we both are at home during the day. I actually didn't really think she would come because we couldn't communicate at all- it was all planned through her husband and mine. But
*knock knock*
She came.

We couldn't talk at all...I mean what do I do?
We sat there awkwardly for a minute but I realized very quickly that really, she couldn't speak.
She would smile and laugh shyly because she was embarrassed that we couldn't communicate.
*Idea*

I got out a cookbook and we went through to see what she knew and cooked with- what she is familiar with. That was the best idea ever- pretty soon we were nodding and laughing and smiling about the yummy food in this book and she was learning some English words! It was fun and she said she would come back again.

We've pretty much hung out every other day since that day. We grocery shop and go to the park and Grant lovvvvves her. He calls her "La la" and talks about her frequently when we are not with her and her little boy.

Can I just say that I am blown away by this lady? Yes, she may not know perfect English but she is learning and takes everything so positively and laughs so easily. I am realizing that English is a way we communicate but there is so much more- so much more to communicating than just knowing the words to say. I've learned that through my son but I have also been shown this through this little Nepali woman. She has so much love and good energy and joy for life. She has become my best friend in this short time.

I never in a million years imagined a 93 year old woman and a Nepali lady who doesn't know English to be my best friends but they are. And they are rich in life and love and I enjoy them immensely.

I am surprised because when you move to a new place- it's scary! You leave everything and everyone you know to a new town where you don't know a soul so I have offered many prayers that I can make some good friends- that I can be a good friend and figure out how I can serve the people around me. That is a new prayer for me: that I can serve those around me.  I just imagined the answer to my prayer being so different but this is the coolest thing because not only do I have an amazing friend who feeds me and teaches me how to make good, healthy food and loves Grant, but who I am able to serve too: I get to help her learn english! I never thought that would be a way I could help someone but I think it really is helping her and her husband has told me that before she met me, he would try to teach her but she didn't really care too much but now that we've met she's really excited to learn! That made me feel really good. And Grandma Marbles I know just loves having people over and having a cute little kid play her marble game. And she has offered me something too: she made me see that I can make a difference in someone's life. That it makes a difference to her day if I come and give her a hug.

I am so grateful and Heavenly Father answers our prayers....just really it can be in such unexpected ways.

Dishwasher Follow-UP

Hi there.

I know what you want to know. You have been dying right?
You want to know if the dishwasher is everything I thought it would be?

If it works first of all?
If it fits in my teeny-tiny kitchen?
If it really makes my life so much better that I think things like, "Yes! I am a success!" instead of "I fail miserably at everything- just look at my piles of dishes!"
If it has changed my life?
If I have a billion new friends because of it?
If I'm rich and famous now?
If all of sudden I am beautiful again?

Okay, so other than the rich and famous part- YES!!! Yes! A thousand times YESSSSS!
It is everything and more than I dreamed of.

Now I can do the dishes and....
*Get ready! Hello makeup and hair (okay, I admit the hair thing doesn't usually happen still but it looks better crazy when I have makeup on).
*Play with Grant
*Vacuum- I know how can someone do the dishes AND vaccum at the same time?
*Take a showER!

And much more! I mean I literally used to pick and choose between these things- should I do the dishes or take a shower right now? Hmmm.... I guess I could shower later when the baby is in bed, might lose some sleep- oh well I have to do those dishes.

Oh and coolest thing ever. So I keep the house a lot cleaner and I am usually ready for the day and it's been so neat because people just drop by and guess what?! I'm ready for them. Oh and I'm also feeling good enough to go out and about (I can't believe how feeling good makes you want to go do things- duh) and I've met all these cute little moms at the park with little boys the same age as mine and I just feel like life is so enjoyable.

Is it all because of the dishwasher?

Really?

Of course not. I truly believe I could have changed my thoughts and turned my life around to be more positive and just let a few things go but the dishwasher automatically brings these thoughts to me that help me be positive without even trying. It's great.

I love Bertha. That's her name. It means "bright and glorious" which is now how every day is with her around.

I know that bottom part is falling off but hey it works and it was free and it is glorious!

Mom on T.V- the Fire

My mom was on t.v.

http://fox13now.com/2013/06/13/fire-burning-in-provo/


She told me she was embarrassed she couldn't brush her hair-typical mom.

Well, the scoop is this:
My dad took the dog fishing which he has never done before and has never thought of doing before but just happened to take her that day.

There was a fireman who was directed to go down the hill, below the flames to get the base of the fire under control but had an impression to come to the top to fight the fire- if he hadn't....

The firemen were baffled that the houses didn't burn with the strong winds

My family is staying in a hotel because the smell is so bad. And my mom is excited because now the insurance covers all the walls to be cleaned (smoke gets into everything).

I knew what I would see- my mom described it to me, but standing there it just hit me that my family's house could have been gone. All that they have, just like that.

You can see how close the flames were to our neighbor's house- the trees were starting to burn and their home is right there.

That is where the power box was that fell when the pole snapped from the wind.

 

The fire licked the yard, making way to the house.

The dog would have died from the heat.

The view sure is nice though- I think my parent's should put in an off-the-edge- pools ....

Come on! Wouldn't that be so perfect?!!!

What a blessing my dad took the dog that day. What a blessing everyone is uninjured and the houses are still standing.

Tender mercies.  

The Flu and a Fire

G had the flu yesterday. I woke up to baby vomit all over me and all over the bed. Bath. Clean. He wants milk- okay? Bad idea. Baby vomit again. This time all over the floor and all over me. Okay. Shower. Then a few not so fun messes in the diaper. Miserable crying baby.

We've all been sick and I'm sure you moms have all had your days of dealing with sickness. I just have to say why I am so grateful:

1. Jay staying home a bit to help me clean up so I could take care of the baby
2. New friend who stopped by with some essential oils to help baby's body heal
3. That G was able to sleep a lot and by 3 or 4 in the afternoon able to keep something down.
4. G didn't get dehydrated
5. I was able to find some coconut water nearby- Good Earth, oh how I love that store
6. I was healthy and able to help G with whatever he needed to help his comfort as we waited for the sickness to pass- what a blessing
7. That he was able to sleep all night pretty much
8. That he was back to his smiling, happy self today




I am so grateful my family is okay and their house is intact. There was a freak fire tonight in their backyard and my dad just called me as I'm writing this and told me they are all okay. I am so grateful for my family and so so happy to hear that their lives are not going to be turned upside down from this fire. I love my family.
http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story/Provo-brush-fire/Lyxo0-o5102ge9GT1g3uug.cspx

My Brand New Couches!

That is 30 year-old-couches

that were owned by a lady like the mom in "Everyone Loves Raymond"

Covered in PLASTIC for 30 years.

They look and feel brand new. 

Other than the fact that the colors are totally 30 years ago.

But they have peonies on them. My favorite:)

And they have a little shimmer to them and the fabric is warm.

I LOVE my new (30 year-old-wrapped-in-plastic-couches).

Shimmery brand new couches I love them.

Blue Peonies

Also I love my living room! Here's a little peek:

Music corner where the TV used to be.

G's favorite corner- he likes shaking my table and knocking the stuff off;)

I love my little picture wall.

We're using our shoe rack as a toy shelf for G in his "play corner".

We've discussed placing plastic on them to keep them looking in tip-top condition. Tempting....

Crushed Headlight

I was furious when I got off from a long days work and discovered someone had run into my car, shattering the passenger headlight.

I thought, "Just because my car is in bad shape and old doesn't mean someone can just come and hit my car and it's fine! What the nerve! Obviously if I drive this piece of junk it means I can't afford a spiffy car- really?!!!"

I stood up to discard the shattered glass that had sprayed all over the asphalt and did a double take to my windshield. My anger fled and was replaced with shock to find a note there.

"I am so sorry I hit your car" with a listed name and number.

Relief and gratitude were my first two emotions and I called the girl up to arrange getting the light fixed. I profusely thanked her for her honesty. Her husband actually works as mechanic so I was able to bring the car to his shop to get it fixed up.

I was again impressed when he not only replaced the broken headlight, but took a little extra time to replace my grill, which had been broken previously, and my bumper, which had been holding on by a thread, and tighten the battery so it wouldn't jiggle around and become unhooked. He spent three hours fixing all of this stuff and apologized for his wife hitting the car.

Why was I so surprised that someone in the world is honest and goes above and beyond the call of duty? I am so so grateful and blessed and now know from experience that yes, there are still good people out in the world.