Halloween

This year when we asked the kids what they wanted to be for Halloween, C was the only one that said something and stuck to it. 

Santa Claus!!

Of course, we got to choose for B since he’s too young to really understand what it’s all about.  We used an idea we had seen on Pinterest a few times.  A Bum! 

The girls changed their minds several times before finally deciding on something. 

After it was all decided, C was going through each costume in his mind… out loud.  “H is gonna be a pirate, I’m gonna be Santa Claus, and B’s gonna be a butt!  **Pause** Mom, why does B have to be a butt?”

I laughed hysterically.  Actually I’m surprised it didn’t put me into labor.  :)  Apparently, he was hearing ‘bum’ and interpreting that as a butt.  (I really hope it doesn’t offend anyone.  It was just a cute costume… not to mention FREE!!)

It really was a fun Halloween.  My family came over for carving pumpkins the night before and on Halloween night we went to our ward Trunk or Treat.  OH how I adore those!  Get all the candy in a fraction of the time and get on with your night.   

We also hit a few houses in the neighborhood that don’t attend the Trunk or Treat but have their houses ready for Trick or Treaters. 

We came home to dinner that my mom had made. I don’t remember what it was called but OH MAN it was delicious!!

 

 

This is one of the few pictures I got of Santa after he was fattened up.

 

My sister was kind enough to be Santa’s reindeer per his request.

Choices?! You mean I have real CHOICES?

Ever since I decided to try this whole natural labor thing I’ve discovered a few things. 

I realize that this is baby number six and in theory I should know a few things about laboring and delivering.  Sadly, I am ignorant. 

Ignorant to the fact that I actually have choices!  Real ones!!

The choice to wear a hospital gown (so unflattering ;)) or wear my own clothes once I check into the hospital.

The choice to have an IV (ouch!) or NOT to have an IV… that’s a choice?  Yes, it is!

The choice to drink (water and juice) and, dare I say, EAT during labor!!?  That’s right my friends, I can eat something if I choose to.  Kind of thinking that I won’t be making that choice.  Who can eat with all that laboring goin’ on?  Pretty sure I won’t be hungry.  Now afterwards… that’s a whole different story.  Bring on the Big Mac, fries, and the chocolate shake!!

The choice to delay the cord clamping… did you know that it is beneficial to let the cord stop pulsating before clamping and cutting it so as to allow the blood to make it back to the baby?  Hello!!  Makes total sense but I am just now figuring this out. 

The choice to delay or refuse the eye ointment they usually immediately rub into the baby’s eyes.  I need to do a little more research on this in order to make the most informed decision…. delay for sure, refuse maybe or maybe not.

Anyway, the point is that I had never done my research.  I just assumed that ‘this’ (as in the way the hospitals do it when not given any instructions) is the way it’s done and it’s the only way to do it.  There were no choices. 

Some of you are probably laughing at my ignorance.  You were probably smarter than I and did your research beforehand.  Go you! 

Heck, some of you probably even chose to have a homebirth.  I admit I used to think that was the most absurd idea I had ever heard.  However, after all my research I’ve changed my tune.  It’s a great idea!!  One that I would never consider for myself only because of our experience with little C.  We almost lost him and he had to be resuscitated (I admit I totally had to google that word to figure out how to spell it).  Very scary!  It seems that I tend to produce very short cords and he was wrapped up in his only once around the neck.  It was so short that he couldn’t come down the birth canal.  I was literally strangling him with each push.  For that reason alone I am too chicken to ever consider a home birth.  But I think it’s a beautiful idea for the majority of women who have low risk, healthy pregnancies. 

And now for my update on this little one growing inside me…

 

It appears that he shows no sign of wanting to make his appearance any time soon.  I am exactly 36 weeks today (the 26th) and I am dilated to ‘maybe a one’ according to the midwife…. maybe a one?  Maybe? 

And no effacement whatsoever. 

Sounds like another B situation.  B was a stubborn little thing too and came only one day before his due date.  And that was after having my membranes stripped the day before.  Who knows if he would have come on his own. 

Unfortunately, the midwives won’t strip the membranes… UGH!  Maybe I can have Anthony do it?? 

Ok, maybe not. 

All I know is that I do not want to have this baby on Thanksgiving!  He’s due the day after so… it’s highly likely.  We’ll see. 

Are there any other ‘unknowns’ that I should know about heading into this natural delivery I’m attempting?  Please share!!

 

Winner! ABCmouse.com Giveaway

Congratulations to Marissa N. for winning the ABCmouse.com full year subscription. 

Thanks so much to all that entered to win. 

It’s Official: I’m Insane

I am an absolutely reasonable person.

Just ask me, I’ll tell ya.  ;)

Crazy extreme sports and activities are NOT my thing.  Skydiving, parasailing, bungee jumping, mountain climbing… Umm, no thanks! 

My idea of extreme is a roller coaster.  That’s right, I’m a big, fat chicken!  You can say it, I’m boring. 

And when it comes to having babies I am the biggest wimp ever.  Seriously, with my first I was still scared to death of having my blood drawn.  Anthony went with me to my first appointment and had to hold my hand while I tried to convince the phlebotomist that there was really no need to draw my blood.  She assured me that it was necessary. 

Who knew that was part of the whole having-a-baby process?  Not me!  (One of the many things you are never told before getting pregnant.)

Over the course of having my five, almost six, children I have become much braver. 

Heck!!  I even let the anesthesiologist stick a gigantic needle, which I am convinced would even be too big for a mammoth, in my back in order to ease the pain of labor.  Oh how I love epidurals!!  They have been my best friends while giving birth. 

Ok, so there’s the occasional epidural that doesn’t work… like when I had A.  I ended up receiving a spinal headache and having to push with said headache… basically I had her naturally without wanting to.  Ended up needing a blood patch to relieve it.  Another story for another day.

Or there’s the time that I didn’t know I had *ahem* gas.  The poor anesthesiologist!  That’s kind of an embarrassing story.  Let’s just say it was LOUD!  And stinky.  And loooong!  The only defense I have is that when your body is going numb from said epidural it’s kind of hard to control the gas, ok?  That was with H.  I still get red faced whenever Anthony feels the need to tell the story to someone.  Oh Anthony… I love you!

But in my own defense, I have to guess that it’s happened to more than just myself.  Why would I think that?  Because the poor doc that was on the receiving end of my behind was unfazed.  He didn’t flinch.

I wasn’t going to tell that story but I’m good at embarrassing myself so…

Anyway, the point is that an epidural is just something I plan on.  I know ahead of time that it’s coming so I don’t stress the early labor. 

So, imagine my own surprise when at my appointment today with the midwife I started asking questions about natural birth. 

Say what? 

That’s right, I’m thinking about it which makes me insane.  I can’t even believe that I’ve even thought about crossing to the crazy side.  The side where all you crazy mommies who do things without meds are.  You’re CRAZY!! 

What has come over me? 

Honestly I don’t know what it is.  Maybe the fact that this is quite possibly our last baby.  I have to admit that the thought of this phase of my life being over makes me kind of sad.  (However, if our financial situation were to improve over the next few years I wouldn’t mind trying for more.)  I’ve only gone natural once and it wasn’t by choice.  I hear all the time that it’s something you have to mentally prepare for if it’s going to be at all a pleasant experience. 

Pleasant?  Pain?  Can those two words ever really coincide?

When I asked Anthony what he thought he said that he was on board.  (Of course he is!  It’s not him going through the labor!)  He said it would be like my marathon.  You know, because I don’t run… he does.  He’s crossed that off his bucket list (many times over!) and now he’s added a triathlon to the list. 

WHO DID I MARRY?  He’s a mad man! 

So, it has crossed my mind.  Strangely enough, crossing to the crazy side has actually crossed my mind.  Next thing you know I’m gonna be tandem jumping out of an airplane……..

or not… yeah, probably not!

Are you one of the crazies (Natural birthers)?  I could use all the advice and resources you’ve got!  Whaddaya got for me? 

P.S.  Have I told you how much I am enjoying going to the midwives?  I’ve only had to pee in a cup once (my very first appointment) and they let me choose my own schedule.  None of this pee-in-a-cup-every-stinkin’-time-you-come and having an appointment every 4 weeks for the first several months.  I got to go every six weeks instead being that I’m “an experienced mom” and all.  ;) 

Woodrow the White House Mouse–Review (& Apology)

So I was supposed to do this review back on September 26th. 

I forgot… totally spaced it!  (This pregnancy is really taking it’s toll on the brain… Did you know that it’s been proven that a pregnant woman’s brain shrinks by about 8% during the pregnancy?  True story!)

Anyway, I owe TLC Book Tours an apology.  I am so sorry!

But I do want to make up for it by giving my review now.  Better late than never, right?

My family really enjoyed this book.

I love how informative this book is at explaining what kinds of things the president does and goes through.  It’s simple enough that my seven year old understands it and my four and two year olds love the pictures.  All of the kids enjoyed the insight they received and the girls found joy in finding each of the Presidential Seals within each illustration.  I enjoy the extra tidbits at the end of the book. 

I’d vote for Woodrow for president!  ;)

Do I recommend this book?  Absolutely! 

**I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.  I’m sure they would have rather it been on the 26th of September but… what can I say?  I’m late!  Please forgive me!**

ABCmouse.com Review & Giveaway!!

We try not to allow too much screen time at our house.  I think a little bit is good but we’ve noticed that too much causes C to act out more than usual.  It makes him mean. 

But let’s face it… I’m as big as a hippo right now (seriously, I’m huge… people are surprised when I tell them I still have over a month and a half to go), I can’t keep up with the boys at this point (I no longer walk, I waddle… and my left hip is killing me!), and quite frankly I am a big fan of screen time and movies at the moment.  It’s the only way to keep those little boys of mine still for any length of time. 

I’ve seen the commercials for ABCmouse.com from time to time and thought it sounded fun.  So, I was excited to be contacted by Michelle who offered to let us try it in exchange for a review (all opinions expressed are my own).  I’d much rather they be doing something educational than just mindlessly watching the TV.  This was a great opportunity to help them get some basics down in a fun way. 

And guess what…

She’s letting me give one of YOU a subscription also… good for a WHOLE YEAR!! 

That’s a value of $79!!

We’ve been using our subscription for over a week and half now and have absolutely LOVED it!  C was able to create an avatar that looks just. like. him. 

Uncanny, no?

And I admit, even the girls (*ahem* and I) have enjoyed ourselves a little ABCmouse.com.  My favorite?… the fun songs!  That’s B’s favorite, too.  C really likes any time that he earns tickets.  He thinks it’s pretty cool and yells every time, “Mom!  I got some tickets!” 

There are so many different rooms and places to visit from the farm, the zoo, the classroom, and more that even C doesn’t get bored.  He’s usually all over the place with the computer because he gets bored easily.

 

I enjoy the fact that he really is learning.  B is still a little too young to do much of it on his own but C is able to maneuver his way through without any help at all.  He likes the puzzles, the lessons (of which I was able to choose the level at which to start him out at), and visiting the zoo. 

So, now it’s your turn!  There are several ways to enter to win a year long subscription.  Make sure to check back by Sunday, the 14th, to see if you won!!

 

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