Growing Up

Sometimes it feels like just yesterday that I got to meet this beautiful little girl who would completely change my life forever. Who made me realize what it was like to be completely selfless. Working 10-16 hour days just to provide for her and get very little sleep because the 5-6 hour window of sleep I could get would be interrupted every two hours by a little cry that I absolutely loved! They say when you become a parent, there is no greater love. I didn't understand that until Emily came into my life. Yes, I admit that I was elated when Emily started sleeping through the night, what parent doesn't?! But I miss the cuddles, the middle of the night feedings when it would just be her and I. How relaxing is it to just hold your baby and watch them eat and sleep? Nothing better! But now that she is almost 8 and has developed into an amazing little girl, I realize that these years are going far to quickly. Within the past week, Emily has had her first pimples (3 to be exact) and I had to buy her the very first training bras. I know, she is only 7!! I didn't think this would be going on so young. I mean, jeesh, I was 10 when I first started all of this stuff. Emily will always be my baby, but she isn't a baby any more. This breaks my heart. 11 more years and instead of buying pencil boxes and wide ruled paper, I will be buying her stuff for her dorm room. 11 years...that is it. UGH...why do they have to grow up? Being a mom is the greatest blessing I could ever have. Yes, I was a young mom, but it made me into the person I am today. I bypassed all of the poor decision making and got thrown into responsibility. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, one of which is not with me, but with her amazing parents in California. Oh how I miss her so much it hurts at times. And then there are times when I feel truly blessed to have her parents in my life. I know that she is well cared for and has the best life possible surrounded by a lot of people who love her. What more could a mother ask for? She has started school and even with her it feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms. (Might I add that I do believe she looks just like me!) I miss my kids being babies. I want to protect them from the world and keep them innocent. I want Emily to always want to cuddle and run to me when she is upset. I want to be able to always tickle her and hear that belly laugh. But, the reality of it all is, those things will disappear, she will hate me at times, and she will move away and create her own life. All I can do is help mold her into a beautiful woman inside and out and be here to listen. Being a parent is difficult!!!

Love These Kid's

Never did I think that I would be a mother to 4 children, but I couldn't picture my life any other way! They bless my life in more ways than I can count. They bring me so much happiness, they stress me out, they run me ragged and never stop asking for things! But, I wouldn't want it any other way!! These years are few and precious...I'm going to soak it all in.

Tonsils Out 7-8-13!!

FINALLY!!! After almost a year, they are out!! Poor girl was not happy with me at all the day of surgery. The nurses were so good with her though. They even put a hat on her American Girl doll and a fake IV so it would look like Emmy. We were both exhausted when we got home (had to leave our house at 4:45am to be in Corvallis by 6:30am) so her and I took a nap that afternoon. By evening time, Emily still wasn't feeling well and ended up throwing up. The scream that came out of her is a sound I never want to hear again...my heart just broke. Poor girl was throwing up right after having her tonsils out. Ugh, sometimes being a mommy is so hard. I held it together while they were prepping her for surgery, but as soon as they wheeled her back, I was crying. It is a simple operation, but so many things can go wrong. She did well and is fully recovered. We have her post op appointment today and should be all done. Whew...who knew this would be such a hassle. The doctor did say her tonsils were HUGE and that she probably won't snore anymore. He was right...no more cute little snore and she is actually sleeping really well finally. It takes some work in the morning for me to wake her up. I do believe that I am probably the only parent out there that enjoys having a difficult time waking their child up!!

Engagement Photos!!!

They are done!!! Now we just have to make up the invites!! Less than 4 months now...AAAAGGGHHH!! So much to do, so little time!

Wedding Dress

Finally broke down and went dress shopping! Found the dress in 1.5 hours!! I am in love with it, which is odd for me to love a dress. I'm a jeans and hoodie type of girl! But now that I tried it on, I'm in love!

FINALLY!!!

Sleep study results came in and she has significant sleep apnea. Called the ENT, who only comes to Lincoln City twice a month, and got in to see him within 6 days!!! Went and had the consult with him and he agreed that her tonsils and adenoids need to come out ASAP. Now we are just waiting on the approval from the insurance, which could be up to 6 weeks. So far it has been 3 weeks, and I am impatiently waiting. Knowing she isn't breathing at night is rather unnerving. I want her fixed now!!! It's been rather beautiful here on the Oregon Coast...and was beautiful for the entire spring break...rather unusual for us!! I am working full time at the deli. Both of Greg's employees quit without notice and that left him alone. So, I am now on call at the hotel and learning tons about the food industry. An industry I never saw myself in, but rather enjoying it. I think primarily because I have personal investment in it, but either way! I actually get home at a reasonable hour and get to spend more time with the kids.

Sleep Study

After much wait, she finally had her sleep study last night. Nice thing about it was that it didn't take place in the hospital, they did it at the Marriott. She was comfortable and relaxed. What more could you ask for as a parent?! Doctor tried calling with the results today, but I missed the call because I was busy with work. Hope to hear from him tomorrow.