So this son of mine (squeeeee!) is due to arrive in the middle of October. Official C-section Day is not set yet, but mid-October is a good estimate. This means I will get one week off entirely and then two weeks of light duty before I go back to the studio full time. Fine, I can handle that. It's really not that bad. Here's my question.
I'm interested in getting a baby sling to "wear" Trace while I am teaching for the first few weeks back. That is the easiest and safest thing for us both. Rory will be at daycare or a family member's until after Thanksgiving when I am working, but I want Trace with me. I didn't do a sling with Rory because it was summer and it was HOT when she was little. It will be fall/winter with Trace though, so it'd be nice and cozy for him.
Any recommendations on good slings? I can't nurse due to some physical issues so it doesn't need to have that capability. Any slings to avoid?
Thanks!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
God Gave Me You
"God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes
I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be
But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
and I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I pray we never undo
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.
Nobody's marriage is perfect, that's for sure. Mine isn't. Neither is yours. But what I needed to remember today is that no matter how big my mountains are, I'm not in it alone. :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
20 weeks and 4 days...over half way there!
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
How Far Along: 20 weeks and 4 days
Size of baby:
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6 lbs gained total. I asked the nurse on Tuesday what the total gained was. She was very proud of me and told me I'm right on target. Phew! I can't wait to have this kiddo here, get my staples out and start walking walking walking!
Maternity Clothes: You betcha. I can still wear my normal comfy pants, but shirts are almost all maternity now, as well as jeans and shorts.
Gender: Still a boy, of course. Mr. Trace, we're anxious for you! (But you keep cooking, please!)
Movement: It's really picking up lately. I felt him a lot last weekend at the dance recital.
Food Cravings: Chinese buffet and Olive Garden. Holy cow. Don't get me started!
What I miss: When summer rolls around, I like a fruity cocktail on the deck at night. I do miss that, but it's not big sacrifice, let's be honest. :)
Sleep: Ugh. I wake up every night almost DYING of thirst. I get overheated and dont' realize it then wake up needing water in massive amounts. I keep a Gatorade bottle filled with cold water beside my bed and down it at least 2 times a night.
Symptoms: Prettttty sure I'm going to "pop" right out any minute now.
Best Moment this week: Hmmm...i know! At the recital I was talking to two of my students and their mom and had to stop, because Trace was digging in to me. I haven't felt that way in so long. Love it!
What I am looking forward to: Trace being here! I'm ready. I know. I'm only half way, but I'm ready to meet this little man!
How Far Along: 20 weeks and 4 days
Size of baby:
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6 lbs gained total. I asked the nurse on Tuesday what the total gained was. She was very proud of me and told me I'm right on target. Phew! I can't wait to have this kiddo here, get my staples out and start walking walking walking!
Maternity Clothes: You betcha. I can still wear my normal comfy pants, but shirts are almost all maternity now, as well as jeans and shorts.
Gender: Still a boy, of course. Mr. Trace, we're anxious for you! (But you keep cooking, please!)
Movement: It's really picking up lately. I felt him a lot last weekend at the dance recital.
Food Cravings: Chinese buffet and Olive Garden. Holy cow. Don't get me started!
What I miss: When summer rolls around, I like a fruity cocktail on the deck at night. I do miss that, but it's not big sacrifice, let's be honest. :)
Sleep: Ugh. I wake up every night almost DYING of thirst. I get overheated and dont' realize it then wake up needing water in massive amounts. I keep a Gatorade bottle filled with cold water beside my bed and down it at least 2 times a night.
Symptoms: Prettttty sure I'm going to "pop" right out any minute now.
Best Moment this week: Hmmm...i know! At the recital I was talking to two of my students and their mom and had to stop, because Trace was digging in to me. I haven't felt that way in so long. Love it!
What I am looking forward to: Trace being here! I'm ready. I know. I'm only half way, but I'm ready to meet this little man!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Why I've Been MIA
Well, my dance year is wrapped up. Stick a fork in it, it's done! We had our recital this past weekend. It was wonderful, to say the least. There was of course moments where I wanted to rip my hair out, because let's face it. There will always be silly drama. But our new mantra for next year: You can't control what others do or say, you can only control how you react. We're going for 100% drama free. Is this unreasonable? Well of course. But by focusing on our own reactions vs others actions, we are guaranteed to have a smoother year.
I digress! I get excited about our upcoming year the minute the recital is over. I can't help myself!
I thought I'd share with you some pictures, taken by Hemdal Photography and reposted with permission, to show you a little bit of what I do and whom I do it with. As always, faces are only shown of dancers who either have a Facebook account OR their parents do and post pictures of their children on there. Names are only given of dancers in high school or above or that are related to me. :)
This one is of my dear friend and lifelong hero, Brenda. She's an EIGHT TIME CANCER SURVIVOR!!! She takes adult tap and this picture is from our family dance this year, where we dressed as old people. (You can see my sister in a house dress in the back :))
This next one is one of my most talented students, hands down. She's a natural dancer and athlete and I cry when I watch her. :)
Last one for this post is of one of my teachers/seniors who graduated this year. She's an amazing girl, actually pretty quiet and shy! You'd never know it when she's onstage though. She's a powerhouse. I can't talk about it much more or I will cry.
I have many many many more pictures to come. So look forward to that. (HAH!)
This was a tough weekend for me. It's been a hard year in so many ways. So many things changed and were blown our of proportion unnecessarily. I can only hope that people realize that my intentions were honest and good. I pray daily that my conduct as a dance teacher and business owner will be true. It is NOT easy to keep my mouth shut and avoid gossiping about things, but I try so hard. I got slammed this year with a rude awakening but I kept a level head as best I could. I won't say more, it doesn't need said, but what I will say is this: God won't give me more than I can handle and for that I am always thankful. I might not always see what the plan is (okay almost never! That's why HE is in charge, not me) But I'm learning slowly to hold tight to the promise that I will come through the other side a stronger and better person in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end!
Enjoy your Thursday! Kate
I digress! I get excited about our upcoming year the minute the recital is over. I can't help myself!
I thought I'd share with you some pictures, taken by Hemdal Photography and reposted with permission, to show you a little bit of what I do and whom I do it with. As always, faces are only shown of dancers who either have a Facebook account OR their parents do and post pictures of their children on there. Names are only given of dancers in high school or above or that are related to me. :)
This one is of my dear friend and lifelong hero, Brenda. She's an EIGHT TIME CANCER SURVIVOR!!! She takes adult tap and this picture is from our family dance this year, where we dressed as old people. (You can see my sister in a house dress in the back :))
This next one is one of my most talented students, hands down. She's a natural dancer and athlete and I cry when I watch her. :)
Last one for this post is of one of my teachers/seniors who graduated this year. She's an amazing girl, actually pretty quiet and shy! You'd never know it when she's onstage though. She's a powerhouse. I can't talk about it much more or I will cry.
I have many many many more pictures to come. So look forward to that. (HAH!)
This was a tough weekend for me. It's been a hard year in so many ways. So many things changed and were blown our of proportion unnecessarily. I can only hope that people realize that my intentions were honest and good. I pray daily that my conduct as a dance teacher and business owner will be true. It is NOT easy to keep my mouth shut and avoid gossiping about things, but I try so hard. I got slammed this year with a rude awakening but I kept a level head as best I could. I won't say more, it doesn't need said, but what I will say is this: God won't give me more than I can handle and for that I am always thankful. I might not always see what the plan is (okay almost never! That's why HE is in charge, not me) But I'm learning slowly to hold tight to the promise that I will come through the other side a stronger and better person in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end!
Enjoy your Thursday! Kate
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
5 Things I Love, Wednesday Edition
I am taking a 20 minute time out from working this morning. I need to gather myself. I have been working nonstop lately, and for good reason! The dance recital is next Saturday and Sunday. HELLO where did this year go?! It literally flew by. I think the real culprit is the weather. Usually, the warmer the temps get, the closer the recital feels. This year it snowed two weeks ago, so it has felt like it was still winter. This week it's been in the 80's though so...it's boiling up at the studio!
Everything is clipping right along, though. Dances are done and most look fantastic. There's always a few that make me nervous, but they turn out just fine in the end. The program is waiting to head to the printer, posters will be hung up tonight. Pictures are this weekend and the set is almost done! I, two students and 2 alumni spent about 6 hours yesterday painting (and sweating) and now I can officially say, our part will be done today! Yeeeeehaw!
Anyways! The point of today...
5 things I love today.
1) DVR. This invention is genius. I can't sing it's praises enough. Dave and I have several shows we both love and we love to watch them in bed before we both fall asleep. He especially loves when I sing the gLee songs along with the TV and dance in bed...HA right! :)
2) Planning a little boy nursery! I have the best idea and I can't wait to get going on it.
3) Rory's water table. Dave and I got her a "water table" for out on the deck and she looooves it. She sits and splashes in it for as long as we'll let her. There's boats and cups for her to play with and she soaks herself daily. :)
4) Flip flops. Ahhh. My feet are loving being out in the open. I could use a nice pedicure, though...hmmm...
5) Top Chef Reruns. It's Rory's daycare morning, so I get to watch whatever I want on tv. :) I'm typing my recital speech and watching Top Chef. Awesome.
Have a great Wednesday!
Everything is clipping right along, though. Dances are done and most look fantastic. There's always a few that make me nervous, but they turn out just fine in the end. The program is waiting to head to the printer, posters will be hung up tonight. Pictures are this weekend and the set is almost done! I, two students and 2 alumni spent about 6 hours yesterday painting (and sweating) and now I can officially say, our part will be done today! Yeeeeehaw!
Anyways! The point of today...
1) DVR. This invention is genius. I can't sing it's praises enough. Dave and I have several shows we both love and we love to watch them in bed before we both fall asleep. He especially loves when I sing the gLee songs along with the TV and dance in bed...HA right! :)
2) Planning a little boy nursery! I have the best idea and I can't wait to get going on it.
3) Rory's water table. Dave and I got her a "water table" for out on the deck and she looooves it. She sits and splashes in it for as long as we'll let her. There's boats and cups for her to play with and she soaks herself daily. :)
4) Flip flops. Ahhh. My feet are loving being out in the open. I could use a nice pedicure, though...hmmm...
5) Top Chef Reruns. It's Rory's daycare morning, so I get to watch whatever I want on tv. :) I'm typing my recital speech and watching Top Chef. Awesome.
Have a great Wednesday!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Pregnancy Update...GENDER BABY! :o)
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
How Far Along: 17 weeks and 6 days, according to my ultrasound this morning.
Size of baby: Well, the ticker says an onion sized baby this week. We found out this morning little one is weighing in at 8 oz! Nice full glass of water.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure! I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and I had lost weight since my last visit. (Not unusual for me.) So...down?
Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants, except yoga pants. I can wear regular comfy pants. Mostly maternity shirts now.
Gender: Here comes the big announcement...we're having a BOY!!!!!
Movement: Not much. I found out this morning that I have an anterior placenta, meaning it's flipped up on top. Not a big deal, but that's why I haven't felt much movement yet. There's a lot of stuff for him to kick through! (Him!! Squeeeee!)
Food Cravings: Pizza again. Mmmmmm!
What I miss: nothing today. I am on cloud 9!
Sleep: Pretty normal lately.
Symptoms: No heartburn lately, some hip pain here and there.
Best Moment this week: Finding out we're having a BOY!!!
What I am looking forward to: going back to the doctor in 2 weeks to move my c-section date!
How Far Along: 17 weeks and 6 days, according to my ultrasound this morning.
Size of baby: Well, the ticker says an onion sized baby this week. We found out this morning little one is weighing in at 8 oz! Nice full glass of water.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure! I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and I had lost weight since my last visit. (Not unusual for me.) So...down?
Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants, except yoga pants. I can wear regular comfy pants. Mostly maternity shirts now.
Movement: Not much. I found out this morning that I have an anterior placenta, meaning it's flipped up on top. Not a big deal, but that's why I haven't felt much movement yet. There's a lot of stuff for him to kick through! (Him!! Squeeeee!)
Food Cravings: Pizza again. Mmmmmm!
What I miss: nothing today. I am on cloud 9!
Sleep: Pretty normal lately.
Symptoms: No heartburn lately, some hip pain here and there.
Best Moment this week: Finding out we're having a BOY!!!
What I am looking forward to: going back to the doctor in 2 weeks to move my c-section date!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Rory's Birthday Party Day!
Today is a big day here in the forest. It's Rory's birthday party day! I am so excited! I've been planning for a long time.
I know some people don't understand why I feel the need to make a big deal out of a birthday that in all reality, Rory won't even remember. I get it, I realize that she won't remember this day and it's not likely to be one of the best days of her life.
That's not why I want her to have a party.
I want to celebrate this beautiful life that God has graciously loaned out to Dave and me. I want to show off to the world how far she's come in the last year and let every one know for one day that she is the most special little girl on the planet. I love to watch people gather to enjoy each other's company and all in the name of a little girl. Each year we will celebrate Rory and we will do it with style, because I want her to know just how thankful I am for each day of her life.
I understand that other families don't feel parties are necessary, and that's fine of course. But for me? I am doing it up big while I still have family to celebrate with. I have a tiny family and I am choosing to make each milestone in Rory's life a big deal while I have the time and the family around me to join.
Pictures to come tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Rory!
I know some people don't understand why I feel the need to make a big deal out of a birthday that in all reality, Rory won't even remember. I get it, I realize that she won't remember this day and it's not likely to be one of the best days of her life.
That's not why I want her to have a party.
I want to celebrate this beautiful life that God has graciously loaned out to Dave and me. I want to show off to the world how far she's come in the last year and let every one know for one day that she is the most special little girl on the planet. I love to watch people gather to enjoy each other's company and all in the name of a little girl. Each year we will celebrate Rory and we will do it with style, because I want her to know just how thankful I am for each day of her life.
I understand that other families don't feel parties are necessary, and that's fine of course. But for me? I am doing it up big while I still have family to celebrate with. I have a tiny family and I am choosing to make each milestone in Rory's life a big deal while I have the time and the family around me to join.
Pictures to come tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Rory!