I think I am now in need of a bigger refrigerator.
And a bigger fruit bowl!
Happy Sunday!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Little Busier
As if life at the Schwab house is not busy enough, last week Connor started taking Taekwondo!
He only goes 2 days a week for a half hour each lesson, but he is having FUN! For some reason he complains all the way up until we get there, but once we're there and he gets started, he loves it. It's my challenge to keep Emma Kate quiet and happy for a whole half hour! I told Connor that since he chose to try out this activity, he has to stick to it for the first 2 months. Then if he decides he is not enjoying it, he can quit. Stay tuned...
This week Dominic started running on the Track and Field Team at his high school. Let me tell you something about Dominic...he has always been my dramatic stage guy. We tried T-Ball (he looked SO cute in that uniform!) and basketball when he was little. He was NOT into any of that! But the last year or so his interest in running has increased and he decided to tryout this Spring...
"Running?" I ask...of all things!! (I HATE to run! Though I have always wished I liked to.)
So here we go...practice everyday on the track. Rain or shine.
I am very excited for him!
It's been a long week though. Lots of ice, lots of homework, and very little sleep.
This is the beginning of the purchases that are involved with getting him going...
I forgot how expensive it is to be involved in high school sports:(
(But SO worth it!)
Emma Kate has decided she's going to follow in her mom's footsteps and tryout for basketball.
I told her she needs to wait a few years:)
For now we'll work on our bouce passes!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dominic's Birthday
This is my 15 year old!
Dominic's birthday started with the annual sign up on the garage...we've been putting this sign up since his 1st birthday. (I have since carried on the tradition with the other kids as well.) As we left the house in the morning I closed the garage door, revealing the sign. These days it takes a lot to make his face light up...however...this did the trick! I think he had forgotten about it.
Off for donuts we went!...at 7am!
I didn't see him again until dinner time. We met the whole family at Dominic's favorite restaurant...Tahoe Joe's. (I was very excited when Connor told me that for HIS birthday dinner, he wants to go to McDonald's...much more within my budget!)
This is Dom explaining to us what happens to our arteries when we eat whipped cream:)
(Using a straw, a napkin, and part of a roll.)
Everyone came back to our house after dinner for dessert and presents.
He doesn't quite fit on my lap anymore...but we still continue to try!
Emma Kate didn't make it late into the evening but Connor was a trooper.
Dominic requested that I make Grandma Heiden's lemon bar recipe for dessert.
(Yes...I'll put candles in whatever...they are a must. No matter how old you are.)
Yummm...
Presents:
Epic Mickey for the WII
New backpack
Running shorts and water bottle
2 New Books: Catching Fire and Mockingjay
A running component and headphones for his Ipod
Best Buy giftcard
Season 1 DVD's of Glee
15 Lottery Tickets
We had a fun evening celebrating that kid! Hard to believe he'll start driving this year.
Fasten your seatbelts!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Dominic's Birth Story
WARNING: This is a VERY long post...I have told the story many times, but never have actually written down the events of this time...
Dear Dominic,
I was 17 and a Senior in high school. I lived at home with my parents. You were due to arrive on January 30, 1996. Super Bowl Sunday. I had Finals the week before. I had continued going to school up until the very end...however I did ask my teachers to give me my Finals a week early...just in case. (People kept telling me that teen pregnancies usually resulted in premature babies...so I was a little nervous.)
So I took my Finals early and went on Independent Study(IS.) The plan was to do IS for the 3rd quarter and come back for the 4th to be able to graduate with all of my friends. This almost didn't happen...the school district doesn't do IS for quarter terms...only by the semester. I was insistant though that I wanted to come back, so my V.P. pulled some strings and made it so. I also had 2 classes that weren't offered in the IS program, Drama and Psych. I made special arrangements with my teachers. Spieg (Drama) told me, "Just go see a couple of plays."
And Mr. Deutsch (Psych) told me, "Focus on your baby. Just write in a journal about all the amazing moments that you are about to encounter." I remember these conversations like they happened yesterday.
All of my friends were scared I was going to give birth at school. I tried explaining to them that it doesn't really happen like it does on TV, but teenagers are so dramatic (sorry I know you are one right now) so they weren't entirely convinced.
School was taken care of, I was on maternity leave from Sunglass Hut, and half of my room had been transformed into a nursery. I had a crib, changing table, and Disney Baby decals on the walls. Super Bowl Sunday came...and went...
No Baby.
Finally on Thursday February 8, I went in for a Non-Stress Test (NST) to make sure that everything was still going alright in there. I was scheduled to be induced on February 14 (if you didn't come sooner.) I came home from the doctor and about 2:00pm I started feeling contractions. I had been having a lot of False Labor, so I was wondering if this could really be "it." My mom and I started walking the neighborhood to move things along and see if this was in fact, the real thing.
At 10pm when my water broke with a huge gush, we knew this was it!
After calling all of my friends to give them the news, I called the hospital and headed in. They checked me right away and found Mechonium in my waters.
Many people were at the hospital that night...My mom and dad, GramNet and Grandpa Ed, Grandma Heiden, Roger, and to this day some of my closest friends: Rose, Heidi, & Jaime (I think Janet was there too)...I believe this was correct...after all...I WAS in labor and I didn't get to see my friends. Back then only family could come in the labor room so the girls had to wait outside. My grandparents took turns coming in to see me.
Pause.
One thing you really need to know is that even though I got pregnant at 17, EVERYONE was so excited for your arrival. Sure there was shock and tears in the beginning. But after that...it was excitement and joy for everyone...especially me. I learned then, what many women don't learn until their late 20's/early 30's...the complete and all-consuming joy that comes with feeling a baby growing inside. At what normally is a very selfish age, I learned the "selflessness" that is necessary to carry and give birth to a child. I loved you with my whole being and so intensely even before you were born. I knew that you were a true gift from God and that He had great things in store for you.
Back to the story:
My mom was my primary labor coach but somewhere between 2 and 4am (well after the girls had to leave due to curfews!) she became exhausted so my dad took over and got me through some pretty tough times. I felt like I had a lot to prove, so I didn't get any drugs except a little Fentnol to "take the edge off." I don't know but I'm pretty sure I still felt the edge!
At one point I was up to go to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, bent over and having a contraction (sorry for the visual.) Grandma Heiden was with me, rubbing my back. When the contraction was over, I remember shaking my head and telling her, "I'm never having sex again!" (We all know that didn't stick!)
After a very, very long night I felt the urge to push...I think it was about 9am. They transferred me to the delivery room (no...back then Labor and Delivery were NOT in the same room!) At 10am on the dot on Friday February 9, you entered this world, weighing in at 8 pounds even and 19 1/2 inches long. Nothing anyone could have said would have prepared me for the moment I first laid my eyes on you. People in the room for your arrival:Nana and Papa, GramNet, and your father.
Very shortly after, the doctor and nurses took you off for observation. They wanted to watch your breathing. You had a slight case of Pneumonia caused by the mechonium. So I went to Recovery and waited...and waited...for my baby...I was taken to my room...and waited...and waited. It seemed like an eternity and I wanted to be with my baby! Finally someone came in to explain to me that your breathing had been ok, but as they were bringing you out to me, you turned blue and stopped breathing. They immediately turned around, got you to come around, and started you on antibiotics. They had determined that you had a condition called Group B Streap. (Now they test moms for this during pregnancy to avoid babies from getting it.) They explained the seriousness with an 80% mortality rate. They didn't tell me till later, but they didn't expect you to make it through the night. You were one sick baby.
I finally was able to go see you in the NICU. There you were...lying on the little bed with an oxygen hood over your head, hooked up to monitors and IV's. I was told that I could touch you but I couldn't rub or caress any part of your fragile body. This would cause your heart rate to go dangerously high. I was devastated. I kept praying, telling God that I had accepted this child into my heart and begging Him not to take you from me now.
I was able to stay 2 nights in the hospital but when Sunday came I had to go home...without you. I walked into our bedroom...alone...no baby in the carrier like I had played so often in my mind. The next several days were spent praying, crying, doing homework, visiting you, and pumping...oh the pumping...every 3 hours...night and day. I had so much milk! I set my alarm during the night so I wouldn't miss a "pumping session!" They had told me not to worry if I didn't get much at first...ha! No worries there...8oz every time...at least.
During the next few days you endured a spinal tap, blood transfusion, and many "pokes and prods" on your tiny little body. You did finally get milk through a bottle on Monday and I was able to nurse you on Tuesday.
After 10 very scary days on February 18, I got to bring you home! It was a wet and rainy day. Maybe this is why you love the rain! We had many visitors that day and I remember being so scared that something was wrong because you slept so much! But you were home...for good!
We still go to the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm every year.
Moving out of our apartment and moving into our new house with Dad. Last picture at the apartment before locking up and leaving. We grew up a lot together there!
Now it has been 15 years! The time has gone by so quickly. I still remember your giggle and how you wanted to marry me when you grew up. We have had some wonderful times and some really horrible times. Our family has definitely grown and so have you! It seems like yesterday that we were on our "Mommy-Dominic Dates" ...and now you are taller than me. Not only do you no longer want to marry me, but I am not quite your favorite person most of the time anymore :(
Teenager? YES YOU ARE! But as teenagers go...you are pretty awesome! You get Straight A's. You dress "normally." And though you get "mouthy" with us, you always treat other adults with respect (a very good sign.) Everyday, in some way, you make me proud. And I am so excited to see what great things are yet to come.
Just remember that through these years even though I'm tough on you and you don't think I understand you...I LOVE YOU. I have loved you since the moment I found out about you and I will always. Everyday I thank the Lord for choosing me to be your mom and I pray that He blesses you and your life always. I am so thankful that you know Him and His endless love for you.
Dear Dominic,
I was 17 and a Senior in high school. I lived at home with my parents. You were due to arrive on January 30, 1996. Super Bowl Sunday. I had Finals the week before. I had continued going to school up until the very end...however I did ask my teachers to give me my Finals a week early...just in case. (People kept telling me that teen pregnancies usually resulted in premature babies...so I was a little nervous.)
So I took my Finals early and went on Independent Study(IS.) The plan was to do IS for the 3rd quarter and come back for the 4th to be able to graduate with all of my friends. This almost didn't happen...the school district doesn't do IS for quarter terms...only by the semester. I was insistant though that I wanted to come back, so my V.P. pulled some strings and made it so. I also had 2 classes that weren't offered in the IS program, Drama and Psych. I made special arrangements with my teachers. Spieg (Drama) told me, "Just go see a couple of plays."
And Mr. Deutsch (Psych) told me, "Focus on your baby. Just write in a journal about all the amazing moments that you are about to encounter." I remember these conversations like they happened yesterday.
All of my friends were scared I was going to give birth at school. I tried explaining to them that it doesn't really happen like it does on TV, but teenagers are so dramatic (sorry I know you are one right now) so they weren't entirely convinced.
School was taken care of, I was on maternity leave from Sunglass Hut, and half of my room had been transformed into a nursery. I had a crib, changing table, and Disney Baby decals on the walls. Super Bowl Sunday came...and went...
No Baby.
Finally on Thursday February 8, I went in for a Non-Stress Test (NST) to make sure that everything was still going alright in there. I was scheduled to be induced on February 14 (if you didn't come sooner.) I came home from the doctor and about 2:00pm I started feeling contractions. I had been having a lot of False Labor, so I was wondering if this could really be "it." My mom and I started walking the neighborhood to move things along and see if this was in fact, the real thing.
At 10pm when my water broke with a huge gush, we knew this was it!
After calling all of my friends to give them the news, I called the hospital and headed in. They checked me right away and found Mechonium in my waters.
Many people were at the hospital that night...My mom and dad, GramNet and Grandpa Ed, Grandma Heiden, Roger, and to this day some of my closest friends: Rose, Heidi, & Jaime (I think Janet was there too)...I believe this was correct...after all...I WAS in labor and I didn't get to see my friends. Back then only family could come in the labor room so the girls had to wait outside. My grandparents took turns coming in to see me.
Pause.
One thing you really need to know is that even though I got pregnant at 17, EVERYONE was so excited for your arrival. Sure there was shock and tears in the beginning. But after that...it was excitement and joy for everyone...especially me. I learned then, what many women don't learn until their late 20's/early 30's...the complete and all-consuming joy that comes with feeling a baby growing inside. At what normally is a very selfish age, I learned the "selflessness" that is necessary to carry and give birth to a child. I loved you with my whole being and so intensely even before you were born. I knew that you were a true gift from God and that He had great things in store for you.
Back to the story:
My mom was my primary labor coach but somewhere between 2 and 4am (well after the girls had to leave due to curfews!) she became exhausted so my dad took over and got me through some pretty tough times. I felt like I had a lot to prove, so I didn't get any drugs except a little Fentnol to "take the edge off." I don't know but I'm pretty sure I still felt the edge!
At one point I was up to go to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, bent over and having a contraction (sorry for the visual.) Grandma Heiden was with me, rubbing my back. When the contraction was over, I remember shaking my head and telling her, "I'm never having sex again!" (We all know that didn't stick!)
After a very, very long night I felt the urge to push...I think it was about 9am. They transferred me to the delivery room (no...back then Labor and Delivery were NOT in the same room!) At 10am on the dot on Friday February 9, you entered this world, weighing in at 8 pounds even and 19 1/2 inches long. Nothing anyone could have said would have prepared me for the moment I first laid my eyes on you. People in the room for your arrival:Nana and Papa, GramNet, and your father.
Very shortly after, the doctor and nurses took you off for observation. They wanted to watch your breathing. You had a slight case of Pneumonia caused by the mechonium. So I went to Recovery and waited...and waited...for my baby...I was taken to my room...and waited...and waited. It seemed like an eternity and I wanted to be with my baby! Finally someone came in to explain to me that your breathing had been ok, but as they were bringing you out to me, you turned blue and stopped breathing. They immediately turned around, got you to come around, and started you on antibiotics. They had determined that you had a condition called Group B Streap. (Now they test moms for this during pregnancy to avoid babies from getting it.) They explained the seriousness with an 80% mortality rate. They didn't tell me till later, but they didn't expect you to make it through the night. You were one sick baby.
I finally was able to go see you in the NICU. There you were...lying on the little bed with an oxygen hood over your head, hooked up to monitors and IV's. I was told that I could touch you but I couldn't rub or caress any part of your fragile body. This would cause your heart rate to go dangerously high. I was devastated. I kept praying, telling God that I had accepted this child into my heart and begging Him not to take you from me now.
I was able to stay 2 nights in the hospital but when Sunday came I had to go home...without you. I walked into our bedroom...alone...no baby in the carrier like I had played so often in my mind. The next several days were spent praying, crying, doing homework, visiting you, and pumping...oh the pumping...every 3 hours...night and day. I had so much milk! I set my alarm during the night so I wouldn't miss a "pumping session!" They had told me not to worry if I didn't get much at first...ha! No worries there...8oz every time...at least.
During the next few days you endured a spinal tap, blood transfusion, and many "pokes and prods" on your tiny little body. You did finally get milk through a bottle on Monday and I was able to nurse you on Tuesday.
After 10 very scary days on February 18, I got to bring you home! It was a wet and rainy day. Maybe this is why you love the rain! We had many visitors that day and I remember being so scared that something was wrong because you slept so much! But you were home...for good!
The following are a few of my favorite pictures over the years...
My graduation from high school...a very proud day.
Love this face!
Your First Birthday (Funny little fact...Dad came to visit me in the hospital after having you while he was on a date with another girl...of course we weren't dating yet!) Little did we know...
Your 3rd birthday.
We still go to the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm every year.
Moving out of our apartment and moving into our new house with Dad. Last picture at the apartment before locking up and leaving. We grew up a lot together there!
First Easter as a family.
Getting ready for a new addition.
Now it has been 15 years! The time has gone by so quickly. I still remember your giggle and how you wanted to marry me when you grew up. We have had some wonderful times and some really horrible times. Our family has definitely grown and so have you! It seems like yesterday that we were on our "Mommy-Dominic Dates" ...and now you are taller than me. Not only do you no longer want to marry me, but I am not quite your favorite person most of the time anymore :(
Teenager? YES YOU ARE! But as teenagers go...you are pretty awesome! You get Straight A's. You dress "normally." And though you get "mouthy" with us, you always treat other adults with respect (a very good sign.) Everyday, in some way, you make me proud. And I am so excited to see what great things are yet to come.
Just remember that through these years even though I'm tough on you and you don't think I understand you...I LOVE YOU. I have loved you since the moment I found out about you and I will always. Everyday I thank the Lord for choosing me to be your mom and I pray that He blesses you and your life always. I am so thankful that you know Him and His endless love for you.
Happy Birthday Dominic!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl Sunday
What a beautiful weekend!!! It's times like this that make me so thankful that I live in California.
Sure our schools are in the dumps and there are countless issues with the state of California, not to mention that the housing prices are ridiculous in comparison to much of the country.
But this weather...can't be beat!
Super Bowl Sunday started off with a crazy rush to get to church on time. After church Jeff took Connor to Tilden to ride the train, while Emma Kate napped, Dominic zoned out in front of the computer, and I got some yard work done.
Libby was super excited to lie in the yard and soak up some Vitamin D!
Emma Kate tried out the swing for the first time when she woke up from her nap.
She LOVES it!
Man our yard was in serious need of some TLC! Jeff helped for a while when he got home, but we decided that it's going to take a few weekends to get caught up.
Then it was off to Mom and Dad's for the Super Bowl. Honestly I couldn't have cared less about the game itself. (I'm a baseball and basketball girl, unless the Niners are playing.) I was excited for food and family time...especially cause Baby Harley was going to be there! Oh yeah...Scott and Shawna too;)
I made Kim's Spinach Artichoke Dip...it was AMAZING! Everyone agreed it was a "must make again recipe."
Gram joined in on the fun too.
Mom got some Emma Kate time.
And I got some Harley time!
Emma tried to get some Harley time too.
Connor was a little restless so Jeff took him in the other room to play some "pool- Connor Style."
(This consists of rolling the balls with his hands to get them into the pockets on the opposite side of the table.)
Pictures like these make me wish I had a nice camera...This next pic is Jeff at the pool table playing, sipping wine, and sitting in my mom's wheel chair.
Awesome.
(Don't be alarmed...Mom's going to be ok...just some back problems the past couple of months.)
All this and Jeff and I were asleep by 8:15!
It was a great day.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Heidi's Birthday
OK so it's been a week since Heidi's birthday...I have majorly been struggling in the evenings with getting ANYTHING done. Every morning this past week I've told myself that I was going to blog at some point during the day....every night when the kids have gone to bed, I cannot force myself to do anything but watch TV and fall asleep. I have so much to do with some upcoming birthdays, etc...nothing gets done. I just can't shake this feeling of exhaustion lately.
Maybe it has something to do with the fun that I had on Heidi's birthday...
Maybe I am still paying for it.
Heidi always picks the best places for birthday fun...at first I was a little disappointed that
we didn't make it to Tahoe for the weekend...but then I walked into "That Bar" in Danville. We had such a good time...the service was good. The food was good (from what I recall.) The drinks were good (this I remember clearly!)
Here is the Birthday Girl.
Drinking her favorite wine (which I do have to agree...is pretty amazing!)
With her hubby.
With good friends.
This lady was a very good sport, showing up at 38 weeks prego to join in on the fun...well some of it anyway. Thanks for the ride!
Mary was my D.D. home. Love this girl!
Engaged couple #1...
Engaged couple #2...
Ben playing the drums with silverware!!! You should here him play...he's GOOD!
Not sure what was going on here but I love the look on Tegan's face! Had to include it. And check out those highlights:)
Did I mention we had a good time?!?!
I cannot post about Heidi's birthday without saying anything about what an amazing woman she is. This is a woman who will do anything for her friends and family. (She even took a home-made-apple pie and flowers to another friend who shares the same birthday!)
She is my go-to for all things fashion and all-things cooking...actually...all things. She is an amazing friend, mother, and wife. She means so many things to so many people. I am truly blessed to have her in my life and look forward to spending many, many more birthdays together.
Love you Heidi!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lunch Bunch
All year I have been trying to get Connor to stay after school an extra hour for "Lunch Bunch." Lunch Bunch is a program offered at Connor's pre-school for the kids to stay, have lunch, and play a while longer. The cost of the extra hour is a donation to help with extra costs and is tax deductible. I have tried many things to get him to go...when we're out shopping and I see lunch boxes, I tell him, "I'll buy you a lunch box so you can stay for Lunch Bunch...!"
"No!"
"Jack stays for Lunch Bunch...!"
"No!"
Then one day after school Connor says to me, "Mom! I want to stay for Lunch Bunch!!!"
With Connor being my second child, I know by now that these kids do not just change their minds over night...there's always something behind it.
So I asked Connor, "Oh really! How come?"
"Tessa (Connor's 'girlfriend') stays for Lunch Bunch!"
Ahh Haa!
Well regardless of the reason, this was the moment I had been waiting for! So we hopped online, he picked out a lunch box, and today he is all set to go!
Sometimes as parents we just need a little patience for our kids to come around!
Last night he helped make his lunch.
(I don't know why I'm rushing this...I've never let Dom buy lunches at school on a regular basis, and don't plan to with the other kids...that means many more packed lunches in our future.)
He LOVED helping!
He was very excited and wanted me to take a picture of his lunch.
I explained to him how Mommy likes to write notes on the napkin. (Once in a great while on the very rare occasion that I actually make Dominic's lunch, I still write a note on his napkin. Once a Mom, always a Mom...even if I do make him make his own lunch!)
He chose a penguin lunch box "because it's winter."
I LOVE this little face! Note the scar still present between his eyebrows from this post a couple of weeks ago. Pray that it goes away!
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