So much is going on. We have had a crazy year filled with sickness, joys, successes and sorrows. But through it all, we have overcome. The Lord works in mysterious ways and with humor throughout. Earlier, I had hit rock bottom...Sunday, I should say. I had given up and decided that I wasn't going to try anymore than I had to. Fortunately, through prayer and study, the Lord saw fit to mend a bridge that needed mending. Although the trials and tribulations are still awry, they are much easier to bare now that I've acquired my partner again. And we, the 3 of us, can continue on this journey with open hearts and a willingness to learn and listen.
We have just recently had a baptism...the first in our family. Braden turned 8 in September and my Pop and his wife Rosalee were able to come and experience it with us. We were all really excited they were able to come.
On Friday, Landon will have his first sleep over party, by himself and will be turning 6. We are so proud of him. He has turned into such a special boy and has even managed to keep his beautiful blonde hair and his hazel eyes...just like Daddy!
On Thursday, Kaleyna will turn 2!! I know it was yesterday we were blessing her, but we are going on to the terrible twos and boy, is she good at it. Down to the drawing on the walls with pencils and sharpies to dumping out bags of crackers all over the floor, she is good at being 2, but we love her anyway! She is a big girl, a size 4T and is an absolute gorgeous girl. She is looking forward to Trick-or-treating on Saturday.
Brogan and Talhon are growing up super fast too. Brogan turned 3 in April and has taken on the middle kid role superbly! He seems to fit in with both sets of kids really well. He can hang with the big boys in video games and trampoline adventures, but can enjoy himself just as well playing toys with the babies! He's awesome...and soo patient with mom!!
Talhon is crawling up and almost down the stairs...a feat we have quickly had to master. He is always on the go and thoroughly enjoys being outside and exploring for himself. He is a joy to be around and, just as we've been told by many, at his worst, he is still an angel...although I don't think they've experienced him at 2 or 3 in the morning...but even then it's pretty hard to be mad at him.
Joseph is working hard, as always and has acquired a great job at a local company doing exactly what he loves. No more commuting and no more missing time with the kids for days at a time. We like having Daddy around more!
I am better than I was this morning and I feel like the Lord takes a special interest in making sure I know he lives. We had a fantastic experience at Time Out for Women this past weekend and I was able to meet some amazing people and share it with some pretty amazing people that I am lucky enough to have in my life. And may I just say how much I love Hilary Weeks! Her music and attitude inspire me to be better than I am and better for my family and friends.
There is always more going on, than I could ever keep up with, but I am so glad that I have the gospel in my life to ground me when I need it most. Prayer is such a powerful thing. And the knowledge that the Lord is there and knows who we are, makes being without my mother, so much easier to bare!!
Here's to the holiday!! May the come with happiness, love and charity...and may they last longer than they are!
Monday, October 25, 2010
It's Halloween
It's Halloween...almost!
It's interesting how life works. Some days you have amazing experiences that change your life. Then, in an instant, or in a few unchoice words, your life is changed all over again. I'm not really sure how or why things happen, but I do know they happen for a reason. The unfortunate thing right now, is that I don't know that I wanted to know everything.
How does one deal with the fact that for the past 10 years, the person you love and cherish and consider your best friend, has been setting you up for failure around every corner. I've been competing in a battle that I didn't know I was fighting and I believe that battle has been won, but not by me. I know my BFF loves me and wants only good things, but on the other side of that, a subconscious desire to be everything to everyone has left me completely sabotaged and aimed at destruction.
I may be a little melodramatic, but seriously, I am at a loss of what to do. Well, I shouldn't say that. I've have given up. I am going to have to start over from ground zero, which is clearly a most difficult task given my circumstances. I have 5 kids, so giving up is not really an option, it's just giving up on me and all the desires of my heart that I've given up on. I've lost a lot of faith in my BFF and unfortunately, I don't know if it will ever be regained. But, on the positive side of things, and probably the reasons for all the turmoil in the first place, I have managed to give up my life entirely to the Lord. (not that it wasn't his already, but I have certainly given up on trying to make things happen.)
Life will go on, and things will happen in His time regardless of what I do. So, with fervent prayer and a longing for a clear understanding of my purpose right now, I utterly give my soul up to any who are willing to take it. I don't know that there's much of it left, but it is anyone's for the taking.
Sincerely,
A lost soul, struggling mother of 5, and an abandoned wife and sister.
Friday, January 15, 2010
- Talhon (1 mo) - What a rough entrance into this world...this little guy has managed to create quite the upheaval. On November 19th, Talhon "popped" into the world at a scrawny 7lbs 2oz and only 20" long. He spent 4 days in the NICU and then 10 days in the hospital for RSV a week later. He has steadily gotten better since we've been home. He is slowly being weened from his many machines, but is expected to make a full recovery by the end of February. Everyone adores him and we are thrilled to have him here.
- Kaleyna (1) - What a joy it has been to have a little girl in our midst. Her brothers are quite taken with her and she is the happiest, and most smiley girl that ever was. She is almost walking and is growing as fast as her brothers are. She loves to sing and clap and laugh...and she always has a twinkle in her big brown eyes.
- Brogan(2.5) - My coy, little imp...is always into something...mostly snacks or candy, but with a twist of his head and a coy smile, he seems to get away with a lot more than we intend. He talks a lot and manages to still befuddle us with his speech, but he is eager to make his desires known and even more eager to keep up with his two older brothers...but is also always careful to keep a close eye on his two younger proteges.
- Landon (5) - Started pre-K this year and he LOVES it! He enjoys learning and seems to excel in making friends and participating in singing and show-and-tell. He loves to go to Grammy's house and playing with his cousins. Clone wars, xbox, and TMNT seem to be his favorite things this year...next year, Kindergarten and the BUS!
- Braden(7) - In 1st grade and as successful as ever. He has reached new levels of achievement and continues to soak up all he can learn. He will be entering the "gifted" program at school in the new year and has participated in advanced reading and math groups this first semester...he has even gotten to read to his last year's teacher's class. He looks forward to getting baptised next year and is on his way to finishing the Book of Mormon before that happens.
- Joseph - Started a new job only a month after he was laid off from Ista. The timing hit at a critical point in my pregnancy, but we managed through. He has been involved with scouts and enjoyed taking Braden and Landon with him for good bonding time. He is eager to get in shape this new year and we both look forward to looking better.
- Me - Had our 5th child in November. Started a food storage group to get our year's supply...for info on a great system watch the Wendy DeWitt videos on youtube. Life has been overwhelming to say the least. But we look forward to having a pregnancy free year and moving into a bigger house.
Braden, Landon, Brogan, Kaleyna, and Talhon
Friday, October 2, 2009
Things we've worked on:
So much has happened. I'm not sure where to begin. So will start at the last post and move forward. (there are some pics, but more to come!)
July:
We found out we are having another boy. His name will be Tahlen Reed (spelling is still up for debate) and we expect him around the end of November. PreTerm Labor has been held at bay thanks to injections I've been taking. We'll hope they continue through the cold that I've acquired!
Went to the Atlanta Zoo for the first time and it was a lot of fun. Spent a lot of time with cousins and in-laws before the start of school.
Started a Canning Club at the beginning of the summer and it has been pretty successful. We've had two meat canning parties and a trip to the cannery with more scheduled for the fall...hopefully.
August:
School started! Braden went to first grade with Mrs. Sheppard (his reading teacher from the previous year) and Landon started preschool at Legacy Academy. He has thrived and learned so much. It really has been a wonderful thing for him. Aside from the driving to and from, it's been perfect!
Family Vacation to Florida! Paid "work" vacation for the family in St. Augustine, FL. We went to the beach and the pool, but really stayed inside because of the muggy hotness. We went to a mini golf place and the old fort. Had dinner thrice with Joseph's boss and good friends the Giovanni's. And had a really relaxing time without any hurricanes!
Still no baby problems. Looking forward to being done with the pregnancy. But more excited for the hot summer to be over.
September:
Went to the Depeche Mode concert in Atlanta with Mark and Carrie Clark. It was a blast and such a great concert..
.Joseph's first ever concert. He liked all the ballads that Marvin sang.
Braden turned 7! My little man is 7! He had his first sleepover with 3 friends. Rocco Cooper, Sam (from down the street) and Jayden Johnson. What fun they had! He was challenged by his grandma that if he read the Book of Mormon by the time he got baptized then she would take him to Disney World. Nice Grandma! Will he do it? It took him a year to get to half way through 2 Nephi?? We shall see!
Landon went on his first Field Trip. He got to ride the bus and he got to pet some baby animals at the 4H farm.
Super bad flooding in Georgia after two days of non-stop rain. Our Air Conditioner went out and we had to use our attic fan which in turn got Kaleyna, Brogan and I sick. Thank you Adamss for fixing it for us!
Joseph was laid off from his company. He did get a 4 week severance, but how quickly will he be able to get a job before it runs out. Baby comes in 7 weeks and what to do about insurance? We have full faith that he will find a job quickly and even more faith that the Lord will take care of us regardless. But I do worry about no insurance and what will happen if anything happens like it did last time. I have faith though!
All-in-all, we are great! Kaleyna is almost walking. 
Brogan is almost potty trained and Joseph has several prospects for jobs. Braden and Landon are doing great in school and Braden is in the gifted program at school. We are proud, positive and anxious for the holidays. Hope you all are doing well and we'd love to hear from you!
Love,
US!
Monday, June 22, 2009
A little bit of summer....
Well, here we are, nearly July and I haven't posted since April?? Scary! I know some people think they are the worst bloggers in the world, but I am positive that I take that prize! Anyway, a lot has happened and rather than bore you with details, I will list them all for you.
- I'm pregnant! Due December 15th...it's high risk and I'm feeling great minus the migraines!
- Kaleyna has 7 teeth, won't eat anything, just started rolling over, and went to the pool for the first time and loved it!
- Joseph took and passed his CCNA (the only one of 10 in his class that passed both tests) and enjoys his job immensely.
- Braden finished his first year of school and excelled in every way. He started on a 15 reading level (which is half way through 1st grade) as a Kindergartner and finished off at a level 32 (which is a quarter of the way through 3rd grade). He loves science and reading the most, but thoroughly enjoys playing with his friends and consistently beats mommy in XBox.
- Landon has been accepted into the Georgia Pre-K program and will be attending Legacy Academy on August 10th. He is still a very sensitive boy and seems to require a little more attention than the other kids, but is learning to appreciate the time he gets and makes really good use of his play time with his brothers. We hope preschool will give him a more well-rounded and social experience...not to mention the help it will give me when his new brother or sister comes.
- Brogan is a monster at 2, but still sweet and endearing at the same time. So smart and so adventerous. Nothing really scares him. He's got an amazing bond with his sister, but seems to enjoy cuddling with Mommy and Daddy the most. He is saying quite a lot, but has a hard time articulating the ends of his words so it makes it difficult to decipher what he says...at least to Joseph anyway.
- As for me, I'm just trying to keep up with the mom thing. I sometimes wonder what the Lord could possibly be thinking by giving me another baby right now. He obviously has more faith in me than I do in myself, but we were rather shocked at the news. But, when the Lord tells you He knows I can do it...what more can I say than, ok...Thy will be done! I got my hair cut short...which I love...and I have been working on Food Storage and have started my own group to help others get it done. Now you can see why it's so hard to keep up the blogging!
That's us for now. We have enjoyed going to the pool and Stone Mountain, Helen and Helton Creek Falls, a hockey game, a Braves games, and Gatlinburg, TN this summer. We look forward to Lake Lanier, to a small vacation to the beach...finances permitting...and finding out what we are having. Hope you all are doing well and we look forward to hearing from you. God Bless and stay cool!
Love the Garfields!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
So much to post about...and no time to blog!
Well, an old month has passed and a new month has arrived...and yet...a 1000 things happen every day. I will have to edit with pics later, but I know if I don't start sometime, I will never get it all done.
March flew by like nothing...did it even happen? Several things happened, but the biggest one for our family was Food Storage! I have been bitten by the food storage bug. I helped my MIL give a presentation on a program she found that was done by Wendy DeWitt out of Arizona. It was a wonderful and easy approach to food storage and one that I am trying to implement with my own. Then, I got the crazy idea that it would be really fun to do it with people and I would be so much more likely to get it done if I had a "buddy" to do it with. So, I thought, "why not start a food storage group for enrichment?" Well, easier said than done. Lot's of walls and hoops to jump through, nothing has happened yet, but I'm determined to start something on May 9th. (so let it be written, so let it be done!)
Then, we found out that Joseph's brother Johnny was being sent to Afghanistan for the military and he will be missing the birth of his 2nd daughter in June. Super sad, but we are trying to have a better relationship with his wife and her family so she won't feel so lonely.
Then, we found out that Joseph's brother, Jared, and his family are coming back to GA from UT to live with my in-laws. So, my in-laws are trying to move into their garage until their new house can be built. Life is crazy, but I am thoroughly glad I'm here in my own house! I have enough crazy to deal with!
After March was over, Spring Break arrived. We have been paying for a vacation since last year and had really been looking forward to taking the kids and my in-laws on the MUCH NEEDED vacation. Well, the "time share" we were booking it through went under and another one bought out these mini vacations. So, when we contracted to receive $250 cash, 2 tickets to Dollywood and a gas card and found out that all we were getting were vouchers for my "time share" vacations we were a little miffed and our plans were shot. Not to mention, it snowed 2 days on our 4 day vacation, so the free stuff was even limited. After we got over the crash in our budget and the snow, we really had a nice time and we were able to enjoy each other, the indoor water park, and a lovely picnic in the Smokey Mountains! (side note: STAY AWAY FROM TIME SHARES! THEY ALL SUCK!!)
So, here we are in April and things continue to be fun and chaotic! Joseph is back at work, going a little crazy, but really enjoying himself secretly! The CEO of the company gave us these great tickets to the Tuesday night Braves game and we were literally 25 feet from the catcher. We only had 4 seats so we got a babysitter for the boys, took Kaleyna and some friends that took us to Joseph's first Hockey game. It was a littl e cold, but you couldn't get better seats. VIP boxes weren't this good. I was truly amazed out how close together everything seemed. The bases and outfield don't seem nearly as far away on TV as they are on the ground! Thank you Kearney for the fun night at Turner Field!
With Jared and Diane arriving on Friday, Joseph's and Brogan's birthday on the 23rd, Joseph's and My anniversary on the 21st, and my mother's being for 6 years on the 20th, there will, I'm sure be a huge amount more to blog about later, but for now, this will have to do.
By the way, Congratulations Katy and Brian on getting married on the 4th of April! We wish you a long life of happiness and success!
Until the end of the month!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hail to the Leather Gods and the philosophy of a 4 year old!
Funny thing happened on the way home from Grammy's house:
(the following may be too much for your stomach's, so be forewarned!)
Daddy: "Landon, you need to eat the whole slice of pizza if you want to have a tractor ride."
Landon: "But my tummy hurts, Daddy!"
Daddy: "Landon, you need to eat your food so you can be big and strong...ok?"
Landon: "Ok, Daddy!"
(A couple hours later)
Grammy: "Landon, do you want a cookie for finishing your pizza?"
Landon: "No thanks, Grammy, I don't feel good."
Mommy: "Landon, what's wrong?"
Landon: "I just don't want anyfing"
(about 30 minutes later, in the car on the way home)
Landon: "Aghhh...I gonna throw up...(blaghhhhh - 3 times)...Mommy, I throwing up!"
Mommy: "It's ok, Honey, we'll clean it up at the gas station."
Landon: (a few seconds later) "Mommy! I feel better....the throw up made me feel better!!!"
Mommy: "Good Honey! Oddly, my car is now sick and so is Mommy!"
The wonderful played out philosophies of a 4 year old! If everything worked so easily. We ended up stopping at the gas station just before we hit the freeway and had to change his clothes (Daddy's job) and clean off the seat (Mommy's job). He managed to only get it on his chair...and seat belt. I love leather! And I will never own another car without it! Hail to the Leather gods!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Winter colds and Valentine Sorrows
February has been filled with many highs and lows already and it's only half over. My sister Wendy and her husband Keith have had their baby, Hannah Miriam Burton. She was born on Friday, February 6th, at 3:28 and lived for almost an hour.
Because of it they know that, not only is my mother holding Hannah right now, but that someday, they will both be there to greet them when it's their time to return to Heavenly Father. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I love this picture! With Mommy, Daddy and their eternity rings with Hannah! So precious!
Keith and Hannah
Lisa got to be there with Wendy! I'm so glad she was!
Wendy and Keith get a real meal after the hospital stay!
My kids have all been sick with one thing or another. Even Braden, who doesn't ever seem to be sick for anything, has had middle-of-the-night wake ups with ears hurting or tummy's hurting. Anyway, we could be getting over them in a bit, but the weather could change again and someone else will get an allergy or a cold. Such is life at the Garfield abode.
Joseph's employer finally hired him a "helper" and now "he's going to be home more" theoretically anyway! In this economy, we are just so grateful to have a job and that we know he'll have it for a while. The sad thing is that, we have this horrible pit in the back of our stomachs that won't let us assume he can't lose it tomorrow. Everyone around us is losing their job. My father-in-law just lost his and decided to up and fly to Utah so he could sell insurance door-to-door. He has no money and because of frivolous spending, they are at risk for financial turmoil. It has really made Joseph and I think about what is important. We are trying to build up our food storage and get our two months reserve and put ourselves in a position to be stable for a few months if he loses his job. The government is doing crazy things and we have really felt a need to be ready for the worst. There is no telling what could happen, but we do know that if we put our lives in the Lord's hands, that he will bless us and guide us to do the things that will protect us from these hard economic times.
On the up side of things, we have been so blessed. Life just seems to get ever sweeter. The kids are happy. They are growing up so fast and I feel as though life seems to fly faster than I'm wanting it to. But all-in-all, we are truly blessed and loved by our Heavenly Father. We could not be more grateful!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It's almost February and I still feel behind...but getting there!
So, I've gotten used to the idea that I'm not going to be perfect at the routines and resolutions that I've tried to implement since the first of the year, but I'm finally on the road to getting there.
I still haven't started back at the gym and I still struggle with getting dinner on the table at a regular hour every night. Joseph is still working like a mad man and the kids are just about at their peak with cabin fever...they crave to get outside for any reason. Yesterday, Brogan sat at the door for about 30 minutes hoping and waiting to see if we'd make it out. About 3 hours later, Braden came home and as soon as I opened the door, he jetted out in his socked feet on the wet ground and the rain coming down.
When I quickly swung him indoors, he burst into tears..."maimy - ou, ou, ou" (which mean Mommy, out out out - in toddler talk). All in all, we are all ready for Spring. I do love the cold weather, but I don't like the constant change in the weather. I look forward to it being consistent...does that actually happen???
Anyway, my rant is over, but I wanted to give those that read my blog and the future generations that will read it, that we do have good days and we can be productive if we just make up our minds to do it. Yesterday, I cleaned out my car and am proud to say that the Laundry Demon that has been taking over my life is now tamed...not gone, but definitely under control. Today, I cleaned my kitchen including - get this -the baseboards, the floors were spot cleaned with Clorox wipes and the walls too. Of course, 1 minute later, I had a bowl of cereal fall on the floor...luckily no milk was in it, but still...
My goal now is to take each opportunity as it comes and utilize it to the maximum potential. That means that if Kaleyna is asleep, I focus on one room and then get one of the kids to help out. If she's awake, then I read an article from the Ensign while I feed her or strap her to my back and try to play with the kids or read them a book or fold the laundry or make cookies. I am not always going to have good days and I'm going to be lazy when I'm tired, but when moments come, I'm going to do my best to make them happen. And definitely take more pictures along the way! (hopefully! ;-))
Brogan watching basketball - Papa, he's on his way!
Brogan loves to hold Kaleyna and give her kisses!
Kaleyna is not so sure about her swing
Landon is just all sorts of fun right now!
Kaleyna after church showing off Daddy's new wedding band
Brogan's new "cheese" smile
Brogan and Landon - Landon always has a messy face!
Brogan and Kaleyna - the best of friends!
These pictures were just too cute to pass up! I love my little princess!
Mommy and Kaleyna on Sunday
Would you believe that this was after we took the one below??
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009 is here...will I ever be ready?
Every year around this time, Joseph and I set new goals and try to start good habits and hoping to eliminate bad ones. We usually take the week before the new year to do this, but things just haven't paned out that way. We have all been exceptionally sick this season and has made for a rather exhausting adjustment with 4 kids. I don't think that having 4 kids is any more difficult than having 3, unless your sick and not getting sleep. Having 4 children under the age of 6 is extremely difficult when you are getting between 2 and 3 hours of sleep a night at different intervals...3 all at the same time is great! So, needless to say, we are behind...as we find we are on most things since Kaleyna has joined our family.
However, now that I am better and she is sleeping more and the kids are mostly better, I think I can finally begin again...at least that's what I'm pushing for this week. Here is a quick rundown of our holidays...it was too fast as always and not near enough rest for my husband. But here it is:
Christmas was great! We did things a little different this year, mostly because we've realized that our children don't care a whole lot about their toys that they've got, we decided to buy them each 3 gifts to represent the 3 gifts of the wise men who came to give praise to Christ when he was born. This was wonderful on so many levels - they didn't fight over who got more than the other, they all got big things instead of lots of little things, and there was so little mess and it didn't take forever to open, it will definitely be a tradition we stick with! Then we opened stockings which were from Santa and they each got a little toy from him and a slew of candy. And then, since we had Joseph's parents with us, they gave them the biggest present of all...a playset for the backyard...which is not surprisingly still being assembled in our garage, thanks to the lovely rain that we've been blessed with. Joseph ended up having to work Christmas day (in the middle of the night until 5am) and then the day after, so he wasn't really around, but all in all, Christmas was fun and more centered around Christ...which is truly what it's all about anyway!
Shortly after, Joseph had to go to Florida for some work training and he was gone until New Year's Eve day. We had a small get together with some friends and their families...The Clarks and The Fernandes. It was rather chaotic, but when the kids got tired, we celebrated the New Year early - like at 9:00pm and they were off to bed and we played a couple of games. It was a wonderful evening.
So, just like that, our Holidays were over and life contiuned without so much as a request or an "OK" from me...but, we are glad the New Year is here and we are looking forward to all that is in store. So much will happen this year and we all have so much to hope for. We pray that your year will be filled with love and laughter to help get you through the hard times and that we will all remember the Lord's hand in everything especially during the good times. May we all strive to keep Him the center of our lives this 2009, is our prayer. Good Luck and May God Bless and Guide Us All!
PS: We will have pictures up soon! =-)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Kaleyna's Blessing
What a beautiful day it was. Aside from the sickness of the little boys and myself, it was a lovely day. We were able to have some people over and share in the joy of this adorable little spirit. Joseph gave a beautiful blessing which our friend, Nancy Willie was able to write down for us. I'm not sure if we are supposed to or not, but I am going to share with you what he said...he has such an amazing gift for words...
"Our Father in Heaven, by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we bring Kaleyna Belle Garfield to receive a name and a blessing. The name by which she is to be known is Kaleyna Belle Garfield.
"At this time, Kaleyna, we wish to bless you that you will know you are loved by those around you beyond words. You have angels to watch over you. We bless you to know the love and strength around you.
"As you grow up you will grow in splendor, in glory, and in light. That light will guide you back to your Father in Heaven. We bless you to always be loved by those around you. You will be blessed as you harken to the guidance of your parents and leaders.
"We bless you to be of an inquisitive mind and to know the truth of this great work. We promise you to receive answers to your prayers as you ask. We bless you as you become a young woman, you will save yourself for a worthy young man. You will teach by example to those around you.
"As you find a man to marry in the temple, you will choose a man to honor, love and respect you. We bless you as you become a mother, that you will remember to love.
"More than I, more than we love you, the Savior loves you and will always be there. Make Him your friend. We bless you to always remember these things and with all other things you stand in need of, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." - by, Joseph Garfield, 7 December 2008, Suwanee Ward
I am so grateful to have this. I know Kaleyna will too someday. Thank you to all who participated...Grandpa Obenchain, Grandpa Garfield, Justin Cooper, Matt Cheek, Mark Clark, President Pett, Jim Adams, John Pruitt, & Bishop VanDyke. You and all your families are such a huge part of our lives. Thank you for being willing to exercise your priesthood on my daughter's behalf. I know my sisters, and father would love to have been there, but I am grateful, that in their absence, we have a wonderful friends to fill there place.
Can you see the amazing detail...it was beyond compare!
And a special thank you to my wonderful sister, Katy, for making the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. You did an amazing job...everyone said so!
My beautiful kids...at their finest! haha
The Garifield's - 2008
Mother and Daughter
The happy parents
To Kaleyna Belle, may she always know how much she is loved!
Some other pics for you to see...it was family picture day:
Brogan saying, "No, No, No!" to tak
My little puff!
The happy Grandparents
The best of Friends
Braden lost a tooth the day before...now, Landon and he are twins...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Play-by-Play - if you are interested!
The last couple weeks have been blurred by so many things.
On Tuesday, October 28th, I went in for my regular appointment, thinking I had lost some water on the way there. Dr. Fountain gave me an "aggressive" exam and an ultrasound, and found that I hadn't lost anything and that I actually had an excess from the norm (yet another fantastic discovery about my abnormal pregnancies!). So, he sent me home with the understanding that if there was anymore water than to come back. 
I left in tears and sobs because this was the last day of my 36th week. And, although way early for some, this was when I usually delivered with my kids. I was disappointed and fatigued with emotion. Not knowing how I was going to cope with the next two weeks.
and she came to pick me up. (Kids were all being cared for...thanks again Brittney and Carolyn! You're both so awesome!) When we got to the hospital it was about 2:45 and I ended up waiting forever to get into triage. 
thought things would roll pretty quickly. Only problem was that I was having no contractions. They started the epidural and come to find out, per my doctor, that I was only a 4...no change. So we waited...and waited and by 9:30 there was no change. They started pitocin and within minutes, I was out of epidural. They called in for more and the drug guy said it would take 10-15 minutes to start. I was already at an 8 by then and was feeling everything. Ouch! 
So, at 10:28 on 10/28, my little Kaleyna was born. She weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz. and was 22 inches long (my biggest baby by far!) she had a little trouble with breathing at the beginning. She had swallowed something and was having retraction. She went to the NICU for about 2 hours and then came back in all her adorable glory with nothing wrong. She had a full head of hair and good lungs. But, she never cries and makes cute little girlie noises.
Since we came home, she has had a small problem with jaundice - never reaching above 17.5, but still enough to
keep her on lights until yesterday. She has been wonderful. Hardly noticeable to this wild brood. Her brothers have instantly fallen in love with her and she is by far the most laid back! (so far!) 
Brogan is so amazed by her that he constantly makes his noises and talks to her and pets her head and nuzzles her. I'm sure that will change, but for now, it's precious to watch!
Mother-in-Law, Valerie, for taking time out of her too busy schedule to come and help out. We have the best family and the most wonderful friends around. We have been overly blessed and we couldn't be more grateful for all of the blessings we've received...especially our latest edition...Miss Kaleyna Belle Garfield...what a sweetheart!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
We Made It! Now, she won't come...
It's been quite the whirlwind these last few weeks. Since my last post, I got sick, went into labor, was in the hospital for 12 days and left without having the baby. Then, as of today, it's 36 weeks and still no girl. My doctor won't do anything to induce me, so I have to rely on gravity to get me there. Speaking of which, I didn't get to go to Wicked. It was very disappointing, but I'm sure there will be another opportunity...like there always is to go to New York on a moments notice.
Obviously, I'm a little frustrated. I know there are a lot of women who go to full term and barely have the size babies I do at 36 weeks, but I am so anxious to have this little girl. When I left last Wednesday from the hospital, they did an ultrasound and measured her at 37 weeks, and weighing at 6lbs 7oz...mind you, that was at 35 weeks. I couldn't understand why, after my history and the steroid shots they gave me 6 weeks prior, they wouldn't know she was ok. I figured that my mom is having a hard time letting go of her...this is definitely a comfort, but not very easy at the same time. I'm glad she will be healthy and I'm glad that we will get to have her soon, but I am beginning to get depressed. Nothing seems to work...and I have tried everything...except Castor Oil, which I just can't seem to do yet.
If you have any suggestions, please send them my way...although, I doubt that anyone has anything I haven't tried or found on the internet. Pray for me to get through this and help time to go a little faster than it has been. Everyday seems like an eternity. I know I'm just complaining, but venting is one of the ways I relieve stress...sorry!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Vindications, Apprehension, and Wicked Cool!
So, life just got a little hairier. I went to my weekly doctor's appointment and he discovered that I am dilated to a 2. He was pretty concerned, which then made him put me on a stricter bed rest plan. No kids...as much as possible! (He says he has 3 kids, but come on! Is he kidding??) Anyway, I am nervous. I'm excited. And, I'm getting more impatient by the day. It is the coolest thing ever to sit down with my belly jutting to the sky and watching it contort and misshape itself all on it's own...with the help of our little princess. Often times she likes to stick her foot right on my belly button and she'll wait until I touch it and then move it. It's like our little signal to each other that we're both there. (It's no Bella, Edward and "Renesme", but it's the closest I'll ever get!) I truly hope that she is healthy, which is why I will behave and follow doctor's orders...as much as motherly possibly.
On the other side of life, Joseph and I are going to see Wicked at the Fox Theatre. I am so stoked. I've wanted to see this show ever since they showed "Gravity" at the Tony awards like 5 years ago. The only dilemma is that I'm not so sure I'll be able to make it. If Kaleyna decides to come before than, we will not be able to go. If she decides to wait, Heaven willing, we will be able to do both. If not, we'll need some buyers for our Orchestra, center isle seats! Yes, really good seats...I will be very sad if she can't hold off for at least another 9 days!
We will keep you posted! Wish me luck - I"m going to need it!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Babies, Boys, and Bedrest!
So, my camera is lost again. I had so much I wanted to post, but the time just seems to get away from me and I swear my camera has feet. Anyway, I will give you a short recap of the summer and then on to some more important stuff.
August: Braden started school and loves it! We went on our first ever family vacation to the beach (Atlantic beach, not Pacific, but we don't have much choice...and yes! it's the first time the younger two have seen a beach). However, they never actually SAW it! Yes! We got there right in time for Faye to come and ruin everything. It was a work trip for Joseph and what was supposed to be pools and shells at the beach for mom and the boys. HA-HA-HA! We arrived on a Sunday, went in the pool in the rain when we got there and then the next day the pool was closed due to the storm. All the poolside furniture was literally IN the pool. So, for the rest of our 5 day stay in Jacksonville, we spent in the hotel. Only going out for food. I had to stop that eventually, because people kept looking at me like I was risking my kid's lives for being 6 months pregnant and taking them to my car. By Friday, (Joseph's only day off) we barely made it out of Jacksonville. I had great pics of the trees literally being bent over from the wind and rain. We made it, barely, and decided that August was a bad time to go to the beach. Braden was very upset that we took him out of school to sit in a hotel room. "Mom, I didn't even get to see the beach!" Well, worst vacation, but I did get to see the women Beach VB team kick booty on the sand. Olympics were my only saving grace...come to find out it was a perfect opportunity for the younger two to draw with crayon all over the walls in the hotel room. Yeah, I mean an hour of clean up just before packing the car! Bye Bye Jacksonville!
September: Braden is already bored with school. Getting "cloudy" days and not listening. Talking over the teacher...he still loves school, he's just not engaged enough. What's the mother of a genius to do??? J/K We disciplined him appropriately and has done better since. I, on the other hand, have been "locked down." I am at high risk for going early. I have a 59% chance of going with in the next two weeks. They've given me steroids in preparation if she does, but until then, I'm required to "do as little as possible." Yeah, right! So, if I don't behave, I'm going to be admitted to the hospital. Lovely! Yeah, my kids are gonna LOVE me! They have been very sweet actually, as has my husband (finally, took him to hear the doctor's threats before he was on board, but now he's great) and the close friends and Relief Society! My in-laws have also stepped in to help too. I feel very blessed!
On an icky, sad note...my sister Wendy has been given some tragic news. She is pregnant with her first baby due in February. Unfortunately, she may have one of those 18 chromosomal deficiencies and may not survive. They have done an Amnio and will get the results back on Friday. I ask that all who can, please pray for her and her family during this time. There is a small hope that the tests they did were false positives. It's a heartbreaking situation and we are all devastated. Don't rush to contact her, but if you can, please pray and fast tomorrow to help the hope become a miracle!
Hopefully, I will get pics up before too long...but don't count on it! Facebook has pretty much taken over my life...sign up and see me there if you don't see me here! Love you all!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
First Day of School
Landon was pretty interested too! He liked looking at all the toys and the neat things in his classroom!
"How do I smile, Mom?"
"That's a good one honey!"
