Nana nana nana nana Batman...Batman!

A couple of days before Halloween, the boys and I did some simple but enjoyable little crafts together. We first made some pumpkins out of construction paper and Karsten & Adon colored them and then put them on our front door and window for decorations. They really enjoyed making them even though they were simple. They have really come to enjoy pumpkins! The next day I had them color their small pumpkins with markers, and gave them stickers to put on them. They love playing with stickers, so they were excited! We all had a good mommy/son(s) time!

Karsten coloring his pumpkin

Adon also coloring

Our door...the finished product!

Karsten & Adon's decorated hippie pumpkins

We often go to a website called http://www.kids520.com/ to see what's going on around town. They always have a list of family events, family resturants, coupons, and more. They also have a listing of FREE activities going on in our community. If you ever need an idea of a fun family outing, I suggest you check them out! We looked there for some fun holiday ideas. So, on Halloween we went to the YMCA for a carnival they were having for younger children. The boys were able to play all sorts of games (that were just for their age) and won some fun prizes. They also got to play in a jumping castle and eat some yummy food. Adon & Karsten loved the carnival and really enjoyed everything about it. Later that evening we went to a friend's house for a Halloween party! To finish the day off we watched some old kid cartoons-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-- a movie that Jon would always watch on Halloween when he was younger. It was fun watching it with him because he sings along to the songs, and also because even at this age it makes him laugh really hard! It's the cutest thing! I love that guy, especially the kid in him! Thanks to our friends for allowing us to borrow it! ;)

Adon after kicking the soccer ball into the goal! Yay!

Karsten bowling

Karsten making a hoop! The next Michael Jordan!

Adon's turn

Adon & daddy doing a cupcake walk

Jumping in the jumping castle-Karsten

They loved playing with the balls

Making some new friends...

Playing & laughing on the way home! They had a great time together!

Since last year we have known what we were going to dress up for Halloween, but when we went to Deseret Industries to find costumes, we came across an adult batman suit. Jon was really excited to find it, considering Batman is his favorite superhero and it was only $5! Jon knew we had plans on what we were going to dress up as since last year and didn't want to get the Batman costume because it would change our plans so we left DI without Batman. The next morning I told him it would be ok to get the costume because it would mean a lot to him, and we could always do our idea next year, plus the boys didn't care what they would be. I insisted we go back to DI and buy it. Even then he was hesitant. (If you know my husband he is a very thoughtful and sweet person; he's very considerate.) So after pulling an arm or two we were back on our way to DI to get the Batman costume. Luckily it was still there. We like to dress up as a family and do a theme. So in order to match Jon we had Karsten be his side kick Robin and Adon was the handsome Superman. We decided that I could be Lois Lane (a pregnant one at that). I think it worked out well. Jon got a lot of comments on his costume, some people even wanted to take a picture with him. :) I think that made him feel pretty special. ;) About a month ago one of our tenants loaned us some Batman cartoon DVDs to borrow because he knows how much Jon likes Batman. I remember when I was in high school my brother and I would always come home and watch the Batman cartoons together. So I'm familiar with the series. Our tenant wanted Jon to stop by and show him his costume. He thought it was pretty cool, especially since they share this same interest.

Nana nana nana nana Batman...Batman & Robin!

Superman & Lois Lane

Batman & Robin off to find some action!

A superhero reunion

Superman fighting a ferocious dinosaur while Robin calls for backup!

This is what Superman does in his spare time

Did you know that Superman & Lois Lane share such affection?

A perfect match!

Halloween is a fun holiday with lots of fun, candy, and memories. One thing that we appreciated this year was that two of our tenants made cupcakes and dinner for us one night. We appreciate their thoughtfulness. This time of the year brings out more kindness and service. That's probably why I love the fall/winter and all the holidays that come with it!

We all had a fun and enjoyable Halloween and hope you all did too! We look forward to next year!

The front door or the side door??? "Pitocin" (Part II)

So I thought I would post this as to why I don't want to be induced especially if it's not necessary. I got this off another blog called: Birth Faith.

Thanks, Bridget! :)

Little known facts about Pitocin and induction

"Pitocin is the most abused drug in the world today." ~Roberto Caldreyo-Barcia, MD, former president of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• Pitocin generally produces contractions that are much longer, more intense, and more painful than normal contractions.

• The intense contractions caused by Pitocin can abnormally restrict oxygen supply to the fetus. This decrease in oxygen can lead to fetal distress and, when prolonged, emergency C-section.

• Pitocin has the potential of causing tetanic contractions—contractions coming so frequently that they merge into one sustained contraction—which can result in premature separation of the placenta, uterine rupture-(more common after having a c-section), cervical tearing, excessive bleeding postpartum, as well as severely restricting oxygen supply to the fetus. Some of these complications are potentially fatal to mother and/or fetus. Ouch!

• When Pitocin is introduced to the labor process, oxytocin receptors in the body tell the brain to stop producing natural oxytocin.

• Pitocin does not act like the oxytocin produced by a woman’s own body. Oxytocin is a “feel good” hormone which causes the body to be bathed in coping chemicals which help a woman to handle labor more effectively. Pitocin does not do this, which partly explains why contractions produced by Pitocin are more painful.

• Naturally produced oxytocin produces feelings of calmness and love and facilitates bonding. If a woman has been given Pitocin, her body is likely to have stopped or slowed production of its own oxytocin. This could interfere with the carefully orchestrated oxytocin peak that is designed to occur at the time of birth to prepare a woman to accept and bond with her new baby.

• One of the side effects of Pitocin is neonatal jaundice. Almost all of the women I know who have given birth in hospitals in the last year have been given Pitocin.

So these are some of my concerns. I also know many women that have been induced. I'm not saying it's a bad thing--just something I don't want done unless it's absolutely necessary the same goes for a c-section. I just thought I would share these facts with the rest of you. Some of them are new to me.

The front door or the side door??? (Needed Advice!!!)

VS.

Caesarean

I have a huge decision to make and I don't have very much time to make one! Last week I had my bi-weekly doc's appointment, which is why I am writing this post. Let me start from the beginning.

From day one (at 8 weeks) I told my doctor that I wanted to try a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after a caesarean) and asked her, since I've already had a c-section if she would let me try to have a VBAC, or if she would just give me another c-section. She told me she would let me try, and suggested that I do so. (I was happy to have a doctor willing to let me. Hooray! )She then told me that we would have to wait until I got closer to my due date to see where I would be-making sure everything was going well. That sounded good to me. I could understand that.

A few months later again I talked to her about having a VBAC. She said that would be good, but I would either have to be induced or (after trying and having complications) I would have to have a c-section in the end. I didn't think much about it. I didn't want to be induced or have a c-section, but I would take being induced over a c-section anyday! I still wasn't too sure about either. I had mixed feelings.

For those of you who haven't had a c-section it's not a fun thing. That's for sure! It takes a long while to heal. Coughing, sneezing, and moving around hurt, especially the first 6 weeks. Also it takes longer for your body to adjust to the changes that you would normally experience after a natural delivery--this can also affect your milk from coming in sooner. I'm not trying to scare you; if it's necessary, then it's necessary, but a natural birth seems so much easier and better all around. So I hear!

Ok, so back to my story... so last week I had another appointment and I mentioned trying to have a VBAC again, this time she forgot completely and was surprised that I wanted to try to deliver this baby naturally. I was even more surprised that she forgot since we talked about it lots of times especially since I was 8 weeks pregnant! She then told me again about how I would have to be induced and that would only depend on how strong and long my cervix

was--also that she wouldn't schedule me to be induced until after I was 35-36 weeks (depending on my cervix/any problems.) My doc said I had to be scheduled when she can be there the entire time I'm in labor in case of any complications. To make things even worse she said that if I came into the hospital in labor on my own that I would have to have a c-section regardless because her partner wouldn't be able to stay with me the entire time (since it wouldn't be scheduled), she would have to attend to her own patients. :(

So now my choice is either to be induced or have a c-section. I'm seriously considering changing to a doc who will allow me to have VBAC. I got a blessing yesterday that all would be well, and I felt at peace for a while, but then again this decision came back haunting me. (Perfect timing, 'tis the season ;)

Last night I was talking to a friend and her sister had a c-section with her first, and with her second she also wanted to try having a VBAC. Her doctor allowed her to try and let her go to 41 weeks. She didn't go into labor on her own, and in the end had another c-section, but at least she was able to try! All I'm asking is to try! Is there a doctor out there who will let you try having a VBAC? If so who? I hate how too often we are just another number at the doctor's offfice, and how 30% of all births are c-sections. That number is way too high! I'm going to fight for my right and really push to have what I want. I think if more of us speak up and stand for what we want we could make a difference and lower the number of c-section and receive better medical treatment and service! Why couldn't Jon just be a OB/GYN? ;) Then I would definately have someone willing to listen and help me get what I want. :)

So, If any of you know of a doc here in Tucson that will allow me to try a VBAC, please let me know. Or if you have any stories or advice to share, please share. I know I don't have much time, only 6 weeks to my due date, so that makes it even more needed and appreciated! Thanks so much!

A Night in India...

Friday we had a simple, but fun date. We were invited to go to a party that some of our tenants were hosting. In India October 16th is a big holiday called, "Diwali." If you don't know what "Diwali" is according to Wikipedia-"Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India and Nepal. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual." Now you can say you know a little about India. :)

It was a nice celebration and we enjoyed trying all the new food. We appreciate our tenants for inviting us to learn more about their culture, and celebrate their holiday with them. It was a fun night together in "India"! Later (after dinner ;) we played some Super Smash Brothers. Jon and I like to play that together, even though I don't know what I'm doing half the time. ;)

Food from India

Buckelew Farm!

When October comes around we are always so excited! This is the beginning of all the fun holidays and beautiful seasons. Jon and I just love this time of year. So, on Saturday we decided to go to Buckelew Farm. We wanted to keep our yearly tradition of going to a pumpkin patch. We love picking our own pumpkin and looked forward to taking the boys a second time. Jon and I have been going for years- since we've been dating, until now. We always enjoy picking the perfect pumpkin. At Buckelew farm they had a 4-H petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, a corn maze, hay rides(to get your pumpkin), car racing, a jumping castle, and lots of food. We got Indian fry bread, which Jon loves!:) It was really yummy! Karsten & Adon had a lot of fun. Especially petting the animals and picking some pumpkins. We had a lot of fun watching them enjoy themselves. It's always so much fun to celebrate together, and the weather is so much cooler,:) plus we have a lot of good memories to remember.

Entrance to Buckelew Farm

My boys ready for a good time!

Petting the sheep


Karsten saying, "Baa"

On our way to pick our pumpkin... so many to choose from.

Our hay ride driver

Daddy and Adon walking hand in hand :)

Adon loved walking through the pumpkin patch and getting dirty :)

Karsten was so happy to find a pumpkin just his size

I reached my goal to 33 weeks and I'm still growing! Yea! I hope I make it further!

(I love wild Sunflowers!)

Our family with our perfect pumpkin

We ended up buying a few little ones too!

Did I mention we love this time of year?

WE'RE TWO!!!

Ok, I know I haven't written for a while and thought it was time for me to start blogging again. Especially since I'll have more upcoming events to write about later. These last few weeks we have been busy with Karsten & Adon's birthday, visiting family, work, school and preparing for our new little one. :)

We decided to celebrate the boy's birthday party with family this year since last year a family emergency came up and we weren't able to celebrate it with family as we would have liked. So this year we decided to go to our hometown to celebrate the boy's birthday, along with my dad's, and my abuelita (little grandma) who turned 93! The morning of their birthday I made them Mickey Mouse pancakes (something my dad used to make for us). My mom made their delicious birthday cakes, which were made out of blueberry pancakes with cream cheese frosting and fruit. They turned out really well and the boys loved them! Later they opened their gifts.

"Mickey Mouse" pancakes,

or what the boys call, "Bears!"

Grandma made these creative cakes


Karsten & Adon enjoying their cake..Yum!

The family together (with some missing)

Grandpa blowing out too few candles for being his birthday!
He's younger than my boys! ;)

Ok, now that's pushing it! ;)

A cool puzzle book from grandma/pa R. & Mikey

Abuelita holding her new doll-Snow White!

( My abuelita loves to make dresses and pamper her dolls)

It was a good celebration. We all had a good enjoyable time. We also really enjoyed the cooler weather. :) Thanks for making it a special day! :)

On the ride back home...Zzzzz!

We had them unwrap one more gift from grandma/pa S. later that night...

What could it be....

Trikes!!

I can't believe my little guys are two! The time has flown by quickly. I remember when I held them for the first time. I was so happy to be called their mother. It's weird to think that I've only been a mother for a little over two years. It has been an enjoyable, hard, demanding, rewarding, experimental, :) satisfying, and an all around wonderful experience. Motherhood is a challenge, but nothing is more rewarding.

Karsten and....

Adon smiling for the camera, "WE'RE TWO!"

We're so glad Adon & Karsten came into our lives! We love you boys, and look forward to many more birthdays together!

My little grease monkeys!

Last Wednesday we decided to put the boys in toddler beds. We haven't done this since we haven't had any problems with them climbing out of their cribs until recently. We also decided to make the transition before their little sister arrives! The only thing I can really say is that it has been one HARD transition especially since they share a room. We've tried everything! We've tried to stay with them in their room and wait until they fall asleep. We've also tried rubbing their heads, and we've also tried putting them back in their beds every time they would get up. Now we just leave them in their room and hope they'll eventually fall asleep. Which hasn't been very successful. They get into everything! So far Karsten and Adon have gotten into things they aren't suppose to like most toddlers. :) What makes it worse is that they work together in their conspiracies. Adon is more mischievious while Karsten follows and cheers him on. They're a good team and work together even if it isn't always in my favor. ;) They surprise me with how they find ways to reach high places. One time they used a folded up banket to stand on, a blown up beach ball while balancing carefully and holding on to the bookshelf. Just yesterday they emptied some drawers from a plastic drawer case and tipped it over to reach the books on the bookshelf. We finally moved the plastic drawer case out of their bedroom. We always have them help us clean up, in order to teach them to clean up after themselves, but to also (hopefully) discourage them from making a mess again. But no matter what they'll still do it again after we leave their room. No matter how baby proof we think their room is, it still isn't enough.

This is right outside their bedroom. They like to stick books, puzzles etc. under the door. I think of it as an introduction to what you'll find on the other side!

Yep! Just what I suspected! Little Adon at it again!

A side view just in case you missed anything! :)

Today is another story...they got into a lot of stuff. We kept hearing different sounds and had to go into their bedroom to see what they were up to. Each time we went in we found a huge mess that needed to be cleaned up. Jon was home for a couple of hours and helped me out. "Thanks honey!" Shortly after he left I heard some more familiar sounds coming out of their room. I went inside to see what they were up to and to my surprise, this is what I found....

An EMPTY container of vaseline!!!

How you might ask? It was on a high wooden dresser and they pushed their beanbag close enough to stand on it in order to grab the vaseline! Here's the new polished beanbag along with a couple of surprised little grease monkeys! :)


Here's some of the polished wall. If you look closely at the bottom right corner you can make out a footprint. Every artist must leave his signature!


Busy helping me clean!

Karsten isn't as sure about the clean up as much as he was about the polishing!

You can't tell how messy Karsten's clothes were, but you can on Adon's!

Did I mention they'll be TWO next Wednesday? :)

Karsten and Adon have only taken a nap once this week. They are like the energizer rabbit during nap time, they keep going and going..... Since they don't get their day nap in which they still really need, they start falling asleep around 4 PM. Then it's a struggle to keep them up so they'll sleep well at night.

We love Adon and Karsten to death, but we all need a break from this monkey business! So, if any of you have any advice or ideas please let us know. It has been a week and we're ready to try something new! Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks a bunch! :)