Baby of Mine

From your head down to your toes,
You're not much goodness knows.
But you're so precious to me - sweet as can be,
Baby of Mine.

Brenna went to her two week appointment today. She's now 9 lbs 4 oz! She's gained almost a full pound since she was born! Which cracks me up. I felt like all she did was eat - I guess there is some truth to that!
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I'm pretty sure he hasn't read this blog yet - but I want to wish my hubby a Happy Birthday (on 8/1!) ! We drive each other crazy at times, but he is the best husband and I couldn't ask for a better father for my kids. Love you!

A Small Personal Note

For a while, I've felt 'lost' when it came to my faith. It wasn't a question of if God was there - I knew he was. But I wasn't sure he was there for me. To put it in elementary school terms, I felt (and still feel to a certain extent) that God had a 'club' and I was not a member. Praying, hearing him speak to me, basically having a relationship with God was for other people. I can hear others speaking about giving their cares to God and think, "Why can't I do that? Why am I excluded?" One of my favorite songs is "Be Blessed" by Yolanda Adams. The lyrics, "Cause I spoke to God - I called out your name. And on your behalf I just asked if he would be there for you", baffle me. I want to speak to God. I want to ask him to be there for me and others. It may be the simplest thing, but I can't wrap my head around how to do it. I'm on the outside trying to start a relationship - I just feel like I don't know how.

I just wanted to make a small but somewhat public statement and say I want to re-dedicate my life. I want to find my way back. If you wouldn't mind keeping me in your prayers, I'd appreciate it. :-)

"My Pilwoah"

My Aunt Terri made me a big and little "boppy" pillow before Brenna was born. The small one was the perfect size for her right now, but has recently become claimed by another member of the household. He wears it around his neck, props it on the floor when he lays down for a diaper change, and apparently thinks of it as a form of tutu...

this picture is my favorite. He LOVES to hold Brenna and insists on having a pillow just like mommy. He was too engrossed in The Backyardigans to look at me and say "cheese" and Brenna's outstretched body is clearly a scream for help. You can tell she doesn't trust her big brother just yet. :-)

My mom, sister and nephews came to visit on Saturday. We tried to get a picture of the four grandkids together - and this was as close as I came... this was the only picture with everyone in it! Clearly the kids had other plans in mind. (Mine especially.)

Riley, Brenna and Grandma Nog

Riley and Kam

Isn't she Lovely?

Only a week old and she's already changed so much.

Crazy Cousins

Just imagine how much trouble these four will get into...

There's No Place Like Home

We came home Wednesday afternoon. I was SO ready to be out of the hospital. Things are going really well. Brenna eats like every meal is her last, so that's been a little rough on me - but she's also been very good about sleeping so I'm not complaining!

Riley has been such an excellent big brother. I'm so proud of how well he's been behaving. The nurse at the hospital told us that he will look so big to us now and she was so right. He's no longer our baby, he's our big boy! The only 'problem' we've had is him wanting to hug and kiss the baby all the time. He doesn't quite understand that Brenna isn't ready to be body slammed just yet. Just give her some time. :-)

Welcome to the world Brenna Nicole

Born today at 1:30. 8 lbs, 5 oz and 20 inches of pure perfection.



Being a mom ROCKS.

Welcome to the world Brenna Nicole

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - a beautiful day for a BABY

But she didn't agree. So still no new baby, but we did have a really good day today.

Riley got to play in his pool.

And to help earn his keep, he's now offering nekkid car washes:

He's going to LOVE these pictures when he gets older!!

The Anti-Princess...

Knowing that I'm having a daughter has really made me stop and think about who I am and what I want to teach her. What kind of example do I want to set? I'm sure I'll write many posts on this idea because there is just so much to consider. One of things that really gets me is the whole "Princess" idea. This irritates me for two reasons:



1.) I feel that children are now getting this strange sense of entitlement that I don't remember dealing with as a kid. When I think of the term "princess" I think of the Paris Hilton mentality. It makes me sad to think that someone like Paris Hilton could be considered a role model for young girls.



2.) Life is not a fairytale. I don't want my daughter to give herself up waiting for Prince Charming to rescue her. I'd like for HER to be the heroine in her own life. I think Tina Fey put it well when she said:

"I think this is ingenious marketing, but that princess thing sets off an alarm bell for me. [I'm afraid] all that might creep back into our culture. That a girl would aspire to be the Little Mermaid, a beautiful redhead with no legs who waits for her prince! Who literally gives up her voice! What are we doing?"

I worry that my daughter will get more compliments on her looks than on her brains. I worry that she will be discouraged and not show interest in a topic just because, "Girls don't do that" I worry that she'll hide her intelligence just to fit in or impress others. I worry that she will determine her self-worth by her looks, clothing, or social status instead of knowing she is priceless just as she is.

Exciting Mail and Labor Playlist

It's a normal, everyday Thursday - but when I went out to check the mail, I found this:

I was the winner of a set of handmade cards from Freckles and Fireflies! The portfolio that the cards came in was so pretty I almost didn't want to open it. The cards inside were even prettier! I can't wait to send one! Freckles and Fireflies is a stationary and gift shop run by Brittany Armstrong. She makes amazing items. Check out her shop by clicking here.

Yesterday I made my 'labor and delivery' playlist to listen to while in the hospital. I came up with some great songs, but only 14 of them! While a 45 minute labor and delivery would be an incredible blessing - I don't see it happening. So I'm looking for suggestions on some new songs. Here's what I have so far...

1.) Baby Mine - Bette Midler

2.) You are my Sunshine - Elizabeth Mitchell - a beautiful version of one of my favorite songs

3.) Stronger Woman - Jewel - I've loved this song since I heard the lyrics "From now on I'm gonna be the kind of woman I'd want my daughter to be"

4.) Free Fallin' - John Meyer - the Tom Petty song sang in John Meyer's mellow way

5.) Because of you - Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson - kind of a sad song, but easy to get lost in. I AM Reba McEntire when this comes on the radio. :-)

6.) Everything - Michael Buble

7.) So Small - Carrie Underwood

8.) Bubbly - Colbie Callait

9.) You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins - maybe I'll convince myself I'll miss being in labor?

10.) My Wish - Rascal Flats

11.) In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride - I could hardly listen to this song before without getting misty eyed. Now that I'm having a daughter of my own, it's taken on a whole new meaning.

12.) I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross - it makes me laugh to think that if she could choose any theme song for being born, it would be this. A Soul Train lover just like her momma!

13.) Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

14.) Fingerprints of God - Steven Curtis Chapman

So what should I add?

Having the baby today! Or next week! ...

The appointment went well today - but not as well as I'd hope. I'm barely dialated. Dr. M said all I need is to get my contractions going regularly, which she laughingly admitted I have little control over. I could basically have the baby at any time. So, I she prescribed that I go home, eat a double chocolate muffin from Martin's, watch "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares" and then walk.

Okay, so she only really suggested one of those things. I'll let you guess which one.

So he doesn't feel left out, here's a cute picture of my sweet boy 'helping' mommy with the dishes.

Tales of the Wimpy B

I've been having contractions for the past two days. Enough to make me very uncomfortable and cranky, but not enough to head for the hospital. I'm heading for my doctor's appointment tomorrow morning - I will be utterly disappointed if I'm told it's still going to be a while! With Riley, everything went so fast. This sweet girl is taking her time. I'm starting to wonder if this blog should be titled, "Tales of the Wimpy B" instead of "Mighty B". (By the way, in case this blog becomes huge and I become famous, I should give credit to the official Mighty B.

Meet Bessie Higgenbottom, star of the Mighty B on Nickelodeon. I find her to be hilarious.)

With this said, I'm going to try and get some sleep because I'M GOING TO HAVE THIS BABY TOMORROW! Think positive! Go contractions go!

Here I go - Here I go - Here I go again

(...a little OK GO reference for my first blog post.) I've attempted to keep several blogs before. But could never figure out what to talk about. Then I found friends who keep blogs to keep people up to date on their kids - why hadn't I thought of that before?

Riley is so hilarious and brilliant, it's a crime for me to not share his talents with everyone. And I'm sure his sister (who is yet to be named. Yep, we're still debating...it's not like she's due in 8 days or anything. We have time.) will be just as fascinating.

That and for the occasions where I DO have something to say, I now have a forum. And really, who doesn't want to know my views on things?

So this is my first post. Dinner needs to be finished. (A modified chicken stir fry, in case you were wondering what's on the Rudd menu).