Moving!

We have about 10 days left in Nampa...and I am so glad to be leaving!  We found a house in SE Boise and were lucky enough to be able to get the boys all in the same school - they will start Sept. 12th.  Unfortunately, Gavin won't be able to finish football in Nampa and we haven't been able to get him on in Boise (registration has already closed).  We haven't told him yet...not quite sure how to break the news.  On the other hand, basketball is only a few months away...

I have never moved this many people with a newborn also requiring all of my attention and it's starting to feel like I won't be able to get it done by next week (no wonder--I'm sitting her blogging).  Trying to just get one room done a day...fingers crossed.

Back at it.  :)

Our Little Miracle

So I know this is a little late, but our latest addition has finally arrived!

Sophia was due on July 13th, but my doctor noticed that I wasn't dilating when I had started seeing her weekly around the middle of June.  My last doctor's visit was July 19th (41 weeks) and I still had not dilated...at all.  It was then we decided to have me induced the following morning.  (Luckily, Paul's mom was in town and able to stay with our older four kids.)  By this point, I'm pretty sure I had only had very, very slight braxton hicks contractions.

That Wednesday, July 20th, Paul and I woke up at 4:00am and made the "long" journey from Nampa to Boise to get ready to meet our little girl.  We arrived, checked in and got settled in our room.  Then the "issues" started.  I've told Paul before how much I absolutely hate needles...even with that knowledge, I don't think he was prepared for my reaction to the pokes.  This being an induction, they needed to get me hooked to an I.V.  Well, they couldn't get the dang i.v. to stay in any of the first 5 veins.  Every time they'd try, my vein would "explode" and thus be useless.  So much tenseness, so many tears (and I'm not a cryer)...I was pretty much just short of punching the 3 different nurses that were trying to get this stupid i.v. to stay in.  Success finally came after the 6th poke, when the nurses had to call someone from the anesthesia...thank God!

We finally had the drip going to force my body to go into labor.  I was determined to go through without an epidural--I mean, I'm pretty tough, right?  WRONG!  The first hour and a half went by just dandy and I would only feel slight contractions.  I thought: "geez, this is easy.  why do so many women complain about labor?"  So naive.  Then the next hour and half absolutely sucked!  I was in pain like no other...thinking at one point: "this is it, I'm going to die and Paul will just have to raise all 5 kids by himself."  (Looking back, I've learned that I get pretty dramatic when I'm in pain.)  I kept throwing up and of course, more tears.  My doctor finally came in to check my progress:  I had dilated a total of 0 cm.  That's right - nothing!  So, do we want to continue with the induction (after throwing up at least 4 times and the worst 3 hours of my life) or do we want to do a c-section?  Can you believe I actually chose to continue with the induction?  Ugh!  Well, that decision lasted a total of 30 seconds after the doctor left...then I came to my senses and sent Paul down to chase the nurse so she could tell the doctor that I changed my mind...just cut me open!  Best.Decision.Ever.

She could do the c-section, but we'd have to wait until 2:30 when the operating room would be available.  Fine with me...just make this labor stop.  (We also learned I have a VERY LOW tolerance to real pain...obviously.)  I remember the anesthesiologist coming in for the spinal tap--great, more needles--here come the tears again.  Surprisingly, though, the spinal tap needle was barely even felt (probably because of the morphine they had to give me for my pain from the induction).  Then they allowed Paul to come into the room and began to cut me open.  I kept telling the doctor: "make sure you don't cut the baby".  Yeah, let the doped-up, emotional mom-to-be tell the educated, experienced doctor how to do her job.  I'm sure they just loved me in there.  None of our other children were born via c-section, so this was a first for Paul and a bit scary.  Relief came when our doctor told him to "get the camera ready, here comes Sophia" and I was still talking away not feeling a thing except a slight tug.  (I'll spare those pics.)

Paul was still able to "cut the chord"...well

at least from her.

Trying to adjust to her new surroundings.

Sophia Josephine Reyes Kohl

July 20th, 2011 @ 3:03pm

8 pounds, 1 ounce

20" long

I still can't believe she's here and sometimes miss her kicks from within my tummy.  We've had many discussions about the timing of her arrival and I truly believe God planned for her to arrive exactly four days after losing my beloved father.  As truly bittersweet this summer has been, I'm grateful to have spent time with my dad during his last days, glad that he is at peace and excited to share so many stories of Sophia's Poppi with her.

Sophia is now 1 month and 1 day old.  She has changed so much and some days I want my new newborn back.  She will be the only child I will ever carry and deliver and I miss certain parts of pregnancy and her birth.  [Side Note: C-Sections are the only way to go...definitely for me anyway since we learned that my body just refuses to dilate--at all.]  A little about miss Sophie: when she was born, she was (of course) crying but immediately stopped as soon as Paul spoke.  She is truly another Daddy's Girl and he is usually the only one to get her to stop crying when she is in a "mood".  She is surely loved by each of her siblings, but is most protected and doted on by Jacob.  She currently favors her left hand and I am secretly hoping she is left-handed (she has greater than a 26% chance since I am a lefty).  Although she still wakes up once through the night (usually midnight or 1am), she is a pretty sound sleeper.  She has the longest fingers and toes I have ever seen on a baby...definitely not from me.

Protective big brother

Sophia meeting cousin Nancy from Texas

Sophie with cousin Yolanda

Cousin Athena, Tia Sunshine and Sophia

Relaxing with Daddy...





Goodbye...for Now

As an few earlier posts stated, my dad had been battling kidney cancer.  By the time it was detected, he was already in stage 4 and had been living at the VA Hospital Long Term Care since February.  June and July of this year were crazy hectic on our family.  Most all spare time was spent visiting Dad in the hospital.  We all received several calls to come say our final goodbyes...but the old boy would pull through.  My older sister spent some serious money coming up from Las Vegas several times on a 'moments notice'.  Dad was able to come home for a few days in early July.  We were all able to gather around and laugh with him and remember healthier days.  At a certain point though, Dad basically became incoherent and was unable to communicate with us...but, that didn't mean he didn't hear us.  We were reminded of this at one point when I was sharing a story with Sunshine about how a month earlier Dad was teasing my about my swollen ankles (from pregnancy)...dad heard me talking and just chuckled in his sleep.  I absolutely LOVE that laugh and it will forever be in my heart.
You see, we did have to say goodbye to the man I've always had on a pedestal.  My father's final breath was taken on Saturday, July 16, 2011.

My Dad, Raul Reyes, at 17...

one of my favorite pictures of him

Dad on 4th of July, 2010

I have long considered myself one of the luckiest girls in the world for being this mans daughter.  The other "lucky girls" were my 2 sisters, Sunshine and Penelope.  Dad would be the first to admit that he wasn't a perfect father...but he was perfect for us.  Even through his parenting mishaps (which I would later learn we all go through), he made sure we, his children, knew that he loved us unconditionally (even through our own mistakes and struggles).  He treated each of us with the utmost respect--even when and especially if we didn't deserve it.  He taught me so much about life and family; I'm still learning from him and am sure I always will.  I remember him sharing with me stories of his life as a child migrant worker and his time overseas during the Vietnam War.  We would stay up into the wee hours of the night going through his Marine paperwork and pictures...time that would prove to be some of the most cherished...just me and my dad.  His laugh was so contagious.  It amazes me how many people bring up that laugh of his and his witty sense of humor.

4th of July, 2011...our last holiday together

  ...our last few days together...

I know I will see my Dad again...he was a true Believer and raised us kids as such.  My faith in Christ is a reflection of the example Dad was.  This is only "Goodbye for now".  I love you, Daddy...

A true hero...Semper Fi 

Raul Reyes

08/11/1949 to 07/16/2011

4th of July in Pictures

This year we had what ended up doing 3 different celebrations for Independence Day.  The first was our now annual trip to the God and Country Festival at the Idaho Center.  We all enjoy the groups that perform...especially the headliners and the kids LOVE the fireworks display at the end.  When we arrived, we tried to find "the perfect spot" to sit (which really means a spot big enough to fit our large blanket, all 6 of us and of course a little extra room for the kids to stretch out).  Paul picked a great one...especially since we coincidentally sat behind some friends of ours!

Group shot...Miley is turning into such a ham when it comes to camera-time...

...then again, she is Paul's daughter.

Dancing to The Afters

Bryce teasing Miley.  We were lucky to have

found seats next to Bryce & Chessica.

Jacob playing with his glow sticks...

***

Our 2nd celebration took place on July 3rd.  Off to Kay-Cee's house we went and had a great time BBQ'ing and socializing.  Kay-Cee had a bubble machine which was a hug hit with the kids.  We were able to get some fireworks in as well.

Bubbles!

Auntie Kay-Cee protecting

Miley from the noise...

***

Finally, we spent July 4th at home.  We were lucky to have Nanna and Poppi (my mom and dad) over for the occasion.  My dad had been in the VA long-term care since early March battling kidney cancer, but he was able to get a 'day-pass' so he could spend the holiday with me, Paul and the kids.  It would end up being his last holiday with us and I remember cherishing every moment with him that day, but that's another post.

The kids spent the earlier part

of the day on the slip-n-slide...

Picture time with Nanna and Poppi...

Kinda failed to get many pics of the actual fireworks...but ya'll know what they basically look like, right?  :)

Birthday + VBS + Carnival = BUSY June

Note: this post really was started during the end of June...It's just now being posted (a month later) as I am trying to play "catch-up" during our chaotic time...

So far, June has proven to be the start of a busy summer.  First off, it was nice to finally have a year where school let out in May.  The past 2 years, the last day of school has landed on Ben's birthday (June 3rd).  I imagine it's not so fun to get up on your birthday and have to go to school...especially when you have what appears to be a summer birthday...so if nothing else, it was at least a treat for him to be able to sleep in this year (which he did while Paul and I went off to work).  As with all of our kids on their birthdays, Ben was able to choose what was for dinner that day: he picked spaghetti.  I suspect he was talked into this by his little brother who craves spaghetti every day; but since Ben isn't as picky of an eater, he obliged (as did we).  He received some really spectacular gifts, including several Green Bay Packer items from Paul's parents.  He also received some money from Aunt Sunshine--which he hasn't yet decided what to spend it on...hmmmmm...the decisions of a now 8-year-old.  :)

Candles just waste time when there is cake to be eaten...

Aaron Rogers jersey and GB Packers hat...lucky boy.

***

A week after Ben's birthday, it was Gavin's turn for some much-deserved fun.  Gavin has been a huge help with his younger siblings this summer.  He has been their 'baby-sitter' until I come back home permanently.  Anyway, he has recently moved to the middle school class at church and they always do a special "Lock-In" to welcome the 6th-graders.  This year the event took place at Wahooz and Gavin had a blast.  The group pretty much had free-reign of the facility and he played laser tag to his hearts content.  He was also able to make some new friends--which is what concerned him in the beginning as he goes to school in Nampa but we go to church in Meridian.  Sad that there aren't any pictures, but what 11-1/2 year old wants their mom to stick around taking pictures of them.  He has officially hit the "just drop me off and pick me up" stage...I'll find a way to embaress him soon enough, I suppose.

***

The kids also had VBS (Vacation Bible School) at church this month.  [Miley wasn't supposed to go since she's not quite old enough, but we were lucky enough that they allowed her to be with the preschoolers anyway.  It was also Gavin's last year to be able to attend...next year he'll be old enough to volunteer though and he's already mentioned that he'd like to do so.]  It started on a Sunday and lasted 5 crazy, busy days.  Paul and I would rush home after work on Monday - Thursday, grab the kids (thank goodness Gavin mostly would have them all ready for us), and rush back to Meridian to get them to the church on time.  {Boy, I'll be glad when we move from Nampa and closer to everything we involve ourselves in.}  The great thing our church did this year was had a Bible study for the adults while the kids were in VBS.  This was so nice for Paul and I so we didn't have to make 2 trips to Meridian each day...plus we both really enjoyed the study.  Win Win.  The kids each had a blast...which I'm so grateful for (and grateful it only lasts 5 days).

Miley, Benjamin and

Jacob enjoying the

songs and dances

at VBS.

Gavin and his 5th Grade group performing their skit at VBS.

***

We were able to take the whole family to Dairy Days in Meridian this year.  We decided to get the boys unlimited ride passes as well...such a great investment.  Since Gavin and Ben are so much taller than the younger two, they were allowed to go off on the "big kid" rides by themselves (so long as Gavin kept his phone on him).  Meanwhile, Paul and I toted Jake and Miley around to the "little kid" rides.  Six hours of rides and carnival dinner made for a fun (albeit tiring) evening.  The kids enjoyed themselves so much and it was a needed family (of 6) night before the new arrival.  (I was a bit jealous that I wasn't able to ride the Zipper as I traditionally do...dang preggo belly.)

Ben (with his hand up) and Gavin (with NY hat) on the Pirate Ship ride

Miley & Jacob during their "Safari" ride...

Daddy was able to join Miley & Jake on the Carousel

Gavin & Ben getting on the Zipper...Ben's very first Zipper ride!

***

And although not in the post title, Paul and the boys were even able to get in a few fishing trips this month.  Paul even found a new fishing spot that he enjoys...only about 15 minutes from our house--bonus!  Although he "missed the big one", he did get some good catches.

Paul's catfish...

Baby Moving vs. Contractions vs. Braxton Hicks Contractions

So, what the heck is the difference between all of these things?  I am finding information on the internet; some useful and some conflicting...which does me absolutely no good.  I am hoping you ladies that have gone through this stuff and whom I trust can help me out.  :)

I have absolutely no idea what to expect but I am feeling some sharper movements (which I just assumed was the baby moving).  The doctor asked me last week if I've had any contractions yet and I just looked at her like a deer in headlights and then responed, "I don't know...what do they feel like?"  Her wise answer was that they feel similar to menstral cramps...um, problem: I've never experienced those either.  I think the unknown is the worst for my personality...grr.  Any advice would be appreciated.

(Oh, and look at that: 2 posts in the same month...must be some sort of record!)

All Growed Up...

...well, not quite.  My precious baby boy, Jacob, has graduated and I feel as though I have no more babies.  Ok, ok...I know he only graduated preschool and I know Miley is still 2 years younger than Jake and I know that we are expecting yet another child in just a few short weeks....BUT Miley is very much Daddy's girl (and she's aware of this) and the baby isn't here yet (plus, I think she'll be another Daddy's girl)...so, Jake was my last baby BOY...so sad.  Actually, both Jake and Miley graduated from preschool last week, but since Miley will be re-enrolled next fall, it was more just for show on her part.  Jacob has been enrolled in Kindergarten and will be gone all day long for 3-4 days a week.  (Nampa did away with half-day kindergarten last year.)   Here are a few shots of our 2 little graduates...

Intently listening to Miss Brianne...

 Jacob accepting his diploma...(paul did something weird to the camera)

Miley hamming it up while receiving her diploma

from Miss Brianne & Miss Meagan

 They each had to have a pic taken with proud daddy...

...and chose Pizza Hut for dinner after the graduation.

***

The summer break officially started here last week.  I always struggle with this time of year because I still like to keep some sort of schedule and I don't like the kids to feel as though they can just lounge and waste away the summer  (I know, mean mom).  Last year, I stayed home with the kids and we worked from home-school workbooks a few days a week.  I'm just so afraid everything they learned the last 9 months will slip out of their little brains during the next 3 months.  Jacob is also concerned that he's not able to read well enough for kindergarten so that is something I've promised him that we will work on this summer.  I do have some fun activities planned for them this summer...so I'm not entirely mean, right?

***

A few weekends ago, I was getting pretty restless in my present state.  I wanted to be able to go do something before the baby's arrival.  So, I suggested to Paul that we go camping/fishing for a night during Memorial Day Weekend.  Stupid.Pregnant.Lady.  First off, we knew it would be a tight fit with the 6 of us + 2 carseats + tent + misc. camping gear + fishing gear (I swear we need a Suburban but I refuse to own one); so we had to pick a spot fairly close by.  We chose Fairwell Bend in Oregon.  My aunt and uncle had taken Gavin and Ben last year to this spot and the boys just loved it.  It's not the mountains by any means, but it does have a great campground next to the River, complete with bathrooms and showers.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon and started to set up our tent.  Of course (as with most Memorial Day weekends around here), it started to rain.  At first, just some sprinkles (thank goodness we were able to get the tent up during this time)...then it started raining even harder.  Great!  The plan was for me to go fishing on Sunday and Paul would go on Monday (we only had day passes for Oregon)...well, that didn't work out since this Preggo wanted nothing to do with standing out getting soaked while holding a pole waiting for a catfish to bite.  Instead, I tried to stay in the tent as much as possible.  It did finally stop raining by the time the sun went down and we were able to enjoy some S'mores with the kids (messy).

Then, it was off to bed.  Anybody who thinks camping with a tent and sleeping on the ground while 8-1/2 months pregnant is a good idea ought to be slapped...just sayin'.  Even Jacob told Paul, "we shoulda gone to a hotel, daddy.  They're more better."  Out of the mouths of babes.  Tossing and turning all night, I don't actually remember any sleeping going on...I could not wait until morning so I could get up.  Of course, nobody else was even thinking about waking up at the hour I did.

Anyway, by the time we did all get up, Paul and I had to start taking down the tent and packing up.  He was going to try to get a little fishing in after we were ready to go.  By chance, he decided to start the Tahoe when...it wouldn't start.  Grrrr.....  Seriously!?!?  We found the campground manager and he was able to jump us.  We let it run for a bit, turned it off and started it again...all good.  Crisis averted.  Paul was finally able to throw out a few casts and then we decided it was time to get going.  All 6 of us packed back in the Tahoe and we were ready when...it wouldn't start AGAIN!  Paul did NOT want to ask the same person for another jump (within an hour of the 1st one), so he decided to find another camper.  Luckily, he ran into a former Marine...whooha!  My father would be proud!  Finally, we were truly on our way home.

Gavin & Ben playing some football while we set up camp...

 Our little pyro takes after both his parents...

All the kids waiting for dad to finish fishing...

***

And, to wrap-up our long weekend, we made a visit to the best Marine of all...my Dad!  He started chemo last week and has been tremendously tired lately but we were glad to be able to spend a few hours with him on Memorial Day.