Grammy Polly Comes to Visit

After some great R&R in HAWAII!! my mom came to visit to help with the baby 2 weeks after Lanaea was born. It was very generous and sweet of her to come after being away from my little brother and sisters a whole week previous. Thank you Roland, Spencer, Abby, Lizzy, and Mary for letting her come!! It was nice to have some help at 2 weeks postpartum too. At that point the newness of having a baby starts to rub off and reality starts setting in, so it was nice to have my mom during this transition period. With Blake's demanding work schedule it's usually just me and the girls and I wouldn't say I was ready for it to be like that just yet. But by the time she left I felt stronger and ready to face my new reality.

Having my mom come is always a delight. She's a champ at cleaning and organizing things and I always appreciate finding little things that she did. She also did what grandmas do best, LOVE my children. Together they made chocolate chip cookies, played games, read books and had lots and lots of snuggle time. Mylee is my snuggler and took advantage of as much snuggle time as she could get.

1st photo shoot

During some quite moments when Kelsey and Mylee were at friends' homes I snapped some pictures of Lanaea during her first week of life. Having a new baby always has its challenges, but thankfully I am glad to report that having 3 is not as demanding as I thought it would be. During the last few weeks of my pregnancy I remember thinking that I was perfectly okay with my sweet little girl staying in there for a little longer because I wasn't sure how I was going to handle the responsibility of taking care of three. As many of you know, Mylee is quite the handful and can't be left unsupervised without grave consequences. But Heavenly Father has strengthened me and has blessed me with a REALLY GOOD baby. She's practically perfect in every way. As far as Mylee's michievousness, she seems to be doing better.

One night when we were all sitting in the living room together. Kelsey and Mylee were playing really sweet together and Blake was enjoying his family while sitting on the couch. I looked at each one of them and had this overwhelming feeling of COMPLETE JOY!! My whole body tingled and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. My heart was so full of love. I was overcome with the blessings of having a family and being a mother. Being a mother is not easy don't get me wrong there, but there is nothing else like it and nothing else that I would rather do with my life. As I have welcomed three precious children into this world I become more and more convinced of this. Being a mother is my calling and I thank my Heavenly Father every day for letting me fulfill it and entrusting me with his perfect children. It's in caring for them that I am learning to become more like Him.

Right after a bath


Precious little toes--I LOVE pictures of baby feet.

Grammy Joyce Comes to Visit

A week after Lanaea was born my mother-in-law came to visit to help me with the baby. She was so sweet and considerate to come and help. My mom had scheduled a trip to go to Hawaii over a year ago and ironically it was scheduled right on Lanaea's due date, so she wasn't able to come and help me right after Lanaea was born so my Mother-in-law filled in her spot. During Lanaea's first week of life I got help from friends and Blake was able to take 3 days off for work. I was very grateful for the help.

While Grammy Joyce was here she did what she does best, LOVE my girls. My girls couldn't get enough of her. They sang songs, played endless hours of Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Memory, went on walks, she was even able to join in on a movie party where we watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. (Every Friday that Blake has to work overnight, me and the girls get a movie to watch together.) I loved having that much extra sleep in the morning and having help with the daily chores around the house and making meals. I utilized her cooking skills and had her make some cinnamon rolls to give out as thank you's to those that helped me the week previous. The girls of course helped and made great dough cookies. Kelsey was very proud of her cooking skills.

Mylee thought it was the greatest thing ever. When the rolls were finished we delivered them around town, stopping by the Lubbock Temple to show Grammy Joyce. From gathering all the cinnamon rolls and the cute little notes I had made to gathering all that I needed for the girls and the baby and making sure I had all the addressed I needed, it took us about 30 minutes to get out the door and in the car, but we eventually made it there. Thankfully I have reduced the time it takes to get ready and out the door.
The girls also had lots snuggle time with their new sister. Mylee has lovingly nicknamed her Baby Naea. Grammy Joyce was a good sport and was probably exhausted by the time her week's stay was over. We love you Grammy Joyce thank you for coming to help!

She's Here!!

Sunday morning January 3rd, 2010 at 1:32 A.M. we welcomed Lanaea Joy Clifton into our family!! She weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 18 3/4 inches long. She is as perfect as they come. The delivery was a little traumatic, but Lanaea and I made it out okay. My water broke Saturday night around 5 PM--just minutes after Kelsey and I got home from Target and Hobby Lobby!! Not knowing how fast my labor would progress--my water had never broken by itself before-- I quickly grabbed my bag and put the things in that I hadn't got to yet (needless to say I forgot some things) and Blake and I quickly took the girls to a friend's house down the road.

Ironically I wasn't in pain yet. I had been having some strong contractions for the past week, but nothing to get too excited about. My water continued to break as we drove to the hospital and as I was admitted. The nurses laughed when I came into the birthing center triage because my pants were all wet. The doctor came in shortly after and he didn't check me because I was at increased risk of infection because my membranes had ruptured. They admitted me into labor and delivery, set me up on the monitors and then we waited. We sat and watched Texas Tech win the Alamo Bowl and watched parts of some movies on T.V. Unfortunately during that time, my contractions weren't doing a whole lot. Some hurt, some were wimpy and they were inconsistent. So they ordered me some pit.--yuck. After ordering that I asked to get my epideral. The process wasn't bad at all, but it only worked on half of my body--just like Kelsey--UGGH!! The anethesiolgist had to come in and give me more meds and eventually it got numb enough on my right side. A few minutes after they did that the doctor was in my room again with the nurse to check me. Surprisingly I was at an 8 and I really hadn't been in that much pain. Shortly after that I started feeling really sick and then the baby's heart rate dropped to the low 40's (very low) and wasn't picking up. After that it was a whirl wind. The doctor said, "Okay, let's go, we're getting this baby out." Within minutes doctors and nurses were everywhere and they told me to start pushing. Then the doctor got the forcepts and pulled her out. Much to my horror, it took her what seemed like forever to cry. But she eventually did and she was fine. Her APGAR came back at a 7 to 9. I was a little shaken up and so was Blake, but we were thankful for the good medical team that took care of me and Lanaea. I thought I was going to be in labor for a couple of more hours.

This is about 20 minutes before Lanaea came, we thought we had a while to go.

Phew!! I did it and the baby is well!!

Proud new dad.

Lanaea's first bath

Both Lanaea and I are doing well. We got home this afternoon from the hospital. Blake is taking Monday and Tuesday off and some friends have offered to help with babysitting on Wednesday-Friday. Blake then has the weekend off. Love you all!!

6th Anniversary

Yesterday, the 27th was our 6th Anniversary. It's amazing that we've been married for 6 years. Life has been wonderful and we are still as happy as ever!!

Christmas Day 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year!! We have had such a busy year and have felt so blessed. Christmas Eve we started the morning off by having Marshmellow Matey's--I know healthy huh? This was a new tradition we started this year that every Christmas Eve morning the kids get to have cereal of their choice. Kelsey picked out Marshmellow Matey's at the store. Unfortunatley they both only ate the marshmellows--yumm and yes, double healthy!! The rest of the afternoon we spent coloring pictures and making sugar cookies for Santa. I watched two of my friend's girls while they were packing a moving truck--they were moving a day after Christmas. That evening we had a special Christmas Eve program. We watched the Nativity and then talked about Jesus and why we give gifts at Christmas. We sang some songs. Mylee requested that we sing Popcorn Popping, so we did. The girls then opened some Christmas jammies that I sewed for them and some lanterns that they can only use on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning (another new tradition). We talked about light and how light reminds us of Jesus. The girls thought that was pretty neat. Kelsey was so excited she had a hard time going to sleep that night, but eventually dosed off around 10:30 or 11 PM.

Mylee mostly just ate the frosting and M&M's

Kelsey and her new Doll Ashley and her new horse

Christmas morning Blake made a fire in our fireplace and then the fire alarm went off because we forgot to open the flu, opps. I then set it off again when the sticky buns in the oven over-flowed and started a small fire in the oven!! Other then those two mishaps, the day was wonderful! It was such a joy to see our girls open presents and see the excitement on their faces. That evening we had a nice dinner. Blake cooked us up some delicious prime rib and we had salad, orange rolls and a fruit salad along with sparkling cider for a drink. Dinner was a hit. Mylee kept wanting more prime rib--she loved it.

Blake opening some cologne from all of his girls

A new art set for our little artist
Mylee's new baby. She carries it around on her back and it says "Momma, Da da, cries, and laughs" When her baby does one of those things she says, "What baby?" or if she cries she says, "Baby crying."

Oh the excitement!!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.....

Looks who's going to get a White Christmas this year!!!! This is what we woke up to this morning on Christmas Eve. Mylee runs into my bedroom this morning and says, "Quick Mom, snowman!!!" It snowed a couple of inches last night. The girls lasted about 5 minutes outside before they were back inside in tears--it was pretty cold. The wind is pretty strong today. It's around 30 degrees, but according to reports, it feels closer to the single digits because of the wind. This is quite the weather change for us. It's been in the 50 and 60's. I was just telling Blake the other day that I missed the snow. Kelsey asked yesterday if we were going to get snow for Christmas. I had to explain to her that it doesn't snow a lot where we live, so we probably won't get snow. Well here's to a child's wish!!

Spa Night and Ortho Christmas Party

I'm a little late in journaling this event, but I have some time this morning to give you all some updates. The Orthopaedic Department sponsors a spa night every year around Christmas time to honor the wives in the program. It was SO much FUN!! I got a pedicure!! I had never had one before and it was WONDERFUL!! Not only because it felt so good, but I can't reach down there very easily these days. My nail polish was bright red and best of all called Pretty n' Privileged (I didn't know that until after she had put it on). I also got a little snowflake painted on my big toe--so cute!!! They had lots of yummy appetizers and treats and it was great to visit with the other Ortho wives. They are such a GREAT group of girls!! I'm so lucky to have them. There are 8 of us and we get together once a month while the boys attend journal club. What's funny too is that 4 of the 8 of us are pregnant and 2 just had babies.

A couple of days later was the Department Christmas Party. They had it at Cagle Stakes Resteraunt (very Texan!!) in a building they had rented on the resteraunt's property. When pulling up to the resteraunt they had cowboys on horses asking us what party we belonged to and showed us where to go--very cool. The party was fun and the food was good. I had never been served such a large stake before!!

Kelsey's Dance Recital

Tuesday was Kelsey's last day of dance. We was a super star and was there for all 10 lessons!! She LOVED it!! I'm going to sign her up again for this Spring--starting in Februray for Jazz, Ballet and Tap (combined class). Can you believe it is only $15 for 10 weeks!!?? It's such a deal. They have some really nice programs through the community here. Kelsey learned a lot in her dance class and I was so proud of her. Blake was even able to come for her last lesson and see her dance.

Hurry Quick Before it Melts!!

On December 8th, we once again woke up to snow. Blake had pulled down our snow supplies the other day, so we tried to hurry and get dressed to go out and play in it for a while before it melted. Unfortunately by the time we got all dressed and ready, most of the snow had melted. So what did Kelsey do, she resorted to the sand box. Mylee just thought she was cool in her snow outfit. What could be better then playing with Dad in the backyard too!! We are loving having him home. We're not going to want him to leave when he has to go to work tonight (he works graveyard, 7 to 7). He will have that schedule through Sunday, then he has Monday through Friday off again!! Wha--hoo!! It's like he's on vacation. Next week we are going to paint the girl's room and maybe some other rooms in our house. Did I mention he has Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years off too!! What more can I ask for? This is great!!

Gingerbread House 2009

Kelsey and I made our annual Gingerbread house again this year on Monday Dec. 7th. I put the frosting down and she decorated it!! She did an awesome job. She had been asking me for days when we would be able to make it. Thank goodness Monday came and we were able to do it for FHE.

Blake the Wonderful!!

Blake is on Emergency Medicine this month and we lucked out because they didn't schedule him to work until Dec. 10th. So what did he do, he started on a project!! He built us a covered patio!! yeah!!! It is still a work in progress. As I write he is caulking and then will have to paint. I will have to keep pictures coming. Our neighbors came over in amazement one day and said, "Wow, how do you know how to do that?" What can I say, my husband is superman!!

Our First Snow

If you think we don't get snow in Texas and that it doesn't get cold, think again cause looky here!! We woke up to our first snow on December 1st, 2009. Kelsey had to go outside first thing in the morning. Mylee yelled, "Mom, snowman!!!" She calls snow snowmans. I think it comes from "Once there was a Snowman" song. She loves that song. I love the snow and am really going to miss it. We do get snow in Texas, but it only lasts for a couple of hours.

Thanksgiving 2009

This year Blake had to work on Thanksgiving (2nd year in a row--what's up with that?). Thankfully, however, he didn't have to work overnight. Our sweet friends next door invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner and much to our surprise they were having their meal at night, so we were able to be together as a family for our Thanksgiving feast. Blake was a little late to the party, but he was there for most of the time. Our friends has also invited other people over for dinner. I believe we had about 21 people over for dinner including the missionaries who stopped in for a while--we love the missionaries, they stop by our house often.

I brought over all my left over pies and surprising a lot of them got eaten, yeah!!! I also made orange rolls, sweet potatoes, and cranberry jello salad. The meal was delicious! The girls didn't really care about the food, they were all into playing with new toys and friends.

Look Who's At It Again

I couldn't help but post this picture. Blake and I were working on finances (yuck!) unawares of what our kids were up to (not a good idea!!) After a while Blake went to go see where there were up to and this is what he found. PEANUT BUTTER!! All over Mylee, all over my pantry, pantry walls and door. Parenthood, isn't it great ;)

Pie Night

This year we had our annual pie night the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I had been preparing pies all month in anticipation for this night. It's something I look forward to every year. I have to give a special thanks to my mother-in-law who shared with me her secret, yummy recipes and for giving me the skills. I made 7 pies and a friend brought an 8th pie. I made Pumpkin, Apple, Praline n' Apple, Lemon Meringue, Key Lime, Cherry, and Chocolate Cream. My friend brought Banana Cream. So there were a lot of options to choose from. We had 18 people over and enjoyed visiting with them. I learned though that 8 pies were too many. I had so much left over pie!!! And no one took any home. Next year I don't think I will be quite as ambitious. It was a good activity to do along with Kelsey though and for her to get exposure to this tradition and the art of making pies.

My Mom Comes to Visit!!

My Mom came to visit the week before Thanksgiving. It was so wonderful to have her come. Kelsey and Mylee LOVED having their Grammy around. I realized this was the first time my mom had come to visit me with no other kids in tow. It was nice to have her all to myself--that hasn't happened in years!! The first night she was here we played around our house and the girls had Grammy read the new books we had just gotten from the library. Kelsey was in heaven. My mom even read her this huge Disney Princess book (pictured above) that I hadn't had the patience to read yet. Mylee couldn't say Grammy, but instead called her Magga. It was SO CUTE!!

We of course went shopping and did some Christmas shopping for the girls. My mom even brought the girls new Christmas dresses! I enjoyed showing my mom around Lubbock and letting her get a feel of where I live. Saturday my friends threw me a baby shower and I was lucky enough to have my mom in town so she could come too. It was a great shower and I got some really cute and needful things!! I have such sweet friends here and have felt so welcome and loved.

Sunday Kelsey sang in the Primary Program and got up to the microphone and said her part perfectly from memory, "Family prayer strengthens my family, IT IS A BLESSING!" She enunciated that last part really well and I couldn't help but smile proudly when she finished. I really didn't think she would do it, but she surprised me. Kelsey did a great job singing and looked so beautiful in the new dress Grammy got for her. I have to admit though that she did get quite wiggly near the end of the program. She is quite the active little girl and has a hard time sitting still for very long. We are working on that though.

My mom left the next morning on Monday. My girls still talk about Grammy visiting. Thanks for coming to visit us Mom!!!

Mom, Where do Girls Work?

Yesterday Blake was post call--he worked all night the night before and was able to come home and sleep the next day. After trying to catch some good R&R (not always successful with two busy girls running around the house), I had him watch the girls while I went to go do some mystery shopping to help earn some money for Christmas (I can't wait for Christmas!!). As I was getting ready to leave Kelsey asked where I was going. Knowing she wouldn't understand what mystery shopping is and not really having the energy to explain it to her, I just said, "Mommy is going to go to work for a while." She looked at me a little funny and then asked, "Mom, where do girls work?". Blake and I got a kick out of that one! Mylee asks every morning when she comes into my room where dad is. I always tell her that he is at work. She quickly responds, "Oh, wook." Both of my girls have it pounded into their little brain that Daddys go to work and Mommys stay at home.

I have to say I'm thankful that my sweet 4-year-old has to ask such a question. There are so many women out there who don't have the opportunity to stay home with their children, but I have been blessed to be one of those few. I get to be involved in their day-to-day lives and teach them what is right and wrong and be a constanst influence for good (well I try to be). I admit, being a stay-at-home mom is not always easy and there are days I want to pull my hair out, but overall I love it and I am truly thankful and blessed. I know being a mother is the most important work I can and will ever do and I'm grateful I can put my whole heart and energy into mothering every day.

Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your votes!! White it is!! I ordered them and they should be on their way. Can't wait :)

Help, I'm Indecisive!

Shhhhh!! The girls are getting bunk beds for Christmas and I can't decide whether I should get white or natural wood color. I want to do their room in pink and white. This is going to be their bedding--that will come much after the bunk beds unfortunately.

The walls will have white bead board and then a light pink above the bead board. I think the white will look better, but I'm worried about maintaining painted wood. Do you think the white will blend in too much with the white bead board? Natural wood is easy to maintain and goes with anything. Am I making this too complicated?

What do you all think? WHITE or NATURAL? You can vote on the side.