I know it has been some time since I have posted. There hasn't really been a whole lot to report. Makena has recovered nicely from rotavirus...than I got it...than Justin got it. Sheesh! The good part is we all got it and got over it in one day.
Makena has quite the Miss Priss attitude. She has also become very attached, of course only in my presence. Should I go out for a while with out her, she is fine. If I am home, she wants to be on my hip. I love her, but sometimes I can't go to the bathroom and hold her at the same time. Otherwise, she has been great. She has the top two middle teeth still bulging and ready to bust through, just not sure when.
Well, not a heck of a lot to report...will have pictures soon.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Can we say R-O-T-O-V-I-R-U-S?
Makena woke up chipper as could be yesterday morning and than BAM!! She started to puke her guts up. Poor baby took a nap and upon waking she vomited. Everywhere!! I mean in her hair and everything. This is the first vomiting episode I have ever experianced with her. Earlier this year when she got rotovirus it all came out of the bottom half of her body...this time BOTH! What a day yesterday was. Last night she slept with me...my thought was, I have plenty of clothes to change into all night long if I had too, but I don't have enough sheets to be changing all night. She did well last night though...she was a bit restless a little whiny, but nothing that required clothing, sheets or diaper change. Although this morning her diaper was completely dry. Freaked me out as 6-8 hours without a wet diaper is not good according to her doctor. I immediately offered her pedialyte and of course she did as she did last night, took one sip and spit. She has eaten one of those pedialyte freezer pops and at the moment still has tears when she cries. I just hope this all gets better soon. She seems happy and perky between episodes. We'll see...hope to have everything back to normal soon. We really miss having Faith and we hope to have her back if not Friday, hopefully Monday.
Monday, November 21, 2005
IKEA!!
Forgive my enthusiasm, but we just went for the first time yesterday. There was a reason why I hadn't gone till now too. I knew if I went, I would want...AND I WANT. I have my bedroom sorted out, Makena's room sorted out...MY WHOLE HOUSE. IKEA IKEA IKEA. Ok, I am a bit extreme, but that place is awesome. In the land of pre-fab assemble yourself the prices are awesome. I was so amazed ever time I passed by something that looked remotely interesting to me what the cost was.
We went with Katie, Conan and Taylor and I tell you they were pros at weaving in and out of that place. Conan fell asleep and from what I was told that was a good thing. Makena...she was shell shocked I think...she people watched the entire time and thank goodness for Taylor. She really kept Makena company while I went nutso at everything I thought was to die for!
Honestly, I didn't think the trip was anything that required a camera to document the day, but darn it I wish I had! This place was HUGE. The food there must be great, there was a line all the way to Sweden just to eat! Everything was just so fun to marvel at...whether it be the design or the cost.
So what does Angela want for Christmas?? IKEA giftcards people! *HINT* *HINT * *WINK* * WINK*
We went with Katie, Conan and Taylor and I tell you they were pros at weaving in and out of that place. Conan fell asleep and from what I was told that was a good thing. Makena...she was shell shocked I think...she people watched the entire time and thank goodness for Taylor. She really kept Makena company while I went nutso at everything I thought was to die for!
Honestly, I didn't think the trip was anything that required a camera to document the day, but darn it I wish I had! This place was HUGE. The food there must be great, there was a line all the way to Sweden just to eat! Everything was just so fun to marvel at...whether it be the design or the cost.
So what does Angela want for Christmas?? IKEA giftcards people! *HINT* *HINT * *WINK* * WINK*
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
AHHHHH!!!
Yes, I know it has been DAYS since I last posted. Makena has started her seperation anxiety phase and it has been rough. She wants to beheld she wants down and then the cycle begins again. She is also teething (top two to be exact) and that has been a nightmare too. I am beat. So the last week and couple of days has been pretty eventful, but not in all the fun ways. It's been a lot of holding, crying, spitting of food (Makena, not me) among other tantrums she has decided to grace us with. So thats that for now.
On a side note...my doctor has put me on Topamax a migrain preventative medication. What a miracle drug! I haven't had a headache in 3 days!
On a side note...my doctor has put me on Topamax a migrain preventative medication. What a miracle drug! I haven't had a headache in 3 days!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
PARRRTAAY
Her 1st Birthday Party was a hit! Although she was extremely exhausted by the end of the evening she was definitely in good spirits.
We had her party at my Uncle Steve and Aunt Thuy's house...there was no mistake as to who the party was for. There were drawings, arrows and verbiage written with sidewalk chalk (on the sidewalk of course) leading guest into the house...it was anywhere from "Mak Mak" to "Makena party station" to "This way to the Mak Attack Party". Of course I have this footage recorded but forgot to take pictures!
Walking into the house was like a shrine to Makena...pictures of here everywhere. There was a beautiful window treatment drapped with pictures of Makena. Even a picture on the bathroom wall.
As soon as Justin arrived with Makena...she stole the show. After a great meal we enjoyed watching her shred her cake to bits, well with her feet. She would barely touch it with her hands, but boy when I tried to get her out of her high chair she was all over it with her feet...thanks by the way to all of Makena's great-aunts and great-uncles who pitched in to cook and of course to Makena's grandma (ba ngoai) for planning almost all of it.
Pictures below...and yes I was there at her party, just forgot to have pictures taken of her and me and pictures of all three of us as a family. Darn it!
We had her party at my Uncle Steve and Aunt Thuy's house...there was no mistake as to who the party was for. There were drawings, arrows and verbiage written with sidewalk chalk (on the sidewalk of course) leading guest into the house...it was anywhere from "Mak Mak" to "Makena party station" to "This way to the Mak Attack Party". Of course I have this footage recorded but forgot to take pictures!
Walking into the house was like a shrine to Makena...pictures of here everywhere. There was a beautiful window treatment drapped with pictures of Makena. Even a picture on the bathroom wall.
As soon as Justin arrived with Makena...she stole the show. After a great meal we enjoyed watching her shred her cake to bits, well with her feet. She would barely touch it with her hands, but boy when I tried to get her out of her high chair she was all over it with her feet...thanks by the way to all of Makena's great-aunts and great-uncles who pitched in to cook and of course to Makena's grandma (ba ngoai) for planning almost all of it.
Pictures below...and yes I was there at her party, just forgot to have pictures taken of her and me and pictures of all three of us as a family. Darn it!
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Nothing like a bath and milk to wash down the yummy cake.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
1st Birthday Came and Went
Yes, today was her first birthday but we will celebrate it on Saturday. She hasn't ever had a bite of cake. Her first bite will be on Saturday. We will have loads of pictures.
It has been a pretty sentimental day for me. I woke up on my 25th birthday this year and didn't even remember it was my birthday. Today I shot out of bed to wake her up to the happy birthday song. She looked up at me with the sweetest smile stood up in her crib and started to bounce up and down on the mattress as I sang to her. Of coursSo e she didn't realize what today was except it was just another day.
So I did a lot of reflecting on the day she was born...what all happend that very special day? Since I didn't have a blog before she was born, her birth story hasn't been documented. Since someday I want Makena to have this blog to read...I want her to know all about the day she was born.
So on November 3, 2004 I was scheduled for an induction. I was already 75% effaced and 3 centimeters dialated. I started to have mild contractions the night before and I was pretty restless. I couldn't stop thinking about holding Makena for the first time. So we arrived to the hospital at 8:00am and met my first nurse Carrie. Unfortunately she also had another patient who had been there and laboring all night. I was some what second on her to do I guess, but I understand. My doctor came in at about 9:30 and was a bit disturbed that I had not been started on my IV and pitocin yet. He went on to perform surgery on another patient and another nurse came to insert my IV and started me on pitocin to start my labor at about 10:00. I started to feel the contractions getting stronger but I wasn't in much pain. At about 11:00 my doctor came in to check on me. I was 4 cm dialated and he decided to break my water. My contractions started to become much more painful after he broke my water. After a couple of contractions I wanted an epidural. I got my epidural at 11:30 and by noon I was 7 cm dialated. I ended up with another nurse, Laura. My nurse had to focus her time with her first patient. I really like Laura, she was very encouraging. At about 2:00pm I started to feel a alot of pressure in my lower abdomen and I wanted to push. Justin called my nurse who said she would call my doctor and let him check me as she figured I was close if not ready to push. I really wanted to start pushing and she decided she would check me since my doctor hadn't arrived yet by 2:15. I was completely dialated and my nurse said she could feel Makena's head. So she grabbed a leg, Justin grabbed the other and I started to push. I pushed through 3 contractions and Makena's head started to crown. My doctor arrived just in time to deliver her through my 4th contraction. Makena Grace was born at 2:36pm. It was the most amazing experiance I have ever experianced and at 4-1/2 hours of labor, I say I was VERY lucky.
To hear her cry for the first time was incredible. It was the sweetest sound. She was and is the most beautiful baby (of course I am bias!) and I can't imagine my life without her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET ANGEL!
P.S. I am a bad mommy...didn't take any pictures today except when she was asleep earlier today with me. She never sleeps with me so I took advantage and took a picture with my phone.
It has been a pretty sentimental day for me. I woke up on my 25th birthday this year and didn't even remember it was my birthday. Today I shot out of bed to wake her up to the happy birthday song. She looked up at me with the sweetest smile stood up in her crib and started to bounce up and down on the mattress as I sang to her. Of coursSo e she didn't realize what today was except it was just another day.
So I did a lot of reflecting on the day she was born...what all happend that very special day? Since I didn't have a blog before she was born, her birth story hasn't been documented. Since someday I want Makena to have this blog to read...I want her to know all about the day she was born.
So on November 3, 2004 I was scheduled for an induction. I was already 75% effaced and 3 centimeters dialated. I started to have mild contractions the night before and I was pretty restless. I couldn't stop thinking about holding Makena for the first time. So we arrived to the hospital at 8:00am and met my first nurse Carrie. Unfortunately she also had another patient who had been there and laboring all night. I was some what second on her to do I guess, but I understand. My doctor came in at about 9:30 and was a bit disturbed that I had not been started on my IV and pitocin yet. He went on to perform surgery on another patient and another nurse came to insert my IV and started me on pitocin to start my labor at about 10:00. I started to feel the contractions getting stronger but I wasn't in much pain. At about 11:00 my doctor came in to check on me. I was 4 cm dialated and he decided to break my water. My contractions started to become much more painful after he broke my water. After a couple of contractions I wanted an epidural. I got my epidural at 11:30 and by noon I was 7 cm dialated. I ended up with another nurse, Laura. My nurse had to focus her time with her first patient. I really like Laura, she was very encouraging. At about 2:00pm I started to feel a alot of pressure in my lower abdomen and I wanted to push. Justin called my nurse who said she would call my doctor and let him check me as she figured I was close if not ready to push. I really wanted to start pushing and she decided she would check me since my doctor hadn't arrived yet by 2:15. I was completely dialated and my nurse said she could feel Makena's head. So she grabbed a leg, Justin grabbed the other and I started to push. I pushed through 3 contractions and Makena's head started to crown. My doctor arrived just in time to deliver her through my 4th contraction. Makena Grace was born at 2:36pm. It was the most amazing experiance I have ever experianced and at 4-1/2 hours of labor, I say I was VERY lucky.
To hear her cry for the first time was incredible. It was the sweetest sound. She was and is the most beautiful baby (of course I am bias!) and I can't imagine my life without her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET ANGEL!
P.S. I am a bad mommy...didn't take any pictures today except when she was asleep earlier today with me. She never sleeps with me so I took advantage and took a picture with my phone.
Three days before
Minutes after.jpg)
1 month old
2 months old
3 months old
4 months old.jpg)
5 months old
6 months old
7 months old
8 months old 
9 months old
10 months old
11 months old
Today-Happy Birthday!.jpg)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
T-minus 1 Day!
Holy Cow! One more day and my baby is 1 years old. I am the luckiest mommy in the world to have such a wonderful baby. Sunday night and Monday night I had an overwhelming urge to hold my baby while she sleeps. Well, I always have the urge but never get to because...well she likes to be in her own bed on her own when she is tired. So I put her to bed as usual and on Sunday night. When I went to bed I got her out of her bed and brought her to bed with me. All was well except she tosses and turns...A LOT! For an hour she was passed out cold, nothing could wake her...but she wouldn't stop rolling. So finally I decided it wasn't going to work out. Justin had so much going on at work the next day I figured it wasn't a good night to keep daddy awake. Monday night at about 3am she started crying. Usually if I leave her for a couple of minutes she goes back to sleep...well, I didn't just leave her. I went got her and brought her to bed with me...BIG MISTAKE! She laid on my chest for a few minutes and then it was back and forth from Justin to me..."mama...dada...mama...dada". She was all over the place and finally she crashed...only it was time for Justin to get up. Oh well, I love her to bits and I don't mind the lack of sleep for a little bit more time with her.
So Halloween Day I forgot our camera at home. However I have pictures that a friend took on Sunday at her kids Halloween shindig. She was the only pumpkin and a cute one at that. Thanks Kim for the pictures!
So Halloween Day I forgot our camera at home. However I have pictures that a friend took on Sunday at her kids Halloween shindig. She was the only pumpkin and a cute one at that. Thanks Kim for the pictures!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
First Birthday Countdown Begins
In just 7 days Makena will be a year old...time has flown so fast and I just can't stand it. My sweet baby girl has grown to a very beautiful toddler. She walks, talks, dances and she has done it all while I watch in amazement...I am amazed this little person is half of me.
I remember when she was first born. After we came home from the hospital and the family members had gone home...those first few days were such distant memories. I remember telling Justin "when are they gonna come back to get her". It felt like I was babysitting someone elses baby. Of course I felt like I was her mother, I held her, loved her, kissed her...I couldn't get enough of her, still can't. I cherish every noise she made...even the ones that freak me out and kept me awake in the middle of the night. I even cherish the noises she didn't make...you know, the one that makes you panic and your first thought is that she stopped breathing so you go to check on her. After a few weeks of a half sleeping state, I decided it was time for my baby to sleep in bed with me. For 2-3 months of her life...she slept on my chest every night. I held her tight and I thank God for giving me the most precious gift. It was all so surreal.
I remember her first smile...so she was only 2 weeks old and it wasn't a voluntary smile, she still smiled. The first time she held her head up while she was on her belly. Her first laugh, the first time she went to the park. The first time she sat up alone. I remember when she learned how to crawl, stand and walk. Her first word..sweet precious sounds she makes. I remember it all and yet it seems to have gone by so fast. I wish I had more time to take in the first 6 months of her life. Between feedings, laundry, diaper changes, baths and naps (for her not me)...it all passed by so fast.
I can remember my life before she was even concieved, yet I can't imagine a day without her ever again.
I can only sum up what I am feeling with this song...
MyMusicCode.com
In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
I remember when she was first born. After we came home from the hospital and the family members had gone home...those first few days were such distant memories. I remember telling Justin "when are they gonna come back to get her". It felt like I was babysitting someone elses baby. Of course I felt like I was her mother, I held her, loved her, kissed her...I couldn't get enough of her, still can't. I cherish every noise she made...even the ones that freak me out and kept me awake in the middle of the night. I even cherish the noises she didn't make...you know, the one that makes you panic and your first thought is that she stopped breathing so you go to check on her. After a few weeks of a half sleeping state, I decided it was time for my baby to sleep in bed with me. For 2-3 months of her life...she slept on my chest every night. I held her tight and I thank God for giving me the most precious gift. It was all so surreal.
I remember her first smile...so she was only 2 weeks old and it wasn't a voluntary smile, she still smiled. The first time she held her head up while she was on her belly. Her first laugh, the first time she went to the park. The first time she sat up alone. I remember when she learned how to crawl, stand and walk. Her first word..sweet precious sounds she makes. I remember it all and yet it seems to have gone by so fast. I wish I had more time to take in the first 6 months of her life. Between feedings, laundry, diaper changes, baths and naps (for her not me)...it all passed by so fast.
I can remember my life before she was even concieved, yet I can't imagine a day without her ever again.
I can only sum up what I am feeling with this song...
Click play below
In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
Monday, October 24, 2005
Thank you Ms. Katie!
These pictures below were taken by Katie. She did a fantastic job and we love the pics!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Texas State Fair
On Saturday, Justin and I took Makena to the fair. Our first mission through the fair gates?? Fletcher's Corny Dogs...yes they really are that good! Even Makena joined in on the yummy goodness.
I have never seen such intensity while eating a Fletcher's Corny Dog. She literally grabbed it out of my hand and shoved the whole thing in her little mouth. PIGGY PIGGY!
Of course we wanted to take her to the baby petting zoo...unfortunately it was for children 2 years old and up! What a disappointment. Along the way though we saw baby chicks, baby ducks and a Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig.
We than checked out the water fountains, the music museum (whatever that means...there was nothing great and it was a waste of $1 per person). However we took Makena out of her wagon and she decided to push it along.
We went to the Auto Show and checked out the cars...Makena saw the Ford GT and Justin was in HEAVEN.
She fell asleep as I walked through the Auto Show with her. She usually is so curious that she wouldn't have normally fallen asleep. She must have been really tired.
When she woke up, Justin played one of those fair games and won Makena a stuffed monkey. She LOVES that monkey...she had a grip on it all day.
We had a great time at the fair and hopefully next year she will be able to enjoy more, including the petting zoo!
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I have never seen such intensity while eating a Fletcher's Corny Dog. She literally grabbed it out of my hand and shoved the whole thing in her little mouth. PIGGY PIGGY!
Of course we wanted to take her to the baby petting zoo...unfortunately it was for children 2 years old and up! What a disappointment. Along the way though we saw baby chicks, baby ducks and a Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig.
We than checked out the water fountains, the music museum (whatever that means...there was nothing great and it was a waste of $1 per person). However we took Makena out of her wagon and she decided to push it along.
We went to the Auto Show and checked out the cars...Makena saw the Ford GT and Justin was in HEAVEN.
She fell asleep as I walked through the Auto Show with her. She usually is so curious that she wouldn't have normally fallen asleep. She must have been really tired.
When she woke up, Justin played one of those fair games and won Makena a stuffed monkey. She LOVES that monkey...she had a grip on it all day.
We had a great time at the fair and hopefully next year she will be able to enjoy more, including the petting zoo!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Tot's Towne Pictures
I don't have a clue who the lady is above and below...she is part of a mommy's playgroup and Katie knew her. If she ever comes across this blog, I want to tell her THANK YOU for allowing Makena to back in to her and sit on her lap. I don't think Makena ever had a clue who's lap she was sitting in, she just sat.
Makena really had a blast with all the indoor play modules...she, Conan and Faith played very well together. I have pictured of Faith too, but I sent them to Holli. If she doesn't post them to Faith's blog, I will post them here later.
Makena and Conan
(they are a day apart)
I don't have a clue who the lady is above and below...she is part of a mommy's playgroup and Katie knew her. If she ever comes across this blog, I want to tell her THANK YOU for allowing Makena to back in to her and sit on her lap. I don't think Makena ever had a clue who's lap she was sitting in, she just sat.
Makena really had a blast with all the indoor play modules...she, Conan and Faith played very well together. I have pictured of Faith too, but I sent them to Holli. If she doesn't post them to Faith's blog, I will post them here later.
Makena and Conan
(they are a day apart)
Exhausted from a full day of fun!