Fasten your masks before helping others...

I read an article a few weeks ago that really hit home. I am a member of our Church's facebook group and get regular emails. Often I don't really read through them, but this one caught my attention. It is also ironic that the premise of the article is based off of the airlines and that's a big part of our families life and which is also is the factor that makes this harder for me to do. The point of the articles is " Put your mask on before helping others". The articles compares this to being a parent; If you don't take care of yourself you become incapable of helping others.

The Article is titled: 'Parenting: What the Airlines can teach you

 As a parent, specifically a mother, we are so inclined to help our child first. I strive to make my daughter, and soon to be daughter happy, doing whatever it takes. Even being pregnant with my child sick  in the hospital for three days, I cuddled with Ela against the advisement of all the doctors and nurses as she was highly contagious. The love that you experience for your child, as well as the pain and joy that you feel is unexplainable until you become a mother.  I understand the article is not speaking directly to this effect, but more so about how as Mothers' we need to take a quick time out to ourselves, make sure we are eating and sleeping. Loving your little ones so much makes this seem like an impossible feat. If we are not 100%, how are we supposed to take care of the little ones that depend so much on us?

I will openly admit that I struggle with this. My husband has been blessed with a job that is truly his passion; not many can say that. At times it was very hard on our family. With both companies that he has worked for, he had to go to an initial training for 6 weeks. In another state, and not being together for an extended period of time was HARD. The first time he was gone, I ended up in the hospital and the second time Ela. That's the law of averages right? Up until recently, when he changed companies, my husband was traveling 3-5 days a week.Add a working mom into the mix and we were a recipe for busy. The only way to do it was a regimented schedule. Switching jobs could not have come at a better time now expecting our second child. He is home most days now as he is based out of Laguardia airport, and usually goes to work in the morning and is home in the evening!(THANK GOODNESS). I almost feel like he has a "normal" job.Even when he is home, I still find it hard to steal "me time" and there is always something to be done. I have caught 3 colds during this pregnancy. A pregnant women, taking care of a sick toddler, while being sick myself is NO fun. I truly need to make it a priority to make sure that I am taking care of myself so I am able to not only to provide for my children, but also my husband. I often wonder if this is even possible, but then the reality hits that if I don't make this a priority then my children do not get me at my best. This has happened many times, a few of which I shared What does not kill you, makes you Stronger , and Speak up Mommy .

Reading this article is nothing new, but maybe something that I really needed to be reminded of. With our second little girl due any day, I am not sure if this will get any easier to achieve, but I will for sure be making it a priority.

35 Weeks-Bump Update

I thought my 34 week post would be one of my last as I would not have much new going on. Turns out the sweet little girls that Tomasz and I made like to keep us on our toes.

As I mentioned in my last post, I was on bed rest at this point with Ela. In exactly one week in my pregnancy with her(36 weeks) I was induced, went into labor and our life changed in the best way possible. Crazy to think about. I still don't think it has set in that we get to meet baby Julia in a few weeks(or days), so yesterday after a trip to the OBGYN I was very surprised.

I have been having contractions on and off for around the past three weeks,been slightly swollen and just not felt right. Nothing a little laying on my left, drinking gallons of water and my Snoogle pillow could not fix. At my last appointment, my doctor assured me that contractions were normal this late in the pregnancy, especially for second time moms and that I was experiencing podrominal labor. (Sidebar: How are you going to call labor "fake" but still have it hurt so bad?? I don't get it) Starting Monday night I started getting contractions really bad again. I did my whole routine of laying down and over hydrating, yada yada yada. Most times they would let up at night. On Wednesday night into Thursday, there was NOTHING I could do to make them stop. I got no sleep even after taking two warm baths and a Tylenol. I debated on calling my OB. Sounds silly not knowing if I was actually in real labor as I am a second time mom, but being induced the first time I had NO clue what real labor felt like. Everyone always said "You will know" so I just attributed it to no bed rest this go around, and my body prepping itself. By lunch the following day I was in so much pain; the contractions were not regular, but super painful. I finally gave in and called the OB and he had me come in. On the way to the office, I began to have them every few minutes as it was a good walk. I have been driving to work lately, but to find parking around Midtown  would have been crazy so I walked....BIG MISTAKE.

Sure enough, I was examined and I was already a centimeter dilated! HOLY COW! I was shocked. When I was induced with Ela at 36.5 weeks, I was not dilated at all and barely effaced. All this time I was expecting to hear it was just prodrominal labor again, and it actually looked like I was in the beginning of labor. I was sent to the hospital and monitored just in case it was more than early labor. When I laid in bed, the contractions slowed and since they had never been regular in the first place I was sent home.(Figured this was the case) I will follow up on Monday with my OB and get a sonogram to see how much our girl weighs. The Labor and Delivery nurses said if I stay off my feet and walk minimally, she will probably come in 2-3 weeks. (37 weeks) I can already tell that even walking a few blocks, the contractions start back up again. Its near impossible living in NYC and not being able to walk.

I really want to keep this little girl nice and safe until 36.5 weeks at minimum, but I wont lie, around 37 weeks, I will be taking a few walks!

35 Weeks....A little more swollen this week.

Any of you other moms have contractions the whole last month of your pregnancy?

34 Week Bump Update

Yes....Still pregnant over here. This pregnancy flew by.... 

Then I hit 30 weeks.I feel like I will forever be growing this little girl in my belly. 

At this point last time in my pregnancy with Ela, I was on bed rest due to Preclampsia. Snow Baby-BedRest  As I was put on bed rest 6 weeks before my due date I never got to experience working while massively pregnant, being fatigued,  and with a toddler. My blood pressure has risen over the past few days from 100/63 to 127/75, but still not a cause for worry yet.  Since all is good for now, we just wait for Julia! I have been having extreme contractions, so much so that I thought I was going into labor last Sunday. They were not regular and after laying down and 3 bottles of water they stopped. A quick check up with the doctor and I am having Podorimal Labor( Painful Braxton Hicks). I guess it is good that my body is getting lots of practice, which should make for a quick labor.

Any bets on a due date?

How far along? 34 Weeks
How many weeks left? 6 weeks... 12/13/13 Due Date.
Total weight gain: 21 pounds
Food Craving of the Week: Pickles(Claussen only) CANDY!!
Sleep: If Ela could sleep maybe I could too. We have both been up.
Best moment this week: Trick or Treating with Ela
Movement: Yes, lots of rolling around but not as many kicks. I even rested my hand on my belly because I did not feel her move and I could feel her heartbeat(so cool)
Belly Button in or out?Out...Old News
What I miss: Pumpkin Beer
What I am looking forward to: Ela and Julia meeting; bending over(the little things in life)
Weekly Wisdom: Rest
Milestones: 34 weeks an accomplishment in itself.

Ela's thoughts on Baby Sister: Mommy, when is Julia coming out? Me: Soon, you are going to stay with your uncle and Mommy will go to the hospital. Ela: Is Julia sick? Me: No, Mommy goes to the hospital so the doctor can take the baby out. Ela: How? Me: I'll tell you later. Ela: OK When? LOL! SO many questions.

A couple snapshots from Halloween. 

My Perfect Little Girl!

What does a mother do best? Brag about their child(ren) of course. I am pretty good at that myself. I wish I was better about using a real camera. Instead I have over 1,000 pictures on my IPhone of my beautiful girl. At work, with friends,via  text messages to our parents, I brag to everyone! I follow many blogs, most of which are "Mom" blogs. Everyone brags about their kids! Often we hear about what an angel a kid is or how perfect they are. I began to think, my child is perfect in her own spunky way. Now that she talks, she has opened  my husband and my eyes to a whole new world. Not only does she create havoc, but she usually tells on herself afterwards. Sometimes in the midst of the craziness we just look at each other and laugh. Thank god for that instant second of sanity, and then back to the tornado of Ela. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT! I am so grateful that we have such an energetic girl that is full of life, and not afraid to experiment. Thinking about how passionate she  is about life at an early age, I began to reminisce of the two almost three years of terrorizing love that she has shown us. 

This just sums up our girl..... OH boy are we in
for trouble. 

Yes...she bit me. And yes she was 2. And yes
she did it on purpose because she was mad.

Mommy, I eat Ice Cream.

Mommy hurry up. I put too many
paper towels in toilet. I cant see poop anymore.

Can you say cheese? NO Mommy!

Take that...Next time think twice about making me nap!

You turned around the DVD collection? Dont worry
I can still reach it.

Turn your back for 5 seconds Mom....and I will learn
how to hop in the tub all by myself. Clothes included.

If you want me to go to school...this is what I
am wearing. Rainboots and PJ's are SO in right now.

This is how most days end. She just crashes.
Nothing graceful about it!
(Actually this was jet lag in London)

I just needed a spoon...and some milk...maybe
a screwdriver too.

Baby needed lotion too...RIGHT?

You didn't bring the crayons over fast enough.

Try and take my babies!

"Ela Did" - No more words needed.
(Thanks for the crayons Grandma)

Nap time strikes again. Diapers out of the crib storage,
and please note the total chomping down of the crib rail.

Nap time again. Do we see a theme here?
The big girl bed transition came quickly.
19 months.

Ready for potty training?

Looking back through the pictures they still make me laugh...These are even just the times I was able to snap a quick shot. There are MANY more. Some days are just plain hard with her mischief, but at the end I ALWAYS get a good laugh. The best part of it all is that she is so innocent and does not even know wrong. I hope that she only continues to grow up to be a inquisitive girl, that is not afraid of taking risks, going against the grain, and asking for forgiveness later. I know that sentence will come back to bite me in the butt later on in life, however as an adult these are great qualities to have and I am proud of my perfectly spunky girl!

 In case you did not catch it...The majority of these photos were during nap time or protesting before bed. Yes Tomasz and I are ALWAYS tired, this child is a rare breed that does not require sleep to function. 

32 Week Bump Update

**Whats going on this week?!**

How far along? 32 Weeks
How many weeks left? 8- ish... 12/13/13 Due Date.
Total weight gain: 17- I was mistaken last time. I thought I was lighter pre-pregnancy, but I guess getting pregnant, I did not care if I gained weight. The doctor kindly reminded me I was heavier pre-prego. So maybe I will keep up with my 22 pounds last time. Oh...And its a little hard to eat with a baby in your ribs and heart burn from hell. 

Maternity clothes? Yes, and outgrew a bunch.
Food Craving of the Week: Pumpkin Pie!
Sleep: Whats that?
Best moment this week: Mommy's night out tomorrow and Pumpkin picking Saturday
Movement: Oh Yes! She does not move like crazy but responds to Ela's voice and cold drinks etc.
Belly Button in or out?Yup...We are out.
What I miss: Pumpkin Beer
What I am looking forward to: The cooler fall weather.- Ela and Julia meeting 
Weekly Wisdom: Never feel embarrassed to ask questions. 
Milestones: Washed all of Ela's old clothes and got Julia's room ready. Diaper bag packed

Ela's thoughts on Baby Sister: I told Ela, I just got back from the doctor and I saw a picture of Julia. Her response " Did she come out yet?"

I have been feeling tired this go around and having alot of contractions already. I had some monitoring the other day for pre-term labor, and all is in the clear. Doctors orders are to take it easy especially until 34 weeks. At 36 weeks they wont stop labor. One other piece of good news: So far the blood pressure is under control so the odds of developing Pre-eclampsia again are low! (Yaay) I developed Pre-eclampisa at 33 weeks. Remember last time?

 New years and Bed Rest!

Here are some bump pictures:

Julia & Ela

32 Weeks pregnant with JULIA

32 Weeks Pregnant with ELA

Guess its true you get bigger with the second pregnancy!

Anyone want to take bets on when she will arrive? Most bets are she will be a Thanksgiving baby. 

Conversations with My Toddler- Chapter 3

She really does not stop talking.... EVER! It is hilarious and warms my heart 99% of the time. The other 1% is attributed to approaching three and learning the art of negotiation.

Here are our latest conversations

Me:  (Screaming from the shower) Ela What are you doing?
Ela: Don't Worry Mommy, I am only making a little mess"

On our way to the Grocery Store
Ela: "Mommy you need to buy allot of groceries so I can grow big and strong. I need to grow more"

Asking about school(The teachers are Polish)
Me:  Ela, does Ms. Katie talk to you in Polish at school?
Ela: " I don't know Mommy, I don't understand what she is saying"

Tucking her in for the night
Me:  Sweet Dreams Buttercup
Ela: Did you forget my name. Its Ela

Chatting about Baby Sister
Me:  Ela, I just got back from the doctor that looks at Baby Julia
Ela: Did she come out yet?

Ela comes running into the room very distraught after I sent her to look for the Ipad.
Me:  Ela whats wrong?
Ela:Come with me now Mommy. You have to see what Tata did.
We both run into the bedroom.
Ela: Look Mommy, Tata tied the Ipad to the wall. (It was charging)

Saying Prayers before bed.
Ela: "Dear God, Thank you for my school and puzzles"

Sitting on the couch
Ela:Mommy does Julia fart in your belly?
Me:  No Ela
Ela:Well then somebody smells
Me: Did you fart?
Ela: No it was Tata(Who was not even home)

Walking down the street in the stroller
Ela: Mommy watch out for my birdie.(Big Fat Pigeon)
Me:  Is that your birdie?
Ela: Yes
Me: Who gave it to you.
Ela: God did

My friend went into labor 5 weeks early. I ended up watching her son, while she rushed to the hospital. I gave Levi a bath. Ela asked to join, but at the current age I decided against it. She just sat and watched. Later on taking our own bath that night.
Ela: Mommy, How come you had to wash Levi's tale?
Me:  What do you mean by his tale?
Ela: His tale like an elephant.
Me: Is that what they call it at school?
Ela:No Mommy, Its a penis.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. My first glimpse of the "talk". This was not the end of this one. We have had quite a few more conversations around this one.

The best of the bunch...
I am sitting on the couch and Ela comes over and bites my toe.
Me:  Ela did you really just bite my toe?
Ela:No, Mom. Probably my teeth just touched your toe.

The toe incident is the best way that I can describe life of a three year old. Old enough to speak and clever enough to totally blow your mind.

10 Things NOT to say to Pregnant Woman!

Most of you reading this are probably pregnant, have been pregnant, or going to be pregnant soon.(If you don't fall into the above, it might boring reading, but thank you anyway) I am sure once or twice someone has said something that just made you cringe while pregnant.  Here are some actual things that people have said recently. Surprisingly, most of the time in my case it has been woman!

1. Oh WOW! Any day now right?
No actually, I am only 7 months. 

2. After I respond to #1.... Oh really? You look like you are 9 months!
Thanks for reminding me. You are so kind to compliment me for how healthy my growing child is.

3. Are you sure you don't want more food? You ARE eating for TWO?
One day I was at Fairway at one of the "Create your own salad bars". The woman turned to me and asked if that was all I was going to eat? First, thank you for noticing the basketball I was smuggling under my shirt and second.... NO! I am lucky I can force anything down, with the fire burning in my chest, my child using my bladder as a bench, and my ribs a a footrest.

4. You look tired, are you having trouble sleeping?
What gave away the fact I am tired\? Was it the bags under my eyes, the coffee in my hand, or are you just trying to make conversation?

5. Your pregnant? Should you be drinking coffee?

Do I know you? First, how do you know this is not decaf in my cup? Second, this is coffee WITH caffeine, and if you had a toddler, got not sleep and could not function, you would have a small cup of coffee too. Didn't you just tell me I looked tired?

6. Are you ready for the delivery? Are you scared?
Well even if I was, this baby can not stay inside forever!

7. Your having two girls? Oh jeez wait until the teenage years? Good Luck.<insert sympathy look> Are you going to try for a boy?
Yes, two girls might be a handful, but don't forget how much joy they will bring to my life. Have you ever thought about how raising two little boys will be, one of each... They all have their own trouble. No, we are not trying for more but thanks for asking.

8. I didn't know you were pregnant. When did this happen?
Well secrets out... That's not a basketball in there. Next time you wonder if someone is pregnant you should silently count back 9 months in your head instead of making both of us feel uncomfortable.

9. After telling work/friends I was pregnant the response was.... Yes I could tell you were looking a little heavier lately.
 JUST KIDDING! Wouldn't that be funny. But no really. Thanks, I appreciate your honesty. 

10. Don't stress... I am sure you are just emotional lately.
You want to see emotional...I'll give you emotional. I am actually like this all the time, I am just too tired to refrain myself currently.