Not much to report, just life:)

Not much to blog about or much time for that matter, just busy. The kiddos had conferences last week at school and they both got fabulous reports- I'm one proud momma!!! They were also on Fall Break last Thursday and Friday so I planned some fun activities. My niece and nephew were on Fall break as well so I had them too. Thursday we went and picked apples at a local orchard, then went to out to lunch and played. Friday we spent a good part of the day at the zoo, nothing like taking 6 kiddos by yourself to the zoo!! We had a great day complete with 1 train ride, 4 carousel rides, fed the giraffes and had a picnic lunch- good times, great memories!!! We then came home and put the two little ones down for naps and we made apple pie with some of the fresh apples we picked the day before. The weekend was a washout, literally, we got A LOT of rain:( The two older kiddos went with my mom to a local paint pottery place and painted.
Our October is jam packed with lots of fun family activities, just hope the weather cooperates!!! We have a picnic and ball game this weekend and the rest of the month we have pumpkin picking, an amusement park with Halloween fun, homecoming, fall festival, trunk or treat- looking forward to it all!!!
Little Miss EK turned 3 months old yesterday! She is growing and changing so much. She is such a good easy going baby, and I'm LOVING all the great big smiles I'm getting:) She was sleeping through the night however this past week she started waking up not sure if its just a growth spurt or if she's getting a little cold- she has a little runny nose and congestion going on:(
Yesterday my car acted up in carpool line- giving all kinds of warning signals/ messages (it had done this before and when we took it in, it showed nothing after shelling out $100 for diagnostics). Well after getting the kiddos and leaving school my breaks wouldn't work! Talk about scary, thankfully I wasn't going real fast and I was able to use the emergency break to get it stopped. Thankfully we are all safe and it's in the shop- apparently some computer thing and its under warranty:) Also thankful my parents were leaving today for vacation so I was able to use one of there vehicles which is smaller than my big SUV however everyone still fits safely:)
Hope everyone has a fantastic end of the week/ weekend :)

Spinning my wheels

Some days I feel as though I'm just spinning my wheels, trying to get traction to get moving/get things accomplished and yesterday was one of those days!!!!! My day started bright and early, a few minutes before 6:00am with feeding EK which I thought would workout perfect because my alarm was set to get up at 6:40. While I was feeding EK, L woke up, well this put a little wrench in my plans. L was settled in watching tv so I thought she would be ok while I showered (and she was). Well EK apparently was super hungry and took longer to eat but I still thought I would be ok. I got EK settled back in the bassinet and I jumped in the shower to get ready for church. As I was in the bathroom I heard EK fussing so I was trying to hurry up and get ready and get her. After getting EK and getting her settled down I fixed breakfast- which I guess I should've just had something quick. I got about halfway through eating and had to feed EK again. Well needless to say by 8:30 (the time I need to leave to get to 9:00am mass on time), I was showered but not dressed for church; L and I had eaten breakfast; L's clothes were out but she wasn't ready; EK was dressed but still eating so church didnt happen 😞. I was so aggravated and bummed. It seemed like the rest of my day went this way too, I needed to go to the grocery but M wasn't cooperating with getting dressed; by the time I got the list compiled and coupons gathered it was time for EK to eat again- I was also under a time crunch because M had a 🏈game to cheer at in the afternoon. Thankfully my mom watched the kiddos except EK while I ran to the grocery; then she took M and H to the football game for M to cheer. My mom was wanting to see M cheer and this helped me out because L could get her afternoon nap on time. At the end of the day I felt like I didn't get much accomplished, but then again I'm sure this happens to everyone, I just feel like its more frequent for me.
I'm having issues with getting and keeping the house clean. I'm home just about all day (with the exceptions of running errands and running the kids here and there) but I can't seem to get anything done. The kiddos are NO help, I've tried implementing chores however this turns into more battles trying to get them to do them and I just give up. Hubby is like another kid, he doesn't help out with house work- if I could just get him to clean up after himself that would be a big help! I don't know what to do but I feel like I'm leaving in a pig sty and what little bit I'm able to get accomplished by the end of the day you can't even tell I did. So frustrated!
On a happy😊note, HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!!🍂🍁🎃👻
It's definitely felt a little more like Fall the past few days around here- long pants, light jackets. So now I guess it's time to start putting away summer clothes and pulling out the fall/ winter stuff (fingers crossed it still fits!!).

Finally posting ;)

YIKES!!! Didn't realize I haven't posted in September. Well what can I say other than I've been crazy busy!!! Running the kiddos to and from school; H played "hooky" for the first time; Girl Scout mtgs; cheer has begun for M; we had M's 8th birthday last weekend; L started gymnastics; and EK turned two months old, we had her check-up.
Where to begin? Well H pulled a fast one! School called me to say H had thrown up; I felt so guilty for sending him to school thinking it was just allergies- his allergies have been pretty bad lately:( So I get to school and the principal tells me she tried to take his temp several times- when she said this I was thinking why couldn't you get his temp? But didn't say anything. So on the way home H and I are talking and I find out they have an oral thermometer and H has a horrible gag reflex thus why he threw up all over the principal and also why she couldn't get his temp!! Anyhoo H stayed home, rested/ took it easy bc of his allergies. The next morning he woke up and said he was fine however once hubby left for work he said he wasn't feeling well etc I decided not to push things so I didn't send him to school. After dropping M off at school and getting home H announces "GREAT NEWS!!! I'm all better!" LOL! Yeppers Mr. H was playing Hooky! He then asked where we were going for lunch. Needless to say H was disappointed to find out he was eating the lunch I packed for school, there would be no tv, video games, tablet, computer etc and oh yes momma has worksheets/ school work that I came up with for him to do- not exactly the day he had planned;) Then when M got home from school she had all his work he had missed the last two days. I don't think H will be playing hooky anytime soon;)
M had her friends party at a local pottery place- it was a girls only party. The girls got to pick out the pottery piece they wanted to paint off several shelves then they had an hour to paint their piece. The girls also put their thumbprint on a plate and the store creates a birthday plate for M. After the girls painted, they had pizza, juice pouches and mini cupcakes- it was a really cute party and Madelyn had fun!! Then that evening we celebrated M's birthday with the family. On her actual birthday she had school where she took Popsicles to celebrate; then at home after dinner and leftover cupcakes she opened gifts. I had a tough time figuring out what to get M and she didn't have many ideas, I can't believe my baby girl is 8yrs old!!!
L started gymnastics, it's more of a tumbling class. L was SUPER Excited and couldn't wait to finally start gymnastics. The class she is in has two other kiddos and two instructors. My cousin found L a leotard at a local consignment sale- she loves wearing it for class- she's sooooo cute in it with her hair in piggy tails. L did well listening to the instructors and she's familiar with the gym and the instructors because its where M took gymnastics.
EK is two months old!!!! Where has the time gone?? She's no longer my little newborn :( She is becoming an alert, chunky little infant. EK had a great check-up at the pediatrician's office, she is just perfect but then we already knew that:) EK is in the 66% for height (22 7/8inches); 49% for weight (11lbs 5oz); and 45% head circumference (15) which I think is the size L was born with- LOL!!! The worst part was the shots:( The manufacturer that makes the additive or whatever you call it so you can combine the shots is not making it or is behind in making it something like that, anyhoo EK ended up with 4 shots (2 in ea leg) and an oral vaccine. Yes it was horrible for me too and I tried to hold it together. I hate shots but I also know they are necessary.
I have another crazy busy weekend ahead and hubby is not only going to be at the gym all day Sunday- his usual but all day Saturday too! So I will be solo for all: Sat M has cheer practice; then im planning on heading home to catch the BIG state rivalry college football game; then we have my cousins little girls 1st bday. Sunday we have to go to 11:30 mass for first reconciliation enrollment for M (yep me and all 4 kiddos by myself- pray for me!!!) then that afternoon M has a football game to cheer at. At some point I'm going to need to go grocery shopping so that will be a fun trip with all 4- don't know how I'm going to do it unless I have M push a cart to put the groceries in, bc L and EK take up a cart themselves. Anyhoo that's what's been going on here and what I've got ahead this weekend- hope everyone has a great weekend:)

Cardiologist check up for both of us

 Yesterday I had my follow up with the cardiologist and EK had her appointment to check out her heart (because of my congenital heart defect she needed to be checked out). I scheduled this appointment some time ago, then last week less than a week before my appointment the office calls to say that they can't get our echo's scheduled at the time they told me and could I come another day/ time?! I was beyond upset because here I thought it was scheduled and hubby had taken the day off to come with me. We were able to work it out that we went to the hospital right by the doctors office for the echo's then to the doctors office to see the doctor, however this meant we had to be at the hospital (downtown) for registration by 8:15- YUCK!!! We managed to get the 2 older kiddos ready for school (my mom took them for us), and the two younger ones ready in time to go, traffic was horrible but we got to the hospital no problem. The problems arose when we got to the hospital, they didn't have the orders for EK, then insurance denied her twice even though the day before we had received a letter saying she was covered! After several phone calls we got both issues straightened out. We finally headed to get our echo's. EK went first and she did quite well, I feed her during the procedure which helped. Then it was my turn, it was enjoyable- LOL! Yes in a dimmed room, laying on a bed covered up, yes I took a little nap while I had the echo. I'm telling you with the lack of sleep, when I see a bed I want to lay down and sleep, ask me to lay down where it's quiet and the lights are dim I'm going to fall asleep!!
After both of our echo's we trekked over to the doctors office to fill out a ton of paperwork and to sit and wait and wait!!! Finally we were called back where both EK and myself got weighted, blood pressure checks and ekg's. Little Miss Chunky Monkey weights 10lbs 8oz!!!!! I knew she had gained but not that much- wow!!! Then it was time to see the doctor, and I'm so HAPPY to say we both got great reports!!!! EK is a beautiful healthy little girl:) She has a small vsd, and slight murmur which are all absolutely normal for her age. They do want to see EK back in two yrs to make sure the vsd closed up and everything is still normal, which the fully expect it to be. My ticker is doing great, the doctor said looking at my echo/ ekg etc you would never know I've had a baby let alone two- that everything is the same no effects from the pregnancies. WOO-HOO!!!!!! That was the best news after spending ALL morning at the hospital/ doctors- it was after 12:00 by the time we got done! EK and L were both troopers. I was so so proud of L, she was in the stroller the whole time and did awesome!!! By the time we stopped and had lunch because we were all starving!! I had to drop hubby at his afternoon doctors appointment at the orthopedist (he's been released, just ease back into things the next couple of weeks), then head to M and H's school to pick them up. It was a long day but with great news:)

6 weeks old!!!!!

Yesterday our littlest princess turned 6 weeks old!! Time is going by too fast, she growing and changing too fast, I think with three other kiddos and craziness it seems to go by faster. I just want to freeze time to be able to enjoy her more when she's so tiny. EK, still doesn't have a good feeding schedule and will often fall asleep during a feeding, I'm trying not to get too worked up about it because she is growing. I've backed off waking her every 2 hours to feed- the doctor said I should feed her every 2 hours till she is 10lbs; I don't let her go a very long but I'm more lax. EK is becoming more alert starting to coo and "talk". Her smile just melts my heart.
On a different note, it's been 6wks since I had EK that means hubby and I can have sex again. Hubby started hinting and alluding to this starting last week UGH!!!! REALLY!!!!!! I'm sorry but that is the LAST thing on my mind. I love my hubby but to be honest if I see a bed all I want to do is crawl in it and sleep, matter of fact anything in a horizontal position makes me think of sleep because I'm exhausted!!! Hubby just doesn't get it, and makes me feel bad, saying I'm not attracted to him, etc...  I just don't think he realizes what my days/ nights are like, I honestly believe he thinks oh she's home all day etc...Any suggestions?

Kindergarten check-up, beginning of school, H's 6th birthday , EXHAUSTED

WHEW!!!! What a crazy busy week we had! H had his kindergarten check-up last Wed. afternoon luckily hubby kept M and L at home since he was home for lunch and I took H and EK with me. H was too funny at the doctors. When the nurse came to get him, he wouldn't get up till she answered his questions- am I getting a shot? Am I getting my finger pricked? Once she said no, he said okay, got up and followed her back. Once back in the room I reminded H goes by his middle name, so she showed him how she was going to change it in the computer, she asked H what he preferred to be called, he said hum (you could see the wheels turning!), then he replied LaVale. WHAT?! So the rest of the appointment they all referred to him as LaVale- LOL!!! H was messing with EK who was asleep in her carrier, I told him to leave her alone and let her sleep because if she wakes up she is going to want to eat. H then turns to the nurse and says "and you don't want to see that!" OMG! H was so thrilled when the nurse said he was going to have to pee in a cup- must be a boy thing! When the doctor came into the room she started off asking developmental questions like do you know your colors? H said no! I said yes you do! So the doctor had to test him on his colors to which of course he knew. The doctor said you do so know your colors, why did you say no? H said "just checkin to see if you do!". LOL! H got a great check-up :) He is in the 23% for weight and 9% for height- I wasn't shocked by this, the main thing is he is growing and he is healthy:)
Last Thursday was the kiddos first day of school, and they did awesome and had a fabulous first day (they had an early dismissal on Thursday to help them ease back into the school year). Since the kiddos are back in school I've found it's more, yes more of a challenge to do some things because L misses her bubby and sissy and she is bored so she is into A LOT more things especially when I'm feeding EK!
L is quite the handful because she is trying to be so independent, and VERY strong willed two year old! Trying to go anywhere with L and EK is quite the chore, trying to carry the car seat carrier and hope L will listen and follow directions. L HATES riding in carts at the store which is quite the challenge; getting into the car seat is also a battle. I keep trying to tell myself this too shall pass its a phase, however I'm overwhelmed with things and then factor in the lack of sleep. I'm now getting up to start my day at 5:30am unless EK has a feeding right around that time like this morning when my day started at 5:00am and no naps I'm running on very little sleep. EK is still on an every 2 hour feeding schedule. EK is not a great eater, often falling asleep so some feelings take 1-1.5 hours!!! I've tried everything I can think of, tickling her,taking her clothes off etc..
This past weekend was H's 6th birthday!!! I can't believe my baby boy is 6yrs old!! On Friday H took some cookies into school to celebrate- he was so excited to celebrate his actually birthday instead of his "fake" birthday as he called it (his preschool celebrated his half bday bc school didn't start in time for his actual bday). On Saturday we had his friends party at a local trampoline place. When I got up a few minutes after 6am to feed EK, H was already up- someone was VERY excited about his birthday:) His party went ok other than the trampoline place wouldn't allow outside food and drink and I was not aware of this policy so H was not able to have his cookie cake a juice boxes with his friends- I was not happy and I felt horrible!!! My mom made me feel worse by saying I really should check into these things before I plan etc... H didn't seem to mind, we had the cookie cake that evening with my brother, niece, nephew and my parents when we celebrated his birthday and he got his presents. H got all kinds of le.gos- I said he has so many now instead of moving we will just build an addition with them!!!
Yesterday we had EK's 6wk pictures taken (a little early she isn't 6weeks till tomorrow but with our schedules this is what worked best), it kind of snuck up on me with the start of school and H's birthday. Saturday afternoon/ evening and Sunday morning/ afternoon before pictures I was searching for fancy/ lacy white bloomers and a small bow headband for pictures. Sunday I finally found a place that said they had the bloomers (mind you the person I talked to on the phone was VERY rude)  so I loaded all the kiddos and headed there (hubby is at the gym almost all day on Sundays), when I get to the store, they don't have the bloomers they use to but they were out, and apparently the sales lady (same rude person I talked to on the phone) thought it was funny! I noticed they had headband bows, I asked what size it was and the last says "it has elastic, it will fit any size", so I try it on EK it's too big and falls right off! The sales lady them tells me I could cut the bow off the headband and use a little El.m,ers glue to stick it on EK's head- it's a photographers secret! REALLY?! What photographer because I want to make sure not to take my baby there! Needless to say after I left this place I was not happy!!!! I ended up having a meltdown, between the lack of sleep, the kids not behaving, not being prepared for pictures/ finding what I wanted and feeling like I have no help it was too much! THANKFULLY pictures turned out fabulous, EK did awesome and I found a couple of cute outfits in her closet for pictures.
Sorry for the long post, told ya we've been busy:) hope I didnt ramble too much! Thankfully this week looks pretty calm.

One Month Old :o

Yes, I know hard to our little EK is one month old!!!! We are all doing well and settling into a new normal/ chaos. I'm doing well, getting more confident about going out with the kiddos, although its still a juggling act with breast feeding and trying to get things done she eats every 2 hrs (dimetimes sooner!) I'm still not back to doing everything that I was before- haven't attempted the grocery shopping- although after hubby's half hearted attempts (without any kids) I think it's time I figure out how to grocery shop- preferably without the kiddos or at least all of them! Hubby either spends a fortune (getting name brand stuff and "extras" that weren't on the list or doesn't get the right stuff/ forgets to get everything on the list.
This week has been my "crazy" week with 3 doctors appointments; school mtgs and activities etc... But managed to get through it okay:) The kiddos start school next Thurs so that will be another adjustment/ new normal. I am hoping and praying the kiddos have a great school year!
Today we took EK for her 1 month check-up and she is doing great:) She's up to 8lbs 14oz and 21 in long- growing like a weed! Poor thing had to get a shot- broke momma's heart; never is easy when your kids are in pain :(
One of my "saving graces" has been some new meals/ recipes that are super easy, can be made ahead; and are large enough I can freeze half for another meal. And the awesome part is two of them have been a HUGE hit with M who hardly ever eats dinner, because she is BEYOND picky (she doesn't like meat, veggies etc... Makes dinner time really enjoyable *note the sarcasm!).
Well time to get a few things accomplished while EK is napping! I still have to plan/ work on H's birthday, next Saturday he will be 6yrs old !!!