Neuroligist update

Yesterday we saw the Neurologist and with it came the "news" that I sort of expected. She wants TRES to have an MRI because she suspects that during the car accident that happened 3 days prior to her birth or during birth, she had a stroke. She watched her movements, the way she sort of tucks her thumb into her hand when she's not using it and the overall "neglect" that she shows towards that hand. Yes, she uses it but sometimes its like she forgets that its there and that's when the folding of her wrist happens.
She is happy with the improvement that TRES has made during the last 2 months of physical therapy and wants her to continue to get PT because she still has some low tone in her arms and core. She also wants her to start occupational therapy to work on her fine motor skills which need refinement (pincher grasp, banging blocks, etc).
The Neurologist did say that strokes in infants are VERY common because the little blood vessels are so fragile and birth is very traumatic to the head. She told me that she always tells parents that if a stroke were to happen the best time is when you're a baby because its so much easier to learn/re-learn how to use your body. She wants us to persue "early intervention" to try to get the PT and OT covered by the state. She isn't showing any signs of developmental delay so this is just a brain/hand thing.
She doesn't think that TRES will have long term effects and that she will be able to function completely fine so I'm so thankful for that.
This is just a hard time for my hubby and I as parents. The thought of my baby being put under is stressful and very emotionally draining. But we feel like we don't have an option whether we do it or not. We'll never know unless she has the MRI done, so as soon as the insurance clears it the doctors office will call to schedule it So please just keep her in your prayers. She continues to make progress every day and hopefully soon will have no signs that there was ever something wrong.

Yes, I'm still alive

We've just been really busy around there and the computer has been on the fritz for the longest time. I wanted to do a quick update of what the kids are up to before I forget but will post a quick synopsis of our summer some other time.

Uno is learning like crazy! He never ceases to amaze us how fast he learns, how he just picks things up and then spits them out when we least expect it. Over the summer he taught himself how to write his name and it has progressed into BEAUTIFUL penmanship! He also taught himself how to write the letters a,b,c,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,o,q,s,t,u,v,and z! He says some of the funniest things but of course I cannot think of anything offhand. He knows how to graph, sort, read and identify all of the letters and can identify numbers 1-10.

Dos has learned most of her colors(she sometimes pretends she doesn't know but then will point something out and say the correct color on her own). Her favorite color is pink, of course. She continues to be the princess of the house and has quite the little attitude. She loves dresses, necklaces and looking like a princess. She says "I'm like a princess" or "I look so pretty" all the time! She can count from 1-13 (and higher with a few mistakes). Her vocabulary and speech is AMAZING! She does not talk like a typical 2.5 year old.

Tres is doing well in PT. She has a neurology appt at the end of November (hopefully sooner if I can get in) to see if there is nerve damage or something. This little peanut LOVES to eat! For being a tiny petite little girl, she eats more than Uno or Dos! She has been pulling up, cruising and sitting back down for months. She knows the words more,hi, and hair but usually sticks to just "hi" and a loud scream/yell when she wants something or our attention. She loves dogs and said "Hiiiii" to them and pets them any chance she gets. She is starting to walk (with push toys or our help).

Quatro is 15 weeks today. I feel some movement (rolling, swimming, and tumbling) but no kicks yet.

Physical Therapy

So it all started when Tres started crawling at about 4.5-5 months old. She would turn her right wrist under (kind of like a seal) and when we would correct her she would turn it back within seconds. So at her 6 month check up with our old doctor, they said it was just a phase and that she would grow out of it. That didn't make me feel better and that's when I got the info for the pediatrician from a friend. At her 9 month check up with the new doc, I told the doc about it and she said that was definitely not good so she sent me to a peds PT.

We met with her yesterday for the evaluation and she did a bunch of little strength tests and watched how she moved to see how the muscles were all working. She said that her arms are really tight when moved like you were lifting air weights. She said it shouldn't be that tight. She said its called "tone" and we're all born with different levels and Tres' is just higher in her arms. She lacks a little strength in her shoulders/neck area. And then her wrist is too flexible. When crawling she did point out that not only does she barely use her right hand, but she doesn't really use her left leg. She said that is completely typical to not use the diagonal extremity when one isn't working right.

So, she gave me little exercises to do at home to help bring her attention to her wrist and gave me more things to do with her when correcting the placement when she's crawling. She wants to see her for a couple months at least. She said that we will do this first but if we don't start seeing improvement, we might need to have neurology clear her for any other issues. And as far as a brace goes, the PT said that therapy is the least invasive so we'll try that first and maybe have to do a brace later. A brace can limit mobility and hinder the situation.

So, overall, she's fine. Since she's met all other milestones and all, the Dr. and PT don't seem too worried. But Mama's mind can wander and think of all the "what if's" so that's whats hard for me. I just feel bad that I didn't listen to my instincts sooner and demand that she be seen by a physical therapist when she first started crawling and when the wrist situation wasn't working itself out. I just need to remember to pray and put things in His hands. I know she'll be fine and this is a minor problem.


So, as for this little journey we're on, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.


So please keep her in your prayers :)

Sweet little Tres, 9 months old

Thinking of my little girl brings tears to my eyes. She is so sweet, so mild tempered and a love bug. About two weeks ago she got her first tooth (bottom right) then the next week got her second tooth (bottom left). They're still barely coming through the gums but they are there enough to hurt. :( She can say "more" which sounds a little more like "mmmmo" or "mmm" but she's trying. She says "hi" and just yesterday she waved. I thought she had waved before but I wasn't sure if it was a fluke. But this time it wasn't. She did a full wave to the doctor yesterday! It looks a little like a bird flapping its wing but it is so cute!

She's growing up so fast! I can't believe how fast 9 months has just flown by. I start crying uncontrollably in the car when songs come on about little girls all grown up and their daddy walking them down the isle. Before I know it, we'll be picking out prom dresses, wedding dresses and watching my little babies get married. I know some of this is pregnancy hormones but some if isn't. I just love them so much! Them growing up is a love/hate thing in my mind. I dream of what they will do, who they will become and all that but I already feel my heart breaking for when they leave me. I will definitely be one of those moms that lets my kids live with me forever. But for now I will just love on them as much as I can and watch all of the new things they learn, because "one day, she'll.. be..gone". Ahh, bring on the tears!

It's a bird, it's a plane...

it's a seahorse!

Not only do we look at the clouds and find shapes, animals and many other things in this house but my potty training curly haired two year old find shapes and animals in her poop! This girl is obsessed with poop! Every day, every where, and any animal that we see...she discusses poop. Oh the joys of parenthood!

But at least she is almost 100% potty trained! :)

I'll save everyone the urge to throw up and not post a pic of one of her discoveries

My CD Journey

I attempted to cloth diaper with my first child with gDiapers back in 2007. With many leaks and never really taking it on completely, my cloth diaper journey ended right there with him. Fast forward a year and a half to two years, I wanted to venture into the cloth diaper (CD) world again. I had a few reasons 1) I wanted to know that future generations would not have to deal with “my” diapers in the landfills 2) I'm trying to go green little by little 3) I wanted to do the best thing for my baby and any future babies in our family and 4) I wanted to prove to people that CDing wasn't as bad as everyone thinks it is and that I CAN DO IT!

So with a little advice from a friend, researching and getting a chance to view a bunch of CDs from a private seller I knew what I wanted and what I didn't want. I wanted something easy, I wanted velco (snaps just seemed too hard since I have very wiggly babies), I wanted a “one size” diaper so I could use it with all of my kids no matter how big or small and I didn't want to have to worry about folding, stuffing or anything else that would make my diaper change take more than 30 seconds. So, low and behold, I found the GroBaby (which just changed their name to GroVia) AI2.

From the moment I saw the GroBaby, I knew it was the diaper for me! A shell that can be reused and a soaker pad that snaps in. The shell can be used a couple times before needing to be washed (unless it gets a lil poop on it) and the soakers take all of 2 seconds to snap in during a change. I also loved that the colors were all very simple, very gender neutral and only a few (mandarin, blackberry, kiwi and vanilla). I didn't want to have tons of options because I know I'd go overboard and go crazy!

So, I ordered a “part time” package just to try them. A few soakers, a few shells and a few boosters (to keep the munchkin extra dry). Ater no time,I was hooked! I loved them! I loved the way they fit (all three of my kids ...3.5 yrs, 2 years and 8.5 months, fit in them!)! I loved the ease of use! SO, I ordered more. And more. And more.

I'm now on my third baby (8.5 months), my second one in these CD's and I'm still loving it! I have about 30 soakers and about 15-20 shells. GroVia just came out with new shells (and new colors) and new soaker pads that are amazing! The shells are a tiny big bigger so it allows for even longer use, they have tuck under laundry tabs so they don't get hooked on other diapers in the wash and the soakers have true leg gussets and a waterproof backed soaker pad.

I cannot say enough good things about GroVia diapers. They have saved me so much money, I'm keeping yucky disposables out of the landfills and I'm having fun!

Gifts from God

I've always known that God made me to be a mother. I've always known that I wanted a big family. We've always said that children are a blessing and should not be "planned" but come on God's time. We were told about 5 years ago that we would have fertility issues and would not conceive without medication or other assistance. I cannot help but think and know that God has a plan and he is using us to achieve his plan. People may think that we have too many, that they're too close in age or that we're not spending enough quality time with each one but that's their opinions and not ours. God chose us to be parents. He chose to bless us with three beautiful children and now he has blessed us again with a fourth. It may seem crazy, chaotic or insane but I believe with all of my heart that God has a plan for us, for me, and for each and every one of our little gifts. With each child, my faith becomes stronger, I turn to Him more and I strive to be a person, wife and mother.
We are truly blessed and so excited to announce our newest addition to our family! Quatro is due April 21, 2011 and I am so excited to be a mommy once again!

Tattles

I think it's hilarious that Dos on herself. She woke up before the rest of us and when I got up and was following her down the stairs she said "I bein naughty". I asked what she did and she said "I colored on My-dona's legs". lol. Too cute!

MTM...I mean MTT

It finally came! Our swap box!

We had a very busy day yesterday so we didn't get a chance to do our MTM :( But today when I checked the mail, our swap package arrived! My partner sent us tons of fun stuff so we decided to do a MTT!

UNO showing me some of the goodies.

DOS checking out the mini cookie cutters.

Thank you so much for all of the MTM goodies!

Our MTT meal ...Mandarin oranges, cheese stick cut into pieces, more mandarin oranges. hot dog bites (Nitrate and Nitrite free), shredded cheese and chocolate pudding (a huge treat!)

A new addition

Mommy and her new baby

Sunday my mom came over to watch the kids while D and I went to go see a movie (with TRES in tow). We just missed the 12 o'clock show so we decided to walk around the mall a bit. No mall trip is complete without going to the puppy store, right? So in we went, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at all of the little squished faces, tiny paws and pitiful little looks that they give you. We walked by one of the big windows and saw a beautiful Boston Terrier. BEAUTIFUL. Big hazel eyes and seal/brindle/white coloring. So of course we asked to hold her. I fell in love instantly.

We discussed buying her but we had to go back to the theater since the movie would be starting soon. We put a hold on her, just in case. We went to the movie and came back to see her. We had sort of decided not to get her but the second I saw her, I cried. I couldn't leave her. I felt like she was already my baby and I couldn't stand not being with her. We came home that day with a new member of the family. Princess Bella. Bella because she's beautiful, the name of our neighborhood and because we just finished watching the newest Twighlight movie. Princess because the second we got home, she ran and grabbed DOS's crown and it flipped on her head like she was really wearing it. She was a princess. So we attempted to do a vote but it was tied so we just went with what was easiest and combined both names. The poor dog might be confused for a while but she'll figure it out. What a great little addition to our family! Welcome to the craziness Bella! We love you!

A little love bug!

Name Changes

I've been wanting to make my blog public for a while but kept putting it off because I got busy taking care of my littles, cleaning, doing endless loads of laundry and cooking (HA!). Well today is the day! I changed my blog address and my picture website so make sure you update it if needed. I am also going to change the names on here to keep it as private as possible.
So from here on out we will be referred to as ...

J- Uno
S- Dos
K- Tres

and my hubby will be "D".

(I did steal this naming system from a new friend Valerie. I hope you don't mind! I've been trying to think of nicknames or whatever but came up blank and seeing how my hubby is 1/2 and my kiddos are 1/4 Hispanic, this just made sense to me).

DOS turns 2

April 4, 2010
DOS turned two today. It seems like just yesterday we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world and already two years has passed. She is no longer a baby, she is a little girl and that makes me so sad yet so happy at the same time. She loves dressing up, loves all that sparkles (like her Mommy), climbing, coloring, counting, singing, dancing and copying everything that her big brother does. She loves having a little sister to take care of and help out with. She is a love bug, a ray of sunshine and a blessing.
Happy second birthday, My Love. You are a gift from Heaven. I love you so much!

One year! May 16, 2010

There were so many times that we wondered if this day would ever come. For years we struggled as individuals and as a family. We fought to stay together, to fight the bitterness, loneliness, and fear. But a year ago that all changed. May 16th 2009, my mom got sober. It has been a year of picking up the pieces of damaged relationships and trying to be as supportive as possible so as to not have a relapse. But she made it. She took on this challenge, she fought it and she beat it. I've always thought of her as the strongest person I know but this year she has shown her strength is greater than I ever imagined. She made it seem easy but I know it wasn't and I'm sure she still struggles. I'm so thankful to have my mom back, my friend back and I'm glad she has her life back. We can't go back and change the past but we can look forward, enjoy each day together and be grateful to have each other. Congratulations to my mom on her first year of sobriety! We are all so proud of you and love you so much!

Here are a few pics from the little celebration we had.

I've been busy...

I

finally bought a sewing machine after putting it off for over a year and I have been sewing like crazy! I started with crayon rolls for UNO and DOS, then moved on to a taggie blanket for TRES (I have another taggie in the works too), then this afternoon I made an apron out of a dish towel for DOS (I still want to make one for UNO but I just haven't found the right towel yet) and I plan on making a cape for UNO soon too. I'm still learning and working through glitches so these are no where near being perfect but I'm still having fun and I love making things for my babies!

99 things

99 things...

99 Things...

Instructions: Copy the list, bold the ones you've done (with explanations if needed), share with friends.


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (unless you count singing to my kids)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (not exactly birth place but birth country...Scotland)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Been to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle (I've even owned my own motorcycle!)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (does it count if I saw the mom of Violet from the new Willy Wonka on an airplane?)
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo(3 and planning on more)
94. Had a baby (three little blessings!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Wow, I need to get out and do some stuff! Hopefully someday!

Favorite Moments

UNO squeezing TRES's cheeks, getting up in her face and saying "you are gorges (gorgeous)". lol. He says the sweetest things!

The other day he also said "this is my Great Mamaw". I don't know if he's confused about the the whole "great grandma/grandpa" thing or if he really means that she is GREAT! Either way, it was cute and she is great!

A few little updates

Life has sure been very busy around our house the last few months! We finally closed the case on the accident. I have to say that it was actually a blessing in disguise. Financially we were kinda tight from running two households but after the car accident and putting everything completely in God's hands, he took care of us so well. He is amazing and so good! I feel my relationship with God has improved over the last few months. My faith is stronger, I pray daily, I put all things in his hands. With everything that has gone on, I was glad I had Him to turn to and to help me through it all.

We took a trip to California in March to go to Disneyland, to see family and go to the beach. It was so much fun! The weather was gorgeous but remind me next time to not plan on going to DL during spring break.

We also took a trip to Wisconsin to see D's dad who was very sick. We wanted to see him before he passed as we did not wish to remember him that way or to have the kids have to go through all that. We spent day after day at the hospital hoping for a miracle but a few short hours after we boarded the plane, he passed due. I'm glad we were able to see him and for him to see the kids before he really went down hill. I'm glad D got to see his dad and hearing him say "I love you son" just one more time. They haven't had the best relationship but I'm glad it ended on a good note.

DOS turned 2 in early April! It seems like just a few months ago she was born. It makes me so sad when I think about how fast they grow up! I wish I could keep them little, snugly and innocent forever. She talks up a storm (but usually only around people she is comfortable with). She's really starting to show how grown up she's becoming with her behavior and speech.

UNO turned three in December. With the new age came new attitude and behavior. He is Mr. Independent. We're still working through it and hoping that with positive changes in behavior from both Mommy and UNO, we will both come out of this age better people. Please pray for me/us. I'm having trouble dealing with his 3 year old behavior and how to parent without always yelling. We've started to homeschool...nothing much but little bits here and there. He is so brilliant and I love watching him play and learn how things work.

TRES is growing by the minute. She is such a happy baby! She loves to chew and suck on everything, but mostly her hands. She has discovered that she loves the jumper, tv, and playing with her big brother and sister. She loves being carried in my moby wrap and greatly dislikes being put in her carseat (once the car is going, she's fine). TRES also just got her ears pierced. She looks so stinkin cute!

I added new pictures to our photo website...www.btrflykises.shutterfly.com. With three kids, hundreds of pictures each month and practically no time to blog or upload pics it is just easier to post them to one site once a month than to add them one by one on here, facebook or anywhere else.

Where has the time gone??

This year is already flying by! I can't believe that TRES is already 9 weeks old, DOS is almost 2, and UNO is 3 years and 2 months old! I just can't believe how fast they grow up and how quickly their little lives fly by. :( Here's a few of my favorite pics (from my cell since I have yet to upload the new ones off of our regular camera).

Her first ride on a swing. DOS loves playing Mommy.
Too cute!
My little monkey.
Climbing around and getting some energy out.
DOS smiling for the camera.
All smiles! She's such a happy baby!
UNO loving on TRES. He loves his baby sisters!
UNO running around at the park by our house.

Favorite Moments of the Day

I've decided to start writing down my favorite moments of the day to record some of the funny, cute and memorable things that happen day to day but also to take time and think of the good in each day even if it was a really rough day.

UNO-

While driving home, UNO looked out the window at the sun setting behind the San Tan Mtns and said "Mommy, I see Jesus". So precious!

DOS-
DOS laughing and giggling in her adorable little laugh.

TRES-
Giving me and her Mamaw smiles that light up her whole face.

Height and Weights

Since our computer crashed we don't have all of Jacob's height and weights (I'll have to get the missing ones from the doctor) but I figured I'd put them all on here so we don't lose them again.

UNO
Birth-8.12 pounds, 21.5 inches
1 month-
2 months- 12.02 pounds, 23 inches
4 months-
6 months-
9 months-
12 months- 21 pounds, 29 inches
15 months- 21.6 pounds, 31 inches
18 months- 23 pounds, 31.5 inches
2 Years- 25 pounds, 33.75 inches
2.5 years- 27 pounds, 35.75 inches
3 years- 28 pounds, 36.6 inches
4 years- 33.6 pounds, 40.25 inches
DOS
Birth-8.11 pounds, 20 inches
1 month-9.12 pounds, 22 inches
2 months-10.12 pounds, 24 inches
4 months- 12.12 pounds, 24.5 inches
6 months-14.12 pounds, 25 inches
9 months- 14.10 pounds, 25.5. inches
12 months- 15.04 pounds, 28 inches
15 months- 16.12 pounds, 30 inches
18 months- 17.13 pounds, 32.5 inches
2 years- 20.10 pounds, 32.5 inches
3 years- 25.4 pounds, 36 inches

TRES
Birth-8.13 pounds, 19 inches
1 month- 10.06 pounds, 22 inches
2 months- 11.10 pounds, 23.5 inches
4 months- 13.06 pounds, 25 inches
6 months- 13.14 pounds, 25.5 inches
9 months- 13.06 pounds, 26.75 inches
12 months- 13.15 pounds, 27.25 inches
15 months- 18.4 pounds, 29 inches
18 months-

QUATRO
Birth- 9.2 pounds, 20.5 inches
1 Month- 10.13 pounds, 21.5 inches

2009 year in review

To our wonderful family and friends,

What a busy year we've had! We now have a new address...San Tan Valley, AZ 85143. They decided to split Queen creek into two towns since it was growing so fast.

D has been home for a whole year (kind of) without going overseas to work. He currently works in Sierra Vista, AZ (2.5-3 hours south of where we live) and then drives home each Friday to spend the weekend with us and then drives back Sunday night. We're hoping one day that he'll be able to work hear home so we can see each other every day. This fall Desmond accepted Christ into his life and was baptized!

I continue to be a stay at home mom and loves it. Some days are very trying but it is by far the best job in the world. In my spare time (very spare) she enjoys scrapbooking, beading, and other miscellaneous crafts. In early December I (at 9 months pregnant) was in a car accident, luckily all was fine except the car. My biggest accomplishment this year has been losing almost 35 pounds after the baby was born!

UNO turned 3 this December. He continues to be our "little engineer". He loves to figure out how things work, build things and take things apart. He never ceases to amaze us with how smart he is and what he's capable of doing. He really enjoys being a big brother and loves helping with his little sisters.

DOS turned 1 in April. She is definitely a girly girl. She loves all things pretty and sparkly. She keeps up very well with UNO and is our "no fear" child. She loves to climb, dangle and do many things that scare Mommy. She has started putting sentences together and showing her personality and attitude through her vocabulary.

The biggest change of the year has been our new addition, TRES. She was born December 7 at 7:49pm. She weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is a wonderful baby, an awesome sleeper and a total love bug.

Overall, it's been a great year! It's exciting seeing our children grow up and learn new things each day. We're extremely blessed! We're excited to see what the new year will bring and what God has planned for us.

Love
S, D, UNO, DOS, and TRES (and Angel too!)

TRES's Birth Story

I'm going to start this story where I think it might have began but didn't happen due to unfortunate events.

On Friday, 12/4/09, UNO's third birthday, D was home and told me that I should go to the MOMs group progressive dinner that night. It's rare that I get to go out during the week or at all so I got all dressed up and headed out. Before I left, D said to me "I'll see you at the hospital later". I made it to the first house for appetizers and everyone was shocked that I was there and not having a baby. They had all previously joked that it would be funny if I happened to be the entertainment for the evening. So as we talked and had appetizers I was having some really good contractions and I thought that before the night ended I would be having the baby. So we headed out to go to the next house for dinner. As I was following other cars to the next house I was in a semi head on accident in a neighborhood (about 7:45pm). The teenager that hit me was driving without her lights on and had other teenagers in the car. So after I was done spinning and the car stopped( I got out to avoid being hit again) and walked away from the car. Luckily I had lots and lots of friends around to start calling the police and my family. They bundled me all up with jackets and started praying for the baby and I. I was in a lot of pain from the airbags and the impact of the crash. I was taken to the hospital where they monitored me for 4 hours in labor and delivery, did ultrasounds to make sure the baby was okay and there wasn't any bleeding. So the longer I sat in L&D, my contractions got slower and slower until they completely went away. Usually getting in a car accident 2 days before your due date would case you to go into labor but not in my case. Baby TRES was most likely on her way out until that accident and decided she was much safer inside. After over 4 hours in L&D, they moved me to the ER to have x-rays done on my ankles and knees to make sure nothing was broken. So long story short, no major injuries. Just a sprained ankle, lots of bumps, bruises and abrasions, and pain all over my very pregnant body. D and I finally arrived home at 3:30am after a very long night in the hospital.

So the weekend progressed, I was in more and more pain every day but no contractions. At this point I was wondering if she was ever going to come out. On Monday 12/7/09, we began our day at the tow yard where they told us to come get our belongings because the car was a complete loss. I had been having contractions during the night and all day Monday but nothing too big or worth going to the hospital for. Around 3pm my mom and I started walking in the rain near her house to try to get the contractions going. I had contractions while walking but they went away when I stopped. We then decided to go shopping to kill time. So around 4pm in the middle of target my contractions really started to pick up. I was not ready to go to the hospital yet but I knew that this was it. We got home, D ran to our house to get the camera and bags and I was told to sit on the couch and rest until he got back. So when he got back, I stood up and the big contractions started again. We finally called my sister to come home from work to get UNO and DOS. We got to the hospital around 7pm. Everyone in the waiting room could see that I was going to have a baby very soon. The nurse came down from L&D, started calling people telling them that I was ready to go. She started running with me in the wheel chair! The nurses in L&D could hear me moaning and told the nurses to just put me in the room, no triage for me. =) Everyone was running around frantically getting everything ready. Nurses started to strip me and put a gown on me, someone was getting the baby stuff ready, one nurse was starting an IV and taking blood, and one nurse was checking to see how far along I was...all while I was in hard labor.

When I got checked the first time I think they said I was 4cm and still a +2. I was shocked! I knew she was coming but I couldn't believe that I was no where near where I needed to be to deliver. Ten minutes later they checked me again (due to the noises I was making) and I was 7cm. The doctor got there (Dr. Warner, the one doctor that I didn't want to deliver me because she isn't even in my doctors practice and she delivered Sedona and I didn't think she was very friendly). Well this time around she seemed very nice but I was in a much better mood during this labor. I smiled the whole time, I enjoyed laboring, I was just in a completely different frame of mind. I had this labor thing down and I knew it. I was pro! So Dr. Warner checked me and I was 9cm, my water had not broken and the baby was still up really high, BUT I NEEDED TO PUSH! So she tried to break my water but nothing happened. She tried again but no water. I told them I needed to push and Dr. Warner had to manually stretch my cervix so I could push. A few pushes later, my water started spraying and out came baby TRES's head. I was able to catch/deliver her which was my goal and TRES was born at 7:49pm. So after 49 minutes of being at the hospital we welcomed our newest member of the family, I had a wonderful labor and delivery and spent as little time in the hospital as needed (which was also my goal).

TRES was born on 12/7/09 at 7:49pm. She weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. This was the best birth experience yet. I have had great, fast labors with all three but this was by far the best. I was instantly ready to do it again! So if it weren't for the car accident, I do think she would have been born on 12/4 and had the same birthday as UNO, just three years apart and would have been exactly 20 months apart from DOS BUT what an exciting story we have to tell now about the night she was born. I'm just glad that she's here, perfect as can be and grateful for God taking care of both of us.