Still Here

OH DEAR!!!!

My beloved computer is finally in my hands and connected to the Internet (kinda)...

We MOVED!!! I had the newest Shenanigans!! We bought a house faint.....

Got our household goods delivered and still trying to find everything a place in the house. Tons to update on and sooooo many blogs to visit and see what everyone has been up too. I haven't even looked at my email yet because I'm scared too.. laughing

So, please be kind as I try to get myself up and running again.

Brand New Firecracker

Without anymore delay...... Introducing..... the newest Shenanigans family member...

Miss KitKat

The story of how she came into the world is actually pretty short. Called with a question about some bloody show so they told me to head on in to be monitor again. I got out of the car at the hospital and felt wet between my legs. Told them my water just broke so they admitted me and two hours later I was finally given a room. Apparently, June/July this year was record breaking for number of babies born so they didn't have rooms available.

We explained that my tolerance for pain is quite HIGH and thus I would let them know when I needed it. I read my books and answered questions as they came and went. All of a sudden the pain was almost to my breaking point so I asked for the epidural. Time ticked by and finally they came to put the epidural in however the pain was so bad I told them it was time to push. No pain meds... almost no doctor... a few pushes later and out popped Miss KitKat... All 9lbs 12oz... 22inches... and a full head of hair.

The nurses were shocked that it happened so quickly and that I was reading up until 20-30 minutes of giving birth. We tried telling them in the beginning that it was going to be quick and that if I said it was time; then it was time. From the time my water broke to giving birth was just about five-six hours.

Now.... I have an appointment next week to find out the results of my tests. Here's a reminder if you need. While I do plan on sharing the results it might be a few days before I can post about it. We are literally moving two days after my appointment and will be living in a hotel until further notice. Fun times...

Just a quick note

So...... I've been resting and stuck on the couch a lot since I started getting swollen feet etc.... Which means I haven't been at the computer. Do have pictures and posts I want/need to post and as soon as I can figure out how to do that from my laptop I WILL...

and......

This morning I had my appointment and was sent over to Triage for monitoring (L/D was packed and didn't have room). Everything is fine but they wanted to double check since the movements had slowed down. WELL.... while there I started having contractions and was told to pay close attention to them....

sooooo

Since Daddy Shenanigans is leaving Sunday and not coming back until sometime during the end of next week; I made a quick phone call..... My mom will be flying in this Saturday instead of next weekend. I LOVE MY MOM!

Hoping that since she was able to move things around and will be here that I won't go into labor. However, it's nice to know that someone will be here just in case.

Just a quick update for those that have been asking....

And he is gone again...

Rambling post

Just me and the kiddos again. (sigh)

No worries it's only for a week and then another week later this month. For those doing the math, yes I am due to give birth soon and hope that he will be here for it. My mother flies in the last week of June to help out with Wee Man and Lil Kiwi when I go to the hospital.

Still no name... Running out of time? Yes, but I have faith that she will have a name soon.

This also means that it's almost time to move. So not looking forward to moving again specially during the middle of Summer but it's just how things worked out. On a positive note the huge swing set in the backyard is finally G-O-N-E! We had given it away last year but the family that took it brought it back (with the understanding they would get it a month later) they finally came and got it a few days ago. Yipppee!

Have an appointment tomorrow so need to get some things together and then some sleep.

Wordless Wednesday - Finally after 5 months

Look who is BACK!!!!

Daddy Shenanigans took two weeks off and we have been enjoying having him home. He meanwhile was enjoying not having to shave every morning.

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My Blankee

Let me start by saying that EVERY baby needs a blanket no matter if they are born during the winter or summer. There is just something about a blanket that most kids seem to find comforting and reassuring. Recently, I received a stroller blanket from My Blankee Inc for the newest Shenanigans to be. As soon as the package was opened I could see why blankets from My Blankee are sought after by celebrities. Luxurious... soft... silky... elegant... wonderful quality... Do I really need to go on?

This blanket has the best of both worlds with a soft ultra-luxe velour on both sides and a 2" satin ruffle border. Little fingers can curl around the satin while the soft velour cuddles their wee bodies. No need to worry if the blanket get dirty; just toss it in the washer. Have to love a product that is not only Made In The USA but also machine washable!

I must admit I haven't yet washed our blanket however, they say they are 0% Shrinkage, pre-shrunk, and 0% bleeding. With the quality of the blankets I have no doubt this blanket will live up to their statements. In fact, it has already been taken over by Lil Kiwi and used almost daily now. (Yes, I will have to buy another My Blankee for the newest baby.) She uses it for cuddling on the couch, indoor picnics with her stuffies, and just petting it because it's "so soft and perrrfect".

My Blankee has several prints, patterns, materials and sizes to choose from. The hard part is picking out which blanket(s) you want to get. Plus, don't let the name My Blankee fool you into thinking they only do blankets. They have crib bedding, burp cloths, carseat covers, and so much more that you might be surprised at what you find.

One more thing please remember.....

*Disclosure: Product for this review was supplied to me by the company or pr representing the company for the sole purpose of reviewing. No monetary compensation was provided for this post. All opinions in this post are that of myself and do not represent the views of the company. Reception of product does not influence my views on the product and I will always give an honest candid review of product received.

Wordless Wednesday - Seedling

A few weeks ago we planted a few apple seed expecting nothing to grow. It was more a project Wee Man wanted to do. Yet......

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When the talk doesn't work

I've had the talk with my computer before about getting a "STV" (socially transmitted virus) but it seems that talk didn't work.

That hard drive crash I got wasn't a "real" crash but rather a very sneaky virus that makes it seem like one. Then on top of that (or maybe it's part of it) I got something that hid all my folders/files from sight. Plus, about two months ago my laptop ate it because of a BIOS password issue that the company knew about but didn't contact people to let them know. So, here I was with a laptop not working, unless I take it in to get fixed and spend almost what I could get a cheap new one for, AND a PC full of viruses and spyware. Oh Joy!!

Several phone calls for people to look information up and then calling my computer guru begging to hear all would be fine.....

"Let's hope it's your hard drive because that is easy to fix.... you still there?.... Please tell me you aren't crying...." computer guru nervously said.

"Aa.. I... I.. Okay..." I got out between sniffles.

The good news is that after a week of poking and prodding my computer we finally got it all nice and clean on Saturday. The perfect Mother's Day gift to myself.... Or so I thought.

Yep... Early that morning I was getting ready to post and leave comments when WHAM BAM thank you ma'am.... (sigh) All clean once again and hopefully staying that way. Thus I am sorry for not replying to emails or visiting your blogs last week.

I sure hope when it's time to have "the talk" with my kids they listen to it.

So, ladies and gentlemen... Please be careful when out and about on the Internet; even the nice looking sites might be naughty.

Wordless Wednesday - Dog Days

Fawn Dog has it rough.... extra thick bed(s) yet she always looks so sad....

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My computer is still giving me a hard time so I'll try and visit as I can.



Mother's Day Gifts with Shari's Berries - Review

I'm not accustomed to getting Mother's Day gifts. So last year when I was showered with a handmade gift from Wee Man AND a whole dozen chocolate covered strawberries from Shari's Berries I was in heaven.

Want to pamper your own mother (or perhaps yourself) to a sweet gift that will surely surprise and delight her? Then Shari's Berries is the way to go.... With a click of the mouse you have several yummy gourmet strawberries or more to pick from.

I was able to try the Cheesecake Trio & Full Half Dozen Giant Dipped Fancy Berries and oooooo was it a tastebud tingling torture (yummy). The strawberries were all over 2 inches long and dipped in thick layers of chocolate that lovingly coated all of them. Each bite is the perfect amount of strawberry to chocolate and juicy berry to crunchy texture ratio. Normally, I would have photos to show you just how great they are but sadly my computer's hard drive crashed and well yeah you are just going to have to take my word for it.

The cheesecake trio that accompanied the berries were almost beyond words. They might be mini but so rich and full of flavor that anything bigger would be too much. Each one is about three inches long or the size of a biscuit. Warning... Do not I repeat do not gobble them down. Reason one is because they are for savoring and indulging your tastebuds. Reason two is simply they have a lot of calories for being wee mini cheesecakes and could easily be eaten in one sitting.

Want something besides berries? Try looking at the baked goodies, spa baskets, or any of the mixed packages. I am sure that any of the items from Shari's Berries would be just as wonderful as the berries.

While I love it when I do a review that is all positive; sometimes things don't always go as planned. As I opened my box of Cheesecake Trio & Full Half Dozen Giant Dipped Fancy Berries the ice pack was melted and everything was kinda warm. The strawberries were fine but the cheesecakes seemed to be a tad too soft. A quick call to ask if they were okay and I was informed that they didn't feel safe for me to eat them. Even though it was not their fault but rather the heat and my UPS guy delivering the box at almost 5 pm; Shari's Berries sent me another package free of charge. It was one of the most pleasant phone calls I had ever had with a company's customer service. If a customer has any questions or issues they can call 800.580.2913 (24/7-365) and Shari's Berries will make it right, every time. In fact, visit their facebook page and receive a discount on your order. Shari's Berries Facebook

Time is ticking so why are you still reading this... Go visit Shari's Berries and make a Mother's day special.

Wind, Rain and Tornadoes OH MY

This morning my mother and I were chatting about the crazy weather that has been happening. I'm certain Mother Nature is none to pleased with something or maybe it's just that time of the year. Shortly, after I told her we survived the tornado warning over the night; my house phone rang....

"This is blah blah blah.... The National Weather blah blah blah... the tornado warning has been extended until 3 PM... Please take all blah blah blah......"

OH SNAP!

Now I'm sitting here listening to the down pouring of rain and rolling thunder not too far away. Hoping that is all my neighbors and I will have to deal with. Yet, as I continue to see the death toll rising with each news update; it's hard not to feel a wee bit scared and worried. Now I am not too worried since this isn't a normal thing for this area but if I hear the siren blast oh yeah I'm going to head for cover.

I can not even begin to imagine how those that have already been hit by the tornadoes must be feeling. My heart goes out to all those effected by the most recent storms.

EDITED to add...

Seems like the wind, rain and tornadoes have subsided.... yoo hoo!!

Wordless Wednesday - Where did my little girl go

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Realizing just how much

Having a baby is expensive!

Here we are with two wonderful children and no plans for anymore. So we finally get rid of the baby gear and such; only to find out a few months later that I was pregnant. Don't get me wrong I am not the naive 1st time mommy that thinks we need all the gear (shakes head remembering when I was) . Yet, it's those basic baby gear items that seem to be the most expensive ones.

With only a little time left before the newest wee shenanigans joins the family I have started making my NEED list.
1. New crib mattress
2. Playard
3. Highchair
4. Super soft and cuddly blanket
5. A few onesies..socks..babylegs..
6. Diapers (so want to go cloth but scared)
7. Car seat
8. Cuski (got it already)
9. Bottles
10. ....

Then of course there is the Maybe list.
1. Good breast pump (just in case)
2. ....

and last but not least my I WANT IT list...
1. Personal Assistant to make sure I don't leave the house in PJs or worse!!!
2. Full nights of peaceful sleep
3. Everything to be perfect
4. Magically have a house waiting for us when we move a month after baby is born.
5. .....

I'm sure I have forgotten a lot of the Needs but I'm doing good right now to remember that much. Mommy brain has already hit me and I still have two months to go!

So..... I'm asking for help.... What items did I forget so far.... and feel free to add to my other lists if you so like... (smile)

What does one NEED for a newborn?...

Wordless Wednesday - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu during the dry season and my first attempt at using the pan feature on my old camera...

Sunday Quiet Time

Horrid storms blew through here until this morning and it's still a tad yucky outside. Thus the kids and I are spending a quiet Sunday afternoon reading.

Which is great. Wee Man is curled up reading his newest Scooby Doo chapter book.

Chapter books are the only thing that he will read now that he is a (ahem) big boy. While he is in the top reading group in his class and reads very well; momma knows he still skips a few words here and there. As a special gift from his Nonnie, he was allowed to pick out his very own bookmark and he is reading more than ever. I'm also proud that he decided to read this book because and I quote...."Where are the pictures? I thought there were pictures..." followed by a small frown.

Also a gift from Nonnie was a set of Princess board books (25 of them) for Lil Kiwi at Christmas. They are great little books and each one teaches a lesson. Having faith in yourself, being kind to others, courage, beauty within, saying thank you or please, etc....

She loves having me read them in groups of characters or color. They are also the perfect size for her to look read them herself and short enough that she stays interested.

The Shenanigans Continue

It's been since October since I last wrote. After finally responding to a few emails asking where I was, I think I'm ready to share with all of you. So be gentle....

First, last year was a crazy year. It started off with two visits to the ER for Lil Kiwi, a monster snowfall, our five year old neighbor keyed our new mini van, losing the baby in July, Grandpa Shenanigans and Black Dog passing away, and then..... the reason I have been hiding...

I think it was just everything just got to me and overwhelmed me so much that I just didn't know what to do. Since July I was keeping a secret from everyone.... Then in October there was another secret... and it was sooo hard to keep things together. It wasn't until Christmas that we finally told DH's family what had been going on. Even now I'm finding it difficult to just come out and say it...

*deep breath*

Okay... In July, when I was feeling sooooo sick the doctors discovered that I have a type of cancer. While I was being evaluated to see if it was a bad version something else happened that put everything on standby... I got pregnant.... Not the best timing and the doctors were well not at all pleased... Now we have to wait until after I give birth to continue testing.

So.... Even though I had tried to keep going; once we found out I was pregnant in October I shut down.

DH has been gone since January for training and doesn't come back until May. It's been just me and the kids. My mind and emotions are ALL over the place. What ifs haunt me... Yet, those of you that sent emails and then kind words gave me the strength to be brave. Thank you all....

Not my most flattering photo but here's the tummy photo of the newest Shenanigans...