More pictures...these are from my parents camera.

Talia Claire

Talia Claire was born on July 12th, 2011 at 7:55 am. She was 7 lbs 11.5 ounces and 21 inches long. She was born with a head full of hair and was breach! We had no idea until they went in for the c-section.

She is so much more dainty and littler than her brothers. Talia LOVES to snuggle and absolutely hates to be cold. She has slept at least one point of the night in our bed because she wants the body heat. She makes little noises when she sleeps, little sighs. We love to watch her smile in her sleep. Her dad is in love with her. If he is home I don't get to hold her. When she hears his voice she starts to look for him. Her big brothers are also in love with her. Anthony is so good with her. He holds her perfectly and constantly remarks how cute and pretty she is. Alex tries his best to hold her, still calls her Greg, and has tried to give her away to multiple people at this point. He still showers her with kisses and love.

I am in love with having this little, teeny person in our lives. We definitely feel complete. I wish that she wasn't such a night owl but I think that with time that will change (I hope). It may just be part of her genetics. 

The hospital was really busy with lots of visitors eager to see Talia. My dad took pictures of every visitor, every time I changed my clothes, and daily updates to show my mom how I was doing. He came to spend the night and stayed three because he couldn't leave Talia. My in-law's were a huge help caring for the boys, also mesmerized by this new little family member. My mom came the day I got out of the hospital and catered to our every need for a week. HUGE LIFESAVER! I miss her this week but am figuring things out on my own. Still lots of visitors at the house to see Talia and snuggle her. 

Life has changed but definitely for the better. I have a TON of pictures so may just be posting those without so many words. I am exhausted but so happy! We love our peanut and so happy to have her home with us.

Life as we know it...

Today is bittersweet for me. I have been walking around in somewhat of a denial that our little lady is going to be arriving in less than 8 hours. We are scheduled to check in for surgery at 5:30 am. All day I have been receiving phone calls, texts, and well wishes from all of our AMAZING family and friends.

Talia, you are loved so much already. To have the support system you have is a blessing. Today I sent the boys off to Grandma's for the week to stay while you and I are at the hospital. I took one last picture of them as just them before your big arrival. I felt like I have done everything I can to be prepared. The boys are a taken care of, the house is clean, and there are groceries for the visitors that will be in and out of the house. Your room is ready and very pretty. I have our bags packed and both your dad and Grandpa Dave took the car and washed it. But I know I can prepare and check things off my list but I do not have a clue how I will feel after meeting you tomorrow.

You surprised me with this pregnancy. I never thought I would have 3 kids let alone a daughter. A daughter. I don't think I will quite believe it until you are in my arms. Just know that right now in this moment I am overcome with emotion. The numbness is beginning to fade and the world is beginning to become more vivid. When you have a child it is as if someone shines a light down for everything to become more sparkly. You see things differently, you feel things differently, and you don't have the slightest care in the world. All you do is rejoice in the moment, be grateful for this life that was created for you. I am starting to see the sparkle. I know that I am already in love with you and I promise to do my best for you. There are times you are going to want to trade me in for a different model but I can guarantee you that no one in this lifetime will love you as much as I do. I vow to help you make your world what it should be. Because life as we know it is about to change and I at this moment would not trade that for anything.
See you soon baby girl!

Never a good idea...

Erik was so kind to take the boys to the lake last night. They were cooped up all day with me yesterday and needed to get outside to enjoy the summer weather. Swim, fish, and catch painted turtles-what they love to do at the lake. I needed to just rest and enjoy cool air in the house with the shades drawn. That summarizes how much fun I am right now. Two more days and our baby girl will join us, with that my zest for adventure will come back with a vengeance! I cannot wait. I must admit there is something about peace and quiet. Unfortunately, I tend to identify more with the busy hustle and bustle of life. I like to be busy. Leading to my next story.
Since my tribe of men are at the lake I thought I would get up early before the heat unleashes on us to go get groceries. We literally have nothing to eat right now. I didn't go grocery shopping this week except for a quick stop at the farmer's market for produce because I wanted to try eat the food that you avoid in your cupboards and freezer since I will be in the hospital Tues-Friday of this next week. I begrudgingly ate two ham sandwiches with no cheese last night for supper. Followed by a piece of DQ cake that is roughly a week old at midnight while watching one of my favorite movies,"As Good As It Gets" with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson-two of my all time favorites. I comforted myself with the knowledge that I would be going grocery shopping in the morning to get Erik some staples for the next week as well as the boys who will be staying with my in-law's but in and out. I get dressed...right now seems like a huge feat, gather what I need-purse, cell phone, wallet, and get in the car. Turn the key over and hear my air turn on but nothing else. Damn kids were playing in my car again-before you freak out because I am an irresponsible parent they don't go and play with my ignition and pretend to drive or play with the pedals. They like to roll down their windows when we get home and finish jamming to the song on the radio. Anthony has figure that if he turns my key a little he can roll down his window and finish listening to his "Dynamite" song on Y-94 while I water the flowers. BUT also has not learned to turn the key back which is essentially my responsibility. So I sit in the car, call Erik-vent, and stomped inside.
BUT, then I remember something. In the twenty first century we have ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING! I swear the gates of heaven opened up and I could hear the angels singing, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! I would go to church to say thank you but I have no wheels to get there. So I hop on Hornbacher's site and ordered $100 worth of food that will either be eaten in the next two days or frozen ready to go for the boys this week. On the menu tonight is grilled chicken breasts, strawberries, spinach salad, and new potatoes. I think my stomach just growled. Until then I am back to another ham sandwich...damn kids! Lucky they are not here, don't they realize it is never a good idea to leave a pregnant woman with bare cupboards, no milk, or transportation to the closest Qdoba?

Why Walmart...why?

Yesterday was my last day of work before maternity leave. I woke up and every bone in my body hurt. When Alex was born we bought a very nice king size bed. I am an advocate of spending as much money on bed as you can because it is the piece of furniture that is used the most in your house. We tend to keep them longer than we should and how you sleep effects your entire day. But right now even our gorgeous double plush euro pillowtop Sealy is not doing it for me. I proceeded to get the boys ready for the day and once they were content I made my way downstairs to do the same for myself. I grudgingly put on one of my staple maternity dresses that I can assure you may not make it to my YWCA maternity donation because I think it needs to be burned in the fire pit. I brush my teeth, put no makeup on-this has been consistent for at least a month, and did the once over in the mirror. There it is, a bleach spot on my dress. Not really noticeable since my dress is blue with big flowers on it and it comes across gray, pretty much blends in. Enough where I don't change. I gather the boys into the car, drive to daycare in a trance. Drop them off. I don't even remember the drive to work because I was so checked out. Walked across the hot parking lot to our old office building downtown, push the 3rd floor button, waddle into the office. Stop at my bosses office and stare. "Today is my last day, okay?" He looks at me with a kind smile,"And, she's done." Relief spread through me. I was as close to floating as I could get.
The lists keep growing of what I need to get done. I am aware they may not seem pressing to anyone else but the nesting mode is in full force. So today is a day for me to get the majority of  it done. I normally never go to   Walmart but after mapping out all that I needed to get it just was my easiest stop to make. Primarily my goal was to get cleaning supplies, as well as toiletries to last all of us the next 3 months so I don't feel pressured to go anywhere. If the boys or Erik need anything they can simply open a drawer or closet and voile, it is there.
As soon as I enter I am reminded why I by most of supplies at Target or online. The store is GIGANTIC...the last thing I want to do is walk around in fluorescent lighting with multiple people who are capable of walking almost running into me with those electric carts. Granted at this point I am ready to become one of these people, my back is killing me. The smell of roasted chicken is about to put me over the edge.
I grab my list, let's get this done! An hour and a half later I am finally making it to the check out. I am so frustrated I think I am turning purple. They don't have numbers on their aisles so if you ask where something is  store personnel must walk you to it. I can tell they are annoyed because they are on task stocking shelves and here I am interrupting. I mean c'mon, why wouldn't the bra extenders be in the craft supplies aisle? Why would you not go look for plate wall hangers in the pencil aisle? Doesn't that make sense? Shouldn't I know this?
So I make it the check out. The cashier proceeds to tell me how annoying it is when people but large bulk supplies of toilet paper and paper towels because they don't fit in the cart and she has a hard time getting them on the bottom of the cart. I help a girl out and do it for her, mind you being 9 months pregnant it is super easy to do. Pay the lady and waddle out. I will be not be visiting again....for a LONG time! But my house is going to smell and shine like no other after I am through with it today. Mission accomplished!

OTMOM

Recently I was lucky enough to be published in a very fun, local publication called "On the Minds of Moms". Two talented woman around my age started it and it has flourished in our community. They definitely have a great understanding of their demographic and have done a fantastic job catering to it whether it has to do with the content, advertisers, or visual appeal. I have not posted it on the blog because even though I was proud of myself it is still a little intimidating putting yourself out there. You can read the article here if you desire to. It has a nice mix of my flavor with the Editor Dani's charm.

Brandon my co-worker took my bio picture on a very windy, rainy day. I was scared sh**less that it was going to be a flub but I was happy with the result. I did tell Dani that it was a little unfair to make an 8 month pregnant woman take a bio picture but I have since forgiven here.

Anyways, the whole point of this post is to encourage all of you to do things that make you uncomfortable and maybe squirm a little bit. Starting this blog was the same feeling at first, now it is my sanctuary. It is my place to come and share what I choose when I want. Writing has always been something I have kept close to my heart but in a very personal manner. To put yourself out there is a risk. Others will judge you. But the most important judgement comes from yourself. I know many of you are talented writers and OTMOM is always looking for contributors. If there is a subject that you are passionate about or think other mom's could benefit from learning more about I would encourage you to put together an article and submit it. I believe in you!

July 4th weekend top 10

1. Relaxing all day 3 days with the boys while they swam, rode bikes, and played with their friends.
2. Seeing Owen-so cute, take his first dip in the lake. Seeing the Heer girls!
3. Erik getting to go golfing for the first time in 2 summers. No more having to hear about his golf neglect...thanks Bill!
4. Proud of myself at 1:30 am when all the other adults decided to start a campfire at our site (including my husband) that I did not go pregnant postal on them like I wanted to. Go self control!
5. Watching Anthony catch a nice fish off the dock and run over to show it off to Brad as fast as he could but lost it in the swim area.
6. Following Alex around the campground on his bike, watching him stop to visit with everyone. Telling my he is "not shy" on our way over to visit with Karla and Tyger...really, your not shy?
7. Anthony beaming when he lit his first firework with dad.
8. Outdoor movie night on the big screen
9. Oreo ice cream cake 
10. Watching the storm roll in last night...that was nature's fireworks, incredible!