New Years!

  It's New Years EVE! Another year is about to approach and I can't say 2014 has been terrible. Yes I hope 2015 is better of course. BUT in 2014 we had some awesome memories and good times :). Some of the greatest of all was getting moved (because I hate the whole process) to tri cities and settled. My husband took me while 20 weeks prego to see Britney Spears in Vegas! We had A BABY..sweet Slater came into this world at 4:30pm on July 3rd 2014! He has added so much to this family. My sweet boy Dallas got his glasses and changed his life (he has bad bad vision). My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. My sister celebrated her 1st wedding anniversary. I look back on this year and I feel good about the great times. Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas were so fun with the kids. Those are just a few of the bigger milestones but I can recall even the sweetest little ones. Tonight we will watch movies and New Year specials on TV, do some games puzzles with Reese and just enjoy it. Jason doesn't work tomorrow :)

  Besides a cake that I will be working on and finishing this weekend, I have some research to do.  I will be starting Dallas on a Gluten/Casein free diet this next week. I only know so far, the basics and really need to know all info regarding at least the firs 2 weeks of the diet.  This is not going to be easy. There is a reason for him going on this diet, and you have to stay %100 true to it. NO slip ups. So with that it will be very hard at first. He can't just accidently grab something and eat it. Once I get this down and get going with it next week I am very anxious to see the possible results. It would be so worth it if we see the results that are possible. It's worth trying at the very least. And Jason and I eat a lot of Gluten free already. I haven't shared the struggles we have gone through in the last 4 months with Dallas. And I probably won't for a while. It has not been easy, in fact this has been the hardest thing I have gone through. Time has only helped me deal with the struggles, but yet we can't direct our path yet because we still have a couple more doctors to see. One thing..he is a 2 year old normal little boy. He's shy at times, mean at times, emotional, spoiled, energetic and smart.  And he has been learning and improving with everything. It's been a roller coaster. We want what is the very best for him, with that is why we need to at least try this diet. He is so amazing..Dallas stole my heart from day 1. I look back on everything with him.  Trying to figure things out...did I fail him somewhere? I haven't been able to nail that down..but what I know is..he is Dallas! And I love him for being exactly who he is. I believe being a good mom is pouring everything you have into your children in every single way. That means during their struggles..for life. Not just during certain times in their lives. I believe now more than ever I found exactly what I am supposed to do in this world.  I have kind of been this hidden person for the last few months. Kind of but not..you see when I have a conversation with someone who is telling me how busy they are or what they are going through..I often reflect and compare. And the compare part is not meant in a bad way.  I listen and know that it probably is a real struggle to them of course. And then I realize how much I do...in a busy week I will take Dallas to therapy 2 times a week with possibly another doctors apt for him or reese/slater.. And in those therapy sessions be a student. I really have to just sit and be educated of what's going on and what we need to do. I'm not going to lie its draining..emotionally and physically. He has good sessions and bad. I take care of the kids all day, it's cold so we try to do lots of others stuff besides watch tv. Making sure dallas has his glasses on all day, trying to get sign language or even possible words out of him for everything. Even if it means a fit because I can't give him something until I see some effort from him. Doing actives to help his motor skills (all in play form). Reese joins in on all because they like to do things together. And a lot of the time she can help and it makes her feel good too. Check and respond to cake quotes/ messages. Call to check up on all doctor appointments/ paperwork ( its a constant thing I have to do). Evaluations for him! Try to get Dallas to try new foods in play form or actually tasting in his mouth. Dinner's..baths..family time and oh all the daily care for all 3 kids :). I usually fit in while they nap (attempt to) some cake things like making fondant or baking. But on the weekends I spend my evenings after they are in bed doing all the cake stuff. I typically wake at about 4-4:30 to finish before they wake. Ehhh pretty sure I left a bunch out but I think for so long I was fighting the true fact that it is hard. A couple weeks ago Dallas and I went for another evaluation and then I had a one on one meeting with the early learning center a week later. In this meeting we went over things and discussed goals and such for Dallas. While at the meeting I was expecting it to be just very direct like most doctor appointment's. Until..I was explaining some goals and things..and she stopped and said "Jessica..can I give you a hug (with tears in her eyes)?" I of course was fighting them in mine and I knew they could both see it. She said "You are doing an amazing job...since Dallas left last week everyone has talked about how cute and how on track you are about your son. We are here to help and I know this is hard..call me anytime. You and your son have touched my heart."  I just hugged her and was in total shock really. The compassion of just someone finally accepting HOW hard this really is and telling me it IS hard and that's OK. I knew I was in the very best place for Dallas. These people are just awesome, they care and are here for the right reasons. The other lady walked me to my car and told me "you know sometimes us as parents do not know what to do in situations likes this. And it's ok you don't know everything about everything involved. We move on and do what is best and what we can to help our children.  Do not be hard on yourself..please. Because you are the type of parent we love to see. Who helps us help them and the one in need."  She too gave me her phone number. I just was so grateful, and shocked. I was so so shocked that these people cared so much. We start at this facility next week and I am happy about it. 


 I am trying just dang near everything to help Dallas :) and that's not just for this instance. That's for his life. Just as I am for Reese and Slater. No I am not perfect but I am real and I have such good intentions.  Reese has been a good help.  I will ask her if she can do certain play activities with Dallas and most the time she is happy to help.  So this New Year if anything I have a great amount of HOPE.  Jason is so helpful with all this. He has taken Dallas to the therapies as well. But often times its best to be consistent with the same parent involved.  Dallas is lucky to have a dad who has the mind set of whatever it takes, whatever he needs. We are all lucky to have eachother :)

Coffee..

  I sure hope I am not the only mom who needs about 2-3 big cups of coffee per day! I try to narrow it down and have tea in the evening. Man I feel tireeed!  Nap times are truly hard for me not to take a nap too! Ehh anyways.. today Reese beat me and the game "memory". And I really was trying. She was way better at it then me. We also put together one of her frozen puzzles, I am also terrible at that. It took forever but we did it.

Early mornings..

  Early mornings it has been so far this week! Slater is normally a very good sleeper and sleeps in past all of us. However this week 5:00am it is! He's wide awake while Jason is getting ready for work. He drinks his bottle, plays a little and snuggles a little as well..then sleepy and ready for a nap. I however feel exhausted these last couple of days. At least in the morning that is. The last couple day's have also been the first few times ( I hate to admit it) that I have let Slater cry things out. He gets very over tired and cranky. So last few days..to his bed he goes! And the couple of times I have done it, it has worked and he has fallen asleep. He is still sleeping in our room but I am thinking within the next couple of month he will be moving into sharing rooms with Dallas in his crib. He has been a great sleeper since day 1. But it's easier for now until we get him on his bed time schedule so we don't wake Dallas. Also it's just a little easier have him in our room too. We have always had very good set nap and bed times for the kids. It's time to start Slaters. Usually our kids are in bed and asleep by 8:15. Sometimes a little earlier..because our kids DO NOT sleep in. Not at all. We have tried everything to do so, so they need that earlier bed time to get the sleep they need.

  Yesterday I put together a care package for a sweet little baby named Andrew from SC.  He is a victim of child abuse (shaken baby syndrome) I follow his updates and page daily. Last night I couldn't get the little guy out of my mind before bed. I can't get over how cute he is. And also the sad sad truth that his parents want nothing to do with him. His mom allowed her BF to do this to him and doesn't care. She's only been there a few times to see him. His caring grandparents do not support her and her actions but have been there every single night for him. They are fighting hard for him, and to ensure he goes home with them. Legally they have to make it right to do so. Seeing how much they care for him, I can't imagine him getting to go home with his mom. I know he is just one victim of this terrible crime. And it something I will never ever understand. So I put a little Valentines day package together. A book, stuffed animal, chocolate's for grandparents and Reese colored him a picture. Children are a blessing and they don't make the choice to be your child. You make the choice to be there parent! I pray to god his grandparents have any easy time making it legal. And it is still very touch and go for him. GET BETTER ANDREW.

  A cold front has set in! It is beyond cold. I can't help but dread the long months we have until better weather. EHH.. But bring on the NEW YEAR! We are doing movies and snacks with the kids. We are going to let them stay up as late as the can make it :). Or me..lol I usually have to take a nap.  The only time I stay up that late is doing cakes!

 

Welcome BACCCKK!

 
  Well HELLOO! It has been over 1 year since I blogged. For a few reason's..and I am embarrassed to admit the first one but.. lol Reese deleted my blogger app a while back from my IPAD and I couldn't remember any of my login stuff. Which wasn't even that hard to figure out now from my laptop. And also we have been so busy with life. We welcomed a precious baby boy SLATER JASON FITCH. We Moved back to Tri-Cities. I started doing cakes as a in home business. Birthday parties lots and lots of doctor appointments. Some lose of relationships with family/friends and some gain of it too.  Ahh it feel's so good to blog again. My kids have grown and I am so happy to watch it. Our little baby Slater is already 6 month old. I am cherishing every moment (well trying) with him. As weird as it sounds I already have been going through baby fever. NOO! This time I have accepted yes I do have baby fever..yes I would want another little girl but NO we will not have another. I also have accepted how great it is to see the kids grow up now and just be apart of that rather then starting over. I do look forward to the day my sister has a little one (hoping for girl!) but until then I am so content and so excited for my kids. Both kids will be starting pre-school this year too. I must say being a mom of 3 is busy. Very busy. I probably haven't been the best friend or family member because of it.  It's weird, I feel like with my kids growing up we are starting yet another chapter of life. And boy has it taken a toll. I have been pretty emotional at time with it. This Christmas was awesome. I was so happy I wanted to cry. It is so awesome when kids start to get involved and do all the fun stuff. I don't care how long my kids believe in Santa. I tell Jason the longer the better. Once you grow up and stop believing in the magic it's different. Let them be kids for as long as possible is my motto.
 
  Our family will be going on vacation in May to Disneyland. We are preparing for that for the next 5 months. Also have Reese's birthday in February. Jason and I decided to skip our usual spring trip to Vegas and take the kids to Disneyland. We will be driving down and taking about 8-9 days away. My sister will be flying down and meeting us there. We are super excited for this.  Also it will be in May so just kind that beginning taste to summer. Now after the Christmas we get to go through this dreaded (well at least I do) time of year. Possibly Snow and then like 4 months of cold bad weather. We haven't had a bad winter yet, but that anticipation for the kids. They want to get outside play and do park trips.  We also plan to go camping this summer as well. It's hard with 3 kids this young. You really have to choose what you do and when. Anyone with 3 little one's would understand. But I think camping is do-able as well. Reese is much more independent and a little easier now at times. Dallas is only improving so far with that. And Slater is the who cares stage he's just a long for the ride. As long as he's fed and clean he's happy.

  Jason and I have been GOOD. We don't get many moments outside of at least always having 1 child with us. We used to have a date night sitter. But we have agreed we just aren't comfortable at this point for other than family to watch the kids. We do a lot of things after the kids are in bed. He just had almost 10 days off from work, and both the kids and I loved it. I will say I am going to make a vow to try and get a sitter for at least a few date nights coming up.  It's really hard to step out of that parenting mode. We need to. We have been dieting too! My weight loss from this last birth has been slower but steady. Also I am getting the itch to run a lot..but not sure I want to start in the dead of winter now. Jason really helps me out a lot at home. It's hard work on both our ends. He works 10 hours a day, but also comes home and is ready to help out with whatever. I also work really hard with the kids and seems to never end. But also do cakes while they sleep. I lose a lot of sleep but that's okay because if it takes less time away from family time that's the goal.

So proud

My baby girl turns 3 this weekend...I can't believe it. I say it every year when her birthday comes around, but I just want to thank her so much. She has changed everything about my life and for the best. I remember being this nervous mom holding this just hours old baby. It went by so fast it was a blur almost now. I remember every milestone and being so excited for each and every one. This little girl may throw huge fits at time, doesn't like potty training nor not getting her way. But THIS little girl gives me a huge and tells me she slept good, says sweet dreams to dallas before bed, kisses me for no reason, asks for hugs, says please and thank you, and so many other things I think about. She loves so unconditionally. She's amazing.. I often get stressed and think how am I going to give this little girl the best opportunity, because she's so special she needs the best. Then when I calm down and see the special little girl enjoy the simple things, like sharing popcorn with her dad at night I know it will be ok. Another thing I say every year is there no words to describe my love for her...and another year is down and I'm still unable to put it in words. I hope one day I might be able to come up with something in words to tell her...besides I love you Reese.

I really hope the birthday girl has a great time on Saturday. We are taking her to chucky cheese, coming back and doing cake and presents here. Even though it's just family, I'm trying to make it special with the cake and decorations. She deserves a special birthday. We are finishing up her birthday shopping on Thursday. We are taking dallas with us to pick up his new car seat. He will be in a big boy car seat now. Still rear facing until he is big enough though.

Oh and I had so much fun with Jason in Las Vegas. The concert was awesome and just being there alone with him was even better. We are so thankful for these little things we get to do.

A special day marked in my heart. Feb 18th 2012. TB. The very last day I was so lucky to have spent with you. We celebrated Reese's birthday and had planned to see each other in a couple weeks. I still keep the toy you had bought for Reese. You didn't realize it, but she was too young to play with it. I keep it in the box unopened...I'm not sure maybe I will keep it forever. You are so very missed. Think of you always.

Where is my pregnancy appetite?

The last few days have went very long.... Our weekend was great having Jason home for 3 days. We went and got the kids a few things, Jason and I had a little date night in with chef salads, I made a Minnion cake and then the supper bowl. Sunday about 10 min into the game Reese starting vomiting and was really sick. We had to pause the game, shampoo carpets and get her settled and cleaned up enough. Luckily she wanted to just go lay in bed and sleep. The game was terrible as were the commercials, terrible Super Bowl.

I haven't been able to eat much, I'm not sick but I just don't have an appetite for much. It's rare I would want something really bad. So when I do, I take advantage of it. I've been loving peanut butter sandwiches. No jelly just all peanut butter. I can't stop craving green tea. I've been drinking it instead of coffee and I always want more. I feel like this pregnancy I am going to have a big baby, not sure why just do. I have an appt this week and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat. I will have another ultrasound in about 3 weeks. The doctor and I haven't discussed csection dates yet, I'm hoping we will soon. I like having things planned in advanced. But typically they do the csection at 39 weeks, that would land around July 9th or 10th. I must say, it is getting hard not knowing the sex of the baby. It will be worth it I know, but I look at stuff and sometimes really want to know. I had a dream the other night that I had the baby and it was a boy! We shall see, but either way healthy is what I want. I'm beginning to think it would be so fun for dallas to have a brother, and for Reese to be our only girl.

Dallas has really started to try and talk a lot more. He has been making all these funny noises it's pretty funny. On Sunday we went to Home Depot and bought these cars themed decals for one if the walls in his room. He was napping when we out them up so when he did see it he started screaming and making all these noises. He really likes them and he loves cars too. Yesterday he was in an awesome mood, usually he is pretty clingy but not yesterday. He's so cute it's hard for me not to pick him up or hold him all the time. I've been letting him tough things out more recently and not whine and pick him up. It's hard but good for him too, so maybe that's part of his change lately. Also he's still going strong on sleeping good. It's a nice break for Jason and I.

Got through it..

So on Saturday flu hit our house bad. Dallas was first and he got it bad, ended up going to the ER to be monitored and get I've fluids and meds. That same night Jason starting getting it in the middle of the night. Then it went to Reese and to me somewhat. Hoping I don't get it any worse. So I spent my time running from bedrooms to check on Jason and the kids. Jason got it really bad, it was awful I really felt bad for him. I was also running around sanitizing and washing beddings to try and keep it from spreading back and forth. Jason ended up missing 3 days of work , he went back today basically because he had to but isn't %100 better. Believe it or not my kids have actually never been sick. They have got very small colds but never flu or anything bad. I still consider us to be lucky to have only had this happen once so far. Aside from the sickness I loved being able to have Jason home.

The kids are feeling better and have dentist appointments today and then Jason tomorrow. I have a cleaning next week as well. It will be nice to have everyone hopefully healthy this weekend. Today also marks 17 weeks for my pregnancy and it seems to be going by at a good pace. It doesn't seem as fast anymore but not crazy slow either. I'm super excited to be able to feel kicks for sure. Sometimes I question maybe being able to but I'm so busy it's hard to concentrate.

Weekend...

I was reading something on facebook this morning that said " Yay it's Friday, oh wait I'm a mom." Or something like that anyways, I thought it was funny and true. Although it still feels like the weekend for me because I look forward to Jason being home. Tonight we are doing a date night in where he makes a special surprise dinner after the kids go to bed. He actually is a pretty good cook, I don't think I've been disappointed yet.

Yesterday my sister and I took the kids out to lunch at Burger King here. I never go there but since it was newly remodeled I figured the toys couldn't be too gross yet. They had a really good time and actually Reese met a little friend and it was so cute. I've never seen Reese interact so good with another little girl. The girl was a bit older but was very good with Reese and it was really cute to watch. They played all over the toys. Dallas mostly ran around and played with the smaller slide and the mesh on the toys. He ate most of both of their lunches lol. We went grocery shopping afterwards and then home. Dallas was so tired and went straight for a nap, Reese was being such a good girl I let her stay up and watch tv. She carried diapers into the bedroom and even put them away. Some days she's so sweet and it makes me happy that I can see her kind heart. She likes to do this thing where she says " I'm cold..brrr." And then she asks for hugs to warm her up. I like it, I was reading a lot about children her age and how to keep them safe from people who may do bad things. A couple things I've been working on is making her very aware of correct names of their body parts and to never make them give affection. You should ask them and if they don't want to that's their choice. So she's learning what the correct words are for her body parts not nicknames and Jason and I both ask first for affection. I'll ask " Reese can I have a hug?" Or " Reese do you want to give me a hug or kiss?" She usually says yes but sometimes no and that's okay...it should be her choice.

I have been reading truck books to Dallas and he likes that. His favorite is a Mickey truck book. It's a hard page book and has really big pictures of different kinds of trucks on it. He likes it and reading to them only helps for their talking development. He doesn't say much yet, but pediatrician said not to worry we are doing all the right things and he's not behind. Reese was kind of a late talker too, just depends. The kids both have dentist appointments next week. Dallas has to get a couple things checked on his teeth to make sure they are coming in right, they both will be getting a cleaning too.

Oh yeah, I got my hair cut last night! I cut over 9 inches off. My hair was super long and I was tired of how long it took to wash and dry and style it. I love the shortness.

Typical

Ahh typical Monday morning! Always a little bit of a drag at first with Jason returning to work and Reese hates that. On Mondays I clean up the mess from the weekend, do laundry, clean bathroom, wash bedding and towels, mop floors, vacuum. All that good stuff that got overdue through the weekend. On the weekend we usually just like to relax and spend time with each other. I usually start all that after feeding the kids and such. This morning I got in a couple episodes of Sister wives before the kids woke, I love that show.

Today reese is going to see a movie she's been wanting to see with my sister. She's been getting better and better at the movies, and she's been wanting to see this movie so she's excited. I now know how hard it is to keep kids occupied while the weather is cold. We have about had it, the kids want to go outside. We miss our daily trip to the park and their outside toys. I'm super excited for better weather, not August weather just better. Also ready for cute little short outfits too.

Well I'm off to start all the cleaning!

Fun weekend

This weekend was pretty fun, mostly because we had Jason home. He had Friday off so we went to Dallas's doctors appt, which ok wasn't that fun because he had to get a shot. We watched a couple of movies we had wanted to see had pizza and got to go bowling on Saturday. Reese usually goes bowling with her aunt but Jason had really been wanting to take her. She did good, they bowled a game while Dallas and I walked around and got some food for all of us. Dallas liked looking all around at all the different things and ppl. We headed to the arcade after eating, which thankfully we were the only ones so we got to let the kids run free. Reese loved that and it was Dallas's first time so he liked it too. We took them and redeemed their points for some prizes. Funny how you spend a lot of money to buy crappy little toys that just break :). Regardless everybody got to have some fun.

We've been relaxing the rest of our weekend, which Jason liked since he was on overtime for a while. And I might add Dallas has still been sleeping through the night :). Really hoping this is his new sleeping pattern. I could get used to some solid sleep....before #3 comes anyways.

This next weekend I'm really hoping we can get a little date night out in. It's been sooo long, usually we have pretty consistent dates. But my sister works the weekends so it's hard timing it, and our babysitter Emily left for college so we are pretty limited. We have a lot of people who just don't care to be consistently in our or the kids lives. I have friends who rarely even have to ask for someone to babysit because their family (grandparents, aunts and or good friends help them out and offer or want to spend time with the kids) well sadly that's not our case, I wish the people we would like to be more involved but they aren't and we don't trust strangers... Who would?! It's an ongoing thing that really makes Jason and I upset but oh well.

3rd night in a row...

So my sweet Dallas is a great baby besides sleeping. For 15 months he has continued to wake us 2-3 sometimes more during the night. It gets exhausting to say the least. Reese slept through the night since about 5 months old, so we were a little spoiled but STILL. Anyways.. This is the 3rd night in a row that little man has gone to sleep around 7:45 and not woken at all until about 6 for some milk. He's then gone back to sleep until about 7:30. I wouldn't even mind if he woke up at 6 so long as we sleep all through the night. I usually wake with Jason anyways around 5 or when he works overtime at 4. So it's been a small victory and I am so hoping it sticks, he's been in much better moods and mom and dad are getting a little more sleep.

Reese has been learning learning learning! She knows most her colors, can count to about 15 and knows the Abc's. We are working on her knowing each letter with the actual sound of it. We have these cool books that my sister bought for her and we do them daily. Reese really likes sitting down to do them, but she's only almost 3 so short attention span. I work with what I get though. This last about 10 days she's been a little bummed about Jason working so much. I have been trying to fill the time with baking, painting and new movies. Oh and when it's nice out she loves going outside. I am so hoping Jason doesn't have to work this weekend so Reese can get her daddy time. It kills us putting her to bed because she just wants to stay up late to see him.

Reese is turning 3 in about a month, I have so many emotions about it. I am so proud of her, she's such a great daughter. I guess if I had to sum all the emotions up and only say one thing of how I feel about Reese, it would be... Thankful. She's made our lives so wonderful, she made us push through hard times, she brought out the best ppl in us. She made us want more children and we are so happy she gets to have siblings. There's no way to describe how much I love my baby Reese. So this year I am so happy for her on her birthday. She is so excited. She has finally gotten the concept of birthday= party=cake=presents. So with going to all her cousins birthday parties all year long she is sooo happy this is her very own party. She wanted a pizza party, because it's her favorite thing to eat. So I am going to reserve an area at one of the local pizza places here. I'm just doing simple because I want to enjoy her party and not be so busy talking to others. So with that I'm also not inviting that many people lol. Parents should make there kids feel so special in their birthdays no matter the size of the party.

Baby # has been a little pain in my butt lately. Giving me extreme headaches right after the sickness went away. I've been getting relief with Tylenol (when it works) and my sister brought me a heating pad for my neck. I would say this pregnancy feel very similar to Dallas's. But not as bad at all. I feel like Reese's was a breeze compared.. Or is it because I can't remember?! Either way I feel better this time around be pause I started at a much lower weight. And I'm hoping it won't get too crazy so I can lose it fast again. I do think this baby is going to be on the larger side like Reese. It's been measuring ahead every time like she did. Jason was able to find out the sex of the baby and to my surprise I'm not freaking out. I'm looking forward to being surprised...really. It will be a scheduled csection so I'm so excited for when they tell me what it is and hold it up over the sheet :). This baby is for sure our last..it's a little sad in a way. I don't love being pregnant like some, but I love my children and they all bring such happiness to our lives. So I am happy about having 3 little ones. Yes at times I will be crazy and sleepless and not rich, but it's what we want.

Mine and Jason's little get away is less than a month away! Vegas is our spot, we love going and it's always a lot of fun for us. I will miss the kids but it's also such a much needed time for us I am very excited. Hoping I will be feeling good being prego and walking all over, if not we will take the tram or a taxi. Wish I could have a delicious Bloody Mary but I will settle for a virgin margarita or some sort of smoothie. And Jason got me Britney Spears tickets for the second night we will be there :) so excited.