Friday, August 31, 2012

House Logged

I think we are all getting a little stir crazy around here. The heat here has been insane the last few weeks. We live in a rural area out side of Phoenix, AZ, and in the summer we are looking at temps that are 115+, and lately we have been getting there. The worst part about the heat is the humidity that we have had lately. It is relentless.

Typically in the summer you stay in side, the only time you go out side is if you have to, and if you are lucky enough to have a pool. Because of this we are going crazy in the house! I am lucky enough to get out to go to work, but my poor child and husband are not as lucky. They have made a few trips to both Grandma's homes for some swimming, and out to a store here and there, but that is it. We are a one car household, and because we live in a rural area there is nothing around in a short walking distance (and short is all you can do before you die of heat stroke). I decided this week that we all need to get out of dodge!!

Due to constraints on our budget we are staying in town, but we have a full weekend planned, we are going to have Pickle's 2 year pictures done one day, Swimming at Grandmas another day, and The final part of the puzzle is a day at Chuckie Cheese (the thought of the germs alone are already killing me, but you do what you got to do and can afford). I think our little man is going to have a great weekend and I am so excited for it.

I hope everyone enjoys labor day weekend!
The best toy around!

A daily thing at our home, Cryons, and ABC Worksheets.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Weekend over

The weekends seem to keep flying by for me. It like oops they are gone. This weekend we had M's little Sister A (17 years old) over for the weekend. I have known A for many years now, and I can honestly say she has grown up to be a great person. She took the time to play with Pickle and snuggle. She watched him so M and I could get some chores done and rest for a bit. She even baked cookies with me. She is just a nice young lady and has so many qualities that I hope that Pickle has some day. She is sweet, trust worthy, honest, giving, helpful, and a has a kind soul. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the future!

Pickle really enjoyed his weekend with his Auntie. He cried something terrible when she left on Sunday, we made up for it though. He got to go visit on Monday! We were in town on Monday to close on the re-fi for our home, so we  stopped over for dinner. Pickle had the best time in the world. He even said Grandpa for the first time!!! It was a great weekend and I am so sorry that it is over. I can't wait to do it again.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Lets Talk about us...

You have heard about our recent ups and downs, What you haven't heard about is the story of who we are, and how we came to be. Hop on you time machine and go back 14 years to the story of us.

M and I met while we were both in high school. We met while at work at a local Micky D's. I was a manager at the time and M was crew member. He was a junior and I was a senior. I can honestly say that M was incredibly annoying. He was a pain in my butt. I don't how else to say it. I could not stand the man. He will to this day say the same thing about me. It took about a year for us to tolerate one another. One night while working late and closing the restaurant down, there was a few of us on the drive thru head sets just talking about nothing, this got M and I talking. That night he got my phone number. Don't get me wrong it took a while for us to get to the actual concept of a date, but one day I just kissed him. I knew it just had to be done. We have had our ups and downs, but no matter what we were best friends first, and we remain that way to this day.

Fast forward… We graduated high school, we started college and working life….. M was on his way to work one day, and was rear-ended on the freeway. He was hit by 4 different cars. This caused some major issues in his back. He has suffered numerous surgeries, procedures and a implant to try and help him live his life. He has severe issues with daily pain and use of legs. This accident changed both of our lives impermeability and forever, but we made it through, and that is all anyone can ask for. M will never be out of pain again, and will have monthly doctor's appointments, and yearly surgeries for the rest of his life, but he has a life and for that I am grateful.

Fast forward again… More surgeries, more doctors and a few years… We decided it was time to move forward with our lives and get married (so maybe it was not a decision more like the solution to some crazy argument). On April 1st of 2006 we were married. We had a small wedding, but a great time. This is also the time we finally moved out of our parents homes and move in together (we moved about 2 months before the big day). I have some of the best memories from those days. We didn't have a couch or table or chairs the first week or so, we had dinner on blankets spread on the floor while watching TV., we lived each day like any other, work, home, work, home, doctor, work, home, it was a nice routine and some carefree times.
After about a year of marriage we thought about starting a family. After a year of trying we had no luck, and I paid a visit to my doctor. We discovered my PCOS. We tried for a few months on clomid and still no luck, we decided it was time to go see a specialist (during all this time we were looking to purchase a home, found one, bought it and moved). After meeting with the specialist we decided to proceed with IUI's, and inject able medications. After 6 IUI attempts on our final attempt we got our little man. I don't think you would of ever say two people so excited. It took us over two years and all of our savings, but it was so worth it.

Our pregnancy was plagued from the start. I suffered from Over stimulated Ovaries (from all the fertility drugs), and was in a lot of pain for a few weeks. Once we got past that the bleeding started. Small amounts at first, and we were assured that our little pickle (yes that is what we called him in-utero) was okay. Then was day it was like dam broke, and we rushed back the hospital. At this time they discovered a complete placenta previa, and I was put on strict bed rest (only allowed up for the rest room & a Shower). The bleeding continued and a few more hospital trips, During this time they discovered the previa corrected itself and could not find the source of the bleeding. As the pregnancy progressed I ended up in pre-term labor and would be admitted again, and sent home again, the bleeding or contractions would start again and the process was the same. Around month seven they then discovered not only did my placenta move slightly again over my cervix, but I also have a vasa-previa, making this process even more complicated. It was finally decided to put me out of my Misery (Yes, I was a terrible patient. I suffer from a lot of anxiety and could not handle all of this, I was irrational, irresponsible and selfish. If I could go back and change my behavior I would). Pickle was born in perfect health at 36 weeks to the day. lbs. 7oz, and 19 inches long. It was a great day.

Fast forward…. Little man growing up… this is where this blog picks up. Our little man will be 2 in September, and is a great kid. He suffers from some pretty bad reflux, and his speech is a little slow for his age, but he is a great great kid. Always happy and smiling.

Since you were kind enough to read all of this, I will reward you with some pictures of or lives.. I hope you enjoy and comment!!!!!
So long ago, M's Senior Prom

April 1st 2006

You can't tell, but I am 2 weeks Prego at the time!! And not that is not my beer, it is M's!






Fresh out of the oven 2010

All Clean


Going home for the first time.

6 months old


with our first kid Daisy Mae



So cute










Too much jumping






First time swiming


little Crawler


baby's second Christmas



At phoenix childrens for testing on his tummy


Easter Sunday 2012

I love this one


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

How do you feel about God?

How do you feel about god? I don't know how to answer that question. It has been on my mind a lot lately.

For the last few months I have had a very negative outlook on things. We are broke and struggling every day to make ends meet, and it seems like that is the only fact I can focus on. This needs to change. When I decided that I needed a new outlook on life, I started thinking about God lately. I was brought up semi religious environment. My Grandmother is a devote catholic, and brought her kids up in the church. My mother was baptized as a protestant and not brought up in church. Because of these 2 different upbringing by my own parents, Religion was not pushed upon us, which I am forever grateful for. This has lead me to be what I call a bad catholic/Christian.

I believe in God and Jesus Christ, However I don't know if I put my whole heart into it like so many do. I find it hard to put my faith and trust in someone or something, when things are going as badly as they are currently. I know that many of you reading would tell me, now is the time to find my faith and put all my trust into the church and Christ, but I just can't do it. I feel like I am waiting on a sign from someone or something telling me this is how I need to lead my life, but will I recognize the sign when it comes my way.

Everyday is a new question for me, but for now the one thing I know is that I need to change my thoughts, and put my trust in my family and start finding the light in every day. I have a great life, yes it is hard, yes we struggle, but we love one another, and our beautiful son. We have family who loves and supports us and for that I will always be forever grateful.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Get Ready....

If you don't want to hear me complain, I suggest you scroll down now.

Every other Friday is payday. Which for most of us it is a great day, not in our house. I paid the bills and made a quick trip for Diapers, and Guess how much money I have left over? If you guessed less then 100.00 you would be right. Now I know you might be thinking what kind of bills does this girl have that she can't afford anything after her bills. Well Honestly nothing out of the ordinary, there is nothing crazy in there.

We are in that point of society that is above government assistance but below be able to live well. The sad part is I would be doing better if I worked part time and got welfare. I just don't see that to be right. I work hard and full time. I have thought about getting a second job but I just don't know when I would be able fit that in. Due to where we live, I travel a hour one way to work, and I am gone for 12 hours a day. I get home in just enough time to start dinner, bath and get my little man to bed. UGH

Okay, Rant over. We had a great weekend. We spent Saturday at home just watching some T.V. and some good snuggles, and on Sunday we celebrated my Father in Laws 55th birthday. We all had a great time and my little man ate a LARGE chunk of cake!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

When did Pickle become a big kid? It seems like overnight he is starting to lose the toddler and becoming a little boy. When did this happen?
Monday to Friday I am out of the house for work from 6am to 6pm, Every so often M shares a picture or two. Here is today's:
M went out to our back yard for a few minutes and left Pickle in the living room watching cartoons for a bit (you can yell at me later for letting my kid watch too much TV). He came in from out back and found this:
When did he get so big?

Monday, August 13, 2012

After the Storm

Potty training was by far the hardest thing we have ever tried to do.

I can say, without hesitation that we failed. Big time! I think Pickle is just not verbal enough to tell us when he has to go, we watched out for signs that he had to go and tried with all our might but never got any further.

I think that we will try again after he has had the opportunity to work with his speech therapist a little more. In the meantime we are back to diapers, and trying to find a why to afford those diapers.

We covered the floor in puppy training pads and old table clothes.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Potty day one!

So far day one has been okay. He seems like he is starting to understand what we are getting at. I can honestly say M and I have never been so tired. Wish us luck tomorrow!

Potty Training!

Our little man is going to start potty training today! We are using the 3 day potty training method. So today will be day one. Wish us luck!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Hello Pickle!

How do you introduce yourself to the world? I don't think I can with out this coming off weird and awkward. So I guess let the pain begin…
Welcome to our world. Who are we you ask? D, M &  Pickle . We are just your typical family of three, with a few little changes to the 1950's Donna Reid version of typical. I work, M is disabled and a stay at home Dad, and Pickle, well Pickle is just perfect.
This is the blog for you if you ever wondered what it is like to live just above the line where the government will assist you (i.e. food, insurance) and right below where you can afford to do things yourself. I hope you enjoy hearing about our life and our wonderful son. We look forward from hearing from you.

My sweet little man