She's Here: Ella's Birth Story

Our sweet baby girl is here! She was fashionably late, by three days but so worth the wait! Here she is, Miss Ella Rose. She is such a love bug!

 I love hearing birth stories, as each is so unique to each baby and mom. I also want to record Ella's birth story while its fresh in my mind.
With Jack, my labor started with my water breaking at 38 weeks 1 day. My contractions never started so I did the whole thing on Pitocin which was very difficult, leading to an epidural, a long time pushing with an eventual assisted delivery, and a long recovery. With Henry, I wanted an all natural birth. Well, he was too cozy, so we induced 12 days past our due date. I did go natural, but had to have Pitocin again. With Ella, my goal was to go into labor naturally, labor without drugs and deliver her naturally. I am so excited that I had the experience I was hoping for!
The whole week leading up to Ella, I was having a lot of Braxton Hicks. On Thursday, they went on for a couple of hours and on a regular pattern. I told Matt to not get excited, and not to time them, but he secretly did. I went to bed, and they stopped. When I woke up Friday, I felt crampy. I told Matt, I think today is the day. I had this sense of calm about me all day. My body seemed to be preparing because I was spotting a little and my body was clearing itself out.
Luckily, I had a midwife appointment. I went in and the midwife decided to check me. The previous week I was not dilated and was 50% effaced. This appointment I was 1cm and 50% effaced, but Ella's head was super low. I measured 36 weeks, where the previous week I was 38 weeks. She was getting ready!
I got home and we went for a walk. Matt was super antsy for things to get going. I felt so calm and relaxed about it. We had lunch, relaxed and enjoyed a quiet day.
Around 4, I decided to run some errands. I had bought a couple of Christmas outfits just in case, so I needed to return those. I went to Carters and shopped around. I started getting more cramps. I bought my stuff. The ladies who worked there were surprised I was 3 days overdue. They joked they needed to get me out before I went into labor! Little did I know, I was in labor!
I walked over to Target, grabbed some random things I had needed. I remember feeling more cramps and thinking, "this is it!"
I texted my sister and said I think Ella is on her way, called my mom to make sure they were close by in case it was time. I got home and told Matt I thought I was in labor, which was around 5:15. The contractions were building and coming pretty fast! We made a pasta dinner while I had contractions. They started to get more serious so we got our final things for our hospital bag. I started to really need to focus during the contractions. I knew I was only a 1 in the morning, so I was nervous to go to the hospital too soon. Matt was insisting it was time. My mom heard it in my voice, so they started to make their way to our house. Jack was asking, "Why is momma breathing like that?"
We left around 7. Contractions were every 3-4 minutes. They were super uncomfortable, especially in the car. We got to the hospital and checked into the ER. It felt like an eternity, and felt like every person there was staring at the lady in labor. Finally we made it up into labor and delivery. I had tons of contractions on our way up, so we skipped triage and went straight to a room. They checked me at 8:30 and I was a 4 and 50% effaced. They hooked me up to the monitors which was not fun, because I was experiencing a lot of back pain and it hurt to sit.
I continued to labor, and had a lot of back labor. I worked on swaying, standing, and working through each contraction. Matt was awesome throughout. The midwife came in and we chatted. Contractions seemed shorter but were still coming quick. They checked me again at 11ish and I was a 5-6 with 80% effacement.
The midwife filled up the bath tub for me to relax in. I got into the tub and the contractions became very difficult. At that point I could feel a lot of pressure. The midwife could sense that I was moving through transition. She insisted I get out. I felt like I couldn't move. She said that she had birthed a baby in a tub that small, but it is hard. Finally, I got out of the tub, onto the table. She examined me and I was complete!
The urge to push was crazy! I pushed and my water broke around 11:35. It was crazy!
I pushed a few times and Ella came into this world at 11:46 p.m. on January 2, 2015. She was so tiny and perfect! She came out pink and healthy, an answer to so many prayers.

Ella was 6 pounds 15 ounces and 19 inches long

Our hospital stay was short. Ella took to nursing quickly, and my recovery has been great. I was so excited for the boys to meet their sister! They were too. I thought Jack would be the first to want to hold her, but Henry surprised me. He was so excited and in awe of his little sister. He was reaching for her. It was so cute. He was trying to tickle her.

Checking out their new baby sister. She was smiling

I can't believe we are now a family of 5! I knew my heart was full of love, but it just exploded with love again for my sweet Ella Rose.

First Picture as a Family of 5!

First Bath! Look at all that hair!

We love you Ella Rose, and we can't wait to watch you grow! Thank you Lord, for a healthy baby!

Happy New Year!

2014 is here and filled with possibilities! I always feel excited for what may lie ahead in a coming year.
This is the first year that Jack was really into the holidays. He was very excited for New Year's. I am not sure he really understands what it is, but he sure loves a good celebration.
To bring in the "new year" with the kids, we had a movie night. We brought out our comforter, pillows and blankets and laid down on the floor to watch a silly Netflix movie. The kids loved it!

We have had these New Year's hats for a long time. Jack knew they were in the garage so he asked if we could get them out. So we all donned our New Year's hats. They went to bed around 7:30 and then it was time for just me and Matt.

Our first attempt at a family picture. Henry ran the other way.

My little gentlemen

After the kiddos went to bed, Matt and I enjoyed the quiet. We played our favorite game, and chatted about what we have accomplished in 2013 and what things lie ahead in 2014.
Our friend, Dan, came over and we played more Dominion, rang in the new year and then it was time for bed.
Its funny thinking how much pressure we used to feel on New Year's eve, but I say that our evening was pretty perfect.

Looking Back

Today I was looking through pictures on our computer and I came across this picture:

I just kept staring at it and made Matt look at it too. I was just so overcome with gratitude for having answers for my poor little Henry. I look back on the three months when we had no answers, when we were desperate for solutions to make our baby feel better. In those three months, we barely slept. We were beyond stressed going back and forth to the doctor, only to be given more steroid creams and no real answers. I have never felt so helpless as a mother, watching my child suffer, knowing something was seriously wrong, and not having an answer.

I am so thankful for the doctor who referred us to the allergist. I am so thankful that my prayers were answered, that we had answers to why our baby went from being completely healthy with smooth skin, to a child covered head to toe in oozing eczema. Praise God we know what Henry is allergic to.

Here is a picture I took literally minutes ago. I can't believe how far we have come. Life is so much less stressful now that we have answers. I am so happy that Henry is healthy, happy and flourishing! He is such a blessing to us, and I am so thankful to be his momma!

A Day Out With Thomas

 Today we went to Snoqualmie and had a day out with Thomas. Jack has been counting down the days until we got to see Thomas.

We woke up to very loud thunder, lightening and lots of rain! We said a little prayer that it would clear up for our Thomas day. It ended up being dry. Here are some pictures to show our day! We had a lot of fun!

One of the trains at the railway museum

Watching the model trains

Waiting for Thomas!

Here he comes!

This is the train we rode on. It was built in 1912, the same year as the Titanic!

Henry and Mommy on the train. I am trying to be in more pictures!

Jack was ready to go!

Mommy and the boys

This is my favorite picture of the day. Jack was in awe as the train began to move.

Henry was flirting with the little girl next to us. They were holding hands.

Snoqualmie Falls was right outside our window on the train. It was gorgeous!

Daddy and Jack with Thomas. We almost didn't get this picture. Thomas was about to leave again!

Sir Topham Hatt of course!

We had a great experience. We were all tired and ready for naps after our day out!

Lalala! Lalala! Elmo's World!

Last Saturday we had a ton of fun! We took Jack and Henry to see Sesame Street Live at the Tacoma Dome. It was a pretty magical moment for the entire family. Jack has been a huge fan of Elmo for a long time, Henry loves Elmo by default of Jack constantly shoving Elmo in his face.

I was a little nervous that Jack wouldn't be able to sit still, or that Henry would cry, but both did great. We got to the Tacoma Dome a little early because they had a playzone set up before the show. It was too cute. The kids could sit in Big Bird's Nest, Oscar's Garbage Can, or even play Elmo's Piano; Jack wanted nothing to do with it. He was a little overwhelmed by the other kids. We sat in our seats and waited for the show to start.

Big Bird's voice came over the speaker to announce that it was time to sit down for the show. Jack was a little confused, looking around for Big Bird. The lights went down and the music came on and Bert and Ernie began the show. Jack's face was priceless. I wish I could have got a picture of him. His face was sheer joy! The characters all danced on to the stage after the number and letter of the day and he was thrilled. Henry thought it was pretty awesome too. He stood on our laps and danced and clapped his hands. The people behind us even commented that "the baby was dancing!" 

The show was very well done and interactive. Jack loved clapping and singing with the characters. My entertainment came from watching my boys enjoy themselves. Their faces were full of delight. I think another Sesame Street Live may be in our future again.

Tiny Moments

There are those tiny moments in my life that I want to wrap up and keep forever. They are those little memories of the daily life that often get pushed to the furthest corners of our memories, overshadowed by the more momentous occasions.

Yesterday evening it was just me and my little men. Matt was away at work, chaperoning a dance. We were all sitting in the boys' room. The evening sun was pouring in through the windows, casting a glow on my little boy. I was rocking with Henry, who was nursing and drifting to sleep, the way he often does. I sat and watched as Jack played pretend, as he fixed the door with his tools. I watched him dance to Old MacDonald over and over. In that moment, my soul was so peaceful and happy. I knew that this was where I was meant to be. I said a quick prayer of gratitude to my father for blessing me, for letting me get to be these little guys' mommy.

I don't want to forget moments like last night. The days come and go and with each evening my babies get a little older. I want to remember the tiny moments, the ones that remind me how blessed I am and how much I love being a mommy.

Frustration

I am so frustrated today with eczema! Things were finally starting to improve. I have completely, and I mean completely eliminated soy, dairy and wheat from my diet. I have even begun to make my own veggie broth in order to avoid soy! I have also upped my probiotic intake, and I have began taking Evening Primrose Oil to help cut down inflammation. We were seeing results. Henry's little cheek was smooth! It felt so good to smooch on smooth baby skin!

But then......Tuesday night/Wednesday Morning, at 2:00 am, Henry woke up with a 102 degree fever. I knew it was an ear infection. Wednesday I took him to the doctor and he showed an ear infection in his right ear. The doctor prescribed amoxicillin. We got it filled and Henry got a little bit in on Wednesday and two full doses on Thursday. Yesterday he woke up and was super irritated. His poor little eyes swelled up. It finally calmed down and he spent the day happily with Nana and Papa while I worked. Today he woke up completly flared up. His back was covered and his face was scaly and super irritated. I was concerned because it was more blotchy in some areas. We called the doctor and took him in. Henry continues to be happy and smiley! The doctor noticed the blotchy dots and agreed that it was a reaction to the amoxicillin. My mommy instincts were right! He said it was good we brought him in. So now we are on a new medicine and back to healing and getting the nasty stuff out of Henry's system. The doctor also gave us a prescription for shampoo to help Henry's itchy and yucky scalp. I am so happy that we may get that under control too.

It feels like we take two steps forward and then one step back. We are slowly making progress and seeing results and then something causes a flare up. It is super frustrating. Yesterday I just wanted to pig out on a big juicy burger and a cold beer, but I couldn't. It is so heart breaking to look at my baby and see him trying so hard to be happy, and be so irritated. Matt compared this journey to hiking. You think you are about the the peak of the mountain, but a bend in the trail shows more climb ahead. You feel so close but there is more hard work ahead. The good news is that it feels like we are on the right path.

 I pray for healing for Henry. It is awful. I know that there are so many other things that could be wrong with him, things other mamas deal with with their little ones, but it is still a struggle and still really hard to live with day in and day out. The doctor said a lot of patients grow out of eczema, and I am hoping that that is the case for Henry. So we continue on. Henry is worth every little sacrifice I have to make.  Through it all he continues to be a happy and calm, content little fellow.

Here is Henry as I type this post :)

On having two boys....

I am such a blessed woman. I have an amazing husband, amazing support system and two wonderful little boys that melt my heart on a daily basis. Since becoming pregnant with Henry, people began to ask me if I hoped for it to be a girl. To be honest, I hoped it would be a girl. How nice to have one of each gender! But Henry was obviously a boy. I was beyond thrilled, and not the least bit disappointed. Jack was going to have a little brother!

People seemed kind of disappointed for us when we told them we were having a second boy. I would get comments, and still do, like "are you going to try for a girl?" Even while we were being induced, the nurse asked us if we were going to try for a girl! I was kind of surprised because I wasn't even done having my second little guy. I was still pregnant for pete's sake! I know that people's intentions are good, but I think the question itself is not really anyone's business! Of course, I am a lot kinder in person, but seriously its kind of a weird question. I don't think people think about the fact that they are asking about our sex life! Its just kind of an awkward situation.

I love being a mommy to two little boys. I do yearn for a daughter, I think most women do, but if I have another little boy I will again be over the moon with joy. Children are a blessing, boy or girl. I am thankful that I get to be a mother. There are so many women who cannot have a baby, or have a miscarriage, or have a special needs child. I am so blessed that I have two healthy, happy little boys. Someday there will be a third Yarkosky baby on the way. Maybe someday there will be a little girl in our house, or maybe even a third boy. Either way I am blessed!

Sickness

Well, I made it 8 days of going to work before I had to call in for a sick kiddo. Jack has been so sick all week. It started Monday. When I picked him up from my parents house, he looked like he didn't feel good. This was followed by a fever on Tuesday and through the week. It has been brutal on the poor little guy. He has such a terrible cough. He just looks at me and says, "Mama, head hurt." Breaks my heart!

We are so blessed to have such a supportive family around us. On Tuesday, Matt came home early from work, so I could go to work. On Wednesday, my sister came over and watched both boys, while on Thursday my mom came. I am so thankful for the willingness to come sit with my babies for a couple of hours while I work.

This was a moment when I thought being a stay at home mom would be so much easier. I wouldn't have to worry about sub plans, daycare or someone to help take care of my kids while I am at work, because I used all my sick leave on maternity leave. I don't have that option right now, but the more time goes on the more I wish it could be.

Today is a slow moving day to end a slow moving week, a reason the blog has been neglected. Jack is starting to feel better, but Henry has started coughing. Matt and I both have sore throats. I am hoping for rest today. Here's to another round of vitamin c!

One year ago....

One year ago, I found out I was pregnant with Henry! It was such an exciting day to know that we were going to add to our family. I remember that day very clearly. It was a Sunday and I felt yucky that day. I was tired and just not feeling like myself. I had a hunch that I was pregnant, but thought it was too early to test. When we got to church I had to run to the bathroom, another clue!

When we got home, Matt insisted I take a test. I said it was too early, and didn't want to see the disappointing negative test. I had got some cheap tests from Amazon, so I decided to test just to see what would happen. It took some time, but lo and behold there was a light line. I took it out to Matt, who was holding Jack, and said with tears in my eyes, "I think there is a line!" He agreed and we hugged. It was such an exciting moment.

It was still hard to believe, so I decided to get a "real" test from Target, well that one was positive too, along with the other 3 or 4. Its sometimes hard to believe at first that there is actually another human growing inside of you, which is why I kept peeing on sticks.

Finding out I was pregnant was so exciting. I will never forget any of those moments. Here is to 1 year ago!

I survived! Day 2

Well we just got home from day 2 back at work. Both boys went to daycare today. We had a rough start this morning, as we were about to leave. Henry was overly tired, crying. I was trying to get Jack's shoes and socks on and get him loaded in the car. He was crying, and trying to run away. He was crying saying, "No Mama, no work!" He kept saying it over and over. It broke my heart, and made me cry. I was hoping to get through this without crying, but I did. I finally got him dressed and ready with the promise of playing with trains at daycare.

Henry finally fell asleep in his carseat. He was asleep even after I left which made me glad. Jack was fine once we got to daycare, as was I. I dropped the boys off and got a much needed latte! I picked the boys up. Jack was just waking up from a nap, and Henry was sleeping. I was so glad to hear they had a good day.

Happy baby!

Silly, happy toddler!

Happy Mama!

I have found that a lot of times, things are much worse in my head, then in reality. I am glad for that. I prayed a lot this week for my anxiety and I am so thankful for God's faithfulness in providing me peace in sending my kids to daycare. I am so thankful that I work part time. When I unloaded Henry from the car he gave me the biggest smile! Those are what I live for, along with Jack's hugs! I am glad today went well. Now I get to enjoy cuddles and giggles with my little men, and a good dinner with the hubby. Life is good.

I survived!

Well we made it through our first day back at work, and with no tears from me or the boys! Today the boys had their Nana over to watch them, which made it easier for me to get out the door. I was rushing all morning trying to finish some things for my classroom, get my workout in, eat and shower. I did it!
It was nice to get to work and see my wonderful work friends! They know how to welcome a girl back :)

It was so fun to see my students. I really did miss them. The day was spent reteaching expectations. It felt good to be back in the classroom, but I did miss my little guys. The good thing about teaching is that it keeps you very busy. I think I would have been more sad if I had more time to sit and think. I am so lucky that I love my job and that it keeps me very busy!

The challenge will be today as I send both boys to daycare for the first time. This is creating a lot of anxiety in me because its Henry's first time and there are more than just my two children there. I know Jack will have fun with his little friends, I just hope Henry is okay. This week is all about finding a new normal.

My child is a bedtime hoarder

Last night I was tucking Jack in for bed. But before we could actually get to his room, we had to pack up all his things. Seriously, the kid has a backpack full of stuff that he insisted on bringing to bed with him. Inside the backpack there were Toy Story figurines, a couple of brushes, and like 6 phones!
When we got to bed, he had to have his 5 blankets on, with a giant teddy bear with him. He actually had to squeeze in. I am wondering if this is a phase or if we should start saving for a professional organizer for when he is older?

Oh the life of a two year old!

This is real life

Sometimes life is challenging. That is a complete no brainer, but sometimes I forget. When I thought about starting a blog, I thought about all the cute things I would post about. I would post cute pictures of my little men, write about fun adventures, and post about all the cool things kids in my art classes were learning. But I also wanted to be authentic to what my life is really like. My life as a mom and wife is not always happy and easy, it can be tough. My marriage is not always perfect, sometimes we disagree and hurt the other person. Its real life. I want to be authentic to who I am in my daily life. So here is an authentic post.


As you read in my previous post, Matt had two late nights, which made me have two late nights at home with the boys. To be completely honest, I was worn out. I had a hair appointment scheduled for Saturday. I was looking forward to some "me" time, where I could chit chat with my stylist, read some trashy magazines and not have anyone climbing on me. To me, its important to take care of myself and be happy as Kelly. Its better for my husband and children. In my head, I made these expectations to what the day would be like. I thought I would get my hair done, go pick up some more makeup, buy some cute tights to wear for our date we had planned, and come home to happy children and a clean house. That didn't happen.


I came home to screaming babies, a tired husband and a messy kitchen. Here I am being authentic: I was not nice to Matt about it. I made a snide comment about the kitchen not being clean. In my head, I was thinking that I am able to get the house clean and take care of both boys, why couldn't he? We both got upset. To top it all off, Jack had a fever. Bye bye dinner date! I called Taylor and canceled our plans. I was so disappointed. I needed a night off, and Matt and I needed some alone time to reconnect.


Matt and I have worked hard to build a solid relationship. In tough times we know how to react. Yesterday we both gave the other person space. We talked it over. We are both tired. We both felt under appreciated. It is hard being married with two little ones. Days can be challenging. We both talked about our feelings, and validated the other. I know Matt works so hard. He works long hours, and is often disrespected by parents at his school, something that comes with the territory. I work hard too. It felt good to hear Matt acknowledge my hard work and the effort I put into making our home, and the love I pour into our children. Jack was feeling better so we decided to try and go out; we needed a break!


Taylor had made other plans, so she arranged for my parents to come over. I am so thankful for the love and support my family gives us. I just don't know where we would be without them! I got dressed up and we headed out to Marrow. We got there, ordered a cocktail and relaxed. I had an amazing drink called the Lillian. So delicious! It felt good to reconnect. We reflected on our day and talked about our marriage. I am so blessed to have married a man who is so invested in me and our life together. I can't help but think if Matt loves me as much as I love him, I am a lucky girl!
We enjoyed our meal. Matt had veggie sliders and I had a stuffed artichoke. We were in food heaven! After dinner we grabbed a drink with some friends. Our spirits were lifted and it felt so good to be adults for a couple of hours. We headed back home, back to real life. Jack ended up with a 103 degree fever, so back to mommy mode I went.


The day was not what I thought it was going to be, but it ended up being pretty awesome. I am thankful that I can be real, that Matt loves me for who I am, even in my ugliest moments. I love him in his ugly moments too. Life can't be perfect all the time. But there is beauty and joy in the imperfections too.

Props to the Single Mamas out there!

I just have to say that I have a lot of respect for all the single parents out there, or even mamas whose husbands work nights. Your job is not easy at all! I got a taste of single parenthood with my two little men, the last two nights. Matt had two late work nights in a row, which was really challenging for me and him.


On Thursday he was able to come home eat dinner and then leave again. I got Jack to bed ok, nursed Henry and had some time to myself to watch tv. It wasn't too bad, but I really missed having Matt home to talk to. Friday was a different story. Jack was having a tantrum filled day, which was taking a lot of patience on my part. Usually I have Matt to relieve me when he gets home, but last night was not the case. He came home ate a quick dinner, helped me bathe Henry and off he went back to work. I had to feed Jack and Henry, bathe Jack and get them both to bed. It was a challenge juggling it all alone, and quite tiring. I finally got Jack to bed and relaxed on the couch. Henry wanted to nurse all evening so I held him until bed, and didn't get to clean the kitchen like usual. I was exhausted!


To all the single parents, you have my respect. I cannot imagine my day to day life without Matt. He is my support and my backup. I think I would be very tired without him, and quite lonely. The last two nights made me thankful for the man God has blessed me with. I made sure to let him know that I appreciate him and the hard work he does for our family.

Jack and "Melmo"

Jack has been a big fan of Elmo for some time now. He was hooked on Elmo right away. A while back Jack was presented a stuffed Elmo from his Nana. He was so excited. Since then his friendship with "Melmo," as Jack calls him, has flourished.
Elmo comes with us on our outings. He sleeps with Jack at night and during naps, and can frequently be seen in Henry's swing or bouncer. Jack takes very good care of Elmo, making sure he is always comfortable.

Yesterday, Jack woke up from his nap. I could hear him walking around his room talking to Elmo. Something sure was funny because Jack was laughing hysterically! I sat on the couch, feeding Henry, just smiling to myself, enjoying the sound of my little boy's laughter and joy. These are the moments of motherhood that I imagine can slip away easily. The day to day moments of a little boy and his first, "friend". I am so blessed that I get to be home with my little men to watch them learn and grow.