A picture is worth a thousand words...

New friends, life long family.....

Mama and Baby...

My cowboy....

Oh, this is a good one....

Summer days....

I don't remember Zach EVER looking like this...

This was my absolute favorite for a while....

This was about a month after he was born...notice how tired my eyes are

and again, whoops

just hours after....

look at his little mouth....

He still makes that face...

Oh, pre-baby days...

This was the day my stomach just all of a sudden popped out...






These are all completely out of order, but a few of my favorites. I never have the time, or computer to upload photos. So, here are a few.

Recovery:

re·cov·er·y
(r-kv-r)
n. pl. re·cov·er·ies
1. The act, process, duration, or an instance of recovering.
2. A return to a normal condition.
3. Something gained or restored in recovering.
4. The act of obtaining usable substances from unusable sources.

I went to Church this Sunday; after far, far too long. I've been kind of the (not literally) anti Christ lately. With all of this talk around my parts; my sister has been on this kick for a while lately. That's beside the point though. I have never felt so far from God lately; something rare for me. I know that i want Zach brought up knowing God, Church, etc; so I took him to Sunday school. He loved it. I easily let him into the care of someone else; something I had not planned on. Sitting in Church the Pastor said that the "word" of 2009 is Recovery. They had my attention. God thinks he's so funny. I think they were talking more along the lines of recovering your faith; but maybe that's my first step. It is hard to have faith when you feel like you have no walls left to knock down, like every desirable road had been washed away; but I do still have that "light at the end of the tunnel" i.e., Zach. What do I need to recover? Well for a start: My finances, my heart, my perception, my anger,my idea that there IS such thing as a successful marriage, and once again, my finances. Not my strength; I've built that. Not my endurance; well maybe my endurance. No, no. Not that.
Well, there are many things in my life that need recovery . One step at a time I am finding works best. Some days feel like I am running a race each day (maybe that's where endurance comes from) just trying to get to the end of the day. Good days and bad days, each night ends with a big hug and kiss from my babe. Those fifteen minutes I lay in bed with him reading and saying prayers act as a chalk board eraser; erasing all of the bad that may have incurred that day. That's when I know I'm OK. Bruised, but OK.
Who knows what 2009 will bring, some times I wish I knew, other times not. Looking back on the past years I know two things: There were many good times that will never, ever leave my memory. 2: The bad times are quickly fading from my memory; leaving me with an almost clear canvas. I will always love Bill, regardless of what happens. He gave me what I love most. He was good to me most of the time, he gave me the option to be home with my babe in those crucial moments. I know that once there was true love, not "mature" true love. But definitely true love. But like they say "Just cause you love 'em, it don't mean ya can live with 'em."

Anyway, I wish everyone a truly happy 2009. If recovery is in your agenda, I wish you the strength. If not for you, maybe pass it on to someone else that does need it.
To my light: You are my baby, and I am your mama. I love you more than you know. And that's a lot, very very much. As Bill and I would say: One million!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Now that Zach and I have settled in; it was time to pull out the decorations and start feeling "Christmas-y." We went out and got a pretty good bargain on a tree; he had fun hiding in the rows and rows of the make-shift forest. It took me a few days to get the X-mas boxes back out, but I did and we(I) had fun decorating the tree. ( I say we, but he had the most fun taking the ornaments OFF the tree, and throwing my glass 'balls'-or bulbs.) Now the lights are on, and new and old decorations. I actually found one from when I was in Ballet as a kid. I love making new memories with Zach, and starting new traditions that will be forever. This Christmas is seeming to be financially difficult on everyone this year, so we will be writing what everyone else is thankful for. Maybe we will read them after dinner, or maybe not. Maybe we will just read them to ourselves. I am excited to do this. Throughout the year I don't think we take enough time to tell our family what they really mean to us.
We get so wrapped up (pun intended) in gifts, shopping, gift cards, etc; I think we forget what it really is about. Hopefully this year will remind us.

Long may you run...

Well, I am in. And after a short trip to Hell; it still is hard to believe. I am almost all unpacked, hanging pictures as I go; somehow hoping to make this feel like home. It's funny really, everday I wanted out of my old house. I grew to hate the filth that 30 years of unkept appliances, carpet, linoleum, etc, will bring. Now that I am in an immaculate, open, somewhat "freeing" house, it still does not feel quite right.





I found a place that I know will eventually house a happy mama and her baby. It is in La Verne, which at this point was all that mattered. I am in walking distance to my mom which gives me a feeling of home. I grew up in this town and I just love that my son will.



As every thing is slowly getting unpacked, it sets in. It seems final. Even with the distance, the blaming does not stop. Maybe blaming is not the right word, but lack of responsibility for parts that are the other half's. I don't know. I guess I expected more of an eye opener than what I am getting. Have I always filled in the blanks for the parts that were lacking? This sure has opened my eyes to a lot of things. One thing being the fact that I can do anything. I really do believe that now. I should have after I became a mama, but I didn't . Maybe due to the fact that my other did not believe, or had a hard time conveying to me that he thought I could. Whatever. I know now that I can. There were some days that I did not know how I was going to be a mama. I didn't know how I could possibly pull myself out of the hole that I felt I was in. But I did. I kept plugging along, all the while with a convincing smile on my face. It's amazing what a child can do to pull you through a tough time. You know that this one person, this most important being did NOT ask for this; therefore it is your responsibility to give them the smoothest ride possible. Looking back, I feel like I am tricking myself about it being so difficult. It doesn't feel like it was. One thing I always hated about my Mom while I was growing up was that she never let us be sad for too long. When I wanted to just cry about something; she would always say "Well, it is what it is, now move on." I really hated that, it made me feel like she had no feelings, or didn't know how to deal with us having feelings. I see now that is not true; and I am greatful for that part of her now. It has helped me get through many tough times. When you have taken care of business, then you can be sad. The world will not stop for your tears. But, after all is said and done, cry, cry, cry. It will help. You have to go through all of the motions in order to heal. I really believe that.



I wish I would have blogged daily, just to remember what I went through daily. And to see where I am at today, after all was said and done. I don't know what our future holds, but I do know that it will be bright. I have my baby, and I have a roof over my head. Family that would give me the shirt off their back, or the last dollar in their pocket. Friends that were so closely lost, and in the last minute came in and made this whole thing bearable. Most importantly, I have my baby. The light at the end of every tunnel.

Zach, I love you very much. You are my baby and I am your mama. To my friends, I would die without you. You really are just as important as family.

They say what doesn't kill will only make you stronger...

But day after day that seems harder and harder to believe. Each day seems like I can't face what letdowns tomorrow will bring. I think for the most part I have been pretty strong. Only letting a tear fall when Zach isn't within arms reach. Each day I think i have cried the last tear only to be reminded that my feelings don't completely shut down. Although I wish I had that power that Bill so easily taps into when needed. I find myself asking the same questions day after day. I feel like at some point I need to wake up from this horrible nightmare and have it all over with . I want to look over in the middle of the night and see him. Why is it that you don't know what you've got til it's gone? 

I know that some day these feelings will be gone. I know it will get easier. I know someday I will be able to think about it without crying, but why does that day seem so far? Every day I carry around so much guilt that we are doing the same thing our parents did to us. I look at Zach and it just kills me. I wish we would have thought clearly about all of this before we acted so childish. 

So, each day I will go on hoping to become stronger than the last;  I don't think I can really take any more low blows. I am already scraping up the pieces as best I can. 

But, more than anything I have Zach. Each day ends with me thanking God, whoever he is, that I have who I gave life to; yet he really breathes the life right back into me. When there seems like there is no end to this mess, he is the one light at the end of the tunnel.  Each night when we say our prayers, I assure him that no matter where we are, no matter what; I will always be here. His mama will always be here. 

You are my baby, and I am your mama. I love you, my ray of light, more that you will ever understand. 

2 years ago today...

I woke up having the worst contractions. Tomorrow was my due date. I knew today was the day, or so I thought. It was a Monday and I already had a Dr. appt. scheduled. I took a shower, and I remember needing Bill to put lotion on my legs because I couldn't reach them. This morning seemed to drag on forever, I could feel the tightness in my belly like a starting gun in a race. I was worried that baby was going to fall out. Seriously, I was. After all of the horrifying stories of girls giving birth in a toilet, or in the car on the way to the hospital; I so cautiously took a shower. When we got to the Dr., I was sure that he would check me and have me rushed by an ambulance to the nearest hospital. Well, it didn't happen quite like that. Since he had already scheduled me to be induced the next day ( which I so so so did not want) , my due date; he told me to just go home and time my contractions. I was only dilated to one centimeter. Same as last week. When they were 4 minutes apart, call him and head over to the hospital. So, Bill dropped me off at my mom's and my sister and I timed contractions all day. As much pain as I was in, looking back on this day brings so much happiness to me. Maybe the comfort of being back at my mom's, maybe being with my sister for such an important time, I don't know. But it does. We timed them all day, some hours worse than others. Then Jess came over. I remember this because she and Ali just found it so ridiculous that I was singing during contractions. I don't know why I was, I don't usually burst out in tune. But it took my mind off my pain. I was very lucky to have them both there. ( Jess is my sister's best friend, since birth, and also like my own little sister) We went back to my house around 4 , and later my mom came. Same story, singing, contractions, etc. I did forget to add that these two silly girls were making fun of me so bad at one point for singing that I finally realized how ridiculous I must have looked that I started laughing so hard and peed my pants. Around 6 P.m. they called Bill to come home from work. It was time!

We headed over to the hospital and they checked me again, let me tell you, (sorry to sound so graphic) it's not pretty. I had about 4 or 5 different hands inside me in one night. Not fun. They were going to send me back home since I hadn't changed much but since I had to be back at 5 A.M, they admitted me. That night was so rough, but Bill was there every minute of it. I am not going to go into every detail, just the ones that stick out in my mind.

I didn't go in there thinking I was going to get the epidural, I wanted to do it all natural. Yeah, right! I finally decided to get it, and I was so scared. I think I was actually more worried about this needle in my back than the actual child birth! I will never forget the nurse that was in there at the time. The anesthesiologist was rude and was telling me NOT to move! But, how can I sit still when I am having these contractions? I just imagined him putting it in and getting a huge one starting at the same time, the needle going in wrong and just being paralyzed for life. Well, I was OK. But that nurse was so kind, and I remember her looking into my eyes to calm me down. I don't know why I remember that part so clearly. After that had kicked in, I was in tears I was so happy. I felt so much better. The rest of the night progressed quickly, and the next morning my whole family was there.

At about 3 p.m., I had woken up from a nap and told the nurse that I felt A LOT of pressure, like I had to go to the bathroom. She just said that it was normal and would check me again in a minute. I told her No, I think you need to check me NOW! She did, and sure enough I, was completely dilated and ready to go. I pushed for about an hour. It's crazy to think about now, I don't even remember the pain. I just remember thinking " I can't do this anymore." But there was no going back. I remember his head almost out because I could see on Bill's face when he saw him come, then go, then he was out. And soon I was looking at what we had been waiting for, for 9 months. He was here. All we had talked about him looking like, how big he would be, would he look like me or Bill? Well, there was no more wondering. We were looking at him. I'll never forget the look on his face when I saw him for the first time. His little puffy eyes, and pursed mouth. I can't even find words to describe the feeling. Love a t first sight. It was so emotional, and I had really proved myself to, well, myself. I did it. I took what had been dealt, and I did it. I I felt like such a woman. I now shared something in common with all the women I had looked up to all of my life. I had a child. I was a mama. I really love how that sounds. Even in mid-conversation now, I will hear myself refer to "my son" and just smile.

After Zach was born, it seemed like like there were 40 people in my room. Maybe there was, I don't know. All I know is that I had what I dreamed about having my entire life. Those next few hours and days in the hospital bring back such great memories. The juice and crackers. The peacefulness of the nights. All of it. I would love to go back and re-live those 4 days again, not in hopes to do it differently, but to savor each moment of it.
When we left for home, I think we both felt complete. We had done this together, and it felt right. We had just experienced something neither of us had ever experienced with anyone else, and we were a family. Just the three of us, our own family.

Looking back brings feelings of accomplishment, change, excitement, and most of all love. We have built such peaceful memories in these last two years. Memories of the three of us. Bill and I still ask each other how we made such an amazing boy. To us, he is our world. Watching him grow is unbelievable. Things that most wouldn't think twice about, is what we find ourselves laughing about during a 'romantic' dinner. And, as much as we teach him, I think he will teach us far more than ABC's, and 123's.
This journey I call mama hood is the hardest Job I never even knew I would get, but let me tell you; it is by far the most rewarding job I could ever be hired for. I was talking to a friend yesterday and she was saying how she was really wanting kids, but after the birthday party she said she could "chill on kids for a while." She said she saw that it is a constant job, and she doesn't think she is ready for that yet. Are we ever ready? I don' t think anything can prepare a new mother for what is ahead of her. But you do it. You just do it. No matter the circumstances. And you do it well. You get the hang of it. I tried explaining it to her yesterday, but I couldn't . You can't "explain" how your ears wake you up in the middle of a great sleep because the baby is awake, or how you learn the quickest way to blow dry your hair with a 2 year old hanging on your leg, or how you go until 4 pm without eating, simply because you forgot. Or how all of this is ok, how it doesn't bother you. It is life, your life. Most importantly, how nothing else matters half as much as your family. Peoples opinions of you go out the window. Your babies look to you like you are the only person that exists, and in that very moment, you know that they are the mere reason that your existence is so very important. I know that now, Bill and Zach are my light at every end, of every tunnel. Some days I see more tunnels that expected, but that's OK. I come out stronger, more accomplished, and with a little bit more patience.

Zachy, "You are my baby, and I am your Mama. "
I love you very, very much.


P.s. Please excuse the fact that just about every post is about being a mom, that seems to be the only thing that moves me to write lately.

A very long, but fun weekend

Well this weekend went just as planned, with just a few minor melt-downs. Which is surprising-considering they have been happening pretty frequently around these parts. Friday, Halloween, was so much more fun than I had expected. This year was much easier than last. Maybe due to having this whole "mama thing" down a little bit better. I worked on his costume up until about 3 hours before him needing to wear it. Luckily it was a slow day at work. :) It came out better than I thought, and even had a few hours left to put some extra detail into it.

We met our friends Tim, Amy, Mason and Owen at the Downtown La Verne Trick or Treat deal they have. Zach had so much fun getting candy and putting only about every other piece in his mouth. I swear, he sat down every two stores to do inventory on his candy. It was so cute. He is such a charmer, I think we may have trouble from this one. Mason and Owen had a great time too, and they all play so nice with each other. They even shared their candy, sort of. Amy had a great idea with the wagon, I might try that next year. Normally Zach is just dying to get out of his stroller, and the one day I want him to walk, he didn't want out! He realized it was easier to eat his candy IN the stroller.

After downtown we went to Grandmas to have dinner. Zach didn't have very much of an appetite after so much Halloween candy. When it got dark, we went back out. For some more candy. All in all, it was such a fun night.

On Saturday we had Zach's 2nd birthday party. I can't believe it has been another year! He is not quite 2, and this week I am savoring these last few moments of this birthday year. It is always bittersweet this time of year. Each day he is learning something new, and as much as I love this; I still find myself hanging onto the baby years. It is unbelievable to me to think that just 2 years ago, I was child-less. It seems like there was never a time that I didn't know and love him. Some days seem to never end, but when I look back; I am constantly wondering where the time went. It really teaches you to just enjoy this time. Just slow down. Take it in stride.

I watched Zach play at his party, playing so nicely with the other kids. It feels so good to know that I am raising such a sweet boy. I remember my mom always telling us how polite our friends parents said that we were when we would stay for dinner, sleep over, etc. I am beginning to know the feeling she got when hearing that. I love to just sit back and watch him when he is his own person, away from me. He shares, smiles, and try to be helpful. I see that I am doing a good job with him. I always knew I wanted to raise a boy with the morals my mom set before us. Not necessarily a braniac, athlete, politician, or scientist. But, someone who is honest, thoughtful,confident, and caring. I want to raise a man who will be a good Father, and Husband. I think I am heading in the right direction. Thanks to my great Mom.

So, as we head into another year, I am so thankful for the guidance I have had through my years which had given me the ability to be the person, wife, and mother I am today. I look forward to watching my baby grow into the person he is, and will be. And I will always keep my promise to show him different roads, but let him chose which one to walk down.

"You are my baby, and I am your Mama."

I love you Zach.

My great friend Amy took all these great pics! Thank gooodness for her, as our camera is broken.