July

I haven't posted in a while and for good reason ... we've been busy! We had family visiting for most of July. We spent the fourth with Sherman's parents and the middle of the month with Gianna.

While Gianna was here we went to Disneyland. It was a perfect day, not too crowded or too hot. Last July when we took Gianna it was over 100 degrees. Not fun - even at Disneyland. We recently renewed our passes for the 2011-2012 year. Although I am kind of regretting that we did, as it is expensive and with Lily's arrival it's a bit hard to go that often. I don't think we'll renew next year. We have some time to think about it.

I can't believe Emma will turn 2 in 2 days! She was my most challenging pregnancy but my easiest baby! Emma was breech throughout my entire pregnancy. I was so uncomfortable (she has a large head) and always nauseous. I could hardly eat or drink anything for the last three months. I had to get regular IV treatments to stay hydrated. I still don't know why I was so sick but it definitely had something to do with her being breech. Because I didn't feel like that with Grace or Lily. I was worried when I got pregnant with Lily that I was going to feel so terrible all over again but luckily Lily was never in the breech position and I was rarely nauseous.

I am throwing Emma a Sesame Street theme party! I found a lot of cute Sesame Street decorations on Etsy. Some I ordered. Some I copied and made myself. We rented her a bounce house for the day. It's a mini toddler bounce house. I think she will have so much fun jumping around all day!

Grace had been sick with a horrible flu all last week. It took her a good 8 days to feel better. I get so stressed out when the kids are sick. So far no one else in our household has contracted her illness. I took her to the doctor last weekend and it was a viral infection. Meaning we just had to "wait it out" ... ugh! She's better now and we've had a lot of Grace's friends over this week to make up for staying at home all last week :)

Lily Mae is waking up so much at night. I feel like a zombie. I'm so exhausted. I found a program called "moms on call" that I am thinking about trying. I've heard good things about it. Has anyone ever tried this? It's 29.95 for 180 online course sessions including sleep training, breastfeeding, introducing solids etc. I'm pretty good with the feeding stuff but I'm having such a hard time with establishing any sleep schedule. I had this problem with Emma too. She didn't sleep through the night until she was a year old. I might purchase the courses today. Not sure yet but I'm getting desperate!

The good thing is that Lily is growing, healthy & happy.

My sister, Cindy, graduates this weekend with her Masters in Clinical Psychology. We are looking forward to her graduation and graduation party. She's worked really hard in her courses and her field work. The children & families she works with are very blessed to have her. We are so proud of you!

We definitely have a busy weekend in store for us. Cindy's graduation, Cindy's graduation party, Grandma Espy is visiting & Emma's second birthday!

Enjoy the pictures :)