Ella at 12 days old

Last Friday Ella had a doctors appointment and she weighed in at 8 pounds 4 ounces. The doctor wanted to make sure she was peeing since only one diaper was reported being wet while we were at the hospital. The problem with that was Kato changed most of her diapers and we were only asked if she pooped not peed so we didn't keep track of the wet ones. Anyway, we had another doctors appointment today and she weighed in at 9 pounds 4 ounces. She is a good eater and she is doing great. We don't have to go back until she is 2 months old. She will get shots at that time. Not looking forward to it but understand why it must be done. thanks for reading xoxo

Future babysitters Olivia and Bailey meeting Ella for the first time.

Eli, Kale, and Rylee came to see Ella (with their mom of course). Kale was busy playing WW Smackdown with Alex in the hall. I think Kale won!!

Ella came to meet Ella in the hospital. Super Cute

Grandpa Zak is HERE!!!

Ella has been making the cutest faces and noises when she sleeps. Squeaking and giggling with bits of pucker lips and a couple of grunts. Babies have got to be the sweetest things and its just too sad that the baby part doesn't last longer. My dad arrived today by train from Washington state. Its wonderful to have him here not just cause its great to see him but because its good for my mom who has been away from him for a couple of weeks now. Both my parents have quit smoking (read prior posts for more on that one) and I couldn't be more proud. Especially since my dad said to me once he would never quit cause he never wants to. Its nice to hear them getting healthy again. He had some back trouble awhile ago and had to undergo some physical therapy which taught him some exercises that he does every morning. I couldn't believe it no smoking and now doing some exercises!! Don't get me wrong he is not doing the PX90 program but I think its great he is just doing something. I guess with all the babies I am having they really want to be around to see them grow up. He brought Ella a beautiful baby ring that he picked out. Super sweet huh? Hope both my parents know I appreciate everything they have done for us during the baby birthing process. Its not easy leaving your spouse for long periods of time to be far away and I know this because I had to do it with Kato for a long time. I just think its wonderful of them to be here for this joyous time. They were there for my first and here they are for my last. Love em!!! Hope the weather is nice this weekend so we can enjoy a good old fashioned cook out followed by smores around the fire and maybe some stories or songs from the good ol days!! They are planning on leaving in a few short days. Thanks for reading xoxo

School Registration

Today we registered Alex and Michael for school. I was worried about how Alex would do with the photos but surprisingly he did great. I think his kindergarten photos are going to be so cute. Its amazing how many checks you have to write just to get your kids into school. I must have wrote 5 checks today and most are payable to the same place. Even the kids photos are from different companies and I had to write two checks for that. Its an exciting time though and I can't wait to see how Alex responds to kindergarten. It sounds like Grandma Jayne will take him shopping for school supplies and I will take him shopping for school clothes and shoes. Kindergarten is a big deal so I hope he doesn't feel overwhelmed or nervous. Two in school, two in diapers, one awesome adventure~ thanks for reading xoxo

Screamin Demon in the house!!

We have now been home for 8 days and there have been a few ups and downs. Jade was really jealous of the baby and doesn't seem to understand that you have to be gentle. She enjoys poking the baby and pinching the baby. The best part is when Daddy gets home and she turns into a pure evil screamin demon!! The whiny whines and screams of pure displeasure over her daddy not picking her up right away has started to get to me. I scolded her and got really upset the other night when we were up at the dinner table eating and all she wanted to do was whine and fuss and eventually scream. I took her into the bathroom so I could calm her down and explain that she was being naughty but it only enraged her more. She ended up going up to her room alone and I put her in her crib which she quickly and all of sudden figured out how to climb out of. She actually flips herself over the side and accepts her fate of landing on her back right on the floor. I freaked out cause she could hurt herself and break her neck. Anyway, Kato and I needed to figure out what to do to help her adjust and get to the point where she is tolerable again. We made her a special bag of new toys that only come out when mommy is feeding the baby, thanks to Aunt Jennie for that suggestion. As it turned out it works really well. We put her at the table closer to Daddy and are working on saying "show me" more. It is nice when she can show you what she wants. We got darker curtains for her room to help her sleep deeper and longer in the mornings since the super cute ones she has let in bright sunlight. I try harder to let her interact with Ella when I am holding her and just keep my cool when she starts poking and pinching. I try to distract her more when she starts acting up. So far all these efforts are paying off cause today she was actually sweet to Ella giving her a good night kiss and she didn't pinch or poke today. The transition is difficult for everyone but more for Jade so what ever we need to do to get over the hump we will do it. Wish us luck. thanks for reading xoxo

Ella is born...

What a wonderful day it was on Monday July 19th 2010. My second daughter Ella Louise Katers was born at 7:42am weighing in at 8 pounds 11 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. She was my biggest baby. Michael weighed 8.5, Alex 8.10, Jade 7.12, and Ella 8.11. She has jet black hair and alot of it. The doctors and nurses were wonderful and the stay at the hospital was nice. She is healthy and so far a good baby. I have to wake her up to eat and she doesn't fuss much. With her and the other children I haven't had much time to blog about stuff but I will hopefully catch up soon. So for now...Welcome to the family Ella we love you very much and are excited to finally have you home!! thanks for reading xoxo

Last Day Of Pregnancy...

Sunday, my last day of pregnancy for the rest of my life. Kinda surreal. Not that I am not ready to be done having babies its just I really like being pregnant and being a mom. Not that the amount of kids make you more of a mom its just the new baby thing that will be missed. Woke up at 3:56 this morning. Made some lists of things that need to get done and started looking for all the photos of the kids when they were first born to take to the hospital. Its fun to compare those photos. The part I am going to miss the most about being pregnant is the movements and flutters of the baby inside. Its something only I know is happening unless I tell someone and I like that I get to be the first one to feel the baby. I won't miss the stuffy nose I get when pregnant. I will miss the wonderment of whats to come and if its a boy or a girl. I won't miss the pressure of naming the baby. I am ready to get my body back into shape but will miss the big belly and the nice big boobs cause once you finish breastfeeding...well theres not much left for a while. I won't miss my swollen feet and ankles but it will be nice to fit back into normal shoes. I am also looking forward to having my energy back but know it will take awhile cause the kid will keep me up at night. Unless I get lucky and have a good sleeper. Anyway, the last day of pregnancy is enough to make you cry and jump up and down with delight. Its bittersweet and if nothing else something I will always cherish and be thankful that I was able to do. I will never regret having my children and at this point I probably won't regret not having more cause the fulfilling feeling that our family is complete is growing with every second I wait to meet our little priceless gem. thanks for reading xoxo

Friday...

TGIF and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I got her a cake with a photo of her on it when she was 4 months old. Super cute and she looks like Jade, you judge. Anyway, we hit the pool and had some fun in the afternoon. My mom made homemade jam , brought it across country and I can't wait to enjoy some. She also picked up some super cute baby clothes. I am waking up too early with excitement over whats to come on Monday. I had to go to the hospital today to get my blood work done and to pre-register. I hope I have a nice room and I don't have to move while I am there. Sometimes they make you change rooms in the middle of your stay. Mom made fried chicken, rice, salad, and broccoli for dinner. It was really good. She also got a sno cone maker for Alex which we all have been enjoying. I made some iced coffees which turned out pretty good. Michael leaves on Sunday for wrestling camp. I am kinda sad he won't get to meet his new sister until Wednesday. thanks for reading xoxo

They Arrived!!!

My mom and grandma arrived on Thursday, the kids and I were at the pool. I was surprised at what time they arrived cause they made it seem they would not be arriving until late. The time flew by and before I knew it I had to get to my last OB appointment. It was a good appointment and I am ready for Monday. When I got home we had dinner and opened gifts all around then watched about 10 minutes of tv before going to bed. I didn't sleep well and was up at 3:44am. Just anxious I guess. Thanks for reading xoxo

Breakfast of Champions

Its not everyday that my three kids sit down and have breakfast together, especially just the three of them. So this morning they all had cereal while watching Spongebob. Pretty soon it will be four of them and I don't know if they will all fit into the photo:)

My mom and grandma should be here tomorrow. They called last night from Billings, I think. They ordered some pizza and were going to hunker down for the night. Kinda cool to have a mother/daughter road trip even at their age. I hope the sunflowers are out in North Dakota so my grandma can enjoy the view. Its pretty amazing that for miles and miles there is nothing but sunflower fields. When we moved out here (it was in August) the fields were never ending. I don't know if they will get to see it but I hope they do. I can't wait for them to arrive. We have some storms brewing which I hope they will miss.

Friday I have an appointment at the hospital for the pre op stuff. Thursday I have my final OB appointment. Can't believe its almost over, sure seemed to go fast. 4 more days. thanks for reading xoxo

7 days left...

Friday was my last day of daycare before starting maternity leave. The kids played outside and for the most part they did pretty well. I think the kids are just as ready for a break from each other as I was. Please don't take it the wrong way, but there is only so much arguing, bickering, fighting, crying, and whining that one person can take. I am sure it would be easier if I wasn't pregnant and my patience level would be higher. So while I will miss them a time out is definitely in order.
Kato has been working so hard around here getting things ready. I feel bad that I don't have enough energy to keep up. I get so tired and am so huge that its difficult for me to get things done. I work for a few minutes and then have to rest cause I get a dizzy feeling. Plus just walking upstairs gives me contractions, which now make it really hard to breathe. Sleeping has always been a issue too so I don't get enough or just wake up and feel unrested and tired still. I love my husband and know that I am not always as kind to him as I should be. I am sorry. I don't know what I would do without him. There are times that I want to tape his mouth shut or put him outside but the reality is that its mostly just me being a little bitchy..ok alot bitchy. I know its only temporary and because I am uncomfortable, I just hope he knows that too. Seven days left.
My mom and grandma should be here soon and I am looking forward to it. Friday night was a huge reality check for me as I prepared the babies bed in my room. I opened the size 1 pack of diapers, got the diaper genie ready, got out my hospital bag and readied my breast pump (just in case its needed). Sorry if that was TMI but thats reality. I got a baby book finally and just need to gather some photos of the kids when they were first born and get the one of Kato so we can compare the looks of each one once this baby arrives. Still are working on the name and honestly I don't really know if she will have a name the first day or not. Any suggestions? Please note our last name is Katers and NO I am not naming her Forna!!!! thanks for reading xoxo

Friday Bucket Fun

Jade wasn't ready to join the other kids playing in the sprinkler so she just enjoyed playing in the bucket. thanks for reading xoxo

Happy 4th of July

Saturday Michael was supposed to be home at 10:30am but of course his luck kicked in and he had delays. He didn't get in until a little after 1pm. Kato and Alex had plans to go to Lake Michigan to celebrate the 4th of July and Uncle Runkles birthday. They were going to sleep in the van and Alex was super excited about it. Jade and I were hanging back at the house and I was looking forward to having some mom and daughter time. I hope it will be the first of many. Anyway, Jade and I went down to Fire on the River, which is the fireworks show our town puts on to celebrate the 4th. They close down one bridge into town and shoot the fireworks over the river. People can sit on the bridge and enjoy the show. They ask for donations to help pay for the fireworks and I am happy to give for that cause. Our neighbors saved us a spot since I had to figure out my own seating arrangement. Kato had taken all our lawn chairs to the lake. Once down on the bridge and everything was set the wait took forever. They shot off a couple of test fireworks which only teased us. Finally about 10 the show started and a huge ball of fire came shooting up and over the tree line. We all gasped and wondered if something serious had just happened. The show continued and I didn't hear any firetrucks or see any boats rushing to the firework area so maybe it was normal. They don't call it "fire on the river" for nothing. Jade seemed to really like it and sat through the entire show on my lap. I loved every minute of it, snuggling her under our blanket. She pointed up at them and turned to look at me, gave me a big smile and then turned again to watch. We got home around 11 and she didn't go to bed until 11:30. She slept until 10:30 the next day which was the actual 4th of July. It was a perfect evening for us girls. thanks for reading xoxo

For the On Call Dad...

Its not always easy having a husband who has to be "on call" for work. Friday was a good day. The kids played outside in the water and had fun. I was looking forward to some down time when my husband came home and was immediately working. He got a call and of course the right thing to do would have been to just stay outside because once the kids see him they go crazy. They run to him screaming with excitement and when he turns them away it makes for broken hearts. So then out comes the computer and he is on the phone working while all Alex and Jade want is some attention from him. He gets frustrated cause he is trying to work and the kids are frustrated cause its their time with their dad. Its a loss on both sides. Anyway, I get upset cause he is pissy and taking it out on the kids by telling them to be quiet or no no don't touch that. It was just a big ol mess!!! I take the kids and go get some dinner. He is upset cause I took the kids with me. What was I supposed to do? Leave them there while he was working and growling, NO I brought them so maybe he could get something done. I really wanted a relaxing Friday but it was just not in the cards for me. So he ends up leaving to go work which was fine cause I understand but the kids didn't. He didn't get home until after 5am. Alex tried to stay up and wait for him. He kept asking when he was coming home. I hated it. I had no answer and I honestly didn't want to hear him ask one more time. Finally I told him that Daddy had to go to work and it would take a really long time and the best thing to do is to go to sleep cause the time would go by faster and by the time he woke up Daddy would be home. So finally about 11 he was ready to sleep. I was so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open. I know that my husbands job is important but I hate it when it comes between family time. For future reference and for those of you who have "on call jobs" and kids...stay out of the house unless you are ready to commit at least 15 minutes to your young children who look forward to seeing you all day. Then after the thrill of "Daddy's Home!" is gone, proceed with your on call business. You think this is the wrong answer well let me explain it this way...the work problem is temporary and insignificant and it will still be there in 15 minutes for you to fix. You can lie to your work and say you are working on it and will call you back in a few minutes or something like that. Your children are also temporary but are the most important thing in your life besides your wife, they grow up and leave and you will NEVER get this moment back. When you look back on your life are you going to regret spending time with your kids or spending time pushing them away so you can work. Yes your job is important and I understand that sometimes you have to leave to do it but come on, giving your kids some undivided attention when you walk through that door is going to be how they remember you, not how you turned the power back on at some work site. It sucks when they ask Mom "why does Daddy have to leave all the time?" You can explain it until you are blue in the face but all they know is you weren't there. So do whatever you want but take it from a mom who has had to explain to all of her kids why their Dad is not around, set a good example and give them the 15 minutes they deserve of undivided attention and just see how much better things can be when you have to be an "on call" Dad. Especially for your wife. thanks for reading xoxo

Alex before and Alex now

Sometimes you don't realize how much your children have changed over just a couple of years. When I look at Alex I see him as I always have but in reality he has changed alot. It tugged at my heartstrings seeing this photo. It reminded me that even though he is feisty and can be mean to his friends there is still a sweet little boy somewhere inside there. I should pull out some of Michaels old baby pictures. thanks for reading xoxo