It's been too long!

Remember that time I blogged every day for a week? Yeah me neither. Well since posting about the nanny cams we've have more interesting/ funny footage. I never used the word EPIC when it was huge but that is how I would describe this video. No introduction would do it justice.

(Dang! I can't remember where on my computer I saved it so you'll have to view it here)

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=4625936646852

Liz is 6 months old today. Time seems to fly but sometimes I can't wait for it to speed up more. I want her to walk and talk but when I pick her up I know I won't have a little baby for long. Tomorrow we'll evaluate her development, get her shots, and see where she is physically compared to history and all the other children in America.

The appointment with the pediatrician is also for Leila who just turned 4 years old. She sure can have a lot of attitude when she wants to. I can't believe I have a 4 year old, and a 2 year old, and a .5 year old! I am not sure if Leila is going to get shots but I don't think she'll be too happy about her body getting looked at. We'll see what happens.

Lexi is my little stubborn spit fire. She is talking a lot and she says lots of things that really surprise me. I have to constantly remind myself that she is 2 and still in the "terrible twos" stage. She will cuddle with me like no other child though and we could seriously laugh all day. I made some Halloween inviations for a party that had two yellow eyes on a black background as if something in the dark is just staring at you. I put it on my face and made some scary noises and Lexi was freaked out. I put the invite down and she quickly flipped it over so she couldn't see the eyes. It was funny.

Aubrey is still just working as an independent contractor and loving what he does. I still try to get him to work from home but most days he leaves me so he can actually work. He really wants me to be a stay AT HOME mom though. Once winter comes I am sure he'll do everything he can to get me out of the house. I hate the cold.

I am loving being at home with my baby girls. I teach classes once a week and soon I will be adding another when the new dorms open up and we have the new equipment. I will be teaching Step360 which I am super stoked about. I also think I am going to get certified to teach Zumba! That way I can increase the formats I teach, be able to sub for others, be more employable and have no doubt I can fill a class.

I also have been picking up some crafts and it has been fun. I do them mainly when Liz and Lexi are sleeping. Trying to do anything crafty with Lexi around is near to impossible so Leila is the lucky one that gets all the domestic training. Here are a few pictures of what I have done lately.  

I found this idea on pinterest. Our rooms have so much wall space so I decided a huge picture would be a nice way to decorate. I still need to switch it to the other wall because ginormous prints and 4x6s don't go well next to each other.

 I made these little candy jars today as prizes for my Halloween party. I think they turned out super cute AND I can take full credit for the idea. They are baby food jars, ribbon, glue, paper, and candy. That's all it took and Leila and I did it all during nap time. I taught Leila how to count by tens so we could count all of the candy.

 These funny little things were actually really fun to make. The picture "frame" I made in the picture above is just an underlayment that I cut and painted. I just added a jigsaw to my tool box and wanted a challenge. I wanted to make a full size zombie for the yard but Aubrey didn't like the idea and it probably would have scared the kids. So I found images turned them into huge patterns, traced and cut away! Then we spray painted them and put them in the yard. I think they look pretty good!

So Instagram has been my new little obsession. I found out I could turn my pictures into a book so that is what I am going to do. That simple fact alone is my motivation for taking more pictures and enhancing them through Instagram. Here are some of my favorites.

 YAY! Braces are off! It feels good.

The bathroom remodeling has been put on hold. I have done so much work to it! It is completely gutted down to the studs in the walls. Our next move is to purchase a tub and go from there. 3 day kitchen and bath gave us a quote and wait for it....... ONLY $12,000 to redo the bath and shower! Yeah talk about putting a damper on my everything. Anywy we really just need to set a date on buying everything we need and just start putting it together. I will have a new bathroom!!!!!!! Someday.

That shall be all for now! Expect another update soon! Thanks for reading!

Adventures of the Nanny (Mommy) Cam

One of the best investments we put into our home is our security cameras. You heard me right, if you come to my door I can see you! Not in a creepy way though. Our home is now protected and it is very comforting considering we were out thousands of dollars due to a robbery a couple years back. I told Aubrey we needed some type of protection because we'd be kicking ourselves if it happened once again. Without a doubt we knew where we wanted to place the first camera in/out of our home: Leila's room. When we would put Leila to bed it was hard to check on her because the doors in our house are old heavy sliding doors and some don't even work. We always wondered what in the world she was doing when we heard loud noises or her crying for no apparent reason to us. It was also a gamble to slide the door open if she was asleep. Thus, we installed camera #1. 

Since having cameras around, we capture some pretty interesting things such as KSLers taking our free junk, cop raids, numerous cat fights, attempted car theft, renters' guests, abduction of our dog, and falls, trips, and accidents be had by our girls including our 4 month old today. I decided instead of posting the videos on fb it was a little easier for me everyone to see the videos in the same place. 

Prepare to laugh and gasp at our small version of AFV starring mostly Leila, Lexi, and Liz. 

P.S.- Our house is as real as it gets. Sometimes it's messy and sometimes it's clean. It's a kids room so most of the time it's messy. I am not sorry for the inconvenience. 

P.S.S. I am a good mom and my kids are crazy. I encourage them to be active and always cheer them back up when they fall. And we haven't had one broken bone yet.

This video is Lexi. She is BY FAR my clumsiest baby! She can't eat anything without spilling it and can't carry anything with out running into something or dropping it. 

This is Lexi mimicking Leila here. I think you will notice the point of no return.

 

Here's Leila trying out a "cool trick." I heard a loud noise (her landing) and then wondered how she got down without hurting herself. Aubrey thought she just straight up jumped off the top bunk. 

This is almost the one that scares me the most! I changed Liz and then tended to the boiling water on the stove, however, when I left the room Aubrey was still there and I didn't know he followed me out. I also had no idea Leila would try this!

When Leila came into the kitchen I thought she was carrying a doll and then my heart dropped! I kind of yelled at Leila for doing that and explained to her that she can't do that and soon I would teach her how to hold Liz all by herself and eventually pick her up. Liz was not crying at all. She rarely does but in this case it would have helped.

This one is funny. It is fairly common for Lexi to go to sleep before Leila and wake up before her. This morning Lexi got into Leila's bed. Lexi is the one closest to the camera as well as the instigator.

Here's another of Lexi being herself. 

And another......  

This last one is the worst. Can I just say we are so lucky she was okay. I thank Heavenly Father for her limber body and watching over my kids NIGHT and DAY!!! It's crazy to watch but I bet you'll want to watch it again just to be sure you saw what you saw. 

I went right over to her and just paused for a second to analyze her and what really just happened. She said her leg and back itched for a second and then she was okay.

Please note: These are all recordings! I did not sit and watch while my kids almost broke their necks. Things happen and cameras record.

I hope you enjoyed my little post of real life in the girls' room. Soon we will make the transition of Liz going into their room and out of ours. Hopefully that will go smoothly!

Bathroom

Well today I made progress.  I CAN'T wait to have a new freaking master bathroom! These before pictures were taken in Nov of 2010 and remember I have never used this bathroom even though I've lived in this house for one day shy of 5 YEARS!!! UGH

It will be nice once Leila and Lexi are in school because I can actually get stuff like this done. Who knows, may I'll find out what I even want to do with this bathroom!

Enjoy....

These are before pictures

 These are after pictures.....

Gross huh?

Mom of 3 = crazy!

I think I have finally gotten the hang of having 3 kids although I still feel like I haven't gotten the "H" right on the SAHM title. I constantly look for something to do to get out of the house. If Aubrey is home and kids are sleeping you can bet I find a way out of the house. I usually always have one kid with me but I have really taken advantage of the help I have been receiving so I don't go completely insane. I can't thank Grandpa Barker, Hollie, and my mom enough. It's so nice to get a little alone time.

I have been working on my role as a domestic Goddess though and I won't lie, it's pretty fun! One of the high lights of my day yesterday was beautifying the yard by mowing the lawn and today I made a carrot cake with frosting designs I have never done before. I also get to find new foods to make using my bountiful baskets every couple of weeks and even introduce Leila to crafts I did when I was little. And wait for it.... we've even had Family Home Evening 3 weeks in a row.  Those are all things that unfortunately took the back burner while I was busy with School, Teaching, and MK. It's nice to only worry about my girls and wonderful hubby. He does so much for me and I owe it to him to "save my best chickens."  The girls and I read lots of books every night, I get to do their hair when they let me and they get to earn marbles by doing good things to earn prizes. For the first time in my life, all I get to do is BE with my family and it feels great! No school and no work. I might just pick up another relationship with Home Depot.

My birthday was this last week and it was good. And Chelsea and Shay I am so lame as to not wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY the same day! We are all officially 23! Gasp! Can you believe it? I barely can. It's really weird when I think about it. To add to the unbelieveability (made up word) Aubrey and I will be married for 5 years in a couple weeks! I love him with everything I have. We are planning to hike up in the Uintas and camp for a night. 

Liz Farah Barker

 

Liz Farah Barker

Monday April 9, 2012

10:33 p.m. 

 5 pounds 13 ounces 

19 inches long

 My due date was April 8th but half way through my pregnancy I got the big ultrasound done to make sure everything was fine. The ultrasound doctor was concerned that Liz was measuring so small and was actually kind of mean about the situation. I wasn't too worried because A.) Leila and Lexi were small, B.) I have a very healthy history, C.) Liz's heart, head, fluid, and bone measurements were perfectly fine. Her femur actually measured longer than most babies! That doctor was double and triple checking that I knew when my last period was. She looked up previous ultrasounds and discovered that my dates were matching up with what I had said. We made a follow up appointment to make sure that Liz was still growing and the doctor said we should move my due date to the 21st! I went back five weeks later and sure enough Liz was still growing and still.... just small. I told the doctor AGAIN that my other babies were small too. I followed up with my regular doctor, Dr. Marget Lister who said that she's never once changed someone's date and that that doctor has no authority to change any due date. Anyway that info becomes more relevant later.

Around 32 weeks or so, I was sure this baby was going to come early. I had the waddling going on and pelvic pressure and I couldn't roll from side to side without moaning. I knew Liz would be small so I wanted to make sure I could keep her in as long as possible. As time went on I got comments like, "Wow you are so small! I looked like you when I was 4 months pregnant!" "What? you are due today?" Anyway I and my baby were small so I was surprised and glad to make it past my due date! After I delivered Lexi I realized I could have handled it since I only had the epidural for 40 minutes or so before she was born. Also I had all of the contractions in my bed, and I was a 6 when I got to the hospital. With that experience and Liz being small the entire pregnancy, I figured I could do it naturally with no epidural so that was my goal.  After my due date I had an appointment to do an ultrasound just to see how things were going. I was excited for the ultrasound because the last 5 weekly appointments I had I gained only 1.5 pounds which isn't normal for the final stages of pregnancy. Marget and I decided I would wait until I went into labor naturally and come to the hospital when I was ready. I was going to stay at home as long as possible. She looked at Liz and then looked at her stats and said I could go one more week. Then she looked at Liz again. She noticed my placenta was all white in the ultrasound which means it was calcified. It was a grade 3 which means it was done providing nutrients for Liz. I don't know when exactly it stopped providing since I hadn't had an ultrasound for a month but I'm glad we noticed. Basically my placenta had Liz on a diet for the last month of my pregnancy. Which explains why I (Liz) didn't gain any weight.

 We agreed that having a small baby was better than chancing a still birth and I would be having my baby that day. SOOOO what if my due date was changed to the 21st? Crazy to think about. Anyway Aubrey was kind of right when he said in the elevator to my appointment, "Maybe they won't let you go home." My doctor called Labor and Delivery to see when I would check in. At that point I found I had an hour and a half to shower and pack my hospital bag. I went to bagels and buns for my last real meal and headed up to the hospital to check in at 3. It was actually kind of nice to know that Liz would be here soon. I called my friends Ashlie and Dani who work at the hospital so they could be my CNA and nurse. I checked into the hospital at 3 and it was busy because they didn't get me started on pitocin until around 4:30. The highest the doses go is up to is 30 and they started me off at 4. The nurse came in to see me and said, "You don't really look uncomfortable..." and I had to agree because I wasn't really in pain. It was kind of a bummer to be in the hospital when I wasn't going into labor myself but with my placenta in it's condition, maybe I never would have. Scary. So every so often they raised the dose by 4ccs. I went to the hospital when I was at a 1 and luckily my body was progressing. I got to a 2, then 3, then 4 but none of my contractions were really painful until after they broke my water which was around 9:20p.m.. When they did I was up to 20 on the pitocin and dilated to a 5. Then the contractions were a little more uncomfortable to the point where Aubrey could tell by the look of me rather than the meter when I was having one. 

It was really nice not to have an epidural though because I could walk around and be on the yoga ball. It was easier to deal with a contraction when I could bounce around a little instead of trying to move around in an uncomfortable hospital bed. I just sat on the ball and set the tablet on the bed so I could watch some netflix while trying to pass some time. My contractions were getting closer and I just knew I needed to lay down. In between contractions I moved to the bed and told Aubrey and the nurse, "I need to pee." The nurse said, "Okay do you want to get up and go?" I said, "No" They were getting me a bed pan but then I said, "I need to push!" It was so crazy how fast it all happened though. All of the sudden I just needed to lay down and have a baby. I can't really comprehend how the "pain" felt now but I wouldn't really call it painful. It was nice to feel what your body is naturally supposed to do. I could feel Liz descend and that was a good feeling because that meant she was really coming. That is the feeling I can still recall the most. I realized when I first started pushing that I was just trying to push rather then waiting until I had a contraction and that made a big difference! I recall pushing twice at the wrong time and giving one big push with a contraction and Liz was here. I also remember feeling a little embarrassed about the color of my face. I felt like it was purple when I was pushing and I was hoping no one was looking at my face! haha While in labor I told everyone, "It hurts!" and the nurse said, "There is a solution for that. Let's get this baby out." And I thought, "Okay that's a good idea. As soon as she's out I will be done."  It's funny to think about now because that's something you don't get/realize with an epidural. It doesn't hurt so it's almost like you are hindering your body from what it's supposed to do because mentally you can't support the process because of the drugs you've been given. I think it was a fast delivery because I made it like that. I easily could have complained about how it hurt or how long it might take to actually push a baby out of my body but I didn't. I waited until I had a contraction and pushed my hardest to get her here.

I was very grateful for Aubrey, Marget, and the nurse telling me how well I was doing. It was nice to hear the encouragement and that made it easier as well. They could talk to me rather than just tell me when to push. Marget said, "Push when you need and do what you feel you need to do." That was also a nice change because with an epidural you don't get to feel and understand your body. Someone just tells you when to push. When she was born she was put on my stomach and she was so tiny! I couldn't believe it. The nurse and doctor were really surprised at how well I handled it and said that I made a lot less noise that women who do get epidurals! I was glad to hear that. I wasn't crying to screaming or anything but I do know I was moaning quite a bit. At least it wasn't grunting haha. Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of me smiling in the bed holding Liz. Give me a break I just pushed a baby out of my body with no drugs! And I couldn't believe I had done it again and naturally! I can't believe that I have 3 girls! I can't believe that I am only 22. I can't believe I am married to the most supportive husband. I can't believe how far I have come as a person. It is crazy to think I am a mom of 3 of the most beautiful girls alive! Sometimes I think it's a dream like I've just been baby sitting someone's kids for a long time! : ) The best part of all of this is that THEY ARE MINE FOREVER! Nothing can ever separate them from me or Aubrey or us from them. Leila, Lexi, and Liz will ALWAYS belong to me and Aubrey! I can't ever thank Heavenly Father enough for that. I couldn't comprehend ever living without my little family! The Lord has a plan for everyone and everything and I know my family is meant to be together.

Liz is such a good little baby. We were a little worried there would be something wrong with her since she was so little but nothing is. We couldn't be more grateful for her condition considering the issues we had with my due date and placenta. We are lucky my placenta didn't give out earlier during the pregnancy and that Liz got enough time to grow big enough. The girls have been adjusting and they really like to touch Liz. I love having this little baby to just love on and cuddle with. She is so alert and oh so strong. She was born into the most perfect family for her AND she has dark almost black hair! We love her so much and can't wait until she can run around with and talk to Leila and Lexi. I am sure they will have some interesting conversations! 

I want to thank everyone for the support and kind words since being home from the hospital. 3 kids is definitely harder than 2 and this experience took more out of me than the other deliveries. Maybe it's because "I'm older" now like my mom said or that I haven't been as in shape as with my other pregnancies. Needless to say, it's been nice taking a break and a little easier asking for help. My mom has been wonderful as well as some of my sisters! Thank you Ashlie and Dani! Thank you everyone! We love you and are glad to welcome Liz home to our family.  

39-1

Well I am still a 1 but now 80% effaced. I am planning on going another week. I need to pack my Hospital bag!

37-5

Only a couple more weeks to go. Currently I am barely a 1 and 60% effaced. I am feeling just fine and hope to go past my due date since Liz is measuring small still. I also hope to stay at home as long as possible before I have to go to the hospital. Hopefully I will deliver after my due date which is the 8th because my doctor is out of town from the 1st to the 8th. Anyway I will keep you posted!!!! : )

Pictures!

Alright in no particular order are pictures that have been taken within the last year. I noticed I haven't posted pictures since almost 1 year ago so... Happy early birthday to Chelsea! I've finally got some pictures up for you.

This picture CRACKS ME UP! Leila is in Preschool and last week there was a parent day. I had no idea that the kids were going to perform anything but all of the parents started getting their cameras out and I just so happened to have my video camera in my purse. I shot this picture of Leila when her teacher was telling a story. I have no idea why Leila looks horrified mixed with confused but it makes me laugh every time I see it!

This is me enjoying my graduation on December 9th 2011! I finally did it and I am so glad it's over!

This is the most recent picture of my family. We've got Neil, Debbie, Hollie, Jenny, Trevor, Shellie, Roxy, Me, Karlee, and Alex. We are all in order and dressed up for Baby Macklee's blessing day.

Leila, their cousin Anna, and Lexi at Trevor and Carlee's church.

Lexi and grandma Farzaneh the night of her retirement party.

Me on the jumbo-tron at Weber for graduation. It's a good thing Aubrey was preoccupied with taking this picture cause I felt like crap because it was like crickets in the night when they announced my name. My family didn't hear it but they saw me at the right time. I guess they sat right behind the speakers so the noise was projected away from them. Anyway like I said, I'm glad it's over.

Leila and Lexi with Santa Clause at Macey's. I can't get over Lexi's huge eyes. They have been like that since the day she was born.

I like this picture because it really shows the wonderful things Mary Kay products have done for my face! My face is now an even color and tons of my acne scars have been microdermed away!

My little babies! I tell Lexi she won't be my baby anymore and she just hits my stomach and says, "Baby, Baby!"

This was taken at Dinosaur Park in July last year. I can't wait for the summer weather!

This picture was taken almost 1 year ago. This was the last time our little group got together. It was before Chris and Sarah moved to California. Unfortunately it's the best quality we got with that lighting and a camera for videos. And now Tiffany and Jason are gone too! : )

Leila my love is giving me her best smile ever! I love it. This picture was taken before I was using MK. Obviously! You could cook an egg with all that oil on my face! Well not anymore thank goodness.

This is the second round of babies in our playdate group. I will spare the names for privacy reasons but the picture below is of their big sisters. It is fun to get together and have tons of girls running around! (Most of the time.) And there is always crying but I love hanging out with my friends and letting the kids interact. Where's round 3 ladies? I can't do this alone!!!!!

Leila and her little buddies. She is 2 months older than the blonde and 6 months older than the brunette.

This is Leila with Aubrey's dog Chello (that's right, I DO NOT claim him) playing under the table.

Well I promise to get more pictures up before another year passes me by. I will sure post pictures of LIZ (yes that's our new baby's name) and post her birth story when she arrives. Hopefully later than sooner. She is in the 10th percentile for size and measuring 2-3 weeks smaller than on schedule so my goal is to keep her in as long as possible. Everything is fine, she is just a small baby so we shall see. I might have to bulk up this last month especially since I've lost a pound since my last appointment. Anyway, things are good and we are living life to the fullest! I couldn't be happier with my life right now. : )

31 weeks plus some!

Well if I was posting a month ago I would have posted goals but sadly I can't remember what my goals were... already. No, I do have goals and maybe they will make their way to this blog. I haven't posted for a while but I do check my blog list regularly and need to add more blogs to my list. I really enjoy stalking you all! Anyway my life right now...

Aubrey= the best husband in the world! He does so much for me and I can't imagine my life without him. It's been so nice to be done with school and just enjoy being at home. He is able to work more now which is good for his boss and we just have more time to relax because he comes home and is done with work. He is so supportive of me and he is good at doing what I say. : )

Me= ready to be done being pregnant! I am a couple months away from meeting my next little girl. 3 girls. Isn't that crazy to even just think about or say. I can't believe I am going to have 3 girls. That will make my record at 3 kids at the age of 22. That's right I am neck in neck with my mom's record hahah. As of right now the name choices are Liz, Leah, or Lauren.
Also I am going on my 8th month of being a Mary Kay consultant. Since making the choice to not become a full time teacher, Aubrey and I decided this was a very good opportunity for me to still make money and be at home. Not to mention the complete flexibility it gives me. Since being out of school my profit for the month of January was over $800!!! I can't complain about that especially since I work 95 percent of the time from my home and I've been paying for my braces with my MK account. It's been nice and I enjoy being a consultant.

Leila= 3.5 years and preschool student. Leila goes to school 2 times a week for a couple hours and she really likes it, however, we can't her to talk about it much at home. She sings the songs and brings home worksheets but when we ask her about it she doesn't say much. Our main challenge with her is not letting her use the ipod too much!

Lexi= 21 months. She is such a bundle of happiness. Lexi and I laugh almost all day long. She still cuddles with me and sucks her thumb and I am 80 percent sure I could nurse her and the new baby when she comes. But I won't. She is good at communicating and super good at copying the words we say especially when it comes to saying prayers for meal times.

Baby #3= smaller than average. This baby has measured smaller than is normal for the past couple of months. I only weigh 150 which isn't much for me being 7 months pregnant. I am okay with this baby being smaller because I am going to try and go natural as in no epidural. I think I can do it since a) I pushed for 20 min with Leila. b) I pushed for 3 min with Lexi and c) I am in shape. d) I really want to experience what having a baby really feels like. So we'll see what happens! My due date is April 8th.

I know I'm missing pictures but at least you got an update! Maybe next time.