Congrats Cortlynn!!!

A person would think that if you stayed home all day you would find time to post regularly on the blog.  That is not the case in the McIntire house.  WOW-I seem to have no time to actually write a post and when I do-that free time lasts for a few minutes until Brynlee gets hungry, Kyra needs mommy time, Tristan needs a ride to his friends house, and Cortlynn needs to go to a friends' or some other activity.  Here it is Sunday, and I'm going to finish a post.

 

Cortlynn just finished up 6th grade, and since she will be moving on to middle school next year-one of the local car dealerships gives a free bike to those kids with perfect attendance.  We knew this wouldn't be a problem for her because she is never absent.  I think she has been sick one day and stayed home for one day with a  sprained ankle-since Kindergarten.  She was geared to win the bike.  Well-right before school started we lost my grandpa and my grandma.  She really wanted to be with family but didn't want to miss school.  I had her go to the first day of school and than stayed with family the second day.  She was sad about the deaths and was also a little sad about the bike not being a possibility. 

The following week she receives a letter in the mail from the dealership stating that they weren't starting the perfect attendance recording until the second week in September.  YEAH---that means that the hunt for the bike was still on.  (I really dislike these types of "contests" because kids don't stay home if they are really sick-a few of Cortlynn's friends included-and even being late would count against them.  Some of the parents don't care what time they get their kids to school so it's not the kids' fault.) Oh well-Cortlynn was excited.

 

The year past and the day of the awards ceremony finally arrived.  Since I had Brynlee, Devin was off work and was able to attend.  They went thru the different awards and the perfect attendance was next.  They read off the other two 6th grade classes and than it was Cortlynn's class.  They read the names and Cortlynn's wasn't read.  The principle than said, "Now for the final name"  Cortlynn actually stood up to get it, and it wasn't her.  The look on her face said it all.  I felt SOOOOO bad!  She was trying to hold back tears and I was sitting there, confused and wishing I had kept the letter.  I KNEW her name should have been read because I handed out the perfect attendance awards every 6 weeks for the PTA.  Devin and I felt horrible.  The program continued and Cortlynn was getting ready to sing her solo.  When it was her turn, another student went up to her and told her she needed to go to the office.  Well-now she was confused, I was confused, her solo was passed over, and we just sat there.  She came back in a few minutes later with a certificate in her hand.  They had lost her certificate for perfect attendance--"Sorry".    I swear, stuff like this ALWAYS happens to our family.  Oh well- She was happy.  (she was able to sing her solo and did such a great job. I had people come up to me for a week telling me how good she was)

 

A couple of weeks ago the dealership had a BBQ -not really, it was catered by MaMa Inez so we had enchiladas.  The weather was awful.  Windy, cold, and rainy; of course it was outside and of course her school was called towards the end.  No joke!!!!  ;-)  Her face was priceless when she finally had her hands on the bike and went for a ride in the rain as soon as we got home.  Congrats Cortlynn!

We have been trying to teach Tristan to ride his bike for over a year.  That poor boy was so scared and would never just try.  To our amazement just a few weeks ago-he went outside, told Cortlynn he was going to ride his bike and he did.  So proud of him.  He's only wrecked really bad once and that was last Sunday.  It was a BAD wreck.  Road rash, bruises, blood, and his entire right butt cheek was black and blue.  Aunt Nicole was here and was able to help get him in the house.  The wreck didn't deter him from riding and he has been out every day since.

Brynlee loves the baby swing and some days that is the only way I am able to get things done.  BUT-when she is in the swing, Kyra thinks she is fair game and wants to make the swing go faster and higher.  AAAAHHHHHH    The terrible two's have hit this house with a fury.  Kyra is a little ball of terror and if you get after her she will actually look at you and growl.  It's not a normal growl; it is more like she has an evil spirit within her trying to come out.  For those of you that have seen Stephen Kings "The Shining"  think of little Robbie saying REDRUM.  Yep-that would be my daughter.  The time out chair has become a regular occurrence and some days I think she probably just sits there, laughs, and thinks of new ways to be a terrible 2 yr old.  I pray that this "phase" passes quickly.  I love her, but man oh man---

 

 

I just had to post the first day of school photo and last day of school photo of Tristan.  To me-he looks a little bit older.  Sure do love him.

 

 

Let's Circle the Wagons

Those of you that know me well know that I have MANY weird quirks:  I can't sleep by a door, I fold towels a certain way, I like things cleaned a certain way, I have a bubble around me and don't like people in that bubble; and these are just to name a few.  Well-I'm afraid some of those have been passed down to my kids. 

 

Kyra loves to play and when she plays she has to have the toys in a circle, with absolutely NO space.  We wonder if she was a pioneer in her former life because she "circles the wagons".  I went into Tristan's room the other day and she had done the same thing with his Batman castles.  Silly girl.

 

 This is how I feel everyday--I just don't fall asleep in my food.  Some days I wish that were an option for me.

Poor Little Kyra-I don't think she is getting enough sleep.  She falls asleep in the weirdest places.

Burps, Toots, Poop, and Hormones

I find it funny that while our little ones are babies we encourage, cheer, praise, and hope for; a good burp, a loud toot, and by all means; a diaper full of poo.  But, when our little ones are old enough to talk (say around 2) and giggle about it--we scold them and teach them to say "excuse me".  Our little Brynlee has had issues with all the above baby praiseworthiness's and after 3 weeks of being born-is getting to be somewhat "normal".  Poor Byrnlee-she has definitely not been your typical baby.  I'm thinking that because she was 9 days early, her body just needed extra days to get to be normal.  We were so worried about her because she didn't have a poopy diaper for 10 days.  You read that correctly-10 DAYS!  I spoke to her doctor, called a nurse twice, my mom searched the internet for solutions and/or advice, we tried several things the doctor and nurses suggested-but none of them worked.  We knew her tummy hurt but didn't know what to do.  The first few nights at home were not pretty and I would just cry with her.  We pleaded with her to poop on the floor, poop on your sister, poop in the bath---we didn't care---we just wanted Brynlee to poop.  Poop watch 2013 was officially on.  After being home for 10 days with no action in the diaper I was overwhelmed with joy when the poopless streak was over.  I even sent a text to my mom. 

 

 

I was so thankful my mom was able to stay here for a month.  It worked out to be about 2 weeks before the baby and another 2 once she was born.  I honestly don't know how I would have survived without her.  Devin has been here--but you all know (or will know once you're married with kids) how helpful husbands can be.  ;-[    You would think that by having a 4th child I would be a pro.  Not so much.  I will never get used to the sleepless nights and the lack of naps.  Nursing didn't go so well at first-  I thought since I had been a "milk cow" for close to 6 years over the past 13 and the fact Kyra was finally over it in November my tatas would be primed and ready to go:  Nope!!!  The pain we as mothers go thru.  It really is a miracle we keep having babies and on top of that, nurse them.  Brynlee, like her sister Kyra is not gaining weight as quickly as she should be.  I have to take her in for weekly weight checks and make sure she is eating at least every 3 hours if not more.  I need to make sure I rest and keep my stress level down so my milk supply isn't compromised. (that is easier said/written than done.)  We are in the middle of re-financing our home and found out last Thursday that per our credit report Devin and I have a property in Spokane, WA.  WHAT??? (this is odd b/c I monitor our credit every month and haven't noticed anything)  Friday night I get the mail and I have an Insurance EOB for the hospital.  My bill has been rejected due to the fact pre-certification was not completed.  (this wasn't needed for the other 3 births) and since it is a Holiday weekend, I can't get any more information until Tuesday.  Talk about stressing out.  A 2 1/2 day hospital bill with "no insurance"?!?!  That's just awesome.  I'm so glad we pay our monthly insurance premiums to have our claims denied. 

 

This pregnancy from the beginning was an emotional roller-coaster.  Not sure why, but I think it was in part-timing.  Finding out I was expecting a week after losing both grandparents was difficult.  And that little black cloud of grief hung over me the entire time and continues to do so.  Sitting in the hospital the following morning of Brynlee's birth was hard for me.  I kept finding myself waiting for my phone to ring with grandpa telling me congratulations because that is what he always did.  His call was the first call I had with Tristan and Kyra, and with Cortlynn they came over to the hospital bright and early.  With Brynlee there was no celebration with grandma and grandpa.  I know they are looking down from Heaven, but it still has been a tough one.  It does make each day worth it when you see your children smile, and Brynlee has begun to smile.

My little 2013 graduate

I can't believe that my little Tristan graduated from Kindergarten last week.  He has grown up so much over the last 9 months and has learned even more.  I cannot express how proud I am of him and how much I truly love him.   

 

Tristan and Mrs. McMinn

Brynlee Onyx McIntire



The last week of being pregnant was a tough one.  Things were going on with my body that I didn't think were "normal" and I thought my symptoms could inspire an episode of "Greys Anatomy". While I was at my last doctors appointment I told the nurse what was going on and she just stood there and stared at me.....with a look of "hmmmmmm" on her face. 



Later that evening I began having contractions but kept them to myself.  They only lasted a few hours so I didn't think that much about them. Devin and my mom figured it out later that I was in deed having pains.  They are very observant.   Friday morning I woke up and had to run to Fred Meyer to take care of some errands.  The entire time I was having contractions but kept them to myself.  I even sat down with Devin and several co-workers but kept quiet---Prior to leaving I did tell Devin that he should stay by the phone.  When I came back home--we ate lunch and I helped with Tristan's homework.  The contractions weren't getting "regular" but they were definitely getting stronger.  After several hours and my mom telling me that I needed to call Devin and get him home--I finally caved and called a little after 3:00.  Holy cow---some of my contractions were incredibly painful!!!!!  but again--nothing regular.  Some were 8 minuted apart-others 15 minutes---nothing I could set a clock to.  Devin finally got home around 4 (he told me later that he stayed to show employees things and complete work-until his boss told him that he better get home to me)  My mom was actually on the verge of driving me up herself.  (I have my babies in Idaho Falls--about 45 minutes away)

 

Since the hospital built their new women's center at the hospital we weren't sure where to check in and of course we went to the wrong place.  Oh well---they were still able to check me in.  Unfortunately the entire women's center was full.  FULL of women having babies and full of women that had babies.  There was no "room at the inn" for me.  (at 5:00 there were 5 babies ready to be born and that didn't include me)  They put me up in a very small room at the end of the hall.  I had to walk across the hall to get into my gown and the bed they had me get on was actually a stretcher.  The nurse checked me and I was already at a 5 close 6 and there was no turning back.  Because I was so far along-they found me a birthing bed of sorts.  It was quite crooked but it worked better than a stretcher.  For about an hour they searched for an actual room but came to the conclusion it wasn't going to happen and that the "closet" I was in would become my birthing room.  After a while of being there I asked for an epidural (with Kyra I waited toooooooo long and it didn't work--so I experienced natural childbirth, knew I could do it naturally but didn't want to experience it again)  The guy came in and had a difficult time getting it in---the bed was crooked-which in turn made my spine crooked.  The first attempt was a fail-so he tried again.  That time we thought it was a success until I realized I was only kinda numb on part of my right side.  Dr. Hall came in to check me and to break my water while the anesthesiologist was called. So----a 3rd and 4th attempt were made.  The 4th one finally worked!!!  Yippee!!!!!  Devin was upset-but what do you do????   It probably didn't help that my water really broke while the 3rd attempt was taking place.  I swear I lost 10lbs.  The floor became a small lake and I apologized to the nurse for getting her shoes all nasty.  I was thankful this didn't happen in public--I would have been mortified. The entire thing was comical---closet room, stretcher bed, multiple epidural attempts...... I kept setting of the alarm for my blood pressure because it was so low!! the machine wouldn't accept the numbers--after listening to the alarm for more than an hour-the nurse decided to place it on my calf (not sure why--but the alarm quit going off.)  At 8:00pm the doctor came in to see how I was and to check my status:  He pulled up the sheet and informed the nurse, me, and Devin that the babies head was right there and I was ready to have the her.  The problem with that was the fact no one was ready, the room wasn't prepped, and they had to try to find some help with the delivery.  Dr. Hall asked if the room was safe for delivery and if it was ever used in that way---they said it could be used for delivery but had never been---they brought in a baby warmer, the table of doctor tools, and yet--another nurse/helper could not be located. A few minutes later another nurse came in and told me that she was paged to room 126 for delivery and she had no clue where room 126 was.  :-o   I began pushing at 8:15---I felt bad because Devin couldn't really assist or even be by me; the room was so small that the nurses and doctor were around me and Devin had to stay out of the way of the monitor. I was in the stirrups with all my glory being out and facing the hall with the DOOR OPEN!!!!!  Yep-pretty sure the dude walking to the restroom got an eye full.  I didn't care because he wouldn't be able to recognize me outside the hospital.  Again-my contractions weren't regular.  I would push thru one of them and then we had to sit and wait for another one.  It was like a scene from a movie---the movies "Tombstone" and  "Wyatt Earp" came to mind:  the stand off at the OK Coral---everyone looking at each other with no words spoken...This went on for what seemed like forever.  Crickets were playing in the back ground.  Devin and the doctor were about to sing when I asked, "Can I push, now?" 

 

At 8:30pm on Friday May 3, 2013 (9 days early)---Brynlee Onyx McIntire came into this world.  She weighed 7lbs 9 oz and was so beautiful!!!!!   I was overwhelmed with joy to meet my new little daughter. 

 

The experience was quite funny and I would have liked to experience labor in an actual birthing room-but what do you do??!!  At least Devin was in the room and not asleep in the car, Brynlee was born healthy, and the actual birth was uneventful: I couldn't have asked for anything more.

 

 

This is a photo was taken in between contractions.

Brynlee's first photo

She HATED her bath

Such a cute little angel



Proud Daddy!

Mommy/Brynlee bonding

 

 

Kyra wasn't too sure about the new baby.  After several minutes she did "warm" up to her.

Brynlee didn't want to get into her car seat-but I don't blame her.  Such a small little girl in such a large seat.  I love the hat---I guess one of the nurses makes these hats when it isn't very busy during her midnight shifts.

 

Kyra really is a very good and loving big sister.

 

Tristan wanted a brother but is happy with a sister.

I have a picture just like this of me and Kyra.  Amazing to me how much the kids all look alike.

Just a few more weeks

I can't believe I only have a little over 3 weeks until my due date.  If this little girl is anything like her siblings-she will actually be here in a little over 2 weeks.  CRAZY!  This being my 4th child-I shouldn't be as anxious as I am; but I guess it doesn't matter how many children you have, you just want the best outcome for the birth.  The fatigue has been awful and the body aches and pains bring me to tears; with all the "negative" parts of pregnancy, I'm trying to enjoy the experience. 

The kids are getting pretty excited.  Kyra will actually kiss my belly now and rub the baby.  She tells me on a daily basis that the baby needs to come out.  When I tell her the baby isn't big enough to come out, she tells me to go to the doctor and get it out.  Too cute!  Last week at my appointment she told the doctor to get the baby out.  ;-)  I just hope they continue to be so excited when she is arrives.

Being pregnant has caused my emotions to be out of control.  I cry A LOT over everything: commercials, peoples comments, TV shows, etc.---lately I have been really emotional knowing that my grandparents won't be physically here when the baby is born.  I went to a baby shower for a friend and she had several of her grandma's there that gave her homemade quilts, bibs, blankets--and I teared up.  I'm not having a shower-but the thought of not having them around breaks my heart on almost a daily basis.  I continue to have very vivid dreams (that I won't discuss on here) and I smell my grandma around my house (where there is no reason for me to smell her) often.  It could be all the extra hormones that I have-I just don't know. 

A couple of weeks ago I was having a really difficult day, but I try not to let the kids know.  Out of the blue Tristan tells me that when people die and go to Heaven, they will come back alive later and will be with us again.  (he learned this is primary)  He kept telling me that Great Grandma and Great Grandpa would come back and be with us.  His comment was just what I needed to hear.  (of course he tied in the fact Michael Jackson would also come back and write more songs)

A magical, wonderful appliance: used only by a mom.

I'm not a person who stays on top of the current trends or fads. For one thing, I'm too cheap-and for another; trends and fads are continually changing. But-in our home we have a contraption that I think all households should invest in. Since it was already in the home when we moved in and the owners manual cannot be located; I'm not sure if there is a warning against husbands and children using the 

shiny metal box: perhaps they are afraid of being shocked with a volt of electricity or maybe green slime will drop from the sky and fall on their heads-either reason, it seems only me (the mom) is able to touch it.

 

This miracle sent from Heaven is known as a dish washer.  Yes-it actually washes dishes.  Unfortunately it doesn't load itself with the dirty dishes and it is unable to put the clean items away, but man or man----it sure can clean.  In our home-it seems like only the mom is able and willing to fill it up with the dirties and put the clean ones away.  If you want a room to clear out all I need to do is open the door of this magical appliance and the crickets can be heard.  chip, chirp, chirp.....

 

Don't get me wrong-they know how to do it and will help when asked---but that is the keyword: ASKED!!!!!   I think I will take a week off and do absolutely nothing unless I'm asked.  I wonder how that would go?!?!

 

I took this photo today because Kyra was being so goofy- This is honestly what I deal with every single day.  That girl is so silly and loves to make silly faces and make mom smile.