7 quick takes

Linking up with Grace at Camp Patton as she takes over for Jen at Conversion Diaries. 

1. 

Thank you, thank you for the SHOUT OUT (number 5&6 of her quick takes, just in case you missed it) from my famous blogger friend over at Camp Patton! Grace, when you took your blogging hiatus I realized that I am kinda of super addicted to your blog. I felt some unhealthy withdrawals from your lack of penning. Also, I pray that because my first baby girl shares your name, she will somehow inherit your blonde flowing locks, super cute sense of style and your humor :).

2. 

This week I discovered this within my blog and I find that I want feel the need to use it in every post.

3. 

The flu bug has struck another play-ya here at team boda. Is it possible for a bug to stick around for 2 weeks?? I really thought we were done with it and then Isaac comes running into our room (with his concerned older brother trailing right behind him) at 5am throwing up. Poor guy and poor us-- we were really excited about finally breaking out from our sick cacoon and heading to see friends at the park.  I guess it is another morning full of apple (or as graces says bapple) remote tv and countless games of checkers. Is it just me or are you all amazed at how kids throw up and go right back to kicking the soccer ball the next minute. I, on the other hand, as my dear Matt can attest to, roll around the bed howling and moaning about how bad my belly hurts and thinking about how I just want to disappear until the evil sickness has passed.  And that is no exaggeration, if anything it is an understatement. 

4.  

What's a post without talking about my sweet babe. She is 6 months now (*sob*).  And I really don't want her to get any bigger, because staring at her and holding her has become my favorite pass time. 

I always wondered when she would try to put that darn sticker in her mouth. It took 6 months, but she found it. 

5.

Mucho bloggers have raved about Revlons Just Bitten Lipsticks.  And because I am always in need of some pick-me-up-mommy beauty help, I have indulged in buying and trying 5 different colors (yes, I might be a teeny bit obsessive compulsive at times). 

There are 2 different types of lipstick in this series and I did not like this type with the white chapstick thingy on the end. For me it did not spread evenly and was so clumpy, so I took it back (always amazed that walgreens takes back any makeup product even if used-- true customer service). I did however like the series called the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. But, so far 2 out of the 4 have been returned on the grounds that Matt simply could not stand them. He said that they made me look like I was wearing old lady lipstick. Hmmm.... not the look I was going for, hence the returns. 

He hasn't seen this color yet. It's called crush and I think I crushed it or I mean I might sorta, kinda like it. And my Grace LOVED it, which says absolutely nothing since she likes every piece of makeup ever made. 

6.

Our sweet Isaiah planned a special dinner celebration for Matt last night in honor of how hard he works for our family. It was super cute. 

7.

A new found favorite for Gracie girl is reading to her sister. Pretty cute and surprisingly very helpful, since they like to just sit the two of them, thus, how I am clicking away on this here computer. 

7.5. 

I started Weight Watchers to loose the rest of this oh-so-clingy-and-extremely-annoying baby weight. And it is exactly what the dr. prescribed. We eat very healthy over here, but WW seems to keep me in check-- you know, like not eating all the kids Easter candy in one sitting while they are fast asleep in their beds dreaming of the one piece that they will be able to have the next day. (Hopefully I am not the only one who has ever done that, because if I am-- than I am just kidding-- I never touch their candy). WW has also stopped me in my tracks after two of these puppies, instead of downing all 10 on the spot. So too all you mom's out there that just walk out of the hospital after giving birth skinny-- I dislike you I mean you are so blessed. To all of us others, let's just keep on keeping on, one apple or WW point at a time.  

Happy Friday!

Yes, I am that mom...

... who really enjoyed having all three "big" kids in time out at the same time for 30 whole minutes. Whining is just so last year and I CANT take it anymore.

... who brought all four kids to the dermatologist just to have her 6 year olds wart undergo beetle juice treatment. Well, my husband had to work and a babysitter is just that much more complicated to coordinate at 11am on a Thursday morning.

... that let my 5 year old have pasta and meatballs for breakfast (leftovers from last night). He just kept asking and honestly I really didn't care if he had them. I just wanted him to be quiet for 5 minutes.

... who took her kids to Jimmy Johns and brought her own bag of chips to share between all of them. It's just so much cheaper and I can't stand to spend a dollar for 6 chips.

... that told my son, after he had said my name 100 times in 10 minutes: "If you say my name one more time, you will be in time out for the rest of the day." Okay, so not my best parenting moment, but my head was about to explode from hearing Mooom, mom, moooom. 

... who realized that her 6 month old had been wearing the same zip-up, footy pajama for the last two days, but still said what the hell-- whats's one more night.

Yes, I am that mom.

But they don't seem to be complaining :).

What they said...

While I'm cooking dinner in the kitchen and Isaac is "in charge" of Hope.
Me: Hey Isaac, how is Hope doing?
Isaac: She's good. She's just eating her spit.

Isaac: Are we going to have a 100 babies?
Me: Why would you like to have a 100 babies?
Isaac: Yeah, I think that would be cool.

Grace: Doggie not named doggie.
Me: You're right, he's Isaac.
Grace: Yeah.
Me: Okay, so what's his name? (pointing to Isaac)
Grace: Doggie.
Glad we got that settled. 

Isaac (Doggie) caught a lizard. 

When I was sick dying from the stomach flu Grace tells me (while giving me shots from  her doctor kit): "Momma, I fix your belly, so Jesus make you happy."
Then she begins applying her fake lipstick to my lips saying: "Dis will help your belly. I promise."

While having a sit down with all the kids.
Me: Hopie Girl is starting to roll over, so we really need to keep an eye on her.
Isaac: So, like she could roll in the toilet?
Me:

Matt holding up one of Hope's socks: Is this yours Kristin??
Me: Really, you think that is mine.
Matt: Well, is it?
Me:

As I am kneeling down on the tile floor giving Grace, Isaac and Hope a bath.
Isaac: Mom do you ever take baths.
Me: Yes. Why does it seem like I do?
Isaac: No.
Hmmmmm... okay, always something for me to work on. :)

Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter Cookie 3 ingredients

One of my best friends, who writes here, posted a Tasteful Tuesday awhile back, so I thought I would follow in her footsteps.

First I must say that this mamma ain't no a cook. Nope, and not a baker either.  But, over the last 7 years I have learned to cook out of the pure necessity of 5 hungry people in my kitchen. I have found that my favorite foods to make for my peeps are ones that are easy, healthy, and quick to throw together. (Matt and Isaac are strictly gluten free and pretty much dairy free, so our foods have to fall into that category as well).

I stumbled upon this recipe from a blog that I have discovered and really enjoy reading called Time Flies When You're Having Babies. It is a three ingredient cookie recipe, that is really tasty and somewhat healthy!

So without further ramblings here is the recipe that I stole found.

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: 

1. 1 cup of peanut butter (I used 1/2 almond butter and 1/2 peanut butter)
2. 1 cup of powdered sugar
3. 2 egg whites (I used 1 whole egg)

Blend and bake @350 for 6-8 minutes (my oven took 10 minutes).

So easy, right? And very healthy for a cookie! The kids loved them and got lots of protein (almond butter and peanut butter), keeping them full and satisfied.

Try em' and let me know what you think.

Sanctifying Sunday: Fragility

For some good ol' Sunday meat, Matt is here... 

This week I read something that has been echoing over and over in me.  When I say "echo" I really mean ECHO CHO O o o.  Especially in light of the celebration of Easter and it's relevance in my life.  

The quote read: 

“We are born in extreme fragility, and we die in extreme fragility.Throughout our lives we remain vulnerable,and at risk of being wounded. Each child is so vulnerable, so fragile and without any defenses!” Jean Vanier

Fr. Stan, a great priest friend of mine that I have known for years, has always been intrigued by words and their meanings.  In conversations with him he would always try to get to the root of a message by diving into a word's meaning and he would preface a word's definition by saying, "I consulted with Br. Webster, and he says that the word X is a noun/verb which means..."  I can actually hear him say that in his in New York accent!

Father Stan

So in imitation, the best form of flattery,  I consulted with Br. Webster, and he says that the word "echo" is a verb and a noun (I'm focusing on the verb) which means to 1. repeat or imitate, or 2. to send back (a sound) by the reflection of sound waves.

Back to this message that has been repeating itself, bouncing off of everything and sending itself back to me. This notion of fragility or as Br. Webster says, "easily broken or destroyed" is echoing, bouncing off of all my conversations, interactions, and reflections.

The resurrection of Jesus magnifies this message a hundred fold.  My considerations of Jesus' rising from the dead brings me to this "fragility" that seems to lurk behind every corner even when we chose to ignore what lies behind the next turn. Though often not spoken about, it is a primal experience shared by all.
  
I imagine the definition of security as we know it is a relatively new presupposition conjured up by "First World" talismans.  This notion of security is a false notion that goes beyond the pale.  Consider the instability that we exist in and the facade of security that we embrace.  We need food, so we run to the store. We need money and we run to the ATM. We need a relationship and run to the internet to find a mate or a distraction... The reality in which we live is really insecure, which is magnified by events like 9/11, the financial crisis, and the increasing gulf that seperates the rich and the poor.  The reality that really exists when the veil of "security" is torn away is a world torn by strife and fear.  

If events like those don't reveal the fragility of life, then certainly the thought of "what comes next", the ULTIMATE SECURITY DESTROYER, will shatter all illusions when one considers what comes after his last breath.
  
My first memory of the fragility of life occurred when I was a young boy. I remember walking down the cold marble center isle of St. Monica's with my Grandfather Jindra in a casket.  I don't have vivid memories, but the memories I do have flash still today with a cold shiver.  I recall thinking to myself: "Where did he go? He's here but he's not here, where is he?" The cold of the marble sent a reverberation through me.  

Another memory that insists itself is the death of one of my best friend's mom in high school.  I saw my friend's mom fight, struggle and finally succumb to cancer.  I saw her shrivel up and become skeleton like.  I knew I had to go to the wake and funeral.  Rybinski Funeral Home was at the end of my street.  But, it's what I didn't know that brought the fragility of life so close to me.  
I walked into the funeral home and it had that fragrance of old perfume and coffee seeping in from the basement.  My parents had asked if I wanted them to go with me and I kindly declined their request.  I was 15 and wanted to go alone. 

I waited in the condolence line. I paid my condolences with a simple "I'm sorry" and waited for my turn to kneel at the casket and pray for the deceased.  To my utter horror, as I knelt down I did not recognize the woman in the coffin.  She was not a skeleton like human being that I saw just two weeks before.  She was bloated and beyond recognition.  I lost my breath and felt as if everyone was watching me from behind. I stayed there for a few moments and gazed up and down her body with her rosary in her hands. I got up and walked straight for the exit and walked home, and then kept on walking around the block in a zombie like trance. I'm not sure when I finally went home.  

So, it's with these lenses of fragility that I look upon the resurrection of Jesus and hear the echo of extreme relevance in my life.  Maybe the false security of the "first world" has numbed the masses, and me for that matter, of the relevance of the resurrection.  But, the fragility of life will continue to break through the facade of security one way or another.  And for this reason I am thankful for Jesus' resurrection from the dead.       

Baby Bonding

I have wanted to write this post for awhile and now I finally am (sigh).... feels good. This goes out to all my friends who are beautifully pregnant or have new sweet babes in their arms. (Wan, so sorry this is coming out a month after I said I would get back to you!)

I have to start by saying that I absolutely LOVE and completely cherish the first moments and months with my new little offspring. I definitely experience the "baby high" of hormones and love, the love that only comes from new life. With that said, I also experience pretty harsh postpartum depression and have had my fair share of cranky/super fussy babies. But in the midst of it all, I always seem to just "get" that this time with my little, totally dependent babe is so limited and SO precious.

Baby Bliss with Isaiah

Bliss with Isaac

With Grace

With Hope

I know that for others this isn't always the case and my heart and admiration goes out to you for pushing through with your babes without all the warm fuzzies.

These are the simple ways that I love to bond with my new little ones.

1. Skin to Skin Right Away
When my babes are first born I immediately have the doctor put my baby right on my chest. I am obnoxiously insistent with the nurses during labor and with the doctor when I am pushing that baby must be placed on my chest and NOT taken away. And by not taken away I mean that the baby stays on my person until I say that I am good and ready, ie: until my babe has latched on, slept, nursed some more, slept some more, repeat over and over again. Yes, I totally annoy the nurses. And yes, I become a huge mamma bear, but somehow they know not to get in my way. Of course, you don't have to be quite as obnoxious as I am in this regard (I did let the nurse weigh Hope 15 minutes after she was born, which made Matt happy because it made me seem just a little bit less cray cray to all that was around).

The moment Hope was put on my chest. 

2. Husband: Skin to Skin 
Matt is ordered, I mean likes, to do the same skin to skin contact after baby is born. He always holds babe sans shirt for long periods of times. This allows our babes to snuggle right up, getting to know his scent, touch, voice, and hold. Matt was able to do this with Isaiah the most (hence no other little ones around pulling at him) and I can tell you that their bond as baby and dad was amazing.

Matt skin to skin with Isaac. So sweet. 

3. Continue skin to skin: How many times can I say skin to skin?
Skin to skin continues for us throughout the next 2 months. Most of the time I don't even end up putting an outfit on my baby until we leave the hospital. I simply keep her right smack on top of me with blankets over both of us or swaddled tight within arms distance. When I get home, again, I keep babe barely dressed so I can easily put her on my chest at any time. I usually keep a loose tank on and slip baby right in.

Hope in my tank, Matts foot, and I believe JPII on the tv. 

4. Bathing Together 
For the first 2 months babe and I take baths together. With multiple kids this can only happen when my other littles are down for the night. So, with Hope it was often apart of our nightly routine. I kept Hopie right on my chest or stomach, covered in water so she stayed warm, but out enough so that she didn't swallow water (probably didn't need to explain that, but anywho) and she would usually nurse on and off. I love having that sweet time with babe. Matt is always within ear shot ready with a towel for baby when we are done. He is super great like that.

5. Baby wearing 
I love wearing my babies, especially when they are so little. When I am out just with babe I love to wear them in the sling, snuggled right up close. It can be an instant soother and helps me to be somewhat hands free.

Isaac in a sling. 

Hope in the Bjorn

6. Hold Your Baby
If none of the above work for you and your babe, I am a big believer in just simply holding your baby. Whether I am sitting on the couch, in the rocking chair or at the park-- I try to take time to hold em. This is how my babies have gotten to know me and vice versa. I have found, especially with the last 2 babies, that is is really so important for me to take intentional holding time to get to know them. Their smell, touch, cry, heart beat. Yes, this may seem like duh Kristin of course you should be holding your newborn, but with multiple kiddos or lots of family in town or whatever the reason, us moms (me) have to be intentional about taking time and making the effort to hold and get to know our baby.

**Side note** I do thank God that Hope likes her bouncy and car seat, because out of pure necessity she does spend a lot of time there. But she is still held A LOT and we still did skin to skin MUCHO, especially at night when the kids were sleeping (and the first week of her life when my mom had all my other kiddos-- thanks mom :).

I am a firm believer that we should never worry about holding our babies too much. This is what our babies need and ultimately what we need. I will never forget a conversation I had with a friend shortly after Isaiah had entered the world. With Zah I was in so much pain from birthing his oh so big 6lb 3 oz body, I tore from Naples all the way to the next county. Serious pain. When sitting on the couch whimpering about barely being able to move around, my friend said to me: "Did you ever think that God may have designed it this way, so that you could just sit, nurse and bond with your baby?" No. No, I hadn't. But I think she nailed it on the head. I do have say though, Praise God that He knows how much we can handle in each given birth (especially with toddlers in the mix), because since sweet baby Zah each recovery has been easier and faster.

7. Last but NOT least, cut yourself a break
The first 3 months, yes I said 3 and maybe I meant 6, take it easy on yourself. Over here in Boda world we order take out when we need to, we highly rely on my mom and dad, my siblings and Matt's parents, when they are in town, and babysitters to help with our other kids. We always find a good tv series, so that we can spend countless hours on the couch nursing (me) and holding (he) our baby.
Be good to yourself, before you know it yours will be doing this.

** Last side note ** Feel free to skip this one, I know that this post has been somewhat long.
With all of this baby loving talk (and as my 6 month old has been squawking at me for the last 5 minutes to pick her up off the floor) I must clarify that I am a mom that tries really hard to be au naturel when it comes to my babies and at times I have even been called a tree hugger. But in the same breathe, it must be said that I only seem to able to handle child birth with the help of an epidural, I really enjoy pain meds to help with the after pains from birth, and I train my babies to sleep without having to nurse to sleep. So, what I am trying to say is that as far as baby bonding or being oh-so-natural---whatever works for you is what is best for you and your sweet babe. So Happy baby bonding, friends!!


Ps. This el naturale mom sometimes lets her biggers have 3+ pieces of candy in a row (hence this Easter Sunday and today, bribing them to be quiet while I took a nap). And I can sometimes let them watch too much tv (again today while I napped). How that goes with baby bonding, I know not. Just trying to keep it real. 

Happy Easter and OTI Linkup!

Happy Easter!! He has risen!! Indeed He has risen!! 

Is it too late to link up with Camp Patton and OTI? Probably, but I just haven't had a second since Sunday. I am sure some of you can relate... Maybe.

My peeps

These pics do Hope no justice, because she was an angel throughout the whole mass. I promise!

The second picture is the best pic I have of my outfit. Yeah, I didn't really like it and had 2 minutes to get dressed and out the door, so it had to do. 

The Deets: 

Skirt: Marshall's 3 years ago. 

Shirt: Hand me down from Katrin, my sister in law.

Earring's:  Pier One (the only item I really like from the look, if you can really call it a look!)

Clothes aside, we had a very blessed Easter morning. My brilliant Matt decided that we should go to the 1:15pm Mass, giving us just that much more time at home with Easter baskets, play time, and breakfast. It was fabulous. To start the day this is what I woke up to.

Again, Hope was smiling, but then my flash blinded her. 

Isaac came into our bed around 7am and snuggled with me till 8, where Hope joined us from her co-sleeper somewhere in between there. Love having them both snuggled up together.

Easter baskets, which we hid the night before, were first on the agenda for the morning. 

 Gracie girls hair really does look like this every single morning. 

Breakfast, dads special egg in a hole, came next and then we went outside for a fun family game of baseball. I hit 3 home runs, just saying :).

After all our running around we settled into our Resurrection  Easter eggs. When the different Jesus Resurrection items in the eggs were passed around Isaiah said that they smelled like boogers every single time, which did keep us chuckling. (You had to be there to find this remotely funny, but I am still laughing as I think about it.) 

After Mass we had friends over, which was great (minus the fact that it took us 2 solid hours to frantically clean our home, ugghh not fun on Easter Sunday, but thank God we (I mean he, Matt,) had done most of our cooking the night before. 

We ended the night with a visit from the Easter bunny in our backyard.

May your Easter week be super blessed and full of His grace, peace, and love!

Now go join Camp Patton (best blog ever!) and her friends Kayla and Erika (I am sure their blogs are awesome too and they can count on me looking through all their posts this week :).