tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75367467995098997562024-02-20T16:20:18.705-08:00Pretty BonesWe bought a house so we could fix it up. God gave us a house so we could glorify Him.Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-16850076525076847162020-01-02T12:12:00.002-08:002020-01-02T12:29:11.786-08:00Felicity Noelle's Birth StoryHaven't blogged in a while. There's even been some home renovations we haven't documented, but it's kind of therapeutic to write out a birth story. This time more than before.<br />
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Warning, parts may be a bit TMI and it's so long.<br />
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It's been one month now since December 2 when I woke at about 1:30 am feeling pain around my abdomen. I tried, in my groggy state, to decide if they were contractions (not entirely uncommon for me even early in pregnancy), if I was dreaming, or if there was a third option. The pain was similar to contractions, but also different in a way I couldn't quite decide on when Temperance came walking into our bedroom.<br />
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I was happy for the distraction until I felt a gush. I was 33 weeks and 5 days by my doctor's calculations, but about 33 weeks 2 days by my own. Therefore I was "positive" it wasn't my water breaking. I tried to fall asleep with Temperance cuddled close, but the pain intensified and that nagging voice of caution was urging me to get out of bed. I knew as I walked to the bathroom that something was wrong. I turned on the light and immediately went into a panic when I saw blood, a lot of blood. And it was still coming.<br />
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I screamed for Ben. I told him to call my mom and our neighbor (our amazing neighbor would watch the kids until my mom could arrive) because we needed to go to the hospital. I was so scared we had lost our baby. I tried so hard to feel her move, but felt nothing, which made the fear surge.<br />
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Thankfully our neighbor had been awake when we called and immediately ran over. She prayed over me before we left, which was so comforting. Then we raced to the hospital. I really don't remember much of that drive. Definitely feels like an out-of-body experience. Ben quite vividly remembers driving 95 miles an hour down the usually crowded streets. I still didn't feel any movement from the baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK9I4_ys6KcenpXZ3j14oM40g0YBpHrzgmR0Z9bVqwLFwqu7Zzv5Z8AZQJd7hMvBflqZH-8mGCWSGvDLN4MAkw_9j47j_wFG_acVCcRU8d-iuxUYNPedt4ApH1pOdLPxcixgM6ysoq8s5/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK9I4_ys6KcenpXZ3j14oM40g0YBpHrzgmR0Z9bVqwLFwqu7Zzv5Z8AZQJd7hMvBflqZH-8mGCWSGvDLN4MAkw_9j47j_wFG_acVCcRU8d-iuxUYNPedt4ApH1pOdLPxcixgM6ysoq8s5/s320/IMG_7605.JPG" width="240" /></a>We arrived at the hospital at about 2:30 am. They got me into an exam room and immediately tried to find a heartbeat. The most beautiful sound of my life. I also almost instantly felt her move. I was so bewildered by the sudden change. The nurse explained that after a traumatic event (like seeing a lot of blood during pregnancy) a person's brain goes into that fight-or-flight mode. Certain parts can actually shutdown until the fear has passed. She may have been moving the whole time, but I couldn't process the movement in my state at the time.<br />
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At that point, I was happy. I didn't know what the outcome of that day would be, but if losing my baby wasn't an option, then I was good. The next step was to find out where the blood was coming from. Initially they thought my water had broken. It can be common for blood to be in the water, but the nurse admitted there was a great deal of it. It was the working theory, and they started preparing us for a possibly long hospital stay. They wouldn't let me go home if my water was broken due to risk of infection, but since baby still had enough they wanted to control the contractions and keep her growing. Ben and I started planning how we'd manage school and work and three kids with me at the hospital for an unknown amount of time. But things changed.<br />
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After an ultrasound, they determined my water was not broken and that the bleeding was from my cervix being irritated from contractions and dilation. This was surprising to me because a) irritation doesn't usually involve THAT much blood and b) this was my fourth rodeo and my cervix should be use to this by now. Basically I figured they didn't know where the blood was coming from, but they were coming up with a way to make it and the contractions stop and send me home.<br />
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The first drug they gave me made me wish for the contractions back. It made my whole body shake uncontrollably. It did make the contractions almost disappear (that or I was distracted by the shaking). The nurse was confident we'd be released at 4pm (12 hours after the drug was administered). Feeling better, I told Ben to go home and help my mom with school drop-offs. Meanwhile, I tried to relax, which was hard because the triage room bed was awful! The end of it is meant to come off, but mine was broken and kept sliding off. I kept tensing trying to keep it on, which made the contractions worse. They were trying to get me a different room, but things were busy that night (I heard 6 lullabies that morning, each signifying a new baby being born). I spent another two hours on that bed, and they gave me another injection of the awful drug to try and stop the contractions again. They could only give two doses in 12 hours.<br />
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About an hour later, I texted Ben to come back. The contractions weren't going away. The doctor came in a little before lunch and said it looked unlikely that they would be able to stop the contractions. They wanted to send me to Pensacola (1.5 hours away) because that was the closest NICU Level 3 (critical level) facility. He was going to talk with the high-risk doctor there to be sure.<br />
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Finally a labor roomed open up and even though I wasn't officially admitted to the hospital yet, I was moved to a wonderful non-broken bed. They also gave me one more drug to stop contractions. No shaking this time, but it spaced them out a little. The nurses told me to prepare for a few days of this. Again, Ben and I went into planning mode. How to manage three kids with me and baby 1.5 hours away ... but then I felt the contractions intensify.<br />
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The doctor came back to tell me they were in the process of getting me transport papers to Pensacola. Now, it had been about 2 or 3 hours since he initially told me we might go to Pensacola. I wasn't confident on an anymore expeditious gathering of transport papers. I told him that my last labor was 3 hours from first contraction to baby being born, and I was worried that at this rate, I'd have a baby in an ambulance. To which he replied, "so you think you are in labor?" Yes. Yes, I was 100% confident baby was coming. Three drugs back to back had just spaced the contractions, and there were no more options for another 8 hours. Blessedly, he said he would think about it. I didn't want to be separated from my baby, but I also didn't want to have a baby in an ambulance away from the specialists she might need and possibly in crazy, construction-infested Destin traffic. He agreed to keep me in Destin. Having a doctor listen to you is amazing.<br />
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Throughout the next two hours, I was surprisingly calm. I can only contribute my calm versus my usually anxiety to the amount of prayer we were covered in. Dozens of friends and family were praying for us in addition to our church family after a prayer chain was activated. We received so many texts of encouragement and assurances of their prayers for us. It is easily one of the greatest blessings of my life.<br />
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At about 2:30 pm I asked for an epidural and was officially admitted 12 hours after arriving. I had a less than stellar experience with my epidural during Juliette's birth, but wanted to try a bit earlier this time. Contractions hadn't quite gotten to the "I can't do this" point, but had definitely entered "I don't wanna do this" territory. An hour later I had one placed, and it was worth every penny! Team Epidural -- if you can get one soon enough to actually help! I could feel the contractions, but they didn't hurt. During the next 45 minutes I went from 6 cm to 10.<br />
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The nurses began calling and pulling in all kinds of people to prepare for delivery. I was officially getting anxious. I had no idea what was ahead of us. Was there a reason for her early delivery? Was it linked to her growth/development in any way? How long would I be separated from her? Would she be able to breath on her own? Would she cry? Would I get to hold her before they took her away? It was all a bit overwhelming, but I also had one big, imminent question. How would I push without being able to feel my lower body?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4YoLLReOTHe7qStLFJUWvn3SAxKXsSGP5xVBMO8zJS2umabw3rJEEaOy_Msugm9xfag6P2jYRC8E9YiJv0c5PQWfKMW-tvtL16lMoYyJfd8oHRB7ln6_G9qgLTkpSIjqhK_dsyCEyUxE/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4YoLLReOTHe7qStLFJUWvn3SAxKXsSGP5xVBMO8zJS2umabw3rJEEaOy_Msugm9xfag6P2jYRC8E9YiJv0c5PQWfKMW-tvtL16lMoYyJfd8oHRB7ln6_G9qgLTkpSIjqhK_dsyCEyUxE/s320/IMG_7604.JPG" width="320" /></a>After 12 people filled the room (miraculously one was a NICU nurse from Pensacola who was in Destin to help them set up their Level 2 (non-critical) unit opening in January), the doctor told me to pretend to push like I had in past deliveries. So I did. To my continued shock, Ben said he saw her head almost immediately. One more push during the same contraction and out Felicity Noelle came at 4:44 pm (perfect for a fourth baby!). Easiest birth yet (especially since Juliette had to have a vacuum assist in her birth). Then we waited. Almost immediately she cried (which they told us not to expect). A few minutes later they gave me all 5lbs 1oz of her to hold. The pediatrician was elated at her condition given her young gestational age, but after just a few moments had to take her back to prepare for transport to Pensacola.<br />
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The doctor delivered the placenta next, and a team of people took it. He came back a short while later and said they believed her early delivery was due to the placenta starting to detach from the uterus - placenta abruption. This was also the likely source of bleeding. I believe this was probably a result of a fall I had around 28 weeks. I was out walking my dog when I stepped into a hole and fell, severely spraining my ankle and apparently likely damaging the placenta. Thankfully the drugs did not stop the contractions as it could have meant much worse results for Felicity and/or myself if it had gone on undiagnosed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZxfMuT6DQB9P9Epl0oRvMTN2TfCEEKhLN0QQrDbo_eNCZooAZs3plpaIJUT8ONoYYWChSoUPl-W5rpH5wM45vrkFjMjbAFI1YdOAiuspOnuJd4dk_NdGBBZacvqP-PcNKEGeUPundgi5/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZxfMuT6DQB9P9Epl0oRvMTN2TfCEEKhLN0QQrDbo_eNCZooAZs3plpaIJUT8ONoYYWChSoUPl-W5rpH5wM45vrkFjMjbAFI1YdOAiuspOnuJd4dk_NdGBBZacvqP-PcNKEGeUPundgi5/s320/IMG_2088.JPG" width="320" /></a>About two hours later they wheeled me to the nursery to see my baby. I had been doing really well emotionally until this point. Seeing your baby covered in cords, hooked up to monitors, and having trouble breathing is a hard sight. Everything I'd been holding in came out. The ambulance team gathered around me, and each told me what they would be doing to see my baby safely to Pensacola. One even said he was a father of four and understood what we were going through after a NICU stay of their own. I really felt their confidence and care of our Felicity, which helped a bit. We spent several minutes with her taking pictures and kissing her head gently. Then I said goodbye to both Felicity and Ben, who would be driving behind them to Pensacola. I went to my postpartum room alone, but looking forward to the next day when I would see my baby again.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc5DfnHWS3nvxPEer_seGBiPsgwsBDuYFIHJ0lpb4apeU7LTL0DS92srdNsbyZzZlxe1xSSEe6FRQEbYec2-Zj21HTmFIRVoVhLwGimEWnQqWpa08xie5DYRM03ilZ36z6wwlWgHPkWVU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc5DfnHWS3nvxPEer_seGBiPsgwsBDuYFIHJ0lpb4apeU7LTL0DS92srdNsbyZzZlxe1xSSEe6FRQEbYec2-Zj21HTmFIRVoVhLwGimEWnQqWpa08xie5DYRM03ilZ36z6wwlWgHPkWVU/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBc7ks79OBCbVmJtG0l5Hqo_OqwYtZ_nQJcqGWCm20Pz6j_y4py4wlF6mgCWwZrsDiWSKX4K5_INZN3CkoaLkWQ0QkE3lam5saqwymctzgMKvVzhxKRjxLDEcoSTZIyI0svP9jdyhrzwX/s1600/IMG_7601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBc7ks79OBCbVmJtG0l5Hqo_OqwYtZ_nQJcqGWCm20Pz6j_y4py4wlF6mgCWwZrsDiWSKX4K5_INZN3CkoaLkWQ0QkE3lam5saqwymctzgMKvVzhxKRjxLDEcoSTZIyI0svP9jdyhrzwX/s320/IMG_7601.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second time holding her</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw6JrjD-rVuIO-hE0-c7Caqxzu2zvKOL12s48NY_1Wa9ZEwyJAkzV3SqBFJhJtBfyznuPEpIHfukTQdFDzjgoGhEx_yTB7QDBCxXW_Rv0pn_2VXCbLdcgKIKIcLbL_HkAc1pisPh-xGUn/s1600/IMG_7620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw6JrjD-rVuIO-hE0-c7Caqxzu2zvKOL12s48NY_1Wa9ZEwyJAkzV3SqBFJhJtBfyznuPEpIHfukTQdFDzjgoGhEx_yTB7QDBCxXW_Rv0pn_2VXCbLdcgKIKIcLbL_HkAc1pisPh-xGUn/s320/IMG_7620.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The next 17 days would consistent of constant pumping, weighing diapers, counting grams of weight lost or gained, schedule deconflicting, packing and repacking, hand washing to the point of cracking and bleeding, sleepless nights from the beeping monitors and IV sticks, learning to bottle feed, crying because I was sick and unable to see my baby for 4 days, mourning the loss of those first few special days with a newborn, and the constant limbo of not knowing what tomorrow would hold or look like. But it was also such a blessing filled time! Our friends fed us everyday we were home; the Ronald McDonald house offered us a place to stay, eat, and shower; gifts and cards and messages poured in; Ben's work allowed him to work remotely; Ben got to connect with this baby like he'd never gotten to before with a newborn; blissful hours of holding my baby with no interruptions (a perk for a fourth baby even with all the cords!); meeting nurse after amazing nurse who loved on our baby when we couldn't; and seeing how lucky we were that our baby just needed to get bigger and nothing more scary. It was a hard time to be sure, but we're also so thankful for it. It made her coming home and the holidays following all the more meaningful. I don't recommend the rollercoaster, but we're a family of six now and it's wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa came!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a little too orange.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nona visiting for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First visit from big sisters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New room on Level 2 - Non-critical!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passed car seat test!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going home at 11 pm!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up to their new sister!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best picture of how tiny she is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She smiles ALL the time.</td></tr>
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-24835435967017714102018-07-29T19:31:00.001-07:002018-07-30T07:22:08.664-07:00Master Bathroom: From Sailboats to SpaA little over a year and a half ago we noticed some water damage making its mark through the wallpaper above our master bathroom shower. Ben decided to investigate. We wanted to remove the wallpaper anyway. But his discovery required removing the entirety of the shower ceiling as well as the rest of the ceiling leading up to the 12-foot peak to find the source of the water. Unfortunately, we had a hole in our roof--a hole the roofers said would cost about half as much to fix as a whole new roof would cost. So we got one of those. Then we ever so slowly worked on remodeling our unusable master bath.<br />
Did we mention we found old termite damage behind the shower walls? Or that the a/c and heater broke earlier that year and were then struck by lightning a few months later? It was a good year for homeownership (sarcasm). Regardless, it's also one of the reasons why the project took longer than most of our others. Others included a) Ben is working towards his masters, b) I had a third baby, and c) it was a HUGE renovation that required we gut everything because it was all ugly and unsalvageable. The wallpaper was so glued to the walls in most spots that despite professional-grade steamers and chemical concoctions I felt uneasy about in my home, it would take whole pieces of drywall off with it. For us, it was easier to redo the drywall. The only parts we didn't do ourselves were the cabinets and their installation, and my wonderful dad laid the shower tile. The rest of the story I think can be told best in before and after pictures.<br />
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New roof inspired some major pruning and replanting.</div>
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Before: Sailboat wallpaper, sea shell sinks, and missing cabinet doors.</div>
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The door fell off days before we noticed the leak. I guess it was time.</div>
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Beginning the demo.</div>
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It was messy business.</div>
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Already looks better. </div>
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After! I love it.</div>
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We switched the tub and shower to different sides. This gave us a very large shower and a perfect place for the tub.</div>
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So there it is. A year and a half of our life demoing, reconstructing, patching, mudding, sanding, priming, painting, cutting trim, nailing, measuring, painting trim, grouting, caulking, installing, and touching up complete! </div>
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<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-60227700127056440182018-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:002020-01-02T09:21:54.905-08:00Juliette Regina<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKQ3KqxifECZqegvxI1JwW7t0TDWEky8tLxVE2Ma-H-1F2RmzeJ-f-AqjosBhAPweGK7PxgCy3k-lQ9bsDKILq_OrG39f8EALZ16TIe2VXLpYQ5PO5rIra_ell4IsUnaB717oegO_g6xm/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKQ3KqxifECZqegvxI1JwW7t0TDWEky8tLxVE2Ma-H-1F2RmzeJ-f-AqjosBhAPweGK7PxgCy3k-lQ9bsDKILq_OrG39f8EALZ16TIe2VXLpYQ5PO5rIra_ell4IsUnaB717oegO_g6xm/s320/IMG_6364.JPG" width="256" /></a><span style="background-color: #ebebeb;"><span style="color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">My oldest two daughters were born between 37 and 38 weeks. So when week 38 showed up and baby girl had moved to a posterior position (her spine to mine), I was feeling out of sorts. My mom had always said I was "sunny side up" and that's probably the reason my mom had a c-section after an extremely long labor. That night, Temperance (my 2-year old) woke up at 2 am and I spent about an hour crying and praying while I tried to get her to sleep again. I was tired, in pain, and now worried I wouldn’t get my very desired VBAC (Temperance was breech and required a c-section). I kept telling God that I just didn’t want to sacrifice that much. It felt selfish, but it’s where I was. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">The next day my girls were arguing in the car so I turned on a CD. The song was something about “you can have it ALL Lord. Every part of me.” I felt like that was the nudge toward peace about whatever outcome I needed. By the end of the day, I didn’t care how she came out, only that she did soon. She was causing so much sharp pain that I was immobilized on my hands and knees while my children just watched. I made it to a sitting position, but my goodness, I hurt! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">February 22 I went to bed so frustrated because I wasn't feeling anything contraction-wise, not even my usual Braxton Hicks. Well, about 1.5 hours later at 12:15 am, I woke up feeling like maybe I had a contraction. Didn’t believe it and thought maybe I dreamed it. Then another came about 10 minutes later. I prayed this was the real deal until another came 7 minutes later and really hurt. Got cold feet about labor! I got up to use the bathroom and had two more. Laid back down and had a few more. Shook Ben, my husband, awake and told him I was in labor. He said “oh good” and fell back to sleep! He has no memory of that!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">Another two contractions came, and I’m starting to panic. They were intense and close. I shake him again and was like, “You need to finish packing the bag now!” That got him going. He called my mom to come over and that was about 12:50. I had a few more contractions, and at the end of one I told my mom I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the hospital. They both started freaking out. I was too because contractions were about every 3 minutes and others were right on top of each other. Ben flew to the hospital. We got there about 1:20. I was a 5 cm and 90% effaced. “You’ll probably stay,” they said. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_ezmyio0_QMEZwBddsvlw1_aFThEFi5JF86ZlymMMx2tQihqdzvHnqng6k_H5ZZ7vQ14lHHT2JyugVKdKx081m2xvVaFH33bK9N6HdfHxxil2NDmNfQnZO2Vt2XFpE3dTfmhN8UeVUUm/s1600/IMG_6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_ezmyio0_QMEZwBddsvlw1_aFThEFi5JF86ZlymMMx2tQihqdzvHnqng6k_H5ZZ7vQ14lHHT2JyugVKdKx081m2xvVaFH33bK9N6HdfHxxil2NDmNfQnZO2Vt2XFpE3dTfmhN8UeVUUm/s320/IMG_6384.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben said, "Smile fast!" while I was between a contraction haha!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">I was already so tired at this point, so I decided to try the epidural, especially since she was still posterior, and I thought I had a long morning ahead of me. I’ve had a drug-free vaginal birth and a c-section. Why not try a third option? But it takes a LONG freaking time for them to get that epidural to you! I was pretty much screaming by 3 am when he came to administer it. The contractions were so intense. But I still assumed it could take a while since she was sunny side up. Finally, he gets it in at 3:15 ish. Contractions still hurt! I was hoping for that instant relief (which he tells me after doesn’t happen) except now I was dealing with contractions on my back and in my back. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">The on-call doctor came in at 3:25 and says they don’t like baby’s heart rate. They flip me twice and then she says, “we need to get the baby out now!” Luckily, when they checked, I was 10 cm and complete. Probably was in transition during the epidural placement, which is why it was horrible. I push once, and the doctor yells at me to look at her. “Hear that sound?” she asks me. Honestly, I really had no idea what was good or bad at the moment. I was so tired I could barely open my eyes. But she continued saying, “That heart rate is bad. She needs to come out now or we have to try something else.” I knew that meant c-section. So I pushed as best as I could feeling off from the epidural still trying to take effect. I could feel the pressure, but I also couldn’t really believe it was happening. I was SO out of it. </span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">Then I heard her ask for a vacuum. I started panicking. But another push later and Ben said he could see her head. Two more pushes and she was out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2AFFeZdqWtFE5udAzDWjTNo28_qtHHsNYQLfWk-k8x9dgyob84feNaGqFJq4el95ELh7R8tP1z4A7QGp8qYYgNk2XuNT1_wcI7jBQkK14np0Q0Fqt83kOBmYhmF82kb2V_O-xjPsbUsR/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2AFFeZdqWtFE5udAzDWjTNo28_qtHHsNYQLfWk-k8x9dgyob84feNaGqFJq4el95ELh7R8tP1z4A7QGp8qYYgNk2XuNT1_wcI7jBQkK14np0Q0Fqt83kOBmYhmF82kb2V_O-xjPsbUsR/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">I’ve never seen such a white baby. Not only was she really, really coated in vernix, but she had no color. Every nurse that had been a flurry of motion went totally still. Doctor kept telling baby to breath. I couldn’t see her face, and I was holding my breath. Longest moments of my life as the doctor rubbed and talked to her. Finally, Ben says he saw her fingers move and she lets out a cry. Everyone starts moving again. The cord was very short apparently, but she came out the way I had hoped! I was so thankful for my VBAC even if I was overwhelmed by the 3-hour labor. It may have been fast, but it felt like more work than my 9-hour one with Cordelia.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKDVYhi-HtXWF7AOIMgsG4qWNMhdR-9rmBxL1t78_hdHVfOcsY7rKVXzA3ySyyHIg0P3_nhAHhr1S6ngvIZdMUv4Cd1hw6RmNMCEOh67-3-EsH7-6nLvJF7MncupDbRpApfa4wxK4RRo3/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKDVYhi-HtXWF7AOIMgsG4qWNMhdR-9rmBxL1t78_hdHVfOcsY7rKVXzA3ySyyHIg0P3_nhAHhr1S6ngvIZdMUv4Cd1hw6RmNMCEOh67-3-EsH7-6nLvJF7MncupDbRpApfa4wxK4RRo3/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb;"><span style="color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">Everyone kept saying how much happier I looked after having given birth. I feel like that would be an obvious outcome, but I did feel amazing. I wasn't pregnant and in pain anymore, the anxiety of how labor and delivery would go was behind me, and Juliette Regina (meaning young queen) was here in my arms! 7 lbs 5 oz after 3 hours and 15 mins of labor! It was the longest I'd been pregnant at 38 weeks 1 day, my shortest labor, and my heaviest baby. I guess a good plus to the epidural is that they have to let you stay in the same spot for at least 2 hours after it is administered, so I got about 1.5 hours of time with her before they did anything for vitals and such. Can’t believe she is here. Her two older sisters adore her, and Juliette is currently a pro at sleeping through their craziness! </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the warmer, which she loved. She was a bit cold for a while after birth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, baby!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcvFbvNitrG3mh1d18rS4SeVxGV07IfIiEcB0D6aDGoRj64IDfSJzUGZ94-lJd2h7p9OPqjJuxukbv2d62-x9DAIfO0AJyHGgpIWvmxNup44vnLicE0MXFtkZAChJVyJ2AJ3yez0mRkYQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_fb98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcvFbvNitrG3mh1d18rS4SeVxGV07IfIiEcB0D6aDGoRj64IDfSJzUGZ94-lJd2h7p9OPqjJuxukbv2d62-x9DAIfO0AJyHGgpIWvmxNup44vnLicE0MXFtkZAChJVyJ2AJ3yez0mRkYQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_fb98.jpeg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzY9Md2uH0uvRVPbXxDQlxoHJIqyh10XSs1YKWPuPyk-gGft3BKMiPloVLsjizMEgZtqOTOCtltwMxZnj9qIc4cpYK3DycVO0gyTkCLJLghICV9zekz-28udVyaZkxWBtZsUntvYstdAF/s1600/fullsizeoutput_fb92.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzY9Md2uH0uvRVPbXxDQlxoHJIqyh10XSs1YKWPuPyk-gGft3BKMiPloVLsjizMEgZtqOTOCtltwMxZnj9qIc4cpYK3DycVO0gyTkCLJLghICV9zekz-28udVyaZkxWBtZsUntvYstdAF/s320/fullsizeoutput_fb92.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLdAuRZi5Gfdd25Ss6aYP7UJojXCjgKrEH7ZiWEjjTzRwtnIEoUEtMfZ9iDD4gbELU-LQklXUuwKJkPegelXrOmiG7a2WHQc5waLtimCLgXAKYEMSbrWZSKGtC3PeljEYq8nyHpn9dBC7/s1600/fullsizeoutput_fbfd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLdAuRZi5Gfdd25Ss6aYP7UJojXCjgKrEH7ZiWEjjTzRwtnIEoUEtMfZ9iDD4gbELU-LQklXUuwKJkPegelXrOmiG7a2WHQc5waLtimCLgXAKYEMSbrWZSKGtC3PeljEYq8nyHpn9dBC7/s320/fullsizeoutput_fbfd.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1-day old <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy big sisters. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw9knITDt585hEABdQpiv541NpCsMfJIqTGRIOOEVx5CyZgiAxSTDU6rNJNjL1YbhgQdzdE57dSopdl-kJUChaPYnXYHPZdWbRp25bBuKqdiP5OoArAqreOEaxOB1qwjoyekIhJcGhyPf/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1080" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw9knITDt585hEABdQpiv541NpCsMfJIqTGRIOOEVx5CyZgiAxSTDU6rNJNjL1YbhgQdzdE57dSopdl-kJUChaPYnXYHPZdWbRp25bBuKqdiP5OoArAqreOEaxOB1qwjoyekIhJcGhyPf/s320/IMG_6458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going home!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #ebebeb;"><span style="color: #333c44; font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.479999542236328px;"><br /></span></span></span>Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-21425754595169123802016-02-08T13:52:00.002-08:002018-03-02T09:43:45.746-08:00Temperance Rose<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">With this being our rainbow
baby, I undeniably had major fears and anxieties during this pregnancy, but
there were two that stood out because they were entirely unlikely and unrelated
to prior issues: breech baby and cord issues. I’m not sure why I had anxieties
over these situations, but I did. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"><o:p>Last bump picture.</o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I guess my first clue should
have been her movement. All of her strongest movements were very low. So strong that
it would often immobilize me with sudden pain. And no one else really felt
her kick. At my 36-week appointment we found out that was because she was
breech (head up position). About 3% of babies are breech by 37 weeks, and after
several chiropractor visits and some unique yoga poses, she was still breech
the Monday (37 weeks pregnant) we decided to do the ECV, which is a
manipulation from the outside to get baby to turn head down. Going into the
procedure, I had my doubts that she would turn. Apparently there are common
underlying issues for most breech mamas, such as being a first time mom, being
an avid runner, having been in an accident, having a unique shaped uterus, or having
low amniotic fluid/big baby. I didn’t fit into any of those, so I felt like
maybe there was a reason she was breech we couldn’t see. We tried the ECV
anyway because I desperately wanted to avoid a c-section. My doctor was great.
She tried, but she wasn’t going to force her. We got baby to lay transverse
(sideways across my abdomen), but no farther. Within minutes of stopping, her
head was right back under my right rib cage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Little did I know I'd be back in 3 days to actually have the baby!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I may have had a total
meltdown or two over the impending c-section. I was really struggling with the
concept for a very long list of reasons, but mostly it boiled down to I didn’t
want to. I went so far as to inquire with a doctor 5.5 hours from me who delivers
breech babies vaginally. I was apparently the perfect candidate as I had delivered
vaginally before, baby was a frank breech (feet up by her head though she would
swing them down occasionally to really get my attention), and we were both healthy.
I guess God had other plans because before I ever got any further in that
process, labor started. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I had the “fake” Braxton Hicks
contractions for months. Months. By the time of my ECV, the monitor was picking
them up every 8 minutes. That was my normal. It was kind of funny because when
I was leaving the hospital Monday after the ECV, the nurse said to come back if
I was having contractions. Uummm, you’ll have to be more specific. So she
added, or if they are painful. Again, more specific. If they continue longer
than an hour. You could just admit me now. So we agreed on every 2-3 minutes,
and I couldn’t complete full sentences through them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wednesday night I had more
Braxton Hicks, but some were stronger than others around 11pm. We went to bed
at midnight, and suddenly I felt like I should time them. Every 4 minutes and
they were 1.5 minutes long. After a half hour I woke up Ben. He got up, and I
tried to stop the contractions in a warm bath. We were supposed to be scheduling
my c-section in the morning! We had decided February 15 was a good day.
Apparently not because we were out the door and at the hospital by 2am. The
contractions were strong and consistent, plus I really didn’t want to
accidentally deliver a breech baby in the car! I think I’ll always wish I had
spent just another moment longer saying goodnight to my oldest that night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I had three contractions from
the hospital doors to the exam room, and they were getting stronger. When they
checked, I was 4cm and 90% effaced. Still breech. My doctor wouldn’t be able to
perform the c-section as they were worried there wasn’t any time to wait for
her, so the on-call doctor was notified. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was pretty blown away by how
fast it all went after that. I signed a whole bunch of papers, Ben got dressed
in scrubs, and I was taken to the OR. There were lots of people and movement,
but everyone was super kind. They kept putting warm blankets on me (OR room was
cold!) and asking me questions about the baby and such. The spinal was so fast,
and the surgery began before I even had time to fully comprehend that my baby
was going to be born any minute. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Before, during, and after the
surgery, I shook hard. Apparently that is normal, and it’s my normal in intense
situations. I’m a shaker, but man did I shake hard. Ben being there helped
tremendously. He couldn’t really talk me through things this time, but he kept
me calm. There was no pain, but a lot of pulling and pushing sensations. I
remember my doctor saying it typically only took 3 minutes from the start to
get the baby out. I looked at the clock and saw it had been longer. I also
noticed the time. 3:33 am on February 4. First, I guessed February 3rd or 4th
as the day she would be born. I guessed my first daughter’s birthday too.
(Sorry that trick only works with my own.) And because I had guessed it, I was
once again positive it would not be the day. Also this was almost a year to
date when we experienced our first miscarriage. What a beautiful rainbow He
made from that storm! Third, my nephew had been born at 3:36 am three days
earlier. If you know our back story, my sister and I like to do everything the
same, but opposite. We were due about a week apart and joked we’d give birth
the same day; apparently it would be the same time and by very different means.
At 3:37 my husband said, “There she is!” Temperance Rose was lifted over the
curtain for me to see. I loved hearing her cry. So much relief. Tears
immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVQUy2Xjw_gTskq7X55zywLJb4ejGC7_Lxndb4gXPzGvFTm6qqnKirR7KxQI2FCFGTz5tPzIpIVBlXBjU75t7HVCRqDJUlU4Hv8XHL_x_zgE-4Eb-rk0nvSh2UQX0kodpr5rFRFtTO49A/s1600/IMG_1210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVQUy2Xjw_gTskq7X55zywLJb4ejGC7_Lxndb4gXPzGvFTm6qqnKirR7KxQI2FCFGTz5tPzIpIVBlXBjU75t7HVCRqDJUlU4Hv8XHL_x_zgE-4Eb-rk0nvSh2UQX0kodpr5rFRFtTO49A/s320/IMG_1210.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Temperance Rose</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She was swiftly taken to another
spot. I was told I’d get to keep eyes on her, but they took her out of my line
of sight for a minute, and Ben followed at my urging. I didn’t think much of it
until a few hours later when Ben informed me that she had the cord wrapped
around her neck twice. They didn’t want me to see that. Apparently a vaginal
delivery for a breech baby is dangerous because the head can get stuck inside
the mother. This is also a possibility during a c-section. And it happened,
which is why it took longer than 3 minutes. The cord and her head were very
wedged inside. A vaginal birth would probably not have had a good outcome. And I still find it pretty crazy that two things I had been unsettled about came true. It's amazing how we can know our bodies.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi4yuhLEgxXBIu9BecIjhfTxoTYb7NweiqnnAoZFtkvbl3b4nQej51rdbkGMHV-1xUvX3pvMzJ56ArZiDxMIByjrgijm4UuSxT3fFIuIymfc61EL3kzTqeELHD3QVTeqSCt6QXxw99fDP/s1600/IMG_1228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi4yuhLEgxXBIu9BecIjhfTxoTYb7NweiqnnAoZFtkvbl3b4nQej51rdbkGMHV-1xUvX3pvMzJ56ArZiDxMIByjrgijm4UuSxT3fFIuIymfc61EL3kzTqeELHD3QVTeqSCt6QXxw99fDP/s320/IMG_1228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So thankful they let me hold her while finishing the surgery!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Otherwise, Temperance Rose was perfect. Even
scored a 9 on Apgar. I did hear a nurse mention it was a very thin umbilical
cord, so going to ask the doctor about that. They let me hold her skin to skin
in the room as they finished the surgery, which also went by quickly. It took
several hours for the spinal to wear off, but soon after, I was up and about.
So thankful for one nurse in particular who seemed to really care about how I
recovered. She was called in on my last day there and requested me, which I was
so thankful for. She had a daughter the same age as myself and enjoyed playing
grandma to Cordie. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3NJi3l9xMyrMjHjhFzgnEJE7roiR0PjFc0nSD5g80B8RIhnlMxVx9XifQikec8BQiCESMq6QD0vDV2PFIUbUr3GT0OrpIuMOpRWHGDsiH1J4SMSUTfJYZxQV7ljbGe0nNHjQ6YB2_eEs/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3NJi3l9xMyrMjHjhFzgnEJE7roiR0PjFc0nSD5g80B8RIhnlMxVx9XifQikec8BQiCESMq6QD0vDV2PFIUbUr3GT0OrpIuMOpRWHGDsiH1J4SMSUTfJYZxQV7ljbGe0nNHjQ6YB2_eEs/s320/IMG_1232.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I feel kind of silly now
lamenting that Temperance might not have a birth story like Cordelia, but that
is very obviously not the case. Though a c-section was not what I had pictured,
I’m thankful for it. I do request prayers though as I recover and hopefully
avoid my oldest (weird to say!) daughter’s coughing cold! Never a dull moment!</span></span></div>
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Kinda loved my extra day at the hospital to soak in this baby.</div>
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Big sister was SUPER excited. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_0Dzwzq_EhO_CgI2kPpNE13FY1hQwkNd7KjyyaDId6S6sWtEvvdmyo1hP2h0g9vGB9i1CiWj65_ZX9LQxwybCP9Tbq0MqCpN6VzfH2uh1SwQBiZTnP_8V1e1jJ7uZRbHbvbaAxfSpQ-F/s1600/Cordie+Rocking+Tempie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_0Dzwzq_EhO_CgI2kPpNE13FY1hQwkNd7KjyyaDId6S6sWtEvvdmyo1hP2h0g9vGB9i1CiWj65_ZX9LQxwybCP9Tbq0MqCpN6VzfH2uh1SwQBiZTnP_8V1e1jJ7uZRbHbvbaAxfSpQ-F/s320/Cordie+Rocking+Tempie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cordie has wanted to do two things since learning she'd be a big sister: sing to baby and rock baby. Check. Check.</div>
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Best daddy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq74Qss_Lc_9SWYUNdhRVXfDqDG1qc5w9CLNalvcof4p8hm8ZWu9KEi57qwh2WpAZZqBaD_jROpI3Bp3v1flbvrTGvzp-p3ICo9CUhrgKzoQu3g5vw4xoe26EIvikbAlxMcgkPUW-enfXp/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq74Qss_Lc_9SWYUNdhRVXfDqDG1qc5w9CLNalvcof4p8hm8ZWu9KEi57qwh2WpAZZqBaD_jROpI3Bp3v1flbvrTGvzp-p3ICo9CUhrgKzoQu3g5vw4xoe26EIvikbAlxMcgkPUW-enfXp/s320/IMG_1140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Complete heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEszOKjMJB6BwHpDxSrpScqk2QVSBk0L-CZQpyVhYFH7-hnU8r_9Ngz5Z4bQozDv7fS-jk7LHSY9j5D5yjiUpJzECkfBj84pQ_Ehfwt5SSmEUqLllkLHFEI2MxvMykM9mbvY-catXwWJES/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEszOKjMJB6BwHpDxSrpScqk2QVSBk0L-CZQpyVhYFH7-hnU8r_9Ngz5Z4bQozDv7fS-jk7LHSY9j5D5yjiUpJzECkfBj84pQ_Ehfwt5SSmEUqLllkLHFEI2MxvMykM9mbvY-catXwWJES/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She loves her small hands and feet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFQayZEoKFKSQz5gl_P7KMlqUqVOlVN0XNKbHlS8hDPpmVUyMapVHO3HgG8nk3SL-2JkTorvenvzPVeQzux3FDESUyCNUrzqv_Za6A2LjRG1iQOIxSN1KRXkyaBhWshAsY2cuHs5Hf99C/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFQayZEoKFKSQz5gl_P7KMlqUqVOlVN0XNKbHlS8hDPpmVUyMapVHO3HgG8nk3SL-2JkTorvenvzPVeQzux3FDESUyCNUrzqv_Za6A2LjRG1iQOIxSN1KRXkyaBhWshAsY2cuHs5Hf99C/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look who's a big kid now (but always my baby)! </div>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-89534388604196691492016-01-04T15:04:00.000-08:002016-01-04T15:04:06.386-08:00A Nursery: Second Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is our first redo of a reno. I guess that happens after living in a home for more than four years now! Below are pictures of our guest bedroom when we moved in. We had updated it slightly by painting the walls, trim, and doors, as well as replacing the light fixture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBQwoQ3xTOdOPeoJCV4p7yFwIeMYG-lDLtn1h2y9sU5DK38GpztbiCaIb-kb5xXGub1x0DApIw1o8ncL3Izfj0vhkL5onl1MSQLgWlsYBIolnGDzNoW9mPH-p0en-HCdMiD9iKekAasrZ/s1600/DSCN3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBQwoQ3xTOdOPeoJCV4p7yFwIeMYG-lDLtn1h2y9sU5DK38GpztbiCaIb-kb5xXGub1x0DApIw1o8ncL3Izfj0vhkL5onl1MSQLgWlsYBIolnGDzNoW9mPH-p0en-HCdMiD9iKekAasrZ/s320/DSCN3464.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPeYp_m5NR6RAYxkUq1aHkup0RwDN81ZHzzrxOhjuXux0LwTW-5ywPgRYFQV7RYhgBF6iJA109rPXTg_RaWqpfNKgds1eq6EvmSeLqT4YbduAf6QySoRZ4KzodbOvb6jbWTnOiX1JZacb/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPeYp_m5NR6RAYxkUq1aHkup0RwDN81ZHzzrxOhjuXux0LwTW-5ywPgRYFQV7RYhgBF6iJA109rPXTg_RaWqpfNKgds1eq6EvmSeLqT4YbduAf6QySoRZ4KzodbOvb6jbWTnOiX1JZacb/s320/IMG_0333.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN42EepF8fxZwKcCrTdl_7GJmVIYsw_SlIDEsChJZa7EvCTRPip7WPkGlYjyd-8-wmSFm7m405PAMZ0EwAPtpxwl7a1pmgpVfCkSqe-954uMZi-IL1KvH-LXEy0vDF-9bkfi98t3fpkNp/s1600/Seaside+Hotel+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN42EepF8fxZwKcCrTdl_7GJmVIYsw_SlIDEsChJZa7EvCTRPip7WPkGlYjyd-8-wmSFm7m405PAMZ0EwAPtpxwl7a1pmgpVfCkSqe-954uMZi-IL1KvH-LXEy0vDF-9bkfi98t3fpkNp/s320/Seaside+Hotel+Room.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After (the first time)</div>
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We hadn't planned on repainting the room when we decided to get it ready for the new baby, but when we went to touch up the paint it was discolored. So we decided to update the paint, replace the trim to match the rest of the house, and we added new closet organization (makes a nesting mama happy!!). Cordie had to help :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98KV44hro9PmfakY5tO7-Uv6qDEWApFH1i57uYi72uJOMccl5dSwe5zZVYtAS8QBGqNlHSXBLc4FiWyHWwor1rrC9RpqxsgzY3-pfkW5JcSyOJojLZhWWHg6y14sM4FROj1EfBSL_OOht/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98KV44hro9PmfakY5tO7-Uv6qDEWApFH1i57uYi72uJOMccl5dSwe5zZVYtAS8QBGqNlHSXBLc4FiWyHWwor1rrC9RpqxsgzY3-pfkW5JcSyOJojLZhWWHg6y14sM4FROj1EfBSL_OOht/s320/IMG_0758.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And the result ... I love it. So ready to meet this little girl. I never really got the "nesting" bug when pregnant with my first, but this one has given it to me bad. I've reorganized several of the closets in the house and purged so many items. There are still so many things I want to do as well, but I think God and baby girl have been reminding me to take it easy as well with so many contractions these last few weeks. So repainting the exterior of the house will just have to wait haha.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJfk0v3e2z1HaVVEVD9xOjISUa-C3qhKHhK1iPeAyCP0uqpYIKcdkp9QGYrw307JQ-YdoxJQUvaiJymW3K6ek0oK5iZgUFPphyXNROS8eXMrxXdotjGfAjRDjLU8cd1RVV_pzL3CwEHCT/s1600/IMG_6055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJfk0v3e2z1HaVVEVD9xOjISUa-C3qhKHhK1iPeAyCP0uqpYIKcdkp9QGYrw307JQ-YdoxJQUvaiJymW3K6ek0oK5iZgUFPphyXNROS8eXMrxXdotjGfAjRDjLU8cd1RVV_pzL3CwEHCT/s400/IMG_6055.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The bottom two are drawers. We still want to replace the closet doors, but unfortunately the store no longer sells the ones we used in the other rooms :( </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOSFWh6Yv-rlFAbVvSigOyg7wXgpUQo8_VYcjPo7vrUdUlN_acF6Tq66JQ-f5WGxubM-5saLQt3wEWSe25Se4mba3RHcKrYjhbutHclz1Ic0haFVHWmCpwYk9PlFfSMm_vzAVq_zS18dD/s1600/IMG_6058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOSFWh6Yv-rlFAbVvSigOyg7wXgpUQo8_VYcjPo7vrUdUlN_acF6Tq66JQ-f5WGxubM-5saLQt3wEWSe25Se4mba3RHcKrYjhbutHclz1Ic0haFVHWmCpwYk9PlFfSMm_vzAVq_zS18dD/s400/IMG_6058.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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How sweet is that mobile? The butterflies are just the right colors. I think something could be added to the wall above the crib, but I haven't found "it" yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDNUJOXIB5OH5bb-l6kmNkPnHXPktXuU1vLU0m34uP6wlajUZqRn4lc46E2ozKM3eQsUSEydAPbqHce_4JRibNxgTBO4baqqK_HeldvUWeR_AtAd3xif7SndB7nBjX-c1u8TNm0f4T_6w/s1600/IMG_6061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDNUJOXIB5OH5bb-l6kmNkPnHXPktXuU1vLU0m34uP6wlajUZqRn4lc46E2ozKM3eQsUSEydAPbqHce_4JRibNxgTBO4baqqK_HeldvUWeR_AtAd3xif7SndB7nBjX-c1u8TNm0f4T_6w/s400/IMG_6061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ikea dresser that was in a million pieces, but it's great for the space. I just spray painted the knobs so they weren't such a harsh black color for a nursery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bq4p3_-QxRksZcof0xgXW4VhybkMDVItbdQeOaSnhWTS81-OejJcrARifZmqBm7YZJ5BNX0SrbxbmMHgPC1px3HeUUF_ZnRywmFj0l_ewMiunLCTcX8nxW154NWLaBGMQs_wPFWRnHON/s1600/IMG_6064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bq4p3_-QxRksZcof0xgXW4VhybkMDVItbdQeOaSnhWTS81-OejJcrARifZmqBm7YZJ5BNX0SrbxbmMHgPC1px3HeUUF_ZnRywmFj0l_ewMiunLCTcX8nxW154NWLaBGMQs_wPFWRnHON/s400/IMG_6064.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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Love this toy/book bin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTSckAnnhsvaxiiRIepv6qpIcKGvOpA8yvXOptWmNNAPvnva8kiVu4nv_JYJjTymvapzkel9qbRvcUTIgy8DSidcUMcQ8a0y5urgoida0G5YG7_9OzcT-IwZrrQobUscHLGcBldJUtXsT/s1600/IMG_6066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTSckAnnhsvaxiiRIepv6qpIcKGvOpA8yvXOptWmNNAPvnva8kiVu4nv_JYJjTymvapzkel9qbRvcUTIgy8DSidcUMcQ8a0y5urgoida0G5YG7_9OzcT-IwZrrQobUscHLGcBldJUtXsT/s400/IMG_6066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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New rocker! My tailbone is so happy after suffering through nursing in the last one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEO-SGTopBq3VkxtU_z0j-FYRKECEhixplotbg4Uf4VEkIpHF_KU27i_F8AVggnnQg5_JzZmFR3fDgPFvl2kOS3ZoyHucF4ldWECfbYVxxxFaMiN-Wnqm_UrQP8kxUyIMt1TG7WD6NP9C/s1600/IMG_6069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEO-SGTopBq3VkxtU_z0j-FYRKECEhixplotbg4Uf4VEkIpHF_KU27i_F8AVggnnQg5_JzZmFR3fDgPFvl2kOS3ZoyHucF4ldWECfbYVxxxFaMiN-Wnqm_UrQP8kxUyIMt1TG7WD6NP9C/s400/IMG_6069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She needs to stay put for a bit longer, but we're counting the days until this room has the final missing piece! </div>
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-39980122039293430402015-11-06T14:59:00.002-08:002015-11-06T14:59:23.461-08:00Fireplace FaceliftLet me tell you the things I didn't like about our fireplace.<br />
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The stone<br />
The color<br />
The trim<br />
The huge mantel<br />
The huge vertical pieces of the mantel<br />
The gold strip<br />
The jetting out stone on the hearth<br />
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What I did like includes:<br />
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It was a fireplace<br />
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You get the idea. So I am just over the moon about our facelift! All the credit goes to my dad on this one. He found the new stone, demoed the old, and then recovered the fireplace. We purchased the mantel and picked out the stone on top of the hearth. Easiest. Reno. Yet. Thanks Dad!<br />
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Now for pictures of the process. Tip for anyone doing something similar: Cover EVERYTHING! I had no idea it would be that dusty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ591DtywWDAeHo7Ly0leDOdy0Y_afunQCTuoxjXJSWBKo7wyPfdFX-dPILAZjthvkoy1PhE_-381n-Z7swOTqnPiaF477qJkwCdXMMuGfbZWwP3MORtUGqpADFdTfIArKmfm2WWm2-Ce/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ591DtywWDAeHo7Ly0leDOdy0Y_afunQCTuoxjXJSWBKo7wyPfdFX-dPILAZjthvkoy1PhE_-381n-Z7swOTqnPiaF477qJkwCdXMMuGfbZWwP3MORtUGqpADFdTfIArKmfm2WWm2-Ce/s400/IMG_0731.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Before. See. Pretty bad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28sxqbjzSDsx-y2i8pPiD8Vt3Kq_mIPNzAITFhFfqWN6-W1iHCH5V6QJELUgBgdyKWPvvukpXQ2LXAOGoJNymuf04n3Tmj5nOfZFN407CLuRbWxmoegRHAbjyy0PCBRBZSnFjfd64RGQB/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28sxqbjzSDsx-y2i8pPiD8Vt3Kq_mIPNzAITFhFfqWN6-W1iHCH5V6QJELUgBgdyKWPvvukpXQ2LXAOGoJNymuf04n3Tmj5nOfZFN407CLuRbWxmoegRHAbjyy0PCBRBZSnFjfd64RGQB/s400/IMG_0684.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Buh bye!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kAEvdZU53vgn6dkU-BXUDCVbZDVdCC6pq-kPrdqIUKM_Ujo0fobQN9tz6fiIUj5oFicst2NcOBaGcXKnVuZt70DLb4HVQGhyphenhyphenyWrqZ2koiXSJlU95E5NGIDeX4rwObBxI438cNu47DQKm/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kAEvdZU53vgn6dkU-BXUDCVbZDVdCC6pq-kPrdqIUKM_Ujo0fobQN9tz6fiIUj5oFicst2NcOBaGcXKnVuZt70DLb4HVQGhyphenhyphenyWrqZ2koiXSJlU95E5NGIDeX4rwObBxI438cNu47DQKm/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We liked it better just like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3qdbi4XjqM55FtEsQeT_WrBjjKTJnQ891SXSSPeC9Sf0ilVt-fMOtqK9a8QuYVx4HHYbU945FbuAu_fCIAykrPusNvMUd9FM8eSMbeUa_ABi9oAtcaAm2KIqkuYQrXtel43jdzGbJudE/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3qdbi4XjqM55FtEsQeT_WrBjjKTJnQ891SXSSPeC9Sf0ilVt-fMOtqK9a8QuYVx4HHYbU945FbuAu_fCIAykrPusNvMUd9FM8eSMbeUa_ABi9oAtcaAm2KIqkuYQrXtel43jdzGbJudE/s400/IMG_0728.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Progress. Also, highly recommend Mantels Direct if you want a mantel ASAP. It arrived in about 28 hours! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFGy3547PRcPBVlBKjK-heWDNod5N18fQ8CHEvzP1QA_WWNinYcE0CrdzWAxL21LAM7NNwurgpETtMbjObWKrEYw6IvZDKP3vpdvKNmo8T8U0i3XgJUEYc81MZkYx09llqrIGBXnr2njZ/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFGy3547PRcPBVlBKjK-heWDNod5N18fQ8CHEvzP1QA_WWNinYcE0CrdzWAxL21LAM7NNwurgpETtMbjObWKrEYw6IvZDKP3vpdvKNmo8T8U0i3XgJUEYc81MZkYx09llqrIGBXnr2njZ/s400/IMG_0732.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Finished product :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8nvm8hxcODpmHaSdj5IkvfXDqzBs6wCy0s-Q7DlhiNWmnWbUwTaroJIIGGITeg0WlkqV7yU9mqH1o4L-Zydoe3YQli061te_qbUy2roa8b4doCUeOTVJE97uTmsWjf2G-UvgG0jhbJDr/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8nvm8hxcODpmHaSdj5IkvfXDqzBs6wCy0s-Q7DlhiNWmnWbUwTaroJIIGGITeg0WlkqV7yU9mqH1o4L-Zydoe3YQli061te_qbUy2roa8b4doCUeOTVJE97uTmsWjf2G-UvgG0jhbJDr/s400/IMG_0733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like that the stone ties in with our backsplash tile in the kitchen too. It seems to tie the spaces together a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nRj4Ncz9rHUzK4XfXELBh07FBh6Wpc7FW1gPtub-yi6KHWFl94jYeZJZWsXvTLFTrLM3qEHJ_g5xB1GwgdjBeJ5zARA42QytPIaLNpqIUR2SlPqnVQSgPixbuwcGORAgl6oc001L2PsA/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nRj4Ncz9rHUzK4XfXELBh07FBh6Wpc7FW1gPtub-yi6KHWFl94jYeZJZWsXvTLFTrLM3qEHJ_g5xB1GwgdjBeJ5zARA42QytPIaLNpqIUR2SlPqnVQSgPixbuwcGORAgl6oc001L2PsA/s400/IMG_0734.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
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So happy with the results. </div>
<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-67271023002159768712015-10-15T13:12:00.000-07:002015-10-15T13:12:12.814-07:00Somewhere Over the RainbowI shared recently about our saints in heaven. A lot of women will refer to their lost children as angels, but in the Catholic faith we refer to them as saints since we believe they live in perfection in heaven. They each HAVE a guardian angel, a relationship for eternity. And as a Catholic, it is common practice to ask for the intercession/prayers of the saints for those of us still living this gift of life on earth. So I want to share my miracle through the intercession of my two saints with you.<br />
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When I found I was pregnant for a fourth time, I was completely overcome with all the emotions that had built up over the last year. I was overjoyed to be carrying life, but obviously also very anxious about another loss. I had some <u>wonderful</u> friends already praying for me, but I also asked my saints to watch over their sibling.<br />
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I also got it into my head that I needed to see a rainbow. Women who experience miscarriage call the living children that follow rainbow babies, essentially equating the loss to a storm and the gift of new life to the miraculous rainbow that follows. Anyway, I thought I needed confirmation from God that we'd get to hold this baby, and I had specific instructions for Him on how I wanted this confirmation. (What can I say? I'm still learning.)<br />
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At the time, it was perfect rainbow weather. It was that season in Florida when it rains almost every afternoon and is immediately followed by sunshine. I started finding all sorts of reasons to go outside: get the mail, stretch my legs, let the dog chase the squirrel. But no rainbows. I soon grew frustrated with God because I kept seeing other people on social media posting pictures of these amazing rainbows they were seeing in person. Where was MY rainbow?<br />
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On one particularly anxiety-ridden day I was scrolling through Facebook and saw seven different people had posted pictures of rainbows. They were all over the country, and I was nearly in tears because I had pretty much convinced myself I HAD to see a rainbow. It was absurd, but I guess that's how I was coping. As I sat there and looked at these rainbows, many of them doubles, I suddenly realized something. Maybe these were MY rainbows! Maybe I had been staring at the answers to my prayer for days.<br />
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I think I saw a rainbow almost every day of my first trimester in one way or another, most of them doubles. I like to think there was one from each of my babies. <br />
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So thank you to everyone who posted a picture of a rainbow. I think you were a part of an answered prayer, and at the very least, you helped ease my anxiety.<br />
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And know that if you have experienced a loss, that I'm praying for you as well, that you might see your rainbow in whatever form it comes in.Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-39203183436793040702015-10-04T12:45:00.002-07:002015-10-04T13:00:16.624-07:00Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: Our StoryOctober is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Today is also one of my due dates.<br />
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I'm not big on sharing my bad days or the tough times on social media because I don't want my bad day to influence another's. However, sometimes bad things should be shared so we can learn from them and maybe help someone else. I also share because my story of loss is very intimately tied with NFP, and I hope maybe it will benefit others.<br />
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When I started charting several months postpartum my cycles weren't the greatest. There were some signs of potential issues that I hoped would work themselves out as my daughter nursed less and less. However, after 6 months the charts didn't change much, and I didn't get a positive pregnancy test like I kept praying for.<br />
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I am no medical professional, but I had my suspicions that something was wrong. The nursing hormone prolactin is nature's way of spacing pregnancies. It often remains high until the baby weans or nurses less. This keeps the hormone progesterone low so ovulation does not occur and thus a woman cannot get pregnant. However, sometimes the prolactin isn't high enough to keep ovulation from occurring but just high enough to make progesterone too low to sustain a pregnancy. This was my guess as to what was happening.<br />
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So I decided to try and get my levels tested. I asked my OB's office and my family doctor to have my progesterone and/or prolactin level tested. I was assured by both that many nursing women can get pregnant. I told them I understood that, but that I was seeing signs of low progesterone in my charting. My family doctor tested several other things, but never my progesterone after multiple visits. The OB nurse didn't even have me in. <br />
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When my daughter turned 18 months old I weaned her fully and became pregnant the same week. I was absolutely elated. I so desired a sibling for my daughter. It was practically all I could think about. However, my elation soon turned to worry when the spotting started. I didn't have that with my first pregnancy, but I tried to assure myself that it was fine, as did all the doctors I called. The spotting continued on and off for a few days and I called my doctors again and practically begged that they test my progesterone. They assured me again that spotting was normal and testing wasn't necessary. <br />
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Then one Sunday evening I knew something was very wrong. I can't even describe the feeling that came over me. I knew I was losing my baby. We went to the ER right away where they took my HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels and did an ultrasound. I asked if they could check my progesterone levels once again. They said they didn't do that, but would look into it. They took some more blood to run tests. After nearly 4 hours in the ER they came back and couldn't tell me much. I asked about the progesterone levels, and they said they didn't run them. Defeated might be an understatement.<br />
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The next day my OB's office called, and I continued my broken-record request to have my progesterone level checked since things seemed to have gotten a little better. She said that was a good sign and to rest. Hope was a cruel thing during those 2 days. At about 2 a.m. I experienced something like a mini labor and lost the baby. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NVUaZM7hMcDgAyxnWmcclpqE5cOB9wFz8_sjqkxvPHbQExsPB6FH3HdMfxAa_owa6fZMDhlYQ_WpfwRnzWKDzjY4OYvvT8u8P2NqKwo7ZA2Q0Ssn5VTs-7NhtOHma-hvPe9iuvVd7-Sf/s1600/Clarence+Orr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NVUaZM7hMcDgAyxnWmcclpqE5cOB9wFz8_sjqkxvPHbQExsPB6FH3HdMfxAa_owa6fZMDhlYQ_WpfwRnzWKDzjY4OYvvT8u8P2NqKwo7ZA2Q0Ssn5VTs-7NhtOHma-hvPe9iuvVd7-Sf/s1600/Clarence+Orr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For anyone who has suffered a miscarriage, you can write to the Church of the Holy Innocents, Shrine of the Unborn in New York, and they will write your child's name in a book of intentions, light a perpetual candle, and say mass for the soul ever first Monday of the month. I'd love to visit someday.</span></td></tr>
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The next day in the OB's office surrounded by pregnant women I had my blood drawn once again to test HCG levels, but it wasn't really necessary. I had come so I could talk to my doctor, but she wasn't there so I went home feeling entirely empty.<br />
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My doctor called later that day to tell me my HCG levels had dropped significantly. I had assumed as much, and I preface my next question with a "please don't think I'm crazy, but I chart and ...." I asked once again if they could check my progesterone when my body had recovered. Her response, "Oh yeah. We do that all the time." I think I sunk to the floor. I had nothing left to say.<br />
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A month later I had my progesterone level checked. It was a 4. The lowest it should be, at the point I had it tested (progesterone has to be tested on a specific cycle day for accurate numbers, about 7 or 8 days after ovulation), is an 8 with a more ideal number of 12 or higher. My progesterone wasn't just low; it was abysmal. My doctor said she'd like to have it tested once again to confirm that we had tested on the right day. Having charted for so long I knew we had, though I agreed. But I got another positive pregnancy test a day later, and by the time I lost that baby the doctor agreed to supplement future pregnancies with progesterone without running further tests. (There haven't been any studies to suggest that too much progesterone during a pregnancy is a bad thing.)<br />
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Miscarriage is not uncommon in my family. I actually always expected it, but to experience it was heartwrenching. What made it even more difficult is that perhaps it could have been avoided. Maybe not, as miscarriage is frequently because of genetic abnormalities, but I feel like if one doctor had done as I requested, if one doctor was familiar with NFP, maybe we could have saved that first baby's life with progesterone support. I understand that the medical world has to run a certain way in order to keep up with demand, but it seems like a simple blood draw wouldn't have been much of an inconvenience.<br />
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Today I'm exactly 20 weeks pregnant. It's a bit bittersweet grieving the baby due today, and yet to be so elated to be carrying this little girl. I truly believe she's here today because of the progesterone I was finally put on, and I'm so thankful for the knowledge I was given through NFP. I know also that God's plan is for every mama to hold their baby, but with sin comes tragedy, but He can make beauty from any tragedy.<br />
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-13229211151678556902015-09-10T16:11:00.002-07:002016-01-24T10:50:37.010-08:00Pregnancy Journal36 weeks<br />
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So this week has been more eventful than I wanted. Was hoping for our last ultrasound, but we're set for at least a few more now that we've discovered baby girl's head is in my ribs. Had hoped to do another drug-free natural birth, but if baby doesn't flip, looks like a c-section may be in the cards this time. The closest doctor who will deliver breech babies is 5.5 hours away. In the meantime we have a few tricks to try and encourage her to get into the correct position, including chiropractor, some unique yoga poses, and probably an ECV, where they try to turn baby from the outside. Fingers crossed and prayers said something works! Otherwise, she's doing well at 24% for size and growing hair just like her big sister. We are so excited to meet her sometime soon! </div>
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32 weeks<br />
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Getting biggy and biggy as my daughter says. I would guess this little one is a bit bigger than her older sister. And lower, which I didn't think was possible, but my pelvic bone would disagree. Most women seem to talk about discomfort in their ribs, but I guess that's not a sensation I'll experience. She's nowhere near as active as my first either though the Braxton hicks contractions are MUCH more frequent. But we've been having lots of fun working on the nursery this month. Cordelia arrived in less than 6 weeks from this point so getting excited!</div>
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28 weeks<br />
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The last month went so fast that I'm actually almost 29 weeks. Had a doctor appointment today and we heard the heartbeat on the Doppler. I remember Cordie never let them rest the Doppler for long or she'd kick it, but this baby girl was perfectly fine with them taking a nice, long listen. Funny how you can see different personalities emerge so early.<br />
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24 Weeks<br />
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24 weeks. Viability! It's a big milestone and she's finally kicking pretty consistently so anxiety is finally going down a bit. </div>
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20 Weeks<br />
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Halfway! Maybe even more if this one decides to show up early like her sister. She's gotten so much stronger over the last week. You can see her kicks from the outside, and both Ben and Cordie have felt her kick. Little nervous about the anatomy scan on Thursday, but excited to get another glimpse of my baby. Cordie is still excited. Ben said when they came to pick me up from the airport after my business trip, he asked if she was excited to see me. She said, "Get to see my baby sister!" I think she may have thought I was coming home with the real deal.<br />
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16 Weeks<br />
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16 weeks and feeling movement. This one likes to roll and flip, twist and turn. Makes me a bit nauseous. Other than that I'm feeling good though sleeping has been less comfortable this time around. And I NEVER have issues sleeping so that's new. Weird dreams all the time. Even Ben has been having them, but I guess that's a thing, for the dad to also have strong/strange dreams. Cordie talks about the baby almost everyday and constantly asks to go see the baby on the TV (i.e. ultrasound). She likes to say, "Little tiny baby growing."<br />
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It's a ... GIRL!<br />
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Totally shocked. Had completely convinced myself it was a boy. This pregnancy has been so different (hardly nauseous at all was the big one) so I just assumed. I even started using "he" when referring to the baby. We even picked out a boy name and not a full girl name! Cordie is thrilled. Once the tech said what the sex was, she yelled, "Baby sister!" We are thrilled as well, but I feel like I have to adjust all my thinking from the last few weeks. Praying things continue to go smoothly.<br />
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12 Weeks<br />
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8 Weeks<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I thought I would consolidate all my pregnancy stuff to one spot so as not to inundate social media. I'm so excited about this new baby I don't want to keep it to myself, but perhaps containing my enthusiasm is a good idea.</span></div>
<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-7752831272496176722015-08-15T15:56:00.001-07:002015-08-15T15:56:42.213-07:00We'd like to share ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cordie would like to share ...</div>
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We're due February 2016! She's super excited!</div>
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Upside down, but still cute.</div>
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13 weeks :)</div>
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Perfect hand.</div>
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Sometimes she's not 100% sure about baby brother or sister though. </div>
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Thanks, and we're going to ask for your prayers! There's a bit of a story to this one that I'll share in the coming weeks, but for now, we're celebrating this new life and highly anticipating his or her arrival!</div>
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<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-26313342523858010062015-07-19T16:54:00.001-07:002015-07-19T16:54:19.505-07:00Sunroom to PlayroomWhen we purchased our home, our only complaint really was that the bedrooms (besides the master) were a bit small, and there wasn't a playroom for when we had children. Sure enough, our daughter has taken over our living room with her toys, and since I also work from home, it was becoming a bit claustrophobic. Shortly after Christmas we decided we needed a playroom and that the completely useless sunroom would be the ideal spot.<br />
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Before we purchased our home, we first toured it in December, so of course we didn't think to try to open the windows. Neither did our home inspector apparently because not one of the 13 windows in the sunroom opened come spring. No airflow = melting in Florida and the tiny ceiling fan did little but move the hot air around. There was an in-wall air conditioning unit, but no outlet close enough to plug it in ... NICE planning. You get the idea. It was a total gut job. And it was a bit daunting, but I am SO HAPPY with the end result! See what 7 months and a whole lot of patience looks like below.<br />
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Before</div>
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So then the demo began. </div>
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First window out.</div>
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Took it to the studs.</div>
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Putting lights in. There weren't any before, and we added several outlets.</div>
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PT Cruiser to the rescue! Fit all 10 windows. There use to be 13 windows in the sunroom, but they were all different sizes (41 in, 43 in, 39 in, etc.). We decided to remove the two small windows next to the doors and reduced the number on the remaining walls so that each window was the same size. </div>
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We decided to install the windows ourselves due to cost. The company quoted us a price originally and assured it wouldn't change that much, but in order to get the final quote they had to come measure the window openings. However, we had to reframe everything since we were getting all the same size window instead of six different sizes. So Ben removed all the windows and reframed the walls. The company came back to measure, but the second quote was almost a grand more! Apparently the last guy didn't factor in hurricane protection! We about fell over, but we were kind of stuck because we had 10 gapping holes in our house. The final option was install them ourselves. I say <em>us</em>, but Ben and our wonderful neighbor did the job beautifully! They all open!!!</div>
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Cordie liked helping.</div>
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Buh-bye ugly stone and hello insulation!</div>
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Drywall is up. It was finally my turn to help. I did the taping, mudding, and sanding. There was so much to do! Best advice: Tape, mud, sand. Repeat. Repeat again. This takes more patience than I was blessed with, but it gave us the best results.</div>
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We chose Benjamin Moore's Blue Danube. I was a bit unsure of the color once it was up, but you'll see how it turned out.</div>
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See why I panicked slightly?</div>
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The ceiling was a lot of work, but we wanted something that would make the room feel rich. So we purchased 220 ft of these interlocking wood boards. I painted them all and then we nailed them up. Lots of work, but the end result was so worth it. When we were purchasing the wood, a woman in front of us at the register exclaimed, "You have a big project ahead of you!" We laughed and said it was a small project in the grand scheme of our larger one!</div>
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Next up was trimming out the windows. I was most nervous about this phase of the project. It just seemed impossibly hard, but we found the most perfect pieces of trim, and a project I anticipated taking several weekends, only took two! Ben did so amazing. </div>
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Finally, it was time for the floor and the rest of the trim around the doors and floor. Basically we replaced EVERY surface (including siding on the outside of the house) in the room. See the finished result below! (Sorry. Longest blog ever!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0j7uClYau0y6t2u0l8H8se6wVgDv-roVoMW6uibrzCsmpUsnzzsJFg9N-CMKvIjvECIgAHAgmvn83VXvz4QZvRwpQEK4cFlOaLd06D4oj4AugrK08lf5qWwzD6G6cSUIlRGDj1XScov8/s1600/IMG_4787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0j7uClYau0y6t2u0l8H8se6wVgDv-roVoMW6uibrzCsmpUsnzzsJFg9N-CMKvIjvECIgAHAgmvn83VXvz4QZvRwpQEK4cFlOaLd06D4oj4AugrK08lf5qWwzD6G6cSUIlRGDj1XScov8/s400/IMG_4787.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Final touches!</div>
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I just love the floor!</div>
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I think we're going to do something similar to the ceiling in our master now.</div>
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I pained the little rocking chair and the table and chairs below. They are bit brighter than I wanted, but Cordie said they are bootiful.</div>
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Love being able to display our daughter's artwork.</div>
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Kitchen complete with hooks and buckets to store her utensils in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWCfV7_XDIwkT9thBKTaGCj8BkvPSOsOzqiMUQ6V0SqTjCyooVGm4vKOJXI0qXZkr1fTsb_Hz09XN4wtT56GjTPPwQg0d5lUeeLSD9LI3-wmm91wCiiI8Q4GLpaOJYc9mt49sycIafbGi/s1600/IMG_4799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWCfV7_XDIwkT9thBKTaGCj8BkvPSOsOzqiMUQ6V0SqTjCyooVGm4vKOJXI0qXZkr1fTsb_Hz09XN4wtT56GjTPPwQg0d5lUeeLSD9LI3-wmm91wCiiI8Q4GLpaOJYc9mt49sycIafbGi/s400/IMG_4799.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Repurposed the doors to make them a bit brighter and clean. Someone wants to come play!</div>
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Cordie approved!</div>
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Thanks for making it to this point. This was by far our largest project, and it still needs some curtains and a few finishing touches, but we are so happy to have a space that we can use once again.</div>
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<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-5650510243700482222015-07-15T20:06:00.002-07:002015-07-15T20:10:29.150-07:002 Years Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How is it possibly your birthday, little one? And yet, it feels like so much more time must have passed as you have just grown beyond measure this year. Last year you started walking, and this year you are twirling and running and jumping. You carry full conversations and have quirks all your own like how you call us "honey" since mama and daddy call each other that and singing is just the best way to pass the time. I am amazed daily at your intelligence and find my breath caught by your beauty so often. </div>
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We're called to pray ceaselessly. I never mastered that and still haven't, but each day with you I find myself repeatedly thanking God, praying to Him for guidance on how to best raise you, and having full conversations with your guardian angel. You are definitely bringing me closer to God and heaven, and that's such a perfect gift. </div>
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If you'd like to see some snapshots from the day, keep scrolling :) And thank you to everyone who sent cards, presents, videos, pictures, texts, whatever! It absolutely made my whole year to see how much this little person is loved. </div>
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When she came out of her bedroom, she said, "wow!" upon seeing the decorations. We are princess obsessed right now.</div>
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Spoiled much?!</div>
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Nona and Poppy did good! She hopped right on.</div>
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How cute is that apron? Aunt Kelsey always makes her something from scratch!</div>
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The look on her face when she saw her princess dress! Priceless. She practically gasped.</div>
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This was her BIG birthday present that took 3 hours to assemble, but it was 75% off so we had to! She LOVED it. (Also, sneak peak of our new sunroom. It's 90% done, but not quite there yet! Post to come soon!)</div>
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So I was going to buy a birthday cake since the birthday girl requested a mermaid cake, but man are those things not cheap! So, sorry kid, you get mama's handiwork. </div>
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She grew about 5 inches!</div>
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Happy Birthday, sweet girl. We love you.</div>
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-89799471205579607572015-05-07T20:33:00.001-07:002015-05-07T20:41:42.076-07:00Saying Yes to the SacramentCheck out my article about "Saying Yes to the Sacrament" in my diocese's magazine the <em>Catholic Compass</em>. It was so obvious how the Holy Spirit moved through these couples in their marriages. They are trying to true signs of Christ's love for His Church here on Earth. Click the link to read more. <a href="http://faithdigital.org/PenTal/CC0515/?page=1">May/June 2015</a>.<br />
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Photography on the cover by my sister at <a href="http://kelseyklausphotography.com/" target="_blank">Kelsey Klaus Photography</a>!</div>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-12518528682373036152015-02-25T18:58:00.001-08:002015-03-05T10:50:08.006-08:00misconTRAceptionI've been following this lovely <a href="https://sweetheavenlykisses.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">lady's</a> journey with NFP for the last year or two. We actually Skyped shortly after Ben and I were certified through the Couple to Couple League to teach NFP, and I heard a little about this short <a href="http://www.miscontraceptions.com/" target="_blank">film</a> she wanted to create. Pretty excited she shared it with the world recently. It's written from a secular viewpoint to reach out to more women and their partners. Enjoy!<br />
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-87613997024705670372014-09-05T17:43:00.001-07:002014-09-05T17:50:22.792-07:00Why I Found Postpartum to be EmpoweringPostpartum.<br />
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It doesn't role off the tongue. It kind of sticks there until you spit it out. Or at least that's how it felt until I learned more.<br />
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Postpartum is the time after having a baby. It's usually a prolonged time of infertility, your body's natural way of spacing children. However, the length of this "time of infertility" is entirely unknown. How fun is that?! (That was sarcasm.) The length of infertility depends on a few factors:<br />
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1) Baby feeding - If you formula feed, your cycles will probably return very quickly, but if you exclusively breastfeed (no bottles, pumping, pacifiers, or schedule) it could be over a year before you see a cycle. And there are many more options that fall in-between. Also, adding solid food to the mix speeds up the return of fertility.<br />
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2) Baby sleep patterns - When a baby wakes up frequently at night, it sends a signal to the mom's body that it's not a good time to have another baby because this one still requires a lot of attention. However, when babies start sleeping through the night a woman's body begins to normalize and cycles may return even if they are frequently nursing during the day.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF7adza4tisc-0oM8xzOjk0lzgv7OXq1oC5pUrmznEM_LU1RXfDvAHTOPWR4yn3o-76EPvEOLN6Rr684g6r1pOJE2SP6lO4aVTwQKb6ZtvQEu35BfCYarIrqbNby3pXEayUExnOe-YtFz/s1600/l29-ZF-6090-26288-1-001-026.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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My postpartum blessing, almost 14 months old now!</div>
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3) Genetics - Both of the above factors may be trumped though by genetics. Some women's bodies prepare for babies faster than others.<br />
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For example, I did a high version of mixed breastfeeding. What that means is we tried to get Cordie to take a bottle three times (and she HATED it EVERY time) and no pacifiers (again, not from lack of sincere coaxing on our part). She was also on a bit of a schedule since I work from home and needed it. Combine that with Cordie waking one or more times (usually more) at night consistently, and I didn't see my first cycle until she was 10.5 months old, the week after she started sleeping through the night.<br />
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I was really excited about our use of NFP when I started reading about how birth control chemicals can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk. I was not a fan of that idea at all! But I still felt like I was kind of alone in the whole process of figuring out what the heck my body was doing postpartum. It was a lot to process--new baby, changed body. So we decided to contact an instructor to help us out. I highly encourage this! And not just postpartum, but anytime you are confused about what your body is doing when it comes to charting. Find someone to ask questions of and to confide in. (I can be that person if any of you reading need that :)<br />
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Having a husband who constantly builds you up helps postpartum, too!</div>
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We actually made the postpartum time an opportunity to learn the <a href="http://livingthesacrament.com/creighton-model/" target="_blank">Creighton Method</a>. The instructor was wonderful and met with us as often as we needed. I learned so much, and while I still choose to practice the sympto-thermal method, I feel like I have even more knowledge about my body because of my Creighton instruction. My instructor helped me establish my BIP, or basic infertility pattern, so we didn't have to abstain for months or weeks on end. Too often I hear of couples who abstain for such long periods of time because of unknowns, but that doesn't have to be the case at all. Knowledge is power. Find someone who is willing to work with you so NFP doesn't become a burden.<br />
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Cousins just two months apart.</div>
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After a few weeks of charting I immediately noticed a pattern. I could actually see my body attempting to regulate, then deciding it wasn't time, trying again, and once again deciding it still wasn't a good time for another baby because the current one still needed me quite a bit. I actually found postpartum to be empowering, which is odd because I think a lot of women can hit rock bottom self-esteem-wise postpartum. But for me, seeing how my body was working to give me time to heal and properly care for my daughter was beautiful and incredible. How amazingly did God design us?!<br />
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Finally, I learned to trust myself and God a bit more. I think our society has gotten it into our heads that we can't rely on our own observations and interpretations to accurately deduce our fertility without the help of chemicals or physical barriers. We've let fertility become this mystery when in fact it's very specific and a true science. It's my body. I've lived in it for a while now, so I think I can listen to it well enough to learn what it's doing.
Postpartum isn't the easiest time for any woman, practicing NFP or not, but it doesn't have to be scary, surprising, or highly sacrificial. Learn about your body, work with an instructor if you need to, and finally trust yourself and be honest.Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-40444330638468051772014-08-01T17:18:00.002-07:002014-08-02T09:01:22.667-07:00Spreading Our StoryWe were honored when asked to be interviewed for a story on NFP for our diocesan magazine. It was perfect timing for NFP Awareness week, which was July 20-26. I'm always happy to have our story shared because I feel like lots of Catholics fall into the same boat of misinformation and a bit of fear when it comes to NFP. If you have a moment (or several) take a look. It starts on page 14 of the magazine below.<br />
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<object data="http://faithdigital.org/PenTal/CC0714/" height="350" width="450"> <embed src=http://faithdigital.org/PenTal/CC0714/ width="350" height="450"></embed></object>Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-19277453852309193352014-07-25T08:43:00.000-07:002014-07-25T08:43:05.293-07:00What about PCOS?<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve gotten this question many times now, so I thought I’d
write up a response. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What about PCOS? <o:p></o:p></div>
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First, let me say, I’m so sorry you suffer with PCOS. I’ve
never experienced it, but from what I’ve heard it’s a tough cross to bear in
many ways. Not only are your cycles crazy, but many times it comes with weight
gain, pain, mood swings, unusual hair growth, acne, insulin resistance, and it
is one of the leading causes of sub or infertility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For those who don’t know, PCOS is polycystic ovary syndrome.
It is a reproductive dysfunction in which a woman ovulates infrequently or not
at all. It is a hormonal disorder. And most doctors will prescribe birth
control to “cure” it, and they probably truly believe it’s your only option. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m so sorry that the medical world feels it is ok to fix
one area of your health while potentially destroying other parts. This is
unfair. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m also sorry that our society is a quick-fix one. I’m
sorry that we’ve taught ourselves that the easy way is the right way. This is
setting us up for immediate happiness, but potentially future pain and
long-term unhappiness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I say these things because the pill is the easy fix by the
medical world that seemingly works. You take a “magic pill” that seems to make
everything better. But why are we ok with curing our acne, our weight gain, our
mood swings at the expense of possibly getting blood clots, increased risks of
certain cancers, and still not fixing the true problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s a scenario; one I’ve actually seen happen. A woman
dealing with PCOS is prescribed the pill at age 16. She doesn’t think about her
disorder again until she’s ready to start a family later in life. She stops
taking the pill and suddenly her PCOS resurfaces. She isn’t ovulating and she’s
given the new cross of sub or infertility. Instead of managing her PCOS at 16,
she now has to learn how when she desperately wants a baby. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead, why doesn’t the medical community work with women
to manage their PCOS in ways that aren’t detrimental to other aspects of their
health and future? There are other ways to manage PCOS. No, they might not be
cures, but there are ways to help the malfunctioning parts of the body function
closer to how they should. The pill may seem like it regulates your hormones
and causes your body to have a “period”, but it does not. Instead it makes your
body think it is pregnant and then causes it to have “withdrawal” bleeding. This
just further masks the malfunction. Why has their been a shift from treating
the underlying causes of women’s fertility to just “skipping over” the causes?<o:p></o:p></div>
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For many the pill is the easiest way to get back to life. I
guess it is, but the easy way is not always the right way. Instead I would
encourage women with PCOS to steal themselves in strength and determination.
Find a doctor who is willing to work with you on managing PCOS instead of
covering it up. Work with a nutritionist to loose weight (a huge factor in
managing PCOS!!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much weight (or
too little) can have a huge effect on cycle regularity. PCOS is a hormonal disorder
and the food we eat can have a great impact on those hormones. Find which ones
you are missing or eating too much of. Read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fertility-Cycles-Nutrition-Marilyn-Shannon/dp/0926412345/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406302931&sr=1-1&keywords=fertility+nutrition+and+cycles" target="_blank">Fertility,Cycles, and Nutrition</a></i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Fertility-Diet-Groundbreaking-Ovulation/dp/0071627103#" target="_blank">TheFertility Diet</a></i>; both are books with great information about how to manage
areas of a woman’s cycle naturally. Not only do they cover diet, but also have
great information on supplements that can further help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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But what about women who try those things and have no relief?
Yes, there are further options. Search out a NaPro Technology doctor or at
least a doctor that is willing to do hormonal profiling. Through NaPro
Technology, doctors are able to find the underlying causes and determine
treatment. Sometimes the treatments are minor, but for more severe cases it
could include surgery. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Normal, Healthy Chart</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6qzfvznYV6eP2jVO_HjkJAbBC-YEwi0_G2nJbF0Oa4BwfP4v6rHEBK66OxxM_obVepdiCCcVIAxOoA-C776Q5i2XUaPJgCD8jzS701QttbQV6igC4pjueFCJblej41Q69YjnHer0K7Ox/s1600/PCOS+Chart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6qzfvznYV6eP2jVO_HjkJAbBC-YEwi0_G2nJbF0Oa4BwfP4v6rHEBK66OxxM_obVepdiCCcVIAxOoA-C776Q5i2XUaPJgCD8jzS701QttbQV6igC4pjueFCJblej41Q69YjnHer0K7Ox/s1600/PCOS+Chart.gif" height="172" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/infertility.htm" target="_blank">PCOS Chart</a></div>
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I was asked, “<span style="color: #262626;">If you have a daughter [that]
grows up to have a condition like [PCOS], will you have her use 'NFP, vitamins,
diet, and exercise'? Will you have her track her ovulation instead of taking
the Pill and actually fixing her legitimate health problem, even if she is not
sexually active?”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times;">Yes! Yes, my daughter will learn NFP, and if problems
arise with her cycle we will manage them with vitamins, diet, exercise, and
more if the situation calls for it. She deserves total health care. She
deserves more than a band-aid. I will not have her pick and choose what aspects
of her health are important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times;">The pill is easy, but it’s not healthy. I just pray that
more medical practitioners realize this and more women get the help they
deserve as a result.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times;">Resources:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.fertilitycare.org</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.naprotechnology.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.popepaulvi.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://onemoresoul.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-3290014352235703472014-07-21T16:51:00.004-07:002014-07-21T16:51:50.160-07:00 A Letter to Cordie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Dear Cordelia Renée, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMOpUIxD74aLv33A4b19BgD738irX79dMuL75gvfY_MRTt0_yb7kvnlyNIR4GBxiPMn5X5W5r9tbo1qMb-9uCx0drt2hRO5rq3BcmCJ3ute5nWQl_vyaALGVEgJHRt2CSDrkpTtmTEAj/s1600/arms+crossed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMOpUIxD74aLv33A4b19BgD738irX79dMuL75gvfY_MRTt0_yb7kvnlyNIR4GBxiPMn5X5W5r9tbo1qMb-9uCx0drt2hRO5rq3BcmCJ3ute5nWQl_vyaALGVEgJHRt2CSDrkpTtmTEAj/s1600/arms+crossed.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't think anything could be better after I met your daddy, but we both can't fathom why we are so blessed to be your parents. You've only been here for a year, but the way you have brightened the lives of all those around you is just incredible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIIqXViqTt8y0Zfx9h2ca9BuDr_47CuhYQjEZZdZw4yeNF4E_etJDH1rmnMe1sGeKIdaup1SKv7zehqwO9v7XFtkNNOwvUP8K385zBeOB3j1JjLRnCv2q9Bg3C9rrfsIFyhcoskjn6nma/s1600/that+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIIqXViqTt8y0Zfx9h2ca9BuDr_47CuhYQjEZZdZw4yeNF4E_etJDH1rmnMe1sGeKIdaup1SKv7zehqwO9v7XFtkNNOwvUP8K385zBeOB3j1JjLRnCv2q9Bg3C9rrfsIFyhcoskjn6nma/s1600/that+face.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If there is one word that describes this last year, it is thankful. I've never felt this sense of thankfulness for so long before. Each day I wake up I'm so thankful I get to go pull you out of your crib, that I get to see you grow and learn, that I get to experience your every day sass and sweetness. I can't tell you how often I've rocked you and just prayed thank you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdca5Q6wHMn-3RGtJrofsejivD1lF8QmkvSoOjZaEtAhQIYkb0S9r0pWy4rs2pBBIfRaEKCZNXkpvslWzhKIdXmelxAGgg5T0jvAOjAi6B33hG69y9tRNQpwz9pDnYc7j6VHA4SrzEmGW/s1600/bw+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdca5Q6wHMn-3RGtJrofsejivD1lF8QmkvSoOjZaEtAhQIYkb0S9r0pWy4rs2pBBIfRaEKCZNXkpvslWzhKIdXmelxAGgg5T0jvAOjAi6B33hG69y9tRNQpwz9pDnYc7j6VHA4SrzEmGW/s1600/bw+kiss.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I've tried to be thankful in the hard moments when you wouldn't sleep or couldn't be soothed. There is so much sadness in the world, and it reminds me daily to hold you tight even if you don't want to be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrWTAHAZKSZPWeJNuk8Dx5k-FjHjtVrUuZI7OKd0BM351z7YRfFXfVfDDkOKt6c4pE9-3VSOwn7fyh_yc32pY5YqCVsu9Q0qG9wxVBjq-HR79muKiP7854NgGbKmNg0mmAsWJPxIGgiJZ/s1600/pretty+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrWTAHAZKSZPWeJNuk8Dx5k-FjHjtVrUuZI7OKd0BM351z7YRfFXfVfDDkOKt6c4pE9-3VSOwn7fyh_yc32pY5YqCVsu9Q0qG9wxVBjq-HR79muKiP7854NgGbKmNg0mmAsWJPxIGgiJZ/s1600/pretty+girl.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the beginning of your first year I didn't want to go "all out" for a first birthday you'd never remember, but as each month sped by faster than the one prior, I realized the years would be the same. I only get to have you this little for such a short amount of time. I think that was God's design so we would never loose our awe of tiny feet, tiny hands, and baby sounds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q4VYb_gzDBt1xGUQYeV93PQ9PFf1VfF_pYTDsruS5OKw51mEBUIHf9M0RzEEfGLLAGhjqpOm-FRJMKJeSd1Fs6D5rUBQR-FgQEZg7z5EgylWn73qJ7NhKFHSiMcI1OwUJavyqXSmxfPf/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q4VYb_gzDBt1xGUQYeV93PQ9PFf1VfF_pYTDsruS5OKw51mEBUIHf9M0RzEEfGLLAGhjqpOm-FRJMKJeSd1Fs6D5rUBQR-FgQEZg7z5EgylWn73qJ7NhKFHSiMcI1OwUJavyqXSmxfPf/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love that you look just like your daddy but with blue eyes, </div>
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that you growl and smash things, but walk on your tip toes, </div>
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that you are always noisy and busy, but will sit and look at a book,</div>
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that you are so clever and smart, but goofy and innocent as well, </div>
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that you have "stranger danger", but will smile at just about anyone, </div>
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how you crawl as fast as you can to get away, but are always happy to be caught,</div>
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and I love the people you've changed your daddy and me into.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love you so much.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As far as the party goes, take a look at the details for your Cute as a Button themed party.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsVJOklGHDSYc9GF1FtmaGFotF-iAZPXPqu7i7Uxuyh-kk_vy51gD1okT5Q40D6IJtCEni355Ak5DNwT2cHjecGEwjcg_zZHuq00GwD0PhJ2hNUCf5prsmmFD6IbU1v6cAUzIeqw4NPaX/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsVJOklGHDSYc9GF1FtmaGFotF-iAZPXPqu7i7Uxuyh-kk_vy51gD1okT5Q40D6IJtCEni355Ak5DNwT2cHjecGEwjcg_zZHuq00GwD0PhJ2hNUCf5prsmmFD6IbU1v6cAUzIeqw4NPaX/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVIWjPwgVZYG4JdzWfoxatNcg3X0O8e0fDD1cZikZn21B40K-PJEHxm5G8oQDNvPXeN3BCqTjFkYZ-E4rjdnqFEOhn2LQHb9ovpnBi5B78UCDYkTtVX2GkFkH4GkFhCqRuiqKfq_SSj24/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVIWjPwgVZYG4JdzWfoxatNcg3X0O8e0fDD1cZikZn21B40K-PJEHxm5G8oQDNvPXeN3BCqTjFkYZ-E4rjdnqFEOhn2LQHb9ovpnBi5B78UCDYkTtVX2GkFkH4GkFhCqRuiqKfq_SSj24/s1600/cake.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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So thankful to celebrate with family and friends!</div>
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Special thanks to Aunt Kelsey of <a href="http://www.kelseyklausphotography.com/" target="_blank">Kelsey Klaus Photography</a> for the photos!</div>
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Hello from Uncle Kris.</div>
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Before and after. Prego buddies. </div>
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Happy One Year!</div>
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We love you so much!</div>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-28124445702017198102014-05-14T17:44:00.001-07:002014-05-14T17:46:24.311-07:00Photo BookHow cool is this? I created a photo book through Shutterfly and can share it here.<br />
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbtmbhqzaMmjio&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115" rel="nofollow">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div>
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Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-27592570057864628652014-01-02T20:19:00.001-08:002014-01-02T20:21:07.035-08:00Year in Review: 2013 EditionA little late, but our two year anniversary of owning a home was Dec. 17. Last year I did a "<a href="http://pretty-bones.blogspot.com/2012/12/pretty-bones-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">year in review</a>" of our projects, and I wanted to do the same thing this year. So here we go on our trip down memory lane ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNNGK2QEBqxCoJxrh_l_aXpMerYVTAqPFZ4hgAUWFDfA1Tr8ZOvEinUu4aKvXHjVcgOuR8kozM3YjvJ2LEzHKNEkZdg1n0SNZaiaXURXO4O7TO4r0Qi9xv2_Is9n4-Z2rk_xoylN1E-ix/s1600/before_after+master+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNNGK2QEBqxCoJxrh_l_aXpMerYVTAqPFZ4hgAUWFDfA1Tr8ZOvEinUu4aKvXHjVcgOuR8kozM3YjvJ2LEzHKNEkZdg1n0SNZaiaXURXO4O7TO4r0Qi9xv2_Is9n4-Z2rk_xoylN1E-ix/s400/before_after+master+bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We lived with blinds held up with bandaids for a year and walls that looked like someone had decided painting with dirt was a better idea than actual paint. Now our <a href="http://pretty-bones.blogspot.com/2013/04/master-bedroom-worth-wait.html" target="_blank">master bedroom</a> looks like a calm retreat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KGglkxlZIPgISFI9E1G9-H2Ht35M3kN6oAyxL9Vs4Z__4aIuZkDztrSgr0dhRAodoS80o-EImS_LUaI19aQhhY_swI-PEYr05iPqvnYpoL05dSdNPZ9lOvC4f9Xky9MLMZ3zG3hjo4Kt/s1600/Before_after+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KGglkxlZIPgISFI9E1G9-H2Ht35M3kN6oAyxL9Vs4Z__4aIuZkDztrSgr0dhRAodoS80o-EImS_LUaI19aQhhY_swI-PEYr05iPqvnYpoL05dSdNPZ9lOvC4f9Xky9MLMZ3zG3hjo4Kt/s400/Before_after+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It might not look like a huge difference, but our <a href="http://pretty-bones.blogspot.com/2013/03/living-room-reno-was-no-picnic.html" target="_blank">living room</a> went from dingy and dated to bright and inviting (in my opinion :). And boy was it a huge project painting all those walls (twice) and replacing 350 feet in trim and 7 doors complete with fixtures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYUuNWw17rYsd-2oGxM9STNG68iw7v0E4hkif4RwAXIVwZwHBdAFUtWkpsG5SMuaG-9DW_bOTXCBLRXRT0iPPVFvsDQG8inHU5CNIMkYFCtVXaxAa8FfQ7VDVJuUBCND_XMDcEUMT9Bzm/s1600/before_after+hallway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYUuNWw17rYsd-2oGxM9STNG68iw7v0E4hkif4RwAXIVwZwHBdAFUtWkpsG5SMuaG-9DW_bOTXCBLRXRT0iPPVFvsDQG8inHU5CNIMkYFCtVXaxAa8FfQ7VDVJuUBCND_XMDcEUMT9Bzm/s400/before_after+hallway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The before and after for our hallway still makes me happy. Soon though we'll be replacing that light!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAcNOQ9fiyLRydZ4w0yYiMmpcvWXNBwvrS-cVEilVFIzwtoz99tPwZWIW4rajv0INgyD-J9yTXUT0x0uH3FLjCbyc146ywRbhhkHkk83YNTiCg9vqH-_hk-tidOMDntBKYa9Sl7KFm73U/s1600/before_after+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAcNOQ9fiyLRydZ4w0yYiMmpcvWXNBwvrS-cVEilVFIzwtoz99tPwZWIW4rajv0INgyD-J9yTXUT0x0uH3FLjCbyc146ywRbhhkHkk83YNTiCg9vqH-_hk-tidOMDntBKYa9Sl7KFm73U/s400/before_after+nursery.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://pretty-bones.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-nursery-anticipating-little-girl.html" target="_blank">nursery</a> was of course one of my favorite projects. It was so much fun preparing for our little girl. I sat in that room many days during the end of my pregnancy imagining her there. I can't believe she sleeps in there now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-lfK4VvHiPOa8SPFbl-Yl3oOO32UBaAG_JTaKqqXP9Dr9zCVnK1lj-d7bQ4EbcnsGQRbjHTFZgQvz9VBhzWLpxYfhej2dHOMqj7nIEgvF3pgmgjjThbXGCZTbO_z7KWCcS2CyqZbJOYK/s1600/before_after+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-lfK4VvHiPOa8SPFbl-Yl3oOO32UBaAG_JTaKqqXP9Dr9zCVnK1lj-d7bQ4EbcnsGQRbjHTFZgQvz9VBhzWLpxYfhej2dHOMqj7nIEgvF3pgmgjjThbXGCZTbO_z7KWCcS2CyqZbJOYK/s400/before_after+bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And last, but certainly not least, the <a href="http://pretty-bones.blogspot.com/2014/01/goodbye-1985-hello-2014.html" target="_blank">guest bathroom</a> was one of our biggest renos yet in our home. I still go in just to look at it before I go to bed. I can't wait to redo our master bath, but that's going to take some saving up.</div>
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I'm pretty proud of the work we put into our home and am excited about the projects we've been discussing for the coming year! We don't have a lot of rooms left to update, but there are plenty of floors, closets, and more that need some love. So thankful that we've been blessed to have accomplished all this. Special thanks to my amazingly handy and selfless hubby and my generous dad for making these projects a possibility. This home had been a work of love for our family, and we hope we can bless others with it in our continued ministry.<br />
<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-26176382836415146022014-01-01T19:35:00.002-08:002014-01-01T19:38:08.731-08:00Goodbye 1985. Hello 2014.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've completely fallen off the blogging map these last few months. I guess that's what having a baby and working will do to you. And on top of that, we decided to renovate our guest bathroom. (Yeah!!) </div>
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Having a little one definitely slowed down our progress. No nail guns after 8pm and wallpaper removal in 20 minute chunks. But we finished, minus a few odds and ends. </div>
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The bathrooms in our home might have been the most dated rooms in our home. 1985 specifically. Sailboat wallpaper, shell shaped sinks, and carpet (in a bathroom, gross). It all had to come out. All. Of. It.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVR5AdTyUtiNNNxd2FGnN1qmO-YY3vfMmByVNBfKXbSJ-4a9ZbxtoIjw9tGWKYkenlizpegLyk_4YaY85bSj0cj3lpIPVIDMhVQsKYZSmy_W4sBrjzDF42mwwwlthstXQET5oaRvGGbZf/s1600/before+vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVR5AdTyUtiNNNxd2FGnN1qmO-YY3vfMmByVNBfKXbSJ-4a9ZbxtoIjw9tGWKYkenlizpegLyk_4YaY85bSj0cj3lpIPVIDMhVQsKYZSmy_W4sBrjzDF42mwwwlthstXQET5oaRvGGbZf/s400/before+vanity.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Before. The paper lantern was left behind from the tenant occupying the home before we moved in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqBj29HNxpw1RPjt9m9qeptZ0_61HU5mHCWWMWBlQoP88VyBpe3W9EE6ln3-KaYMBOVSkAneYvoxqqqGDas-Ig_uMnFXktzgmVJHJpd5D6Fplaj2BPx6zwS_73fh91lDHrWTE91PGFd_4/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqBj29HNxpw1RPjt9m9qeptZ0_61HU5mHCWWMWBlQoP88VyBpe3W9EE6ln3-KaYMBOVSkAneYvoxqqqGDas-Ig_uMnFXktzgmVJHJpd5D6Fplaj2BPx6zwS_73fh91lDHrWTE91PGFd_4/s400/before.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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See how dark it is? There was no light over the toilet or the shower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq-M8coZmGEDDB_eI7JE5-d13AxKez801giLgg-r_1f8G5M_jI69IgNhXPteZBfj6F8LTMjyESHpirWfNbtLx3mUFHJmWeiKVlo7kYIScMSba6PBdmUMUApY4HXbgfxu_52ykSRY5ZRQ6/s1600/before+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq-M8coZmGEDDB_eI7JE5-d13AxKez801giLgg-r_1f8G5M_jI69IgNhXPteZBfj6F8LTMjyESHpirWfNbtLx3mUFHJmWeiKVlo7kYIScMSba6PBdmUMUApY4HXbgfxu_52ykSRY5ZRQ6/s400/before+shower.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Not terrible, but nothing extraordinary either. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-mmq42-tulkehgQCP-dUoJkFCLaQHsO6vC-FC_wZ0riaBR5sGGHgYMyQYDTjgWsAqPWGbGu1YXwF8-CG_qPUbfL3xxPcc1WmXBeEZxgtnFryQP33sVP1sUvG7G28DKKca5f6QKZMTplh/s1600/before+rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-mmq42-tulkehgQCP-dUoJkFCLaQHsO6vC-FC_wZ0riaBR5sGGHgYMyQYDTjgWsAqPWGbGu1YXwF8-CG_qPUbfL3xxPcc1WmXBeEZxgtnFryQP33sVP1sUvG7G28DKKca5f6QKZMTplh/s400/before+rope.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Nice touch of "nautical" with the fraying rope.</div>
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Like almost all of our renos, we decided to start this gut randomly one morning. We've had the tile collecting dust in our garage for over a year now. It was extra from a project my dad did (he's a master craftsman in the tile business) and we couldn't wait to install it. But first we had to rip everything out.</div>
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All gone. </div>
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Prepping for new tile.</div>
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It was messy, dusty business. Our whole home was covered in a layer of dust. Not my favorite.</div>
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When we removed everything, we went shopping for our replacement items. Toilet, fixtures, and vanity. But wait. Our old vanity was 65 inches. They don't make vanities 65 inches. 60 and 72, but not 65. So we found the silver lining and decided to build out the stub wall and build in shelves. It was quite a bit of extra work, but well worth the effort. </div>
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We also purchased new lights. Lights are always one of my favorite parts of our projects. And this project was special for two reasons. First, we moved the light switch from outside the room (a favorite past time of my dad's was to turn off the light on my mom while she was using the restroom. So mean.), inside the room. And next we added light over the dark shower and toilet. Poor hubby spent a lot of time in the attic to get that to work. </div>
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Our final major addition was a double vanity. That was a must on my list since someday I see children fighting over a single sink.</div>
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My dad doing amazing work! We also added two cubbies in the shower.</div>
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This looks like a horror film. We took all the wallpaper down and it was impossible to plaster the wall enough to get it smooth (not despite a lot of trying on my part). So we found an orange peel spray on plaster. It worked like a charm, but I'd suggest doing it before you install the tile and vanity. We had to cover and tape EVERYTHING! So after about two months, we are finally finished!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHl4C95UMfOwzizooxbNcGwP7L5TOK51vvSQ9F4qpvbfg5VEw8Lu7zRnkOV8tbRWfcufitKnUE01JQ6Q5yg8tARCBok2E3WcUZ9OKh2Kqsbe5FBRpAe5ny4iZWKnlyPhruiba3f-7YfJs/s1600/new+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHl4C95UMfOwzizooxbNcGwP7L5TOK51vvSQ9F4qpvbfg5VEw8Lu7zRnkOV8tbRWfcufitKnUE01JQ6Q5yg8tARCBok2E3WcUZ9OKh2Kqsbe5FBRpAe5ny4iZWKnlyPhruiba3f-7YfJs/s640/new+bath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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What. A. Difference. </div>
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Goodbye 1985. Hello 2014 :)</div>
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I'm so happy the vanity was an odd size because I adore this built in. It's beautiful and will be so functional in the future.</div>
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Makes me want to take a hot bath and relax. We went with a shower curtain instead of a shower door so it will make bath time easier in the future. Plus, I LOVE shower curtains. I don't know why, I just do. I think it's an easy way to change the feel of the whole bathroom without spending a lot of money.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGIkxamv68XVkcZCGIg7NfNoh4p7IQIDPg7vpDBFE7osTwEtcLCCHQGMMqSqCypEZmi7Yl35opoZQ3PhNSpQezXu5Ley0dmrEgxVvLaA0obO1MP1_KcUqzFi3epeuzwWQubSs3kB0L9TV/s1600/cubies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGIkxamv68XVkcZCGIg7NfNoh4p7IQIDPg7vpDBFE7osTwEtcLCCHQGMMqSqCypEZmi7Yl35opoZQ3PhNSpQezXu5Ley0dmrEgxVvLaA0obO1MP1_KcUqzFi3epeuzwWQubSs3kB0L9TV/s640/cubies+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Love the cubbies, tile, and our new fixtures. </div>
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This is a beautiful sight to see down the hallway. </div>
<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-85317061299092059742013-08-09T12:34:00.003-07:002018-03-02T09:47:45.009-08:00Cordelia ReneeThroughout my entire pregnancy I was positive I'd have this baby early. My reasoning partially stemmed from the fact that she was so active, but also partially because I couldn't really imagine being pregnant for 40 weeks! So, when my husband started asking people to guess our daughter's birthdate I put my guess down for July 15, one of my best friend's birthdays and almost two weeks before my due date of July 30. However, the closer we go to the 15th, the less likely I felt like she would be coming early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYByg3WbPmSkUsJlPnu45_NOb5wjBG8sp2BnHkmE4VR96GeqJ5Kzo1GsOaZSO95z0iD2GH7iU0xFsZv2FWC1Y13rB7q4abSEfl4MojyceGo9U_wJoEBx3L8sHn6Qm9J4DDUr6LE4q_1s2/s1600/Last+prego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYByg3WbPmSkUsJlPnu45_NOb5wjBG8sp2BnHkmE4VR96GeqJ5Kzo1GsOaZSO95z0iD2GH7iU0xFsZv2FWC1Y13rB7q4abSEfl4MojyceGo9U_wJoEBx3L8sHn6Qm9J4DDUr6LE4q_1s2/s320/Last+prego.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last pregnant photo.</td></tr>
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On July 13 I had Braxton Hicks contractions all day. I had BH contractions throughout a good portion of my pregnancy, but never all day long. I kept saying how I thought the BH contractions were a sign that labor would start soon, but my husband wasn't so sure. The next day I didn't have any BH contractions. I was so disappointed and told myself to expect to go the full 40 ... if not longer. I was just dying to meet this little girl, but knew she'd come when she was ready.<br />
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Sunday night I picked out my clothes for work the next morning, set my alarm, and fell asleep only to dream I was in labor. The dream was so real I woke up and kept feeling the pain. It took me several minutes and another few contractions before I realized I wasn't dreaming. These were the real thing!<br />
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It was about 2 am and I decided to get up and walk around to see if they'd go away. At 2:30 I woke up Ben because they were getting stronger rather than weaker. He watched me have a contraction and started packing the hospital bag. I tried to help, but mostly I held onto the bathroom counter and swayed through each contraction, which were coming about two to three minutes apart.<br />
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At 4:30 Ben said we needed to start our drive to the hospital, which was 30 minutes away. I was in complete denial that I was actually having a baby. I kept telling him there was no way this was the real thing. Everything I had read said false labor was common, that you should labor at home for several hours, that women are in labor for hours and hours, and it was the day I had picked for her birthdate (and since I had picked that day I was positive it wouldn't in fact be her birthday). But I couldn't deny how strong and frequent the contractions were, so we left.<br />
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I don't really remember the ride there. Each contraction required my full attention, and the small resting period in between was just enough time to prepare for the next. I do remember the walk from the car to the hospital. It was warm, but not hot and only slightly humid. The stars were still out but starting to fade as the dawn was approaching. It was so quiet. I also had a contraction halfway to the door, and Ben held me and whispered, "We're going to have a baby today" in my ear.<br />
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When we made it inside and to the registration table, the nurses asked us how long I had been having contractions. Three hours. They gave each other sideways glances that read, "Looks like we'll be sending this lady home." I didn't blame them because I kept thinking the same thing. They sent me to an observation room and said if I didn't progress they'd send me home. I was only at three centimeters. I was positive they would send me home and that made me want to cry because I couldn't imagine the contractions getting much stronger. Five minutes later my water broke. We were having a baby!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvxnc_0LW3_HXOanHqgI21mzLVcw_WX8JigBIIhUSO9UqClnasRTSPX7aXk3lpKXGCFugtk0r3tVDIIGMPj2M745Z3RrSsAVDsEkttCOMUm0BlwbhjPyEDnKXIqovOML6_vzGodricT44/s1600/Observation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvxnc_0LW3_HXOanHqgI21mzLVcw_WX8JigBIIhUSO9UqClnasRTSPX7aXk3lpKXGCFugtk0r3tVDIIGMPj2M745Z3RrSsAVDsEkttCOMUm0BlwbhjPyEDnKXIqovOML6_vzGodricT44/s320/Observation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the observation room for about 10 minutes.</td></tr>
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One of the things I was most excited about at my hospital was all the options they had to help with pain management in labor that were drug free. I had done a bit of research during my pregnancy and, even though I'm a total wimp when it comes to pain, had hoped I could make it through labor and delivery drug free using the Bradley Method. Most people told me I was crazy and assured me that once the contractions started I'd be begging for the epidural. They were almost right. I couldn't get out of the hospital bed let alone use a labor ball or hydrotherapy while having contractions.<br />
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At first I lost focus, forgot everything I had learned about the Bradley Method, and began to panic. I must have been on repeat telling Ben, "I don't think I can do this." He kept telling me I could and to focus on relaxing. A few days earlier we had made a pinky promise that he wouldn't let me get an epidural, and for us a pinky promise is unbreakable. I was cursing the pinky promise around 7 am.<br />
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At 8 am my doctor showed up and asked if I wanted to be checked. Even though I know dilation doesn't give you an accurate picture of how far along you are in labor I said yes. She asked me to guess how far along I was. I prayed for at least 5 cm. The nurses and the other resident doctor agreed with me. 8! I was 8 cm, and I was refocused on my goal of a drug-free birth.<br />
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The Bradley Method is also referred to as Husband-Coached Childbirth. My husband deserves an award for the amazing job he did coaching me. He held my hand and talked me through the whole thing. He watched the monitors, told me what was happening around me, and constantly encouraged me. He was amazing, and I could not have done it without him. My mom also came in a few times and talked me through a few contractions. I didn't realize how important that talking and encouragement would be, but both were entirely necessary.<br />
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By 10:30 am I had reached the "I can't do this" phase that the Bradley Method identifies as "the end." I had told Ben that I was excited for when I said, "I can't do this" because it would mean I'd be meeting my daughter soon. However, by the time I said "I can't do this" I meant it. The pushing contractions felt impossible. But Ben kept saying, "This is the end. Just a little longer. This is the part you've been waiting for." At 10:45 the nurse said I could start pushing once the doctor arrived. If I have one suggestion for other pregnant women, it's to find an awesome doctor like mine. She gave me specific, clear instructions on what I needed to do. She talked me through the whole thing and never once was I unsure or unaware of what was happening.<br />
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At 11:08, after 16 minutes of pushing, I heard my husband say, "There she is!" Cordelia Renée was lifted straight to my arms where I held her while she cried for the first time and I finally cried as well. My husband got to cut the cord and then he joined us, crying as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWkUbNODLGBj8AUkN_umx0FWehJOTvXUb0ffcg59ijJx7ni8ZgvnI5VrhWNzON8szaQRduizRyXT35eHHUv07OS3R-0JMD3NhSriM7ZJtS6J6dBaKxoDhSlbKEAO_VuhuVLZApasn-sQ1/s1600/Cordie+is+born.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWkUbNODLGBj8AUkN_umx0FWehJOTvXUb0ffcg59ijJx7ni8ZgvnI5VrhWNzON8szaQRduizRyXT35eHHUv07OS3R-0JMD3NhSriM7ZJtS6J6dBaKxoDhSlbKEAO_VuhuVLZApasn-sQ1/s320/Cordie+is+born.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're complete.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAwk8luZqT8eqFai_iPrpa02wqC7Q4SFVXXsfqTLQzlywLv7DVAE-BTGcBHw1iC87oiXN_Y8HIA3IqXEiAWlmcP1WJ1Cy6dQyFkRbgpg9HkZlVVjya45qbjqiqr4hWNsMHKWIQi-TGwOP/s1600/Ben+and+Cordie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAwk8luZqT8eqFai_iPrpa02wqC7Q4SFVXXsfqTLQzlywLv7DVAE-BTGcBHw1iC87oiXN_Y8HIA3IqXEiAWlmcP1WJ1Cy6dQyFkRbgpg9HkZlVVjya45qbjqiqr4hWNsMHKWIQi-TGwOP/s320/Ben+and+Cordie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cordie getting checked by the doctor while a very happy daddy watches.</td></tr>
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It was extremely difficult and so fast. Definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done even though my family said that it looked like I was sleeping while I was having contractions. Glad I made it look easy ha! It was so worth it and I thank God that I was given the ability and the option to do so. But in the end I was just happy Cordie was born healthy and that she's in my arms, regardless of how she got there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3U4IbD-xnztumllCJMpODL-IIb4GbmPd-IM1xUWcSh1hpy-xV7ir0disViYgSYiL29mrJ9UkgqFHcJpNOfJ4lJ84PTwyL1vSVCfQIlm55AYiSA4XAaYvYAGWbCzLSX_aA_IRXHD5Xjh/s1600/All+of+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3U4IbD-xnztumllCJMpODL-IIb4GbmPd-IM1xUWcSh1hpy-xV7ir0disViYgSYiL29mrJ9UkgqFHcJpNOfJ4lJ84PTwyL1vSVCfQIlm55AYiSA4XAaYvYAGWbCzLSX_aA_IRXHD5Xjh/s320/All+of+us.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PIttSA9JRSGZJO1laPOTAN4HnetBcT-FXTIAdDaBZ9GCwdX_-KoTtI8IwnM1ym6LMrI3Pf0675ewFOjdWrQzcNMM4Y2hyIuCF7ZHmHSTAi-iJRcOnI1HoaFcirgr50YfFUqFkuQqr1S/s1600/Me+and+Cordie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PIttSA9JRSGZJO1laPOTAN4HnetBcT-FXTIAdDaBZ9GCwdX_-KoTtI8IwnM1ym6LMrI3Pf0675ewFOjdWrQzcNMM4Y2hyIuCF7ZHmHSTAi-iJRcOnI1HoaFcirgr50YfFUqFkuQqr1S/s320/Me+and+Cordie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and daughter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJPokvPbbRr-kBSQHmLw0ZGU81cEg-2-6PysIw35Kd9XF110i2NjK3-Wp0_E_OM_jwuiRSwcyGxDer820OcSGDYyOJlFmUyF_MQXD6TZ-y_5R3Sb_R0X5MJjH4qJu4BE27JjFY_-jW6IH/s1600/Ben+and+Cordie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJPokvPbbRr-kBSQHmLw0ZGU81cEg-2-6PysIw35Kd9XF110i2NjK3-Wp0_E_OM_jwuiRSwcyGxDer820OcSGDYyOJlFmUyF_MQXD6TZ-y_5R3Sb_R0X5MJjH4qJu4BE27JjFY_-jW6IH/s320/Ben+and+Cordie+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father and daughter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9pBiCidIukEt6Rx4HnTuhDmwJWtoBBIaik-lWDX7uhmzxtEjTOjBf2flivK9wb0QDwOZdu6H7609BazRQ9Tm2N7mo8p6xXWfHXeC88dKre6x2Ng4BrZTIPSjnapx4kmlrzzRJIliOBLd/s1600/Cordelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9pBiCidIukEt6Rx4HnTuhDmwJWtoBBIaik-lWDX7uhmzxtEjTOjBf2flivK9wb0QDwOZdu6H7609BazRQ9Tm2N7mo8p6xXWfHXeC88dKre6x2Ng4BrZTIPSjnapx4kmlrzzRJIliOBLd/s320/Cordelia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cordelia (jewel of the sea) Renée (reborn), 6 lbs 4 oz 19 inches and 15 days early.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGkdd2DyRnk4jBnPS6EJvcncvj7US5wJMTGHqlhwg1RLVsgoJBlyqxkLqWsqdiMmgTOuIzjokS-NsA97Eq9nHOYPwB177HquHmeCV9COCB9bJBZLGWWoguwLFMoa-wKhlZ2CRPow06Uo/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGkdd2DyRnk4jBnPS6EJvcncvj7US5wJMTGHqlhwg1RLVsgoJBlyqxkLqWsqdiMmgTOuIzjokS-NsA97Eq9nHOYPwB177HquHmeCV9COCB9bJBZLGWWoguwLFMoa-wKhlZ2CRPow06Uo/s320/IMG_0800.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeedL-kNjUC79U1M6Q0_PWXP4-nPNd_w25coyV8wOsHEjw5Th9LzwFUB3V2i9tFF6Jo6vIDWA_ISrTxEwtM4RXxqKbWxWduK4yosJZKksG22GzUFIfryYcJnXn3m6hTYGtKhKHDu-fJOpn/s1600/Cordie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeedL-kNjUC79U1M6Q0_PWXP4-nPNd_w25coyV8wOsHEjw5Th9LzwFUB3V2i9tFF6Jo6vIDWA_ISrTxEwtM4RXxqKbWxWduK4yosJZKksG22GzUFIfryYcJnXn3m6hTYGtKhKHDu-fJOpn/s320/Cordie.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three weeks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-6146304636851465582013-06-30T06:46:00.000-07:002013-06-30T06:46:22.040-07:00Our Nursery: Anticipating a Little Girl<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When Ben and I were touring our now home
about a year and a half ago we couldn't help but picture one of the bedrooms as
a nursery. In fact looking at the whole house we couldn't help but picture each
room being used by a growing family. And as we've redone each room, they've all
be in preparation for our future as the family God has planned for us. So now
that we've put some finishing touches on the nursery, it feels like
"mission accomplished" as my husband put it. It's all been in anticipation
of this little girl (and maybe her brothers/sisters someday). We obviously are
no where near finished fixing up this home, but we feel ready to bring a new
little person into our home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course the physical surroundings are minor and
rather insignificant when it comes to preparing for a baby, but man is it fun
to put together a nursery! Seriously I had a blast, especially when you
consider where we started in this room! See below:<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjzlEYLkMlOnzZ7UmDcM4kZav3ywlFvQGf4cl09hJ3NGZuxv5pNCMAy2YtgqIHfvN0XA8MOaxLy-J-14DR9aQxSWdiFuzNH_xY0rqQKHYVXduE63yJ0n7NGrB4C-l_sq1QBneXmY8RMA4/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjzlEYLkMlOnzZ7UmDcM4kZav3ywlFvQGf4cl09hJ3NGZuxv5pNCMAy2YtgqIHfvN0XA8MOaxLy-J-14DR9aQxSWdiFuzNH_xY0rqQKHYVXduE63yJ0n7NGrB4C-l_sq1QBneXmY8RMA4/s400/before.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpI3t18DtaweN3JEZW6yha2Qgn00Aozb_Zvj2HXrHBgMYfPH0yRVz6Xj2j8cV-wFOdrbwwuDxN6zsRePycuXyyn42qir-b6aJkOpto_rLn8_10YDtnKKvR0UXrddizNc4S_GBYBOdxLMR/s1600/IMG_2726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpI3t18DtaweN3JEZW6yha2Qgn00Aozb_Zvj2HXrHBgMYfPH0yRVz6Xj2j8cV-wFOdrbwwuDxN6zsRePycuXyyn42qir-b6aJkOpto_rLn8_10YDtnKKvR0UXrddizNc4S_GBYBOdxLMR/s400/IMG_2726.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It was pretty blah. But now, at a month before the due date (!!!), I'm happy to reveal where my daughter will spend time playing, dreaming, and growing. It was a blast to put together, and it's probably not officially finished, but it's ready for her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq1tprB_egTencLSQ9K3JIxgPNByOrEj-xJh4lABnwNP64-ZEiAsAGd6OIAzgLqzRF-c9ggL-u_-fTbJE4tgGrDzYuVdaaQUgxMaq8ftMPbCCU7FZANHXsx2WzQVQ4o1OqVfv5SS0pLxp/s1600/hanging+new+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq1tprB_egTencLSQ9K3JIxgPNByOrEj-xJh4lABnwNP64-ZEiAsAGd6OIAzgLqzRF-c9ggL-u_-fTbJE4tgGrDzYuVdaaQUgxMaq8ftMPbCCU7FZANHXsx2WzQVQ4o1OqVfv5SS0pLxp/s400/hanging+new+light.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Soon to be daddy putting up a new ceiling fan! Bay is very interested.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNfrmOu8Vr9KAmnUPEPFHPswdGd1S1RXksqiQSMmmkXVAn6rsMnunU_ItXsp_qOI2BSUgDRoE-A8bhAY5tRFRNFqME18blFiE1e-_EWBd7WLTec_cG69mVObT8xyr-Z16tWs0S4dsQZu4/s1600/putting+crib+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNfrmOu8Vr9KAmnUPEPFHPswdGd1S1RXksqiQSMmmkXVAn6rsMnunU_ItXsp_qOI2BSUgDRoE-A8bhAY5tRFRNFqME18blFiE1e-_EWBd7WLTec_cG69mVObT8xyr-Z16tWs0S4dsQZu4/s400/putting+crib+together.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Putting together the crib!</div>
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The next few photos are done by my sister at <a href="http://kelseyklausphotography.com/">kelseyklausphotography.com</a>. Check out her work if you get a chance.</div>
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Few sidebars: yes the room is blue and yes we are having a girl. I am a girly girl, but not necessarily a pink-on-pink-on-pink kind. And no there is not really a "theme." There are some owls and a lot of various prints, but that's about as far as a theme goes. Regardless, I'm so happy with it.</div>
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The Details:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGASEfMGCBu0f3OCQJKG3p_3FKQNei5f6YYkidS9BZ58Apewo8sPGTh9ieTm69RvdsdjWwDApIl5rEp43VBLySr-hoopL7JlINBwVhhCkTZN8GveY-_79kxduu0OvXlGYiLS73OxO3vpC/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGASEfMGCBu0f3OCQJKG3p_3FKQNei5f6YYkidS9BZ58Apewo8sPGTh9ieTm69RvdsdjWwDApIl5rEp43VBLySr-hoopL7JlINBwVhhCkTZN8GveY-_79kxduu0OvXlGYiLS73OxO3vpC/s400/c3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful owl my mom had made sitting next to an ultrasound picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq6Uvg2LTiOH5zD4MlLBy30ivfJZZIIAAKMbnFOb_CkUemYpPMxXWk0zo1TxHJl-N2VL8pLn6c8N7MgbR5iZdk0OT1edssIsVBnhODcGtmbZeeQRVHKqQxFjSI_AwmK-s5iAHwDIXD_Qm/s1600/c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq6Uvg2LTiOH5zD4MlLBy30ivfJZZIIAAKMbnFOb_CkUemYpPMxXWk0zo1TxHJl-N2VL8pLn6c8N7MgbR5iZdk0OT1edssIsVBnhODcGtmbZeeQRVHKqQxFjSI_AwmK-s5iAHwDIXD_Qm/s400/c4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She has a lot of dresses. </div>
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This photo was taken by me, but it wasn't quite ready when my sister was snapping photos. The doll on the shelf was one my mom made for me.</div>
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And since we haven't taken any maternity photos yet, Kelsey snapped a few of those in the nursery as well. </div>
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I adore these curtains! They were my splurge :)</div>
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Bay was interested in the shoes.</div>
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Baby shoes are the cutest. </div>
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Favorites!</div>
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We can't wait to meet you little girl! </div>
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Thank you Kelsey for these wonderful memories in photos!</div>
Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-71248887304501024302013-06-10T16:12:00.003-07:002013-06-10T16:18:23.123-07:00Barbie Baby ShowerThank you doesn't even begin to cut it in showing my gratitude for the shower my sister and friend threw me. Seriously, I'm just happy you both are having babies soon so I can do something in return for your little ones! So hugely blessed and thought I'd document via blog using the pictures my sister took. She's incredible talented behind the camera, so check her out at <a href="http://www.kelseyklausphotography.com/">www.kelseyklausphotography.com</a>!<br />
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And yes, it's a girl if you couldn't tell by the vast amounts of pink. It was also Barbie themed because my sister and I were in love with the dolls as children. Kelsey has since gotten me something Barbie-related for many holidays as gifts and our parents actually got us the Disney princess Barbies last year for Christmas just for fun. Really happy I'm having a girl so we can put those to use someday.<br />
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The lovely ladies who threw me the amazing shower! They are due within about a week of each other in October!</div>
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My mom and I <3 I was so thrilled that she was able to be here for my shower. She left a lot of things back home (16 hours away) to be here for me and it meant so much.</div>
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The decor was so beautiful and very pink.</div>
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It's terrible, but I've been addicted to Lucky Charms during this pregnancy! </div>
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Flowers and baby's breath and Barbie memorabilia everywhere!</div>
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We were ridiculously spoiled.</div>
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My friends are so talented that we got a lot of handmade items like this dress from my sister and a ton of other items that put my sewing skills to shame. </div>
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And since I'm a bookworm, my sister asked that everyone bring books instead of cards. Love it!!</div>
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The ladies also made onsies of every size and wrote wishes and hopes for my baby girl to read someday. I was about in tears later as I was going through them.</div>
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Thank you so much to everyone who came and helped celebrate this new life, my daughter! </div>
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<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536746799509899756.post-67997881484820927162013-06-06T15:46:00.000-07:002013-06-06T15:46:09.616-07:00Three Things NFP Has Done for Our MarriageLast month we celebrated our three-year wedding anniversary! And just this week we celebrated seven years since we first started dating.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven years ago during our first summer of dating <3</td></tr>
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Seven years is a long time, and I think I love our relationship more today than at any other point in that time. I think I'm pretty blessed to be able to say that, too. There are days or moments where I have to sit down and wonder, "Why do I deserve this?" I haven't figured it out yet, but whatever it is, I know my husband was created for me and vice versa.<br />
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One of the best things we ever did for our relationship was switch from contraception to NFP. I think that switch has created permanent guardrails for our marriage so we can avoid many of the ravines other couples fall into. It certainly wasn't something we ever planned for and it meant a lifestyle change for us both, but it was worth it if it meant making our marriage more like what God wants it to be. And as a way to keep my thoughts going in a coherent direction, I've decided to list three things that NFP has done for our marriage, one for each year.<br />
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<b>It's Created A New Level of Respect</b><br />
If NFP does one thing, if applied properly in a marriage, I think it is creating a level of respect that wasn't there before or at least supporting that level of respect on a day-to-day basis. I've heard a lot of women say they don't want their husbands to help them chart because they don't want their husbands to know about their cycles. Yes, pretend they don't exist. I'm sure he'll never notice .... All joking aside, I can't tell you how appreciative I am that Ben knows how my body works as well as I do. A woman's ability to grow a life inside her is incredible and all the functions that support that are equally so. My fertility is not something to be ignored, rejected, or suppressed, but celebrated and worked with.<br />
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You also can't help but feel a sense of wonder over the body when you understand how perfectly it was designed and how perfectly they were designed for each other. It helps you look beyond the outer shell and not want any kind of substitute, and goodness knows the world has created a lot of substitutes that have readily been accepted into marriage.<br />
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<b>It's Called Us to Be Sacrificial</b><br />
Though having used both NFP and the pill and not seen a huge increase in difficulty in application (I think the copious amount of benefits far outweighs the few extra steps of NFP), it is a sacrifice-based system since you need to abstain during the fertile periods (about 7-10 days on average) if you want to avoid pregnancy. I'm not sure when marriage became more about what you can get from of another person and less about what you can give another person, but it definitely has in our society. Practicing NFP is a daily reminder that we must make sacrifices for our marriage if we want them to flourish and that translates into more than pregnancy or not. It reminds a spouse that the other person in the marriage is there for more reasons than to satisfy their needs. And it has reminded me to sacrifice in other ways like doing the laundry when he's having a busy/crummy week. Sacrifice is necessary if you want to make a marriage work. Too often people give their worst to their spouse and expect the best in return. No relationship can survive that.<br />
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<b>It's Made Our Relationship Less Self-Focused</b><br />
For us, NFP goes hand in hand with our faith and responsible parenthood, where we are asked to be open to life and pray about God's plan for our family constantly and not just when the prescription for birth control runs out. I've never been the best at prayer. I'm more of a doer, and silence often causes my mind to wander. However, with the daily reminder of the gift of my fertility, I suddenly found I was talking to God more about what His plans were for me. And it wasn't just in relation to children. I was suddenly talking to him about work, family relationships, future goals, and on and on. Ben and I were also discussing faith more frequently together and getting the opportunity to share with others. It's just made us aware that there's a bigger picture than our individual selves and sometimes that bigger picture is our marriage. I think one of the best examples happened when I found out I was pregnant. I was in a flurry. I couldn't even sit down. And Ben came over to me, grabbed my hand, and pulled me down to sit with him on the couch. He closed his hands around mine and started praying out loud. For him it had become habit to talk to God about new life. It might be one of my most favorite moments ever.<br />
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Thank you Benjamin for being the husband God has asked you to be and being willing and open to grow as a couple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWowPbXVR6tElfeUq83YzZPNsgr96Bc7WdHt8F3x38v1QyduDPtin0CPzPig3sY6dmZzPRypAcOLPEvqh3j79u0m8yEqVECUsmLQubYJjBOTZf3MZk2y4cfUGMa36omk8bC4TuNTR5R1ps/s1600/us+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWowPbXVR6tElfeUq83YzZPNsgr96Bc7WdHt8F3x38v1QyduDPtin0CPzPig3sY6dmZzPRypAcOLPEvqh3j79u0m8yEqVECUsmLQubYJjBOTZf3MZk2y4cfUGMa36omk8bC4TuNTR5R1ps/s400/us+2.jpg" width="339" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding day :) Photo by Deidre Lynn Photography</td></tr>
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<br />Karina and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662583546851870606noreply@blogger.com0