Thursday, December 8, 2011

I've been itching to tell.....

In my last post, I eluded to some things that were going on here at the Magic McCain's and that I would post about it later, so here it is.

Back in the beginning of October one morning I was getting ready to fix Lauren's hair for school. I looked down at her scalp and saw two tiny bugs. I had to do a double take and then immediately my heart dropped. One of my worst fears had come true. We had been invaded by the LICE!!!!! I immediately stopped, told Mark, called the school and called my mom. Needless to say I panicked, starting checking Claire's hair, drilling Lauren if her head had been itching, had anyone in her class had it, etc. I sent Mark to the wally world and he dropped about $50 in lice treatment and we started our decontamination journey. We all were treated except for Brooke and I spent the whole day picking nits. I felt like a monkey picking out bugs like you see on the National Geographic Channel:).

Later that night, I called my best friend to get Lauren's hair cut. We had put so much treatment on her hair that I couldn't comb through her ends. Lauren's hair was almost to her waist. (Now, can you understand my nightmare? Claire's hair was about the same length.) We had about 4 inches cut and while we were cutting, dog if we didn't find another live one. So I immediately got on the phone with our pediatrician's office because obviously the other stuff wasn't working and they suggested using mayonnaise, olive oil and cetaphil as treatment. So that night, Lauren went to bed with a head full of mayo. That is the best treatment by the way.

While all this was going on, I sprayed her bed, washed all of her sheets, vacuumed the carpets, etc. The only thing I didn't do was bag up her toys because she didn't really play with them.

I felt like we had done everything we could to get rid of the nasty buggers. So the days went by, we checked her head and kept an eye on things. About two weeks later, I was doing a periodic check and noticed she had more nits then she should. I told her we would be treating her hair that night. We had a very busy day that day, so by the time we got home it was about 11pm. We decided to wait to treat her hair. We got them ready for bed and I had gone to the bathroom to get myself ready and was just checking out my hair. Now, let me say, I have dandruff and itchy scalp so I see little white flakes in my hair all the time. I looked and saw something that wasn't normal and tried to pull it off my hair and it didn't come off. I HAD THE LICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got so mad!!! I rushed and got the leftover hair treatment and put it in my hair, woke Claire up and checked her head and sure enough, there were live ones on her head. So that night, they went to bed with mayo in their hair and I stayed up until 5 the next morning washing and drying all the bed linens.

This time we took no chances. We bagged everything, and I mean everything in their rooms and Mark brought home the work trailer and we put everything in there. We deep cleaned both of their rooms, bought new area rugs for their rooms, bought new pillows, deep cleaned our bedroom, you get the drift. My house got a full cleaning it hasn't seen since before I was pregnant with Brooke last year!!

This was a perfect opportunity, as well, to put Brooke in her crib and to move Claire into Lauren's room on the top bunk.

I will have to say I hate the fact that we had the lice again and this time all 3 of us girls got it but I now know you have to stay diligent with that stuff and not be lazy at all. I can safely say that at this moment we are now lice free and I can tell you I am an expert at lice decontamination!!!! We have tried so many remedies and I know what works and what doesn't.

What I hated the most about this experience was how it made me feel. I had lice in middle school and felt so ashamed and dirty. Those feelings came right back. I tried not to let that happen to my girls but I will say during this time of cleaning, I almost lost it. Between constantly cleaning, treating, de-nitting, pumping, feeding a baby, driving back and forth to numerous places, pumping, blowdrying, washing clothes, hormone shifts, pumping, I felt like I was about to lose it. I didn't though, thank the Lord. It was during this time that I realized that I don't need to worry about these things, they happen all the time and that I'm not a bad parent or a dirty parent. I can only do so much and that's all I can do.

I'm praying, PRAYING, that we don't get this again, however, being a mom of three girls who I know will have long hair for years to come, its inevitable. At least now, I'll be ready to kill the nasty things!!!!!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Whew....that time flew by fast....











Where in the world did October go? I think that was the fastest month ever!! We were a little busy around here at the Magic McCain's. We went to watch some NC State football, rode some rides at the State Fair, visited the local pumpkin patch, celebrated my birthday, and then went trick or treating for Halloween. Busy!! We had some other stuff going on to but I will save that for another post. I've enjoyed seeing the leaves change colors and the beautiful fall sky. Now we are settling in for what seems to be a fast November....so with that said, here are some pictures of our October:).









P.S. There are no pics of my birthday even though it was mentioned. Didn't really do anything spectacular except spend time with my family....that was enough:)!


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Something unexpected....

I had to go to the doctor this morning. I had to have a breast exam. For those that don't know and those that do, just ignore, I exclusively pump to feed Brooke. I pump 4x a day and feel just like a dairy cow. This past Thursday night, I was doing my last pumping and I looked down and saw nothing but pure blood coming into the bottle on my right side. This side has given me issues from day one! I freaked out just a tiny bit. I have had this happen before but never to this extent. It was gross! However, my right breast had been hurting all day on Thursday and when I pumped that last time, it felt so much better and then I look down and see RED.....ugh!

Well, all day Friday and all day Saturday no blood in the milk when I pumped. I had to work this past weekend and I was pumping Saturday night and saw more blood. Pumped again a few hours later and saw more. Not cool... I went and talked with the ER doc and she recommended I go see my doctor, so that is what I did.

He did a breast exam and couldn't find anything. He called the breast center and spoke with a radiologist and they seemed to think everything was fine but I could have an ultrasound if it would give me peace of mind. I didn't schedule one.

My doctor seems to think that I may have a benign papilloma inside a milk duct that is causing the bleeding. He told me to keep a watch on it and if it should continuously happen to give him a call back and they would schedule me an ultrasound.

To be honest, I was a little scared because I know that if you have blood coming out that can be a sign of cancer. My doctor wanted to rule that out and he did!! I'm just going to keep an eye on things. If Brooke was nursing, I wouldn't have even known I was bleeding unless she spit it up. I haven't had anymore bleeding from that breast since 1am Sunday morning but I'm sure that it will happen again. At least now, I have an idea of what is causing it!


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Thankful for Nieces and Nephews....

My niece, Cambridge, was a year old when Mark and I started dating. She was like my baby sister. She stayed at our neighbors while my sister worked and when I got home from school, I would go and get her and she would stay with us until my sis could get her. I loved it!! She was my little sidekick. Mark and I used to babysit her all the time. When my nephew, Austin, came along we did the exact same thing. After we got married and moved into our house, we immediately baby proofed because of Austin. And now, almost 10 years later the same babyproofing is still up;).

Because Mark and I were so involved with them, I think it helped us with parenting our own children. I don't feel like we were "typical" first time parents because we already had enough practice with our nieces and nephews. We were pretty laid back about many things. And I'm so thankful for that. I'm so thankful that my sisters trusted me enough to let me watch their kids because by them doing that, I was a better mommy to my own children. I don't get too worked up over stuff and we just have a very laid back parenting style. Now, we make our kids mind and we do have some what a schedule but we for the most part just go with the flow and you know, I'm okay with that.

So thank you to my sister's for letting me have your kids. And for all those aunts and uncles that don't have your own kids yet, get your nieces and nephews. Take care of them for a while because in the end, that practice is going to help you with your own children. Plus, with nieces and nephews, you can give them back to their parents:)!!!!!

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Last First Day...

Tuesday, Claire had her last first day of preschool. That just doesn't seem possible. I remember taking her the very first day of preschool and remember telling her teachers that we were working on potty training and now she's gearing up for kindergarten!! She was so excited to finally be going to school like Lauren. She was up early and picked out one of her most favorite outfits to wear!! She walked right in to school and just waved good-bye. I was okay this time. I know next year when I walk her on that first day, I will be a big ole fat mess of tears!! Gotta enjoy this last year!!

Lauren is still doing great in school. We normally have a few problems the first couple of weeks getting adjusted to the routine of going back but this year, we haven't had any problems whatsoever!!! I'm ecstatic!! She has had great behavior and really seems to be enjoying her class. Right now, her class is learning all about embryos, incubation and humidity, they have baby chicks growing!! She is also going to sign up for the art club and hopefully will make it in. The art teacher gets to choose the students so we are keeping our fingers crossed. I asked Lauren why did she want to be in the art club and her reply was, "Because I'm good at art." Gotta love the confidence!!

Brooke is still good, growing like a weed. She did a real laugh for the first time on Wednesday night. I loved it!! She is getting such a personality and becoming more social. In a couple of weeks we get to start rice cereal. That should be fun!!

The big girls are having a sleepover with their Mawmaw tonight. They are both so excited. They haven't done that in a while. Mark and I are going to have a date night with Brooke. Should be fun for all!!

Happy Friday everyone!!

ps..I'll have pics of Claire on her first day soon!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Preschool and poop....

My most favorite time of year is right around the corner and I am most excited!!! I LOVE FALL!! I can tell the seasons are getting ready to change. The sky to me seems more blue and you can just feel it in the air! I love fall!! Plus, my birthday is in October so that is another reason;).

Today we went to meet with Claire's preschool teachers. This is her last year of preschool. Wow, that doesn't seem real. Anyways, I think she is going to have a great year. Two of her best friends will be back and she has another good buddy that is joining the crowd this year!! I think I'm more excited about that than Claire! Brooke just sat in her daddy's lap, taking it all in. In a couple of years, Brooke will be heading off to preschool....I'm not even going to go there.

Speaking of Brooke, let me just tell you about this baby. She is doing great, sleeping completely through the night, starting to get into a routine. But, she doesn't poop. Hardly ever. This past time she went 10 days without pooping. I have talked with our pediatrician about this and he doesn't seem too concerned. She is solely a breast milk baby so I know that she is completely digests all of that. She had been going once a week on Saturdays, and then it moved to Tuesdays and now who knows. I finally called the nurse and she gave us some pointers to try,which included giving diluted apple juice, to try and get things moving. Brooke didn't seem to care for that too much but it did the trick;). But you know, to not have pooped for 10 days, she has been the most content and happy baby ever!! I love her, stopped up and all!!!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

A whole bunch of stuff...



Lauren on her first day of 2nd grade
Today is the first day of school here at the Magic McCain's. Lauren is a big 2nd grader. Gosh, I can't believe it. She went to bed a little teary eyed last night, worrying about failing and getting in trouble with her dad, and school hasn't even started. She is growing up way too fast for me. She is getting out of that little girl stage and I can't stand it. She looked so grown up this morning with her pretty new outfit and ears pierced.

I had the girls pictures done this week. Can I just say awesome!!! Lauren and Claire did great and so did Brookie!! She was all slobber and tongue showing for most of the pics because she was "talking" but we got tons of smiles from her too!! She is 3 months old....whew, that flew by!

I posted this on fb but I'm going to elaborate on here a little more. It was Tuesday when I had the girls pics done. I worked this past weekend for the first time since Brooke was born. Now for those of you who know me, Tuesdays are usually my recoup days. I'm not good for much of anything on that day cause I'm trying to play catch up. Well, I only got a couple of hours sleep on Monday. I woke up on Tuesday at 11am (and yes, all 3 of my children slept that late!!). Our appointment was at 1:10pm. Needless to say I started in high gear. Had to iron all of their clothes, pump, get everything together, get the girls ready, feed the baby and take a shower. Thank goodness I had my Lauren. She and Claire got their own clothes on while I gave Brooke a bath and then Lauren fed Brooke while I took a shower. I did not fix my hair or put on good makeup. Mama's can get away with that sometimes;). Then we went and picked up my niece, Cambridge, so she could help me out. We made it on time for the pics, praise the Lord!! Well, after the pics were done, we ate at the best ice cream place and we all did a little shopping. While helping Cambridge decide about some clothes, there was a lady in the dressing room with her two daughters, who were about 13 and 15. They were getting school clothes. This lady turns to me and says, "Excuse me, but I think you are so beautiful. You should be a model, you are so pretty." I'm sure my jaw dropped 15 feet! I had to ask her if she was talking about me and she said yes! I touched her on the shoulder and said thank you and that she had made my day. Now, let me tell you I was looking some kind of rough. My hair was crazy frizzy, my clothes looked bad and no makeup. That lady made me feel so good!!! It's been a long time since I had someone other than family tell me that and you know, it really made this tired, fat, losing hair, face breaking out, stressed a little mama feel really special! Maybe I still have it....

Thursday, August 18, 2011

It's about that time....

Tomorrow my sweet girl will be 12 weeks old and that means it's time for me to head back to work. My lovely hiatus is over. I go back to work this weekend. I'm sad but at the same time looking forward to it. I'm ready for some adult conversation and some stimulation to my brain! I went in today for a little while just to get reacquainted with our computer system and workflow. I also needed to have my passwords reset so that I could log on to the computer so I could work. I felt like a fish out of water. I think I'll be okay though. It all started coming back to me after a few minutes. I just hope I don't have anything weird happen because then I'll definitely be up the creek. This mommy brain just doesn't work as well as it use too. It was good to see all of my coworkers today. I think they have missed me;).

Please keep me in your prayers and Mark as well. He is going to have to tackle all 3 girls on his own this weekend and he hasn't had to do that yet. I know that he'll be fine.

Also, my precious girl turned 7 today. Lauren has had the best birthday this time around, or at least that is what she has been telling me. She got her ears pierced last week, had two parties on Saturday (a friend party and then the family party), went to Wet-n-Wild water park, went swimming with a good friend, then slumbered in the most beautiful place in the world with her sister and Aunt Allie. She definitely has had a good 7th birthday. Happy Birthday, Lauren!!!!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

It's Been A While....

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. We've been busy here at the Magic McCain's. We just got back from the beach this past Sunday. We went to Kill Devil Hills/Kitty Hawk for a week. We had a great time!! A real vacation. We went to bed late, slept late, stayed in our jammies most of the day, went to the beach late and ate, ate, ate!! It was awesome! I had some extra hands as well to help me with my girls. We brought our niece, Cambridge, this year with us to help with Brooke (and with the big girls.) She was awesome! Anything I asked her to do, she did!! I want her to come live with us!!

Brooke did really well in her new surroundings. We put her in a pack n play for bedtime with her snuggle nest and she slept just like she does at home. At the beginning of the week, she looked so small in the pack n play but by the end of the week we were questioning was she still going to fit in the bassinet. She had a growth spurt while we were gone!

Summer is definitely flying by way too fast and in just a few weeks I'll be done with maternity leave. I'll be back to working every other weekend night shift. Hopefully by that time, Brooke will be sleeping through the night. Mark doesn't do well without sleep (neither do I but that's neither here nor there.)

Brooke is 2 months old today and I just can't believe it. She is smiling and cooing and trying to make a laughing sound. It sounds more like she is sucking in air. She definitely has a mind of her own, she lets you know when she isn't happy. She has a high pitched squeal that comes out when we don't move fast enough for her, meaning feeding her, picking her up. She is wearing size 3-6 months, still a few 0-3 if they are two pieces. She wears a size 1 huggies diaper but not in the pampers baby dry (those are way too little) so she is in between a size 1 and size 2 diaper. She still has blue eyes but they haven't gotten any lighter and she hasn't lost any of her hair!! We had the baby acne that started at 4 weeks but it only last about two weeks. For the most part she is sleeping through the night. I started putting her on her tummy (I know, I know, bad mama) and she slept through the night both times. She'll nurse on occasion if I'm feeling up to the challenge but she still takes her bottles like a champ. She's up to about 5 ounces each feeding and I still feel like a dairy farm! I need to sell some of my milk, or so my husband says.

Claire is doing great, just being Claire. She's been going to a preschool program sponsered by Quaker Lake and having a great time. She's enjoyed being at home this summer and slumbering with her sister (meaning staying the night in Lauren's room. She needs to get used to that, she'll probably be moving in there before too long.) She likes to carry around a pad and pencil so she can write her "lists." She is so precious.

Lauren is definitely enjoying her summer. Staying up way late and sleeping way late. She is her mother's daughter. We had great news today! She had her yearly eye doctor's appointment and our optometrist says she is ready for contacts!! What good news! She has been begging for contacts for 6 months. She looks adorable in her glasses but I understand the want to not wear them anymore. So her trial pair will be here in about a week and then she'll go for a fitting and be taught how to put them in. I'm so excited for her!!

Our next adventure will be to plan for Lauren's 7th birthday. She wants a friend pool party, a family party, and then a visit to the local water park. I'm gung ho about the first two, not so much about the latter. I worked at said water park while I was in college and I personally am not a fan. But, being that is the only thing she has asked for for her birthday, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take her. She also is going to be getting her ears pierced this birthday. This 7th birthday is going to be monumental!!!

Here's to a busy end of July and crazy busy August!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Our Benny

(This was a picture I had taken when we first brought Benny home. He had grown quite a bit before he died.)

I haven't posted in a while, been a wee bit preoccupied:) We are doing okay here at the Magic McCain's. We lost our sweet puppy this past weekend. We were at a friend's birthday party and he was hit by a car. We found him on our way home. A good Samaritan called and left us a message about sweet Benny. I called him back, it was a young man and he told me he had moved Benny from the road. I cried and told him thanks for caring for our dog. I have really taken this hard. I don't know if its a little postpartum kicking in (I developed PPD when Claire was 6 weeks old, and Brooke will be 7 weeks old on Friday.) I cried all weekend and felt forlorn all day yesterday. The girls took it okay, I'm not sure they realize the finality of his death. Claire really wasn't upset, in fact she just said we could get a new dog (she had a love/hate relationship with Benny, he liked to bite her dress tails). Lauren cried and had a little drama fit but other than that she has seemed okay. She may understand death, she knows about Heaven and maybe she does realize the finality of it all. Sometimes, I think, that I don't realize her comprehension and understanding of events in life. She probably understands just fine and is okay know thing Benny is in Heaven and is okay and one day we'll get to see him again. I, for one, miss looking out my kitchen window and seeing him playing with the torn up bouncy balls or throwing his rope around. I really loved him:( Mark reminds me, "Val, he was just a dog," but he was more than that. I guess this time around, since we picked him out and brought him home to us, I just knew that he would grow up with our girls and become a loving dog. I could look years down the road and see him being the protector of our girls, watching them play, I could see him doing the rounds with Mark. Just being our dog. I will definitely miss him, even him tearing down my clothes off the clothesline:)


Monday, July 4, 2011

What Do You Think?

That is the question, what do you think? I constantly ask this question to my husband, my mom, my sisters, my friends, what do you think about this, what do you think about that? So, I'll ask you guys, what do you think? What do you think about me leaving my 5 week old baby with my sister for a full 24 hours so that my husband and I can enjoy some time together?

Lauren was about 6 months old before I even left her for a long period of time with anyone. I think she was almost a year before I let her stay the night with anyone. I cried when I left her the first time. I kept thinking I was a bad mom leaving her so soon, would she be okay, would my mom or my sister be able to care for her like I do (please note that they both had WAY more experience, typical first parent syndrome.)

Claire was about 3 months old when she stayed the night with someone. I don't think I cried at all. I think I was ready to be child free for a short while by that time.

Brooke is 5 weeks old and she and her sisters stayed the night with their Aunt Sonja and her family on Sunday night. I had absolutely no problem leaving her, I didn't cry. I was fine. Does that make me a bad mommy? I kind of felt bad for leaving her but she isn't attached to the "girls." She takes breastmilk from a bottle and my sister and niece are more than capable of feeding her. It was just for one night and believe me, she had enough milk for at least a week:)

We needed this. We needed this time to reconnect from the chaos of having a newborn in the house, a almost 7 year old trying to adjust and a 4 year old just along for the ride. We needed time to be with each other and enjoy something without constantly having someone calling our names to get them something or break up a silly argument or change a diaper. It was a chance for us to do something fun and spend quality time with one another and catch up on some sleep.

So, what do you think? Do you think I'm a bad mom for trying to get back some sanity and have more patience with my girls? I hope not because I feel like I'm being a better mom by taking care of my needs so that I can take better care of my kids needs, and it was only 24 hours:)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Getting the hang of things....

Yesterday, my oldest daughter did something I have never done, she went to camp. She is old enough to go to camp. Where has the time gone? Anyways, she went to a Christian camp not far from where we live. We dropped her off yesterday morning and then I went and picked her up this morning. A full 24 hours. I don't think she missed us at all. Her bestie, Hannah, was there with her and some other friends from church so she wasn't alone. I asked Lauren about her activities and the most I got out of her was the fact they sang some songs and went swimming. As I type this, she is zonked out.....camp took a lot out of her.

Now, Claire cried the entire way home yesterday after dropping Lauren off. She wanted to stay at camp but she gets to go to the preschool program that starts next week. I know she is ready for that. It is nature based and she loves anything that has to do with going outside. She finally calmed down when I promised her I would take her swimming which we did and then she didn't even get in the water that much. She missed her big sister.

Brooke is doing so well and growing like a weed. I think we are going through a growth spurt. The newborn diapers aren't fitting that well anymore and we are slowly getting out of the newborn outfits (not that I had that many to begin with.) She is having more periods of wakefulness and the other night when she decided to stay awake from 2am to 4am, she was trying to talk and looking at her hand. I even got a smile or two from her. AND, she has started holding her head up on her own, she looks like a turtle:). She is too little to be doing that already. We are mainly bottle feeding her now. I still try to nurse but she just doesn't stay latched on long enough for the goods to start flowing and then she gets frustrated. I feel like a dairy cow, pumping at regular intervals. At least I know that she is still getting my milk. She just wakes up once a night, usually between 2 and 3 am and then wakes up at around 6-6:30am. For the past two mornings, Mark has fed her and let me go back to sleep (after I pump) and then she goes back to down. I can't complain one bit about this baby. She is so sweet and only cries when she is hungry. We are definitely blessed this third time around.

Lauren and Claire are still doing okay with her. Lauren is getting better and Claire just goes about her business as usual. I find that I can't always get things done when I want too but hey, it's okay, things will eventually get done. I was hanging out clothes this afternoon (and praying that the dog doesn't tear them down again :/) and thinking to myself, I have 3 daughters. It is still hard to believe sometimes that we have 3 kids. The only thing that has really changed, other than the fact that I'm constantly changing diapers and pumping, is it takes just a little longer to get out the door to go somewhere. I haven't figured that part out just yet. It's a good thing it's summer:). We are getting the hang of things........


Monday, June 6, 2011

LIfe Goes On...

We had an extremely busy weekend here at the Magic McCain's. On Saturday morning, we decided on the fly to head to Raleigh to watch our local baseball team play in the state championship. Remember, Brooke was just born:). It took us about a hour and a half to get ready but nonetheless, we headed out the door. Many people looked at us like we were crazy, bringing a week old baby to a ballgame. Then we proceeded to head to our cousin's house for her birthday. We all had a good time but we were tired. And wouldn't you know Saturday night was the first night since she was born, Brooke woke me up in the middle of the night, not vice versa.
She only did once, she's sleeping in 4 hour increments at night and for that, I'm not complaining.
The girls and I went to church yesterday without Daddy. He had a service call. Again, people couldn't believe that I was at church and that I came with all 3 girls by myself. No big deal, life goes on.

Speaking of Brooke, she is now off the bili lights. We went to the pediatrician on Friday. She gained back up to 8lbs., 3ozs., and her total bili had gone down a few points. He felt that she was doing great and didn't need to be on the lights anymore. He also told us to never wake a sleeping baby. I took those words to heart:). Brooke is still having trouble latching on but we are still practicing. She is taking a bottle like a champ and pumping is going fine. Although, I'm starting to feel like a dairy farm around here. At least I have a service man that lives with me....hehehehe!!

We are getting used to being a family of five. Sometimes it gets a little crazy. Once school is over with, things will be even better!! Take for example this morning, Brooke woke up at 6:30am. I got up to pump for her, Mark turned on the TV for Lauren to get up. I get Brooke out of the bassinet, change her diaper, make sure Lauren is awake, find out what she wants to eat, fix it, fix her lunch and snack, Claire wakes up and she wants breakfast. I fix that, then finally I'm able to feed Brooke. Then, I make sure that Lauren is dressed and fix her hair. While all of this is going on, Mark is in the bathroom doing his thing. By the time they left for school, I was already exhausted and then we had to proceed to get ready for Brooke's pictures to be made! They are absolutely precious and I can't wait to see them!!

Life goes on. Now, here's a little peek at Brooke and I on the day of her birth! Precious!




This post may seem a little scattered, it's 3pm in the afternoon and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. Hopefully in a few days I'll have a more coherent post:).


Thursday, June 2, 2011

She's Here!!!!

Hello to everyone, I have an announcement to make....Brooke Averie McCain is here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, after a canceled surgery and multiple dates for induction, she made her debut (I was induced) Friday night, May 27, after about 10 hours of labor and 10 minutes of pushing (and for that I am definitely thankful for:). She weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 21 inches long. Right smack dab in the middle of her sisters. Lauren was 8lbs., 7 ozs. and Claire 9 lbs even. Brooke is the same length as Lauren was when she was born. What can I say, I grow them big!!

We are doing okay. The first 24 hours were a little rough. Brooke swallowed a lot of amniotic fluid during her "flight" into the world and didn't want to eat. We had a few episodes of her choking and spitting up stuff. The nurses eventually had to suction out her tummy and got rid of all that excess goop.

She has dark hair:) and most likely will have dark eyes:). I'm so excited about that!! Finally a child with my coloring. She is the sweetest thing and I could eat her up!

We came home on Sunday and she has the jaundice. Right this moment she is comfortably tanning in her bassinet, my little glow worm. Hopefully, a few more days of this and we'll be home free.

We are having some issues nursing but I'm going to persevere. She is lazy, she can latch on but doesn't stay that way and then gets mad when my milk doesn't come and then she throws a little fit and then goes to sleep. I've had to start pumping and giving her a bottle but as long as she is getting my milk, I'm fine with that. She can nurse, she just doesn't want to put forth the effort:).

We are adjusting to the new one. Lauren and Claire love their baby sister and I'm so thankful for that. We have been blessed with a beautiful baby and we couldn't be more happy. Our family of four is now a family of five with 3 beautiful, precious girls and the magic has just begun!!!!!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Update on Baby Brooke

We went to the doctor today. Brooke is still head down and the ultrasound tech estimated her to weigh around 8lbs., 8 ozs. I am a "loose" 1 cm and I guess thinned out some. Dr. K never did say. But instead of being induced on Friday, we are now going in Saturday morning. Kind of throws a kink in things but you know what, at this point in time, I just don't care:). Brooke will eventually get here sooner or later. Maybe we'll go on our own....who knows?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Reflecting and looking ahead....

Now that I have had a chance to calm down and reflect, I'm okay with what happened yesterday. I was so unhappy that we didn't get to have Brooke yesterday. I was so ready to meet this precious baby as was the rest of my family and friends. However, it wasn't in God's plan or in my little wiggle worm's plan. Brooke definitely has a mind of her own:).

Mark and I had a day of rest yesterday after we came home from the hospital. My mother in law had the girls so we didn't have to worry about them until late yesterday evening. I spent the day on the couch dozing and watching TV, reflecting on the situation.

I know it is for the best and I appreciate my doctor for doing what is best. I think he realized that it wasn't that I wanted to have surgery, it's that I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore and ready to meet my baby girl. He told me before he left that we would have something worked out this week. I left knowing we could possibly have her this week but more than likely the next week.

I got a call on my cell a little before 5pm yesterday and it was my doc. He has set up an induction for Friday morning. Mark and I will be yet again heading to the hospital this week. Unless I go into labor on my own, Brooke will be born on May 27th which is the day my doc wanted us to wait for anyways. I have had some change, I was 1 cm dilated yesterday and he stripped my membranes. We go back to the dr on Wednesday so maybe there will be a little more change so that by Friday, we will have a somewhat quick labor and hopefully, please Dear Lord, a not so long delivery:).

With my other two children, I went past my due date and had to be induced both times. I don't dilate on my own and I don't go into labor on my own. I know how to grow babies and do it just fine, but they love to stay cozy inside Mommy. They aren't easy to push out either. Pushing for 3 hours is hard and the effects of that is worse than actual delivery itself and I'll be quite honest, I was looking forward to not having to worry about that since I would be having a section. I'm truly praying this time that labor will be smooth and that because she won't be overdue that maybe I won't be pushing for so long. I know that Brooke will be big but I'm used to that.

So, my little wiggle worm, that has a mind of her own, who is already stubborn in the womb and who is definitely going to give me a run for my money, will be here sometime on Friday. The thing that makes me sad though is that I'll be missing my big girl's dance recital. I've ordered the DVD so eventually I will get to see it. I've explained it to them both and they are okay. They understand that I'll be in the hospital with Brooke. I know that both of them will do a great job and look absolutely beautiful!!

Pretty soon, this family of four is going to be a family of five and I can't wait for the magic to begin!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Not today.....

You know when you were little and your parents told you about a trip you were going on or getting ready to visit a friend and then it didn't happen. How disappointed you were and a little devastated. That is how I feel right now. Disappointed and devastated.

Brooke is not coming today. She is head down. I am disappointed that I won't get to meet my newest little girl and devastated that I don't know when she'll come. I know that pregnancy is unpredictable but still it was nice to already have a date set without have to worry about scrambling at the last minute.

My girls are going to be disappointed and devastated. They were ready to meet their baby sister.

She'll eventually get here.......:)





Thursday, May 19, 2011

Just what I wanted to hear.....NOT REALLY!!!!!!

(Be prepared, this is a long one)

Well, for the few of you that read this blog, you all know that we have planned to have Baby Brooke by c-section on May 23. This was set by one of the doctor's in my practice a week ago because Brooke is breech. Yesterday, I had my weekly appointment. She had me set it up with my primary doctor because in that practice they like for the primary's to do any type of surgery on their patient's if possible. I knew I was going to be in trouble and Mark definitely knew I was going to be in trouble.....

I asked Mark to go with me for some support. As soon as we arrived at the office, they called us back. The one good thing I can say about this appointment is that I haven't gained any more weight and my blood pressure is still good. We go into the room and I get situated on the table and Dr. K comes in. Already by the look on his face, I can tell he is not going to give me news that I want to hear. Now, let me tell you about Dr. K. He is an awesome doctor. When we had our first miscarriage 7 years ago, he was the doc that took care of us. He was very understanding and compassionate and I so appreciated that at the time. He is from the old school, wants nature to take it course, no medical intervention unless absolutely necessary, blah, blah, blah, you get the picture. So as I'm sitting on the table, he starts looking through my chart and Mark starts to smirk. And as Dr. K begins to speak, he says, "Well, here's the thing......"

He doesn't want to do the c-section. Period..... He doesn't feel that it is necessary and that Brooke will turn on her on. Immediately, Mark starts laughing and I feel like I could cry a stinking river!!!!! He starts his spill but then stops and decides to palpate my uterus and do a check before he gives me the rest of his opinion. Guess what folks? She is still breech!!!!!!!!!!!!
Checked my cervix, tight as a tick and still thick, nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is going on downstairs and I'm stinking 38 and half weeks pregnant with my third pregnancy!!!!!!!!!!! She is not going to come out on her own. News flash!!!!

So, he begins his talk again. He believes (and I know he knows more than I, he is the doctor) that #1 he can turn her successfully, and #2 that with time, she'll turn on her own and then we can have a natural birth. I immediately said no to the version. He said I should have no problem since this is my third baby, but you know what, I don't like pain unless I absolutely have to feel it and I'm sure as heck not going to let some doctor put me in pain for something that only has a 60% chance of working. And about her turning, this child has been breech for the most part of the pregnancy. I just didn't know that that hard bump I have been feeling was her head and not her butt:) She hasn't turned in about 3 weeks and quite honestly I don't think she is going to. So then he proceeds to say that he wants us to wait, have another ultrasound in a week and check her position and if she is still head up, have the section on Friday May 27. WHY WAIT 4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What difference will that do!!!!!!!!!!!? (Can you tell I'm a little frustrated...) But, (there's always a but) if she has turned head down, then he says we can induce the following week AFTER HER DUE DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because, it's Memorial Day weekend, you know!! Oh and I had let him know about he girls' dance recital that weekend? Yeah, he says he doesn't do surgeries for social reasons and I told him I understood that but yet he won't induce until after Memorial Day weekend......ugh!!! He informed of all that risks and all that and if I had any more babies what that would mean....you get the picture.

Now mind you, the whole time, Mark is laughing and carrying on, I'm trying not to cry so I'm laughing some too, and Dr. K is a little as well. I told him how unbelievably miserable I am and all that and finally he told me it was up to me and just gave me his medical recommendations. He had a great way of making someone feel extremely guilty. And, then he tells us that the doctor last week estimated Brooke to weigh on 5 lbs. 11ozs. I laughed and said that is CRAP (sorry for the vulgarity). She couldn't get a good measurement on Brooke's legs cause they were tucked under and she even said that. There is absolutely no way that Brooke weighs that. I'm as big now as I was when I delivered Claire at 8 days late. I reminded Dr. K too that both of the girls were late and I had to be induced with them. At this point, I think he realized that I wasn't going to change my mind and decided to finish up the appointment before he dug himself any deeper. For those of you who know Mark, he was just eating this up. I love my husband:)

Mark and I left, went shopping and we talked. We weighed the pros and cons. I called family and friends, got opinions and we have ultimately decided to keep the surgery date and proceed with the section. Mark also pointed out that what if she really is that little and something is wrong and that makes me feel like we should definitely proceed. Now, Dr. K. will do an ultrasound before he performs the surgery and if she has turned head down, if the dr. on call will take me on, we will proceed with an induction but only if they are willing to take me as their patient. It's one of the female docs in the practice, I hope they will sympathize:)

I would rather have Brooke the all natural way as God intended but I feel in my heart that she isn't going to turn and I don't want to play the waiting game, been there done that with my other two. We have the date set, Lauren and Claire are taken care of, and we are prepared for this. I'm just scared that if we wait and she doesn't turn, 2 weeks after my due date she is still breech and we wind up having a section anyways.

So, we are still on for May 23. I have got to get my house cleaned, clothes washed, hospital bag packed, girls' packed for an extended stay at Nana's, Lauren and Claire's school schedules taken care of and get mentally prepared for the arrival of Brooke in 4 days. It will all go according to God's plan and I feel at peace with this decision. Just say a little prayer for us that all will go well:)



Sunday, May 15, 2011

Rain, Rain.....It stayed away!!!!

We made it through. Allie and Walker are officially husband and wife and are now on their honeymoon!! The Good Lord held back the rain last night and the ceremony was beautiful. Allie looked absolutely stunning, the bridesmaids were beautiful, the flower girls and ring bearer were precious and the groomsmen were beyond handsome. Baby Brooke cooperated and allowed me to do my duty as Matron of Honor!

The reception was awesome as well. My mom and sister did the wedding cake and all I can say is exquisite!! My family is so talented. The food was good and the dancing was fun. My two little dancing queens wore the dance floor out!!! Claire crashed about 10pm and Lauren lasted til 11:30pm. They partied like it was no tomorrow which I'm sure made their Aunt Allie happy!!!

This was a beautiful day and a great start for a very deserving couple. We now have a new brother in the family and we love him so much!!! Once again, congratulations to Allie and Walker!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

It's Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!

The day has finally arrived!! Nine months ago (exactly) Walker proposed to Allie (my sis-in-law) and now after so many months of planning, we have arrived at the Wedding Day!!! I am so excited!! We had rehearsal last night and it went wonderfully! They are getting married at a local golf course that has a old mill house on the site. It is rustic and weathered and absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Right now, the girls are still sleeping with sponge rollers in their hair and in just a little while the preparations are going to begin. At rehearsal last night, Lauren and Claire were both so excited. They practiced their walk and did a great job. Lauren gets to stand beside me and Claire, well, she is going to do whatever:) That's my girl! I can't wait to see them both with their hair fixed and beautiful dresses on. I just know that I'm gonna cry!! And, Baby Brooke will be there in all her mommy's swollen belly glory!

I am so unbelievably happy for Allie. I have watched her grow up from the preteen to an outstanding and beautiful woman and I truly count it an honor to stand beside her today as her Matron of Honor!! She is the little sister that I didn't have and I love her with all my heart. She is marrying her prince today and I only wish a happily ever after for them both. Today is going to be full of Magic as only the McCain's know how to do it!!

Congratulations to Allie and Walker!! We love you so much!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Well, that's different......

I had my regular weekly ob appointment today and received some exciting but different news. I went in with hopes high, hoping to be dilated a little more, effaced some but I got something totally different.

Brooke is a very active baby inside the womb. She squirms and kicks and moves very frequently. I love feeling her. She is much more active than her sisters ever were. Yesterday, as I was walking into work, I felt her kicking really, really low and knew she had changed positions yet again. Her body has flip-flopped from the left to right but she prefers to be on the left side. Yesterday, she was just everywhere.

So today, the Dr. measures my tummy and tells me it looks good. She tries to find Brooke's heart beat on the right side but without any luck. She moves the doppler to the left side and finds it but it more towards the middle of my tummy. So then she does the dreaded internal exam and proceeds to tell me that the baby is high and she is going to do a quick ultrasound to check for the presentation. So she wands down and says,"Well, that's why I couldn't feel the head, it's not there, that's a butt." Brooke is breech.

She is breech. Her head is up on the right hand side of my body, her little body goes down the left hand side and her legs and bum are down low, her legs curled up. The doctor proceeds then to do a full ultrasound, measuring amniotic fluid and the baby. I was kind of in shock. Lauren and Claire were always head down and this was something we didn't have to worry about.

So once she completed the ultrasound, she starts talking me about turning the baby. I already knew that wouldn't be an option for me. I have heard that is a very painful procedure and when it comes to pain, I'm wimp. Plus, she told me that my amniotic fluid is low and that my placenta is lying on the frontal lobe of my uterus, so if the docs were to try and move Brooke into a head down position, the placenta could detach or tear and it just isn't worth it. And, there is only a 60-80% chance it would be successful and that just isn't enough for me. So, with all that being said.....

Brooke is scheduled to be born on May 23, 2011 via c-section. I will have to say I'm kind of excited that we have a date set. However, things could change if she decides to move head down and I don't know what will happen then. I don't know if they will go ahead with the c-section or induce me or what. We'll have to see. That is a mere week and a half away!! I've been praying that the Lord will let this baby come before her due date and I think He has answered my prayers!!! Now, don't get me wrong, I would rather have her naturally but all I care about it that she is born healthy and I don't care how that happens. Just as long as she comes healthy!! So, we are going to be getting prepared for the upcoming arrival of our new baby girl very, very soon!!!!!!!!!

Friday, May 6, 2011

God's Timing

It's amazing how the Lord works. Everything happens on His timetable regardless of how much we plan or in our case, don't plan. A year ago this past week, we found out we were pregnant with our third baby. Now, let me remind you, I'm a lab tech, I have access to pregnancy tests that most women don't. That is a blessing and a curse all at the same time. I can find out way sooner than most people! But anyways, let me start by saying we weren't trying to have a baby. AT ALL!! We actually had decided that we would wait until Claire was in kindergarten before we even thought of having a third child. This pregnancy took us completely by surprise. So much for me, that the night I found out, I got so upset that I almost hyperventilated at work and coughed so hard that I bruised my ribs (let me tell you, that is painful). We had no idea when we conceived this child. I called Mark from work, he was sleeping and cried my way through telling him. He told me it would be fine and would talk about it when I got home in the morning. I was very upset and didn't know how we would handle this pregnancy, where would we put this baby, etc. I really was beside myself with worry.

Well, as the week progressed I came to terms with knowing we were going to have another baby and even started to get a little excited about it. Mark was still reserved, he is that way when we get pregnant because my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage 7 years ago. I started thinking about ways to tell the girls and tell our family. Would this be our chance to have a boy? I had even called and made my first doctor's appointment. Thursday evening, I started spotting. I called my friend who had most recently had a baby to ask her about the symptoms even though I kind of new what what was going on. By Friday, I knew that we weren't pregnant any longer. I called my doctor and was told that most likely I had gotten a false positive pregnancy test and was just late. Let me tell you this, I am never late, ever! I was so angry. I took two different tests by two different methods at work and I do pregnancy tests for a living!!!!!!! I cried and cried and cried. This brought back memories from our first loss. I called my best friend and let her know because I just needed someone to talk to. Mark was sympathetic but as a man, he just doesn't understand the feelings that women do. Needless to say, it was very tough but this time around, I had two beautiful blessings that helped to take my mind off of the loss. (Later on in the day, I did some research on the Internet and we figure that we had what is called a chemical pregnancy, where the egg and sperm meet and the egg starts producing the HCG hormone but dies before it has a chance to implant.)

That was Mother's Day weekend a year ago. That was a very tough weekend. However, I made it through and received one of the greatest blessings of my life. This loss made me realize that Mark and I were meant to have another baby but this wasn't the right time. God was going to let it happen on His timetable and we were prepared for that.

On September 19, 2010, we found out we were pregnant again. This time we did know when we conceived although, we weren't trying again. Now, I'm sure that some of you will laugh at this, yeah right weren't trying. Let's just say we got caught up in the heat of the moment:). And again, we were very guarded. I had actually done a pregnancy test before I missed my period and it was negative. We didn't think we were and was actually disappointed however, sometimes modern medicine just doesn't work. Again, I was at work and took another test and this time, it was positive. It wasn't such a surprise since we knew when we had "messed up." My feelings this time around were completely different from 3 months before and I know that it was because of the good Lord.

Now we are at the end of the pregnancy and just a few short weeks away from meeting this precious baby. God knew exactly what He was doing a year ago just like He knows exactly what He is doing today. I'm glad that everything works in His timing and not mine. He is an awesome God and if you don't know Him, I encourage you to seek Him out. Regardless of the things that happen in our lives that we don't understand, He does and He has a purpose for everything. I know that one day, I'll get to meet those two precious souls in Heaven and I take comfort in knowing that they are up there with Him.



Thursday, May 5, 2011

One of those days.....

Have you ever had one of those days or for me, one of those weeks where you just aren't motivated to anything at all? I seem to have those quite often here recently and I can only attribute it to being very pregnant and tired. As of today, I am 36 weeks, 4 days preggers and I have absolutely no energy at all. If I even just sit down to watch the tv for a second, I could fall asleep! I don't remember being like this with my other two pregnancies.

I have so much to do before Brooke comes. Here we are in May already and I have yet to clean out my girls' closets, switching them from winter clothes to spring/summer clothes. I am getting clothes out of storage bins and trash bags and them just piling them willy nilly about the house. I have yet to finish getting things ready for Brooke. Although, she will have clean clothes to wear:) One day I got the urge to wash all of the hand me down baby clothes so I'm definitely prepared for that.

I truly think I'm just very overwhelmed right now. My awesome sister in law is getting married in 9 days, I'm the matron of honor and Lauren and Claire are the flower girls. I think subconsciously that if I do too much I might put myself in labor and then I'll miss the wedding and this is my one and only chance to be a matron of honor!!!! My due date is May 29 and the girls' dance recital is May 28th and I'm so afraid I'm going to miss that, too.

I will get all of the things finished that I need to. Another thing that adds to the mix this week is I just worked night shift this past weekend and it's taking me twice as long to recover from that. Trying to go from days to nights is not an easy feat even when you aren't pregnant and this time around it's very hard. When I was pregnant with Claire, I had this same work schedule but Lauren wasn't in elementary school at that time and I could sleep the day away on Mondays. Can't do that now! I just have to keep reminding myself that I only have one more night shift to work and I'll be done with that for 3 months!! Well, I should say I'll have a modified night shift because of feedings and diaper changes and Brooke having her days and nights mixed up. However, I'll be home for that and not working at a hospital!

I'm sure those that read this will be thinking I'm just whining about stuff but honestly I'm not. I'm scared about this new baby, how am I going to handle 3 kids and all of the other everyday things I have to do as a stay at home mom? I can't even get a grip on the things I have to do now with just 2? I will get it all done, eventually. Just have to keep the faith and do a little at a time. The Good Lord never puts any more on a person than they can handle and I know with His guidance, I'll be just fine. There is going to be A LOT of PRAYING going on in this house, I'm sure!!! Thanks for letting me vent. This is a stress reliever and now I feel like I can get a few things accomplished!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

36 Weeks!

We are now officially 9 months pregnant. I am SO READY for this little one to be born. Between the "I can't tell where my legs stop and my ankles begin, to I can't sleep in my bed at all because it hurts too much," I am physically ready. Don't ask if we are ready as far as my house is concerned. We have all of the essentials but they certainly aren't where they should be. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want her to come early but I would LOVE for her to come on time. Lauren was 5 days overdue and Claire was 8 days overdue AND I had to be induced both times. I'm really hoping and praying that Baby Brooke will make her debut on her own, however, it's highly unlikely. I go to the doctor tomorrow and see my regular Ob/gyn. I just hope he doesn't fuss at my weight gain (way more than the 10-15lbs. I was only supposed to gain). And, I'm hoping to have some change going on. Maybe the 3rd time will be the charm:)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

All About the Magician's Wife

Since I'm new to the blogging world, let me tell you a little about myself. Nothing terribly exciting to share but, hey, I figure for the one person that may not know me personally, they may want to know about me. And just to warn you ahead of time, this post is a little long.

I have lived in the same town my entire life and have no desire to move away (unless it is to move to Hawaii, I LOVE Hawaii). My freshman year in college I lived in Greenville, NC and I HATED the entire year. I moved back home and attended a local university for 2 years and then my senior year I lived in Charlotte. That year was so tough for me, I didn't have time to hate Charlotte. Besides, it's only a hour away, not the two and half like Greenville. I'm just a homebody:)

I met my husband my senior year in high school at my first "real" party. He is a few years older than me but we still had some friends in common. That was New Year's Eve 1996 and we have been together ever since. It was love at first sight for me, I'd like to think it was the same for him:) We were married in 2002. He grew up in the same town and has lived here his entire life as well. We love our little town and don't think we could move away. Besides we wouldn't have the grandparents around to dump our children on (just teasing).

I am a medical technologist, or let me correct myself, medical laboratory scientist. My title has changed recently. In other words, I am the person that runs all of your lab work when you get blood drawn, pee or poop in a cup, have a culture taken, etc. All the gross stuff, which I absolutely love (don't love sputum, CAN'T STAND to work with sputum.) I knew I wanted to be a tech since high school when my favorite teacher taught us about gel electrophoresis. That was the best biology class ever!!! I worked at a local hospital for about 6 years before we decided to add to our family and I became a full time stay at home mom and a part time tech.

We had our eldest daughter in August of 2004. She is an absolute joy, the spitting image of her daddy, and all about the drama. Lauren loves to read, LOVES to watch TV (just like her daddy), and loves to dance. She wants to her to hair to grow as long as Rapunzel even though her hair is all the way to her waist. She has very long legs and is VERY tall for her age. She wears glasses and is so ready for contacts. She is very passionate about art, loves to draw, and always says, "Mama, I have to tell you something." She is a very compassionate girl and has a heart of gold. She loves her little sister and her blue puppy which she has had since she was about 6 months old. I love her!!!

Now, our second daughter was born in March of 2007. She was 9 days late and was beyond ready to come out of the womb. They didn't even have to put her in the incubator. She was like butterball turkey!! Claire looks just like me with light hair and blue eyes. She loves the number 18, everything happens in 18 minutes, 18 times, on Fursday the 18th. You get the gist of it. She loves her moo-moo but she constantly is losing her. She LOVES the Biebs and I mean LOVES the Biebs!! She loves to play with stuffed animals and on the puter (computer). She is in to brushing her hair, her doll's hair, your hair. She loves to be read to, do her "homework", and paint. She definitely is her mother's daughter. Doesn't take much for Claire to cry. She adores her older sister. Claire marches to the beat of her own drum and that is what makes her special. She loves to give shug and just is precious when she comes up and puts her little arms around your neck and says, "I love you." I love her!!!

We are currently pregnant with our third daughter which we have named Brooke Averie. Brooke was not a planned baby, like anything is really planned...it's all in God's timing:) She is due at the end of May right at the time of the older girls' dance recital. So far, everything has gone really well with this pregnancy. She is a very active little one and I fear that if she is anything outside the womb like she is on the inside, we are going to have our hands full!! We are all very excited about this precious baby. Claire thinks she is going to be born on Fursday, the 18th. (The 18th of May is on a Wednesday...hehehe.) Lauren just keeps saying that she is ready for Baby Brooke to get here. Believe me, this mama is ready for this little one to be here too!! I have about 4 and 1/2 weeks to go if and that is a big if, if she comes on time. My babies tend to stay in the womb for as long as they possibly can. I guess they love being inside their mommy!! Even though we weren't planning for this little one, Brooke is loved beyond words and we can't wait to meet her! (I secretly am hoping she'll look like me, meaning dark hair and brown eyes.)

When we decided to have a 2nd baby, I became a stay at home mom and I work every other weekend, night shift. I love my job, I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to work but just 48 days a year? Night shift is tough and working weekends is tough but it's only every other and it gives the hubby (who's name is Mark) a chance to have daddy duty. He does such an excellent job too!! I can't complain at all. This allows me to contribute to the household but still be at home to raise my kids. I love being a stay at home mom. It really is a dream come true!!

Let me tell you just a little about Mark. He works with dairy equipment. He builds dairy parlors and keeps them running. Lots of days he comes home smelling like cow shoo but as he tells me, that is the smell of money. He loves his job and I'm thankful for that!

I have such a wonderful family. I love my husband so much. My girls are the light of my life. I have a great job, and we are getting ready to add another precious little one to the mix. I love Jesus and was saved at 12 years old. I grew up Baptist but became a Quaker about 3 years ago. We love going to church. My girls are learning about Jesus and it makes my heart sing!! Speaking of singing, I absolutely love to sing. I'm very tenderhearted. Mark says that I cry when the sun comes up and I cry when the sun goes down. I love to eat which isn't a good thing. After this baby is born, I'm going on a major diet, stay tuned!!! I love to teach and do hair. My hairdresser says I'm a closet beautician. I love to CLOG!!! I just love life and I couldn't ask for better one. Well, maybe one where we have just a teensy bit more of money so we could have a bigger house. (We are busting at the seams!) Oh, and we just got a new puppy, Benny. He's a lab, great dane, german shepherd mix and is the sweetest puppy. The girls got him for Easter. Scruffie, the cat, doesn't care for him at all but she will get used to him. Benny just wants to play with her but she doesn't want to play with him. We've had Scruffie for about 5 years. She is a sweet kitty, too!!

This is just a little about me and my life. There is so much more but I'm sure that you will learn as this blog goes along. Hope I didn't bore anyone and if you already know me, you knew all this stuff already. Just needed to give you guys a little refresher...hehehe!! Thanks for letting me share a little of myself with you!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Welcome to the Blogging world!

I have decided to join the blogging world. For the past year, I have been a faithful follower of a handful of blogs and have contemplated starting my own, well now I have:) This is not going to be the most intriguing of blogs or insightful, but I figure it will be a good way to have a diary, if you will, of the happenings of our lives here in the McCain household.

As for the name of my blog, The Magic McCain's, that comes from my eldest daughter. She says the McCain's are magic and I being married into the McCain's have finally won that "magic" status.

So for those who read this, I'm sorry if it's a bore but if you get a smile or a laugh when you read this, then I have accomplished what I have set out to do!!