M.I.T.: Matriarch In Training

A Crocker Kind of Day.

2011-04-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

I don't want to be dramatic but I think I may have found the most amazing book... seriously a life changing book. The kind of book that you can't put down because it's just that good.

I found my grandmother's cookbook from the 50's (pictured above) and the ideas and creativity that come from this thing just won't stop. Seriously, I started this post on April 7 and have been busy cooking since then... really. Which prompted a saying in our house- when someone asks how my day has been, I reply "It's been a crocker kind of a day." It's that kind of day when you spend pretty much the entire day in the kitchen, similar to that Thanksgiving dinner crash where your feet hurt and your back hurts but you have an amazing feeling of accomplishment and a full belly to boot. I looooooove it but heaven help our waistlines!

This is my obsession confession.

2011-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

So ever since my engagement photos I have been HOOKED on professional photography! There is just something about the way that they turn out that keeps me coming back (and no Mom your digital camera does not do the same thing).

Recently the Hachee Family decided to update the family photos and we decided to use Daniel Balboa Photography. Daniel is excellent at bringing out the artistic and classic elements into every frame. Here are some of my favorites from the day...

Back so soon?

2011-04-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

It's been a while. Life happens... and I'm really consistent with inconsistency!

The blog has changed a bit, but so have I. M.I.T. is a bit cheesy but that's how life feels right a bout now! And since I'm not Martha Stewart, Paula Dean or even the great and powerful Betty Crocker- life is still hilarious as I try to become Martha Stewart, Paula Dean and the great and powerful Crocker. Finding time to blog while trying to become these three superwomen is more than challenging, it's impossible! However, I miss blogging- if even for my own narcissistic amusement :)- so I press on!

So, just to catch you up to speed: I am now the maid, cook/chef, and dishwasher for a household of seven, soon to be eight. I attempt to deep clean on a daily basis (BUT WHO ARE WE KIDDING!). I have been to the other side of stir crazy and back- I go to the store almost every other day if not every day just to know that other people DO exist! But I love my job! I wouldn't trade it for anything! Eh, maybe I would trade it for...

Tradition!

2010-09-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

One of my fondest summer vacation memories when I was a child was visiting Uncle Marv and Aunt Mandy who religiously had pancakes every Friday night. The idea always stuck with me and now that I am beginning to plan meals for seven... let's just say necessity is the mother of invention. Pancakes- it's quick, easy and you can't mess them up (unless your me.) Now since man cannot live by bread or pancake alone there must be meat! I mean, this is a "farm" and all, so bring on the bacon or sausage or, if you prefer, the bacon and the sausage. Add some eggs, toast, top it off with some chocolate milk (served with crazy straws thank you very much) and your tradition is served. I'm sure the Friday Night Tradition will have guest appearances by Pizza, Waffles, French Toast and the occasional Cereal, but the premise is unchanging regardless of the dish- my family huddled around the kitchen table enjoying time spent together...

The Craziest of Straws!

Yummy Chaos.

Fresh (from the carton) Eggs.

Vivian being restrained from Pancake goodness. Sorry it's blurry- she's just too fast!

Traditions run deep, it's the stuff that your kiddos remember, it's the stuff that YOU remember. So what do you remember?

Career Day

2010-09-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Every year in elementary school we had career day. You know, where you dress up like the occupation that you want to be when you grow up. Every year I dressed in my normal, every day dresses and told people that I wanted to be a mom, a stay at home mom. Even in Jr. High & High School when my Mom was forced to go to parent-teacher conferences due to my bad grades and lack of focus, my teacher's would express concern of me not getting into college (which is the cure all for everything don't ya know). My Mom would simply explain- "She doesn't want to go to college, she wants to be a stay at home mom."

Flashfoward to present day... I am proud to say that I am now a stay at home mom! It has taken a lot of sacrifice, an understanding husband and very gracious parents who have welcomed us into their home. Yes, staying at home means not being able to pay a mortgage, but possessions can't hug your babies, tuck them in at night or giggle with them over breakfast. (Not speaking for all mommies... just myself.) I am blessed to have an opportunity to take care of my entire family- to cook, to clean and to live happily ever after- with all seven of them...

Focus, focus, focus...

2010-08-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

I pledged that I would not blog, tweet or facebook until Vivian was six months. It wasn't easy and I may have fudged a little here and there... but here we are at six months! I needed this time to focus and make my only concern my little girl- not what someone had for lunch, my feelings on random events or how an old "friend" now hearts 'my boyfriend is better than yours' in the like categories. (SERIOUSLY? HEAVEN HELP OUR GENERATION!)

But I digress, life is wonderful and I am blessed. We are currently in a huge transition in our lives (more on that later) and thank you to those who understand my sporadic internet usage. I am now back in the game of all things sarcastic- PLAY BALL!

Go ye therefore

2010-04-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

When Brian is gone for work I've noticed that I have a habit of turning on whatever sporting event is currently on TV. It makes me feel as though he's in the next room, it's kind of like a security blanket. Last night I realized just how this has affected me- I explained hockey playoffs to my parents and I was excited about it. We all voluntarily watched the Flyers vs. Rangers game and Brian was not in the room.

Sometimes we aren't born sports fanatics... we're converted. When you meet a Hachee, the first question we ask you won't be about what church you go to or what denomination you fall under, but what sport you like and who's your team. "I don't have one" you say? watch out for the conversion.

The Wild Woman of Borneo & Pajama Queen

2010-04-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have a confession... if cleanliness is next to Godliness, then I'm a sinner. A stinky sinner. If this were Stinkies Anonymous my greeting would go like this: "Hi, my name is Dawnelle and I need a shower. It has been I don't know how long since my last shower." (it could have been days or mere hours, there is no concept of time in the loony bin)

I new that going into this baby business (especially the early months) something would have to give, I never thought it would be soap and a brush. Good thing I'm married to my baby daddy cause he is stuck with the Wild Woman of Borneo and her awesome afro.

Too bad Lent is over or I'd tell people I was fasting from showering. Time for this sinner to get clean!

Cry me a river

2010-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

So last night it had to be done, I was avoiding it, but there was no getting around it: Vivian's newborn clothes had to be packed away. My baby is quickly growing and we are fully now in the 0-3 month sizes- she is no longer NB (new born). She growing too fast! How do we slow this down?

I can't help think that if I'm misty eyed over this event... how in the world will I cope when she goes off to kindergarten?!

Pirahnaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

2010-03-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Voodoo Hippie Witchdoctors- the loving nickname that the men in my house have given the lactation nurses that have held my hand (and boob) the last month. These ladies earned this name because of the wild (and sometimes outrageous) things that they would have me do in order to breastfeed. Don' get me wrong, it was never against my will or against medical advise- after all they are nurses.

My baby loves to eat, she loves to take her sweet time. Which some find cute... I would too if she wasn't a piranha and cluster feeder. From moment one she was a "chomper." She chomped so hard that in 3 days (WATCH OUT: TMI) I had blisters and bleeding followed by pain so bad that I cried uncontrollably and constantly- was this the miracle that other mommy's gushed about? Masochists I say.

This is the stuff that medical case studies are made of, no really V and I are apart of a case study now. Since my baby had lost so much weight in the first week, we were under constant Voodoo Hippie Witchdoctor observation (as well as Pediatrician- don't worry I'm not completely nuts, YET), and through tongue physical therapy (yes really), breast shields, nipple creams, crazy holding techniques, crockpots in the bathroom, supplements for us both and constant cluster feedings... we have emerged to the beautiful side of it all. Chomping has stopped, blisters and bleeding gone, and baby is well on her way to chunkdom. Best of all we can bond and this experience has been empowering and motivating. If at first you don't' succeed call a voodoo hippie witchdoctor.

Modesty has currently flown the coop, so excuse the boob, vagina and poo/pee talk that will commence. If offended or grossed out- kindly rejoin the blog in, eh, about 18 years!

P.S.- V if you're reading this: don't ever repeat the words you heard mommy say your first month of life! Love you buggy ;)

Love sick

2010-03-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have spent 2 years 1 month 1 week and 5 days together without a night apart. We even managed to keep the record going while baby V and I were in the hospital for three days, but alas we were no match for bronchitis. So, the quarantine is on like we live in the 1700's. Good thing I've got the poop & eat fairy to keep me distracted.

Oh Holy Sunday School

2010-03-08T02:55:00.000-08:00

So it's been awhile since I've posted... to get everyone (all three of my followers!) up to speed, here's the rundown of what happened on 2-23-2012:

7:30 AM- Woke up & started cleaning

8:30 AM- Lower back pain... again, could be contractions or could be my poor back giving out

10:20 AM- Hopped into tub, a wise friend once told me that when feeling contractions to get in the tub and never get out! Tub worked until...

10:40 AM- Water broke and first horrendous contraction

10:45, 10:49, 10:53- Contraction, contraction, contraction- you get the point!

11:25 AM- In car en route to the hospital screaming like I'm in a comedy/drama/preggo movie

12:00 PM- Admitted to Labor & Delivery, 4cm w/ contractions every 3-5 minutes

1:00 PM- Epidural time (Who are we foolin? I'm no hero.)

2:30 PM- Petocin

4:00 PM- 10 cm and time to push

4:20 PM- Baby is "stuck," c-section here we come!

4:21-4:30 PM- Fooling around with anesthesia that just won't cooperate, I tell the doc to put me under- so he did...

4:38 PM- Ginger baby arrives :) I know I'm biased... but isn't she cute?

So maybe this post should be labelled "How to have a baby in record time," but the title of this post is in reference to my thoughts right before I was put under by the anesthesiologist. Not knowing if your going to wake up will easily send you into conversation with God, of course I had faith in the team working on me, but anesthesia still makes me nervous. After praying for safety and my family the only thing left in my heart was this song from Sunday School:

"Lord I'm in Your hands, Lord I'm in Your heart,

In Your thoughts, In Your plans, never left alone..."

So if any of you ever find yourself asking "Did my children come away with anything from Sunday School?"- I'm sure they did

Blog Stalking...

2010-02-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

While I've been confined to the prison of bed rest, I have found a new friend. An "on-line friend." She doesn't know it- probably because she's famous and miles away- and never will. Reading her blog reminds me of what I'm going through, I can identify, and isn't that what we are all looking for?- someone to identify with... meet Heather B. Armstrong. She's honest, straight forward and unbelievably stylish. Check her out sometime: http://www.dooce.com/. She will soon be appearing on HGTV, for those of you who are hopelessly addicted to design and home repair TV like myself, and I can't wait... again cause I'm confined to bed rest and have nothing else going on other than waiting for Vivian to show up to the party :)

Nursery Sneak Peak

2010-02-18T13:08:00.001-08:00

Here's a sneak peak of some of the colors and prints used in Viv's room. Cream, Brown, Orange and Green are the "main" palette. Odd for a girls room, I know I know... I wish I could have taken a picture of the JoAnn's Fabrics employee when I told her what the fabric was for. :)

These shots are of the crib bumper pad that my mother and I made. More pictures to follow!...

Pooped...

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

I am a organic beef lover who will drink Dr. Pepper on a regular basis. I drive an SUV but still enjoy recycling. I, like most Americans, am conflicted and complicated.

This is my disclaimer: I love to hug trees yet I still live in the reality of today and this post is by no means written with a haughty heart. This is only my humble opinion and the way that Brian and I have decided to conduct our baby bottom business...

Cloth diapers- love 'em or hate 'em, everyone has an opinion. I love them and have decided to use them on Vivian. Now, I won't go into all of the details of the pros and cons, but for more info... http://pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm.

One day I was introduced to a type of bamboo cloth diapers that a friend of mine is currently using on her baby. Now, when I used to think of bamboo, I thought of the image above: pandas, foliage, China and the like- I had no idea that bamboo was so absorbent or useful for diapers. Turns out that Bamboo and/or Hemp blends are amazing for diapers- so much so that there is a surge of interest for them online and some website and companies charge as much as $20-$25 per diaper and are unable to keep up with the high demand! (Check out the super cute diapers from http://hyenacart.com/BagshotRowBamboo/) While still being more cost effective than buying packs upon packs of disposable diapers, I don't know of any expecting mom that can incur that type of cost up front, not to mention the covers and snappi's that are required to go along with the diapers. So, my brilliant mother (who is far more craftier than she will ever let on), has volunteered to help me in making my own bamboo/organic cotton blend diapers. This should be interesting... well at least as interesting as making poo catchers can be...

Oh Captain, My Captain

2010-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

When I was little I remember wanting to be Mrs. Michael Jackson when I grew up. That was back when he was Captain EO, alot has changed since then but I still love Captain EO. Finally, after years and years of hoping that the attraction/feature would return to Disneyland, it has! This past weekend was the re-opening weekend and I'm sure that it is ridiculously crowded due to recent events and interest, so we won't be going anytime soon, but it's nice to know it's back :)

Little Lambikins

2010-02-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

So in our pursuit for a baby swing, my Mother and I stumbled across this ridiculous item... of course I had to have it for V. I'm usually not big on overspending for baby items, but this stole my heart. I love lambs- notice the lamb ears that stick out from the baby head rest :) So Brian and I put this beautiful item together and had to laugh at all of the features- beach, nature, night time country, music and white noise sounds as well as a mobile with a mirror in the middle where the lambs on the mobile not only go around but up and down as well. I had to laugh out loud- this is definitely an item that is more for the parent than the child! But I love it still :) hopefully Vivi will too!

St. Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

Formerly known to myself as "Single Awareness Day" and also still known as my sister's birthday (lucky her!).

I prefer to be, and usually am, showered with affection every day- not just February 14th. But there are traditions that must be kept... right? So on our last trip to Le Target, Brian and I picked out our Valentine's Day cards and promptly presented them to each other and then proceeded to put them back. What's the point in buying them? Read the message, message registered/received, (rinse) & repeat... I am loved and all for free :) I know this may sound horrible and cheap to some, but it's something that we enjoy together... isn't that the point? Neither one of us is really into "traditional gift giving" and would much rather spend time together, and this way we get more than one card... or two or three!

Nesting

2010-02-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

Watching animals nest used to strike me as peculiar behavior. I always wondered how the mommas new what to do... now I know. Nesting calms my nerves and settles my anxious mind. The more prepared I am the less I worry, not to mention that cleaning and organizing is a hobby I enjoy (most of the time). Between back spasms, braxton hicks and morning sickness it is almost complete. Brian has banned me from the ladder, which is ok by me since God gave me a tall husband :)

Now I am trying to rest as much as possible, I've received multiple warnings about how sleep will never quite be the same... can't wait to find out!

Groundhog Day.

2010-02-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

Groundhog day 2008 is the day I was married. Why 2-2-08? Because 2-2-07 was our first official date and when Brian asked me to be his girlfriend. And why was 2-2-07 our first date? Brian says it's becuase he couldn't wait for 2-14-07. I love it! and I love him! 2 years down... 98 to go :)

Bump!

2010-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to some of the beautiful maternity photos that my friend Leah Vis took of Brian, Vivian and myself. She does such an amazing job!

http://www.visphotography.com/blog/?cat=18

Understanding John Q

2010-01-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

If you've never seen the movie John Q starring Denzel Washington, you should. Basic synopsis: Health care in America doesn't work, especially for the sick. When I talk to customers at work I like to empathize in order to be sincere. Apparently God took notice and thought to add to my life experience in order to deepen my journey to enlightenment (note sarcasm). Like John Q, I have recently lost my health benefits due to a reduction in hours at work. Mr. Q's hours were reduced by the economy, mine due to wicked morning sickness.

A general feeling of righteous anger rushes over you when no one can explain why the loss of benefits and when the answer is reached more anger floods in when you weren't even notified until it was too late. Love and peace are inevitable when ultimately surrendering to God.

Over the past couple of days sincerity has been oozing from every "I'm sorry" and "I understand." I am lucky and blessed to have alternate options when so many are SOL. Please pray for the SOL group as they fall through the cracks of the system...

Grumpy Old Men

2010-01-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

I have had the distinct privilege of growing up with grumpy old men. Honery is more like it, although the poor waitresses at Denny's or any other establishment would disagree and label it "Grumpy." This has inevitably rubbed off on me and made me the same way. I have an old man's sense of humor, and I wouldn't change it for the world. Along with my sense of humor I also enjoy afternoon naps, good deals, Sizzler, IHOP, getting fruit for Christmas, matinee movies, driving like a sensible human being, sweaters, not being in huge crowds, staying away from people with the flu or a cold... ya know, things old people love. However, one of my favorite old people attributes is the fact that I like to read the fine print, on most of everything. I take my time to make a decision, and will ask for copies of anything I sign. Which brings me to my disturbing visit to the local supermarket:

I cringe when I go to the grocery store because I know that there will almost always be a random stranger asking me for money for some cause or another. Some days you give, some days you don't. Yet I have discovered a group that I loathe even more: the "would you like to sign a petition?" people. When going to the store my mind is not focused on political agendas and the like, I tend to be thinking about the food that I will be buying. I do not appreciate being asked for my signature in exchange of a 30 second run down of this random person's interpretation of their petition. So please random person when you ask if I would like to sign a petition and I politely and respectfully decline, don't give me a dirty look because I value my signature...

So dear friend would you like to sign my petition about petitions? :) Just kidding!

Joseph and Mary did good in the eyes of the Lord...

2009-12-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

Sounds like a verse from one of the gospels. Too bad I'm talking about the other Joseph and Mary... Hachee. Different couple, but I still think they did a good job. This picture is proof! :)

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

2009-12-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas Song is "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" sung by Gayla Peevey. I have a soft spot in my heart for little kids that can sing... strike that little kids that can sing really, really good. Gayla was 10 when singing this song and she gives many adults I know a run for their money... vocals are nearly flawless for a kid her age, I'm so jealous.

Click here for the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwWZFlkSchg. The images are silly, but the song is still great!

What now?

2009-12-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

I know God has a sense of humor or whatever, call it Karma if you'd like, but this is getting ridiculous. I used to think pregnant women were silly for complaining all the time... turns out they weren't lying. If you've read my previous post you all know by now I am the Queen of Vomitland which is directly located next to Pee Your Pantsville where there are good times to be had by all :) Now I not only am the Mayor of Crazytown, but I am the Magistrate of Anemia, Duchess of Gestational Diabetes and best of all the town cryer. Less than 85 days to go if I can survive... just get me to the end where I can see her cute little face please :)

Chubby Bunny

2009-12-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

I recently had an ultrasound done where the technician informed me that Vivian is 2 and a half lbs.... good for her, one to two weeks ahead of schedule. It's nice to know that at least one of us is able to keep some food down and pack on the lbs. It's not nice to know that your husband weighed nearly 10 lbs at birth and you now run the risk of giving birth to a gigantor baby. The technician even said she has "chubby cheeks," oh my chubby bunny!

Time Flies!

2009-12-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity."- Albert Einstein

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...

2009-12-02T11:13:00.001-08:00

For my 25th birthday Brian bought me a puppy. She is the cutest and floppiest cocker spaniel! However, we had no idea that we we're already pregnant and the chaos that would shortly begin. So, Betty the cocker spaniel was in need of a new home, and thanks to my friend Sara and her unending network of friends, Betty has a new home. It all worked out for the best, and yes I was sad to see my puppy go, but she is in a wonderful new home. The title of this post?... well it was the song stuck in my head the day she had to go, kind of fitting I think...

Day O' Fun

2009-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Brian and I have never enjoyed the crazy consumer chaos that is Black Friday, we enjoy our own sort of holiday- the Day O' Fun. In 2007, our first day after Thanksgiving together, we spent the day in Oak Glen and downtown Redlands taking our engagement photos. We vowed then to spend each day after Thanksgiving together as a "date" day. In 2008 we spent the day driving up to Oak Glen, eating lunch and perusing the shops... taking it easy. This year I had to work :(. Such is life. But we still tried to make the most of it....

Brian, Juan and Myself (with Vivian in tow) went to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Rancho.

Followed by an impromptu stop at the Sport Chalet... ooh la la :) A grown man's Disneyland... Brian found a new hobby that we can enjoy together: fishing.

Baby's First Toy

2009-11-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

The other night, while in Babies R Us, Brian disappeared for a good 15 minutes. He came back with this object (seen above). I have to admit this is a pretty good first toy for Vivian. This cube plays 8 different Mozart selections and lets the child add or subtract the instruments as they would like (piano, violin, harp, flute, french horn and orchestra) without missing a beat. Each cube side lights up in beat with the part that the instrument is playing. Really? I thought Teddy Ruxpin was cool, but this is ridiculous! I'll probably have to replace the batteries before she is born since we love to play with it too. If Vivian ends up musically challenged it won't be because we didn't try, the upright piano located in her nursery should provide a good opportunity for such avenues. We will have until she turns 7 to train her ear. That being said... she probably end up tone deaf and the first female MLB pitcher or the first female to be inducted into the NHL hall of fame. Either way I'm already proud:)

Pilateeees

2009-11-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have given in and started the "prenatal pilates" workout. This probably should have been started a while ago but I figured my stomach muscles were getting a great workout on their own with the awesome morning sickness. Before today my muscles were feeling weak and achy. I've never been one for harsh workouts or workouts at all for that matter but what I did walk away with from HS cheer was stretching and flexibility. In fact a Japanese Masseuse once told me during a stone therapy massage "You very flexible! Not much muscle." Thanks... I think. Anyways, now that Vivian has helped me lose some weight I figured I could take advantage of this time by starting healthy habits and hopefully continuing them long after she's arrived. She seems to like it since she hasn't stopped kicking since.

My Emma

2009-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love this kid. She has my personality and my crazy hair (only in blonde). I love that she still can't say my name and thus I have become Auntie Nono. I love that when in my car she always asks for her "Bicycle" song (by Queen) and we sing it at the top of our lungs, unless I turn around to look at her then she gets embarrassed and stops. I love that whenever we eat together she has to sit right next to me and if I'm ever making something or cleaning something she has to help. I love that she hogs blankets and bed space and that she loves to snuggle which = me getting punched and elbowed in the face. I love that she peels back my eyelids to ask if I'm awake yet. I hope it never ends...

Lovers or Friends...

2009-11-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this posted on a friend of a friend of a friends page and it made me laugh so hard.. I pretty much did the mommy pee dance...

"Now you have to find out the sex of your baby so we know if our babies are going to be friends or lovers."

My Mother once told me that she began praying for my husband before I was even 5. Some may think that's too early to concern yourself with the matter, but my Momma knows prayer works. As she would pray for my future husband, I would pray for my in-laws, especially the women in the family knowing that they could make the rest of my life heaven or hell :) I am blessed to say that both of our prayers were answered as my mother has a respectful God-fearing son-in-law and I have the best new family that any girl could hope for. That being said, praying for V's spouse has been added to the list of things that we pray for now.

Especially now since the baby boom is on... and Vivian's godparents are expecting now too! So heaven help us all through the next 18 years as these kids may be either friends or lovers.

"Pregnant Women are Smug"

2009-11-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

This song is so ridiculously true! I love it!... and now I can't get it out of my head...

http://www.garfunkelandoates.com/music/clips/7/pregnant-women-are-smug/

Sugar and spice...

2009-11-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

If I could make a list of the items that I've been able to keep down 100% of the time this is what it would look like:

1. Ice Cream

Yeah... that's the only item. So my little girl should be extra sweet from all of the ice cream, right? I'm sure the spice will come naturally, her father's side of course:) And the everything nice? Well... God and I are still talking that one out, it's never too early (or too late) for that.

When we finally get to meet her I wonder if her hair will be vanilla, chocolate or strawberry? I'm calling the Enquirer if it's Mint N' Chip :)

Miracle on 34th Street

2009-11-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of my favorite movies. It makes me cry every stinkin' time! I love that in the movie they have a brilliant campaign idea brought about by the kindness of Santa trying to help out struggling parents: If Macy's doesn't have it or it can be found somewhere else for cheaper, we'll help you find it! I love that my doctor's office has adopted this same idea...

Well, after a conversation with my OB at Kaiser Permanente about how my baby would not cooperate on giving up her gender, she referred us to an Ultrasound school in Ontario. The school performs the service for free since the ultrasound is performed by a student. The students are great! The tech even gave us picture printouts and the school will allow you to bring family and friends into the room. Love it! Since the great Kaiser has a full schedule of ultrasounds (that are not cheap by any means) they send you somewhere for free and you can go pretty much at your convenience.

Now, just as a disclaimer, the tech students do not diagnose and will not advise you if they think something may be wrong. The ultrasound is simply for their learning experience and gives parents an opportunity to peak in on the little one. I was only informed of the gender with the tech Teacher's confirmation.

http://www.ultrasoundinstitute.com/

Gangsta T. Bear

2009-11-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

I have a new friend, his name is Titus Bear :) He likes (to pull) my hair, and is really good at sharing (his milk on my clothes)! He makes me smile without saying a word, and he may be closer to my daughter's age but he's still a good homie.

T. Bear is my good friend Lindy's sweet baby boy. I wish I had a picture of him to post but you can see his cuteness on Momma Bear's blog http://www.mrsprd.blogspot.com/. I'm glad that God has so perfectly timed our friendship as I get to brush up on my much needed newborn experience and have such a good friend to guide me through the dark unknown of being a new mommy. Yes T. Bear and L. Reed (Lindy) are fun to hang out with, I think Vivian agrees since the kicks keep on coming while I hang with the gangsta's.

ketchup

2009-11-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

I've been lagging on the posts, so here's a little catch up:

Halloween- quite possible one of my favorite holidays! We decorated, made cupcakes, got dressed up, and bought tons of candy. We were pre-warned that our neighborhood was uncharacteristically full of children on that night. Which we found to be true, approximately 200 ft. from our house is the neighborhood park that was overrun with spidermen, cheerleaders, princesses and the like, but non ventured down our street. Probably because no one else on our block decorates and passes out candy. Oh well, we still had fun. The pictures above are of my spider web cupcakes.

Bob Barker- the most peculiar mini-poodle... needed a hair cut. Of course he needs them every 3-6 weeks, which can be expensive ($40-$80) depending on the cut. So, in our attempts to become thrifty B and I have started grooming him ourselves. I do have to say that it isn't as hard as it may seem, we were successful and even gave him a stylish goatee (B's effort to make him look more like a boy?). We kept the coat long for winter... to keep him warm and again looking like a boy instead of a girl. He's a poodle... there's no hope :) However, it is completely unintentional that he and my father are sporting the same facial hair, just lucky I guess...

Nesting Madness

2009-11-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

So, well before now (6 months and counting) the nesting began, but today I really felt like a momma baby bird. B and I put together the baby's crib and I do have to say I love it more in person than I do on-line. I love putting furniture together with B, it feels like great teamwork and we both have a sense of accomplishment :)

So, now the crib is together and the nursery is under way... all in preparation for Brian's princess (Lord help us!).

Vivian Jean she will be.

2009-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother's best friend and co-conspirator was her sister Vivian, and from the stories I hear they were hilarious like Lucy and Ethel.

Jean is my mother's middle name, she doesn't like it, but I told her that's too bad. Maybe her and Vivian will have that in common some day.

It's an old lady's name, but I don't care because it represents strong women from our family. Women that I hope she will resemble... inside and out. So Vivian Jean she will be :)

(And not to worry Hachee clan, Anthony Joseph will be here soon enough :0)

She's a Lady!

2009-10-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

So after two ultrasounds we finally found out that we're having a girl! At our first appointment she wouldn't stop moving and kicking then after about twenty minutes flipped over, crossed her legs and fell asleep (girls are so difficult!). Then at our second ultrasound appointment the tech saw it right away but decided to get other measurement first and come back to the gender at the end of the appointment, bad idea. The baby crossed her legs and it took 15 minutes and two other techs to come to the conclusion, it's a girl. What a lady! Keeping her legs crossed that whole time...

So Brian, stepping into the new role of "Daddy," asked me the other day "So when will she be allowed to date?" I laughed so hard but I have to give him credit for wanting to be prepared. She's not even here yet and we're already discussing the inevitable... this should be interesting.

Here's to hoping and praying that she's a lady outside the womb as well :)

My husband the narcolept

2009-10-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

So Ian and I are sitting here on the couch, enjoying popcorn and the dodger game. The dodger game is on the television for the one man in the room not watching it, my husband the narcolept. Ian and Brian went golfing earlier today... Ian's up... and Brian is covered in popcorn (from a "who can get closer to the gaping mouth" game) and has yet to discover it. I wish my camera worked so I could capture the priceless picture of my dogs trying to recover the fallen goodies, Brian wake's up every two seconds to pet them since they keep pawing at him. If only he were conscious enough to enjoy the moment.

Scenes from my couch. Still no definite score on who won the popcorn toss to Brian's face game. I love it!

XOXOXO

2009-10-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love the feeling of re-discovering a verse at the exact right moment. It's kind of like a warm hug from Him.

Today's hug is Romans 8:28- "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

I needed that one, it may always be applicable but today it hits the spot.

Have you been hugged lately?

18 weeks of...

2009-09-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am 18 weeks pregnant! It's definitely been interesting :) and amazing! Pregnancy is not what I expected but has been a great unexpected blessing.

I have become the connoisseur of what tastes good going down and coming up. It doesn't make it easier but much less horrific. This has been a growing experience for Brian too. He has become an expert on cleaning up the aftermath of morning sickness, I just tell him that this is in preparation for baby messes...

If morning sickness is an indication of a healthy baby, look out world here comes the first indestructible baby!

Say what?

2009-09-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

So Brian and I have a mini poodle named Bob Barker. I named him Bob Barker because one of the only reason that we were able to buy him was because "The Price was Right." That and because I thought the name Bobby would be cute for him.

Bobby is attached to me constantly (he's watching me post right now, Bobby says hi, he tried to type but it came out a;ldfj), I can definitely see why poodles make great old lady dogs since he is the best lap dog and alarm system God could create. So one day while I was petting Bobby, both of us totally engrossed with whatever was on TV (yeah my poodle watches TV), I realized 10 minutes has gone by with me petting Bobby and Bobby licking my arm. I love him, he loves me. But I don't really like dog slobber, I'd rather be petted or have my tummy rubbed or my hair played with. Interesting enough, I wonder if Bobby doesn't like to be petted but would rather be licked? I mean, are we just giving the love that we would rather receive?

This thought brings me back to the five love languages brought about by Dr. Chapman. Basically, the thought is that there are five essential ways to give and receive love, and the way you give love may be different than the way that you would like to receive love. Here they are:

1. Word's of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

(If you'd like to know more about them or would like to find out which of them you are here is Dr. Chapman's website: www.fivelovelanguages.com)

I find it helpful to understand the language that I speak (to be self-aware) and that others speak (to be encouraging and loving). Going through these languages was eye opening for me as I began to see others in a new way. For instance, my mother and I, though very much a-like, express love two different ways which can often have the result of two ships passing in the night in fog. She most definitely is Acts of Service when receiving love, which happens to be the language that I suck at. Really, I'm quite bad. Being aware is the first step, now comes the application.

My husband is a Quality Timer. The other language that I truly suck at. Brian's language I have also revised to as the Quantity Timer. He loves it. If he could describe the perfect day (besides winning the lotto) it would be watching sports all day with me sitting by his side on the couch. Good times (enter the sarcasm). I have learned that if this what makes him happy, this is what I should do. I have gone from a girl who only watched playoff sports to watching so many sports that I could now explain the infield fly rule, the dodger line-up, the hockey rule of off-sides, the funny arm signals of the hockey refs or line-men. My husband is pleased and that makes me happy. He feels loved.

I am unfortunately a Words of Affirmation receiver, which I find ironic since my job daily consists of people telling me that "I'm running a scam," "I'm going to hell," "I suck," "I'm stupid"... I could go on for days. Pretty sad, but I also have the pleasure of member's telling me wonderful, encouraging things. Sarcasm is a part of the Words of Affirmation folk. I've been told that it comes from a skewed version of this group. I love sarcasm, you'll know when I feel comfortable with you if I just open my mouth and let the sarcasm fly. According to my brother-in-law's father-in-law sarcasm is a spiritual gift. I think he's right. I wonder if our heavenly Father uses Sarcasm- can't wait to find out!

My old small group came up with the "Alternative Love Languages." Brilliant. There's no definition, no limit, no reason. I remember that I listed Laundry, Ice Cream, Clouds, Organizing and Sarcasm. What would yours be?

Mr. A Kempis

2009-09-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

"It is better to experience contrition than to be able to define it."- Thomas A Kempis

(I'm not sure if A is his middle initial or part of his last name so Mr. A Kempis I shall call him.)
I wasn't sure if I'd experience contrition so I had to define it, apparently private school taught me many things but the definition of contrition didn't stick.

Contrition (noun): sincere remorse for wrongdoing; repentance.

Interesting thought... thank you Mr. A Kempis (and thank you Lindy for introducing me to him).

Not your friend...

2009-09-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

I once heard someone say that you should write down your parenting thoughts before the time comes to use them so that you can refer to them later, seeing as how you know everything now (enter sarcastic tone).

Shortly after finding out that we are pregnant, Brian and I took a trip to the local grocery store only to find that it was "bring your screaming baby to the store day." So, Brian looks at me with wide eyes and says "what would you do in this situation." I thought long and hard and ultimately my advice comes from what I observed my mother do: acting up in public is never to be tolerated (for those who know my mother... you know what I mean). I don't know how she did it but she instilled the very fear of God and fear of being in trouble into my person at a very young age, all she ever really needed to correct me was a quick, stern word or the look. Every mother has one, I'm still perfecting mine. I should really sit down with pen and paper and question her about how she was able to accomplish this. Even my mother-in-law seems to have perfected the look or the tone having turned out 3 perfectly well rounded adult children.

Since then I have been thinking about the parenting that I have been able to observe through my family and friends and came across a great memory. It was the memory of the "meanest" thing that my mother had ever said to me. I remember it took place in Jr. High and I was upset that my mother would not be the cool mom and take me out of school so that I could go to Disneyland with a friend. I asked my mother "Why can't you just be my friend?" and then she declared "I am not your friend, I am your mother!" I was so sad at the time but looking back she was absolutely right and she knew it. Not to say that now as an adult that my mother and I can't go to lunch or talk on the phone about what's new with us, but she will always be my mother first. By today's standards this may be unacceptable to some but I like to think that her parenting was so effecting because she wasn't afraid to be harsh. She never told me what I wanted to hear, even now, she will always tells me what I need to hear- no matter how harsh.

I resolve not to be a friend to my children but a mother. Loving and caring none the less but mother first and foremost.

The Master of Sarcasm

2009-09-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite authors and women of faith is Elisabeth Elliot. I could go on for days about how wonderful her books and stories are but maybe you should read them first hand and experience how moving her story is.

Ms. Elliot is the master of sarcasm. I was reading an excerpt from her book "Keep a Quiet Heart" and came across a chapter that was so convicting that I laughed out loud (awkwardly). The chapter is entitled "Several Ways to Make Yourself Miserable" and here are 5 out of her 9 thoughts on the matter:

1. Count your troubles, name them one by one- at the breakfast table, if anybody will listen, or as soon as possible thereafter.

2. Worry everyday about something. Don't let yourself get out of practice. It won't add a cubit to your stature but it might burn a few calories.

3. Pity yourself. If you do enough of this, nobody will have to do it for you.

4. Devise clever but decent ways to serve God and mammon. After all, a man's gotta live.

5. Make it your business to find out what the Joneses are buying this year and where they are going. Try to do them at least one better even if you have to take out another loan to do it.

Count Your Blessings

2009-09-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Katherine Maxey was born in Ireland in 1849, survived the potato famine and had nine children. She immigrated to the U.S. shortly after the famine with a newborn in tow to start a new life with her family. To me she is the epitome of strength in harsh times. She is my grandmother's great-grandmother.

Whatever "hardships" I experience today are nothing compared to what Katherine experienced. No matter what happens today there will always be food and shelter available to me. I have access to the best health care system and physicians that the U.S. has to offer all within 20 miles of where I am located. So life all of the sudden doesn't seem so bad considering that budgets are getting tighter, gas prices are increasing and the middle and lower classes can't seem to catch a break. This too shall pass.

My mother's favorite song (literally she had Lindy paint the phrase in her kitchen) is Count Your Blessings by Burl Ives:

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Yes... and No

2009-09-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have a favorite "go to" phrase, unintentional, but mine none the less. It's "Yes... and No." My husband loves it! Not really it aggravates him to the core. I never do it on purpose it just comes out, similar to "uh" and "like." The conversation usually goes like this:

Brian: Babe, are you hungry?
(Wait for it...)
Dawnelle: Yes... and No

Brian: Honey, are the dishes clean?
(You guessed it...)
Dawnelle: Yes... and No

Brian: Baby, are you still feeling sick?
(Oh here it comes...)
Dawnelle: Yes... and No

It has multiple meanings and numerous uses. Give it a try! Won't you?

Waking up to Jesus and Pete the Dragon

2009-09-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Every morning I wake up to Brian's tattoos. (Not complaining. It's just amusing and alarming all at the same time.) On one shoulder is a red and yellow dragon named "Pete" and on his back is a cross, the face of Jesus and a christian fish. So depending on the tossing and turning I wake up eye level to either Jesus or Pete the Dragon. I mean who else can say "I wake up to either the face of Jesus or Pete the Dragon every day" without sounding crazy or delusional? I was thinking that I would get a tattoo on my right shoulder and on my back to keep them company...