Baby-wan Kateobi

My nephews were running around in Star Wars attire on Sunday, so I couldn't help but get Kathryn involved. This was done real quick (20 min) during lunch today. Isn't it sad when your father is a graphic arts amatuer?

Easter And Update

I've been putting Kathryn in a different little outfit for the last week. I have so many clothes its time to start using all of them or I might not get to use some of the absultely cute stuff I got at my shower! So here are two of them that I thought were so adorable!

Happy Easter to all!

I guess it's been awhile since I last posted. So I'm here just been busy and I got the flu and spent lots of time with my mom so she could help me with Kathryn. I give props to any mom who gets sick and doesn't have help with a baby. I don't think I could have handled it. Well, I'm not a good sick person anyway. I give up and just need to sleep all day. I don't like doing anything while sick. even with just a cold.. Matt got the flu first and then I got it from him for 3 days and then my nephew got RSV and so far Kathryn hasn't got sick at all. I'm still praying and hoping it will stay that way!

Kash and Kathryn taking a nap together!

Well I had Kathryn weighed the other day and she is now 9.5 lbs. She is definetly growing and getting more cute all the time! She seems to want to eat all the time. And since I don't produce enough milk anyway, I have to suppliment with formula. I've actually come to like that cause Matt can get the first feeding at night with a bottle and then I get her the next round. I thought at first that it was a bad thing to have to give her formula but I have to keep my sanity and get some rest sometime as she'd have to eat every hour if it was just me. I can't do it.

Friday night we sent to my sisters house for dinner and games. They have a big Love Sack that Kathryn enjoyed laying in the middle of. it was cute to have her in such a huge pillow. made her look so small.

Saturday we had a Heaton Family easter gathering near Boyce Thompson Ranch in Superior. It was a very beautiful day and camp area. I would recommend it to all but to go anyother days then rennesance festival days. It took us 1.5 hours just to get there and another hour to get back because of the traffic. We do easter egg hunts with my cousins kids. and some of them went on a hike up to dig up apache tears. Matt and I didn't go because we had to get back in town for a dinner. but there was a stream near by and just a wonderful day. Kathryn loved being out doors. just loved looking around and seeing all the new scenery.

Matt slept most of the time at the camp ground. It was such a nice day for a nap outside

Sunday Matt and I had to be to church early to practice for ward choir. I put a cute little pink and white dress on Kathryn. She's so cute. We went to my parents for Dinner and had another Easter Egg hunt for just my neices and nephews. I got some cute pictures of kathryn with some of the easter eggs.

I start work with my Dad tomorrow for a few hours a couple days a week. It will be good to have something steady again. I need something I can count on again. it helps me keep track of the days. I can't believe its almost April. Crazy Kathryn will be 2 months soon. We are going on our first little outing with her for Matts Birthday in April . We're going to San Diego and to the beach. its going to be fun to have her first beach trip! Then in May we're going to Orlando. She'll be more travelled in her first year then I was until I was in my teens.

Matt and his brother John Weir playing Dance Dance Revolution! Matt kicks butt at this game!

Well I have so many friends I haven't seen in so long. I hope to be back in the swing of things soon! I love you all!

One Month Old

Kathryn is now one month old. I can tell she's older. She is more content laying in her bouncy seat and is not as fragile as I thought she was at first.
Some things I love about her:
1. Her Cry is so soft - my sisters kid has a really loud cry. I'm so glad she has a soft set of lungs.
2. She makes the cutest sounds. I wonder if I can get Matthew to record her when she's making all the cute sounds. Its hilarious.
3. She is sleeping longer at night. I'm a little worried about that but she is still gaining weight and having the number of wet diapers so I know she's getting enough to eat.
4. I love that she likes to take showers with me. Its so much fun. I just wish our tub or rather or hot water heater was big enough to fill to tub. I know that would be way FUN! I'll have to go to my parents and get in their jacuzzi tub one of these days and see how she likes the bubbles.
5. I love that she snuggles into my chest to take naps.
6. I love that she's eating better with me.
7. I love that Matthew calls her his little sweetie. and takes her from me as soon as he gets home from work.
8. I love the way she smells after the shower. I just like to hold her and smell her beautiful curly blonde hair.
9. I love all her curly blonde hair. She is one of a kind.
10. I love that she was sent to us. I love that she is the one that made me a mom. The greatest JOB that I could ever have!

Feeding HOORAY!!

Well from before you can tell this breastfeeding thing has been a challenge but I have to report that we've gone 2 whole days without a bottle. She's doing just fine!!! I'm so excited. She still takes a while to finish but I'd rather take her time with me then with a bottle!!

Its so gratifying. I love being able to feed her like nature intended. And She is gaining weight so I know she's getting enough.

I've even well almost got it down so well that I can do it in public without making a scene. We'll try for sure at church to see if I can get it down with the other 8 ladies all feeding their kids right after sacrament. Its like a zoo in there. 4 soft chairs and 8 ladies all needing to feed their kids all at the same time. And its just going to get worse as we have 2 more ladies due at the end of the month and like 4 more throughout the summer. I think they'll have to create another room!

Thanks to Rachel for her words of encouragement. It is the greatest thing like you said! I'm glad I had the patience and the support to keep going when I thought I couldn't. Its great to have friends that will help you out when in need.

Thanks to everyone that had a word of advice. I tried almost everything that was suggested.

Motherhood is turning out to be the best challenge I've ever had! I love it. and I found out that Matt is the best at putting Kathryn to sleep at night. After I feed her Matt is now in charge of helping her fall asleep. I love it. I get such good sleep when I know Matt has taken care of her! He is my hero!

Kathryn

Aren't I a cutie!


Kash's baby blessing with all the brothers in law


Daddy's little girl!
After a bath


Here is Paige 11 months, Adam 7 months Kash 2 months and kathryn 3 weeks.


So I had Kathryn weighed today and she's now 7lbs 11 ozs. So she's gained a pound and a half. Some of you have been waiting for some more new pictures so here they are.

7 Things about me

1. In college my friends used to call me Heada Spreada. Because I liked to sit with my legs wide apart. Taking up the whole Couch. I wasn't very lady like then.

2. If you know personalities I am a Melencholy, Phlagmatic. part of that is that I can sit around the house all day and do nothing and not feel bad about it and another is that I like the have the toilet paper going over the roll and not under and I have two toothdrushes one for morning and one for night.

3. I am a midnight blogger. since having Kathryn we have to get up at night and the only place I can see a clock close enough without putting on my glasses is next to the computer so I come and look at peoples blogs at all hours of the night!

4. I have a huge family. Well Extended family anyway. I have 6 sisters, no brothers. I have 59 first cousins on one side of the family. and I'd say about 40 or more on the other. There are well over 100 cousins in the next generation and well over 200 in the next. We have a family reunion every year and then we also have a cousins reunion for just the 65 first cousins. Its awesome. I love big families.

5. When I was a kid I used to hate PIZZA. It was the worst thing ever. My mom would make pizza with cream of mushroom soup instead of pizza sauce. Now I love PIZZA. Can't get enough of it.

6. I like to sew purses. Last year I made one for each of the girls in the family for their birthday. That was fun and a really inexpensive gift.

7. So I had a hard time coming up with this last one. so I asked my sister what she thinks is random aboaut me. She said my sense of humor, the way I like shoes, my willingness to do anything for anyone. Oh and Matt has made me a huge fan of Vietnamese food. I could eat that all the time!

So now I get to tag other people Here we go. Melissa my sister who just joined blogspot, Rachel and Jessica my other sisters. So I know it says 7 but how about I just get my sisters to tell me what they think is random about them.

Kathryn and Kash

Sorry for adding more of these but these are from my sisters camera. I likethe one where they are holding hands. They willk be great cousin friends.

3 weeks

So we've survived another week. I can tell she is getting older. She stays awake more often and has her pretty blue eys open and looking around. She is getting better at latching on. except right now I am pumping to get through the night. she doesn't like to latch on when I'm tired or maybe I just don't have the patience that I need to help her like it.

I did purchase a little helper to help us both in this area. I would recommend it to anyone with breastfeeding problems. Its called My Breast Friend. Its a pillow that actually attaches around the waist. So it doesn't fall off like the boppy that I had. and it positions her right for a good latch. So we have a few good feeding times during the day and then at night we have to go back to the bottle. Well I'm not so sure how good they are as she always seems hungry after I feed her. So she gets what she can from me and then I have to give her a little more from what I've stored up.

I'll have some pictures posted soon. My sister took some of her and was supposed to email them to me but hasn't yet. They certainly are precious.

My friend Rached posted about funny things her husband has done at night to help out with their little one. I think I'll mention a few that Matthew has done or rather how good he is at helping me but not so much about remembering that he did.

During the night I try to feed her but if I can't get a latch I have to pump and give her a bottle, So I have matt give her the bottle while I pump so that we both can get to sleep faster. But the other night Matt did that and thenthe next morning he asked how she slept and I said she was up twice, and Thanks for helping me to which he replied, I did? He didn't remember anything.

I like to lean over and give Matt kisses after I've fed Kathryn and put her in bed before she wakes up again. He never remembers those either.

So I tried again tonight to latch her on and I can't get one deep enough. It like she is to used to the bottle and can't seem to open her mouth wide enough to do any good for her or me. The pillow realy does help but not in helping her open her mouth.

She has gotten a lot better though. Each day I can tell she's a little stronger and older. I hope soon we'll get it.

Sorry this is mostly all about me feeding woes. its just what is on my mind mostly.

Oh fun times is bath times. She just loves sitting in the sink just relaxing in the water. and then she smells so good afterwards. I jut sit her against me and sniff her head all day.

Before I was a Mom

A friend of mine sent this email to me. I think it is very true to what I'm feeling right now. I haven't felt all of it yet but I know I will some day. I do like to hold my little Kathryn just because. and the few times that she has latched on is so satisfying. Its those times that makes me want to not give up on her and me. Its crazy how much you can love something so quickly. It took time to fall in love with Matthew but the love was instant the moment I saw her. She is my little angel that God has sent to me to take care of and to nurture. Thanks for the opportunity!

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to alullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a babysleep. Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces whenI couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed ahungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

2 Weeks and Thriving

Well we made it to two weeks. I'm still sane and the baby is doing excellent. We had her two week appointment today. We weighs 6 lbs 14oz she's gained a half a pound since birth. The Doctor gave her an A+. An Excellent baby and he was actually kind of jealous that she doesn't poo a lot. I thought it was something to be worried about but since she's gaining weight which show's she's eating enough, just means she has a good metabolism and uses every bit of milk we give her.

Some fun things, we really like to shower together. I didn't know if she'd like the water hitting her skin like it does but she really likes it. Its fun to have her snuggle into me while I wash all her beautiful hair. I can't do this without Matt home though. It would be to difficult to get her in and out by myself. I gave her a bath today in our sink. She loved that as well. Warm water does the trick. She just was all laid back and easy going as I washed her hair and body. Not a peep. I laid her back in the water so her head was in it. She loved it!

Feeding her is still a struggle. I'm getting help from some amazing ladies. I went to a Le Leche League meeting and met a lady that lives close that said she would help me. I think we'll be able to get together on Sunday or Monday. We also got on WIC since I"m not working anymore and they gave me a hospital grade pump and now we have some help with formula and some staples in food. It is a nice help. I guess I could feel sorry for myself for having to have assistance but since it is there why not use it. Matt's business should be taking off in the next few weeks so I hope it won't be a need for very long. They do have great assistance though. They also have a lactation consultant there everyday and if I wanted I could go down there for some help until Kathryn gets a hang of it.

So many friends have been so supportive as well. I need it as everyday is a struggle but know that it will be worth the work and emotional roller coaster I've been on in the end.

Here are some of her two week baby pictures. I think she's adorable! It's hard to not just stare at her all day long. Her hair is so cute. I love all the curls and how blonde it really is.

I can't leave the house for very long as I'm on a pumping schedule but if anyone wants to come visit for an hour or so I would love to have some company for little bits of time during the day.

You can come love on my little baby anytime!

Grandma Weir came to visit this last weekend. Now both Grandma's have seen and loved on baby Kathryn.

Also here is Brian from Work. He and Michelle came over last Friday to see us. Brian said he'd only held like 3 babies before in his life. So here is 4. I think he did fine.

Cousins

My sister Jessica came over yesterday with her little Kash. He's 8 weeks older then my baby Kathryn. He was a little one to. 6lbs and 3ozs. We wanted to compare sizes now that Kash is older now. He's a solid little boy. You can tell he's grown and is much older. You can also tell how yellow Kathryn still is. I'm really hoping now that I know how much she's eating that this Jaundice will go away soon.



Anyway Jessica came over to take pictures of our little ones and to go on a walk to get Kathryn out in the sun. I liked getting out of the house for awhile. As soon as the clouds go away again I'll take her out for another walk that was fun!



My parents now have 12 grand kids. Kash was the 6th boy and Kathryn is the 6th Girl. We're even. My parents were blessed with 4 new grandbabies in a years time. Paige (Rachel and Mike) in March 2007, Adam (Shelley and Nathan) in May 2007, Kash (Jessica and Joshua) in December 2007 and then my baby Kathryn in February 2008. Its fun times at the Turleys for family dinners. Lots of little ones around to carry and love on.

Chloe and DamienDamien, Mandy and RorySavannah

She is the 10th grandchild for Matthew's parents. They came to see her for the first time today for a few minutes before I had to take them to the airport. They'll be back Monday for a longer visit so I can get pictures with the other set of grandparents.

Some more baby and things!

Her Going home outfit, provided by my sister Jessica. Thanks Jessica!

Well, I'm a mother now. Its been a challenging first week. I didn't think it would be this difficult to adjust to motherhood. I've wanted to be a mother my whole life and now that I am , I'm afriad I'm not doing it right. First off, the jaundice isn't going away like it should. The doctor said to have her be in the sun and then the last two days its been cloudy. So I hope it goes away on its own.

Grandma with baby!

I'm having a real struggle with feeding her. I went to a Lactation consultant yesterday and she said my baby is a lazy eater. She doesn't want to 'work' for the food. She just falls asleep when I try to feed her. So We're giving her a bottle with a nipple that is harder for her to suck on to try and improve her sucking muscles and I have to pump every 2-3 hours to keep my milk coming in. I want to feed her myself so badly. But the lady said even if she doesn't ever catch on. My first priority is to feed my baby. Not to be selfish and have her breastfeed not knowing if she's getting enough to eat. I just have to keep that in mind when I'm sitting there feeding her with a bottle that, She needs to eat one way or another and that I'm not a bad mother if I can't get her to latch on to me.

Her Birth weight.

Other then that part having a baby around is awesome. I just look at her all day long. She's so beautiful. I love all her blonde hair and everyonce in a while I'll catch her with a big grin on her face. I love it when Matt is home and carriers her and holds her and kisses on her. its fun when He leaves in the morning and gives each of his girls Kisses. He says goodbye to his "little love" and then kisses me goodbye for his "love of his life" One of these days he won't have to say goodbye but stay home and be the stay at home daddy that I want him to be.

Other news,

A week or two before the baby came our car got broken into. They broke that back little side window. I'm glad they didn't take the car seat. That was probably the most expensive thing in the car. Anyway they rummaged through a few things and ended up taking a few dozen leadership CD's. I find it ironic that that is all they got from me. I know one of these days I'm going to be at a leadership development meeting where they'll be some guy up there telling us his story about how he was not into such great things when he was younger and then one day he broke into some person's car and all he got were these dumb CD's. but decided to see what they were all about and 'well look at me know.' I'm a changed MAN!

That will be the day!

Valentines Day with a brand new baby was kind of hard for us. Matt really wanted to do something special for us but we couldn't go out with a new baby. So Matt being so sweet brought home some sushi (California Rolls) I'm not a real sushi fan. and we got a girly movie and held the baby for the evening. It was nice to be able to cuddle up with matt and our darling little girl. Not the most romatic evening but it was nice all the same. Oh and Matt likes to get me stuffed animals and this time got me a big fluffy bear and a little red one for baby Kathryn. He's so sweet. Daddy and Kathryn on Valentines day! How he loves her so!

I'd like to thank all who have commented on how beautiful our baby is and all your words of love and care. It really does make my day when I get a comment from one of my wonderful friends.

Hope you enjoy the next pictures of our precious baby.

She is one week old today. Doesn't she look so peaceful! I think I'll put a weekly picture of her on her one week, two week and so on anniversary.

Baby Kathryn Olivia Came Out To Play!

Baby Kathryn is here!!! She was born at 1:30am on Friday, February 8th. The stats are 6lbs 7oz, 20 1/4".

Heather and I together with Kathryn. This is just a few minutes after birth, and our first photo as a family!! Close-ups coming next!

Kathryn under the warming lamp while they are taking her measurements, getting shots etc. Very curly hair when it was wet.

Nice and sleepy. The hospital night-shirts have little mittens on the sleeves to prevent the baby from scratching herself.

Baby is getting ready for her first bath.... maybe we should think about giving her a second one...

President Hinckley Challenge

So my Friend Michelle sent this to me about reading the Book of Mormon. I think its a great idea to honor our beloved Prophet. I'm going to do my best. With a baby coming I might not get it all in the 97 days but then again I won't be working and can read while the baby is sleeping.

I got this poem over email a couple of days ago and I think its awesome. I can imagine the love and rejoicing that has come to him and his sweet wife. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Prophetic Passing
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother,
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service,
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward ­ there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way. Anna M. Molgard

Here is the chart for helping me keep track of my reading.


If you want to join the cause
Go to Hinkley Challenge and you can keep track as well!

Let us also remember our new prophet, seer and revelator President Monson , with President Eyring and President Uchtdorf at his side. They will also need our honor and prayers.

Baby Heartbeat

Listen to baby Kathryn's heartbeat

I had matt come to yesterday's appointment so that he could here the heartbeat like I get to everyweek. And then my sister suggested that we record it so that we could show it the baby later and such. So here is a few seconds of the beautiful sound of our baby's hearbeat.

The doctor also checked to see how dialated I am. I'm at a 2 now. He said he even felt the b head which I take to mean she's starting her decent down the birth canal. Anyday now.

He said to make an appointment for next week and but that he may see me sooner. I hope its the sooner one. I actually want to have the baby this weekend or Monday. So I'll be walking a lot and boucing on my big ball to see if I can help her decide she's ready to come into our little family.

Well things are well, I went to the Chiropractor after that appointment to get me all in line for the delivery. That helped a lot.

I'll keep everyone posted for other updates. For now things are progressing just fine!

Baby Shower

We had my shower at my sister Shelleys house. THANK YOU SHELLEY!!!

Wow that was a fun time for me. I got to see a lot of people I haven't seen in some time. Matt's mom even surprised me and came down from Snowflake. I got such wonderful things. I am so appreciative of everyones generosity.

I got some of the cutest little outfits. I hope I get to use them all. To many people have been telling me they have all this stuff but never get to put them in them before they grow out of them.

I got to use the Chocolate Fountain I got for my wedding for the first time. That was a fun touch. I know my nephews were thrilled to have it. It was probably a little messy but Chocolate is Chocolate.

This is the stroller and Car Seat I got from a coworker out of Texas. I finally put the car seat in my car and I've got my hospital bag ready. Anytime now Kathryn...

I only have a few pictures as my camera's batteries failed by my sister has more so if she has come cool ones I'll get some more posted.

Thank you cards will be coming shortly. I really want to have the baby and get a baby annoucement with picture /thank you card out to everyone.

Matt's mom helped up get our crib. We found this one on Craigslist. It has three drawers down the side and two long drawers underneath. I like storage space.

I'm so excited to have this baby. Also other news Matt and I have decided that I don't have to go back to work when the baby comes. My last day at work is the 8th unless she comes sooner. Which I'm hoping because I just found out that if she does, Short Term Disablity still applies and I'll get paid for part of the first month that I'm gone. We're not counting on it but that would be a great added bonus for us. So any suggestions on how to make this baby come out quicker that would be appreciated.

Thanks again to all those that have supported me and made me feel like I can be a great mom.