My Second Little Monkey

Samuel Edward was born in August of 2010... and he is an amazing little baby boy!!!

A couple of months after we had Hannah, we decided that since she was such an easy baby, we should have another one soon!  A few things happened that made me think I was pregnant, so I stopped by Meijer after work on a Saturday.  The test was negative :(  I was bummed... Something must be wrong with me.  That following Monday, I decided to take another test and there was a faint 2nd line!  I was so excited that I called Josh right away... poor kid couldn't concentrate at work the rest of the day!

We found out we were pregnant a few weeks before Christmas, so we decided to wait and tell our families on Christmas.  We did tell Jeremy and Leanne about a week before Christmas, Justin and Ashley a couple days, and I told Allie the day before Christmas.  All for different reasons, but I'm glad we told them when we did.  On Christmas morning, we Skyped my parents and told them we had a Christmas present that we ordered in November but wouldn't come until August... it took about 10 seconds but they quickly figured out it was another baby!!!

At dinner that night, we shared with Josh's family that we were expecting again, and they were sooooo surprised and excited.  Justin and Ashley also surprised them with Christmas cards of an ultrasound, they were pregnant too!!!  Wow, 2 grandbabies are a great Christmas gift!!!!

At the beginning, I was convinced that I was going to have another girl.  That's just the way it is in my family.  The first two kids are always the same sex.  However, as time went on, this pregnancy was way different.  I had more nausea, I threw up a few times, I had more acid reflux and I grew out instead of wide.  Before we had the ultrasound, I knew this was a boy and even started buying boy clothes :)  Josh didn't believe me and was convinced it was a girl... and when the ultrasound revealed it was a boy... he was shocked and I think it took a few days for it to soak in!

I was really tired this pregnancy... I think working night shift AND having a baby really took it's toll on me... I think I am still recovering!  Thankfully, Hannah is such an easy going and independent little girl that I was able to rest often.  She took 2 naps a day until the week Sam was born, and I took two naps with her :)

A second C-section was scheduled for this kiddo!  My OB said I could have a VBAC, but strongly recommended that I choose a C-section since my pregnancies were so close together.  And honestly, I liked the idea of having this delivery planned and knowing that he would be here by that day.  And I am glad I did!!!

Sam was born at 8 lbs 6oz and 22 inches long!!  What a big boy!!

And since he was born, all he has done is grow grow grow!!  At his 4 month appointment he weighed almost 15lbs and was 26 1/2 inches long which put him in the 95th percentile in height.

He is such an easy going baby.  He didn't start sleeping through the night until he was 4 months old, but before that he only got up once during the night.  He needs a little bit more attention than what Hannah did at this age, but now that he can play with toys and reach and grab things, I'm seeing him become more and more independent and able to entertain himself.  He LOVES Hannah and watches her every move.  And he is such a happy baby.  He laughs and smiles at you all the time!!  And I'm starting to notice how happy he is when he wakes up in the morning or from nap times.  He rarely cries anymore... instead I hear him cooing and then I know it is time to get him!!

I look forward to him sitting up and crawling and walking and talking and growing up and playing with Hannah and any other siblings he will have!!  He is an amazing little boy already and I look forward to what God has in store for this little man :)

My First Little Monkey

It's Friday... I hate Hate HATE leaving my family on the weekends to go to work, but sometimes it is nice to get away and interact with other adults :)  I thought I would take sometime to tell you about my two little monkey's that I love with all my heart, but I only have time to write about one before nap time :)

Hannah Marie was born in April of 2009.  She had us going from the start... The pregnancy was wonderful!  Hardly sick, felt great, was able to sleep whenever I wanted!!  At 18 weeks, we were soooo excited to find out if we were having a boy or a girl.  However, she decided not to show us.  We had a friend who was an ER resident at a local hospital... he did 3 ultrasounds on me and my doctor did 2 ultrasounds for a total of 5... and we never found out until she was born!  About 37 weeks I started experiencing contractions (but didn't realize at that time) and one night when I was up with contractions, my water broke!  12 Days early!!!  It was sooo much fun calling everyone in the middle of the night to tell them we were on our way to the hospital, a fun surprise!  The next little surprise was that I was moving along pretty good, already 4 cm dilated when we got to the hospital... but the baby was now in a breech position, which meant I had to have a C-section.  I was okay with this, I already had it set in my mind that I would end up having a C-section.  When the Dr. pulled her out and said, "IT'S A GIRL"... my response was- "I told you Josh".  I kept telling everyone I thought it was a girl, and I think Josh's family was convinced that I was going to have a boy.  Everyone has boys in his family, why would I be different??

Hannah was born a healthy, crying baby girl weighing in at 6lbs 11oz.  I couldn't believe how tiny she was.  I was almost a 10lb baby, so I assumed my babes would be huge!!!  She was born with Hip Dysplasia... which if anything was to be wrong this is by far the easiest to fix.  She had to be in a harness thingy for 9 full weeks, 24 hours a day... and another 4 weeks just at night.  But at her 18 month follow up appointment, her hip looked wonderful and we were given a clean bill of health!!!

She had to be one of the easiest newborns/babies/toddlers EVER!!!  It's so much fun to watch her grow and learn everyday!!!  She picks up on things so fast, it amazes me.  Except for walking :)  She finally started walking at 17 months... and even now if you breathe on her she falls over!  Her verbal skills are amazing... the doctor said she is way ahead of her age, but I didn't really believe her.  But as I talk to others that have children at Hannah's age, she really is talking much much more other 18 month olds.  She will repeat anything we say, she says 2-4 word sentences, and I know I've heard her trying to sing through the monitor :)  Her voice is so sweet!

She is also extremely polite... and I have no idea how she picked up on this.  She always says Thank You if you give her something or take something she is giving you.  And she is quickly learning to say or sign please if she asks for something.

Hannah is so in love with her baby brother.  She is quick to comfort him and give him is pacifier, she hugs him and kisses him when he is on the floor, and will stand next to him when he is in his bouncy seat and laugh and play with him.  I know they will grow up close to each other... and know doubt he will protect his little, big sister!

At 18 months, Hannah barely weighed 21 lbs (which puts her in the 5%) and was only in the 30% in height.  She is still our little pumpkin!!

I have so much more I would love to brag on Hannah about.  She is independent, happy, giving, loving and simply wonderful.  She makes her Mommy and Daddy extremely proud and happy to have her as our daughter.  I love you Hannah!!!

What will you do?

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day... with Hannah sick, that meant we watched a lot of Mickey Mouse.  I know, my New Years Resolution was to only watch one Mickey a day, and I haven't been able to keep that.  Maybe I should rephrase that as, my goal is to get down to one Mickey a day :)  It's the funniest thing that the two things that comfort a sick child is Mommy and Mickey!  I love it!!  Actually, I'm not sure if Hannah is sick or teething.  She is acting the same way she did the last time she had a virus (although not as bad) and she was cutting a tooth at that time too.  I don't know if it is coincidence or if this is her reaction to her eye teeth coming in.  Either way... I spoil her on these days with lots of Mickey, lots of Apple Juice, lots of snacks that she likes (or else she doesn't eat) and lots of loving!

This morning she seems to be doing better.  She looks so pale after having rosey cheeks for the last couple of days, and her appetite seems to be coming back.  And she is playing with her toys instead of wanting to watch Mickey Mouse.  Yep, she's back to getting in trouble too.  We have a very strict rule in our house... NO PLAYING IN THE DOG BOWLS!  Yet for some reason, she is obsessed with them- especially the water bowls.  So this morning, I gave her some gummy snacks because she asked for them and really didn't eat a whole lot for breakfast... and while I was not looking, she went over to the dog bowls and put a couple in the empty water bowl.  When I realized she had been quiet for a while, I looked over and she was eating them out of the bowl!  Ewwww!!!  That is sooooo gross!!!!

She has also been such a cutie pie this morning, playing with her baby doll that Aunt Leanne got her for her birthday.  She was walking all over the downstairs saying, "Where baby go?"  Usually she says this when looking for Sam, but somehow I figured out she was looking for her baby doll.  She took the baby for a walk in her toy stroller, put the baby in Sam's car seat, and then held the baby when I held Sam and copied everything I did with him.  She is such a good Mommy to her babies.

Josh and I have been Youth Group Sponsors at College Park Church for 3 1/2 years now.  Last night we started a new book study on a book called CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan.  Love, love, love this book!  It's just what I need at this point in my life... something easy to read that gives me a fresh, new perspective on the Christian life and challenges me in many ways.  We watched the first two videos last night which basically covers the first two chapters of the book.  There were so many little things that stuck out to me in the videos... but the thing that really blew my mind today was when he said, "Today could be the day you meet God!"  Whoa!  Am I really ready to meet God?  What would I say?  What would I do?

I was trying to think of the most famous person, and I chose Oprah... I think she is pretty famous world wide!  Everyone knows who she is.  I could google her and find out everything there is to know about her.  If I knew I was going to meet her today, I would buy a new outfit, look my best, and prepare in my mind what I would say or talk to her about.  After I met her, I would tell everyone how I know Oprah.  I met her face to face and she knows my name.  But in reality, we would never really know each other in a friendship/savior way.  She would forget me probably within a few minutes of meeting me.

But is that the way I want it to be with God?  When I come before the Most Holy, Magnificent, Awesome, and Beautiful Creator... what will I do?  Kind of reminds me of the song, "I can only imagine."  Will I stand in awe?  Will I worship?  Will I fall down?  Will I thank Him for saving my life?  Will I not only know about Him but know Him in a personal way?  Will I be able to say I love you?  I need to prepare!!!  I need to spend as much time on this earth getting to know Him and sharing his love with others.  I want to live this life with no regrets.  I want to die proclaiming the name of Jesus so when I stand before Him Jesus will proclaim before God, "This is Amanda Marie Owens!" (Mt 10:32-33)  I want our relationship to be eternal, everlasting!

Today YOU may meet God face to face!  What are you going to do differently?

Welcome 2011

So far, 2011 has been somewhat uneventful but perfect in so many ways...

Jan 1st- I brought in the new year at work.  It was an extremely quiet weekend.  We were well staffed and everyone seemed to be in a good mood.  Not very many patients in the hospital over the holidays, which gives everyone a nice break.  We needed it because usually we fill back up and our numbers don't drop again til spring break.  I got home around 7ish, and went straight to bed.  Josh did a great job taking care of the kids in the morning, I only had to wake up to feed Sam.  Josh took the kids over to his parents in the morning and was back by nap time... I'd love to say that he went over so his parents could see the kids, but the truth is he went over so he could get his new cell phone :)  We love our EVOs.  I got up around 1pm and never really fell back asleep.  I was back at work at 6pm with only 5 hours of sleep... that makes for a long, tired night!

Jan 2nd- Usually on Sunday mornings, I come home and get changed and help get the kids ready and we all head off to Church for the 8 O'Clock service.  However, we decided not to go that morning.  Josh wasn't feeling good, and we decided to head over to his parents in the morning so Josh could stay with his mom that morning.  Gloria had hip replacement surgery in mid December, and although she is pretty independent by now, I think it makes us all feel better if someone is there just in case she needs us.

I have to take this moment to brag on my wonderful Hubby!  He has been super Dad, super Husband and a super Son.  He takes such great care of the kids while I am at work or sleeping, he keeps the house cleaned up, and he has gone over to his parents at a drop of a hat to help out in anyway he can.  He is always calm and level headed when I get stressed out and he is a great leader for our family.  I love him sooooooo much!!!

Back to the 2nd... Usually, on Sundays I sleep at Chuck and Gloria's.  I think I didn't go to bed until 10:30am that morning, and I have no idea how I stayed up that long!  I slept until  3:30pm and was up to feed Sam and watch the Colts game.  But I was so tired... so I went back to sleep during the 3rd quarter and got up to see the last play of the game.  I'm glad the Colts won, they're going to the playoffs for like the 9th year in a row.  And for the 3rd year in a row, I'm going to miss the playoff game!  Yep, I'll be at work. 

Jan 3rd-  Mondays are the hardest days of all!  I had such great plans to get up and clean.  But I woke up at 2:30am and never fell back to sleep.  I went to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee and breakfast (I'm addicted), came home and got the kids up and fed them breakfast.  After 4 days of having Daddy home, Hannah kept asking me all morning, "Where's Dada?"  "Where Dada go?"  How do you explain to a 1 year old that Daddy is at work?  I let Hannah watch one Mickey Mouse after breakfast and by then I was ready for bed.  So we just hung out that morning in her room and after lunch we all took nice long naps!  So thankful that both of my kids nap well, it makes for a nice rest time for Mommy.  The only thing I did get done that day is that I got our sheets and comforter washed and I made dinner.  Needless to say, Josh and I were in bed by 10pm.

Jan 4th- Josh was home sick :(  Poor kid has been sick with a yucky cold/cough since last week.  Another day of just relaxing and lounging about, taking care of my husband and kids.  At lunch time, I gave Hannah spaghetti O's (which she loves) but she decided to throw a fit and refused to take even one bite.  Josh and I were insistent that she sat there and waited to get up until we were done with lunch.  Normally we don't have this problem because she is a slow eater and we are done before she is, but this time, she didn't want to sit with us.  Later that night she ended up spiking a little fever... poor girl was sick, no wonder she didn't want to eat.  When Hannah is sick, the only thing that makes her feel better is being held by Mommy or Daddy and watching Mickey Mouse.  And sometimes a bath helps too.  So last night before bed when I went to brush her teeth, she asked to take a bath... and I decided to make it fun.  She had her very first bubble bath and loved it.  It was so fun to see her get excited about all the bubbles in her bath!  We hung out in Hannah's room for a little bit before bed time... and Sam finally rolled 100% from his back to his belly!!!  We've been working on this for weeks!  He could never get that arm out from under him!!  Now he can roll both ways... and I'm going to be in BIG trouble once he starts moving :)

Jan 5th-  Hannah slept in until 9:30am this morning... poor little girl woke up with a fever again.  So we've been watching Mickey all morning and drinking apple juice.  Sam is napping and I'm just enjoying time snuggling and caring for my little monkey :)  Our MAC should come today... WooHoo!!!  I'm so excited to start working on little projects I want to do.  And I think Josh is going to stay home with the kids tonight so I can go to The GrOve (our youth group at church) tonight.  See, he's such a great dad!!!  And I can't wait to see my girlies again! 

Hope your 2011 is going as well as mine!!!

Where We Come From

Four days into 2011 and I'm loving it so far!  I always love the new year because I feel like I can have a fresh start.  My days are just like any other and my house is still mess..., but I guess it is just a mind trick that we play on ourselves every year and we feel so much better about ourselves for doing what we should have been doing all along :)  As long as it works, I'll go with it! 

So in case your just tuning in and haven't talked to me in years, here is how I got to where I am today.  I graduated from Harrisburg Christian in 2001 and that fall packed up my room and moved (temporarily) to Ohio to attend nursing school at Cedarville University in Ohio. During my sophomore year of college, I met Josh through a friend of mine in the nursing program.  From the beginning we clicked.  We spent lots of time talking and walking in the cold getting to know each other.  We started dating on April 15th (tax day, so it is easy to remember) and were engaged in January of that following year.  We both graduated from Cedarville in 2005, we were married on July 2nd, and moved out here to Indianapolis. 

Right after high school, I took a job at Harrisburg Hospital on a cardiac floor.  I already knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I was 100% sure I wanted to be a NICU nurse (sometimes I wish I would have stuck to it).  But my experience there changed my mind and I wanted to be a Cardiac Nurse for life :)  There are times I wish I could go back there and work, it was a great place to be!  That hospital is now a MAGNET hospital, and there is a reason why!  So when I graduated from college, I took a job on a surgical cardiac/peripheral vascular/ thoracic unit.  I worked on the floor for 2 years, and then I took a job as a Practice Facilitator (fancy word for assistant manager).  I've basically stayed in that position for 3 years now, although it has changed locations and names a few times!  2 years ago, I took the weekend option position and so now I only work Friday and Saturday night... and I get to be home with the kids during the week.

Back to when we got married... We lived in an apartment near the hospital for the first year.  Josh took a job at a waste management company as an accountant and we started in on our new life as husband and wife!  Almost a year exactly, we moved into our first home in a suburb of Indianapolis.  Life was great, but I wanted something more to care for.  So we got a puppy... a CRAZY puppy!!  Her name is Daisy... and I do love her, but she still drives me crazy.  In fact, she was so hyper and energetic that we got a second puppy... Napoleon.  He's an awesome dog.  Just what she needed!  He keeps her company, keeps her entertained and he is very well behaved.

Daisy    

Napoleon

In May of 2008, I became an Aunt for the first time to a special little boy named Rex!  I was there when he was born and I feel like he is one of my own.  I was so excited to be an Aunt that I got pregnant that August!  Haha, just kidding!  I was ready for one of my own :)  Hannah was born in April of 2009.  Easy pregnancy, had a C-section so over all an easy delivery, and a super good baby!!  So good, I decided I could have another one right away :)  So, when Hannah was 7 months old, I found out I was pregnant again.  This pregnancy was different... overall not bad, just different.  In Aug of 2010, we had Samuel. 

The first pic is Me with Rex the day he was born... the second one is of Josh and Hannah.  I don't have any pics of Sam on this computer... but when I upload them to my new computer... I'll show you my little Sammy:)

That's our story in a nutshell... so much I want to tell, so much I left out, but I'm sure eventually I will have opportunities to talk about events in more detail.  Now, the past is past... here's to a great future...