update

Whoops, I realized it has been 2 months since I have posted. I keep meaning to, but for some reason I just haven't.

Arabella is already five months old. She is pushing 18lbs, sitting, babbling, and starting solids. I am still breastfeeding and loving it. She is like sunshine and I am the happiest I have been in a long time.

I am still battling anxiety pretty hard core. Arabella has started to go long periods between bm's and I worry like crazy. But she is better than any xanax. The boys adore her and it fills my heart to the point it could burst.

Five years ago today I was finding out that we were losing Kai. In five days it will be the anniversary of his loss. I never thought I would feel whole again. We will always be missing part of our family. But I can see now that the pain does dull. I type this with a chunky sleeping girl breathing on my chest and I feel complete.

Circus Night! Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS

The boys had a blast!

They all had different favorite parts, but the big cats and motorcycles were big hits!
The show is in town until Sunday! If you would like to go here is a great deal!
Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout
For more information on the show, visit
www.Ringling.com.
*I would have taken more pics but I had a very overwhelmed baby in my arms!



"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."

Three Months

I can't believe she is 3 months old already. There still aren't words to explain the joy she has brought into our lives. I love my husband even more watching how he is with her. I am in awe of how much my sons love her.

You would think that adding a 4th child would be more work, but it has turned out to be the opposite. They love helping with her and are so proud of her being their little sister.

At her 3 month check up, she was 14lbs 4oz and 23.5inches long and in the 90% for weight and the 25% for height. Considering she was in the 5% for weight and 20% for height when she was born, she is growing REALLY well. I am still loving breastfeeding. This time around we have gone pretty much full crunchy AP, though we are doing vaccines. Cloth diapering is working out great for us. I can't believe I ever used disposables! Bella is rarely put down. She is normally in someones arms or being worn, as a result she almost never cries (part of that I am sure is pure luck in getting a happy baby). She smiles all the time, until I take out the camera, then she refuses. She is laughing and cooing now too. Everyday brings something new and even though she is our 4th, it never gets old.

Whole

A little over a year ago I wrote this post about being broken and coming to terms with the fact that I would never have another baby. Little did I know, just days later Arabella would be conceived. On Superbowl Sunday I found out she was on her way, I was terrified and the pregnancy was long and scary. But here I am, writing this post with a sweet sleeping little girl on my chest.

2011 was not an easy year, but it left me infinitely blessed. My family is complete, my heart is full.

Swedish Baked Rice

I have been meaning to share this for a long time, it is an old family recipe that my father and I have been adapting/perfecting for years. It's hard to describe it. It is not overly sweet or custard like, it's delicious!

Swedish Baked Rice

2 cups rice
4 cups water
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp salt

Put all in pan, bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and cook til done.
Prepare the rice the night before and cool.

In another bowl mix together:

2 cups milk
3 eggs beaten
3 or 4 tbsp sugar (My dad likes is sweeter and leans to the 4-5 tbsps, I like less.)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Add cooled rice.

This will look a little like rice pudding. Pour into large baking dish. I suggest not too deep or this will take FOREVER to bake, I do a larger shallow one. Bake covered at 350 for 45 mins, uncover and cook an additional 15. This is a temperamental dish and cooking time will vary. Should be set and not soupy all the way through.

Since we are a large family this feeds 6-8 heartily. I normally have to double it for family gatherings.

And the Winner is..................

Comment number 12!
Barbara P said...
I havent been since I was a kid and my kids have never been!!!

Congrats!

Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS

Looking for a holiday gift that is sure to thrill? Ready for something BIG to arrive this January? Don't miss DRAGONS, a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth! ®. Playing the Amway Center Jan. 12-16.
Here's your chance to win four ticket vouchers good for any performance of DRAGONS! Just comment below about what you are most looking forward to seeing!
Contest ends 12/23 at 11pm, so hurry!

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout.

For more information on the show, visit
www.Ringling.com.

We'll see you at the show!


"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."