The Mommy, The Wife, The Housecleaner, The Cook, The Blogger,THE BITTY ; How To Get A Handle On The Stress

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I am a mommy, a wife, a house cleaner, a nurse, a seamstress, a cook, a counselor, a coach, a teacher, a bather, a laundress, a personal assistant, a singer, a playmate, a cheerleader, a repair woman, a chauffeur, and a blogger. By the end of the day, I can be quite the bitty!

As my husband sat having lunch a few days ago, the topic came up about what a struggle it is to balance my many roles. There are many days where "the house cleaner" is too busy to come out and play. Therefore, the following day, "the house cleaner" has to work overtime while "the cook" serves cereal for lunch. While "the cook" serves cereal, "the mommy" feels bad. Sound familiar?

Now, don't get me wrong. I love staying home and I do it by choice. That being said, I needed to figure out how to balance all of the different responsibilities. I was feeling entirely way to overwhelmed and my stress was not allowing me to be the best mommy I could be.

Let's start with the mommy and wife role. This is not part of the job you can let slide for a day. So, moving right along to the house cleaner. It is pretty important to me to keep a clean house. I was doing a thorough cleaning daily, but since our conversation, have knocked it back to just the basics on a day to day basis. Ah, now there is more time for the cook. I realize my kids are just as happy to eat grilled cheese as they are steak. OK, who am I kidding? They are probably even happier. I have figured out that I can significantly cut the cooks hours by providing simple soup and sandwich type meals three times a week. I felt bad at first, but grilled cheese, carrot sticks, and yogurt is still nutritious and much easier. The remaining four nights I make a large three to four course meal but make enough for leftovers so I only cook twice! I will be trying my hand at freezer meals soon. Of course, I will blog it!

Now, that is some of the major roles a mom plays, but what about the laundress. Yes, I have given myself a title for doing laundry. I figured I do enough of it, I have earned it. I was really struggling to get the laundry folded. I sat back and assessed my situation. If I changed the location I folded laundry, this might help. I have started folding the laundry on the couch. The kids can play in the playroom or watch television while I get this dirty little chore completed. Sometimes I get lucky enough to get them to help fold dish towels or mate socks. It adds a little more work because I have to tote the laundry upstairs, but at least it is getting done.

While the other roles such as: nurse, cheerleader, chauffeur, and personal assistant are not duties you must preform daily, but when your little child cries in despair or pain, you must jump into action. There is not time to switch from the role as "the house cleaner" to the role of "the nurse". That is why us mommies are so special. We can do it all!

So, I wrote this post to encourage other moms who struggle to stay on top of the demands of everyday life. I did not change much, but these few little changes have really eliminated some stress. I am sure you all could use the stress break, right?

I would love to hear from all you out there! What sorts of things do you do in your home to save time, energy,  and unneeded stress?

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 11

I had been pushing for so long and have had so much will power throughout this pregnancy I asked for one more try. I just knew I could get this baby out without a C section.

My doctor agreed and said I can have 3 more pushes or she will use the vacuum device on my baby. This was one of my biggest fears. The vacuum or the forceps. I had watched way to many baby 911 shows and now I felt I was living one. If she used this she also needed to call and have a pediatrician in the room. Furthermore, my baby's pediatrician was a male!

I knew the dangers of this device and I did not want a man in my room during delivery! This was the moment. I had to get him out. Without having a contraction, I pushed with all my might. I was purple in the face but I heard my doc say, “keep going the baby crowned.” This was the worst time to lose strength. It hurt so bad! Where is my epidural when I needed it? PUSH PUSH PUSH One Two Three Four Five Six Seven PUSH PUSH Eight Nine PUSH... He is out!

My doctor handed him to me immediately. He was placed on my chest where I got a good look at him and gave him his first kiss as a tear slid from my cheek to his forehead. This was a happy tear. Finally the pregnancy had brought me happy tears.

I did it! He is so beautiful! He does have a little cone shape on his head, but he is prefect! He his brown eyes like his mommy and by golly he has my nose! My baby boy is born! This moment was one that I honestly can't put into words.

Finally! After all the hardship we went through... I am holding my son! It is surreal. I feel like I am in a dream. We made it. I gave birth to a health full term baby!

Now, my son is about to turn 5 and is growing and thriving just like a 5 year old should. He is amazing! Thank you God for watching over us and Thank you MeloMomma readers for joining in on a part of my life.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 10

It has sure been one scary roller coaster ride, but we made it. It is induction time!

I have given all my medical information and I look so pretty in the hospital gown provided. LOL. It is time for the IV. The poor gal who tried my IV screwed up and got a butt chewing. I really hate getting the IV and I was furious she needed to poke me again.

The nurse had me figured out all ready. I am a spit fire. She got another nurse, with more experience, to do my IV. Lickedy split... it was in.

Now I just needed to wait for my doctor for the cervidil drug to start the contractions.

My doctor arrived and she checked me prior to giving me the medicine. She gave me a look I had seen before! I just knew it. My cramps the night before were contractions! This was it!

She could not give me the meds since I was begining labor.She did manually break my water and start me on pitocin. I was dilated to a 4! Here we go. Giddy up!

My mom arrived right after the pitocin was administered. We were relaxing and having a nice conversation when I started feeling the sharpest pains in my back. It felt like a knife being twisted in circles against my spine. The baby was in the right position for delivery, but I was having back labor!

I tired the rocking chair as a pain reliever. It was a sad attempt. Five minutes later I asked for an epidural.

The epidural scared the crap out of me but I sure did feel good after it was in. I was up cracking jokes and feeling really happy! I was pretty impressed by the epideral. I had my husband take pictures. I just had to get a look at the wire hanging out of my back.

I was 11 hours into my labor and told it was time to push!

I had not urges to push at all, but I guess I am a first time mom, so I do what the nurse says.

I pushed for 30 minutes and there was no progress. My nurse had me change positions.

I pushed for another 30 minutes and I was getting a little tired. This was not at all like how you see it in the movies. I got a 2 minute break and was asked to change positions again. I felt so frustrated. The baby moved down with every push but then went right back up the birth canal. I had very little feeling from the epidural, so my doctor said to yank the meds. I was going to push this baby out all natural! Now, I was seen more scared than before!

We are 1 hour 55 minutes into the pushing. She is making me push every second. Feeling frustrated, I told her to let me breath. My mom, who was waiting outside thought I had said “I can't breath”. She was then put into a panic and worried mode. She was standing in he hall scared to death not knowing what was happening.

My doctor said it was time! Time for a C Section.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 9

I have been on bed rest now for too long. Bed rest in the hospital is one thing, but at home is a lot different. In the hospital there is really not much to do. I was going a little stir crazy. I was fortunate enough to land a contract “work at home” job that kept me busy for 3 hours a day. Again, by the grace of God, another dilemma has been fixed. I had supplemental income.

I had the occasional friend stop by, but I wanted to get up and do stuff. There are things to be done and I can not do them. UGH! I am a neat freak and the mess in the house is killing me. My husband really tried but is not a house cleaner. Lucky for me, my dear Aunt came up to help me out! With a clean house, I felt a little less anxious.

Let's fast forward. I am now 32 weeks pregnant. I can hardly believe it myself, but I have carried this baby almost to term. It really is a miracle to me. It often just feels like a really long and drawn out dream. This was not what I expected to happen when I learned I was pregnant. At last, we have made it to a safe point in case of early delivery.

I had not been removed from bed rest by the doctor, but the nesting phase has set in, so I gave myself permission to get off of bed rest. I had been a really good girl and even my doctor said it would be safe to deliver now. Looking back on this decision, it was silly. I let the bed rest get the best of me. I felt overwhelmed. I still needed to finish his room.

I had formed a daily routine now. I had to make sure the floors were swept and mopped perfectly. I made sure the carpets were vacuumed and even steam cleaned if needed. I pretty much kept the house in perfect condition. I wanted to make sure that if I went into labor, my baby was coming home to a perfect house. Pretty silly huh?

My water broke once already, so now my question is when will it break again?

I am now going to the doctor weekly. Yep, I still get anxious about the appointments, but at least I am not puking now. I don't know that I will ever feel comfortable with this part of being pregnant.

I was at 38 weeks now and visiting my doctor again. She worked with a team, so if I went into labor during non business hours I would get who ever was on call. She worked with a group of men. Enough said! This was her weekend on call and she had said to me that it would be really nice if I could go into labor this weekend. She tried a technique to start some contractions and sent me home.

I had three days to go into labor if I didn't want to take the chance of a man delivering my baby.

How ironic is this? Just a few weeks ago I was saying my prayers and on bed rest just to keep this little man inside my belly and now I am trying to get him out in a hurry!

My husband and I went to Mexican food for dinner. It was not really a craving at the time, but we asked for the HOT salsa, hoping the spicy foods would start up a few contractions.

NO LUCK!

I had been going to three walks a day. My doctor strongly encouraged this, so I was on top of it. Still...

NO LUCK!

My husband went to the drug store and got me black and blue cohosh and camomile tea. I drank so much tea I was sick. The cohosh did nothing.

We moved on to bigger and better things. I felt desperate at this time. I had only 1 day left. I opted to try the castor oil. I was a FOOL! I spent the next few hours periodically, on the toilet. (I can not believe I just shared this). It was awful and discomforting to say the least.

The last thing to try was Sex. To the bedroom!

NO LUCK!

Time is up! It is Monday morning. I did not go into labor and now there is a male doctor on duty. It is just my luck!

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 8

The doctor had so much compassion and was really just as sweet as could be, but what he had to say was devastating.

Since I was 27 weeks pregnant and my water has broken, I stood a 99% chance of delivering my child within the next 48 hours. Because of how early he will be born he stands a great chance for several complications including, cerebral palsy, under developed lungs, and he probably will not be able to walk. There were so many possible things that could be wrong and the thought of seeing my fragile little baby hooked up to monitors with tubes up his nose broke my heart. Furthermore, I was going to give birth and go home empty handed. He would be in the NICU for up to 3 months. This was too much for me to handle. My brain could not process it all and work through it. The only thing that seemed fitting at the time was to cry!

I decided to let my mom and dad come back into my hospital room. They had been waiting in the hall per my request. I was not up for talking at this point. I was busy processing all that had been told to me.

I closed my eyes and just envisioned all the possibilities and tried to envision my life long term and how I was going to take care of my son.

I made a decision. There is a 1% chance that my bag of water would seal back up and my son could stay stay in the womb and develop longer. I will be this 1%. I am a very strong willed person and have been known to get what I want. Sounds silly, but if you say I can't I will! I don't care if he stays in a month or 4 months. Each day I do not deliver is a blessing.

I shared with my family, the nurses, and the doctors what I was going to do. The nurses and doctors pretty much laughed and said good luck with that. This only gave me more determination.

I stayed on bed rest and did everything I could to keep from giving birth, including laying only on my back. I was pretty dang uncomfortable as a week went by. The doctors and nurses were very surprised I was still in the hospital and even more impressed I was still pregnant.

It was a really long week and it almost felt like I was in jail. The food was nasty, I was uncomfortable, and I had no outside light. All my discomfort was pushed aside as I remembered the little man growing in my belly!

I saw those babies in the NICU and I knew I was going to do all that is within my power to keep my son out of there. My mom shared my story with all of her friends and I am very lucky to have been in their prayers as well. Between my strong will and the power of prayer I was sent home after staying a week in the hospital. Thank GOD!

I was told to remain on strict bed rest! I had to take a leave of absence from work,I did not care what I had to do. My only job now was to be an incubator for my baby and keep him healthy.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 7

She says to me, “Melissa, You did not pee your pants!” I smiled with delight. I knew I was not going to be a pregnant pee pee pants. She continues, “Your water has broke and your cramps are contractions. You are already dilated to a 2.” I did not know how this could be! I am only 27 weeks along and starting labor. She went on to say, “the nurse will be giving you a steroid shot to develop your premature baby's lungs and give him a better chance for survival, as well as a shot to stop the contractions.” I heard the word survival and began to cry! What was going to happen to my baby?

Another nurse walked in with a wheel chair. I sat in the wheel chair and was wheeled to the nurses station where I got to make a call. I chose to call my mom. I knew I could try my husband on my cell later and she could get there faster. All I remember saying was, “ My water broke. Get here now!” I was crying too hard to talk, so the nurse took over the call. She had a 1 ½ hour drive but I swear she was there in an hour.

I was then wheeled across the street and admitted to the hospital. As the nurses were asking all about my medical history and administering my IV, my doctor walked in wearing scrubs. I tried to smile and make light of the situation. I complimented her on her attire.

She flashed me a quick smile as she got down to business. She explained to me that an ambulance was waiting outside to transport me to another town an hour away. They have a NICU there. She then went on to say that she would not be there to deliver my baby but that the high risk doctor would. And here comes the kicker... She said I would be staying in the hospital until I delivered within the next 48 hours. Seriously? Was I really going to deliver this baby?

I had been frantically trying to reach my husband. He was at an awards dinner and had his phone on silent. About 50 phone calls later I reached him! I told him to stay, I would be OK, but he was on the next flight home and my mom would be picking him up from the airport to bring him to me in the hospital. It was going to be a really long night for all of us! There was no way he was going to let me go through this alone.

I was lucky enough to have a decent piece of eye candy to accompany me on my ambulance ride to the next hospital. When I reached the hospital I had less than 5 minutes to settle into my room when the nurses started poking me with more needles! 2 minutes later my mom arrived! 1 hour later my dad arrived! 1 more hour later my mom left to get my husband. 3 hours later my mom and husband made it back! 10 minutes later the doctor came in.

He delivered the most unsettling news! I burst out in tears and asked everyone to leave my room.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 6

Unbelievable! The tests came back and after the 12 hour glucose test, I have gestational diabetes.

My husband flipped out and insisted we go to the store that night to buy all the right foods for my new diet. The problem was we really did not know what the diet and would not have the meter to check my blood sugar for another week.

We got some foods that were low carb and not very tasty. I recall dinner that night being 4 scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese melted into them because the other dish we experimentally cooked was so nasty it was unedible. I had to wait a week to get the meter and poking stick.

A few months into the routine of eating right and poking myself after every meal, I said screw it. I had been watching my sugars and testing them. I even ate a candy bars. My numbers were never once out of whack. I told my doc they had made a mistake but of course, she insisted I keep checking my sugars. I refused to continue poking myself and that was the end of that. I mean come one... am I really going to let a doctor tell me what to do? :) Not me. I am too feisty.

Now we are on week 27 of this pregnancy. I am feeling really really good. I even have some of my energy back. I must be low on vitamin C because I have been eating 4-6 oranges a day. I just can't get enough.

My husband is about to go out of state for work. It is only for a few days and I still have a while to go in this pregnancy, so he won't miss a thing.

It was really early in the morning when he left. You just have to love those early morning flights. I grabbed the kitchen trash and walked him out the door. I sat the trash down to kiss him good by. I paused to pet my cat, Dookie, as I watched him leave the driveway. Dookie ran inside, so I picked up the trash bag and proceeded to throw it out.

Now, I know I did not just pee my pants, did I? The second I picked up the trash something happened. It was not much, so I know my water did not break. Huh, I guess the baby pushed on my bladder.

I rushed around getting ready for work as I finished my last cup of coffee, I leaned over to tell the animals bye and off to work I go. I had no idea how busy I would be at work today. There was no time for lunch. We ordered in and worked straight through. Thankfully there was no glucose tests today so I was able to eat.

By 2 p.m. I was getting cramps. I guess lunch did not agree with me. Even worse, the baby must be on my bladder because every time I stand up, it feels like a bit of pee comes out. I know... appealing and lady like huh?

At 3:30 I pulled my co worker into my office. I shut the door and told her my symptoms. She has had two kids, so I figured she might be able to relate. She said she peed her pants, but not until she was really big and about to pop. Dang! What is going on with me. Thankfully I have a doctors appointment tonight or I would be calling to make one.

4p.m. I rush home to check on my animals. I let them go potty and off to the doctors I go. I was feeling a little rough and actually starting to sweat because of my discomfort. My husband was unavailable and busy on his work trip. I called my mom and told her how I was feeling. Out conversation was short as I had arrived to my appointment.

When I was called back to get weighed, my nurse asked me how things were going. I told her all about peeing my pants and my cramps. She did not say much. My doctor was in my room fast! Usually I wait 20 minutes. She wanted to test the liquid I called pee. She excused herself and returned 2 minutes later with the nurse. I could not quite tell what she was about to say, but I smiled and waited for her mouth to open and words to come out.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 5

Two days later, I am back at the doc. Thankfully this time it's not the high risk doctor. Instead, I am here to do a glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes. The requirement was to drink an overly sweet orange flavored drink. It tastes awful, but to top it off I could not eat for three hours. I think asking a pregnant woman not to eat is just plain cruel!

Anyhow, I am sitting there waiting when in walks my nurse. Time to get poked and fill up three vials. I hate this part, but needles go hand in hand with pregnancy.

The test came back almost immediately and they actually said I have gestational diabetes. I was completely shocked! I am 3 months prego, weighing in at 120 lbs and I do not eat sugary foods. I demanded a re test.

I had no idea the re test would be a 12 hour glucose screening and I did not know it would take place tomorrow.

I had to drink three of these nasty sugar drinks and not eat for 12 hours. I had to put in a full day at work. I had a pretty demanding job and our team often worked through lunch. Of course that would be the case today and of course they would decide to order in pizza. It must just be my luck that not only did they order pizza but my office is right next to the kitchen and I can not even take one bite. This was torture! I sat there and sniffed pizza all day long! My co workers assured me they forgot about my test, but... That did not solve the problem and I was pretty snappy by the end of the day.

Off work and now sitting at the hospital. I was going to be here for three hours. They needed to draw my blood every hour for three hours. I had to stay at the hospital the entire time because I had to have my blood drawn at the top of the hour and could not even be a second late. Doesn't that sound like fun? I was lucky my husband joined me for 2 hours, but even he was restless.

I watched the people coming and going and badly wanted to be one of those people. I was in my last hour there. I had read all the magazines there, wandered the whole hospital, and my arms are bruised from needles. I wanted to cry I was so hungry.

I called my mom. I was so hungry that was all I could talk about. I had wondered how this lack of food was affecting my baby, but I had to trust in the doctore. As our conversation was coming to an end I hear the nurse call my name. One last poke and I am home free.

I won't know for a few days what the results of the test are, but what I was sure of is that even tho my husband ditched out on me for that last hour, he ordered pizza and it would be there waiting for me when I got home!

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 4

A few weeks later my husband and I are driving to a near by town to see the high risk pregnancy specialists. My husbands side of the family had a lose due to genetics, so we needed to get checked out as well. Oddly, I was not nervous. I felt pretty confident our baby would be ok. We were also going to finally find out the sex of our baby, so I was uber excited.

Thankfully this was just an ultra sound because the doctor was a man! Prior to seeing the doctor, we had to meet with the genetic specialist counselor. She guided us back into a beige colored room. I listend for about five minutes then tuned her out. I just could not focus as she spoke in a monotone voice and drew circles on her poster board. Finally, she stopped talking and stood up. Now, she had my attention! It was time to see the doctor!

She led us to the exam room, where surprisingly, the doctor was already waiting. I laid down on the table anticipating that cold gel they put on your tummy before the ultra sound. It made a nasty fart noise as he squeezed out a big blob. I was pleasantly surprised when the gel was warm.

The room was very quiet as he moved the ultra sound wand across my belly, stopping momentarily to make notes on his computer. I was trying to read his facial features, but he just had a half grin on his face the entire time.

He was done! Here comes the news. The doctor turned to me and said, “ Melissa, your baby looks perfectly healthy with no genetic abnormalities.” My husband and I both looked at each other and sighed with relief. I felt pretty positive our baby was going to be just fine, so now on to what I really want to know.

THE SEX OF MY BABY!

My excitement took over and I blurted out, “ that's great news, now tell me what I am having!”

I really wanted a boy. I have no idea why I wanted a boy, but that was my wish. I had already planned on dressing him up in cute preppy outfits. I wanted to spike his hair and give him a baby hawk.

The doctor makes the big announcement, “You guys ready for this? YOU ARE HAVING A BOY!”

I was so excited I cried happy tears immediately! Now I get to decorate his room and buy him the cutest wardrobe. In this moment, I felt so happy and complete.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 3

I suddenly felt myself start sweating. I was pretty nervous that my doctor was not saying anything. I realize now that this silence only lasted a few minutes, but it sure felt like hours to me.

My doctor turned to head towards me and made eye contact. Oh man this is it... I am finally going to learn the sex of my baby!

She says to me, “ Melissa, I know how badly you wanted to know the sex of your baby, but I have some bad news.” Oh my goodness... my heart sank all the way down to my toes. What was wrong? A thousand “what if's” passed through my mind in the thirty seconds she was quiet. She starts to open her mouth again, and I take a deep breath as she says, “Your baby has their legs crossed. I will not be able to tell you the sex today.”

No big birthday surprise for this expecting mommy. I asked if I could do jumping jacks or something to get the baby to move, but she had other patients and pretty much laughed in my face when I asked this.

Happy Birthday Mommy To Be! Little did I know this was just the start of how onry this baby was going to be.

Off we go to have some birthday dinner. Yep... we are going to Chinese again.

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 2

Now that all our friends and family know I am pregnant the reality sets in. I am off to my first doctors appointment. I am a very modest person and sick to my tummy about this appointment. I don't think any woman enjoys this, but I was so anxious about the exam, I was puking. I had been puking off and on for two hours now just because of the exam. I was really going to have to get use to this since I am pushing a baby out of “there”.

Without details, I made it through and I even got to see my little baby in my belly. I had to ask four times where to look and what in the picture was actually the baby, but what can I say... I am a first time mom. When I finally figured out where I was looking my whole body turned warm. I was overjoyed to see this little baby I had wanted for so long. He only looked like a piece or rice at this point, but I was confident he would be just as cute as can be in 9 months.

We headed home to scan the ultra sound picture and email everyone we know. After all, this our first picture of our baby.

A few days later, the cravings set in. I was starting to crave Chinese food nearly every day. Oddly enough, this was also the food my mom craved while pregnant with me. My morning sickness was subsiding, so after I put in a 10 hour day at work, my husband and I went to settle my craving. I ordered my normal

After dinner I was quite tired and had a really full tummy. This little life in my tummy was sucking up all my energy. Cuddled up on the couch with my weeiner dog, Petrii, I fell asleep at 8pm. This was becoming an everyday thing. I was just too tired to keep my eyes open.

Things are going great,so let's fast forward a few months.

I am now far along to determine the sex of the baby. I wanted a great birthday present, so I scheduled a doctors appointment on my birthday to determine the sex of the baby. I could not wait to go to that appointment.

5:30am and I was up and getting ready for work. I was so excited to determine the sex of my baby; I did not even care if I had to work on my birthday.

7:30am and I am sitting at my desk. This day is dragging on and on. I have been here at work for 30 minutes and it feels like 8 hours.

10am and finally some fun! My co workers throw me a really great party!

12pm and I am off work for the rest of the day! Now I just have to wait until 4 pm...

3:45pm and I am driving to the doctors office! My heart is racing and I can not help but to speed just a bit to get there faster.

I arrive and as my husband and I are walking up the stairs to see my doctor, I have baby names racing through my head. I can hardly even walk straight I am so focused on what is about to happen.

I sat there so anxious waiting for the doctor to come in. I listened to the clock ticking for what seemed like hours and finally the doctor came in. She put that ultra sound wand on my tiny belly and I could not wait for the results.

I sat there so quiet and so anxious. She had a weird look on her face. Was she seeing something bad? Is my baby OK?

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma Part 1

I had been feeling weird for the last few days. I could not really explain how I felt. I just kept trucking along working and doing my thing. A few days later I couldn't take it anymore. My chest hurt so bad I knew something was up. I did not tell my husband anything as I snuck off to the bathroom. Guess what I was doing? As lady like as this sounds, I was peeing on a stick. I didn't just pee on one stick but I peed on three sticks. Oh goodness! These stick must be old! They are telling me I am pregnant. I mean... I guess I could be, but really? No, they are old! I am sure of it!

I was scared and ran out to tell my husband. He was very quiet and asked if I was serious?. I said I would like to go get yet another test. So, off to the drug store we go. We picked out the best of the best pregnancy tests and rushed home. I think the idea of having a baby was starting to excite my hubby because he had a silly half grin on his face that was not changing form.

Back to the bathroom for me. I was running out of pee and found it hard to complete my task but I managed. Three minutes later and four pregnancy tests later I finally believed it. I was pregnant!

I had always wanted a baby. Actually, I wanted a baby so badly I couldn't stand it but at this moment fear took over. I started to cry. I was afraid of how bad birth would hurt. Little did I know about the hardship I would encounter leading up to the birth. I also had not idea how much I would love being pregnant. I was soon going to feel little kicks and flutters in my belly. Only a mother knows how precious that feels.

I knew I needed to call my mom. I just knew she woukd be mad. She really wanted me to take more time for me and my husband before having kids. She wanted us to experience life and travel, with the money we did not have. :)We had been together for several years; but married less than a year.

I called and she was very supportive from the minute I called. She gave me the pep talk I needed. Now I am sure she cringed and was not totally happy after she hung up from me, but she kept her mom face on when she needed to!

Oh man! I can't explain the mixture of emotions I was feeling on this night. I could not believe it. I was going to be a mom.

I did not plan on telling anyone until I confirmed at the doctors but I was so excited the next day I told everyone!

Melissa was finally going to be a mom. This was what I had wanted for so long!!!

*Check back tomorrow as I go to my first doctors appointment. I was puking, but was I puking from morning sickness or for other reasons? What would my doctor say? Would she see two heart beats?

A Baby Story; Before MeloMomma Was Really MeloMomma

MeloMomma would not be MeloMomma without my kids. I would like to share with you my birth story. It is heart warming and heart wrenching. I promise you will anticipate this post each and everyday. Over the next few days I will be telling the story of my first child's birth. This story is full of emotion, love, and a mother's desire and willpower to give birth to a healthy full term baby!

It all begins the second we found out we were preggers.

This was no ordinary birth. Join me to learn why I got put on bed rest, how many things went right in my pregnancy, why I stayed in the hospital for a week, and more.....

This is a story I have been wanting to share for a while! I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Until tomorrow...

Only Child; As Told By One Of Five Children

I have the honor this morning of having David Estep from Rednek Ritin' share his point of view on growing up an "only child with siblings". I wondered at first how a Rednek blog and MeloMomma could come together, but I was thrilled when I read this post. David is a really talented writer. He has just launched his blog and there are a few awesome hunting stories posted so far. He has given me the heads up that he has many "parenting" stories. So, I am sure this won't be the last time we see Rednek Ritin' on here.

When I make the statement that I’m an only child it usually elicits a negative response.  Mainly from my siblings, but often from others that know the family.  Before you pass judgment you should know I may not have been an only child in the physical sense, but in my mind I am the only one that matters.  This is not a selfish look at life.  Let me explain.  You see, being the oldest I watched my mother and father toil and care for the other children.  Time they could well have used on other pursuits if it hadn’t been for the others.  Think of the countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on rearing five children.  Had the other four not weaseled their way into our happy little family my parents would have been very different people.  You do the math.  How much time and effort go into teaching the boys to hunt and fish?  Educating a girl on the fine art of girl stuff is a daunting task as well.  Parenting the right way takes energy and time beyond comprehension to those without children.

Without the others I could sit around the campfire and tell stories to myself.  Without the others I could drive through the woods alone looking for something to shoot, or blow up.  Without the others life would be a little more boring.  I guess it’s not so bad to not be an only child.

Could I Have Sued Dr. BadGuy?; Dental Appointment Gone Very Bad

Image courtesy of goodhousekeeping.com

I have been MIA all day because I had to take my 4 year old to the dentist. I actually lost sleep over this appointment. Let me tell you why!

It all started two years ago when my son had a cavity. I took him to a pediatric dentist in a near by town. It was the only pediatric dentist near by and I figured since it is a kid's dentist we should be safe. I was really really wrong.

The hygienist called us back into the room where a second hygienist was waiting. She took my son out of my arms and without warning put him in the chair and put the gas on his nose. He was hysterical. Some strange woman took him from his mommy and shoved something up his nose. I attempted to walk over and calm him down but the hygienist scolded me like a dog telling me to stay put in my chair. Then she noticed I was pregnant and told me that I had to leave the room because of the gas. I remember as clear as day. With a mean and angry tone I said to the two ladies, " I did not ask for him to have gas and I am NOT leaving this room!"

I was raging mad and I should have taken my son and walked out. I honestly still do not know what made me stay.

In walks Dr. BadGuy (name has been changed for privacy reasons). My son is still really sad and crying. Dr. BadGuy needed to give the shots to numb him but there was no reason for what happened next. Dr. BadGuy actually yelled in my son's face to be quiet. He used the word shut up! I was so schocked! Then my son screams, "You're hurting me, You're hurting me". I could have cared less what the hygienist was going to say. I waited 5 seconds after the shots were done and I picked him up out of the chair. He needed me and I was going to calm him down. A few glares were exchanged but she kept quiet.

There was minimal small talk between me and the hygienist as we sat in the room waiting for the shots to take effect.

I wanted to cry and scream and leave. Nobody should treat my baby like that. At this point the only reason I stayed is because he was already really numb.

Dr.BadGuy strapped him in this restraint and filled the cavities. He sobbed the whole time and it took every ounce of strength I had to not cry as well.

I left that office in a hurry giving out as many awful looks I could as I made my way up to pay. I was really happy to have my baby in my arms! I held him tight as I paid for the hell we had just been through. The receptionist said, see you in six months and I mumbled back a choice word or two as I left that dental office and Dr.BadGuy for good!

Gabe, my son came home with extremely swollen cheeks that were actually bruised. He looked like he had been beat up. Imagine my sadness seeing my baby look like he just came out of a UFC cage fight. That was pretty poor service and his face was the proof.

Gabe fell asleep on the ride home and I called my mom and sobbed for a good hour over what had happened.

Needless to say, we LOVE our dentist now! They are rock stars! We spent the morning there and there was not even a tear out of Gabe. In fact, on the ride home, he said he wants to go to the dentist everyday.

Your The Best Mom I Could Ever Have

Image courtesy of janeheller.mlblogs.com

I generally share with you my chaotic stories of everyday life, but tonight amongst the busy time of this ABC series, I must share with you the sweetest story!

A few weeks ago I asked my oldest son on a date. I planned on going to Baskin Robbins and getting him anything his little heart desired. I was really excited and even posted on face book how excited I was.

When we woke up, I got showered and ready and he did not want to go. He would rather stay home and play with his Dad. I understood as his dad is busy working all week and when he is free to play Gabe is excited. After all, Mom's don't play Starwars like Dads do.

Although my heart was breaking because I really wanted this one on one time I decided to suck it up and take my toddler out instead. We did not go to ice cream but did a little shopping then to the play place in one of the stores as a fun reward.

I had decided to wait a month or so before I asked Gabe on another date and to my surprise a few nights ago, as I lay him down, he asked me for a Lego date in the morning. Legos are not my thing, but how could I say no? I was very excited and quickly agreed.

My husband likes to wake up before the chickens, so when he does, he brings Gabe into my bed so he is not woken by any noise.

When Gabe woke up he rolled over and said exactly this, "I'm so glad it is morning! I have been waiting to love on you all night!" With that he rolled over and snuggled up. My heart was pounding with joy as I snuggled him tightly. We cuddled for about ten minutes when he says, " Your the best mom I could ever have. Now, are you ready for our Lego date?"

Children can be such stinkers, but when they are sweet... they are really sweet!

Holiday Farts Guaranteed To Smell Up The Whole House

As the children were nestled all snug in their bed, their father lay there almost pooping his pants.

We had spent Christmas with my mom at her house and this one night I am about to share made a memory none of us would forget.

My brother, mom, and I sat in the living room watching television, enjoying each others company when arouse such a stink. Could it be? Oh, no Santa doesn't smell like that. I sat in the rocker getting a whiff of this awful stench once in a while. I didn't want to think it could be, but I could not kid myself. It was him. Oh my goodness. At my mom's house my husband lay asleep and farting up a storm.

I told my brother to be warned as he was not sitting far from me. He snickered. I do not think he knew what was coming. Shortly after I warned him he mumbled, "I think the fart is coming through the wall."
My mom and I could not contain ourselves as we laughed hysterically.

As the television show finished, my brother got up to use the restroom. He returned saying, "It is pretty bad when you have to plug your nose just to get into the restroom." Again, we burst into laughter.

I decided to check things out first hand. I entered the war zone, otherwise known as, the bedroom. Both of my kids were also asleep in this room. I wondered if they would make it out alive in the morning, or if they might die from the toxic gas fumes.

I had done it now! I had opened the door out out came the beast. The whole living room, dining room ,and hall way now smelled of my husbands tooshy. The air thickened as the fumes took over the whole house. All we could do is laugh.

At one point it was so bad I actually woke him up and asked him to quit farting. He rolled over and in a groggy tone responded, "Huh? I am not farting." With that, he rolled over and loudly farted two more times!

About another hour passed and I was ready for bed. I laid down and was back up less than a minute later. I had to grab the air freshener. If it was not so cold out, I would have opened a window.

The next morning we had to give him a bad time about stinking up the house. Luckily, my husband has a good sense of humor and he was able to laugh with us.

This was a smelly Christmas to remember.

*Note, my husband gave his permission to blog this story.

Mommy Brain; A Case Of The Tired and Forgetful Mom

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I am busy rushing around getting ready for the holidays, just like everyone else! Somehow, I lost a day. I am now finding myself a little behind and I  jumping up to rush around. I had planned on just playing with the kids all morning and then getting busy later in the afternoon, but now....

I have a major case of "mommy brain" lately. I have been seeming to forget little things a lot. Just a month ago I loaded the kids up for school. When I got to the top of the hill I realized we had left 45 minutes early. I really think I need to step it up and get Hayden in his Toddler Bed! I am really tired these days.

We managed to get pretty much everything ready and had time to go play with the neighbors too. While we were playing, my husband left the house, arming the security system. An hour later, the kids and I were hungry and ready to go home.OH NO! I have done it again with the "mommy brain". I did not bring my keys and the alarm was on. I could not even go through the garage.

I called my husband and he was out with a different neighbor. He would be another 30 minutes. My little ones was getting really fussy, but we were making do. Thirty minutes turned into 45 and finally he was home.

Off to make dinner! I am so blessed to have such amazing neighbors. Now, if I could only get a little more sleep and stop these massive brain farts.

Have a Very Merry Christmas MeloMomma Readers!

The Seventh Level Of Grocery Shopping Hell

Image courtesy of topnews.in

Well folks, today was a day! I went to the grocery store with my two boys and I bet you can guess how this went?!?

Let me give you a hint. I had to give two time outs inside the store and one outside, and I am now having a glass of wine!

Things started off so well and I really thought I was in for a treat. My oldest was helping me grab and bag fresh fruit and my toddler was actually sitting in the cart. Yes, I will repeat that... I said he was SITTING IN THE CART! I could hardly believe it myself.

We made it through the fruit and veggies and even through the snack cracker aisle before things got bad. It was right around the potatoes that Gabriel started to pick at Hayden and push his hands off the cart. Hayden was still being good and sitting there fairly quiet.

I was very upset with Gabe because he is the older brother and he knew good and well what he was doing was making Hayden mad, for no reason, and it was about to erupt into something bigger! I gave him a warning and went on to get my onions.

There he goes again! "That is it!", I firmly told him. I am determined to have at least one successful grocery store trip before I die. I promptly put him in time out next to the onion bin as I continued to put my onions in a plastic sack and ignore his muttering of words.

Off we go to quickly finish the rest of the shopping. We were OK through the baking aisle and even the cereal. Now, onto the bulk food section. Here we go again. Now they are both at it. They want to help bag up the bulk granola. It is a fine thing to help mom, except this is not really something I can have help with. Gabe was somewhat understanding, but Hayden not so much! I knew it was only a matter of time and he would reach his breaking point and I would be carrying him with $200 worth of food in the cart to push one handed.

About ten minutes pass and now we are onto the frozen pizza aisle. I thought I would treat them to pizza for lunch (mind you, they both fed the pizza to the dogs). Gabe started to jump around on the cart and was speaking extremely loud. I was calm and asked him to stop. He flipped out when he seen toaster strudels and put three in the cart. I asked him to put two back. He refused and called me a "pee head". Time out in the frozen foods section! He whined he was cold, but I said tough. It was only for a few minutes.

We finally made it out of the store and what do you know... Gabe pinched Hayden right before we reached the car. Time out on the curb! All I could think about at this point is what all the other people were thinking and why my kids are doing this to me. They can be sooo good or sooo bad!

Finally, we get all loaded and are off to home! Whewwww... That was an experience!

Am I In Hell Or In The Grocery Store

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For me, beating my head against a wall ten times would be funner than grocery shopping with two kids. Typically, I go to Winco where it is cheapest. The down side to Winco is that you have to be careful when you go. If you go anytime after 11 am it is busy and the worst time is at the first of the month. If you go then you will be there for three hours.

I have mastered the best times to go but I can not master how my children act. Gabe, my oldest, is pretty helpful. He enjoys bagging the fresh fruit and often even helps grab stuff of the shelf. He even helps me put the stuff on the conveyor belt at the check out line. Although it takes twice as long he insists on helping me bag it up as well. It does tend to cost me for all his help. He likes to pick out foods he likes and even though they are not on the list if it is healthy he usually gets it. If he is a good boy he gets to chose one non healthy snack as well.

Now, Hayden on the other hand is where my grocery shopping nightmare begins. Hayden always starts out in the shopping cart. He sits there looking ever so cute for roughly 7 minutes. Then all the commotion starts. Hayden refuses to sit in the cart and if forced to the store manager will likely ask me to leave due to the large amounts of crying. It is not an always chore to push the cart around with one hand and carry a baby in the other hand. It does not get easier as the cart gets fuller either.

While we run through our grocery list getting the items needed as quickly as possible I actually find myself breaking a sweat. Seriously, I am getting a work out while grocery shopping. I have had enough at this point and I start grabbing two of everything hoping to prolong my next trip to the grocery store.

We are nearing the end and oddly enough Gabe held up real well. I, however am getting dead arm and really could use a glass of water.

As I put the groceries on the conveyor belt the cashier is ringing them up faster than I can unload and start bagging the food. She starts putting my groceries on the other side too. Oh brother! This is a lot of work. Finally the cart is empty enough to sit Hayden in the basket part and start bagging up the food. I am only able to put a few bags in the cart before Hayden starts to climb on the food. Now the remainder of the food must be bagged with him in my arms. Finally it is done!

Now we get to load it in the car! That is not so bad since I can sit the kids in their car seats.

Unloading and putting it all away... that is a breeze after the experience I just had.

What do you do to keep your kids happy while grocery shopping?