Kade and Piper

my little lion... playing hide and seek.She loves the mirror on her swing!

so alert!

Kaden really just adores his new sister. He is always wanting to touch her and kiss her! It is so sweet to hear him say she is beautiful and she is a princess! She is lucky to have such a doting big brother who I am sure will be her protector as they grow bigger! Just wanted to post some new pictures!

Kaden's quips:

Lately Kaden has been making all kinds of funny "misspeaks." Here are a few that I can remember. I will update this post as I can remember more... (oh to only write things down as they happen)

~ Mommy, I need sunshine cream so I can go outside to play bounceketball!

~Kade calls Piper by her first and middle names and we were explaining that "Jean" was her middle name like "McAlister" was his. So I asked him: "Kaden what is your last name?" to which he responded "come here!" Kaden McAlister Come Here! since then he has introduced himself as "my full name is Kaden McAlister Come Here Now!"

~There was a basket of things on the counter and he reached to pull it down. Afraid that it was to heavy for him and it would fall on him, I told him I could help him. He said I got it mommy. I can use my muscles. I am strong, like Jesus! (I am pretty sure that this is from the song Jesus loves me, "I am weak but He is strong")

~We went to Olive Garden for lunch and Kaden was looking at the kids menu which had the characters on the cover. Bene the breadstick, Ollie the Olive, Gina the grape etc... Kade liked the breadsticks (Butter free) and after I tore it into pieces to cool, he put it back into order. This is his head, this it his belly... But he also wouldn't say "breadstick", he would say (in his best italian voice) this is bread the stick!

~ah yes... I did forget! (not a big surprise!) Kade says that Piper is "swallowed" up when we get her ready for bed... we better understand it as "swaddled".

Piper Jean Arnst

Four generations of Montague women.

Just leaving the hospital.

I have been slow at posting anything on the blog lately... with good reason, but I had good intentions too! Friday, April 30, 2010, we welcomed Piper Jean into this world at 7:52 am. She weighed 7lbs 11oz, and was 20 1/2 inches long. We stayed in the hospital until Sunday afternoon. We were going to leave much earlier, but we were waiting for the pediatrician to sign off. We have been busy getting use to the new schedule again, but am loving it the second time around! I think that I am paying better attention to some of the little things this time, maybe because although new, I am more comfortable with handling her. It has also been a blessing to have Kade staying at Nana and Papa's house until we could get settled in and set a bit of routine in place before trying to balance everything at once. Well time is up for now... I'll do my best to keep up a bit more.

decisions...

I (ewww....bad pun! not intended!) labored over the decisions of delivering our second child. Ever since I was told that Kade was going to be delivered cesarean, I wondered why my body wouldn't work the way God intended it to. What did I do wrong and what more should I have done. Working through my master's degree in special education at the time of both of my children has always brought my prenatal care to a elevated level of awareness. Many times to a point I wasn't trusting God the way I knew I should be... FEAR. After Kade's birth, I was aware that our next child could be delivered VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I switched to a dr. that actually was willing to attempt a VBAC as many dr's are against even trying and we started our monthly and weekly visits. Another friend successfully delivered VBAC and so I was sure that I too could do this. Unfortunately, the dr was telling me on repeated visits that she didn't see this as a great possibility. I shrugged her off thinking she didn't know me and my determinedness! She wasn't there for the birth of my first child and I'm sure that given the chance, Kade didn't have to be cesarean either, I just didn't know better at that time. I started to arm myself with information and was sure that the statistics really pointed in my favor and that it was mind over matter and I was so positive that I could do this.
I was even outraged at my 39 week checkup when my dr told me that she wanted to schedule me to come in for my cesarean. I thought that we were going to give it a try! 39 weeks is not a try! After my outrage died down the flood of emotions washed over me with tears. I was so sure that I could do this! What? Why? No! We would wait it out as long as we could. We just have to give it time... right? At 40 weeks I was scheduled. The dr said it was because of scheduling that we had to go ahead and so at the end of the week I was to have our second child by cesarean. But it could still happen right? I could still go into labor and everything would be fine?
I didn't feel this was right. I just needed more time! After talking with another friend, I was all ready to call my dr and cancel the scheduled surgury. I didn't need surgury I was having a baby. I talked with my mom who I know would advocate for a mother who trusts her instincts! I was after all a mother who was well informed and was sure of herself. But if I was so sure what was holding me back? Why hadn't I been able to resist scheduling or asked more questions or done more? Now I don't know which way is up. I'm even more of an emotional train wreck because I just keep hearing that I am the only one who really knows and can make this decision. I found a dr that would give me the best possibility for a vbac, and upon recommendations of many friends that also have seen her or do continue to see her, I have put myself in the care of a dr that now says it is time. I don't get any medals for putting up a fight and I don't win any awards for trying me best to do it the way others do. I am trusting that God is in control of our family and no matter what happens, He knows the outcomes of every decision. As much as I am still releasing my grip on what I wanted, I am reaching out to regrip my Father's hands as HE holds me tightly in the center of His hands. While still praying for that miracle that could happen at any time, I am now refocused on resting in His will for our lives.

To God be the glory....

did it again...

Kade did it again, yet this time he took his clothes off and actually was twirling as he stated that he was a princess! :) oh boy!

Kaden has really been begging for puzzles so I found some and he loves putting them together! He really does a good job.

recently...

Well I know that it has been a while, we have been busy, but I thought while I have been laying in bed for several days now with a hacking cough and wheezing breathing that I would get something new on the page... A funny thing: Kaden picked up one of my tank tops the other day and put it on. He then proceeded to say, "Look Mommy, I'm a princess!" I expected some of that after we have our little girl, but for him to come up with it on his own.

New room for Kade...

so Kaden has really been ready to be out of his crib for a while now, but I really didn't want to move him until we knew we were expecting... which we have obviously known for a while now. So Jaron has been working on painting and we finally finished putting his room somewhat together so we can start on the nursery. We told him that all of his pacifiers had to stay in the crib for his new sister, Piper. The first night he really acted unsure, but he has stayed in a big bed before with no problem, it's just that he had a paci at the time. He settled in and did fine. Nap time the next day we weren't so lucky. Thankfully Jaron was home, and after multiple times of sending him back to bed, Kade finally took a blanket and lay down on the floor and was asleep. Night time again was not bad, but he is so quiet in the morning that Jaron didn't hear him get up. Needless to say I wasn't looking forward to nap time, but I went in to give him a tissue and he wanted to sleep on the floor again, so I covered him up and he has been out without a peep! Forget the new bed and blankets... Love the floor! :)

So on to the nursery! Over Christmas break we had the opportunity to buy 0-24 months of clothes from a friend who has a little girl almost 3. I know little girls are more involved, but I could probably dress her in a different outfit everyday and never wear the same thing twice! We have been so blessed! The 3 year olds birthday is April 28th and Piper is due April 27th, so as far as seasons, we should match up... Unless she is another little pip-squeak like her brother who is still wearing some 18 month. I would much rather do it this way and have everything already! I just keep forgetting when I see really cute outfits in the store. (Jaron is quick to remind me though!) So her closet is already full and we are still loading the dresser and have about 7 more large totes that we are all of the sudden at a loss of where to store!!! Again, a good problem to have, but I'm not sure Jaron sees it the same way!

She is starting to make her presence known by tumbling a bit. Once Kade started, he never stopped! I have been so extremely thankful that I haven't been sick as long or had heartburn as bad! She is redeeming by thoughts about pregnancy... Don't love it, but not so bad as before!
I'll get some pictures of the new rooms soon. Jaron is thinking about painting the nursery, so we shall see what even comes of that. Still have a while!

So while Kaden is sleeping on the floor and the snow is quietly falling.... I'm going to nap!
Oh yes, my next class starts up next Wednesday and that should take me up to about a week before I am due. I get these naps in where ever possible! later all!

ultrasound

We went to our ultra sound appointment and this time seemed totally different to me just because we knew we were going to find out boy/girl and so I was watching intently as opposed to having the screen turned from me during moments of Kade's ultrasound. As much as they can predict, she said we were having a girl! She is weighing in at 11 oz and apparently everything looks good. I didn't have feeling one way or another with Kade, but I have just been saying girl so far with this one... of course... there is always that chance that it is wrong! We will get a bit prepared, but it is nice to have gender neutral for the first little bit. I'm sure that when she gets here I'll want nothing to do with the bland neutrals! :) The room will only need a little sprucing up since it is tan/green with stripe/animal sheets. I'll get some flowers and butterflies on the walls and add some fun curtains.
I don't feel very far along. She has been pretty calm so far and so I am grateful as I have one more class to take before she comes and will still be working. The holidays have made this time go really fast. I'm sure that it helps that we have a very busy 2 yr old to keep me moving. Oh the days before children... what did we do!?

Newer News!

I am now at 12 weeks and although still sick, I don't feel nearly as bad as before. Still have yet to see the Dr. since waiting for 1, 1/2 hrs and then having to leave. School is still keeping me busy, but I think some of the initial chaos is over.
Kaden had a low grade temp last night and today and so I started to wonder and tonight as I was brushing his teeth I checked and sure enough top back two molars are coming in! Soon all of his teeth will be in and we can be done with this stage! On to other growing pains!

new news

Well, school is going well. I am very surprised at how busy I can be. The high school keeps me busy keeping up with grades and helping teachers make accommodations. The elementary keeps me busy from classroom to classroom. It has been very nice to have a major distraction from being sick constantly though! :) We found out that we are expecting back the first week of school and with anxiety from the new job and planning a new baby just started to overwhelm me. But school is now a welcome distraction from being nauseous.

high school revisited...

Today was my first day with the students at my old high school. I am going to be setting up a program for those students who have special needs, whether the student already has an IEP or 504, or just needs help. Today I was walking through the halls and as classes were changing and felt just like back in the day. Being short and more than 3/4th of the students towering over me reminds me of why I went into elementary ed. :)
Taking this job has really deepened my dependance on God and I have taken Phil. 4:13 as a theme verse for this experience. When I say it though, it seems fitting to think it out as "God can do all things through me because He gives me strength."

Gluten and Dairy free Elmo!

For Kade's party I made a gluten and dairy free cake. The gluten was for my niece and sister-in-law and dairy free for Kade.
In the process of the party Kade opened his present from us and wasn't really sure about the Elmo. He still doesn't want to touch it!

Elmo says " I looked up, up, way up!" So Kade did...

Vacation!

It was so nice to get away for a quick weekend. We spent time hiking northern MI,
biking,

swimming, playing at the beach,
and just relaxing...
and cuddling with Grandpa!

July part 2

Kade has really taken an interest in cleaning... gets that from his dad. :) Before his nap the other day I told him we needed to "clean up" and put the toys away. We sang songs while cleaning and then it was time for nap... well Kade was not ready. He wanted the vacuum out and wanted to vacuum before nap. When I told him no he about melted down. I took the vacuum out of the closet and told him after nap we would vacuum. That was good enough for him. Sure enough when I got him up he was trying to see if the vacuum was still there and he helped me clean and then wanted "I do it" :) Let's just hope that this lasts!Also Kade thinks that he can swim... We were at Jaron's Aunt and Uncle over the fourth and he wanted me out of the way. He would just jump into the water! I let him go just far enough that he would learn he was not a fish, but that didn't stop him. He would get out of the pool and go around and try to get in from the side! We bought floaties the next time we went to a pool and he still was pushing me away, but at least he was staying above water this time!

I have started a garden this year... first ever and I have one sugar pea and one sunflower so far! The squirrels are getting into my deck boxes and so my basil is paying dearly.
Head and tail hanging out...
This one fell over shortly after I took this picture... not sure if he was still in it.

July

Since I have only posted once every so often the title is just plain and simple. Well, so far this summer things have been pretty quiet. I have helped out at Kindred Spirit a couple of days and worked my first "shift" in well over two years... things went well. Last night we were able to spend some time with extended Montague family and some cousins from Idaho. It was so great to catch up! Then Kaden's allergies just exploded! So now we have to figure out what outdoor allergy he has! He was sneezing out of control and his skin looked like he was attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes. When we stripped him down and got him into a bath his skin was fire red. :( Poor kid. As soon as the benadryl kicked in and the itching subsided he was okay to play, just looked bad. This morning- no signs! He just likes to keep us on our toes!

I have been having fun playing with vinyl lettering and sewing and quilting. I need to spend some time organizing everything, but still having fun experimenting. I've made some cute pillowcases and "dolled" up some overalls and skirts (not for Kade).

Jaron is almost a year at his job at the prison. Longer if Standish prison stays open. We shall wait and see.

Kade will be 2 on Aug 1! Can't believe it! Love all of his quirky ways... okay he learns them from us, but it has been such a blessing to watch him grow. We are looking forward to all of the new experiences this year will bring.

not much

Well after not being able to post for a while, I got out of the habit... so now I am trying to remember to sign on and post...

Kade is just curious about everything. He points to everything wanting to know what it is. Today he learned window. We were in the car on the way to Church and we put the windows down since it was so nice out. Now he points to all of the windows in the car and says window. He has been working on using silverware. Actually doing well.

I started working as a title 1 tutor at Carman-Ainsworth. The schedule was the best part of taking the position. Jaron and I still pass like ships, but we have our time and protect it.

Let's see what has been happening...

For the last four months I have been long term subbing for a K-1 Mildly cognitive impaired classroom. I view each long term job as a learning experience. I am glad that I am done so I can spend more time with my family. Jaron's schedule has taken some time to adjust to.

My Mom, Shaunda and I went on a girls get away cruise at the beginning of Feb. It was great to hear people like Candace Cameron, Karen Kingsbury, Shannon Etheridge and so many more... plus great music like Big Daddy Weave, Phil Joel, Carried Away, Shane and Shane, and more!

It'll take me some time to update pictures and fill in the last few months. Thanks for checking back in!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!

I felt compelled to keep checking my blog on my computer... just in case! And after many months it just opened up and let me sign in!!! I will work to update all of my pictures and events soon! I did open another blog page, but I think that if this keeps working then I will stay here!!! Yeah! So to all of you faithful who also kept checking to see... We are back in business!

Jodi

new blog page

For those who still actually check to see if I have updated my blog ever, I am starting again with wordpress.com the actual page is arnstfamily.wordpress.com. Please follow me there! Sorry for the inconvenience...of having to type in a new address!

Again arnstfamily.wordpress.com


See you there!
Jodi

Please help?!!

Well, it hasn't been for lack of trying! I have not been able to sign in to post on our blog from our home computer! There have been many hours of trying to understand what is happening, but I apologize to those who keep checking back to see the same old information! I can barely remember what it was all of those times when I just wanted to share. Well if anyone has any ideas please let me know. When I click to sign on it just takes me to a blank "page not available" page and there is no information further than that! I am at Kindred right now and it does work. I was even looking at another blog "wordpress.com" just so I could keep updated... well, as for now,

We spent most of Thanksgiving with my parents, and now we are headed to see Jaron's parents and drive with them to Chicago to meet Jaron's brother Derek.

We have both been busy, I am long terming at Carman and Jaron has been on 2nd shift for two weeks... yuck! I had an awesome time at the Exceptional Women's conference with my Mom and Sister in law two weekends ago. And then upon return, Kaden had an allergy reaction that I was ready to take him into the emergency room if it continued to get worse. The doctor on call said that we should have an epipen jr. on hand in case... Not fun! He only seemed a little bothered by the whole episode.
Hopefully I can figure this thing out especially since I have so many pictures that I wanted to post. Well I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday and now that I know I can post on other computers I may be able to go elsewhere! Love to all and God's blessings remembered and shared through the holiday season.