Thursday, July 21, 2011

Pictures as promised! :)

July 21st, 2011















Saturday, July 9, 2011

Big Updates!

July 9th, 2011

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We've been a very very busy bunch this past month! So what is it that we've been up to? We finally got to move into our new home and we couldn't be happier! To have our own space is priceless and the room we have here...it's just amazing. We closed on June 10th and started moving in on June 11th. One of the very first things we did after moving in was get rid of the floral wallpaper that engulfed the entire dining room and kitchen. Then, we painted. I finally have my green kitchen that I've always wanted. When we got married 4 years ago we registered for "kitchen gifts" with a green kitchen in mind and now, we finally have it! So exciting. Now we just need a dining room table and chairs. The living room has been painted and halfway decorated. I'm still waiting for Asher's 6 month pictures to come in so I have more fun photos to hang on our lovely walls.

One of the most exciting things for me though is finally getting to make a nursery for my baby! I've been dreaming of doing that for years....and now, it's happening. I am having so much fun with Asher's room. I hope he loves it as much as I do! I can't wait to watch him grow up here. We have so much room here for him to grow, run and play. Hopefully he enjoys and appreciates growing up in the country as much as Danny and I did.

And speaking of him growing up....HE FINALLY GOT TWO TEETH! (applause) I feel like my poor little hunny has been teething for months and months and now his hard work has paid off. He looks so cute with his two little toothies...but it makes me a little sad knowing how fast he is growing. Don't get me wrong, I am so so happy that he is growing and thriving! He is doing so well. He is SO busy! I am exhausted every day by 8:00 pm. He go go goes every second he's awake. He's not crawling yet but he wants to be walking all the time (by walking I mean, holding your hands for help.) There is never a dull moment. I love it!

Danny and I also celebrated our 4 year anniversary on June 23rd. We didn't really get to celebrate this year though. On our anniversary (which was a thursday I think), we planted a garden and then that weekend we were off to Fargo for a friends' wedding. It was all good fun but hopefully he and I can get a night out together to properly celebrate soon!!

A sad update I unfortunately have is a close family friends' passing. Karen Anderson, an amazing, talented, caring, and Godly woman recently lost her courageous battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus. She leaves behind a husband, 5 wonderful children, and two adorable grand babies. At her funeral, her beautiful daughters attested to what an incredible mother and person she was. It was heartbreaking to see them mourning the loss of their beloved mom...but it was inspiring and I know that Karen would have been so proud of them! She will be missed by so many but I know she is in Heaven with her God which is where we all belong! ((HUGS)) to the family.

Lastly, a mention to an exciting weekend coming up. Next weekend, July 16th and 17th, we have a big family reunion out at the farm. It's going to be so much fun to see all of my relatives and I can't wait. There is also a "party" going on in my hometown which we might make an appearance at. It will be fun to see friends and catch up.

Well, I'm off to bed...it's way past my bedtime. I promise to come back and post a few pictures of the house and the teeth as soon as I get a chance. Goodnight!

God is good!

Friday, June 3, 2011

F I V E

June 3rd, 2011

Five years ago today we said goodbye to our first born son before we even got to say hello.

It was a Thursday when I found out. It was June 1st and I was heading for my prenatal appointment, thinking it would be just like any other prenatal appointment I had previously went to. There wasn't a thought in my mind that anything would or could be wrong. I would see the doctor, I would get to hear the baby's heartbeat and I would be on my merry way. I was oblivious. I took the idea that I was going to have a baby in July and raise it to adulthood for granted. I took my baby for granted, as most everyone does during pregnancy, it's human nature...

When the doctor didn't find the baby's heartbeat, I was floored. He had such an easy time finding it at my previous appointments. What on earth is going on?! I was sent for an ultrasound which confirmed my worst fears! My baby had passed away. It took just one small moment to shatter my life. All of my dreams for the future, everything I was looking forward to for the rest of my days crumbled in front of me. I was left with nothing....nothing but a lifeless baby inside of my womb and a dark and empty heart! I cried. There was nothing I could do. I felt numb, I felt hopeless, I felt angry and sad and confused. And all I could do was cry....

I was sent home that night with the plan to come in the next morning to deliver my first born, 7 weeks early, and not living. Thinking back on it, I still can't grasp the emotion of having to deliver a lifeless child. Knowing that once the baby came out, we wouldn't get to take it home to love and raise. I wasn't ready to go through labor and to deliver a baby. I hadn't prepared myself for it yet. This wasn't supposed to be happening for almost 2 months. I was stricken with such grief...I couldn't sleep. I prayed for this to be a nightmare, that I would wake up and everything would be okay. By the next morning I was already exhausted emotionally.

We went to Grand Forks were I was given a room and met my doctor. I was still in denial, I didn't want to believe that my baby was gone. We had another ultrasound in GF done just for closure sake. We also met with a bereavement lady. Her name was Toni. I remember her well. She gave me books and brochures, poems and stories, and a teddy bear...all meant to help but at the time, it didn't. I was induced and went through labor just like anyone else would. I had strong contractions and a lot of back labor which was agonizing. But nothing was as painful as the realization that I wouldn't be giving birth to a living baby. By the time I was supposed to push, I was so physically and emotionally drained that most everything was a blur. I do remember it being painful but that as soon as the baby was out, my body relaxed. I remember the doctor telling us that we had a baby boy. My son. My beautiful little son. I knew in my heart all along that he was a boy...and I loved him. I held him close to me and cried, wishing that God would change his mind and my tiny son would cry out. I looked at his perfect face, his bitty little hands and feet, he was a perfect angel. I don't know how long I held him but I know I didn't want to ever let him go. I don't know how I ever did...I must have been too tired to hold him any longer. And then he was gone.

They did an autopsy which proved that he was perfectly healthy. He didn't have any birth defects or congenital problems. There was no reason he should have died. I had a hard time accepting it. There are still times, five years later that I still struggle with it. They say that time heals pain and it is true, the acute pain rarely comes around (except for days like today). But there is always an ache in my heart. There hasn't been one day since he left us that I haven't thought about him. Not one.

Gabriel Hermanson, my little peanut, my first born son; you will always have a huge place in my heart. I miss you every day. Because of you, I have learned to not take life for granted. You are the reason I can cherish every moment with Asher. Asher Mitchell is my rainbow baby, my something beautiful after the storm. I would not be the mother I am today if it weren't for you. You taught me life's greatest lessons, to live each day with no regrets and to live in the moment! You are beautiful and perfect. I wish with every ounce of my being that I could know you, that I could see your precious little face and hear your enchanting little laugh. But I am thankful that you are my son and I wouldn't change it for anything. I love you. Happy 5th birthday my angel!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Guilty!

May 25th, 2011

Yes, I'm guilty! I'm guilty of being a bit of a debbie downer lately which is unlike me because I usually try to be happy and optimistic in my life. I really dislike negative energy and it bugs me that I have been feeling so unhappy lately. I think it's a combination of things. Not having my own space is a BIG one! I am so anxious to get into our house...I love my parents but I just can't live with them much longer. I need some organization and structure in my life. Right now I don't feel like I have any. I've also been very worried about some things with Asher. Being stressed out over his health is wearing me down. I love him so much and I just want everything to be perfect for him! I think one of the most annoying things to me though is that I see so many people with such nasty attitudes, it's weighing heavily on my own spirit. I constantly see people complaining about such insignificant things and it upsets me! I have always tried to not let other people's pessimistic ways bring me down, but lately I've had a hard time avoiding it. I have sooooo much to be thankful for and I know that happiness is in there somewhere...I just need to dig it out and let it shine again!

Here are some great things that I've had going on in my life. I got to actually CELEBRATE Mother's Day this year! My first Mother's Day with Asher was very special. The past few years have been very difficult but this year, I had a chance to rejoice and celebrate my mommy-hood! Another big thing that happened lately is that my little monkey turned 6 months old! Asher is such a blessing in my life. He means the world to me and to watch him grow and change every day is a miracle. He is an amazing little man with so much personality...he means everything to me and I cannot believe that a half a year has already passed! He is learning to sit on his own which is so much fun. He loves to be outside and watch the animals. He continues to giggle and smile constantly which makes my heart melt. He's really started to love his food and his messy faces make me smile! He is a beautiful, wonderful person and I'm excited for his future! I know I've said it a million times, but I just want him to be happy!

One thing we've been struggling with is his right leg. He hadn't been using it much and didn't want to bear weight or straighten it. We took him in for bloodwork and an MRI and it seems that he had some fluid around his hip. The pediatrician and the orthopedic specialist both seem to think he will be okay but we are following up in a couple of weeks to see how things are improving. He does seem to be doing much better the past week and has been using his leg much more. YAY Asher! He is such a trooper and I am so proud of him!

Our upcoming adventures include professional pictures on June 8th, a wedding in Fargo on June 25th, a family reunion and hometown celebration in July! Honestly, every day with my little guy is an experience and I'm loving every moment. Hopefully next time I post, we will be starting a new adventure in our OWN home!!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Rant!

May 4th, 2011

I need to vent....what better place to do that right? If you are a person who is easily offended, you may not want to read this. There, that's my disclaimer. Read at your own will!

Children are beautiful. Children are innocent. Children deserve the best. They deserve YOUR best! I know that issues have been around forever but I guess since my generation is having kids now, my eyes have been opened. There are so many fucked up things going on and I don't understand how parents can behave the way they do (excuse my language!) This isn't just things I see on the news; these are things I see going on around me. People I know.

When you have a child, you can no longer be selfish. If you smoke and drink before getting pregnant, it is YOUR responsibility to quit, FULL STOP. It's a very selfish and disgusting thing to take your own child's health for granted. I cannot and will not respect a person as a parent who cannot put aside their selfish desires and do what is best for the sake of their child. Sure, you may get lucky and your child may turn out just fine. But it's a risk and it's not one that you should be willing to take. Would you shove a lit cigarette in your newborns' mouth or fill their bottle with booze? I doubt it. Well, when you're pregnant, your baby is consuming what you do. It's the same thing and it's revolting. I hear the "well my mom smoked while she was pregnant and I turned out okay" excuse and let me tell you, NO YOU DIDN'T. 30 years ago they didn't know the bad affects it had. Now everyone knows! If you are stupid enough to do this when knowing how bad it is...you obviously didn't turn out okay. Try again!

So, you wanted kids but now you are feeling tied down? You think you deserve to go out partying every weekend? Think again. You brought these children into the world. They are YOUR responsibility. I have absolutely no problem with parents going out on special occasions or having date nights. But the constant partying, drinking, sleeping around, etc...you are an adult. You are a parent. You gave up your right to be completely irresponsible when you had kids. Grow up! Take responsibility. Spend quality time with your kids, every day! I must say, when I see a facebook status from a parent that says "Had a great time tonight with my kids" it makes me sick. Don't be proud that you spent a night with your kids. That's your job. It's not something to be patted on the back for. You should be having those nights every night. Kids need stability. Again, grow up!

Let's not even get started on the people who cannot financially or emotionally support the children they already have but decide to have more. If you are living off of the government and don't have a job, please don't have anymore kids. It's so unfair and irresponsible. Or how about the people who use their kids for arguments with their spouse? What a crock of shit. You should never fight in front of your kids and even more important, do not use them as ammunition! And worst of all, something I can barely even talk about is abuse. If you cannot control your temper and resort to hitting, pushing, shaking, or any other physical assault....aghhh, I can't even go there! No child deserves to be abused and neglected. It breaks my heart!

I admit that I am definitely an overly emotional person and I'm also very sensitive when it comes to this topic because of things that I've been through. Having to visit my first born's grave site rather than see his beautiful face every day and then having my second born with risky complications during pregnancy and a scary NICU stay, you can probably understand why I am so passionate about this. Also, I will be the first to say that I am by no means a perfect parent. I make mistakes constantly and I am learning every day. But the things above are common sense. These aren't every day, ordinary mistakes. If you chose to be a parent, than BE ONE! Your child deserves the best you can give. Put aside your selfish ways and give them your best you!

Rant over.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Scary!

May 2nd, 2011

Scary! That's the only word I see fit for describing this world we live in. I suppose frightening, alarming, terrifying, or grim would work too. The dawn broke with the news that an awful terrorist had been killed and the world erupted in cheers. Yes, it's great that this horrid man is no longer alive to carry out his evil works but this is not the end. For all of the people who are out celebrating in the streets, marking today as a triumphant day...know that there will be more bloodshed and more tragedy. This is the end of a life, not the end of the war. I will not celebrate until there is no more war. I fear the retaliation. These people are terrorists. Extremists. They are brainwashed. It's scary! I'm afraid for our troops, I'm afraid for our country, I'm afraid for our world. This is not the end. There is so much hate in this world. Until there is no more hate, there will be no peace.

There is already so much suffering without hate. Sickness, accidents, natural disasters....all of these things can be tragic and disheartening. There are children who are dying from hunger and sickness. People are losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their families due to earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, floods and tornadoes. The pain and devastation is tremendous. The things we cannot control are tolling enough on the soul. Why must we add hate? Why must people spread fear and negativity? This world is a scary place. My heart hurts knowing that our children will grow up in such a terrifying time. I don't know what the future holds, but until hate is overcome....the future won't be very bright. It makes me sad and fearful. I can only pray that God will protect us and keep watch over my loved ones. I will pray for our troops, our president, our country, our world, and yes, I will pray for our enemies. May the world find peace and end the hate!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Spring has sprung!

April 12th, 2011

Oh how nice it is to see the sun, the birds chirping, black dirt in the fields and water....oooooh the water! Okay, so the water part isn't so nice. There is A LOT of it! Yesterday we decided to go for a nice little drive around the countryside and found that many of the roads were drowning. We are still staying at my parents place for now (hopefully not much longer!!!!) and there are only 2 ways out of here. A road to the west and a road to the east. The road to the west is slowly deteriorating from the force of the water and the road to the east looks like a river! Soon, we may be trapped. Hm, that doesn't sound too fun. Anyone want to adopt 2 adults and a baby for a few weeks? ;)

Anyway, besides the overwhelming amount of water there is around here, I'm just so happy to be back. We were in Fargo to move all of our things back last weekend and boy, I don't miss it! What a nutty place. Yuck! Hopefully we will be able to move into our future home soon. Things are really rolling now with that and I can't wait. I miss having our own place. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is removing wallpaper haha. But I am SO excited to be living in the country again. I'm a true country girl at heart.

I don't have any big updates on Asher. Still no teeth but still very much teething! He's also really giggling now which is just the best!!! He loves to watch the puppy Lucy run around and he also loves to watch cousin Gianna sing and dance. I'm really really looking forward to getting outside with him and going for walks. I think my sanity may come back a little once we can get outdoors.
 

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