Being a Mom...

When I was pregnant with my first child, I had this idea of what being a parent was like...I had NO idea.

* Unconditional Love * That First Baby Wiggle * Hearing their Heartbeat * Labor P A I N! * Never Sleeping Again * First Smile * First Step * Uncontrollable Crying (both mom and baby) * Colic * Giving Blood By Pricking Their Itty Bitty Little Heal (and squeezing the crap out of it while they wail and you want to cry with them) * Circumcision * Crawling * Getting Into EVERYTHING * Gazing Into Your Eyes Lovingly * Giggles * Putting Things Into Their Mouth * Constipation * First Colds * Riding a Bike for the First Time * Diarrhea * Getting Peed On * Saying Momma for the First Time * Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom * Getting Into Your Makeup to Make Themselves Gorgeous * Dressing Up * Imagination * High Fevers * Trips to the ER * Driving in the Car to Get Them to Go to Sleep * Allergies * Growth Spurts * The Sigh of Relief When its Bedtime * Bubble Baths * Bad Dreams * Sleeping in Bed with You * Screaming * Hiding in Clothes Racks * Hide and Seek * Road Trips * Potty Training * Diaper Explosions * First Words * First Sleepover * Date Nights (few and far between) * Lack of Privacy * Never Going to the Bathroom Alone Again * Squeezy Hugs * Kisses * Playdates * Cartoons * Rolling Over * First Fall * Boo Boos * Band-Aids * That Feeling When they Fall on Their Heads (and you can't unhear that sound) * Panic * Broken Bones * Cheering them at Games * Soccer * Baseball * Swimming * No Life * Best Friends * Broken Hearts * Crushes * Homework * Minivans * Mom Taxi * Fear of Germs * Your Purse Containing only 5% of Your Own Items....the Other 95% are Kid Items * Diaper Bags * Wipes Wipes and more Wipes * Heartbreak * Frustration * Feeling of Doubt * Breastfeeding * Milk Coming In * Not Enough Milk Coming In * Breastfeeding in Public * Sitting in a Public Bathroom to Nurse * Swollen Breasts * Chapped Nipples * Clogged Milk ducts * Formula * Bottles Everywhere * Messy Baby Food * Finally Putting the High Chair Away * "I Love You" * "Hey Mom!" * Colorful Artwork * Report Cards * First Day of Kindergarten * Summer Vacation * "I'm Bored" * "I'm Hungry" * Science Projects * Craft Time * Messes * Dirty House * Laundry, Laundry and more Laundry * Tooth Fairy * Being Daredevils * Being a Hero * Mean Words * No More Crib * Big Kid Beds * Embarrass * First Dance * Singing * Never Quiet * Breaking Your Favorite Vase * First Dentist Appointment * Morning Snuggles * Playing Outside * Mean Kids * Saying No * Saying Yes * Hormones * Defiance * More Freedom * Creativity * Tummy Bugs * Vomit in the Car (or just away from home in general) * Stinky Feet * Parks * Watching them from Afar * Friends Moving Away * Making New Friends * You Just Don't Understand... * New Adventures * Listening to Random Thoughts of a 5 Year Old * Trying to Negotiate with a 2 Year Old * Trying to Clean (it was clean 5 seconds ago) * Seeing Other Adults * Having a Conversation with Other Adults (sigh...I miss those sometimes) * Watching a Favorite Movie for the 10,00th Time * Peeing on the Side of the Road * Seeing Their Wide Eyes to Something New & Exciting * Disneyland * Helping them get over a Fear * Stranger Danger * Birthday Parties * Christmas * Is Santa Real? * Family Traditions * Warm Hugs * Thank You's * Tears * Smiles * Hitting * Fighting * Time Outs * Sorry * Feeling Guilty * Talking About Your Kids on Date Nights * Babysitters * Shots * Doctor Appointments * Bug Collecting * Dirt Eating * Chalk Art on the Sidewalk * Hopscotch * Rainy Days * Movie Night * Up to No Good * Tantrums * To Spank or Not to Spank * Eating Out * Family Dinners * Stepping on Legos * Playing Quietly (rarely happens) * Nap Time! * Crying in the Car ALLLLL the Way Home * "I Love You"

I know there is tons more...but even through the good, the bad and the ugly, I wouldn't change being a mom for ANYTHING!

Jess Fabulous Designs Etsy

I know many of you know that I have a page on Facebook called Jess Fabulous Designs Etsy.  Here are some of the items that I have been working on lately.

To see more of my items...check out my FB page...link above or on my Etsy site by clicking here.

Vacation, Diaper Free and Two-Wheelers!!

The month of June was a busy time.  School got out.  That was busy all on itself.  Shortly thereafter Owen decided it was time to become diaper free (can't tell you how excited I was for that!!).   Only took a few days and some half naked nudity (plus a few puddles on my tile floor), but he got it done.  Then only about a week later we were off on our vacation to Utah.  13 hour car ride with a newly potty trained boy.  I was nervous, but he did really well.  No accidents, just a few extra potty breaks.  He started recognizing Rest Areas signs and wanted to stop at all of them.  After 12 years and 4 children, I am finally done with diapers and I can't tell you how great that is!  Now at a month potty trained, he is a pro!

Speaking of vacations, our trip to Utah was fun, yet not so fun (at least for me).  We got there on a Saturday evening, Sunday we tooled around and I had a lovely headache from the 7,000 ft altitude.  I've never done well with high altitude, always got a headache or nausea.  Whenever we head to Tahoe, I take a bunch of Tylenol before we head out, just so I know I will be ok.  Headache finally went away around 5pm Sunday and we all made way to the pool for some fun swimming.  Monday morning I got a nice run in and was feeling good.  We went and saw Bob's dad and later met up with his grandfather for dinner.  Tuesday we went to a Salt Lake Bee's game and then later went for another swim at the pool.  By the time we got back to the condo to make dinner I was feeling sick (nauseated) and soon there after I was down until late day Thursday with a stomach bug and a nasty headache that had my head in a vice and had just enough energy to go from the bed to the bathroom.  It was awful to say the least.  Sucks to be sick, but being sick while on vacation sucks triple.  Bob was great and took the kids out Wednesday and Thursday all on his own.  The quiet back at the condo was nice so I could just sleep off whatever sickness was invading me.  By the time I was feeling better Thursday evening, Bob and I were just hoping no one else got it, because it came on out of nowhere and knocks you out.  Unfortunately Ethan woke up Friday morning with an upset tummy (that thankfully only lasted the morning and then was done).  But we decided to better be safe than sorry and head home a day early.  I was bummed, because there was still so much that I wanted to see and do that I missed out on, but knew that making our way home was probably for the best.  We made it home after a long, long drive.  Luckily we were home, because Bob woke up Saturday morning feel highly crappy.  His energy was completely lost and was stuck in bed sleeping all day with the funk.  Luckily he was the last one to get the funk.

I was a little nervous for Abby because she was heading out Monday for Girl Scout Camp for 4 days and getting that illness while there would have been awful for her.  I was thankful it didn't get her.

Abby headed off for Girl Scout camp 2 days after we got back from Utah.  She went to Camp Menzies which is about 2 hours away near Angels Camp.  She went last year too and enjoyed herself.  By the time she made it home, she was a dirty stinky mess.  But we were all still happy to see her!  Then only 3 days after Girl Scout Camp, she headed off to Oregon with her Uncle Brian and Aunt Valerie for a week's adventure with them on their ranch.  She had a bunch of fun there with fishing, 4 wheeling, hiking and tubing down the river.

Aaron was a brave boy and by chance wanted to try riding Ethan's two-wheeler.  Took him just a few tries and he got it down!  As awkward as Aaron is...I was shocked he picked up on riding a two-wheeler so quickly.  He loved the fact that Ethan didn't learn how to ride a two-wheeler until he was 6...and Aaron JUST turned 5.  Made him smile real big...and tease Ethan with that knowledge.

July is bringing more adventures to the Weston clan.  We have a pending sale on our Natomas house.  After owning is for 11 years...it was just time to sell it.  It is scheduled to close escrow in August to a retiring military family, so we feel great on who our home is going to.

We have 2 birthdays coming up...Abby will be turning 12 on July 31st and Ethan will be 7 on August 6th.  So busy birthday parties coming soon! 

We also have a camping trip to Santa Cruz coming soon that I am truly looking forward to.  The cooler weather of the coast is calling my name after some 100+ degree days here in the valley.  

I just ran a 10k in a run in Davis over the past weekend.  I wanted to complete it in less than an hour (which honestly I didn't think I could accomplish).  It started at 7:30pm...and at that time it was still about 90 degrees outside.  So it was quite warmer than I am used to running in or like to run in.  It was a little bit of a struggle since it was so warm.  I always where chapstick because I can't stand running with dry lips...just reminds you that you are thirsty.  My chapstick didn't last and I was feeling thirsty and hot.  Kept the positive thoughts amping my brain to keep me going.  I made it through and noticed the time at the finish and was thrilled to see I was going to cross at just less than one hour.  My times were the fastest I had run (new personal record) and I did it all in the heat!  I can't tell you how thrilled I was.  My average min/mi was 9:38...and to think that just a few months ago I was at (10:50).  I've learned that you are your worst enemy and biggest cheerleader.  If I constantly chant myself during a hard run (yes, I will talk to myself while running) then I am less likely to give up.

More adventure stories to come soon!!

School's Out!

School is out!  What's a mom to do??  Lose my marbles??  Have a blast??  I think likely a mixture of both.

Abby just finished 6th grade and her first year of middle school.  She did amazing with her grades and learned how to play 2 different instruments (clarinet and bass clarinet).  She made advanced band for next year.

Ethan just finished 1st grade and did much better than he started the year off.  His grades have always been really good, but he was struggling with reading.  So near the end of 2013 he took two sets reading classes offered by a teacher at his school and his reading improved greatly.  By the end of the year he was right where he needed to be.  Plus he got all A's, except one (and the teacher mentioned that he only missed an A by ONE point).  So very proud of him!

Aaron graduated from preschool and will be joining his siblings in public school this fall.  Hard to believe he will be a kindergartener!!  

Owen will join the ranks of school kids when he is 3 1/2 and can start preschool.  Will come before we know it!

This summer we are taking two vacations...one to Park City and another will be a camping trip to Santa Cruz.  Looking forward to a little quality time with the family.  

Bob has been super busy with working on our old house in Natomas getting it ready to go on the market later this week to sell.  So haven't seen him much in the evenings these days.  But his hard work will be over here soon.

And as for me, if you are looking for me...I will be out running early...or out seeking adventures with my kiddos...or losing my marbles.  :)

Capital City Classic

Got a chance to run the Capital City Classic this past Sunday (4/27/14) and ran the 10 mile course.  The race started at Crocker Park right next to the Crocker Art Museum downtown.  I got my friend Jessica Warshaw to come run it with me.  There were about 1400 runners in this event...but split between a 5k, 10k and 10 mile run.  It was a nice course around areas of downtown, West Sac and Old Sacramento.  The weather was perfect running weather and made for a fabulous run.  Here are some pics that I took to remember the day!

The Starting Line.

My Running Bib.

Jessica & I ready to go!

The Finish Line!

(with a pic of Jessica crossing the finish)

Jessica & I all done with out 10 miles!

My pretty medal to add to my collection!

My race times!  

Improved since my last 10 mile run last September.

Had a great run with a great friend and can't wait until my next run.

Mr. Wonderful...Aaron

Mr. Aaron is some kind of wonderful.  

Aaron was born angry and grumpy and definitely looked like a pissed off old man.  His only happy place was nursing...13 months of it.  Once he got a little bigger and weened, he grew into this smiley faced, sweet little man.

To go back to when he was born...he was 8lbs. 12oz. which was a far cry from my two previous babies of 6lb 9 oz and 6lb 7oz.  I was amazed at how big he was and loved his chubbiness.  When he was delivered, normally the doctor will put the baby on the mom and then cut the cord.  Aaron's umbilical cord was short and fat and wasn't long enough to place him still attached onto my belly.  They has to cut it holding him near my leg.  Because of the short, fat umbilical cord, he has a small herniated belly button.  Here he is with his cute cheerio belly button.  Nothing major to need to repair...but gave us the option if we chose to later.

Now on to when he is 3 years old.  We decided to start all our children at the dentist when they are 3.  Just worked well for us.  So Aaron went to the dentist with his 2 older siblings for his first checkup.  Luckily we know our children's dentist personally, so made what we found out a little easier.  When Aaron's teeth were coming in as a baby we noticed that one of his teeth was coming in as two teeth (or a twin tooth - like the tooth split into two).  So my general concern for when he had his first appointment was finding out if these twin teeth would effect his permanent teeth.  He said not likely, but they would know more when they did the x-rays.  X-rays taken and we come to find out that Aaron is missing a majority of his permanent teeth.  Pretty much all his top front teeth and a few bottom front teeth.  Won't know about the molars until later when he is bigger.  I was shocked, but cool...just how I react.  For me, there is always something positive to see.  His doctor thought he knew what the condition was, but that we needed to go back to our doctor with the dental x-rays and go through some genetic testing.  So we went to his pediatrician and made our way to a Genetic Counselor and did some testing.  Come to find that umbilical cord/belly button, teeth and eyes were all connected to a rare genetic condition that Aaron seems to have (they didn't have a specific test for his condition because it is so rare, but that what he has falls into it's parameters).  He was diagnosed with Reiger's Syndrome and luckily has only a few of the characteristics.  After we met with the Genetic Counselor we also met with an eye doctor...because as part of Reiger's, they generally have some eye abnormalities.  We met with the eye doctor and Aaron has the eye abnormality in one eye as well as early onset of glaucoma...which is stable with drops.  Aaron's pupil in his left eye does not sit center and is not round like yours or mine.  His sits at about 4 o'clock on his eye and is teardrop shaped (see pic below).  With Reiger's, it is generally caught at birth because of the eye abnormality, but Aaron has such dark eyes...basically black, no one saw it.  You have to shine a bright light in his eyes to see it.  He wears glasses to strengthen his brain (not so much his eye), because if he favors his good eye, he has the chance of losing his vision in his left eye.  So with the glasses, he has to wear a patch on his good eye for 4 hours every day to strengthen his brain to use that eye normally.  He hates his patch, but tolerates it.  He is such a good boy!  He is always awesome at the eye doctor (which we have to go see every 3-4 months) to check his pressures and take pics of his optic nerves.  

Right now is the easy part...just general maintenance.  I am not looking forward to when he gets to the age of losing teeth and doesn't lose them.  How sad he will be.  I will need to think of something grand for him.  We have to keep his baby teeth strong and healthy because they will be the foundation for caps later on.  In hindsight...he will have a mouth full of perfect teeth when he is an adult.  But I feel for all the dental work in his future.  The goal is to keep all his teeth strong and to keep his vision permanent.  I want him to drive a car one day.  If glasses and eye drops are all he has to worry about as adult, then I will be happy.

He's a precious boy and I love him dearly.  He will be 5 in June and about to start kindergarten and soccer this fall.  So many new things for him this year that I am overly excited for him.  If you have ever met Aaron, he is truly a boy that marches to his own drum...a true character!  

Clean Eating & Running

Bob is on a 60 Day Biggest Loser Challenge with his work out gang over at All the Way Fit.  He is almost done with his first week and is down 5 lbs.  Great way to start off!  He's been doing SO well with no sugar, no starches, no pasta & no processed foods.  And I have been a good wife to not sabotage his hard work.  Though I saw him eyeing the Doritos when I was making the kid's their lunches.  I am eating meals with him so he doesn't feel alone, but I am not cutting everything out.  We generally don't eat processed foods to begin with, so those are the easiest to cut out.  Sugar...a little harder since I crave a piece of chocolate every now and then.  Plus I can't seem to pass by a good, yummy, soft, warm french bread without wanting to take it home and devour it.  But...I have been modifying some meals to meet Bob's needs.

Tried my hand at making chili last night...but this time a Quinoa Chili...meatless, but packed full of protein and veggies.  Here is a link to the recipe that I found off of Pinterest (love that site!).

QUINOA CHILI RECIPE

It was quite tasty....even Ethan tried some.  The quinoa gives is a little different texture than meat, but it was still really good.  No french bread or corn bread (big sad face), but it was quite filling without it.

Today it was rainy...even though the forecast said no rain...really?!  So I left little man at home with Bob and did my short route of 5.25 miles.  I LOVE running in the rain.  Especially on the trails.  Reminds me of camping up along the northern coast of Oregon as a child.  Makes me smile.  All the snails were out along the path today, so I was doing some great moves to avoid crunching them.  Glad there weren't many people out today.  =)