KELLI BELLY

Church Is Paying Off

2007-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Gianna reaching for another cookie.
Aaron: "No more cookies Gianna it's almost dinner time."
Gianna: (rolls her eyes) "Jesus, Mary and Joseph"
Aaron: (Cracking up) " Did you just hear what she said?"
Me: "Where did you hear that Gianna"
Gianna: "Church"

Through a child's eyes

2007-08-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

As we were driving back from mass last night it was really dark out. Hailee squeals with delight from the back seat: "I just saw the cutest baby deer lying by the side of the road!" "really?" I replied. Knowing it was a dead one I looked at Aaron and waited to hear what was coming next. "It was so young it didn't have any skin yet!, I couldn't even stand it, it's face was so cute!" Aaron and I silently laughed our asses off. Not that the poor thing was dead. Just How our daughter perceived the crime scene.

All is well here. We've just been really busy it being the end of summer and all. I've had to run a million places for documents and health records so Hailee can start first grade and Gianna pre- school two days a week. I'm excited for Hailee but nervous at the same time. I loved elementary school but know I started losing a little of my innocence around 5th grade. I decided I'll take her to school everyday and pick her up. Just to eliminate the crap on the bus. Even though I know she'd love it. But like I said, I am really excited for her she really likes school and I never had to fight her to do homework or anything.

Aaron's brother and his family are here in Maryland visiting. They have four kids, his other brother has three and we have two so the kids all love it. We're headed to the beach on Saturday with the whole fam. We're staying right on the beach so everyone's looking forward to it. Then two days after we return, Hailee starts school.

All is well with the baby on the way. I'm not as sick, just had one trip to the hospital for fluids. I must have dehydrated quickly. It only took one day and my veins were shriveled up. It's lovely when they keep blowing your veins trying to give you an IV of fluids. I asked if I could just drink a glass of water for the love of god! No was the answer. I knew I could have done it myself if they would have let me ;o) Finally after 4 or 5 tries it was in. But for this baby it's all worth it. I get more and more excited everyday. I cant wait to hold our baby. Just six months to go. Once my belly gets bigger I'll post pictures, but really it hasn't popped out yet. The only thing growing is my thighs.

Hailee and Gianna sleeping

2007-07-10T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hailee and Gianna sleeping
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Aaron and I came upstairs from watching "Black Snake Moan" with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci , to find the girl's sleeping sweetly together. I love moments like this.

On another note I had an ultrasound and everything looks good. We saw the little heartbeat. I just haven't had a chance to post because I've been pretty sick. Just the dry heaves and occasionally vomiting. But the nausea does not subside all day. It's not until I actually fall asleep, that I get some relief. I know complaining is annoying. I'm getting on my own nerves for crying out loud. It's just when someone asks me how I'm feeling. I usually want to say "LIKE SHIT". I guess it gets worse with every pregnancy or something. I go to the doc tomorrow. So I may ask for some Zophran. I didn't want to but I have only been able to lay in bed for the last week. I literally have to force myself out of bed. The kids haven't done anything fun with me in days. Thank God Aaron took them to the pool last night. Poor kids. Hailee has been such a huge help. Like fixing Gianna cereal for lunch. It's all worth it right?????!!!!!

She asked me to take her picture

2007-07-01T17:41:00.001-07:00

What a goof
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Then she said "Mocha stinks mommy, take her outside".

I must say she is making huge potty progress. She wants to wear "Big Girl undies" and has to show everyone including Hailee's 18 year old camp counselor , he turned really red when she pulled up her skirt to show him her Curious George underwear. I was cracking up. The mailman also was asked the same question "Would you like to see my big girl underwear?" . How do I get her to stop flashing random people without killing her confidence? She's so darn cute about it I could just squeeze her. The only problem we're having is the whole pooping on the potty. It freaks her out for some reason. So she holds it and then lets a little out at a time. She hasn't taken a good poop in days. I've been giving her grapes and trying to make her drink lots of water. Any natural suggestions or advice on this? Hailee never had any problems.

Your such a goof ball

2007-07-01T17:27:00.001-07:00

Gianna
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Stay little Gianna

2007-07-01T17:26:00.001-07:00

Gianna bedtime
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

First belly shot (6 weeks)

2007-06-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

six weeks preggo
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

The nausea has already set in.

Hailee & Mocha

2007-06-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

H & Mocha
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Look how big Mocha is at just 5 months. She's such a great dog. Not like a normal puppy. She gets excited when people first come in but is much too lazy to keep it up for long. She just lies around during the day and doesn't require much exercise(my kind of dog)in fact your not supposed to over exercise them. I cant recommend this breed enough :o) The only thing is, is that she's starting to pull when I take her out to pee. We really have to take care of this now. These dogs are able to pull up to like 4000lbs when they are adults.

So Far So Good

2007-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had my first Ob appointment today. It went really well. Except for the fact that both the girls were in the room with me while I had my exam, including breasts! Not that they've never seen their mom naked. Because I'm naked a lot around the house. No biggie here. It's just their not use to me with my legs up in the air with a man hiding between them. They stayed at the other end of the room and I made Hailee read Gianna a story. I just told Hailee they were checking out my belly to see if the baby was ok. She was fine with it and didn't see anything. Usually I would have had a sitter but. Everyone was busy. My hubby was in a meeting downtown. Mom was working, MIL was with my FIL(He just had surgery), friends of family were at a playgroup in Pennsylvania and other friends with out kids were working. Anyhoo, I've had my blood drawn twice so far to check levels and everything seems to look good. I go back in two weeks and before that I'll get a ultrasound. My boobs hurt, I'm a little nauseated during the day, I'm tired and GASSY. I don't mind because I know it's good that I'm having symptoms. The cramping isn't so bad either. Did I mention that I was gassy? Got my vitamins with the added fish oil capsules too. I'm going to try to take them at night so I don't feel like hurling during the day :o) I'm glad to join you other pregnant mamas out there. Exciting.

Well got to give the girls a bath we just got finished swimming at a friends house and I can't wait to crawl into that bed. My poor husband is probably lonely at night because I'm ready for bed at 8:00. I just ate a huge plate of pasta bruschetta after vowing not to gain 60lbs this time around. I think I can do it. 60lbs is too hard on your body after labor. Not to mention too hard to take off the second time around. I can't imagine how long it will take me the third!

Looks like our plans to adopt have been put on hold for a while!

2007-06-14T13:18:00.001-07:00

100_0987
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

I know I haven't posted in a long time , but I wanted to share my happy news with you all. I am so excited but a little nervous because of my past two miscarriages. I know God is good though and we have been praying very hard. We were open to life. Either biologically or by ways of adoption. I've been praying that God would make it very clear to us what we should do. And he did! I still want to adopt from Ethiopia in the future but for right now, I will enjoy this little surprise. After we told Hailee today she was so excited. She kind of had an idea because I bought one of those "special toothbrushes" that you pee on. That's what she calls them. She is such a wonderful little girl. She told me that her prayers came true because after I would tuck her in at night she would ask god to please let her mommy be pregnant so she can be a big sister again. She also prayed that God won't take this baby to heaven. She amazes us everyday. I've been a little crampy, but if I remember correctly I was in the beginning with both of my girls too. Does anyone remember feeling a little crampy? Anyhoo, I am just going to think positively and thank God for this little miracle . P.S. pray for stickiness :o)

Mocha

2007-04-15T06:16:00.003-07:00

Mocha 004
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Some new picks

2007-04-15T06:16:00.001-07:00

Mocha 001
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Mocha our new puppy who already gives paw. Notice how large they are!

Gianna eating the goods!

2007-04-15T06:15:00.001-07:00

Gianna eating the goods!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee getting ready to snag some easter eggs.

2007-04-15T06:14:00.001-07:00

Hailee getting ready to snag some easter eggs.
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

GIanna getting ready to get her eggs!

2007-04-15T06:13:00.001-07:00

GIanna getting ready to get her eggs!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee looking through the moon bounce

2007-04-15T06:12:00.001-07:00

Hailee looking through the moon bounce!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Moon Bounce

2007-04-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

Yey! You did it Gianna!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Easter picture with my nephew

2007-04-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

Look at Gianna!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Notice Gianna picking her nose. Theres always next year!

Big smile!

2007-04-15T06:08:00.001-07:00

Big smile!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Matching outfits

2007-04-15T06:07:00.001-07:00

My two darlings!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Trying to get G to pose!

2007-04-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Trying to get G to pose!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee and Gianna (Easter)

2007-04-15T06:05:00.001-07:00

Cute, ugh?
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Spring is here

2007-04-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been an exciting few weeks. I've taken time to recharge myself, get my priorities straight and grow in my spiritual life as well. Spring is a time for change and new beginnings. I love it. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and there's an overall feeling of good things to come. I hope everyone had a good Easter and spring break. I know I enjoyed having Hailee with me for the 9 days she was off of school. In fact, I didn't want to send her back yesterday! But I can't say that or she'll completely feed off of it! "Mommy, I want to be with you!" There are many pictures that have been taken. Mostly by my mom because my camera needs a new battery. And I haven't gotten around to it. My mom rescues me in times that I'm not prepared. Like Easter egg hunts, Easter and important events overall. So pictures are to come :o)

On another exciting note. I believe that God is calling our family to adopt a child. Particularly from Ethiopia. I was concerned about not being able to conceive naturally for the past year and a half and finally it hit me. Maybe God wants us to adopt. I've always wanted to adopt a child and my husband and I have discussed it before but recently it's been so heavy on my heart. I was thinking about it a lot a few months back then kind of focused on getting pregnant again. Then about a week ago I watched the movie "Blood Diamond" OMG, if you have not seen this movie you must. It was heart wrenching but the reality of what goes on in other countries. Mostly of which we turn a blind eye to. It's about what happened in 1999 in Sierra Leonne , Africa. Innocent people were killed, children were made into killing machines and a civil war broke out and lasted I think until 2002? Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, it was powerful. And I don't care if I ever own another diamond as long as I live. So on a lighter note. I've been researching and talking to people, emailing others who have adopted from there and PRAYING that my husband feels the same passion I do about adopting a child. Praying that God reveals to him what he has revealed to me. I'm trying to be patient and not bombard him with, "Let's get started on the paperwork today!" I'm trying to remember that God's timing is perfect, but it's very hard when you feel so strongly about something. Where will we get the money for this when we're already in debt? I haven't a clue. But when theres a WILL theres a way. There are grants , special loans, the adoption tax credit any most of all GOD! He will provide if he see's fit :o) So if anyone has any creative ways to make so money feel free to share!

"Baby, give it up"

2007-02-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

So , I've really been thinking about what to give up during Lent this year and I've come to the conclusion. If I really want to do it right it must be something that I truly love. A sacrifice if you will. Just like Jesus sacrificed his life so we could live , I too shall sacrifice what I love. Can you smell what I'm steppin' in? THE COMPUTER! This lovely machine brings me much joy, but also much more chaos than I really need in my life. I put off laundry(way too much), playing with my kids, my dog and even my husband(maybe I'll get knocked up while I'm gone) so I can be on it. I need to detox. I still have to check my emails and I welcome them, but I need to see if taking this break will eliminate some of the things that I do that make my life more difficult than it needs to be. I really lovvvvvve all of you guys and keeping up with you and will miss you dearly! But I have to do this. Man, it's going to be hard but I know I can do it. It would be much easier if we got our cable(source of internet connection) cut off during Lent. But like I said we need it for email and emergencies ;o) So if you want to contact me during this time email me. kelli@picgroup.com I'll be back in the spring WAHHHH ;o( XOXOXOXO

SISTA'S!

2007-02-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

SISTA'S!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.