First Bath

We currently live in a house of random chaos as poor Gilly-bean arrived home from her walk with Auntie Erin to voracious howls from the baby sister.  After a rather explosive diaper, Melly got her first real bath today.  The darling enjoyed the first several minutes until she burst out with a banshee howl.   Currently, both girls are sleeping (it took 4 attempts plus a diaper change to get Gilana down), but Camelia won't slumber long.  It is days like this that I really miss sleep!

Gilana is really plumping out into her little toddler body.  I love to admire her chunky feet and body.  So precious!  Camelia is very noticeably larger than Gilana was at her age, and appears very alert and interested in the world around her.  I find myself breathing her in, she has captured my heart.  I am missing my freedom (you understand, the ability to walk out of the house unhindered to grab the mail), but know that this is just a short phase of life and MUST enjoy it before it's gone.

Quote of the Day...

Byron to Camelia:
"You're looking more like a person.  Congratulations!"

(He asked me to leave out the part where he said: "For a while there you looked like an alien; your eyes creeped me out.")

What a big baby!

This is my first addition to our family blog and I am marking a very special occasion. Yesterday at 1:48 in the afternoon Camelia Adele DeChellis was born.

Tasha took two tablespoons of castor oil around 10 pm and her contractions began around 2am. We flew out the door, or at least waddled quickly, and by the time we got to Glendale she was in full blown (PAINFUL) labor.  The nurse rushed to get her vital signs, hook up the I.V.,  and check how far she was dilated. Three centimeters, then four, and She was in terrible pain.  Initially we didn't know if Tasha could get an epidural, she might have been too far along. Thankfully baby slowed down and she was able to get one around 5:30am.

We saw the doctor for the first time around 8 am and by then we thought the baby should be here any minute...  but that was not the case and we wouldn't find out why until later. Several hours went by with constant contractions, not painful because of the wonderful epidural, and finally by 12:30 or so it was time to start pushing. It was at this time I remembered Tasha's dad Bill was a body builder because she was strong. Ten seconds at a time, three pushes per contraction, and finally after an hour we had our beautiful big baby. We now knew why it took so long... 9 lbs 13.6oz and 23 inches of baby! Not only that she was O.P. which means the big part of her head came out first, she was facing upward!  We had a crowd of nurses visit shortly after who could not believe a baby of Camelia's size and position was not delivered by C-section. 

The three most emotional moments in my life up until now have been watching Tasha walk down the isle,  seeing Gilana's birth, and hearing Camelia cry for the first time.  The moment I heard her little wail I overflowed with happiness. I  am so blessed. My family also came down to give us love. My parents waited joyfully for 6 hours and a little after Joey, Bobby, and Danielle all joined in our happiness.

We can't wait to see Gilana's reaction to her new little sister and thank God  for His infinite kindness!

"Every good and perfect gift comes down from above" James 1:17

"How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them they would number more than the sand; When I awake I am still with you." Ps. 139:17-18

Gilana: Year in Review

Our lovely Daughter was born on November 17th, 2008

1 Month Old

First Christmas

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

First Easter

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

Halloween

Thanksgiving

12 Months

So Stinkin' Loveable!!!!

Love for my Love on his Birthday

There is no adequate means of expressing my love for my husband. Byron is a model husband, father, companion, confidant, and friend in the truest sense of the word. I am blessed beyond measure by his kindness towards me. This man I cherish is a beautiful display of God’s grace towards me, a consistent sinner. The day we wed shines in my memory as the most blessed day of my life. It was the most tangible demonstration of joy, sacrifice, faith, love and all other reverent emotions that I have ever experienced. We committed to trust one another with all that we are. Byron’s service towards me exalts the Lord in all of His majestic radiance, drawing me to cling more assuredly to the beautiful work done on the cross. I am afraid that my negligence in properly caring for the gift of my life-mate pales in comparison. My husband is a gem, and I treasure his example. His prayers lift me up, his service shelters me, his generosity to all draws out compassion in me, and his love buffers me from worldly harm. This man the Lord has fashioned into my husband is the Gospel reflection shining in my life.

Byron, I love you and cannot say that enough, because it isn’t enough. Happy Birthday my Cherished Beloved. I thank God for the gift I daily enjoy in beholding you, and delight in the thought of many more years together.

She's One Year Old!!!

Our darling little daughter turned one year old this past Tuesday, November 17th.  We are so exceptionally grateful for the Lord allowing us this vibrant little bundle of joy!  This has been a year of great changes for us, consisting mostly of experiences unexpected given our naivete of parenthood.

Gilana had her one year checkup on the 18th, and her stats are as follows:

1. Height: 30 inches, 78%
2. Weight: 21.3 lbs, 52%
3. Head: 18 3/4 inches, 97%

She received a round of shots and did not enjoy the experience, bursting into tears before the final shot was even administered.  She made quite a good impression on the doctor, however.  Gigi is apparently above the average development in her physical abilities (she's been running for some time now), has good comprehension of what is said to her (the doctor asked Gilana to stick out her tongue, and she responded admirably!), and can say quite a few words (apparently the average at this point is three).

Gilana's current words are:

1. Daddy 
2. Doggie
3. Duckie (the D words often sound alike, though)
4. Mama (her oldest word, but it refers to several things, occasionally me)
5. Nana (Banana- refers to all food in general)
6. Hot (she whispers this one very seriously when referring to a hot object, [oven, candle, fire, steaming object] shouts it when referring to an object she is not allowed to touch)
7. Hot Tea (a steaming mug or any mug in general)
8. Chank Choo (Thank you- she says this when giving us something)  :) 
9. Uh-Oh (when something drops or she is about to drop something)

I will post more when I can!

It's almost 4 am

Am I supposed to be sleeping right now?  I guess this is all part of pregnancy.  The wee little babe is practicing her tricks at keeping Mom awake in the future.  This time is a great reminder on how I should make such occasions profitable by reading something beneficial and going through a prayer list.  Moments like this make me so keenly aware of the blessings that abound in my life.  The hope of heaven, an excellent husband, beautiful daughter, coming-soon baby, sweet family... So much to inspire praises lifted unto heaven!!

Now, to sleep!

Hot Words!

I have recently been teaching Gilana about hot things, such as the oven, fireplace, candles, and mugs. After pointing to objects that she has been warned about she whispers "Hot" very seriously.  She really understood the concept after she waved her hand over a lighted candle and I reiterated the word.  Now she knows not to touch!

Yesterday morning Gigi brought me her Curious George book and we read about his birthday party. When it showed pictures of George blowing out his candles, Gilana looked ready to participate.  I explained that he had to blow out the "hot candles" and she started blowing at the picture.  So cute!!  In preparation for her birthday celebration in two weeks, I figured candle-blowing would be a good thing to practice, so I lit two candles and watched as she expertly blew them both out!  Will she still remember how to do that when party day comes? 


Gilana is becoming increasingly observant about speech.  Yesterday she copied me after I said "Thank You" when she brought me a toy.  She said "Chank Choo." Brilliant!  ;-)

All's Well!

Our appointment with the doctor went great! On Thursday, October 29th, the baby was estimated to weigh 5lbs, 1oz and appeared to be very healthy. There is no obvious reason why I went into labor at 32 weeks, but for now am instructed to gradually increase my activity level. I was pretty shaky at first, but am feeling very good now and can pick up Gilana! Trekking up the stairs with her is a little rough at times, but in desperate moments, I just encourage her to take herself upstairs to bed!

I am so grateful for the Lord's provision in caring for our little family during this time. It all has made me much more appreciative for all we have.

A Startle on Tuesday

Everything was planned and our lists were made for a successful dinner event for 30 people. I had just started on dinner and Byron had been breezing through his list of things to-do. I was grateful Byron had the day off to help get things organized around the house so that I wouldn't be too busy chasing Gilana whilst doing all manner of other things. But then I noticed a problem.

I had been experiencing more prominent contractions for some days by that point, but suddenly they were growing increasingly persistent. Byron thought a call to the doctor was in order. After we both had spoken to the head nurse, I was begrudgingly convinced that we needed to rush to Labor and Delivery, now. I burst into tears and allowed my sweet husband to pack me a bag and relinquish all dinner prep and Gilana care to friends.

The hospital assured us I was in labor, and that analysis left me grateful for the urgency we had in getting to the hospital and my Love's tender care of me and our growing family. After being on the moniter for some time, contractions came as quickly as every 5 minutes when I was given a shot of Tributeral (this is only a guess on the spelling). This shot sped up my heart rate to a rapid fire in attempt to supply more oxygen to my uterus, and thus stop contractions. It worked! After another hour and a half hooked up to machines we were allowed to leave with instructions that I must be on partial bed-rest. Specifically, no work of any kind, including lifting Gilana. Ach!

We arrived home to a full house of 30 satisfied bellies (dinner had come and gone without us) and everything was well cared for. Blessings!!! The Junior High Staff had been praying for us, and had even planned a surprise baby shower that night. Thankfully we came home before they all left and were able to enjoy their sweet company for a time before the house emptied.

The following morning left my heart rendered to tears as I heard my baby crying for a morning hug and I realised I wasn't allowed to lift her into my arms. Sweet Erin (who is living with us for a time with her husband, Daniel) was on hand to do the baby lifting and brought Gilana to me on the floor. We have had a great deal of help caring for Gilana this week thanks to Byron's parents and the thoughtful Junior High staff ladies.

We look forward to knowing more of the status on Baby2 at our doctor's appointment this coming Thursday. What we do know is this, since I am at 32 weeks, we would like the baby to stay put at least 5 weeks longer!

Diaper Discounts!!

I have just become a fan of Diapers.com
I just made a large purchase of diapers and other necessities for Gilana and the new baby, and got a great discount, will receive the order via free shipping tomorrow, and paid no taxes!!

For any first time customers of diapers.com, please use coupon code (diaper101) for any order of diapers $49 or above for $10 off your order. This code can be combined with other offers and lets the company know that I referred you.

Thanks!

10 Months Milestones

Our sweet little girl is quite the mover and shaker now, literally! She loves to shake and rattle whatever objects come into her grasp (including the puppy's tail), and she is walking!!! Gilana starting taking hesitant steps over Labor Day, and now transitions easily from crawling to walking with ease. She is very fun to watch as she scampers across the room with arms outstreched and mouth blabbering endlessly. Gilly-bean enjoys climbing things-- another baby-proofing hazard and is learning to climb down safely. She scales the stairs with ease, but going down is another story. On another front, our sweetheart appears to be rather obstinate! The Gila-monster does not appreciate hearing "No," and must be quickly repremanded for any naughtiness. It breaks my heart at times, but is so rewarding to see her turn and go the opposite direction when she is moving forward and hears a "no touch."

Parenting is so exceptionally rewarding despite the difficulty. We are having another one soon!!!!!!

All Done!

Gilana has been growing increasingly proficient at her use of sign language, namely, "all done!" I started using it as a way for her to express when she was done eating, but recently it has come into play when she doesn't want to be held anymore, when she has determined that diaper changing has gone on long enough, and a variety of other uses. This little lady is opinionated!

Steps!!

Gilana took her first step before her tenth month, on Friday, September 11th. Why? Gigi was out exploring the back yard (eating grass, leaves, and dirt) and did not like crawling in the stuff. Naturally, that meant she had to walk over it! That day she took 1 step twice. In the two weeks since, she has progressed to 2 steps (quite nearly three!!!).

From Gilana Public

Gilana is becoming very adept at playing the little comedian for her audience, where bigger means better. She makes the funniest little faces of grins smirks and grimaces for the benefit of those watching. An applause sets her off for a grander display of cuteness.

She learned on Saturday last week (9/12/09) to play peek-a-boo by her own volition while in the car. We were driving down to La Jolla and she wasn't napping well. I took up post in the back seat with her and threw a blanket over her head as a distraction from tears. Seeing the opportunity for a game, Gilly-bean whipped it down from before her eyes, gave me a grand grin, and abruptly covered herself again with a chuckle. Priceless!! The following Monday (still in La Jolla) she played for the first time in the sand, and determined that wet sand is better to walk in than the dry variation.

From Gilana Public

From Gilana Public

From Gilana Public

I am currently working on some quilting projects and am taking every available nap-time for stitching. My hands hurt! It is worth it, though.

9 month stats and a surprise

I realized that I had neglected to post Gilana's stats from her last doctors appointment.

On 8/18/09 Gilana measured:

Weight 18 lbs (35%)
Height 28" (65%)
Head Cir. 18.25" (35%)

So, we can say that she is tall and skinny, just like her Daddy.


I am currently typing this at 8:38 am without any distraction because Gilana has chosen this day to sleep in! She is usually our 7am wake up call, but today is doing something much different. How strange! She is just now waking up, which means that she slept 13 hours last night. WOW!