Good Grief

Well, I wasn't going to post anything about this, but I think I could use the therapeutic release, so here goes...

I suffered a miscarriage two weeks ago on February 4th, 2010. Luke and I are doing well considering. I think I went through the brunt of the grief and shock before the pregnancy passed (unless there's a bunch more hibernating for later, which I'm sure is possible). I was "fortunate" to know there was a problem well before I actually miscarried. I am completely on the fence about whether or not I preferred the 3+ WEEKS warning that started as: "there could be a problem, but maybe the dates are just off" (I was confident in my dates and started the acceptance process then), to: "things look concerning", to finally: "it's over - you're going to miscarry in a matter of days or weeks..." Needless to say, January was a challenging month for our family.

There are several things that I must highlight that truly show God's mercy through this experience:

1. I did not pass the pregnancy during my two out of town trips - one for business, one for pleasure - that's a huge answer to prayer. I was very emotional and felt that to pass the pregnancy when I needed to be focused on other things would have been all the more unraveling.
2. After the official diagnosis of miscarriage it was only about 24 hours before the miscarriage process kicked in to gear - another answer to prayer. I didn't want a D&C, but I did NOT want to have to wait another 3 weeks to miscarry naturally (anything more than a week sounded just gut wrenching).
3. The process was surprisingly similar to labor with Rush, which I found validating. I had a REAL pregnancy with a REAL baby even though it was cut short.
4. I have many friends announcing pregnancies right now, and not only am I staying in one piece through it, I'm able to rejoice with them.

Something I haven't told anyone, even Luke, is that I named the baby. I felt during the midst of confusion regarding the status of the pregnancy, I needed a name other than "the baby" when I prayed. So I would refer to the baby as Blythe. I actually thought and continue to think the baby was a boy, but Blythe is totally appropriate for either a boy or girl, right? :-) Anyway, Blythe seemed right because I recalled that it means cheerful or joyous. The overriding emotion Luke and I experienced when we each learned I was pregnant was pure and simple happiness. The road to having Rush was so turbulent, giving us each some kind of stunned relief when we got pregnant the first time. This time was definitely different and it was nice. I am so grateful for the Blythe pregnancy. We are not owed another child, but God is gracious in every way and it has been made very evident, even in loss. So our joy continues because when trouble comes, God remains good, great and full of grace.

Caught Up and Wishing I Wasn't...

So Rush has been sleeping peacefully this afternoon *grateful sigh* and I have used the time to catch up on my coupon clipping. As lousy as it sounds (and trust me, it's very lousy to sit and clip coupons), it saves a boatload of money. Last Friday I saved 60% (well over $100!!!) at King Soopers by using my coupons, store card and following sales. If you haven't heard about The Grocery Game, go to thegrocerygame.com to check it out. Although there's a free trial, you don't have to join or use the list to save big, but it saves some time, especially if you're a beginner. I've been doing the game since last February and my grocery bill has gone way down (used to shop at Wal-Mart). I continue to use their list because I'd rather someone else do the work. Clipping those darn coupons is hard enough for me (not only is it tedious, it's a bit messy). I'm fine with paying a tiny bit for an organized list of what's worth buying. Anyway, I've lost my train of thought...

I have to go to the store after Rush wakes up. Soooo dreading it. My secret is to give him one of the free cookies after I get through produce and bread/cheese area - right when the excitement of being somewhere new has worn off. It takes him about 20 minutes to eat the silly thing, which is great. He's pretty obnoxious at the grocery store, but what kid isn't? The biggest pain is getting through the checkout line without him losing it. By the time I'm done shopping he's desperate to RUN AWAY from me. It's kind of sad that a half hour facing my pretty mug makes him that restless! Oh well, a little preview for when he gets older and I indefinitely will become super-lame.

One great thing about Rush at the store: He's so sweet to everyone he comes in contact with. He smiles and talks to everyone, says "BYE" very loud whenever we leave and loves all the attention. And he gets a lot of attention! He's just that cute. I'll try to snag a picture of him today - see if I can capture some of the sweetness - and post it.

Better dash to pack up our grocery bags and diaper bag essentials (i.e. pacifier and sippy cup). Then we'll face the madness of Friday afternoon grocery shopping. Oh, and it's Super Bowl weekend...Prepare for disoriented men scattered about.

Distracted

Well, today (and the past few days too) I have been a distracted. Not focusing very well. A sea of messes I should clean up, but just don't. Calls that I'd like to make, but just don't. I have been trying to chip away at several big to-do's and find myself stalled. My mom is in town for about a week, so I should really just dump Rush off with her and get my groove on...I need to get "un-stuck"!!! Circumstances have probably been making it a little harder to be productive and I oscillate between giving myself permission to feel like crap and then getting frustrated with myself for my barely-there motivation. Ugh! I hate that feeling.

Today I may be in need of a mini pity party. I'll limit how long I can be in the pits and then I'll go out later this afternoon, treat myself to something fun and then put on my happy face and pray that it sticks.

RESOLVED...at least I think so

I have decided to be a little more organized in 2010. First, I've been a total stud and gone to the gym for the last several days in a row (just as Luke and I decided to cancel our membership...after budgeting...long story). Anyway, I'm getting my fill of outside the house workouts - and childcare! - between now and the 14th. I am committed to stay plenty active even after we say goodbye to the Y.

The next area of improvement involves our entire family. The previously mentioned budget. Cash system, baby!!! I've got my envelopes and cash all squared away for January. We'll being cashing-it for all flexible categories of our budget. I.e. Discretionary for Luke and I, Misc, Dates, Household, blah, blah, blah. I really hope we crack down and start being ultra cheap. I love spending significantly less than we have and I think the cash will help us even more. Luke and I tend to be pretty cheap compared to many already, but I know there's room for improvement. Feel free to hold me accountable to our new budgie! I am so exctied to see how it goes.

I have been working to re-organize my closet (and entire life while I'm at it). It's been a couple days of blasting through all the crap that has accumulated in there. My closet is relatively big, so I was surprised at all that can hide in there. I think the last time I really cleaned and organized it was right before Rush was born. You can thoroughly judge me now. But, I'm turning a new leaf and cleaning house. I have a goal to have the ENTIRE home organized to my liking (I actually have pretty high standards on this) by April. Why giving myself so much time? Another resolution: I am promoting in my Arbonne business! I am due to be Area Manager by Feb 1st. Needless to say, January will not likely be the month I'm a good housekeeper. At least it better not be! I need to be one busy bee.

Hmmm. I guess that's not that many resolutions after all. No biggie. I bet those will be hard enough! The organizing one makes me want to puke and cry for joy at the same time. I love getting organized. But not at the price of other important things. Rush is not the best independent player so he kinda freaks out when I start doing other things. He also likes to un-do everything I do...So it's pretty much reserved for when he's sleeping. Which isn't very many hours of the day at all! I am thrilled if I get 2.

Another resolution: Read a good book on toddler parenting and discipline. I think I may really need it. I don't have a clue where to begin. It's not like I let Rush do whatever he wants, breeding a total brat. But sometimes I really think I'm doing everything very wrong. Probably a normal feeling, but I'll tell you what, I would love your feedback/ideas. Any good books? Any good classes? Have you seen me do something you think deserves some hard-hitting criticism? Don't answer that one.

Here's to the new year and all the fun, blood, sweat and tears that will come along with it!

Okay, okay, I'm LAZY!

Here I go again...trying to maintain the blog...

So, what's happened in the past few months? Let me tell you!

Late January: We went on a family road trip to Wichita, Kansas to see our dear friends. We had a fun time hanging out with Ben and Erin Hutton and their kiddos. We watched the Super Bowl, made introductions to Rush, ate fast food (a must in Wichita - Freddy's!), and generally had a relaxing time. I LOVE my trips out there and the anticipation of them too! It's usually brief, but well worth the drive. Catching up face-to-face is a rich time.

Rush and Luke hanging out in the Hutton's kitchen on Super Bowl Sunday:

In February Rush started teething. Don't get too excited - he STILL doesn't have teeth! The running joke is that every bout of fussiness, every drop of drool can be accounted to the much-elusive "teething." Yeah right. We figure one day Rush will actually have teeth. In the meantime, he eats everything just fine with his hard little gums. He's like a toothless old man chopping on his food. Of couse it's very sweet. I'll put in my two cents: My mom instict says he'll get a tooth in the next three weeks. No reason, just a feeling. :)

February 16th marked Luke and my seventh wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we went out on a date and my sister Rachel looked after Rush. We went to Guiseppe's Depot downtown and enjoyed a yummy dinner. During the meal, I presented to Luke a fun gift. It was a scrapbook called "I love you because..." documenting all the things that I particularly love about him. It was fun to essemble during the weeks leading up to our anniversary and Luke got a kick out of it.

March was fairly uneventful. Luke and I made an effort to get out of the house more, so we had the opportunity to drop Rush off with his folks here and there. We saw a movie, grabbed dinner a couple times and went to Denver.

April was a jam-packed month. The first of April marks the date that I started my new Arbonne business. I am a consultant for the Swiss skin care company and I continue to enjoy building my business. I had two business launches/parties in early April and jumped right in to calling people, booking presentations and parties, learning details about how to be successful, listening to conference calls, and figuring things out! My sponsor is my buddy Deb and we LOVE working together.

April 7th, Rush and I headed out to New Jersey to visit the fam and Luke hopped a flight to Germany! We had some fun traveling. I celebrated my 27th birthday on the 9th in Succasunna with my parents and grandmother. Easter weekend was a whirlwind there too with services, visiting old friends and TRYING to get some sleep at night - Rush was in a Pack N Play next to my bed. When he knows I'm right there, he likes to make a big fuss ALL NIGHT LONG! I woke up in the mornings feeling like I had been hit by a bus. A big one.

Rush patiently waiting for the shuttle to the Denver Airport the morning of April 7th:

My dad goofing around with his Good Friday service outfit:

Luke visited his cousin Abe overseas and had a good time sightseeing and enjoying the German countryside. Lots of historical places to see and beer to drink!

April 15th I headed back to the Springs (Luke returned the day before) and had a great flight back. Rushie and I had the entire row on the plane to ourselves. Sigh of relief! Oh, and he flirted with just about everyone.

May was another busy month, primarily for my new business. Loads of parties and learning, learning, learning. It's been so exciting and worthwhile. I'm really glad I jumped in with both feet. I know I would have regreted saying no because of fear/the unknown.

Visit from the folks:

Another major happening - Rush was dedicated to the Lord on Mother's Day! My parents came to Colorado for the occasion. We had a nice lunch following the service. Rachel and Rich joined us for food and celebrating Rush and moms. Fun times.

And the most amazing part of May (drum roll!!!)...Our babe started sleeping through the night! Hooray! Eight months, but Rush finally accomplished it. Of course there's the occasional night of fussing, but overall, he's down till morning most of the time. All I can say is THANK YOU LORD! I was starting to wonder when the blessed event would happen. I guess Rush just likes to take his time.

Luke, Rush and I took another weekend trip to Wichita to see the Huttons and do an Arbonne party. Rush did well in the car. However, the drives do take longer with a baby. He's worth it though! We were only out there for a day and a half, but we grabbed some Freddy's hot dogs again, toasted s'mores on the deck, played Rock Band on the Wii and got to see Erin's pregnant belly (baby number three is due in November!).

Rush and Luke at a rest stop on the way home:

Now here we are in June. What's going on, you may ask. I don't have a good answer. I suppose one of the main things going on is hardly about our family. It's the NBA Finals. We've been watching the games and admiring superb athletics.

We've started up our summertime evening walks. Just tonight we tossed Rush in the stroller after Luke got home from work and took a stroll through the neighborhood.

Also, I have been promoted in Arbonne to District Manager. It was important to me to work hard and excel in the business right from the start. I am so proud to have met the goal of District Manager - and in just two months!

I've started a new book series by Ted Dekker (courtesy of friend Erin). I'm really liking the story of book one - "Black"! It's weird, but so interesting. Helps me feel good about Twilight being over. Also, I'm continuing to meet with my book club. Nice excuse to sip some wine, blab, laugh and talk about books a little. ;-)

Well, that does it for now on the updates! Hope you feel somewhat filled in. I'm going to try really hard this time to keep up on the blog. Between email, texting, and Facebook sometimes it seems there are way too many ways to stay in touch with people! What a burden...just kidding!

We love you and hope to have opportunities to talk to you or - better yet - see you soon.

Bunco!

I really, really want to win Bunco tonight. Word on the street is that first place gets a $25 gift card to Target. I've been coveting it all day. Even though Target's return policy is a joke.

Holiday Pictures

The holidays for us could be summed up with some pictures...what you don't see in the pictures is that Rush was REALLY REALLY sick for Christmas. Bummer!

Well, maybe you can see it a little in this one. ------------>


That's getting ready to see Grandma and Papa Gheen on Christmas morning. Poor guy felt like complete crap.

I figure it was better for him to be sick for his first Christmas rather than his second or third. Then he'd be really bummed too! At three months old, Christmas was just another day...the only real difference was that I made an effort on my appearance.



Can you tell?!?

Luke and I exchanged all our gifts for each other (small stocking stuffer-type gifts) on Christmas Eve. We like to ruin surprises whenever we can. Or we lack patience. I scored the book "Twilight." Luke and I read it together aloud. We're already on the second book and I must say, we're totally hooked! I think we're dorks.

We each got Rush a "secret" gift that the other didn't know about. That way we each had a special surprise. Luke got him blocks and a mini firetruck. I got him a used exersaucer.


Here's Luke prior to opening the exersaucer (I'm such a good wrapper!). You can see him holding the blocks set too.




At the Gheen house...

Luke and his father Ken



Luke's brother Joel and his wife Rachel - they are expecting their first baby this summer! Will be grandchild #9 for Ken and Deborah. Wow!

My cutie boys

Rachel, Anna, Ken, Joel, Rush, Luke, Seth, Naomi and me - about to eat some din-din...

Rush trying out the exersaucer...he was recovered in this pic!

We had a good Christmas and New Year. Hope you did too!