from our sweet family to yours! Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
May!
Happy Mother's Day! Me with my sweet blessings. 
Pool time - the girls had great fun at the pool this summer - If I could have handled all three of them they would have gone all day every day! 
Sweet picture of Rachel and Rebekah
This is what happens when you let a tired kiddo finger paint.
Around 20 months Anna decided that she could handle snack time on her own...so she frequently would go to the bathroom to get the stool and proceed to help herself to whatever she could find (usually goldfish). Doesn't she look too little to be doing this? 
I love capturing pictures of Rebekah being smothered in love - here is one of Anna hugging her in the swing. 
There is nothing like the taste of a strawberry right off the vine especially one that is almost as big as your face.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Snip-its from the last few months
Here is my meager attempt to give you an overview of our lives the past few months. Yes, it is true that when the number of children you have goes up, then the number of hours you have to blog goes down.
The drama in the Patel household has increased with having three girls but we feel so blessed.
Here is the latest with us starting with April!
April:
Playing on their new play set that they got for Christmas 
little Rebekah sleeping!In April, we made a short visit to Bristol to see my family. It was a good time but a little crazy with a 6 week old. We celebrated Easter and attempted to explain the empty tomb by making resurrection rolls.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
Scrub a dub dub!
You have to admit that this is a sweet and chunky face! I love Rebekah's chubby cheeks, her arm rolls and her leg rolls - every bit of her is precious! She was so happy to loose that umbilical cord so she could enjoy a nice warm bath. Triple Trouble
Only time will tell if Rebekah will become a partner in crime (my guess would be yes!) or if she'll wonder what in the world she has gotten herself into.
The Birthday Girl!
I love this picture of Rachel enjoying hummus and a conversation with Mr. Charlie
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
The Birthday Girl!
I had to post this picture - it is such a classic move by Rachel. Can you guess what she is doing? She swipped a glob of icing off of the cake as I picked it up - some things never change!We can still hardly believe that Rachel turned 4 a few weeks ago! It doesn't seem possible that four years ago we held her in our arms for the first time. She was so excited about turning four and has become quite the big girl lately. She is very creative, energetic, loves to dance and do gymnastics, sing and perform - we love our Rachel.
On her birthday she woke up to her bedroom door decorated with streamers. We had a lazy morning then went to meet Daddy for lunch. Rachel invited Mr. Charlie to join us at one of her favorite places - Baba Ganoush. Then Rachel got to pick out what she wanted for dinner that night - Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and broccoli. All in all, it was a fun day. Her party was the next day!
Glasses - Take 3
Unfortunately, we are on our 3rd pair of glasses for Rachel! Sweet thing, she has only been able to wear them half the time she's had them. She has really done great with them for the most part - I just think they are made poorly.
The first pair made it about a month then Anna got a hold of them and twisted the frames. so, those were replaced. Then the other day I found her glasses on her bed after her quiet time and the frame was bent again.
Thankfully, we actually got the kid's plan where we can replace her glasses for free as many times as we need to the first year! That plan was a no brainer!
The first pair made it about a month then Anna got a hold of them and twisted the frames. so, those were replaced. Then the other day I found her glasses on her bed after her quiet time and the frame was bent again.
Thankfully, we actually got the kid's plan where we can replace her glasses for free as many times as we need to the first year! That plan was a no brainer!
Rebekah's labor and birth story
Disclaimer: I realize that not everyone will be interested in hearing my labor story so feel free to "fast forward" through this post!
On Friday the 20th I saw Dr. Sheshadri for my 40 week visit (I was due the next day, February 21st). He said things looked good and when he checked my cervix I was dilated 3-4 centimeters. That day and the previous day I had been feeling a little nauseous and just not quite right so I had a feeling that I would go into labor soon, but you can never be too sure about these things so I tried not to anticipate what would happen.
I went home to do some last minute things and prepare as if I would go into labor that night but also wanting to be patient in case it was a few more days J I cleaned the kitchen and did a few other things and went to bed around 10 pm.
During the night I woke up and thought I might be having labor contractions but was able to go back to sleep thankfully. Then around 5:30 my contractions started for real – it was mostly like menstrual cramps at first and then I finally got up when I lost my mucus plug (although I initially thought my water broke).
After I got up I called my parents to let them know so they could head our way (they had a 4 hour drive). Then I showered and got ready to meet our little one! After my things for the hospital were together we got the girls dressed for the day and called Carla. Carla, a very dear friend of mine, was planning to come to be my unofficial doula. I called the doctor and soon after we left for the hospital with a pit stop at Bojangles on the way.
We arrived at the hospital and secured the last L and D room that was available – thank you, Jesus! (especially after not having one with Anna). Once in the room my nurse, Julie, checked my cervix and I was dilated to 5-6 centimeters. Carla arrived around that time to join us. It was definitely an encouragement to me and I think it was nice for Vimal to have some help and support, too.
I brought along my birthing ball to “roll” through my contractions and it was very helpful. Even though my contractions were painful – I felt like was able to breath through and ‘stay” on top of my contractions better than my last labor and I was able to relax more. Several nurses came in to try and take blood and to put in my heplock in case I needed IV fluids but they had trouble getting my blood to flow. I had quite a few bruises and no blood to show for it (note to self: If I ever have another baby, drinks lots of water before labor! – this same thing happened to me with Anna).
Even though I was working through my contractions – I was still debating if I was going to get an epidural. I wanted to deliver naturally but wasn’t sure how much harder things would get. They actually started to put in my IV fluids and I asked them to check my cervix one more time. When she did she said –‘oh, you are at 8-9 centimeters and a have bulging bag of waters” That made my decision for me – no epidural.
The doctor had already been in to check on me but he was called back now since she thought I would be ready to push soon. At this point, I had been in labor about four hours. Unfortunately, my labor stalled around 9 centimeters for about an hour or an hour and half. I learned after my deliver that I most likely stalled because Rebekah was large for my pelvis – I’m glad I didn’t know that information before I started pushing! So, for the last hour and half before I started pushing I hung in there breathing through contractions. My nurse checked me several times and before I actually dilated to 10 centimeters…I thought I was never going to get there!
I finally did and then I had to push. The pushing was definitely the worst part of it all. I didn’t feel like I had clear direction on how to push, how long to push and I just freaked out! After I got a grip on things, I started pushing okay and while it seemed like it took forever it was only about a half an hour. But, I was getting tired and I was close and I finally decided that she was coming out on my next push no matter what – and she did – finally! She made her grand entrance with a 360 degree turn on the way out (shoulders side ways). As my doctor said – “She wanted to see the whole world in one shot”. After she was out and Vimal cut the cord- I rested with her on my chest.
She arrived at 11:26 AM on Saturday, February 21st. She weighed a healthy 8 pounds and 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. I do remember saying that “I don’t want to do this again for a long time” during a rest while pushing. And now that I am on this side of the labor – I would do all over again and the same way. As painful as it was, it was really beautiful and to receive a beautiful baby girl at the end of it was all worth it! God has indeed blessed us abundantly!
I went home to do some last minute things and prepare as if I would go into labor that night but also wanting to be patient in case it was a few more days J I cleaned the kitchen and did a few other things and went to bed around 10 pm.
During the night I woke up and thought I might be having labor contractions but was able to go back to sleep thankfully. Then around 5:30 my contractions started for real – it was mostly like menstrual cramps at first and then I finally got up when I lost my mucus plug (although I initially thought my water broke).
After I got up I called my parents to let them know so they could head our way (they had a 4 hour drive). Then I showered and got ready to meet our little one! After my things for the hospital were together we got the girls dressed for the day and called Carla. Carla, a very dear friend of mine, was planning to come to be my unofficial doula. I called the doctor and soon after we left for the hospital with a pit stop at Bojangles on the way.
We arrived at the hospital and secured the last L and D room that was available – thank you, Jesus! (especially after not having one with Anna). Once in the room my nurse, Julie, checked my cervix and I was dilated to 5-6 centimeters. Carla arrived around that time to join us. It was definitely an encouragement to me and I think it was nice for Vimal to have some help and support, too.
I brought along my birthing ball to “roll” through my contractions and it was very helpful. Even though my contractions were painful – I felt like was able to breath through and ‘stay” on top of my contractions better than my last labor and I was able to relax more. Several nurses came in to try and take blood and to put in my heplock in case I needed IV fluids but they had trouble getting my blood to flow. I had quite a few bruises and no blood to show for it (note to self: If I ever have another baby, drinks lots of water before labor! – this same thing happened to me with Anna).
Even though I was working through my contractions – I was still debating if I was going to get an epidural. I wanted to deliver naturally but wasn’t sure how much harder things would get. They actually started to put in my IV fluids and I asked them to check my cervix one more time. When she did she said –‘oh, you are at 8-9 centimeters and a have bulging bag of waters” That made my decision for me – no epidural.
The doctor had already been in to check on me but he was called back now since she thought I would be ready to push soon. At this point, I had been in labor about four hours. Unfortunately, my labor stalled around 9 centimeters for about an hour or an hour and half. I learned after my deliver that I most likely stalled because Rebekah was large for my pelvis – I’m glad I didn’t know that information before I started pushing! So, for the last hour and half before I started pushing I hung in there breathing through contractions. My nurse checked me several times and before I actually dilated to 10 centimeters…I thought I was never going to get there!
I finally did and then I had to push. The pushing was definitely the worst part of it all. I didn’t feel like I had clear direction on how to push, how long to push and I just freaked out! After I got a grip on things, I started pushing okay and while it seemed like it took forever it was only about a half an hour. But, I was getting tired and I was close and I finally decided that she was coming out on my next push no matter what – and she did – finally! She made her grand entrance with a 360 degree turn on the way out (shoulders side ways). As my doctor said – “She wanted to see the whole world in one shot”. After she was out and Vimal cut the cord- I rested with her on my chest.
She arrived at 11:26 AM on Saturday, February 21st. She weighed a healthy 8 pounds and 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. I do remember saying that “I don’t want to do this again for a long time” during a rest while pushing. And now that I am on this side of the labor – I would do all over again and the same way. As painful as it was, it was really beautiful and to receive a beautiful baby girl at the end of it was all worth it! God has indeed blessed us abundantly!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Welcome to the world Rebekah Kenan Patel
Our sweet Rebekah made her debut into the world last Saturday, February 21st (on her due date!) at 11:26 am. She joined us after 6 short (well, the last 3 hours seemed long and hard :)) hours of labor and I have never been so glad in all of my life to see that baby's face!
Here are a few pictures of the day!
She weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Just after her arrival!
Just in case you don't believe that I produced an 8 1/2 pound baby(apparently they round up the weight).
Wide eyed and ready to meet the world!
My parents with all of the girls!
Vimal's mom holding Rebekah - Anna giving her a kiss (just one of hundreds, I might add)
Me and Carla - my unofficial labor coach and photographer
Sweet Rebekah - all clean and fresh!
My sweet husband with two of his girls
Rachel and Daddy holding Rebekah for the first time!
Family of Five! Notice all of the pink!
Thank you for celebrating with us as God has added to our family!
Thank you for celebrating with us as God has added to our family!
If I have a chance, I'll post more about my labor later.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Baby Update...
She's on her way! I meant to do a quick update last night (Friday the 20th) but forgot.
At my Doctor's appt. yesterday I was 3-4 centimeters dialated and about 70% effaced and I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days so I figured it would be soon, but you can never be too sure about these things.
So, my contractions started a couple of hours ago...to be continued!
At my Doctor's appt. yesterday I was 3-4 centimeters dialated and about 70% effaced and I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days so I figured it would be soon, but you can never be too sure about these things.
So, my contractions started a couple of hours ago...to be continued!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Beautiful Life
Less than a week ago, a friend of mine died of cancer. Knowing what I know about her now, I really didn't know her nearly as well as I wish that I had.
After reading her obituary and attending her memorial service I think I saw so much more of who she really was - a true follower of Christ. Her life and death have inspired me in a way that I haven't been inspired in a long time. She seemed to live life that made Christ evident and all who encountered her also encountered Christ. I want my life to be like that.
I seem get caught up in so many temporal things and the tasks of daily living that I don't seem to reflect Christ moment by moment like I desire. Kristi's life has encouraged me once again to live for Christ in the moment by moment and daily "grind" of life. I have always desired that but I just tend to drift so easily into my own little world and get caught up in things that aren't really important in life.
Kristi really set an example in the way she loved her husband, her boys and those around her. She modeled what it truly means to live for Christ in the little things. I am so thankful to have known her and really believe she is leaving behind a legacy in her short 30 years that most of us only dream about. To exeplify Christ in such a way is most definately a Beautiful life.
After reading her obituary and attending her memorial service I think I saw so much more of who she really was - a true follower of Christ. Her life and death have inspired me in a way that I haven't been inspired in a long time. She seemed to live life that made Christ evident and all who encountered her also encountered Christ. I want my life to be like that.
I seem get caught up in so many temporal things and the tasks of daily living that I don't seem to reflect Christ moment by moment like I desire. Kristi's life has encouraged me once again to live for Christ in the moment by moment and daily "grind" of life. I have always desired that but I just tend to drift so easily into my own little world and get caught up in things that aren't really important in life.
Kristi really set an example in the way she loved her husband, her boys and those around her. She modeled what it truly means to live for Christ in the little things. I am so thankful to have known her and really believe she is leaving behind a legacy in her short 30 years that most of us only dream about. To exeplify Christ in such a way is most definately a Beautiful life.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A star patient!
Rachel finally had her first dentist visit and she was a star patient! She seemed so mature and I was so proud of her. And her dentist said that he usually sees cavities in 60% of his patients and she didn't have any or any indication of any! So, we were of course very excited about that. Here are a few pics.
Rachel checking out her teeth in the little mirror.
Getting her teeth cleaned
Getting her teeth x-rayed!
Rachel checking out her teeth in the little mirror.
Getting her teeth cleaned
Getting her teeth x-rayed! Belly pic and baby update
So, this isn't the greatest picture but I thought I would post one since so many of you have asked to see a belly pic! This was taken 2 weeks before my due date (2/21). Nothing new with the baby. My last OB visit (2/13 - 1 week and 1 day before my due date). I was one centimeter dialated, no real change in my cervix but the baby is in position -2. My doctor said the baby's position was the most important info on how things will progress and he says he thinks I'll have a quick labor. But, I informed him that Anna was low 6 weeks before my due date and that didn't really help move things along any faster :) So, while a quick labor would be nice, I'm not expecting it! Only time will tell how things go. My next visit is 2/20 so I'll report back then! I'm assuming I'll be around to my due date or later and maybe get caught up on a few more blogs before the baby comes!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
New Glasses!
Our sweet little Rachel just got glasses a couple of weeks ago...doesn't she look so cute??
After a few incidents - we realized that she needed to see the eye doctor. The main reason for the glasses now is because she has an astigmatism in both eyes but one is significantly worse than the other so the glasses are to help with this.
And, although they are not indestructable, we can replace them as many times as we need to the first year! Good news for us!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sad Day
I know I haven't mentioned this in my blog lately (mainly because I haven't been blogging much!) but I have emailed or personally told many of you about my friend, Kristi.
Kristi, who was a young mother of three, went home to be with the Lord today after a short battle with cancer. She found out last fall, shortly after the birth of her third son that she had stage 4 bone cancer (which had originated in her breast). She loved the Lord and her family and was an encouragement to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by so many.
Please pray for her husband, Chuck and their sons, Cade, Mason and Zane and for her parents and family during this time. I know it will be hard adjustment for all as they will miss her so much!
Although it such a sad time, the fact that she is in Heaven now makes me have Hope. She is now pain free and worshipping our Savior and for her - it can't get any better than that! Thank you, Lord for the assurance we have in you during times like these.
Kristi, who was a young mother of three, went home to be with the Lord today after a short battle with cancer. She found out last fall, shortly after the birth of her third son that she had stage 4 bone cancer (which had originated in her breast). She loved the Lord and her family and was an encouragement to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by so many.
Please pray for her husband, Chuck and their sons, Cade, Mason and Zane and for her parents and family during this time. I know it will be hard adjustment for all as they will miss her so much!
Although it such a sad time, the fact that she is in Heaven now makes me have Hope. She is now pain free and worshipping our Savior and for her - it can't get any better than that! Thank you, Lord for the assurance we have in you during times like these.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Terms of Endearment
Here is a recent conversation that I had with Rachel - It was so sweet and endearing tha I couldn't pass up sharing it. Vimal was out of town and we were talking on the phone and Rachel heard him call me "Babe" right before we hung up and here is what ensued.
Rachel: “Why does he call you ‘Babe’ “? (referring to Daddy when he was telling me bye on the phone)
Me: “Well, that is a Term of Endearment”
Rachel: “What is a term of Endearment?”
Me: “hmm, when Daddy calls you something, does he always call you Rachel?”
Rachel: “No, sometimes he calls me ‘Snickerpoodle’, hee hee”
Me: "That is a term of Endearment, when someone calls you a sweet name because you are special to them, that is why Daddy calls me ‘Babe’.”
Rachel: “Babe isn’t a term of endearment, ‘Mommy’ is a term of Endearment”
My heart just melted...it may seem that she didn't understand - but really - what better term of endearment could I be called by my sweet daugther?
Rachel: “Why does he call you ‘Babe’ “? (referring to Daddy when he was telling me bye on the phone)
Me: “Well, that is a Term of Endearment”
Rachel: “What is a term of Endearment?”
Me: “hmm, when Daddy calls you something, does he always call you Rachel?”
Rachel: “No, sometimes he calls me ‘Snickerpoodle’, hee hee”
Me: "That is a term of Endearment, when someone calls you a sweet name because you are special to them, that is why Daddy calls me ‘Babe’.”
Rachel: “Babe isn’t a term of endearment, ‘Mommy’ is a term of Endearment”
My heart just melted...it may seem that she didn't understand - but really - what better term of endearment could I be called by my sweet daugther?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Snow Day!
I was so excited when I woke up this morning to see the ground covered with snow! I love snow and we don't get enough of it here in North Carolina - at least in my opinion. I believe that God created snow so we could enjoy his creation in a fresh, new way in the winter - it is so pristine and beautiful! So, enjoy it we did today. Rachel was thrilled and couldn't wait to get outside. Anna enjoyed the snow, too, but had a bit of trouble moving around in her boots - it was actually quite funny and it took her all of 5 seconds of being outside to do a face-plant, poor thing. Here are a few pics of our fun day!
Pure Bliss!
Just after her face-plant.
Just Chillin'
Sweet face!
Daddy keeping Anna upright!
Our Family (plus one in the oven!)
Me and my girls!
Pure Bliss!
Just after her face-plant.
Just Chillin'
Sweet face!
Daddy keeping Anna upright!
Our Family (plus one in the oven!)
Me and my girls!
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