New Year's Resolutions?!

When I was younger, I made resolutions every year. And miserably failed to keep a single one: Read my bible every day for a year: didn't make it past one week; Run at least three times a week: ran around the neighborhood a grand total of once before realizing I hated running. You get the picture! As I grew older, every year I would respond to the age old question, "What's your resolution?" with a pat answer, "I don't make resolutions, because I will just break them!"

Yet again this year, I don't have a single resolution. However, I AM looking forward to returning to the gym consistently (not to run!). I have no set agenda, no weight-loss goals, no intention of going daily for 2 hours. That way, if I go once a week, I haven't broken my non-resolution!!

I am also looking forward to spending time investing in my marriage. I haven't set my heart on weekly date nights, or daily in depth conversations. I haven't even made a list of places to visit and things to do together this year. That way, if we go to NYC or have a monthly date or even just play a game of cards, I will be pleasantly surprised and excited!

Do you have any non-resolution resolutions?

Merry Christmas

Our family celebrations have only begun! They have been so much fun this year, in large part due to having Isabel. She has brought much joy and delight to everyone, despite the often crazy and overwhelming season. Our focus this year has truly been on family-Miguel and I didn't exchange gifts, the extended Turek family had a nice dinner together-no gifts, the Stega family is doing a white-elephant-type gift exchange, and the Barowski family chose names. I love that we have shifted gears from gift-giving to simply spending time with those we most enjoy. It truly was a Merry Christmas. Here are a few snapshots of our day.

#1-Isabel holding the gift SHE bought her daddy. She did ALL of her shopping on-line this year.
#2-Isabel, still in her PJs, holding the unwrapped iPod she picked out. Daddy was so surprised.
#3-Family photo with Isabel is her RL Christmas dress from her CAT (Crazy Aunt Turek).
#4-Tia Monica and Uncle McClain, loving on Isabel.

Movies

After Emily posted her eleven favorite movies, I decided to do the same. I LOVE movies, and probably watch way too many. Honestly, I end up forgetting 90% of the plots and 90% of the titles. Sad, but it means that when I re-watch the movies, I am always surprised by the endings! I wonder if I have an early onset of dementia??

Favorite Comedy: Tommy Boy–It takes me back to college-watching Tommy Boy, eating peanut M&Ms and drinking Diet Coke with Marie. Not to mention there are more quotable lines in that movie than just about any other I've watched. "Did I catch a niner in there??"

Favorite Drama: Fracture–I absolutely LOVE Sir Anthony Hopkins. He is amazingly talented, versatile, and a riveting actor. This movie left me guessing at every turn and was pretty clean (one quick fast-forward scene in the beginning) for an "R" rated movie.

Favorite Suspense: I hate suspense, with a passion! I could barely handle What Lies Beneath. Now, if we were talking books, I'd say "Misery" by Stephen King.

Favorite Action: The Last of the Mohicans–This is really a drama/war/action movie. But Daniel Day-Lewis is hot with long hair *wink* and the soundtrack is one of the best I've heard.

Favorite Martial Arts: Rush Hour–It makes me laugh, and I love the outtakes at the end.

Favorite Sci-Fi: Transformers–Does this count? I was ready to watch it again the second we walked out of the theater.

Favorite Sport: The Sandlot–Even though it's a "kids'" movie, it's cute, funny, and a classic summer baseball flick.

Favorite Indy: Bella–It’s sweet, and is my baby's name sake...what more could you want?

Favorite Romantic Comedy: You’ve Got Mail–I have to agree with Emily. F-O-X, enough said.

Favorite Disney: Beauty and the Beast OR Lion King–I watched Lion King after returning from Africa. The scenery is striking and took me back to the plains.

Favorite War: Schindler's List: I saw this in high school, and cried my way through it. It is a very difficult watch, but was truly worth the investment of time and emotions.

delish.

This is one of the most unique (and delicious) cheesecakes I have ever had or made:
(Click on the picture to view the recipe).

One Month

It is hard to remember what daily life was like before Isabel arrived. I have faint memories of working full-time, rushing out to my part-time job, making quick and easy meals, and collapsing from exhausting at 9:00. Now, I feed Isabel full-time, rush home from my part-time job, Miguel makes quick and easy meals, and I collapse from exhaustion at 9:00...only to wake up at 10:00 to feed her one last time! =) But I wouldn't trade it all for the world!!

Today was her one month appointment; time has truly flown by. I have enjoyed every single moment with Isabel. She weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 21.75 inches. Our baby girl has grown so much. I wish she would stay little forever.
(Isabel after her bath, on the blanket that Auntie Em made her. It's so soft and fluffy! Isabel loved being snuggled in it.)

between fear and faith

I vacillate easily, quickly, and unexpectedly between fear and faith. Fear of the unknown versus faith in the One who knows. Over the last five days, God has directed our steps down a path we never could have imagined. Miguel lost his job on Thursday, just two weeks after I handed in my resignation and a mere three weeks after the birth of our baby girl. My initial response was one of intense fear, followed by many tears and questions. Questions of "What" and "How" and "Why" fill my mind. What are we going to do without insurance and income? How are we going to pay our mortgage and other bills? Why would God time things in this manner?

The answers are not clear; the path appears rocky and scary. But, one answer resonates in my heart, "I am causing you to be dependent upon Me alone-for answers, for protection, for providence." Today, I have faith in that calling. Tomorrow, I might not. Yes, my faith is weak and my fear is great. But my prayer is that, against all hope, I will believe, like Abraham, that He who promised is faithful.

confessions...

...of a new mom.

1. We put Isabel in her crib starting night #1, AND we turned off the monitor.
2. I only use a sleep positioner so that Isabel won't get a flat head.
3. When she cries, I laugh. Her cries are so sweet.
4. I am convinced that she doesn't sleep well after her 4:00 feeding because she knows Miguel is home. She loves to be held by her daddy.
5. At times, I really do think she's goofy looking.


Ok, ladies, time to spill!

"Common" Mercies

Today's Morning and Evening really ministered to me in my current situation.

"Let's praise God for common mercies...for eyes to watch the sun, for health and strength to be physically active, for the bread we eat, for the clothes we wear...for freedom, for friends, for family and comforts...But, beloved, the sweetest and loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love...let the new month begin with a new song."

I realized that I have much to be thankful for, much to praise my Savior for:

1. A beautiful baby girl who is healthy, a great sleeper, and great eater
2. A husband who loves us so much that he works his tail off to ensure that I am able to stay home full-time
3. Amazing girlfriends!!!!!!
4. I've only made one meal in 11 days

How about you? What "common" mercies are you enjoying today?

4's

I was tagged from Kristin’s blog…so here are my fours...

Four places that I go to over and over:

1. Wal-Mart
2. The fridge
   
3. Gold's Gym
   
4. facebook.com

Four people who e-mail me (regularly):

1. Kristin
   
2. Miguel (text to e-mail, since I don't have text)
   
3. Sacha
   
4. Tom, a coworker
   

Four of my favorite places to eat

1. Panera
2. Mezze
   
3. Bone Fish Grill
   
4. Any place Mexican or Italian (I love to eat)
   

D) Four places you would rather be:

1. In my bed
   
2. Dominican Republic
   
3. Spa in the Valley, getting a massage
   
4. Did I say in my bed?!
   

E) Four TV shows I watch:

1. Top Chef
   
2. Take-Home Chef
   
3. NFL Sunday Ticket (don't ask)
   
4. What Not to Wear

F) Four people I tag!

1. Dawn
   
2. Naomi
   
3. Krista
   
4. YOU

Happy Thanksgiving...

...from our family to yours!

A Baby Story

Warning: Due to the violent and somewhat graphic nature of this post, reader discretion is advised! (well, ok...only for those primigravidas out there!!)

It all began one dark and stormy night...Seriously folks, it was a little before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, the 18th. My contractions started and continued to get closer together and noticeably stronger. By 1:00 am they were 6 minutes apart, and we decided to call Enza, the best doula in the world. My contractions continued at a steady rate, until Enza arrived. They tapered off, and at one point were almost an hour apart. Enza left for the morning, while contractions continued, but not with the consistency at which they had started. A few hours later, around noon, we called Enza to come back up. Contractions were again 6-7 minutes apart, and had stayed that way for over 2 hours. By the time she arrived, they were relatively painful and coming more frequently. By 5:00pm on Wednesday, we decided to call the doctor since my contractions were then 3-5 minutes apart and quite painful. Shocker, right?! We arrived at the hospital, fully anticipating that I would be at least a good 6 cm. dilated. I was checked and the verdict was 3 cm! I almost cried. They let me walk for 2 hours and at that point was rechecked, 4 cm. As the night wore on, my contractions remained irregular, anywhere from 3-12 minutes apart. Despite the inconsistency, the intensity continued to increase. Miguel and Enza were absolutely incredible. They championed through the night with me, helping to ease the frustrations, pains, and feelings of failure.

By 4:00am on Thursday, I was utterly exhausted and knew I couldn't continue for hours on end and then have to push at the end. With much hesitation and frustration, I asked for an epidural. Pride was my main factor in not wanting pain relief. I had made it this far, why not continue. The midwife checked me one more time, to reveal I was only 5.5cm. Shoot me up. I was exhausted and done. Had the labor NOT been 32 hours to that point, I would have continued on. But 5.5 cm with no end in sight...hmm...part one of birth plan-out the window-Epidural received. Rest achieved and pain relief so sweet.

Part 2 and 3 out the window: water broken, Pitocin administered. I continued to labor until 10:00 am on Thursday morning, the 20th (38 hours and counting), when finally the verdict came in that I was fully dilated. Thank you JESUS! As I began pushing, part 4 of birth plan out the window-pooped on the table...lots of times. How humiliating, especially with two student nurses in the room! Seriously, why didn't someone get me the deodorizing spray?! I wanted to gag!

Part 5 and 6 out the window: After pushing for 2.5 hours, the doctor decided I was too small to push out our little girl, so they gave me an episiotomy, thinking she would pop right out. Nope. They had to use the vacuum to help her on her way.

Seconds later, at 12:26pm, Isabel Renee Barowski came into the world. Miguel and I both bawled, she screamed, and we cried even more. The 40.5 hours of labor was surely NOT forgotten (how in the world do women say that they forget the pain?!?!), but it was all worth it. Every second of every minute of every stinking long hour. Every part of the "failed" birth plan was trivial. Our little girl was safe, healthy and ours, finally.

She's HERE!!!

19 1/4"
7lbs 6oz

Nothing new under the sun

Wait....the sun really isn't out. I haven't heard anything else new, except that mom and dad are going to the hospital now. *shrug* Isabel suuuure is taking her time!

Update

I forgot to mention that she is 7cm dilated.

I am at work to finish my projects and then I fully intend to go straight to the hospital. I will update as I hear more!

This JUST in (care of Enza!):
8.5cm and 100% effaced

Epidural Time

Lib just had an epidural. She called me and said that it could be an hour or it could be 4. Please be praying for her this morning. 

Still no baby and i'm exhausted

I haven't heard from Mig in a while. Needless to say I am NOT at the hospital. Mig said no sense to come and wait alone. Hopefully i'll get the call soon to come up! For now. I'm going back to sleep.

"It's a BOY!"

GOTCHA!!!

That's what Miguel said when he called again. The hospital is keeping Lib. She is about 4cm and is totally effaced (i'm soooo naive. IDK what this means. please don't explain).  I am going to head up there at 9. 

Getting there

She's approximately 3 cm. : ) The doctor is checking again in an hour to and hour and a half. Migi said no need to rush to the hospital. (SORRY DUH, this is Sacha *grin*)

On the way to the hospital

Blogging on behalf of Lib, she's on her way to the hospital with contractions at 3-5 minutes apart. I'll be driving up there shortly and will update once I get there!

Restaurant Review

It's been a while since a post, and even longer since a post with any substance. Sorry to disappoint-this is more fluff! Two weeks ago, Miguel and I went on a date. It had been a while, so we decided to get out and enjoy one of our last weekends together as a childless couple. We got massages at Spa in the Valley and then went to dinner at the new Cheesecake Factory in Towson. I know that Leanne just reviewed the restaurant, but that was before it opened. Our experience was a bit different.

Cons:
1. Parking was a nightmare.
2. We waited over 45 minutes to get a pager.
3. We then waited over 45 minutes longer to be seated.
3a. They do not have call ahead seating or make reservations.
4. It was loud and we were seated VERY close to the people at the table next to us.
5. The blueberry cheesecake was just so-so (my cheesecake, of course).


Pros:
1. The restaurant is connected to the mall from an inside entrance, which provided easy access to stores, etc.
2. Staff were friendly and quick once we were seated.
3. Food portions were HUGE.
4. The peanut butter cookie dough cheesecake was to die for.

Over all, the food was not worth the wait. I would definitely go again for dessert, which can be ordered carry out. There was a line, but it, at least, was moving quickly!!