Something EVERY parent should be aware of | Ranting, Laughing, Crying

I am part of a home-schooling network and just received this documentary that focuses on the loss of parental rights in the USA. I was appalled and disheartened by this shocking information. I have been aware of some of the issues discussed in this documentary, but not to the extent to which they have already risen to. Please, take the time to watch this video so that you too can be informed about your rights as a parent. This is a cause worth fighting for!

Life in the Hospital | Ranting, Laughing, Crying

This past week has been a whirlwind to say the least. Sunday, July 24th, 2011, I suffered a full placenta abruption and was taken into emergency surgery. Enzo was born at 5:10am at 2 lbs 7 oz. As I laid in post op recovery, I was overwhelemed with how surreal everything felt. Just a mere 2 years and a few days ago, I was in the same situation at the same hospital.

 I sit, watching the sunrise through the window in recovery. Pinks and oranges slowly warm the sky and evergreens and the earth slowly comes to life under the golden sun. Beyond the curtain, I watch the NICU team working on Enzo. I know he is bigger and doing well for now. I am relieved to be close enough to hear the soft murmurs of these "angels" in blue caring for my son. I'm in shock... I'm not pregnant! Didn't we just go through this? Deep breaths usher in clear thoughts as I attempt to wrap my head around Enzo's early arrival.

As I'm tranferred to my room, Scott is still at Enzo's side. I breath a sigh of relief as I'm told he is 2lbs 7 oz. Tears trace my cheeks as the doctor says, he is NOT intiabted... but just on a nasal c-pap machine and room oxygen! Praise Jesus for protecting our Enzo. Waves of relief start to enevlop me, knowning things are so different this time around than they were with Leo. Excitement reaches my face and I can't help but smiling and praising God for this miracle.

That afternoon I meet Enzo for the first time and my heart triples in size instantly. My 2lb buddle of joy is beautiful, with dark hair and perfect fingers. He recognizes my voice and is soothed as I caress his hand. Tears trail my face looking at my beautiful son. His perfect form amazes me, and I am anxious for the day I can bring him home.

The week has been long and physically painful. I lost 1700 cc's of blood between my abruption and surgery. Day 1 post op, I was given 2 units of blood. Day 2 post op, I was given 2 more additional units. My incision is the worst one I've had; bruised from my panty line to the bottom of my pelvic bone. The pain has been quite intense. But, despite it all, I am BEYOND BLESSED! Holding my tiny son for the first time changed my life forever. There is nothing I wouldn't endure for him.

I am back in the hospital again due to horrible pain. An abdominal CT scan revelaed that I have blood in my abdomen. Since Friday, I have been laid up trying to get my pain under control. Things are finally improving this Monday morning, and hopefully we will have some real answers after more tests this morning.

As I held Enzo last night against my chest, my heart soared. This precious baby is so incredible and already such a fighter. I long for the day to take him home. For now, I can settle with soft caresses  and stolen kisses on his tiny cheeks.

God has been preparing me for this for some time. My patience and strength are all from Him. I know that He is control of everything and that my role is being the best mommy I can be to Nevaeh and Enzo. I am so blessed to let go of my need for control in order for Enzo to get the best care he can get. It is so hard to leave his room at night, but it also means another day closer to bringing Enzo home.

We are beyond blessed to have our family and friends on this journey with us. Your prayers for our family are so touching and just show the strength and healing of the power of prayer!

I will be writing more updates as things progess. Thank you for your continued prayers!

With Love,
Scott, Kellene, Nevaeh, and Enzo

Slight break down tonight

Slight break down tonight

This whole weeks has been crazy. Saturday was so scary and here I am in the hospital with a 2lb baby in NICU. I love him and am so afraid. I just want to know he will be okay. I fear the months ahead of us and the unknown facts of his health and ability to come home. Once again life had thrown me a curve ball and I'm just waiting to see what will happen next. Here alone in the hospital I struggle with things to focus on. My grand ideas of bringing home a baby are put on hold and once again I get to relinquish control and trust God's plan for Enzo.

My pain is intense as I attempt to recover quickly for Nevaeh. Trying to juggle a husband, a daughter, a son in NICU, and a business is quite a lot at the moment. I am so thankful for everyone's understanding and patience as we attempt to figure out a completely new schedule and routine for our family.

I pray for Enzo and his precious little body. That God would strengthen him, that he would protect him from harm, and continue to allow him to grow stronger and healthier. I pray for our family as we adjust to so many new schedules and emotions. I pray for Nevaeh as she makes difficult adjustments and changes that were unexpected. I pray for patience and understanding in parenting and comforting her. Help Scott and I to be hyper-aware of her needs and struggles throughout this process. I pray that these events would bring our family even closer, and that this experience would be used for Your glory. Use us as you see fit Lord and guide us in Your ways. You know our hearts and our fears. Bring comfort and healing to my body and mind, and strengthen me for the road ahead. Let Your light shine through our precious Enzo and grant us peace that can only come from you. Thank you for blessing us with such amazing family and friends. Their prayers and support are priceless and forever appreciated.

Thank you for all you've given us... All is from you and we are not worthy of any of it. Your love is incredible; with you all is possible.

In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Kellene Maynard, Photographer
(360)518-6837
www.bellaluciaphotography.com
---------------------------------------------
sent from my iPhone

Enzo Anthony Maynard

Introducing Enzo Anthony Maynard
Born Sunday, July 24th, 2011
5:10am 2lbs, 7oz 14.25 inches

Saturday night was very unexpected, as I started bleeding and having contractions. Hubby raced me to the hospital where we found that I was experiencing a full placental abruption (placental detaching from the uterus). After some hours of monitoring, significant bleeding, and pain, I was rushed into an emergency c-section. Enzo was born at 5:10am at 2lbs, 7 oz! After being intibated for a short stint, he was taken off the breathing tube and started on a nasal c-pap to aid in his breathing! He is even using room oxygen! (these are very good things!) Enzo is alert, crying at times, and definitely a fighter!

I am still at the hospital as I lost a lot of blood and am recovering. Here are a few images of my beautiful
Enzo! Stay tuned for more as I continue to post updates via my iphone!

Thank you for your love and prayers! God is good and we are SO blessed for our tiny miracle!

myWaterProject - Kellene Maynard's Fundraising Page

myWaterProject - Kellene Maynard's Fundraising Page

In honor of our son Leo, we are fundraising to build a well in Kenya! If you'd like to help be part of an amazing mission, check this out!

Miracle in a Box | Ranting, Laughing, Crying

This being my 3rd pregnancy, my BIGGEST fear is holding onto 20-30lbs of baby weight. I mean, at 27 things aren't what they used to be. I have friends who mystified me by being able to wear pre-pregnancy pants within 2-3 weeks of birthing their kiddos. WTF! I mean, where is the "fat-mom" camaraderie  I dreamed about... I mean for at least the first 8 weeks for sure! Well, no luck with that one to say the least. I am one of those blessed lucky moms who got to experience the joys of being cut open on an operating table with a fairly good amount of drugs pulsating through my veins. Yes, the drugs were FANTASTIC, but the 12 week healing time on those incisions is no laughing matter! By the time those 12 weeks were up I had NO motivation to rock a bikini... probably because I was leaking through my shirt and excited to get a shower! Now, some of you are going "Awe, don't you want to try for a VBAC?" The answer is NO F#$%ING WAY! Um, PS, trauma to my lady parts is the LAST thing I want to be dealing with while nursing a new baby on 1 hour of sleep while making mac and cheese for my four year old and folding 18 loads of laundry. Let's just say that if not being ripped asunder makes me less of a woman, I DON'T CARE! 


So back to this fear of being fat  robust... I am in a pickle! How the heck can I skinny down (Or convince myself that I am doing all I can to skinny down) after baby #3 is born??? Well have no fear!! INSERT angel's singing and rainbows laced with butterflies HERE! 


Exhibit A

Belly Bandit

Now, supposedly, this sexy number (and by that I am referring to the waist whittling band around her wait and NOT the porn star-esk looking model) is going to make my wildest dreams come true! It sure would be fantastic for this magical contraption to work as well as everyone claims, but I am skeptical. My plan is simple, buy the dang thing, wear the crap out of it, take weekly progress images and pray for a miracle. Hey who knows, by the end of October I might I have found the fountain of youth weight loss and will be wrapping my entire body in these! 

You never know... it could be as simple as that!

Baby Projects | Ranting, Laughing, Crying

This pregnancy, I have a list of projects the size of a small library. We have been blessed with purchasing a new home about 25 minutes away, and though I couldn't be happier about the increase in space (3000 sq ft) and new scenery, packing is not my cup of tea. The house doesn't close escrow until June 21st, so luckily I still have time to completely trash my current 1300 sq foot home while attempting to pack and get ready to move. 

Needless to say, I have not been able to even think about nesting, since we won't be living in this house anyways. So, entering exhibit A... baby projects. With Nevaeh, I was equally enthusiastic about projects, but ditched them early on. With this kiddo, I, for some reason, have found my creative spunk once again. From custom designing my own crib bedding, to hand appliqueing a baby quilt, to sewing custom cradle bedding for the cradle I refinished, I have a plethora of serious projects all calling my name. 

crib bumper design

On top of all this, Nevaeh has decided to ditch her incredible Paris themed bedroom design and is insisting on a pink butterfly room. Though this makes me gag just a little, I suppose she is only 4 once right? So, in my crazy fashion, I've purchased an array of girlie fabrics and butterfly notions in order to create a butterfly sanctuary that I can actually enjoy as well. Here are some of the ideas I have in mind for her room....

debating about these quilts for Nevaeh's bunk beds.... SO STINKING CUTE!

 But this design is really cute too!

Fell in love with these instantly! Heck, I want some for my room!

these awesome ottomans are sure to be a hit!

Moda never disappoints when is comes to their cute fabric collections!

  As I've been exploring options for Miss Nevaeh's room, I came across this and I almost died! My heart is literally going pitter patter!

OMG!

Stinking CUTE right??? Okay so I might have to make a regular curtain version of this for her window.... Oh My Stinking Heck it is cute! What little girl wouldn't love that? 

That's a lot of sewing right? Well, details if you ask me! The house we are moving to is basically our dream house, so perfection is only fitting if ya' know what I mean. Hubby laughs at my new obsession with fabric, but likes all what he sees so far. He's even gotten in on the game and is helping me with baby Enzo's room (that's the new baby who is arriving in October for those of you who haven't heard).

Of course I am all about a "non-theme, theme"... kind of like my "non-plan, plans"... But Hubby, yet again, has to mix things up a bit by choosing this masterpiece to grace Enzo's walls...

So much for a non-theme ehhh? UGH, so yes, this clock DID make me LOL for real, but still, I hope it doesn't turn into a dinosaur monstrosity of a room. Here are a few of the fabrics I picked for the little man's room..

I'm pretty dang happy so far with what I've designed. I found this pattern on the Amy Butler website and modified it to create a crib bumper. For some incredible free patterns, check out: http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/free_patterns.php and http://www.modabakeshop.com/p/recipes.html

I'm still trying to decide on a quilt for Enzo's crib. I am currently making a version of this quilt design in Eric Carle fabrics (I found the pattern on Etsy) just as an every day play quilt.

To say I have a lot of projects in the works would be a serious understatement, but I don't mind. I am super excited about them all, and more importantly, they are helping to keep my mind occupied during these next critical weeks of our pregnancy. I am just thankful I found something to throw myself into that is actually productive :-). Let's hope the next time you hear from me I haven't gone over the deep-end hoarding fabric or anything weird like that!