MIA: It’s been a rough year

Hello, it’s me. Robin. Yes you may remember me. So sorry to neglect you and subject you to video after video, with no writing or photos. See, I’m having a rough year. I think it started in December (usually the hardest month of the year for us – stress anyone?) and kept on going. Ever been unhappy in your job? Or in your marriage? Or at home with the kids? What about all of them…at the same time…for a prolonged period of time….to the point you are begging, yes not just praying, but begging for the return of Christ to happen NOW. Yesterday really. Can I throw in the towel? Give up. There just isn’t enough Calgon to take this little lady away from 2010. I have had some health issues this year…tooth fillings gone wrong and a lot of pain for months, eye exams resulting in glasses and a prescription that I can’t wear (I’m happily wearing 1.25 readers from Target instead!), attack by killer bees during a photo shoot with a trip to the ER, painful nursing issues that resulted in early weaning (11 1/2 months), and I haven’t exercised regularly since I was 7 months pregnant.
So that’s it. That’s where I’m at. Or where I’ve been.
I think the low is over and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have come to a place in life where I can no longer run the rat race and survive. I’m done feeling empty and unfulfilled. Why waste life? Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. So why do I feel so…lifeless? I’ve decided to cut back on hours at the dental gig (for numerous reasons, one being that my left shoulder hurts and causes numbness in the hand) and spend those hours pursuing photography and the little business I started this year. But even more exciting than that is my pursuit to become a DONA certified Doula and Bradley birth educator.
I have two amazing women who are helping me reach my goal to a more fulfilled life…the Doula we hired for all 3 of our boys’ births, Rosie, and the Bradley birth educator that taught our class 6 years ago, Liza. We have remained friends over the years and I am so grateful. Rosie is my Doula mentor and possible back-up (in case I can’t make a birth) and Liza is my Bradley mentor and I’m observing her current 12 week class as part of my Doula certification requirements. I will be venturing out of state in October to visit my close friends who are moving to Atlanta…and while I’m there, I’ll be attending the Bradley Birth Educator national teacher training workshop. There is a lot of work and reading that goes into all this training. But those are two things that really fulfill me – hard work and reading. See, I’m kinda a school nerd. I love homework. With all this going on and mothering a family…I won’t be blogging as much. But hey, I was never very good at keeping up with it anyway.
Let the love pour in…. and I’ll keep on truckin’.
P.S. My baby is turning ONE on Monday! Here is a recent pic of my Gavi gavi.

Self Portrait: ‘Sassy Pants’ with a camera

Diagnosis: Migraine

So I went to bed with my blurry, tired, aching eye and woke up with a headache. In my eye. And a stuffed nose (the usual as per late) because apparently I have developed allergies, specifically to my cats. Boo! I got some super caffeinated coffee (aka: Starbucks) to try to ease the headache on my way to work. Eye continued to bulge out of my head all day as I worried about a TU-MA. Say it with me: "it's not a TU-MA!" No but seriously it was enough for me to drive home and take some of the Tylenol Cold meds I had been taking over the weekend for my lovely cold. I thought it could possibly be a sinus infection so the meds might help.

After consulting with several people in the office who have sinus problems, glasses, and are doctors (aka: Dentist) I decided to call my general practitioner - a good place to start. They got me in 2 hours later. I LOVE DR. MINKOFF. El Norte Medical group - a hop, skip, and a jump away from my work. Double plus. This man is thorough and genuine. He has a great bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. They did a battery of tests on my eye and found nothing wrong. My vision test came back 20-20 minus one. Eh, not too shabby. They looked up my nose and found no polyps (I asked due to constant stuffiness on the left side) or signs sinus infection. Nothing in my throat or ears. After answering a series of questions (when the pain started, how long it lasted, where it hurt, etc) he diagnosed a migraine.A migraine?! How am I supposed to edit photos and create birth announcements if staring at a computer screen gave me a migraine?! LOL. I guess I need to work quickly and stay off Flickr, he he he. But seriously, headaches suck and it's very scary when your perfect vision suddenly goes blurry! Check out this headache guide. Just in case it was allergic pink eye I took some drops - I'm super paranoid of pink eye after having it TWICE in December - and threw out my mascara. UGH.

My wonderful physician also ordered a blood test. So I'm fasting tonight and off to the lab in the morning to have my hormone levels checked. We'll find out if my thyroid is functioning and if I have various diseases such as Lupus. It's a complete blood test, so if anything is amiss, we'll know. You know the kind where they take like 8 viles as your eyes bug out wondering how you can survive after giving that much blood?! Yep, tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Self Portrait: Brunette

I’ve enjoyed aging so far. Never sad about having another birthday. Was excited to be 30. Now I’m ready to turn back the clock. 33 has not been nice to me. I’ve only been 33 since Feb 8th but so far a few major things have happened.

The other day I found gray hair. I immediately considered my budget (tight) and took matters into my own hands. Found a box under my sink and used it. Thought it said warm brown…but after I put it on I noticed the word “black.” Huh. Well, luckily only my previous highlights are “black.” Although I’ve always wanted to try black. My husband didn’t notice my antics until the next morning when he double takes and says stoically, “did you use that box on your hair? why didn’t you call the hairdresser?” And that’s it folks. No opinion added. Whatever, he’s a guy. How much do they really care about women’s hair?

Today I’ve discovered I don’t have perfect vision anymore. My left eye is very very tired and weepy after staring at this computer screen for (way too long). So I decided to check it out. Cover my right eye – blurry. Cover my left eye – perfectly clear. OH NO! Time to get an eye doctor! Darn. Double darn.

Off and on over the last couple of weeks or months (there goes the memory too!) I’ve experienced some insomnia. Ugh. Only old people have that right?!

HA! Case closed. I’m OLD.

p.s. going to the hair dresser on Friday for a cut…fixing the color will have to wait

You say it's your birthday?!

It's MY birthday too! Hmmm, at 33 I'm starting to feel a tad "old." Nothing special today, I'm off to work. We went out for dinner on Saturday though - Fish House Vera Cruz. Mmmmmmm

It's been awhile

Since I had blonde hair

and
a french manicure

The hair was just for fun. Because I like changing it often. The nails were upon request from my husband. Silly man! I didn't even know he knew what that was. I did it only to please him, because truth be told, it's darn right uncomfortable. BUT, I think my ring looks more lovely with fancy fingernails.

Me. Zero make up. Salon hair. 20 lbs to lose. Still sweaty from the morning run. Age 32. 3 kids.

I'm ok with that.

a little bit of Punk

Let me preface this story. I usually never hurt myself. I have never broken a bone and get very few bumps and bruises.... until a month ago. I dropped a very heavy object on my left foot. I was in instant pain and felt nauseous, so I grabbed some ice and Ibuprofen and laid on my bed with my foot elevated. It immediately turned blue-ish-black. Enter INTENSE THROBBING PAIN... for 2 days. I'm talking PAIN. I've given birth - drug free - 2 times here people - this hurt bad! I tried this method to relieve it and it hurt too much, so I left it. You can even see the burnt spot! LOL, but not really. Ha.

Enter one week later: I am reading Dr. Sears' The Baby Book (like a good mommy) while walking down the hall (like a multitasking mommy) and slip on a $0.25 bouncy ball from Old Navy (like a clumsy mommy). With my RIGHT foot. It hits the door jam entering the hall bath and low and behold.... Blue toe #2 in one week. Are you kidding me?????
Now enters the punk part. After a few weeks of looking at ugly toes, I decide I should paint them black to match. But I chicken out and give the black to my husband. He painted one hand and put some earrings in just be a little more punk. Ha!I did however go with the purple-ish-blue iridescent polish. So I am a little bit of punk... for now.

FF: 1991

Freshman year of high school - 1991 on a friday - dressed for the football game in my cheer uniform.
Two words: NICE BANGS.

Love love love

Target. Jillian Michaels. Being motivated. Cooking.
Losing Weight. Being fit. Running.

Tracking my progress & being held accountable
(see Baker Babes).

Email Tag from JW

1. What time did you get up this morning? 2x in the night to nurse, annoyed at 4:30am when Owen joined Mike, and finally I got out of bed at 6:30am....
2. How do you like your steak? Medium rare
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ice Age 2 (or was it 3?) - I took all 3 boys when baby Gavin was just 12 days old

4. What is your favorite TV show? So You Think You Can Dance

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? San Diego is pretty great but I'm a farm/horse girl at heart. Maybe Colorado. If I could afford the farm/horse life in San Diego I'd be pretty darn set =)
6. What did you have for breakfast? None so far, but am thinking about french toast or oatmeal

7. What is your favorite cuisine? I never met one I didn't like!

8. What foods do you dislike? anything with cooked pineapple (aka: pizza! ew)
9. Favorite Place to Eat? I used to enjoy going out A LOT. Especially to sushi. But then I realized it isn't all that healthy and it makes me gain weight. Then I started cooking. Yes, a shocker, I know. Now I really enjoy my own home cooked meals....that is when I'm not yelling at toddlers
10. Favorite dressing? Asian Sesame Ginger, Oil/Vinegar, Ranch
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? 3 kids in 4 years? A mini-van of course: Toyota Sienna

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, T-shirt or tank, and flippers - the CA style
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Australia, Swiss Alps in the Winter, and The Tour de France
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Depends on the day and my mood.
15. Where would you want to retire? Hawaii. But realistically, wherever my kids/grandkids are. And ultimately: with Jesus.
16. Favorite time of day? Mid morning and early eavening - good light for photos
17. Where were you born? Los Angeles, CA - I'm a valley girl

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Tour de France cycling & Olympic Gymnastics
19. Who do you think will not tag you back? most
20. Person you expect to tag you back first? Katie
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Kat & Taylor
22. Bird watcher? Now that I have huge picture windows and little kids
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? not a good question on a day when my 2 year old wakes up at 4:30am... UGH. Before that little rascal I was a morning person. But in college I was totally a night person.
24. Do you have any pets? 2 dirty toddlers, 1 smelly husband, and 2 cute cats

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I'm making my blogging comeback LOL

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A chiropractor
27. What is your best childhood memory? riding my horses
28. Are you a cat or dog person? love them both

29. Are you married? for 7 years as of May 2009
30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, or else my car beeps at me and it's so annoying!
31. Been in a car accident? a few
32. Any pet peeves? bad drivers, people who don't know how to go thru a 4 way stop, traffic (road rage anyone?), whining kids, my husband poking me in the ribs and thinking it's funny
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? chicken and veggies w/tons of red pepper
34. Favorite Flower? hibiscus
35. Favorite ice cream? vanilla w/fresh fruit and a little chocolate, mint chip
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? EEEWWWW. In-N-Out is the only one I eat at
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I got 100% every time baby! NERD

38. From whom did you get your last email? TAYLOR of course =)
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? OH MY that is a loaded question....
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? went for a 2.3 mile walk 2 hours before giving birth
41. Like your job? Love it! (Dental Hygienist and mom)
42. Broccoli? Yes, but not in the first 6 months of nursing a newborn

43. What was your favorite vacation? Any vaca where hubby and I don't fight is a good one! We went up the CA coast before kids, Hawaii with a one year old, and a 3 day vaca w/out our 2 boys sky diving and other stuff
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Dad, sister, niece and nephew, and my newborn
to sushi after picking up Dad from the airport
45. What are you listening to right now? baby sleepy noises on me, Willy Wonka on TV, & kids playing ball w/grandpa in the living room
46. What is your favorite color? blue/green

47. How many tattoos do you have? 2 and I might add a little flair later

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?all my faithful readers =)

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 5:25 pm
50. Coffee Drinker? Rarely, it's not good for you. Usually on mornings when Owie graces me with his cute self at 4 am

TAG: YOU'RE IT!

Any Day Now

I've been having a lot of pre-labor signs and a few "false alarms" over the past week. I actually warned my doula twice and I've never done that before. Last two babies I just called her when labor was underway. My doctor visit this morning had these results:

• 80% effaced (wow!)
• Bulging bag of waters (um, ya, he's way down there!)
• Lost a pound
• 1 1/2 cm dilated
• Doc says, "OH, you're on thin ice. I don't think you'll make it to your appointment next week, so drink lots of water, and get some sleep! Make sure your husband is on board and ready (he knew Mike was in denial about it being soon) and call me. It might be the next couple of days. The baby's position is perfect and ready to go and he is very low. Now what are we doing for birth control?" Ha ha. I love doctor Langford!

Everyone is now on stand-bye and the cat is acting really weird...she won't leave me alone. I'm drinking SmartWater like crazy and hoping he stays in (legs crossed!) until Monday. I bought Mike's father's day gift and the boys' hospital gifts today, just in case.

Gavin Edward Baker is coming any day now =)

9 months

Yoo hoo, FEET! Where are you?

Ahhh, yes, there are those swollen toes.

Whoa shadow

I am officially 9 months pregnant - 36 weeks to be exact.

Baby is peaceful and growing big and strong

Here he is yawning

And looking a little like his Grandma Ruth, I think

I've been getting very uncomfortable. Duh. Isn't everyone at 9 months pregnant? Seriously though - it feels like there is bones rubbing on my bones. The doctor said, "well, look! that's because there is!" Gavin's skull is resting right on my pelvis - I saw proof in the ultrasound. There is nothing between his head and my bones - doc says, "he has dropped and can't get any lower." I also feel like something is rubbing against my right hip bone in certain sitting positions... and that is his spine. Although I'm uncomfortable, I'm thankful he is in a good birthing position. What you don't want is a posterior position. Back labor = pain and very long labor. More on optimal fetal positioning here. I am also very thankful for my Wednesday visits to my Chiropractor, Dr. Lockridge at Country Club Chiropractic. I am virtually back pain free and that is amazing considering how much pain I was in before I got wise and made weekly appointments.

I'm still amazed at how your belly, skin, and muscles can stretch so big and then go back - with no stretch marks. Truly a miracle. It looks like I literally put a watermelon under my shirt =)

I am praying for a safe and natural birth - hopefully in the month of June. Although I believe July 4th has got to be the best birth date ever, I don't really want to be 9 days "late!"

Y is for...

YOGA: I just love going to Liza Janda's prenatal yoga class! I've been going for a few months on Saturday mornings and am excited to also go on Wednesday night for these last couple of very uncomfortable weeks.
YARD WORK: I'm not talking the wimpy kind of gardening. I'm talkin' 1.1 acres of hard work - aka: labor. Weeding, planting, watering, raking, digging, pruning, mowing, etc. It is oh so domestic and satisfying. I'm appalled when I find out that my friends actually hire gardeners...for tiny little lots! I love it - dirt, sweat, back ache and all! Bring it on baby.


YES: Yes, I'm almost done. Yes, it's big. Yes, I'm uncomfortable. Yes, I'm nesting. Yes, I packed my hospital bag. Yes, the bassinet and carseat is ready. Yes, I'm still working. Yes, I'm busy. Yes, I know I will never sleep again. Yes, I wanted a girl. Yes, I'm happy I'm having another boy. Yes, I'm having the baby at the hospital. Yes, we're doing it natural. Yes, I hired my same doula again. Yes, I will probably have another child....Yes, I know I'm crazy. Is 'yes' really a word? It's starting to look funny... I think I need a nap. For like a week straight.
YEAH! Yeah for spring, great SD weather, plastic blow up pools, my adorable children, new kitties, mini-vans, little tiny baby stuff, sales at Babies R Us, baby showers, family, friends who take me on spa days, my very hard working husband, and Jesus! So many things to be grateful for.

7 years ago Today

I went in this cute brick building Ms. Greene...

...and came out Mrs. Baker!

Mike: (on a Sunday night) Why don't we just get married on Friday?
Me: Are you serious?
Mike: Ya
Me: OK

So that's what we did. During the week I would go shopping after school (I was in hygiene school at Cypress College in Orange County) to find what we needed. 2 rings and a dress.

I called my sister to make sure she was available to witness and photograph the event and the plans were under way.

Mike and I have known each other since we were 12. We met at Del Dios Middle school in Escondido in the 7th grade.

We started dating in December of 2001 and by February knew we would get married...

some day.

Well that "some day" turned out to be only 5 1/2 short months later in mid May 2002. When you've known someone since childhood, what more is there to know? We knew that we knew and we just went with it.

A big, flashy, costly wedding never even entered our minds. The dress, 2 rings, and the license/ceremony cost us just under $800 and we've never regretted it! The only thing I've ever regretted was not getting a photo in front of the cute brick court house...
I had to borrow these online.

During the ceremony Mike was very serious and tearing up. Apparently I wasn't taking it as seriously, because I remember smiling and laughing and teasing him after for his emotion.

We were pronounced man and wife and ran off to celebrate.

Erika took us to Macaroni Grill in Huntington Beach for lunch.
We went back to our first home - a one bedroom apartment in Huntington Beach - and called all of our family and friends.

Guess what we did today? WE GOT MARRIED!
It was so fun to surprise everyone.
Sometimes I just said, "Hi, this is Mrs.Baker" for shock value...and it worked =)

Mike serenaded me back at the apartment with a song he wrote for me and we stayed at the Marriott later that night.
2 months later his parents threw us a reception at their house... and the rest is history

Happy 7th Anniversary Sweety - I love you!
And yes, we just might actually have a big wedding some day. Mike says on our 10th anniversary when our property looks really sweet....