It's here!

The snow has arrived and I'm more depressed and my kids are more deprived then ever. First I trap them in the house because I can't handle the heat, then I trap them in the house because I can handle the cold... maybe I'm going through an early menopause! Anyways... the kids aren't too bad off. Adam is done traveling and has been home, meaning within the walls of our house for the last month, he has hardly even had to go into the office. He is my opposite when it comes to my disdain for the snow. He and Preston even made a snowman the other day. We went and bought the kids all their snow gear last week so we can take them sledding (which we plan on doing tomorrow). They are decked out head to toe! It is so cute (as evidenced by the pictures I've included).
So now Christmas is here. We will be spending it at home with Adam's family this year. We have only woken up Christmas morning in our own home once since we got married and that was when we lived in GA and I was about to pop Preston out! Now, three years later who would have imagined?
We miss our friends and family that we wont get to be with this year but you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season and always. We love you all so much and hope that you will have a Merry Christmas and we wish you all the best in 2009!

I know I don't live in California anymore- that is why I'm putting this plea on my Blog to all of those who do to make sure you vote YES for PROP 8. It is imperative that we preserve the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman. Marriage is not a rite, it is a privilege. As a firm believer that Homosexuality is not something forced upon a person but is a choice that is acted upon, I feel that you should not be allowed to marry someone of the same sex just because you want them and love them. The same logic to same-sex marriage can be applied to people who want to marry underage- we have not allowed it by law, nor are we willing to because it would deteriorate the moral fabric of our society. Please don't take me as a 'homophobic' or tell me I am denying people a 'rite' I am simply exercising my opinion in a free country to disagree with a faction of people who I feel are wrong. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

The A says Ahhh

So I know I say this all the time, but the kids are growing and learning so much everyday that I am surprised almost every time they open their mouths! This morning when I was changing Landen's diaper Preston was watching a show on PBS called "Super Why?" It is a show that teaches kids about letters and words. One of the characters asked what the B says and Landen goes Buh-Buh-Buhhhh! Next the show explained the sound 'OX' to make the word 'box' and Landen laid there saying "box, box, box!" It took me completely off guard. We have a DVD by Leap-Frog that teaches the letters and their sounds but I didn't realize how effective it was (thanks Angie for the referral). Preston has learned all his letters and sounds, but up to this point the twins would just copy whatever we said, the difference this time was that Landen answered the question before Preston did!
Then later in the morning Jordan knocked Landen down and gave him a bloody nose (on accident of course!) I took Landen into the kitchen so he wouldn't bleed all over my almost-white carpet. He was crying and screaming on our way in but when he saw the fruit bowl on the counter he just stopped crying completely and goes "I want uh apple." Clear as day! I was more then impressed with my one child genius so I decided to see if Jordan could say it too. I told him to say apple and clear as day he goes "apple" Yesterday the twins were calling apples 'bappus' but for some reason today they can say apple as well as you and me! Everyday a new discovery, every day we get one step closer to a complete exit of the Cole house's baby stage... for now at least ;)

Teaching more than Natural Childbirth

I know it's been a while since one of my infamous rants on the worth of a natural childbirth- and I'll try to refrain from sounding too preachy- but now that I'm teaching my Bradley classes I have to give a shout out to my super great students. They are such awesome couples and have actually taught me a lot about why natural childbirth is not just important for the health of the mother and baby, but can also be a huge boost to a marriage through the bonding that creates a family when a child is born. I have two first time Mommy's and Daddy's in my class and one couple who is pregnant with their third. I get such joy every week as we talk about not just how to have a natural childbirth, but seeing how much their relationships can be strengthened by working together to get through one of the most important moments of their lives- the creation of a new one! The way the fathers in our class have become so much more attentive to their wives needs, the way the moms have learned to trust and lean on their husbands- I'm blown away! I didn't realize how much influence these classes could have on people's lives, I only knew how much mine and Adam's relationship was improved and how much I appreciated him for being an active part of the birth, and not just the conception. I'm not saying that couples who have epidurals are any less loving towards one another or their children, I just think that there is a power behind creation that is numbed with the use of drugs. A power that is spiritual, emotional, and amazing. A power that bonds us together as a family when two loving individuals work as one. I haven't even mentioned how amazing it made me feel as a woman to have achieved what society has deemed to be the impossible. To connect with your body, to work with it, to feel the decent of your child and experience the power of it's entrance into the world is indescribable. When you take the drugs you are surrendering your power as a woman to the directions of a Doctor or Midwife. On the same note if you haven't had any training or education about how to have a natural childbirth then to try it would most likely be a very unpleasant experience.
I don't know if I'm really saying this the way I want too. I guess my point would be better made by saying whether it is you first or your tenth child it's never to late to experience the empowerment of a natural childbirth, the bonding power of full husband participation, and the ability to fully enjoy the process. I hope that soon I will be able to post my students birth stories so that you can see first hand how natural childbirth benefited them.

Is summer really finally over?

I don't know why, but in my ripe old age of 24 I just can't seem to handle the heat- at all. I feel bad for my poor deprived children who would have spent the entire summer outside if only I had been willing to let them. Oh well, the summer is over and thank goodness!
Welcome fall!
Welcome rain!
Welcome sweater and jeans weather!
One thing I am not looking forward to is all the leaves that will be falling! We have three GIGANTIC cottonwood trees in our little backyard, plus two other smaller trees back there, a huge maple in the side yard, and some other tree that I don't know its' name but it has a lot of leaves in the front yard. Last year it snowed before we got all the leaves off the ground and so we were still raking up the mess in April! Another thing that I'm not looking forward to is the snow that inevitably ruins the winter here in Utah. As a Northern California girl I am honest in saying that I like the way snow looks, I like it in the mountains so people can ski, it's ok a few times (meaning once or twice- like maybe Christmas Eve just so long as the sun comes out and melts it all away on Christmas Day!) But I would prefer to watch the rain come down and know that a slick road is easier to drive on then a frozen one. I would rather mow the lawn once a week for the rest of my life then have to shovel the snow. And inevitably (as proven by the day I was born- the great blizzard of '83 started that day) if Alyssa has to leave the house any time between the months of November and March- there will be snow! Don't watch the weather, just find out what my plans are- it's frighteningly accurate!
Anyways- there's my rant for the month! Next stop- October (the month even closer to snow)!

Introducing my Super Talented Cousin

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczI4MS5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL2trMjIyL0NJU0hFTExBLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZjdXJyZW50PWxfMzYwNmRjMzNhZDc2NjdhMzNiMDg5NmE5MDAxOWNiYmMxLmpwZw==

Nostalgic* How about you?

I've seen this done and it was pretty fun - I hope you will play along.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses!

Thanks ~ Alyssa

Summer fun

Life has been SOOO crazy in the Cole household. Adam has been travelling for work like every week, I've been trying to hold down the fort, and the kids are going crazy wanting to get out of the house EVERYDAY! We've tried to curb their incessant need to be entertained by turning their brains to mush with excessive television watching and long afternoon naps, but it doesn't seem to be working. We bought a little wading pool for them to play in and they go crazy for it! The first time I went out to put it away after dinner they all stood by the window and cried. They like the little oscillating sprinkler just as much as the pool. It's so funny when one of them picks it up and chases the other kids with it!
This last week we had the pleasure of a visit from my brother Erik (or as Preston would say, "Not Erik... UNCLE Erik!" We tried to keep busy and entertain this handsome single 26 year old (if anyone knows of any good single ladies send them his way!) the best we could, but I fear he may have at times been a little bored by the life of a soccer mom! We thoroughly enjoyed his company though!
This Friday we have two big events coming our way... my parents fly in for a 10 day visit with their grand-babies and I start teaching Bradley classes.... that is if I can find anyone out there to take them! One teacher in the SLC valley has a full class, and I, a mere provisional teacher in training can't get a single student to help me get certified. Your pity (and referrals) are appreciated!
Last but not least this Sunday is Adam's 27th birthday and I think we are going to go golfing to celebrate... the only problem is I've never been! If anyone has any advise (other than not to do it!) feel free to send it my way.
For now, XOXOXO
The Coles

Another month in 2008

Wow... is it really June? I have been so busy with my Bradley certification stuff (which, fingers crossed, will be done by next Monday) that I haven't noticed half the year slip by. We have been so wrapped up in our kids, our work, and our church callings that we apologize if we have neglected any of our friends or family. I just want to let everyone know that we are doing really well. Seems repetitious, but Preston is doing great, and so are Landen and Jordan. They all seem to grow up a little more everyday! Last week we had the twins 15 month check-up and the doctor was really impressed at their ability to communicate and the extent of their vocabulary, he said they sounded more like 20 month olds! I know it doesn't seem like much, but when you are living day by day like we've been, every little compliment counts! Preston is starting to tell jokes. His favorite is when you ask him if someone is a girl or a boy and he purposely tells you wrong just to see the reaction, and then he laughs his head off!
Adam has been super-dad lately and will continue to fill that role while I'm gone for four days this week for my certification course. I'll be home for most meal times but other than that he'll be Mr. Mom! Let's hope he survives! We just hope that once I'm certified we can get a chance to enjoy the summer. We look forward to visits from my parents next month and then Sarah and Ed are coming to get their Kitties in August. If anyone else wants to grace us with their presence this summer I'll be sending around a sign-up sheet! (j/k)
We love you and miss you all!

Again

So again I find myself needing to rant about the absurdity of our great nations standard of care when it comes to giving birth... But more importantly I am concerned for all the pregnant, or soon to be, who 1. will spend less time choosing a birth attendant (ob, midwife, etc) than they did choosing what to where this morning and 2. Are having their options for creating the birth experience they want dwindle with every day that passes, every woman who is guilted into evasive medical procedures for "the sake of the baby", and every woman who adopts the idea that they are "too posh to push"! I mean come on! What is it going to take for women to educate themselves! Stop sitting around the table listening to everyone tell you how great their epidural was because they didn't feel a thing, or how grateful they were for their Cesarean because the doctor saved the day (forgetting to mention that the need for the C-section was a direct result of all of those interventions that are supposed to make labor and delivery safer)! Wait though, most the women who have had these emergency c-sections don't even know that it was the hospital or medical staff or OB's fault that this happened to them! And sadly, too many don't care! They are being robbed of the most empowering experience of their lives! If you can give birth naturally, you can do anything!!
Just the other day I was given a tour of the new hospital here in the Salt Lake Valley's maternity ward. They did a really nice job of pointing out how sterile things are, and yet the warm decor is supposed to make you feel at home. Oh, and speaking of home, if you have children under the age of 12, that's where they have to stay while you're in labor because they may "contaminate" something in the L/D room. How much more at home can we get, none of your own things, you aren't allowed to see your other children, you have to have a needle at least capped off in your arm "just in case", (I don't know about you, but I don't sit around at my house going, "Gee, if only I had a needle in my arm, then I'd really be comfortable") All of the just in case scenarios do not justify the all encompassing procedures inflicted upon you as soon as you walk through the hospital doors. If 90% of women can have a normal vaginal birth, why are we forcing pitocin into women, and then saving the day with the epidural, and then scaring the mother because she can't feel anything, but the Fetal Monitor says that the baby's heart rate is dropping with every induced contraction. Could it be because Pitocin causes the uterus to contract for longer periods in a full seizure instead of a steady wave like natural contractions that are usually less severe and do not cut of oxygen supply for long periods? Could it be because the baby is receiving adult doses of narcotics that are causing the mom to feel drowsy and nauseated?
I don't know, I just don't understand a woman's lack of interest in the method to which her baby is coming into the world. I'm not an extremist, I'm not a 'hippy' and I'm not granola, but a home birth is sounding better and better to me, especially after my tour of the hospital. I know that if I go in there I will not have any control, but at least the nurses and the Doctors will be smiling and I'll be surrounded by sterile home-like decor!

Some recent pics of the family

A few thoughts on Mother's Day

So wow... this year is almost half way over and Adam and I have been married for almost 4 years! In retrospect a lot has happened to the Cole family since its conseption, but I wouldn't change a thing. Landen and Jordan have really grown up since their 1st birthday. They can walk, they are trying to say words like waffle, cup, bed, dog, and of course they say momma and dadda! Preston loves his trains. Anyone with a boy over the age of two is probably as sick as I am of hearing the phrase "I wanna watch Thomas, Momma, wanna watch Thomas right now, PLEEEASSSSSE!" As if the please helps to cancle out the demand they just made! Oh, two year olds! I love it though, he seems like he learns something new everyday. I think as grown ups we take for granted all the amazing things in our world, so it's nice to have a couple of little guys to help remind me!
Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm so grateful to be a mom, and I'm so grateful for a mom who taught me everything I know, and as for those things she can't help with, she gives me the confidence I need to get through any obstacle that may face our family. So to all my fellow mothers out there, and those who are yet to be, believe in yourself, be proud of yourself, and as Sarah said to me on the phone on Mother's day (because my kids are too young to say it themsleves) "Thank you, your a great Mom!"

Life Renewed!

So Adam and I got away for a weekend and thank goodness for it!! We went to San Diego for two nights. We stayed downtown in the GasLamp district. It was a really neat place to stay. We got hour long full body massages... and let me just say- HEAVEN!!! We layed out on the beach and went out to a fancy dinner. We got to go to bed and wake up whenever we wanted. We spent an entire day at Sea World without having to push strollers around! Finally for me the cherry on top was I got to fly first class both ways for the first time ever! There really isn't anything super special about it, but it is a lot quieter at the front of the plane and they treat you a little better.
I have to say though, coming home to my beautiful boys felt really really good too. And it seems like I have gotten a new appreciation for them and am not hating all the day to day work that was becoming the monotony called life!

Alyssa's Brain on Drugs

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

March- So far

So far March has been relatively un-eventful. Landen and Jordan are trying to walk, and like every child who is learning to walk, are extremely funny to watch as they stumble around like they're drunk and then laugh at everything! And Preston is growing and learning and changing so much that if it's been more than a month since you saw him last, you would be amazed! He can say pretty much anything, and has started counting. He loves to label everything- which is nothing new, but he is labeling them in ENGLISH, not in PRESTON-ESE!!
We took Preston to the circus last weekend and it was so fun to watch him interact with our friends The Baers. He was climbing from lap to lap, stealing Derrick's candy and Shaylee's light sword, and was clapping every time he saw something that excited him!
Anyways, that's enough about the Coles for now... exept to say that Adam and I are still alive- so all things considered life is good!

Jordan and Landen's first B-day!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

My Good News!!

No, I'm not pregnant!!! I just wanted to share my excitement for being accepted into the program to become a Bradley Method of Natural Child Birth Instructor! By the end of this year I will be teaching other couples how to enjoy the birth of their child, not just watch it! YAY!

I can't wait for spring!!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

More about Natural Child Birth

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those "Granola" people (no offense intend to those who are, more power to you, but I love my store bought sliced bread and I can't live without my Oreos!!) I just have very passionate feelings about natural birth. I think it goes beyond the choice of 'medicated' or 'non-medicated', I think it is more to me about women who are expecting a child taking the time to really investigate their options. If you find out your pregnant and you go to your doctor to find out what to do next, how this is going to work, and what to expect then you are going to become dependent on them for your knowledge. Why don't more women think about that before just yeilding their pregnancy and ultimate labor to a doctor who has absolutely no intimate knowledge of them. To them, you are a patient first, a person second.
What if we all say, "OK, I could get pregnant, (or I am pregnant), what's next for me?" and how about if we try to answer that question ourselves instead of trying to find out from our doctor. You typically find out you are pregnant at the ripe gestational age of 2-3 weeks. Most doctors wont even schedual an apointment for you until you are 10 weeks along or 8 gestational weeks. That means that you have at least a month from the time you find out you are pregnant until your first meeting with any 'professional.' Take this time to talk to your friends, family, do some research. Dont just find out 'what's next?' find out what comes after that. And then after that... and finally, decide early on how you want it all to end. Knowledge is power! The more you have the better off you and your baby will be. Empower yourself! Don't give in to the idea that "oh, but it hurts" think about is as something that proves your strength, your conciousness of feminine nature, and the love you have for your child.
Everyone has a different birth story, don't let your doctor write yours.

5 reasons why I am done nursing...

The top five reasons I'm stopping nursing on March 2nd (or there abouts)! This is just a disclaimer, if your afraid of the word Boob, stop reading now.

5. I'm losing weight that I don't have to lose. I can't eat enough to retain any calories, and trust me, I eat ALL DAY LONG!

4. When you have two babies sleeping at your boobs, how do you carry them to their cribs and put them down without waking them up????

3. Preston knows that when I'm nursing the babies he can do whatever he wants, and he does.

2. If you don't count the 4 month break between nursing Preston and starting with Landen and Jordan, and then double the 1 year that it has been with them (because double the babies, double the time), I have been nursing for almost 3 years.

and the #1 reason to stop breastfeeding: TEETH!!!!!!!!!! TEEEEEEEEEEEEEETH!!!!!!!! TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETH!!!!!!!!!! Once they get those things they can chew their food, not my breast!

Jay-walking

Today I saw something on tv that disturbed me deeply. Jay Leno has a segment on his show called Jay-Walking where he goes out into public and talks to random people on the street about variouse things. Today he went around with pictures of our Presidential hopefulls; Mit Romney, Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul, etc. It wasn't even funny how un-informed people were about the candidates for the most prestigiouse office in the world. When shown a picture of John Edwards a woman had no idea who he was. When asked who she voted for in 2004 all she could remember was that it was the democrat. I mean come on!!! It's one thing to not be sure of the political stands of the county clerk that you vote for, it's another to not even recognize the vice presidential candidate, of whom you voted for!
I wouldn't consider myself an activist for any specific political stand, but I vote, and I try my best with three kids and my families future to worry about to make sure I know a little bit about who I can vote for. So many say that the most important thing you can do is vote, but I say if you don't know who you're voting for stay home and let the people who really care about this nation make an informed decision.
Jay Leno said it best as he wrapped up the segment "You deserve the government you get."

Natural Child Birth

This is in no way ment to offend any one who may choose to have a medicated birth, but I have to say I am more an advocate for natural birth than ever. The more studies that come out about variouse things pertaining to common ways we birth and or raise our children the more I am starting to understand the saying less is more. Recently they did a study and found that infant and child body washes contain a chemical that is absorbed through the skin and expelled in their urin. Can you believe that! Something as simple and normal as bathing your child can cause them to absorb CHEMICALS!! So what makes people think that having an epidural isn't going to affect their tiny little baby? I'm not saying your bad for having one, and I know this is going to be an eternal debate, but having given birth all naturally and also having had a c-section, I would prefer the "end-in-site" "I'm in control"pain of natural birth any day!!!

When I Die...

When I die will you guys all throw a party for me? I think that's what I would want. No need to cry, no need to be sad, just celebrate the time that we had had together. This isn't some morbid announcement to elude that I am dying, I've just been touched by the passing of President Hinckley. When I first heard the news of his death I nearly smiled. I'm in no way glad that he is gone, but I think that the joy of knowing of the reunion he was having in heaven over-rode the sorrow of our loss.
I think that I also have found comfort in knowing that ours is the true gospel and that the Church will continue running in the order and under the direction of the Lord. How great it is to have a testimony of eternal life and of our Savior's never ending love for each of us. I am so greatful that I know that I will be with my friends and family again when we have all passed from this world.