Kat Riley

sleepless

2009-07-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

so, I have been up for the last hour and 15 min having contractions anywhere between 5 and 9 minutes...more than that is a restless mind..(is this the big day,is it not? i just want to fall asleep just in case it's not but my body wont' let me) The contractions are not fun but not horrible.. and I wish I only KNEW if this was labor or not. I know of women who last weeks with braxton hicks like this. I'm just waiting to see if the pain begins to intensify-which oddly I'm a little anxious for, but I know I won't be once I'm there (if I even get there today).

Life has been good. John was out of town for a week on a missions trip in Jamaica. Blessed to have a husband who loves God and desires to Share the gospel of Jesus with others. We sure missed him while he was gone though.

Hayden is a "busy" girl. ALWAYS on the go. She has become better as listening to us. She has become even more "lovey" in her words. I.e. she will randomly say "mom, love you" or "mom, miss you." the funny one are when she out of nowhere says " sorry mom" in this cute littel voice as if she is not really sure what she is sorry about (and most the time doesn't even make eye contact when she says it). It's cute. We love her so much.

It's kinda scary knowing we are adding another to the mix. I know most parents go through this. Will I have enough love to go around? Will my first child feel unloved or not given enough attention to? But I know (having lots of bro's and sis' myself) that we all get past it and having sibling is one of the best blessings in life-thus we are happy and excited to give that experience to Hayden.

It's been a while

2009-03-21T20:47:00.001-07:00

So, it' s been a long while since I posted last. But LOTS has taken place.
Hayden is growing SO much. I cry whenever I hear that song (country of course :-)) that says "It won't be like this for long." AAGGHH.. hits right to the heart of a parent. I think mother's in particular ;-) She is a little girl, a toddler yes, but not a "baby" any more. When did that happen?! She is potty training, which is going pretty well, but we have our "accidents"-taking off her diaper and "going" on the floor. She is a joy in our lives and we thank God for her every day.
She has learned SO many words in the past 3 weeks, or more so, has learned to say them. "mickey", "boot", "happy," and So many more that seem to come out of nowhere. She's a smart little one.
As far as pregnancy goes, its been great. I'm anxious to meet this little girl who kicks me all the time. I can't help but wonder what she will look like? I mean, we already have a little girl, so how will this one be different?What will her temperment be like? What will labor be like with her? How will Hayden respond to having a little sister who takes up much of mommy's time?
Our family is about to become a family of 4!!!! Crazy! I'm still a little nervous about getting sleep after she is born. I mean after one is rough, but when they nurse at 6am and go back to sleep until 8 or 9 it's great. But now with two, and hayden getting up by 7am, I HAVE to be up, no matter what my night the night before looked like with the baby! Scary? I think the word sleep deprived will gain new meaning?
I'm learning a lot and growing deeper in my walk with God. He's teaching me, as he has many time before-but i'm finally "getting it", all the good he wants for me. He is a king with abundant love and blessings to give and wants to give it to me. I love Him for loving me. Every week when I take Hayden down to Sunday School there is hand drawn mural of Jesus embracing this little child ( like a mother who is holding her child that she has not seen all day- full of love and never wanting to let go of that child). When I see that picture each time I put myself in that picture with His arms around me, loving me as his own child. It's precious to me. You can't outgrow being a child of God. God is teaching me and molding me right now. I"m learning to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger. It's for sure a battle, but it's exciting to change for the glory of God.
Marriage is good. John and I have had a few heart to hearts these past few months, discussing changes to be made in our marriage. It's good to recognize things that can become a wall between you, and as John and I say "kick a brick," so that wall doesn't build. I'm excited to step into bringing a new baby home with him again. That was for sure a magical time.

new thoughts.

2008-12-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was great. We went to Rick's and had a great lunch. Uncle Alex is into rave/techno music and continued to play it.. surprisingly Hayden LOVED It, asking him for "more and more" after each song would end.. she LOVES to dance and showed off her special moves. It is so stinkin cute. We later went to John's family and had MORE food. It was great to be with family. We are very blessed in this life.

ON a different note, it might sound bah humbug , but i have really begun to have a different outlook on Christmas. Of course we know that "Jesus is the reason for the Season." But let's be honest, Christmas,for most, has turned into a time of giving presents out. I LOVE presents, and I LOVE giving them, but I really love giving and getting them when it is not a "forced" occasion. We all know there are people that you know you have to buy a present for and vice versus, because it would just look thoughtless if you didn't. But when ends up happening is you end up broke, all for the sake of having to give gifts. Is that making sense? I guess I'm just saying, i feel like gifts should come from the heart at a time that one feels compelled to go and get something for someone; not because they have 1 day left until they family gathers and they have to buy something for "aunt Jo" or whomever, to complete the family with presents.

John and I decided this year we really didn't need anything. There is an organization called World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org/). This organization goes into countries who have little resources to food, education and most importantly Jesus. They use this ministrty to teach the communites how to dig for clean water, and how to create crops and food that will last them for long periods. They are creating a new way of life that is helpful and healthy to families. They also help with children's education. All the while this ministry allows Wolrd Visiont to share the Grace Jesus with families and communites. You can actually go online and donate money (in ANY amount, $10 to $5000 if you wanted). the best part is you can actually donate (through a monetary donation) chickens or a child's education. The chickens grow and lay more eggs giving families a long term supply of food. You can donate this stuff in "honor of a family" , i.e. Riley Family. isn't that wonderful! We are truly blessed. Our God has supplied our every need, love, his grace, family, a home, food, and much more.. SHould we not supply that to others instead of spending money on gifts for some people who probably don't need what we gave them? I just picture Hayden as one of these children having no education, only the outfit on her back and looking for food anywhere and everywhere...BREAKS my heart. Anyways, its just my thoughts.

here are some recent pictures.

Halloween

2008-11-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

We spent our Halloween in San Diego visiting some friends (Ryan and Rachelle). We had a blast and it was great seeing them. I will post pictures of Hayden's Adorable monster costume soon! We went to the zoo for a few hours.. Hayden was surprisingly un-amazed by the animals. However, when the bears started to play fight she livened up a bit. Maybe next year she will like it better.. Thanks Joann for the tickets (she is a major donor the the Panda exhibit and always hooks us up with zoo tickets!) we really appreciate it!

Can't think of a title

2008-10-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a WHILE.....life has been busy. I've been doing A LOT of photography (portraits and such). This has been great! Not only do I get to induldge in my hobby, but I'm making money as well! Hayden got the flu for the first time, throwing up and everything... NOT fun.. Poor child, and then I left her to go on a women's retreat. I felt SO bad, but John took care of her. SHe has had HUGE seperation anxiety since I got home.

Retreat was great though. A huge break through for me in my relationship with God. I was able to finally embrace His grace in areas of my life, areas that I wasn't really aware that I had yet to embrace. It is SO freeing! Also, had a Rockin time with the girls! We did the zipline (in Forest Home). I will for sure make this an every year trip!

Hayden is growing up so fast. She has pigtails now, she looks so much like a toddler-which is adorable and yet sad for me at the same time. She is Miss Independent. She does not like to be confined to anything or anyone for too long a period. She likes to roam and explore.

I LOVE LOVE going into her room in the morning (despite the sometimes 6am wakeup) and see her grinning face, just standing there in her crib waiting to be picked up! Melts my heart! here are some pics from the past month!

septembre...

2008-10-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

September was nothing out of the ordinary... spent lots of evenings at the park with Hayden...she's a hoot...here are some pics!

crusin along

2008-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

so.. i haven't written in a while.. haven't really seem to found any time to do so. The beginning of this month we went on a week long cruise with John his family. WE had an ok time but it wasn't that easy with a baby on board with us. They did not have a lot of "kid friendly" activities. Thus we spent much of our day walking up and down the hallways of the ship. It was, however, nice to just get away! Hayden took her first REAL fall off the bed. She was like an olympic gymnast with the flips she did on her way off the bed :-( Poor baby. First time for eveything right?

I"m missing my family a lot. It is really hard being married with a kid and your family not being able to share in on that daily/weekly. I try to send youtube videos to keep them updated with Hayden, but in the end its just not the same. We're trying to pick some dates to go back and visit. here are some pics from the cruise!

Can't pick a title

2008-08-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sunset kisses!
Daddy and Hayden watching TV
When she was little!

I feel the need to write, but not sure exactly what about. One thing, I'm learning to trust God on a new situation. It is easy to want to take things into our own hands, but the peace and confidence I find myself having by turning a certain issue over to Him is really wonderful. I am blessed to have a relationship with God where I can turn issues over to Him and know they are in good hands. Makes me remember what it was like when I was not walking with Him and took things into my own hands, not so fun. Sometimes I sit and think what it really means about Jesus dying on the cross for ME... it's crazy and sometimes I think can be SO hard to really grasp the depth of it.. and yet, its so simple? Anyone else ever think that. Its like WOW, you REALLY died for MY, ME, KATHRYN RILEY, my sin.. and then I have to go into thinking about sin and what that is, and then focus on MY sin.. and then it all falls into specific place. It is helpful for me to do this little "process" in my mind, because then I am in awe of what He did. so those are those thoughts. Side note: John is speaking in "BIG church" ( I know, I still call it that-like a 'lil kid) this weekend on Blessings. God ALWAYS speaks amazing things through him. You should all come and hear him. You can go to our church website at http://www.wacc.net/

I took Hayden to concert in the park tonight with John's parents and his Aunt Phyllis. LOTS of fun. They played a lot of classic rock... which APPARENTLY I love. hayden loves to dance. Smiles ear to ear! She is saying uh-oh, all done, mom, dad, hi, bye, sign-language for all done and more, says ball, and nigh-nigh. SO cute. She's got a little eye-infection/eye-allergy, and I'm hoping it goes away before we go on the cruise this week. We're excited about the cruise, however, my tooth has been hurting, so I need to go to the dentist before then :-( I HATE packing for trips.

I have a new photo website.. http://www.kathrynrileyphotography.blogspot.com/ check it out

Warm Fuzzy's

2008-08-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hayden has been So cuddly! i love it. She makes my heart just completely melt. She'll just walk up to you and start holding you. She's also started saying "nigh nigh" for her (what I call her) Night Night blanket. SO cute! She's getting another top tooth in, except, it's not her front two teeth, it's one one the side of her two front teeth. My child is going to look like a hill billy! Nice. We say our prayers with her every night as a part of our nightly routine with her. One prayer every night we say is that we pray she would be a woman who follows God and who is used greatly by Him. That is my BIGGEST prayer for her (along with her well-being). As a parent, for myself, I can't describe how deep that desire is for her. Yet, I know all i can do is pray for that and practice out in my life who Christ desires me to be to her. For in the end, following God is her decision. I just pray that my life emulates that of Christ enough that she desires that relationship for herself. I prayed to God before I had Hayden that I would rather not have a child than to have one that would not know Him. I know to some people that seems CRAZY- after all, children are amazing. And to be truthfully honest I would have been devastated without kids, however, my line of thinking was that I would rather not have a child, than to have one and know that they would not know salvation in Christ. Ultimately, I know it is still her choice to make (that's why we are given free will-otherwise we would be like puppets/robots that are forced to love God). Anyways, those are my thoughts like em or not)

ZZZZZ's

2008-08-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm So tired! i had a girls night last night. Two of my good friends stayed with me last night while John was gone. Super fun, but we stayed up until nearly 3:30am. Um, lets not forget that I have a kid that typically wakes up around 6:30am. Luckily, she lasted until 7:30am! I prayed all night before I went to bed that she would sleep longer, God is good..ha!
Recently I've really, I feel, been experiencing some spiritual war-fare. not fun. I just keep hearing lies from Satan , and through prayer and friends I have been able to slowly counter those with truth from scripture. Its as though sometimes right when I feel like I'm making headway in discovering a bit more about God, Satan is right there waiting to pounce. I have to remind myself that he has no hold over me because I have covered in the protection of Christ. Christ CREATED him. Thus, it's a great reminded that Christ has the ultimate authority.

On a different note, I've had some great opportunities recently to take some pics of some friends' kids. SO much fun! I'm really learning a lot about photography! It's such a passion of mine!

Tattoo session

2008-08-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

NO.. I did not get a tattoo, but I did a photo session of John's and my good friend Jason who just recently got a tattoo. (His tattoo is partially done, but we did a session anyways). It was really great, because he let me take a few extra shots to just experiment with portrait taking.. I think I got some cool shots!

SPIT HAPPENS

2008-07-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

I went to CHOC LA with Hayden today. My appointment was at 1:40. I did not truly get seen until close to 3:40. Why do doctors have you come if they KNOW you will not truly be seen at your appointed time? SOOOO frustrating. Anyways, Hayden had started spitting up again around 9 months. So the doc today wants stool cultures (hayden used to have blood in it...nice.) In september Hayden has to drink some chalky stuff and have an x-ray taken just to make sure everything inside is working great -no kinks-literally- or nothing. Until then she has to take a anti-acid medicine to keep erosion of her esophagus at a minimum. It's one thing after the next with this girl. If her recent stool samples come back with microscopic traces of blood in them then she has to go in for an edoscopy. Great. I HATE thinking something could be more seriously wrong. I would just ask for people, as they remember her, just to pray for healing for her, and God's hand to protect her and her well-being.

Also, does anyone know anyone who is pregnant or just had a baby? I'm REALLy into photography and have taken some prego photos before and would love to do it for free for anyone local who would want some free photos.. I'll post a couple of ones I've taken.

A Day at the Beach.. Kinda

2008-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

So, my mom is here and wanted to go to the beach yesterday. I was excited, so we loaded up myself, mom, hayden and John to go. I made the mistake of suggesting that Hayden's nap time could be on the ride down to the beach instead of her taking a nap at home and then driving down to the beach. BAD MISTAKE. She cried the whole way to the beach, and while taking pictures she did not want to be put down for a while.. or smile. We also had planned to eat at Ruby's on the pier, we ended up eating at jack n the box. nice. We got some cute photos though.

The Party

2008-07-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

.......................................So... Hayden is Officially 1 as of Saturday. It went by SOOOOO fast! (her 1st year that is). However, there were days I thought were NEVER going to end. Her party was a lot of fun. We really enjoyed sitting/eating and talking with family and friends. Hayden was adorable-she decided to stick her finger up her nose while we all sang happy birthday to her....classic. The kids enjoyed playing in the pool. Hayden did NOT want to get out! Life is good.

Hayden has decided to continue to get up at 5:30 am -ish every day since last Friday. what the heck! I can't figure it out! the only difference is that we put a black out shade in her room to help her sleep longer? I don't know if when it wasn't there the light in her room helped her know when morning time is and now she just doensn't know when that is because its so dark in her rom? Any suggestions? I'm not sure how much more longer I can take of this.

On a side note, I've started weaning her of nursing. Weird how there was a part of me excited to be done because that meant I wasn't "tied" down at times. However, as I gave her her first bottle of milk last night (she wouldn't take it from a cup :0( I was a bit saddened. Nursing is such a bonding element in a relationship between mother and child and as it starts to leave I feel as though I'm depriving her or something.. nurtrients? I don't know. I'm sure deep down its more of just an emotional loss for me, because she had the bottle and went to bed JUST FINE. (maybe now John will get up with her early in the morning to give her a bottle instead of me having to be the first one up every day to nurse!)

blogspot help!

2008-07-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

K.. how do you add your favorite people's blogs on the left side of the page.. and how do you add a permanent photo at the top of the page. when I tried putting a photo for my page it made it HUGE!!!!!!! someone help!

Mystery Solved!

2008-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

So after realizing that every time I came around Hayden her hives got worse I began to THINK and THINK and THINK about what the culprit could be causing her hives.....I then remembered I bought and used new dryer sheets (that had scents in them). I put myself and Hayden in new clothes untouched by the dryer sheets and the hives are disappearing!!! yeah! She won't be a spotted girl on her birthday!

My mom came into town yesterday. It's been almost 9 months since she saw us last. Going well so far! Hayden had a hard night of sleeping (and it makes it that much more hard on us when we have a guest in the house-makes us feel bad that she wakes mom up). But mom kept telling me that she would take care of her and I could go back to bed. I finally took her up on it at 6:30am. Got to sleep til 8:30!!!!!!!! WOOO HOOO! So much planning and work to do today for her party. I can't believe she will be 1 tomorrow. Pretty soon I'll be catching her making out with boyfriends and banning them from our house! ha!

The pictures are: 1. Debbi Mitchell-my ANGEL from Dallas. When we were caught in the whole American Airlines fiasco in Dallas, this woman drove me from the airport, got me set up at a hotel, got diapers, etc. she did not leave Hayden's and my side until she knew we were safe and all taken care of at a hotel there. She was in LA last week and came to see us! What a blessing she IS to us!

2. Fourth of July with Meagan, baby Ethan and mommy and Hayden

3. Hayden and her hives (kind of a far away pic so can't see them all that well, but they were EVERYWHERE!)

4. Just my precious baby girl!

Does it EVER end?

2008-07-16T14:54:00.001-07:00

So, I believe the last time I wrote Hayden had the fever, which was Roseola...well-that's JUST the beginning! Her rash went away and then her urine started to smell...possible Urinary tract infection! Had to attempt to get a urine sample from her by placing a sticky bag on her "girl parts".. NOT FUN! finally got that into the lab when Tuesday morning she woke up with spots on her legs which got seemingly progressively worse as the day went on. Today she woke up and was COVERED in them! i mean COVERED! We went to the doc who explained they were hives! Poor baby girl! When will this end?! The doc explained it had something to do with something she is allergic to and we had to figure it out! Great. From talking with a few friends in the medical field she is most likely allergic to the amoxicilin she was on. Poor child looks like a spotted puppy...or something. I hope it goes away by her first birthday this sat-especially since her party is out doors!

Sick Baby...and Adoption

2008-07-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

This week has been ROUGH. Hayden started having a temperature on Monday, which turned into a 3am waking with a 102 degree temp. By the next afternoon is was 103. Stayed that way until tonight (Friday night). Poor baby literally felt like she had been taken out of the oven when she layed on me. As a parent its as if your heart is outside of you and is controlled by your children. You hurt so much for them. Sometimes you almost wish you couldn't feel so much for someone because you end up feeling so much hurt for them and you feel helpless. I love that little girl beyond words! Glad she is feeling better. Not to mention I was husbandless for a few days. But Thank God-literally- she slept in today..til 7:45am! She never does that..and I prayed SOOO hard that God would give me some grace while John was gone and let her sleep ( might sound like a silly prayer to non-parents..but wait til you have kids!) Here are a couple pictures John took one morning of her. She had the 103 fever so john got her to let a cool washcloth sit on her head during breakfast.. CUTEST thing ever. She looked like a little puppy dog!

ON a different note, lets talk adoption. So I was really interested in it a few months back, I ran it by John-who told me to look into it more so I could have all the info before we talked about it anymore. And of course, I lagged and didn't really look into. However, I have been watching "Adoption Stories" on Discovery Health channel, and find myself bawling at the end of everyone. What an amazing act of love to take in a child who has no other parents to love them. I could not imagine Hayden being just left in an orphanage somewhere to grow up. Even better, to bring a kid into a home where they can learn about the love of God, where as they might not have experienced it else where. John is out of town..when he gets home.. there will be a discussion :-) I'll have to finish this post later-after our talk!

Changes

2008-07-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking, after having spent the day with some old high school friends I hadn't seen in a while, HOW FAST TIME GOES. It seems like just yesterday we were worrying about tests and teachers and how peers thought about us. Now we're changing diapers and dealing with everyday life of marriage and careers. Sometimes I see people who are from high school and think "Oh my goodness! They have a kid!" and then I'm suddenly thrustback into reality that we're at that age where this is normal! crazy!

On a side note, John has been gone for a week to Jamaica-on a missions trip. So glad he's there, but MISS him like crazy. can't wait to pick him up tomorrow...it's true: absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Dia de Padre

2008-06-20T21:17:00.001-07:00

It was John's first father's day and Hayden celebrated by waking up at 4:30 in the morning...WIDE AWAKE. She did not go back to sleep until about 4 in the afternoon! As Frustrated as we were I was reminded how lucky I was to just have her (even at 4:30 in the morning). We are so very blessed and thank God for her every day. You can't understand what it is like to have your heart outside your body. This tiny being possesses your heart. Hayden has helped me to understand just a glimpse of how much God loves me. Whats even more is that God loves her more than I do...that sounds crazy -even to my ears- but its so true..and that gives me peace, as well as John. John is a wonderful father. He gets up with Hayden nearly every morning after I feed her and plays with her for an hour and a half before he goes to work (so mommy can get a few more z's). WHAT A DAD AND HUSBAND! He's so funny, he's SO protective over Her. Anything he is worried about regarding her he says "Oh, thats not good." Some days she might cough just a TINY bit and he'll look at me and say (seriously) "thats not good." he just wants her to be so safe. I love him for that. Many dads are absent when it comes to their children. I look forward to the day Hayden is grown and it able to have that father /daughter relationship. I'm anxious and already envision the day she gets married where John gets to walk her down the aisle and they will share that special moment together.

I am thankful for my father who loves me more than I can fathom myself. I am grateful for his continuous guidance as a parent and as someone who desires me to grow in my relationship with Christ. Love you dad!

Anniversary Day

2008-06-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

So John and I have been officially married for 3 years! Time has gone by so quickly. We had a day to ourselves. Cheryl watched Hayden for us.. wonderful! We went to Disneyland...courtesy of a high schooler from church! Who can beat Disney for free?! We soon learned (in our opinion anyways) that Disney "ain't that much fun" anymore. We can't wait to take Hayden back when she is older, but probably won't be back on our own any time soon. LONG lines... We were there for like 6 hours and were only able to go on like 3 rides. But the fantasy funnel cakes were GREAT! I convinced John to wait in line for an hour to go on my FAVORITE ride..Space Mountain...and I realized that it makes me nauseous now...great. We ditched Disney and headed off to see Indiana Jones in the theatres...WOW can I say CHEESY for the first 45 minutes. The places we went turned out to be a bit of a bust..but it has been one of the best days of reconnecting for us. I think it was a big investment in our marriage. We topped off the night with dinner at Costco (nothing like a buck fifty for a hot dog and drink..ha) We'll go big for our 5 year anniversary..ha. John and I discovered a new game we are going to play with our camera...who can take the worst pictures of the other person (when they are not ready) I must say I succeeded and won this trip....lets just say he didn't see the camera coming!

Looking forward to another year with my wonderful husband!

2008-05-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of months Hayden has begun saying "ma ma ma ma." Its so sweet. Her new things is to cover us with kisses...not just one or two, but when she starts she doesn't stop. Nice and wet all over your cheek. John graduated from Talbolt with his masters. SOOOO excited for him. He worked So hard. Now, its my turn. I'm taking classes to get into a masters in nursing program. I hate to think that I will be away from Hayden, but I know she will survive -not to mention the benefits it will bring our family.

Hayden took her first step yesterday. Just one. Then crashed. LOVE LOVE LOVE her!

Hayden is standing!

2008-04-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

So we arrived back from Alabama, and within 2 days Hayden began full blown crawling (no more army crawl), and Standing! I left to run into my room for a second and when I came back into the living room I found Hayden standing at the tv! She's so precious. TOday I heard her wake up from her nap through the monitor and I heard the mobile going off.... I thought, HOW is it going off-it's above her..I went into her room and she was standing in her crib playing with the mobile.. She's growing up so fast!