I remember when the year 2010 seemed light years away.  It's hard to believe that it's already here.

Well, I'm looking forward to a new year.  Seems like each year when I think I've reached a comfortable place, it ends up teaching me some valuable lessons...I grow, reflect and take it all in.  2009 was no different.  I lived, I learned and I felt continually blessed...not with material things, but the things that matter.  Thank you Lord.  I could list all the lessons learned, blessings felt and such.  But the sum of all of these is simply TRUST and FAITH.  Trust what I already KNOW.  TRUST that HE is telling me quietly, that I just have to have FAITH.  Listen to that small still voice.   

I wanted to make some pretty significant changes for 2009.  Some changes that I should have made sooner.  Remember that small still voice...it was there...for months.  I didn't listen for a while, I ignored it...thought I had it under control.  But it was constant.  Telling me...reminding me...whispering softly.  So I did...make some changes.  And some things were out of my control.  And that's okay.  But every wonderful thing and scary thing and decision made in 2009 made me wiser, stronger, and more FAITHFUL.

The truth is, I LIKE change, I like the excitement that comes with a new adventure...the possibilites of where it might take me.  I love a challenge.  I love a CONTROL F5...or a REFRESH.  Be it a new year, putting a different spin on something old or just a new direction.  I'm not afraid to jump in...if only I have one thread of FAITH to hold onto.  I know it will be okay.  So many times I've repeated my NEW mantra, "variety is the spice of life."   I am a dreamer, an optimist though I do not believe in luck...at all.  I believe that GOD has a plan and a purpose.  That's why I'm okay with whatever comes my way.  I know that it is to teach me, guide me and keep me in line with HIS plan.  It doesn't mean life will be a breeze.   It just means that I think I can handle it...with HIM.  All things are possible to him that believe. 

So...here we are...

As the sun sets on the west in 2009 and the warm sunlight of 2010 rises in the east, I'm home with my husband and our daughter, getting ready to build a fort in the living room, eat popcorn and watch Snow White.  There is nowhere else in the world I'd rather be.  I'm looking forward to wonderful exciting things to unfold in this NEW YEAR!!!  Anything is possible!   What I look forward to the most is spending another twelve amazing months making new memories with these two lovies and our new lovie to come this February...

"The best gift at Xmas is easy to see
Its not wrapped in paper or under the tree
Cos' the best gift at Xmas and all the year through
Is having a child as special as you!" ~unkown

 

Merry Christmas sweet Kadence Shiree

What a great Holiday season we had spent with friends and family!!  It went by so fast it's hard to believe it's over.  We spent a wonderful week with Dominic's parents.  It was very relaxing for me to have them here doing all the cooking, cleaning and entertaining.  Although, Kady was the one keeping us all entertained.  The house feels a little empty without them here.

We are really looking forward to the next couple of months.  They will be busy....  Tomorrow a friend of ours will be home from Iraq, Dom will be starting a new job, New Year's Eve, maternity photo shoot, baby shower, Kadence's 2nd birthday, Valentine's,  my sister and mom will be visiting and of course the big day itself....Zoe's birth day!  I'm hoping they will also go by fast.  I really can't wait until I'm not pregnant anymore but mostly I can't WAIT to meet her.  At some point we will have to try this liquid diet again for Kady....bah humbug!  Not sure where, how or when to fit that in.

I hope you all had a great Christmas as well.

~~Peace and Love~~

It's the final countdown....

10 weeks 'til D-day!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas....

 

 

Interesting night in the neighborhood last night.  I came home to road closures surrounding our gated community and inside the gates they had half the neighborhood blocked off.  The street our house was on was the only street open.  There were cop cars everywhere and a police helicopter with spotlight flying overhead.  I was nervous that they were looking for someone of course so I was a bit on the edgy side.  Upon entering my house, I quickly set the alarm and started checking the door and window locks.  All of the sudden, out of nowhere my house alarm goes off saying "garage door open."  Holding Kadence I must have jumped 10 feet in the air.  Our 3rd garage door is on the opposite side of the house from the garage that I parked and walked in.  I hadn't checked that side of the house yet so now my nerves were rattled.  I considered running outside and up the street to ask one of the officers what was going on or getting in the car and leaving but instead I grabbed a kitchen knife and with Kady in one hand, knife in another I went through the house room by room checking under beds, in closets and behind shower curtains leaving every light on in the house.  Dom was at a job interview and his phone was off.  I watched carefully out the front window to see a fire truck pull up, four K-9 units, more squad cars and people evacuating their homes.   It was long after Dom called me to say he was on his way home.  I figured he could find out what was going on on his way in and we'd decide together if we needed to leave or not.  After all, no one knocked on my door to tell me I needed to and they all watched me pull in my driveway.  I was a little nervous when Dom had called back saying even more roads had been blocked off and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to get home.  Being home alone, 7months pregnant with a 2yr old and not knowing what was going on outside left me with a less than warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

Apparently, there was a domestic dispute in a house around the corner from ours between a mother and her son.  The son works at a construction site where explosive are used.  He had been stock piling blasting caps and came home with explosive material and detonators.  When the mom called the cops, the son took off on foot with a backpack.  The search for the son and of the home began.

So, Dom comes home to tell me that although our street was the only one in the neighborhood not blocked off they made him park elsewhere and walk up.  He then tells me that it's a bomb scare in the neighborhood and 20 of the 35 homes have been evacuated but we are in the safe zone.  He also pulled in behind two unmarked bomb trucks and had the perverse pleasure of watching a squad car back up into a boulder in the neighbors front yard.  Kind of funny.  So if you were watching the news that night, you may have caught a glimpse of our house.  It was an entertaining evening to say the least.  As of this morning they are still looking for the son but everything in the neighborhood seems quiet and back to normal.

Kady Update

Throwing in the towel.  If she's not going to drink the formula, and we can't force her to, then she's got to eat.  So, we are now happy and eating.  Have been for 2 days now.  I plan on calling the doctor tomorrow and see what he has to say.  If we can try another way, we ought to pursue it.  If we have to revisit this liquid diet in a couple months then we will.  I'll let you know what he says.

What a great day today!  I have not worked this hard since I waited tables back in college.

Last Saturday, my girlfriend Kelly and I went shopping with the Elk's and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to buy Christmas gifts for kids with Muscular Dystrophy and their families.  Our budget was around $2,500 although we spent a total of $2,800.  Each kid received 2 to 3 gifts.

Today was the luncheon for the kids where we served them food, did arts and crafts with them and handed out all the gifts.  Santa arrived in a fire truck which was a hit.  It was so nice to cater to those with special needs and to give their families a break for one afternoon by allowing us to serve and play with them.  You should have seen the smiles.  It was very touching.

The shopping crew and gifts.

To Do: 7hrs of wrapping

 

Kelly and I

"One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something."
   ~ Henry David Thoreau

I've always wanted to volunteer my time to help others but other than serving Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless Vets, I never made the time or effort to do more until last year.  It all started when I lost my nephew to Cystic Fibrosis and found out that my daughter and I are both carriers of the gene as well.  I was committed to help raise money and awareness to make those living with CF have a more comfortable life on here on earth.  It has been a truly humbling experience.   I'm constantly looking for the next opportunity.

Kady Update

Eh...well, Kadence has completely boycott the formula for 2days now.  I'm not really sure what to do at this point. She's been sick also so I'm wondering if she doesn't want to drink the formula because she doesn't feel well.  We may end up feeding her tonight and try starting over again tomorrow.  I'm just not comfortable with her not getting any nutrients for 2 days.  We are open for suggestions.

Picture of the day

December 2009 

Tis' the Season....and I am so not ready!

There is so much to do and never enough time.  We have purchased a total of ONE gift so far...Oy Vey!  It doesn't help that I've been down with a cold not to mention how exhausting it is to be 7 months pregnant and anemic.  It's good that there is so much to look forward to.  There is still Christmas shopping to be done and Christmas cards to be sent out.  There is lots of baking and cooking to be done in the near future as well.  My in-laws will be coming in about 10 days from Myrtle Beach.  We are really looking forward to having them.  They will hardly be able to stand themselves when they see Kadence.  We are looking forward to spending time with friends and joining in different Christmas Party festivities.  If I could only find a little more mojo to get the ball rolling, we'd be set.

Kady Update

Yesterday went well.  She asked for food in the evening around 5, slept through the night and asked again for food this morning.  It wasn't too bad though.  If I can distract her and keep her busy, she seems to forget. She is a bit cranky and you can tell has less energy throughout the day.

Day 2 off to a good start!

Kady Update

We have finally weened Kadence IN to her formula.  It's been a long week to get here but we are here.  Dominic is still not sure we should go through with this but I'm determined to at least give it a try.  For the past 6 days I've given her less and less rice milk in her formula and she's only been eating dinner and a banana and fries here and there =o)  Yesterday, she actually drank 4 whole cups of the formula with no rice milk and slept through the night without dinner, so today will be day 1 with no food at all.  I feel better about it now and not like I'm starving or depriving her...too much.  Kady does still ask for food and snacks but I'm confident within another week that will fade.  We still feel uncomfortable eating in front of her but that too shall pass.  Hopefully her diarrhea will completely go away within 3weeks.  If it's not gone by the end of 4weeks, I will most likely discontinue the process and tell the doctors it's not working and to find another way. 

At the end of 6-8weeks her diet will consist of mostly formula.  At that time we will re-introduce 1 food at a time back into her diet and see if her symptoms return.  I imagine it will be about 6 months before she has enough variety back in her diet and we can completely ditch the formula.  That day will be a HUGE relief on our pocketbook.  Hopefully there will be enough variety by the time her 2nd birthday comes around January 31st that I'll be able to give her a banana or PB&J (her favorites) with a candle in it =o)

Current Weight: 24lbs....this will be interesting.

Thank goodness she was a puffy baby and could afford to loose some weight.

Putting the munchkin to bed is so much fun!!  It takes about 10 minutes because we have so many things we need to say goodnight to.  It usually goes like this:


"Nigh Night Daddy. Lub you"
"Nigh Night Mommy. Lub you"
"Nigh Night Doggies"
"Nigh Night Tree"
"Nigh Night Lights"
"Nigh Night Books"


There's usually one or two other random things in there as well and she does it all with her thumb in her mouth.  She usually waves to you after you've put her down and says "bye, bye.  See you." 

Being a parent is wonderful gift!!

 Dominic and I have AMAZING families who have supported us and helped us through many difficult times.  Without their love and support, life as we know it would feel empty and be difficult to bear.

To:  Mom and Dad Murray, Mom and Dad Guinto, Dawn, Jared, Alexander, Mandy, Chris, Kip, Tia, Riley, Ethan, Lance, Nicole and not to forget our wonderful Grandparents as well.

Thank you all for being you and loving us for us!

Kady Update

Can I take back November 27th's post??  Alright just kidding =o)  Two days down of our 6-8 week liquid diet.  I had a mini breakdown last night about it as my husband put our daughter to bed.  To starve a child for any reason at all just doesn't seem right especially when it's your own.  I also want to know what is wrong with her though and I'm feeling frustrated that the answers won't come easy!  She kept asking for hotdoggies (hotdogs), Mananas (bananas),  Cackers (crackers), Nummies (gummies), Cockcorn (popcorn)....Ugh!!!!  Dominic and I didn't eat dinner until 9 o'clock because it felt wrong to eat in front of her.  She had refused to drink water all day also because she was afraid it was the nasty formula.  By the time we put her to bed, she was already showing multiple signs of dehydration.  All of these things lead to my mini breakdown.  I cried and cried telling Dom I didn't think I was going to be able to do this. If I couldn't make it through one day how was I to manage 6 to 8 weeks?  It was at that moment, 9:30pm, I went to her room, picked her up out of her crib waking her up and fed her a whole PB&J.  Dominic was actually making the sandwich as I brought her out into the kitchen.  Great minds really do think alike!  Oh it was pure joy.  Finally I would be able to sleep.

Dominic was never crazy about this whole thing and Neither was I.  There was a moment I thought he would fly out of his chair and choke slam the Doctor as he told us about this next step.  We like this Doctor from what we've seen so far but this step in the process seems so extreme.

Today I didn't feed her all day. She did a little bit better although she kept saying she was sad.  Uh....heartbreaking!!  She did eat another PB&J before bed tonight but that was it.  I decided it was best to feed her something until I could figure out how to get her to drink the formula.  I started mixing it 1/2 rice milk and 1/2 formula and she drank 4 sippy cups full throughout the day...progress!  It feels a little less like starving your child when you know they are getting some of the nutrients they need.  So we are slowly working our way up to no PB&J's and 4 sippy cups of formula per day.

If you are at all interested in reading up on her condition click the link below.  It is interesting just because it is a rare kind of disease, there is no protocol for treatment and they aren't sure of long term affects, if you can grow out of it etc.

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/e/eosinophilic/about/psych.htm

What we do know at this point is she...
1. is lactose intolerant
2. is allergic to Eggs
3. has Eosinophilic Esophogitis (read above link)
4. has Colitis
5. tested negative for Celiac Disease

Hopefully we'll know a lot more at the end of 8 weeks, hoping for 6, praying for 4!

Kady Update

Is it really December already??  I know I've had my tree up for 2 weeks now but it still feels like it came so quick.

Today we were back at the allergist for Kadence.  Count so far:  1 year, 1 colonoscopy, 1 endoscopy, 2 Gastrointestinal Dr's, 2 Allergists, 2 rounds of allergy testing, 4x stool sampling, 5 rounds of bloodwork and.....no answer....yet!  Ugh!!!  Today will start day 1 of a liquid diet only for Kady. By liquid diet I mean ONLY water and this special formula called Elecare.  We will do this for the next 6-8 weeks.  The fun part, besides all the other fun parts to this nightmare, is how costly this "special" formula is.  My nephew Ethan was on this formula also and he went through $900/month.  Granted he had a lot of feeding tube issues, leaks and spills adding to the cost and waste.  I imagine it will run us about $600-$800/month if she drinks what I feel she needs to drink.  That's only if we can get her to start drinking it at all.  So far, she's NOT a fan and I don't blame her.  It doesn't smell appealing.  And, let me tell you something...Vanilla does not mask the smell and taste of crap!  Poor kid. 

So, here we are.  Me personally, I'm feeling a little defeated.  Staying positive as much as I can but I'm super frustrated.  I wish there was a simple fix for this.


I'll keep you posted.  All I can say is that this BETTER work!

"Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow." 

  ~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

I am thankful to be the person that I am today and for  the opportunity to better myself tomorrow.

 

 

It's the moment when you recognize that you are more than the moment. You are bigger and stronger than any challenge that life could ever throw at you.  Today I am thankful for challenges that make me stronger.  Things have definitely been challenging for us lately and I have to remind myself that it's those times when things are uncomfortable or hurt that we are about to grow.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
                                      from the Guinto's

When you count your blessings it adds up to thankfulness.

 

Today was one of my favorite days of the year.  Every year I serve Thanksgiving dinner to Las Vegas homeless Vets at the Elk's Lodge.  It's truly remarkable to see how appreciative and thankful  the Vets are for our food and service.  All the while, we should be the one's thanking them.  It humbles me to see that they have so little or nothing yet are so grateful.

Lessons to be learned from today:  the little things and the little moments...aren't so little. Less really can be more.  Too often we struggle with the complexities in life and avoid the simplicities.  Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Thank you Las Vegas Vets for your gratitude and to the Elk's lodge for allowing me to participate every year. 

Manifest plainness,
Embrace simplicity,
Reduce selfishness,
Have few desires. 

~ Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching 

 

Today I am thankful that Kadence's hair is starting to grow

                          I can't wait to put it up in pigtails!

Things we can learn from a dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something your not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when  a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you are scolded, don't give into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

..............................................................

I am thankful for the two greatest dogs on earth that help make our house feel like a home.

Riley Jo 7yrs, chocolate Lab and Lexie Rae 5yrs, yellow Lab

Let me introduce you to the joy in our life.....

Kadence Shiree....Thank you for making us smile.  You bring such joy and laughter to our lives.  You make us better people, parents.

We Love You!!!!

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." ~Seneca

Thank you to the random lady in front of us in the Starbucks drive thru who bought our coffee this morning!! 



 

Well...

We did four days of Potty training and have decided to hang the potty up for a while.  Kadence learned a lot and so did I.  She knows what she needs to do but just doesn't want to do it.  And, why would she do it herself when it's so easy to have mommy and daddy do it for her?  I am thankful Kady had  no mess too messy for me to clean!   Stay tuned for round two.

Next month...

HAPPY VETERANS DAY 

to my hero....

My Husband!

Dominic Guinto USMC

Marlon, Tom, Dominic

I love you and am proud of all your accomplishments!

Thank you for all you do...your dedication, love and support for our family.

Out of Darkness

A girlfriend and I participated in the Out of Darkness charity walk for suicide prevention and awareness Sunday.  It was a very emotional and touching day for me.  My brother lost his best friend two years ago to suicide and one of my dearest friends lost her brother this past March to suicide.  It seemed fitting that I help support this cause.  So we walked in honor of my brother's best friend Jeremy and my best friend's brother Ramon.  May they both Rest in Peace.

The opportunity and ability to  participate in events such as this, to help make a difference in a persons life is a privilege not a duty and for that I am thankful.  

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." ~Maya Angelou

While there, one mother shared a very disturbing story with us about her daughter Suzy who had committed suicide 6yrs ago in college at the tender age of nineteen.  

Long story short.....

Suzy had turned to an online suicide group disguised as a chat room which helped her end her life not save it.  This one predator in particular befriended Suzy, became a surrogate father to her in a way and told her the only way out of her depression was to kill herself.  He then proceeded to teach her how to write and send a suicide note so it wouldn't be received too promptly therefore avoiding any interruption of her ending her life.  He also told her how to obtain cyanide and what the lethal dose would be...this is how her life ended.  You'll be amazed to know that Suzy's predator has had 32 "success" stories, a 17yr old child at the time of Suzy's death and will not pay for anything he has done because he is protected by "freedom of speech."  

Suzy's parents are now trying to pass Suzy's Law H.R. 853 making it a crime to use the internet to assist people in committing suicide.   To read more on the life of Suzy and join the thousands helping make this bill a law please visit:    

www.suzyslaw.com

My favorite part of the day is....

when Kadence and I first wake up in the morning. We spend an hour laying in bed snuggling, hugging and kissing.  I am thankful for the gift of time and this time that I get to spend with her.

I love my bug!!

As I sit here messing around with my blog trying to figure out how exactly to work this site making a more creative and pretty looking blog page, I am overcome with an extreme sense of gratitude. Watching Kadence play in the living room, feeling Zoe kick away inside my tummy, waiting for my honey to come home and listening to the two best dogs in the world snore at my feet are just a few of the reasons why I am so grateful. I feel blessed that Dominic has been able to provide for us in a way that allows me to stay home with our daughter. I could NEVER thank him enough. Sometimes it's easy to get distracted with doing other things. An adult can only sing their ABC's, watch Elmo or play with baby dolls so much in a day. It's my promise to my husband, myself and our daughter's not to take for granted what I've been given or this opportunity to spend every waking hour of the day with them. Thank you God for this wonderful life you have given me!!

Now...I could only be more grateful if I could figure out what to make for dinner!

Fall is my all time favorite time of year.  I love every thing about it.  Breathing the crisp air, watching the leaves change color, lighting a warm fire, smelling the lit candles, snuggling under a warm blanket, spending time with friends and family, eating Turkey, putting up the Christmas tree, giving gifts, the fact that I don't have to worry about swimsuit season for another 6 months!  The list could go on and on.  This time of year always seems incomplete for me without taking a moment of reflection or several.  This month I'd like to share all aspects of my life that I am thankful for as I blog for there are many of them.

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!"  ~Amanda Bradley

Halloween was a blast!! The weekend started off with Dom's 40th very merry un-birthday party Friday night. It was a mad hatter themed party and every one dressed up in Alice in Wonderland costumes. Of course he was the Mad Hatter himself and I, the Queen of Hearts. We sure had a lot of fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINIC

Saturday night we took Kadence out trick or treating for the first time. Getting out of the house was a little bit challenging but once we were out, we had a blast. Her exact words for "trick or treat" were "tricky B" She is still saying it today...too cute.

Fall Fun

We did a lot this past weekend...Took Kadence to the Farm to pick out pumpkins, we checked out the historic site at Thule Springs and did the Springs Preserve Haunted Harvest all in one day. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy...

Kady Update

Tomorrow we have a follow up with Kady's G.I Doctor.  We go every month for a follow up but tomorrow we should be getting results of a second opinion.  I'm not sure if I shared with you all already, but her doctor sent biopsies from her colonoscopy and endoscopy off to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Apparently they are the leading Hospital for research of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in the country.  I'm anxious to see if they have found anything different.  Always hoping for an easy find, easy fix.

I'm going to take Kadence to the circus this afternoon.  Dad's out of town, so it'll be a girls day out.  I personally have a fear of clowns and therefore am NOT a fan of the circus, but I'm going to brave it anyway.  A couple of my girlfriends will be joining us and my friend and her daughter as well.  I'm excited to see how Kady will react to it all which will be worth all the torturous clown hell I'm about to put myself through.  I think she's going to dig it!

Dominic and I have officially decided on a name for our daughter to be =o)

Coming this February, Zoe Joelyn Guinto will become an official part of the family.

I can't wait to meet her!

This kid sure knows how to put a smile on your face.  

My nephew Riley 3yrs.

It's a Girl!

...and now for a name.

Skimming through a friend's blog, I realized just how much I've neglected ours. I guess I never put too much time or effort into it to begin with. I'm hoping that's going to change. I really do think it's a neat idea on a much more personal level. You'll have to be patient with me as I update and try to remember how to navigate through it.

I'll be back soon.

Today you would have been 1....

Happy Birthday Ethan!

THE BIG NEWS.....

Dominic and I are expecting baby #2 February 27, 2010.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Pictures by Sarah Graczyk

We have been doing a ton of traveling this summer.  I love to travel and enjoy the experiences with friends and family. It seems that no matter where you go or what happens to you when your there, your travels give you a story tell.  I hope that some day our travels will take us over seas.

"A travel adventure has no substitute. It is the ultimate experience, your one big opportunity for flair."~Rosalind Massow

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism ~~

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Picture of the day

Seaside, Oregon

Congratulations Lance and Nicole.
Making memories that will last a lifetime!! 

6/26/09