tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41016144931985302562024-03-18T22:40:12.942-06:00Barnes Daily CircusA blog about a military family doing anything, anywhere...Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-74364682823883766312015-10-11T17:25:00.000-06:002015-10-13T21:34:38.042-06:00Stitch Fix #6 - October 2015I was SO excited to receive <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">this fix</a>. It came the day I came back from my trip from Seattle, so I tore into it when I got home and settled. <br />
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For more details about how stitchfix works, <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/08/stitch-fix-review-august-2015.html">click here</a>.<br />
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Everything was SO pretty and filled with fun fall pieces for layering. I requested a pair of black skinny jeans in my note, so those came through and she sent a sweater that I had pinned on my pinterest board.<br />
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The dress, I was really excited for because Troy and I are going to a wedding in a few weeks and it looked like a winner for that.<br />
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Here is the styling card and Katie's super sweet note to me.<br />
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I loved the dress when I pulled it out. The weight of it and fabric felt really high end. It was fully lined and tailored beautifully. But when I put it on, I just felt. I dunno. Like I was going to a tennis match? The top was very sporty and did not do nice things for my already deflated chest from nursing 3 babies. Troy loved it and encouraged me to keep it. But ultimately, I don't want to pay for something that I don't feel great it. Verdict: RETURNED<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrCwDutg-3k8XAUvwqX_cN7XrBur1MO3IRncX5tgHxN6p5pbeu6LStRgrbONqTTMdL8YgLrUKY42B4cfa1uqrjrPgplvpjXGMc6W1syF3poUh8F-PSlPE3Xlrmal8xyjU2xIfh1nqD7Xm/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrCwDutg-3k8XAUvwqX_cN7XrBur1MO3IRncX5tgHxN6p5pbeu6LStRgrbONqTTMdL8YgLrUKY42B4cfa1uqrjrPgplvpjXGMc6W1syF3poUh8F-PSlPE3Xlrmal8xyjU2xIfh1nqD7Xm/s400/IMG_0220.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This cardigan is so soft and drapes so nice. It's black and lovely. It made the dress look better. Not good enough to keep the dress. But it's a great laying piece and a nice change to the traditional button up cardigan that I have.<br />
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Also, it has pockets. I LOVE this cardigan. It's super versatile for my wardrobe. Verdict: KEEP<br />
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Next up, black skinny jeans. I paired it with my Corinna Dolman top from another fix and a pair of black boots. Yep. They're a perfect fit. They are my 3rd pair of pants I've been sent and the 3rd pair I've kept. I seriously don't know how they do that. It is so difficult for me to buy pants and they have like, these magic pants. Whatever. Keep them coming, I say. Verdict: KEEP<br />
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View from the side. Look at that...no gaping at the waist band. They have magic stretch pants.<br />
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I put this on and wanted to keep it immediately. But I wanted to keep it because my stylist sent it to me because it was pinned on my pinterest. For some reason, I felt like since she had taken the time to look at my board and acknowledged in my note that she looked, I felt like I had to keep it out of guilt. The more I thought about it and put it on, I was like, meh. The neckline is okay. I love the colors. But ultimately, not doing much for my body and makes my boobs feel small. I don't ever want to keep something because I feel guilty. This is a service that is a luxury that I am paying for. She was doing her job. It just wasn't right for me. Verdict: RETURNED<br />
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And lastly, the bag. When I pulled it out, I thought for sure it was a keeper. Navy is an amazing color for fall and winter. And it's a great neutral. It's like blue jeans. They match everything. I'm all about streamlining the number of times I have to switch all my stuff from purse to purse. I thought it was a cross body bag. But when I took the "strap" out of the purse, there were two straps. They attached to both sides and made it a little longer for over the shoulder carrying. It was a funny length for shoulder carrying and too short to be a cross body. I prefer cross body because when I go out with the twins, they're a hot mess and we're not using a stroller anymore, so they walk and I have to hold their hands and I don't like having a bag slide down my arms into their faces. Verdict: RETURNED<br />
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If you are interested in filling out your own style profile and getting a box of your own,<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955"> click here!</a> It's like Christmas!<br />
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To see what else I've received, click <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/09/stitch-fix-5-september-2015.html">here</a> and <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/08/stitch-fix-review-august-2015.html">here</a>.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-31865148046482034402015-10-11T17:07:00.000-06:002015-10-11T17:07:01.424-06:00Seattle Trip - Part 2Taylor's room sleeps like a dungeon. Her black out curtains are crucial. I slept in for the first time in...I don't even know.<br />
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We got up and Taylor decided we were going on a hike. Which I had been fighting her on since my plane landed the day before. I was like, "um, I did not fly here to work out." But after the day of eating we had, a hike wouldn't be so bad. She lied to me about the distance to convince me though.<br />
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We left her apartment and walked to a restaurant called Portage Bay Cafe. Their motto is "Eat Like You Give a Damn." Well, I do, and yes, I will. We got a mushroom and apple sausage scramble with all kind of local vegetables...so good. And oatmeal crusted french toast. There was a fruit and granola and whipped cream bar to dress up your baked goods. Yes please. I'm pretty sure I gained pound 4 there.<br />
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We walked 2 miles from breakfast to get to Discovery Park. The walk took us through the locks for boats to get in and out of the port/sound. We watched a couple boats go in and out while they added and took away water. It was pretty cool. They also have a salmon run area that no fish were using because the salmon breeding time is over. But it was pretty cool.<br />
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Then we got to the park area. After being in Las Vegas for 3 years, I gotta tell ya. The foliage was GORGEOUS. Fall had definitely arrived in Seattle and I was loving it.<br />
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We picked (and ate) wild blackberries. The ones sitting in the sun were delicious and sweet.<br />
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And then another 2 miles back to her apartment. There were some crazy stairs up and down in that park. I was ready to be done. Taylor lives in Ballard, which is one of the neighborhood areas. Everything is super walkable and accessible. On the way back, Taylor suggested, in between my whining about my hurting feet, that we hit up the massage place. It was $30 for a 60 minute massage. Taylor says they "push all the air out of your fingers when they massage your arms and hands." Seriously Taylor. That is not a thing. There is not air in your fingers. Just saying.<br />
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The catch is for the cheap price, you're in a room with 10 other people with your clothes on, so you hear all the rubbing, slapping and clapping while they massage other people. DONE! It had it's moments where I was like, "do these people know what they're doing?" or "Ouch, do know that's a bone?" But for the most part, for $30, it was totally worth it.<br />
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Here's my phone pedometer for the morning. We got back to Taylor's apartment by about 3, after our massages.<br />
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When we got back to her apartment, we opened a bottle of wine and made a plate of snackies. And watched Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.<br />
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Went back downtown to get a drink, Taylor's favorite drink in Seattle. It's at a bar called RN74. I can't remember what the drink is called. I ordered a drink called "what she's having" so when you order you say "I'll have 'what she's having.'" My drink was champagne and lemonade and had some basil in it? I think. We spent the time at this bar watching the sommelier. Which is basically a wine expert. There's a documentary on 4 guys trying to pass the advanced somm test on Netflix that Taylor has seen (she's such a foodie) that we watched the next day as a result of seeing this guy. His only job is to taste wine and pair them for the restaurant with different foods and desserts. I want that job. <br />
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This was my "official birthday dinner," so we went to a restaurant called Radiator Whiskeys. I know, more eating right? It was located on the second floor of a building right across from the Pike's Fish Market, so we had a good street view for people watching. The food was bbq style and the restaurant was teeny. The drinks were strong and the food was good. We ordered a turkey leg with fingerling potatoes and braised beef brisket and a green apple salad with radishes. SO delicious.<br />
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Here's me with a picture of the menu. Apparently, you can call ahead an order half a pigs head. But they only have 4 of those (so two pigs heads a night) and they're supposedly delicious. The cheeks and jowls are "amazing." I don't care if you're a foodie, Taylor. That sounds kind of gross.<br />
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The we went down to the bottom floor of the same building to a little tiny theater called "Can-Can" for a burlesque show. More drinks. Big drinks. Taylor ordered bengiets. I passed. Because wine.<br />
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The show was kind of "broadway" themed. They did songs from Hairspray, Grease, and ? a few others that I don't really remember. Because wine.<br />
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We got home late and slept late. And got up to do the ONLY thing I wanted to do in Seattle. Go to a local farmers market. We walked to the one in Ballard and bought all of the stuff we would need for dinner and making my birthday cupcakes there. And flowers. And apple cider. <br />
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Here's our loot for the farmers market. We pretty much cleaned up.<br />
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We watched that documentary on sommeliers (called Somm, I highly recommend it....it was great) and Orange is the New Black. And drank 2 bottles of wine. <br />
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My birthday dinner. Butternut squash and mushroom risotto with leeks. Yum.<br />
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Lemon and blackberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing.<br />
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My plane was scheduled to leave on monday afternoon about 1:20pm. And I'm a paranoid traveler. I like to be at the airport the 2 hours early. Even when I'm traveling alone and am carrying on bags. So we got dressed and headed downtown again to the Starbucks roasting and tasting room. It's the only one in the country. And check out the door. It's really serious. Seriously heavy.<br />
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This is Taylor and me waiting for our flight of coffee. I gotta admit though. I drink coffee every day. And I like my creamer. I buy the fru-fru flavored creamer, I buy pumpkin spice lattes and I love seasonal drinks they serve at Starbucks. This flight of coffee made me feel like a baby. Black coffee is serious. But seeing as we went to the roasting and tasting room, I felt all this pressure with the baristas. They stand there at the bar (like where they serve alcohol) and take orders, making them, while all the patrons watch. So after they make you a drink, you have a barista staring at you, as well as the rest of patrons, making sure you don't wince or make a face. I play poker face well. I wanted to like it. <br />
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But after we finished our "flight" I was relieved and excited to order my menu regular, a skinny vanilla latte. Yum.<br />
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This was the center of the bar, where all the baristas received their fresh roasted beans from the ovens. They ground them up and made fresh coffee.<br />
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My regret is that I didn't buy a Seattle Starbucks coffee mug. You know, the ones with the city skyline on them? I almost bought one like 5 times in the airport.<br />
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I had a good flight back to Las Vegas, and took a cab to meet some friends from Dover when I landed. It was hot.<br />
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Overall, I give Seattle a big old fat stamp of approval. I loved that the whole city seemed supportive of small businesses, buying local, living within your means, being considerate, and walking everywhere. I can see why Taylor loves it. I can't wait to go back! I gotta lose this weight first...Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-54220451923718282892015-10-10T10:57:00.000-06:002015-10-10T10:57:09.615-06:00Pitch PerfectPitch Perfect is one of my all time favorite movies. I just love it so much.<br />
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While sitting in a bar with Taylor in Seattle, she was scrolling through instagram and there was an upload from Rebel Wilson that Pitch Perfect 3 was going to be released. <br />
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Taylor and I screamed, high-fived, toasted and then proceeded to make a replica movie poster. <br />
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We were those girls. Sitting at the bar with the selfie timer on for a good 20 minutes to get a good picture. We kept laughing while taking pictures and then retaking it. It turned out pretty okay, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bRFhVOlOf1m-ul_gYRY_qGMwiyGKZeZJYNjAe3GCCeZKajzwcpW2QFkIy_6oQzR-64NSrXM11o73FTFOYcEEbPlnbCtsk6LniB6S8vsCM64LQRR6M3Wn7KkkebkjGAeGMxTx849nfiyk/s1600/IMG_0150.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bRFhVOlOf1m-ul_gYRY_qGMwiyGKZeZJYNjAe3GCCeZKajzwcpW2QFkIy_6oQzR-64NSrXM11o73FTFOYcEEbPlnbCtsk6LniB6S8vsCM64LQRR6M3Wn7KkkebkjGAeGMxTx849nfiyk/s400/IMG_0150.PNG" /></a></div>Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-65248122651550555332015-10-09T13:48:00.002-06:002015-10-09T13:48:59.539-06:00Ageing Gracefully - Seattle Trip Part 1So, I'm officially in my thirties. I'm good with it. I went to Seattle to visit my sister for the weekend.<br />
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Back in May, Southwest was having this crazy flash sale with flights starting at $49 one way, so I decided to look up flights to Seattle, since they were cheap and wanted a good deal. Taylor comes to visit 3 times a year, so it's only fair, really. Low and behold, a round trip ticket on Southwest for $160. It wasn't $100, but I figured that was a pretty great price, so click and done! I bought them without checking with Troy first, figuring, it's my birthday, he can't be mad :)<br />
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I left on thursday afternoon and had a very relaxing flight there. The plane landed about 630pm and Taylor picked me up to go downtown and we met Aunt Leslie for dinner at a place called Terra Plata for dinner. It was delicious. One thing you should know about Taylor. She is a MAJOR foodie. I never order when we are together. She is the BEST orderer. I usually don't even look at the menu. She is awesome. As a side note, I weighed myself after the trip. I gained 6 pounds. In 4 days. Not my best. You'll see why after all the food pictures in this blog...lots of food and more booze than I normally have in 6 weeks.<br />
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We went back to her apartment and went to bed about 11pm.<br />
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Taylor had to get up friday morning and go to a meeting for work. I stayed home and drank coffee for 4 hours, laid on the couch and watched Netflix. It was the fastest 4 hours of my life. When I'm home with the kids, those are our busy hours and I feel like I'm always checking things off my to do list. Not that day. It was wonderful.<br />
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I realized how much time had gone by and I told Taylor I'd be showered, dressed and ready to go by 1230 when she got home. The leisurely shower I had planned was out the door because I let time get away from me. Whoops.<br />
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I rushed around and got ready, just in time. Taylor got home and we headed out to Seattle's famous Pikes Market. You know, where they throw the fish. I always picture the opening scene from the Real World, where they toss the fish and "The Real World" is written on the fish. We had pesto lasagna and mushroom risotto at a restaurant called The Pink Door and a few glasses of wine. Yum.<br />
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Then we walked across the alley and went to a wine bar called the Tasting Room, where I ordered a flight of wine called "Aging Gracefully." It was yummy. I don't consider myself a wine taster/connoiseur AT ALL, but when you drink wine one after the other, you can really taste the difference. I'm normally like, WINE!! It's good. All wine is good. But all wine is not good when compared one right after the other. So lesson learned.<br />
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Then we went and walked around Pike's Market. The very first ever Starbucks is there. The line was absurd. We did not get coffee there. But that's okay. We were already AT LEAST 1 bottle of wine in. At 2pm.<br />
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I'll tell you what though. Flower in Seattle are GORGEOUS. And cheap. It was ridiculous. If I were to get married there, I would just go down to the market the day of the ceremony and buy the $5 bouquets. Stick them in a watering can and call it good. They were absolutely beautiful.<br />
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I mean, seriously right?<br />
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Taylor documented just about everything. <br />
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I'm an embarrassed tourist. Meaning I HATE looking like a tourist with all the posing and taking pictures. I want to look like a local. She kept making stand and pose for everything. I started making ridiculous faces in retalition to her forced tourist shots. Which you will see momentarily.<br />
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I like to eat. Hence the 6 pounds. The bakeries down there were awesome. I get excited about food. I have no self control with portions. I ate that whole thing.<br />
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And then we went to a brewery.<br />
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I had the cider. It was delicious. We hung out at the brewery for a bit and then went for a long walk to the Mariners stadium.<br />
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Isn't that pretty?<br />
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Let me tell you. After walking around Seattle, my hips were SO sore. I know, I know. I turn 30 and start complaining about my old lady hips. But for real. Those Seattle hills are ridiculous. I thought I was gonna face plant about 20 times.<br />
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We walked to the Mariner's stadium for a baseball game, but we were a little early. We ducked into a bar next to the stadium called Elysian that serves Taylor's favorite fall brew, called the Night Owl. Here we are, with me looking silly excited about my beer. But in all honesty, here's my review. JUST BECAUSE YOU DUMP NUTMEG AND CLOVES IN A BEER BREWED WITH PUMPKIN, IT DOES NOT MAKE IT GOOD. Just saying. It was okay.<br />
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This gets more embarrassing. I seriously ate so much this weekend. The next thing I ate was called a Seattle Dog. Ermahgerd. It was delicious. It was a park hotdog with cream cheese, grilled onions and peppers on it. So. Damn. Good. Can you tell by my face? I ate the whole thing.<br />
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I just love baseball games. Especially that day. It is SO HOT in Vegas still. It was wonderful to do an outdoor activity where it was officially fall weather in that location. The people watching was good. The Mariners lost, but, c'est la vie. <br />
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It was fan appreciation night, so we got a fireworks show. Which I was SUPER impressed with. The quality of the fireworks was excellent.<br />
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Part 2 - coming up soon! Hiking and SURPRISE!! More eating. Those pounds had to come from somewhere.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-40134663245262251352015-10-08T16:01:00.003-06:002015-10-08T16:01:35.540-06:00Anecdotes with AveryKids are hilarious. Good thing too.<br />
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Recent conversations with Avery include but are not limited to:<br />
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Troy is driving Avery to school and it is the first ACTUAL rainy, cloudy day in months.<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> Look at this! What does it look like to you?<br />
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<b>Avery:</b> I don't know.<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> If we were in the Lion King, what would it look like?<br />
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<b>Avery:</b> AN ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD!<br />
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Look at that face. I love it so much, I could just punch it. She makes my teeth hurt she's so sweet.<br />
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One of the bonuses of Avery getting older, is that she can do her whole bedtime routine herself. <br />
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<b>Avery:</b> DAD!!! DAD! I NEED YOU! I'M HAVING A HEART ATTACK IN HERE!<br />
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Troy comes running into the bathroom-<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> What's wrong? Are you okay?<br />
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<b>Avery:</b> I'm squeezing and squeezing but I can't get the toothpaste out. Help me.<br />
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Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-68640585700137759742015-09-10T17:41:00.000-06:002015-09-10T17:41:55.720-06:00Stitch Fix #5 - September 2015YAY!!! It's Stitch Fix day! If you missed my last box, <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/08/stitch-fix-review-august-2015.html">here it is!!</a> <<<---click here.
<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">You sign up</a>, fill out a style detailed style profile about yourself, pick a day, and VOILA! Clothes and accessories arrive on your doorstep. You try everything on, keep what you want, send the rest back in a prepaid envelope. When you check out online, they charge you for what you kept. There are a few more details than that, but <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/08/stitch-fix-review-august-2015.html">click here for more details</a>.<br />
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On to the fun part. The stuff:<br />
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Here's my box. Freshly opened and wrapped.<br />
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Here's the styling card with my note from Katie - who is my stylist. She is the same one from last month who sent me the 5/5 keeper box. I requested to keep her in my note when I checked out last time.<br />
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Here are all the clothes, laid out and unboxed. I try and get dressed, fix my hair and style all the clothes with SOMETHING from my own closet so I know I'm filling a hole in my wardrobe if I decide to keep something.<br />
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Here is the asymmetrical zip up jacket. I think the collar is a little big. I love the style though...just wish the collar was smaller. It's a little short as well. But it feels well made and really soft. I just don't think it's something I'd reach for as a jacket. It's too thick for a cardigan or everyday wear. Verdict: RETURN<br />
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I like it a lot better unzipped. It looks more flowy. I also paired it with the jeans from my last fix. <br />
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Here's the plaid shirt. At first glance, I thought this was a for sure keeper. After putting it on, it's a definite no. It feels crunchy. Like cheap crunchy. I love the details though. The buttons, inside of the sleeves and collar are all a black and white plaid that is adorable. But for the price, it better feel awesome and wash well, which I don't think it will. Verdict: RETURN<br />
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Here is the mixed material top. The front has a slight textured print and the backing and sleeves is a thick jersey. It feels AMAZING and I'm super into 3/4 length sleeves. It hangs great and it's a perfect fall color with a pair of boots and long necklace. I love the neck also. The v-neck part splits and transitions into the collar. I'm worried about how this will wash and reshape. I also just feel like it's a little boring. Verdict: on the fence. I'm gonna get Troy in on this one.<br />
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This is like the MUST HAVE Stitch Fix item. The Market and Spruce Corinna Dolman Top. Everyone has one or has been sent one. They come in a bunch of colors. I kept wondering what the hubbub was all about. Well. NOW I KNOW. It is so soft and comfy. And I love that I can dress it up with a pencil skirt or dress it down with jeans. I love it. VERDICT: KEEP<br />
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These pants are another Stitch Fix staple. They are Margaret M "Emers." Everyone RAVES about them. And I was like WTF. They're pants. Pants suck. How can so many people love these and them fit every single person who tries them on? Ridiculous.<br />
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Well, jokes on me. They have this fitted band at the top and they fit like leggings, but are thicker and WAY comfy. Like dress pants, but sweat pants. It's absurd. They don't look that special from far away. I paired them with a black shirt, but I can pair them with ANY colored shirt and they would look amazing. Get ready for the close up.<br />
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BAM! How pretty are those pants? I'm serious. They're amazing. And for the price, they better be. Verdict: KEEP...with permission from Troy. They're $98. Ouch. <br />
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So there's box number 5. What do you think I should keep? Do you like the maroon shirt? What about the emers? VOTES PLEASE! Back me up!<br />
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Sign up if you like what you see, <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">click here and make your own style profile</a>! I get a referral credit if you <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">click here</a> :)Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-38113765801542588592015-09-10T17:25:00.002-06:002015-09-23T16:58:43.991-06:00Tickle MonsterSo I grew up with a mom who "tickled me." Not like, haha. But like gently with her fingernails, make your hair stand up in a good way tickling. <br />
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Now, as a mom, I'm pretty she did it all the time because it made me sit down and shut up. It feels so good. Troy loves it and my kids love it. <br />
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Caris is a busy, busy child. She hardly EVER sits down or shuts up. She is constantly making noise, whether it be from knocking things over and making a mess or yelling. Or a combination of the two. She's the closest thing to a boy that Troy is going to get. <br />
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Caris LOVES getting tickled. Like, come sit on your lap and picks up your hand with hers to put on her skin. And demands to be tickled. And is never done. <br />
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How cute is this? For real. You also hear Kinley singing her ABCs.<br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_yDHZGVWF7o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-33273185440361164082015-08-31T18:03:00.000-06:002015-08-31T18:03:22.929-06:00Kinley ColorsMY CHAIRS.<br />
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She's supposed to be my good baby. Caris is my mischievous one. But my first child to color furniture was Kinley. I never would have thought.<br />
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Avery loves to color. Like, for hours. Sit her down with a coloring book and a box of markers and we won't hear from her for 2-3 hours, with occasional requests for a drink. I'm serious.<br />
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Unfortunately, the twins think that coloring is like the unicorn of all activities. Whenever they get the chance they're like COLOR!!!!<br />
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MARKERS!<br />
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In the mouth. With occasional good aim on paper. It definitely requires supervision.<br />
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When I got home from work the other day, our nanny was coloring with the kids and I started dinner while she was still there. When she left, I mommy-brained and forgot they were coloring.<br />
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When I looked up, Kinley was standing on a chair, booty up in the air, coloring on our kitchen chairs. I should have known...she was being quiet. Quiet = trouble<br />
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She had colored on EVERY CHAIR in the EXACT SAME SPOT.<br />
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Avery definitely has about 50 markers that are in this<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-58-8750-Telescoping-Pip-Squeaks-Assorted/dp/B000KWMWS6"> giant marker tower.</a> <<<<----click here to see it
And Kinley somehow got a hold of the ONLY black marker. And boy, did she go for it. The most shocking part was that Avery didn't tell me. She is definitely in the tattle tale phase with her sisters right now.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdYHW4s-ERqs-bun5-JYG5Ik6O_-DrQky3rHdSaUYKOjuDx5sXq_lmVVtnNwGyvmPs05p8yRtbQcTr5K__5DbJVwHH9ZFY7qPCeK1Z63EMfTY4zbbJdKv46-JWFrCzFf6VjqNXvHRrKQI/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdYHW4s-ERqs-bun5-JYG5Ik6O_-DrQky3rHdSaUYKOjuDx5sXq_lmVVtnNwGyvmPs05p8yRtbQcTr5K__5DbJVwHH9ZFY7qPCeK1Z63EMfTY4zbbJdKv46-JWFrCzFf6VjqNXvHRrKQI/s400/IMG_1591.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kinley's sweet face when I told her "NO" and took her precious marker away.<br />
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I couldn't stay mad at her for long.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-7816209598857568842015-08-30T11:37:00.000-06:002015-08-30T11:37:30.875-06:00Stitch Fix Review - August 2015Raise your hand if you have a hard time picking out fashion forward clothing! *raises hand*<br />
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Raise your hand if you have kids and hate standing in a dressing room with kids running around or screaming while you try on clothes quickly only to realize that they don't fit as well as you thought in the poorly lit store! *raises hand*<br />
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Raise your hand if you spend 8 dollars on clothing at the clearance racks in Target just because it's cheap? And then wear it once or twice and the neck stretches or it doesn't wash well or unravels! *raises hand*<br />
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OOOO ME FOR ALL THINGS!<br />
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I got down to a <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2015/08/we-went-on-cruise-by-ourselves.html">good post pregnancy weight</a> and had found myself in a rut. I would find a shirt I liked at Target and buy it in 5 colors. I would troll the racks in TJ Maxx and buy things because they were a good deal, not because I liked them, or fit well, or were in "season". I was in a hurry and would grab something to try on, with all my kids with me, and get home and didn't fit as well as I thought. And I'm so lazy, I wouldn't return it. <br />
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VOILA! A whole closet of ill fitting, boring, nursing stretched out clothes.<br />
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Then, my friend suggested I try <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">Stitch Fix</a>. I'm hooked.<br />
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It's amazing.<br />
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You fill out a very detailed style profile about your self. BE HONEST. It's all about your sizes, your body type, selecting items and outfits that you like or don't like, and your body proportions (with questions like, "do you think you have broad shoulders, do you have wide hips, would you say that your torso is long, etc). <br />
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Then, you pick a date. And you can request certain things from your stylist in a personal note. You can ask for things like, "I'd really like a cardigan for fall that I can wear to work." Or "Can you include a little black dress because I am going to a bachelorette party this month?" I actually did that one and they sent me two dresses :)<br />
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They charge you a $20 "styling fee" and someone personally selects 5 items for you. If you keep 1 thing out of your box, the $20 is subtracted from your total. Then a box of goodies arrives on your doorstep. And it's like Christmas. The giddy anxiety of the surprise is amazing. Since I buy pretty basic items, some of the items your stylist sends will be out of your comfort zone. TRY ON EVERYTHING ANYWAY!<br />
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You open your box and see this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GZdze7aRGVXJmsn82g-qOZFlwTQxaWhXg5nMRY4p-VhrumQhk6uzyIW6x8idxlTyAGIwSSQiDYgfhQf6ifb7-Asppi023l17E-c2hmIjYciVgFVwhkV1AEKTjkUWBQLd4D3Q_ZDIhhx8/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GZdze7aRGVXJmsn82g-qOZFlwTQxaWhXg5nMRY4p-VhrumQhk6uzyIW6x8idxlTyAGIwSSQiDYgfhQf6ifb7-Asppi023l17E-c2hmIjYciVgFVwhkV1AEKTjkUWBQLd4D3Q_ZDIhhx8/s400/IMG_1581.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Oh the possibilities! This is actually my 4th fix and my first 5/5, meaning I kept all 5 items in the box.<br />
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This is the wishbone fringe necklace:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZNcXzQ1Mn6nYglZz1YIFWHZJV2-oogzMyUD1sDcqeM2zj2NZu6JAsey5NKLe_RSuN6qcONecQ4hBeG2CwTJtYypR1KiDk5P9Ac4juBXSZCETvmC8hGriMdQgseq2RQPCzQajZEVWeGjU/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZNcXzQ1Mn6nYglZz1YIFWHZJV2-oogzMyUD1sDcqeM2zj2NZu6JAsey5NKLe_RSuN6qcONecQ4hBeG2CwTJtYypR1KiDk5P9Ac4juBXSZCETvmC8hGriMdQgseq2RQPCzQajZEVWeGjU/s400/IMG_1584.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is my first pair of jeans in 4 fixes and Oh. My. Goodness. They fix amazing. Which is shocking because finding pants for a girl who is pear shaped is NOT easy. They're actually a little long, but since they're skinnies, I plan on tucking them into boots for fall and winter, and then rolling them boyfriend style, for the rest of summer. I also love that they're dark, because I can dress them up with heels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXdW2dqyItTekDUdDdRYC6fv79UxawpPdJr6qwXGA44QFsmLvVG5LuOtSG_1zY-aNg6ahrIJXXbfL-nQKG7O21HiI0HIyyz8G9rUjv06NcsfZYwS9_kttPae2quy3FFHZl0a8G0u_rgiS/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXdW2dqyItTekDUdDdRYC6fv79UxawpPdJr6qwXGA44QFsmLvVG5LuOtSG_1zY-aNg6ahrIJXXbfL-nQKG7O21HiI0HIyyz8G9rUjv06NcsfZYwS9_kttPae2quy3FFHZl0a8G0u_rgiS/s400/IMG_1585.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is the Pixley Edmund Chevron Print Henley knit top. I am obsessed. This is one of the softest shirts I've ever worn. And I love the detailing with the buttons on the sleeves. I have a long torso too, so this is a great length. With my new jeans (rolled) and a pair of sandals.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT39V9WTDlgQTiS7OI1lK5xrhgML0LoSSw4HbPfpvTQwg-DdOU2L6lH31MrONPWFFCJ-dPKOt2tT1X4PfY1vaeJ56GlpP81C4gn2Bluj65K3glCYXyjlNZT8kErsf6KbEZ6AIYummiSSYG/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT39V9WTDlgQTiS7OI1lK5xrhgML0LoSSw4HbPfpvTQwg-DdOU2L6lH31MrONPWFFCJ-dPKOt2tT1X4PfY1vaeJ56GlpP81C4gn2Bluj65K3glCYXyjlNZT8kErsf6KbEZ6AIYummiSSYG/s400/IMG_1594.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is hands down my favorite thing that came in the box. It's a hoodie. But dressier. So I can wear it of the house and look super put together. In a hoodie. This is the Loveappella Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt. And those are the same jeans tucked into my favorite grey boots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8iR238fkIozbVbyvmqLJ5xEEmd-7yd74xixiFRv5d3yFiEbJ8TvLm5F9iNkKCfApe-b_0bm97OZ9X5YtlWhzRBa7YVwRGfoFBhh61ojtmz_xCHgm4kVAci6a2iR-HCxuYJJVWZPL8oFx/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8iR238fkIozbVbyvmqLJ5xEEmd-7yd74xixiFRv5d3yFiEbJ8TvLm5F9iNkKCfApe-b_0bm97OZ9X5YtlWhzRBa7YVwRGfoFBhh61ojtmz_xCHgm4kVAci6a2iR-HCxuYJJVWZPL8oFx/s400/IMG_1596.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I love wearing stripes. And this shirt is so cute. I was hesitant at first, because I refuse to wear a shirts that I can't wear a bra with straps. I put on a nude bra and crossed my fingers. SUCCESS! I can wear a nude bra and you can't see the straps through the lace detailing on the sleeves and across the back. This is the Market and Spruce Gillia Lace Detail knit top. And those are the same pants from this fix with wedges.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e7PbY36Zx-uaCcaseFvvCGiiBY6wXAkh5JJr7fnJnIzbNBg7YIAPOYvpZg-_n5aNOMlyO5x5ALYUyo0sP6DwWUlgalBl0wkqljXlgxEgkytsEQhyphenhyphenaWbYwotkmDGNtyD1nFcOFkxpxAz6/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e7PbY36Zx-uaCcaseFvvCGiiBY6wXAkh5JJr7fnJnIzbNBg7YIAPOYvpZg-_n5aNOMlyO5x5ALYUyo0sP6DwWUlgalBl0wkqljXlgxEgkytsEQhyphenhyphenaWbYwotkmDGNtyD1nFcOFkxpxAz6/s400/IMG_1600.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Here is a close up of the lace detailing. It's SO pretty.<br />
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The other thing I love is that my stylist sends a "styling card." It shows the versatility of different pieces in the box so that you can wear the item in different ways with items you might already have in your closet. Your stylist also writes you a note (top right box of the styling card in the picture) with suggestions and tips for styling your items. Which, for someone like me, who doesn't have a fashionable bone in their body, is a godsend.<br />
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So then you decide what you're keeping. If you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount on the total cost of the box. Minus the $20 styling fee. If you send it all back, they keep your $20 for shipping. So that sucks. Then you go to the <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">Stitch Fix website</a> and CHECK OUT. You fill out a questionnaire about the fit and style of everything inside so that they can consider that for your next box. Then you put the items you DON'T want into a bag with a prepaid label that came in your box. And drop it off at a UPS, USPS or Fed-Ex. DONE.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zKWW-xRE9lr_rlL2dL7aghT8GeCYMg-aeQX3zBS8Y3A2fPU5d19CbP2Cv54D_LWh5D7-6_TZyTRSzBw0FwY8HeHOn9nV49f3o97oHTtx-ASweZslTwKmCglbk9j7RH8mhJRMofL-ZVjs/s1600/IMG_1580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zKWW-xRE9lr_rlL2dL7aghT8GeCYMg-aeQX3zBS8Y3A2fPU5d19CbP2Cv54D_LWh5D7-6_TZyTRSzBw0FwY8HeHOn9nV49f3o97oHTtx-ASweZslTwKmCglbk9j7RH8mhJRMofL-ZVjs/s400/IMG_1580.JPG" /></a></div><br />
You can pick the frequency you receive your boxes. Some people get boxes every 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month or whatever. It's part of your styling profile and can change it at any time.<br />
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If you fall into any of the above categories, <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">CLICK HERE</a> and fill out a styling profile and see what you think!<br />
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I love my new items and while the prices are more than I would normally pay, I have SO much self control in Target over impulse purchases now. I can walk by and be like, "NOPE!! My box comes in two weeks, I don't need your clearance rack!" I've been able to seriously shut down impulse buying.<br />
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If you decide to try it, I'll get a <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">referral credit</a> to use towards an item in my next fix! <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955">Try it. Try it.</a><br />
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https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5323955Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-12226739328725204072015-08-17T17:06:00.002-06:002015-08-17T17:13:15.127-06:00We Went on a Cruise - BY OURSELVESYep, you read that right. The last time Troy and I went on vacation by ourselves was in June of 2010. Troy had just come home from a deployment and we went on a 1 week all inclusive trip to Cancun. And then I got pregnant with Avery in the September. <br />
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And then we had a 5 year vacation drought. Which we FINALLY ended this year. Thank you Jesus. It was just so needed. I wish I could tell you that we partied hard. And stayed up all night. And acted like we were in college.<br />
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Lets play a game called truths and a lie. You guess which one is the lie.<br />
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1. We went to bed the first night at 8pm and slept a solid 14 hours.<br />
2. We ordered room service for breakfast every day and hung out in our room like homebodies. Eating in bed. Reading. Dozing until 10am.<br />
3. We napped almost every day for 2-3 hours.<br />
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If you guessed they were all true, you are right. Seriously, we were lame. And by lame, I mean, awesome. Awesome at catching up on all the sleep we missed for 5 years. In addition, when we were hanging out by the pool during the day, we were sleeping. Or reading. Or eating. It was SO necessary.<br />
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I'm serious. If you have not gone into vacation being like, "My goal is to be as rested as possible at the end of this trip," you haven't lived.<br />
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People who say, "you can sleep when you're dead" haven't ever had a baby. Or twins. Or just been really mentally exhausted. Because tired.<br />
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Anyway. How did we achieve this feat? My mom and stepdad flew out to Vegas to handle the hooligans for us.<br />
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We drove to Longbeach, California and first things first. We went to Chick-Fil-A. Seriously. And then we got on the boat. And promptly fell asleep. Just kidding. We had a couple cocktails and stumbled to formal dinner first. Then we fell asleep. Not kidding. See above.<br />
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In addition, does anyone remember <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2014/02/operation-stop-eating.html">that post I wrote about 18 months ago</a> (<<<<----click there for before pics)? About needing to lose weight? Well, I fell off the blogging bandwagon and continued to lose weight. Troy snapped this picture without me knowing and I found it while going through vacation pictures. Mom body = awesome. I'll take it. Even if it is an unflattering picture of my face.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOTXR2X1wABIh__H_tiDTpVme0GImXGtDAVlBAR-637WAZuBPvVXS7kEOozhkxTkeUc0yglEsWlJ5YAj6fcFoS0lSZW1J8j95sxzYv-iqoAlbzifNVKT5-L5IOsmPVrOM5bMLvAwIoxpH/s1600/DSCN4898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOTXR2X1wABIh__H_tiDTpVme0GImXGtDAVlBAR-637WAZuBPvVXS7kEOozhkxTkeUc0yglEsWlJ5YAj6fcFoS0lSZW1J8j95sxzYv-iqoAlbzifNVKT5-L5IOsmPVrOM5bMLvAwIoxpH/s400/DSCN4898.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is Troy's best Zoolander face.<br />
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It was a 7 day cruise (7 DAYS WITHOUT KIDS!!!!) and we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. <br />
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We did excursions in all 3 places. In Puerto Vallarta, we paid to go to a resort on the beach to sleep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X5vsUBLnXlhDwlz52KVDUAMYoPzHg7OVsQsTus3YjAVqsGeWLkm_r4Ar8crZQYZmwQ7MAGpWCWlw7WMyPIPVGS2otmpeUdxaFU2OCqW90eRJQtvfIMOnOyvKME1IIYUpvUFLwZLTCl-e/s1600/DSCN4900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X5vsUBLnXlhDwlz52KVDUAMYoPzHg7OVsQsTus3YjAVqsGeWLkm_r4Ar8crZQYZmwQ7MAGpWCWlw7WMyPIPVGS2otmpeUdxaFU2OCqW90eRJQtvfIMOnOyvKME1IIYUpvUFLwZLTCl-e/s400/DSCN4900.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Kidding. Not really. We took a bus to a resort with this amazeballs pool where you could climb up a tower thing into this crocodile and slide down the tail into the belly out the mouth into the pool. Our pass to the resort also included a buffet lunch and all you could drink and pool. Yes, please. Needless to say, Troy and I grabbed a cabana, drank, slept and read for a while. Went and had lunch and drank some more. <br />
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Here's the slide. Awesome, right?<br />
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By then we were sliding down the alligator like 4 year olds. Okay, I was. Yelling. I think the resort staff was relieved when the bus pulled away. When we left, there was a cage with a tiger inside located outside the main entrance of the resort. Troy IMMEDIATELY yelled to the bus tour guide, "YOU COULDN'T TELL US THERE WERE TIGERS HERE EARILER??" Woah, buddy. It's not that serious.<br />
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The weather was definitely the nicest in Mazatlan, but it was definitely the scariest port. If you go on this cruise, do an excursion so you don't get taken, Liam Neesan style from the port. Seriously. We also took tequila shots here. Here are our post tequila shot grimaces.<br />
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This was the best exclusion we went on, in my opinion. We got on a bus and they took us to a smaller port. We got on a catamaran and took a ride to a place called Deer Island. There were no deer. We did a kayak trip around the island. Which was gorgeous. And Troy did most of the work, so I just got to relax. And sleep. Just kidding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg307LsTsI5f4zyaY5wOdvb1cy9mSDVizM_uK2wba-ySBE1H2wWole4Nuny7H374yzbWN4QkR24UbjUcmKaTvCxBWITe-JCKOKvPysi07bD5xakcy5Jimrk3nozR-Bl9Gen7FMQQmTvFz4F/s1600/DSCN4935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg307LsTsI5f4zyaY5wOdvb1cy9mSDVizM_uK2wba-ySBE1H2wWole4Nuny7H374yzbWN4QkR24UbjUcmKaTvCxBWITe-JCKOKvPysi07bD5xakcy5Jimrk3nozR-Bl9Gen7FMQQmTvFz4F/s400/DSCN4935.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After the kayaking, there was lunch and a bar setup for relaxing on the beach. Which was GORGEOUS. The weather was beautiful and the island is deserted except for the people on the excursion. It was awesome. And I took ZERO pictures. Just in my brain. Then we took the catamaran back to Mazatlan and the bus back to the port. Which was scary. Don't even get off the boat if you don't go on an excursion in Mazatlan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6gsuUn4EaDtPstShhpyqsWULAobV9WUj73QGVpRrQ1W01GP0VLlFpYOiCG1SsKHAsFsULVHdXyXnQk1G6pgn2IRRJzNoDW8nF9aFlrQ7zDrtDo-qO-WszICjpLmRrXTPiaTrCieAlDFw/s1600/DSCN4914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6gsuUn4EaDtPstShhpyqsWULAobV9WUj73QGVpRrQ1W01GP0VLlFpYOiCG1SsKHAsFsULVHdXyXnQk1G6pgn2IRRJzNoDW8nF9aFlrQ7zDrtDo-qO-WszICjpLmRrXTPiaTrCieAlDFw/s400/DSCN4914.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Cabo was the prettiest, most tourist friendly port. They also had the tethers. You actually got on a little boat from the cruise ship to go into the port. Which was fun.<br />
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We went horseback riding on the beach. We took a bus to a farm kind of place with horses and ATVs. So our bus had two different excursions on it. Troy got the good horse. There was an area of flat beach where if you could get your horse to listen to you, you were allowed to RUN. Troy got his horse to run. Mine wouldn't listen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRr9ge4C00PzzMPYf5_njFLbTLay-kp-k4aNwMnpjlJc0Khyphenhyphen0zmUJkUgMeXVsnrxykk9udEBvlOY-kgDoCYlZ_yARmaUGLGOX-Cys_D0-iqAR70f_anfjVvSZWcdE6EC4-U8_hMcHkqGB/s1600/DSCN4959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRr9ge4C00PzzMPYf5_njFLbTLay-kp-k4aNwMnpjlJc0Khyphenhyphen0zmUJkUgMeXVsnrxykk9udEBvlOY-kgDoCYlZ_yARmaUGLGOX-Cys_D0-iqAR70f_anfjVvSZWcdE6EC4-U8_hMcHkqGB/s400/DSCN4959.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We didn't have on helmets or anything, but this was Troy's theory:<br />
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Those horses were super trained to look at the horses butt in front of them. If you tried to steer them away from the horse's butt in front on them, they were physically agitated. By telling people that you could run your horse on the beach, it implied you had to have enough riding experience and knowledge of horse handling that you could command your house to listen. They figure, if you can get your house to actually listen to you, you're probably experienced enough to be on a horse while it's running. Well. I guess I suck then. And Troy is awesome.<br />
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Anyways. We had a really good time. But the weather was pretty terrible. It rained while we were horseback riding. The storm on the beach was beautiful though. <br />
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We had a great time dressing up for dinners. I actually got to wear some nice clothes. And escape the mom yoga pants! My one regret is that we didn't buy more pictures. We had a great time every night looking through the photo galleries for our pictures and then taking more in their set ups.<br />
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Here are a couple of our photos:<br />
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This are the only 2 that we purchased, but like I said, I wish we had bought more. Next time ;)<br />
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Our review of the cruise:<br />
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We had a great time. We'd go again. It was perfect timing. However - if we go again, we want to go with friends or family. It is a great set up that you can spend time alone with your "person" or with a group and there are many activities that are group oriented and fun. Like "Harry Potter trivia"(yep, we did that) or the amazing comedy lounge (yep, we were there every night), or formal dinners. I'm looking at you Dan and Laura.<br />
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Overall, a big thumbs up.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-29115711194777035722015-08-09T21:39:00.002-06:002015-08-09T21:53:33.523-06:00Traveling with Kids - Myrtle Beach EditionI'm going to try and get everyone caught up on what's been going on with us the last few months in the next few days. First up: Going home the last 2 weeks in June.<br />
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The twins will be two in October. Holy guacamole, I can't believe it. <br />
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With that said, this summer was the last time we could fly with them as lap infants. For Troy, Avery and me to fly (so 3 seats) it was $1200. Ugh. So if we were to fly home next year, it's safe to say it would be $2000, maybe more with inflation. We definitely wanted to fly home with the kids again before we felt like it was way too expensive. Fingers crossed, at this time next year, we will be moving to a base SOMEWHERE within driving distance of family on the east coast and flying won't be an issue. Start praying now ya'll, you know how the military can be...<br />
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Troy and I have decided that (for now) flying on a red eye is the way to go when traveling west to east. It stinks with the time change to feel like you spend the whole day traveling. So while the first day you're there, you're a bit tired, at least the adrenaline of being home is kicking in and you don't really care how tired you are. Because while the kids might be sleeping, it is nearly impossible to be comfortable with a 30 pound child in your lap. <br />
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Exhibit A of sacrifices you make for comfort to keep your child comfortable, asleep and quiet for other passengers:<br />
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We were also excited because my sisters were visiting my mom and stepdad's house with my nephew, who I had never met! They were only there for about 24 hour before heading back home, so of course, we decided it would be a great idea to have a photographer come over and take pictures of the grandparents with all the grandkids together for the first time. Right after a red eye flight...<br />
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Needless to say, there were some keepers in the bunch. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That's getting framed.<br />
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Here's Aunt Taylor with her nephew and 3 nieces:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBFhEHNVCkHQulpqDNpTvHWCscTOCiRKmYt6LPj73PCXFmBidR_1DZp1R2gKR4nzUJy7l712AJhE2hLE18NoeNlKSB_8HN9zFKgHxci7nuTZj92BYD0Fj29NiPLNgJH0FPcUtf_uF_8UB/s1600/taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBFhEHNVCkHQulpqDNpTvHWCscTOCiRKmYt6LPj73PCXFmBidR_1DZp1R2gKR4nzUJy7l712AJhE2hLE18NoeNlKSB_8HN9zFKgHxci7nuTZj92BYD0Fj29NiPLNgJH0FPcUtf_uF_8UB/s400/taylor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Troy and I hung out with the kiddos for a few days with the South Carolina grandparents. Lots of pooling involved. And my stepdad is group exercise instructor at the YMCA there so I took a spin class he taught. <br />
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Chick-Fil-A was had. About 9 times in 13 days. I thought my thighs were made of waffle fries. Troy's blood was made of sweet tea.<br />
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So then we headed to North Myrtle Beach. We rented a 4 bedroom house there with Troy's parents and sister and brother in law. After last year when we flew home with twins, we were like never again. We flew home for 2 weeks and landed at Baltimore. Stayed a day or two, drove to North Carolina to visit Troy's extended family, stopping through Richmond to see my college friend on the way, stayed in North Carolina for a few days, packed up and headed to South Carolina to visit my mom and stepdad and grandmother for a few days, drove to Rock Hill and stayed at my other grandparents house for a few days and also visited with my dad. Then we packed up again and drove to Staunton where we had the twins baptized and stayed to visit with Bryson and Lori (the pastor who married Troy and me) and then we headed back to DC to fly home. NO NO NO. <br />
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This year, we flew into Columbia, SC and stayed a few days, drove to Myrtle Beach and stayed a week and drove back to Columbia to fly home. We very politely requested that people come see us if they were available during that time. And come see us they did!!<br />
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Almost all of Troy's extended family (on his dad's side) from North Carolina rented a house about 200 yards up the street from our house. My grandparents from Rock Hill came one day and stayed for dinner and brought my great aunt with them. Troy's mom's side of family came the second half of the week and stayed a few days in a hotel and we had a blast hanging out with everyone.<br />
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Here is Troy's Aunt Kathy hanging out with all the little girls on the porch swing. Avery had a blast playing with her second cousins. Third? Twice once removed? I can never get that straight. The other girls are Troy's first cousins kids.<br />
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Kinley hanging out in a beach chair. She is the more timid of my kids. Much more of a watcher than a doer. She has to make sure no one is in mortal danger prior to engaging. And food is a priority. I really thought she was going to HATE the beach. I mentally prepared myself to carry her around the whole time. She is definitely a "texture" baby. I was convinced she'd hate the sand. Not so much. She was rolling around in the sand. <br />
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This is Kinley's GREAT AUNT LEE. She hates when we remind her that she is now a great Aunt. And Troy's dad photobombing.<br />
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Me and my man relaxing in the surf. Winning. We talked about it the last night we were there, and we all agreed that the beach house was the way to go for family time. There is something about being in a different house that forces you to unplug, get out of your routine and actually vacate your life that we all loved. We think we should do it again in the near future...<br />
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Kinley getting in on the action. They wore hats everyday and I loved it. They didn't even try to pull them off.<br />
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Avery and Caris running down to the water. Caris is like Avery's little shadow. She is NOT timid. She wants to do everything that her big sister does. Except louder. And with more pizzazz.<br />
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Caris back up at the umbrella for a quick drink. Girlfriend is a mooch. She doesn't want anything that's her own, but wants whatever everyone else has. Unless it's a peanut butter sandwich. She won't share that with anyone.<br />
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Everyday there was an italian ice trunk that pulled around selling cups of ice for like 12 dollars for a tiny little cup. And being the good tourists that we are, bought some. Every. Single. Day. <br />
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This is me in the pool with Caris. This picture makes me laugh every time. The goggles look ridiculous. This pool belongs to one of my grandmother's friends. It's legit the biggest backyard pool I've ever seen. It has a slide.<br />
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This is pretty much the summary of my life with the twins. Have you read that study that came out saying that kids are 800% more badly behaved when their mother is in the room? Yeah.<br />
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Kinley and Troy on the flight home....to be fair, Kinley was really sick. Like we got off home in Vegas and I went to the pediatrician with Kinley and Troy unloaded the car and other kids for naps. Kinley had a double ear infection, upper respiratory infection, and pink eye. With a fever. Everyone on the flight was SUPER glad we were there. Pink eye and all. Eeeek. I guess I should be glad she was sleeping. And not screaming the whole time.<br />
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Caris. THE WHOLE FLIGHT HOME:<br />
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She was like HI HI HI!! HEEERRRRRROOO! Standing up. Squishing me. Talking to everyone. Hitting the person on the head in front of us. Dancing. On my bladder. Sticking her fingers in my nose. Making sure the person next to us knows where their eyes are. Violently. With her fingers. <br />
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And no kidding, our downstairs air conditioner was not working when we got back. It was 114 degrees outside and 88 degrees in the house. The upstairs unit was running full blast but could not keep air circulating and cool in the whole house. No repair person was available for 48 hours. Needless to say, we hit up our friends and neighbors for fans.<br />
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The twins learned about doing the Darth Vader, "Luke, I am your father," fan voice. Truth.<br />
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Overall, great trip. Hope to be back on the east coast to do it again next summer. My plan, if it goes my way, will be to (in this order):<br />
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1. Get our orders back to the east coast<br />
2. Pack out our house in Vegas<br />
3. Drive to Myrtle Beach and stay for a week in route to our new assignment<br />
4. Go to our new house to receive households<br />
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Which basically means that that won't happen. Because military. Fingers crossed. Hard praying.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-62897571798514332452015-08-02T17:09:00.000-06:002015-08-02T17:11:23.679-06:00Cecil the Lion vs. Planned Parenthood - What is YOUR issue?I really, really just can not hold it in anymore. I want to, but the thing is, my newsfeed on Facebook is absolutely overrun with people standing up for a lion, expressing outrage over its death, calling for this devil dentist hunter to be extradited to Zimbabwe, tarred and feathered, drug through the street, cast into the depths of hell, or worse.<br />
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And truly, I agree. It is terrible. Really. But it's terrible when ANY part of God's creation is murdered. <br />
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The sheer number of people who are speaking out about this is absolutely profound and it seems everyone has an opinion about the appropriate punishment for Walter Palmer.<br />
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BUT. This lion was never going to be the President of the United States. Or win a nobel prize. Or lead people to Jesus. Or cure cancer. I mean, sure, he was a majestic and beautiful creature. And displayed some great social interaction with humans. BUT HE WAS NOT A HUMAN!<br />
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Which brings me to my next point. <br />
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ACTUAL human beings are being killed everyday through abortion and human versus human acts of violence. We are KILLING each other, like intentional, premeditated murder. And very few people are in an outrage in the media or on my newsfeed about preventative death of fellow man. Who knows how many abortions have resulted in the deaths of future Albert Einsteins, Steve Jobs, Mother Theresas, or Beyonces. <br />
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Seriously, THIS LION WAS NOT A CREATURE THAT COULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF HUMAN LIFE FOR THE ENTIRE PLANET. And people will not shut up about it. <br />
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<b><i>Stand behind an issue that could change lives.</i></b><br />
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In addition, right wing crazies who are saying Planned Parenthood needs to be shut down need to step off their soapboxes. You cannot, in one breath, say, "I am pro-life, NO ABORTIONS FOR ANY REASON EVER" and then in the next breath, say that all government entitlements need to be reexamined and revoked.<br />
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You are not pro-life. You are pro-birth.<br />
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Don't EVER high five a mom for keeping her baby that she can't afford, or doesn't have the family support to raise an infant and then after her baby is born say that she can't have healthcare for her child. Or food stamps. Or WIC. If you are "pro-life" you also must support these moms who made the decision to keep their baby and then need the assistance to keep their children alive. The hypocrisy is crazy to me. You can't be pro-life and be against providing those same women with entitlements and education to keep their children fed and healthy. <br />
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If you can't be this ^ definition of "pro-life" that I have outlined, then you should <b>definitely</b> support Planned Parenthood because 97% of their funding goes towards women's health, birth control and education. If you don't want these women to receive entitlements to assist in paying for their children (which they chose not to abort) then be supportive of them PREVENTING MORE UNWANTED PREGNANCIES! <br />
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I'm not saying that all the drama surrounding Planned Parenthood doesn't need additional investigating, but saying they need to be "shut down" is an ill-informed lie. Stop watching Fox News. Planned Parenthood is so much more than providing abortions for women in poverty. <br />
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Please get behind an issue that matters to the future of humans. Please support women. OR ALL HUMANS. Stop picking and choosing when it's okay to care about people. God commands us to love him and love each other. <br />
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In the age of "political correctness" so many people are afraid to say what they think about controversial issues out of fear of offending someone. It's much easier to say, "that poor lion was murdered" because who is going to be offended? It's the truth. Saying that we are MURDERING future doctors, inventors, teachers, or clergy is much harder. Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-46704631367640082862015-03-25T21:13:00.000-06:002015-03-26T22:06:55.900-06:00Things I Learned on My Trip - Part 5<b>5. It takes a village. Our village in Vegas is bigger than I knew until I was gone.</b><br>
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When you are a military family and don't live near any family, it is really easy to feel isolated and alone. Sometimes on days when I have no plans with the kids and Troy is at work, I get in this weird funk. <br>
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I get in this circular thinking where I'm like, "I miss my family. And my friends. I don't know anyone. I need to make more friends. Troy needs to get out of the military so we can be closer to our support system. I don't think I can do this today. I just can't. I miss my mom. Maybe I'll FaceTime her. Why isn't she picking up? Is she mad at me? I'll try my sister. What could she POSSIBLY be doing that is more important than talking to me? My family hates me. Why isn't Troy home today? I wish he could just take leave. Everyday. Except for when I have to work. He should only work when I work. I need to get a grip. I need more friends." And it goes on and on.<br>
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But here's the funny thing. I went on this trip and there were several people who stopped by, brought Troy dinner, invited them over, and checked on them while I was gone. Some of it was planned and some was unexpected. And they all called or texted with updates on how Troy and the girls seemed to getting along without Mommy there. While I was gone and getting phone calls and message with updates, I kept thinking, "Wow, our support network in Vegas is really great. I'm a whiner. They're really stepping up to help us out. This is great!" <br>
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I'm not saying that Troy couldn't have done it by himself. I have NO doubt that everyone would have been alive when I got home. But I AM saying that they might have lived on chicken nuggets, french fries and green beans the entire time I was gone. With an occasional mac n cheese or peanut butter and jelly. On that diet, their gallbladders would have been going crazy, but no one would have been dead. <br>
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Troy only worked 2 days the whole time I was gone. He said it was funny because when he initially submitted leave for that week and his reason was to stay in town at home with the kids, some of the dads he works with were like, "oh no, 10 days all by yourself with the kids? Eek, good luck." So on the 2 days he went in to work, people were saying things like, "Are your kids still alive?" or "Are you guys ok?" He was actually a little offended, which I thought was cute. At one point he called and said to me, "You know, you were with the kids for 2 months while I was at SOS. And you've had them for a couple weeks while I did other TDYs. I can handle a few days. They're my kids too." <br>
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Respect. That's a good daddy right there. Love him.<br>
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Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-7728012743616969482015-03-23T19:37:00.001-06:002015-03-23T19:37:11.628-06:00Things I Learned on My Trip - Part 4<b>4. I'm good at moving logistics. It's a gift.</b><br />
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Kristen helped me move into our house in San Antonio and she has since told me..."You are a beast."<br />
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I am relentless. Unnecessarily ruthless. Brutal even. Troy does inventory (checking off boxes and furniture as they come off the truck) and I immediately start unpacking the kitchen. Here are my moving logistics. <br />
<br />
My MOST important piece of advice: ASK THE MOVERS TO UNPACK YOU. They will take all the garbage (boxes and packing paper) with them and break down all the boxes. Then you don't have to do it or arrange a later pick up. This forces you to put stuff away because it is everywhere. They won't put a thing away and will overturn boxes and you'll have stuff all over your floors. But as they take out your dishes and glasses, put them away. As they unpack your wardrobe boxes, hang everything up. Immediately hook up your washer and dryer and start washing your sheets and towels. <br />
<br />
As they unpack you, you will feel overwhelmed and wonder how you have so much stuff. Just pay attention to the task at hand. Try not to START another room until you are done with your priorities. NEVER go up or down stairs unless you are carrying something. Put all your shelves into bookshelves so you have a place to stack stuff. Make sure your "parts box" (with brackets, handles, screws for beds, remotes) is in your car and not on the truck so you know where all your hooks, nails, brackets, etc are located. Especially for beds, so the movers are dumping boxes onto beds and not on the floor. <br />
<br />
By the end of the day 1 and all of our stuff is off the truck, I aim to have the kitchen COMPLETELY unpacked and put away with all the beds clean and made up for sleeping.<br />
<br />
On day 2, I can do the grocery store run since the kitchen is completely done so we can eat at home. Which is a huge time and money saver when you are moving. And probably have been eating out and doing fast food for a while. By the end of day 2, I have the living room, master bedroom/closet and bathrooms unpacked.<br />
<br />
Day 3 is the "leftover" day. That means the less important rooms for required for daily living. Things like an office, guest room, linen closet, etc.<br />
<br />
Day 4 is hanging pictures on the walls, curtains up, and leftover organizing (decorative shelves, candles, junk drawer).<br />
<br />
We followed this model with Kristen's home, but did not do a day 4 because she wanted to make some of those design/decor decisions when her hubby was there. He wasn't there on monday morning when we received her household goods because he was TDY for a school for his new job the whole week. So we did it all ourselves. Because we rock.<br />
<br />
She was like, "Dude. I wasn't expecting to make this much progress on the house in 3 days. I thought you were like this (translation of "this": a slave driver) because it was <i>your</i> house and <i>your</i> stuff. But we killed it."<br />
<br />
We even made a trip to Babies R Us to buy nursery furniture on the morning of day 2. Since their baby was born October, and they knew they were moving, they didn't want to buy a nursery set just to move and have it get beat up before getting a change to use it. So they decided to wait until they got into their house to pick something. Unfortunately, I asked the movers to unpack EVERYTHING in the house, which meant in the nursery (and the office) they overturned boxes and just left PILES and PILES of baby stuff all over the floor. I thought Kristen was going to stroke out. Especially when had to lug that baby dresser we just bought at Babies R Us up her stairs. I really thought we were going to die. It was the hardest I have worked out and the quickest I have ever broken a sweat in my entire life. Ever. I might have been in fear of Kristen's life, who was on the lifting and pushing side of the dresser on the way up the steps. <br />
<br />
Her movers came monday morning and we were done wednesday night. House completely done, other than the day 4 list, which she and her hubs are going to do together. Well, the garage needed some work. But we had to leave something for her husband right?Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-77546464971950954882015-03-22T11:14:00.003-06:002015-03-22T11:14:35.091-06:00Things I Learned on My Trip - Part 3<b>3. I don't want any more babies.</b><br />
<br />
A couple things. I love love love my babies. BUT, I had a hard time enjoying Avery as an infant because I was so <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-slow-growing-love.html">worried about her dying</a> (please read this if you have not). I had a hard time enjoying the twins as infants because I was just trying to keep my head above water. <br />
<br />
Somewhere in my head, I decided that I wanted another baby. Just one. Because I felt like I missed out on ENJOYING the baby thing because I was trying to avoid an absolute total anxiety attack/mental breakdown to keep my babies alive and fed and clean. On 4 hours of sleep a night. While working a few days a week.<br />
<br />
As it turns out, you know what I don't miss? Carrying around a baby all the time. My house looking like a daycare with swings and high chairs and bouncy chairs and exersaucers. Trying to adjust to a whole new person added to your family dynamic and routine. And the panic feeling during the witching hour slow approach...watching the clock with impending doom. STOPPING EVERYTHING to feed the baby or to sit and nurse. Having spit up on my clothes at all times. Being up to my elbows in poop. Listening to crying and not knowing what to do to fix it. Loading a stroller (or 2) in and out of the car 10 times just to run errands. Making baby food.<br />
<br />
You know what I love about my kids?<br />
<br />
We can all walk together. Avery can hold one of the twins' hands and I hold another hand and we can WALK into the store. They can fetch things for me. They can play INDEPENDENTLY. They can play together. They sleep 12 hours at night. Avery goes to school. They feed themselves with set up. Avery does her WHOLE bedtime routine by herself. We are DONE with all the large baby gear items. DONE. The twins are talking and have these personalities that are SO adorable and different, I'm ready to punch them and chew their faces off. AVERY IS READING. They can wear dresses now because they walk all the time and don't get their knees stuck in the front. THEY UNDERSTAND NO. I don't bring a stroller anywhere anymore. They hug each other (be still my heart). They blow kisses.<br />
<br />
Now. Don't misunderstand. I <i>love love love</i> me some babies. But hanging out with Kristen for a week when we were BUSY, just made me like, I'm ready to be done. Her 5 month old was a solid reminder to me of everything that we have survived through. And I'm ready to go forward and not look back. Except for when my friends or family have babies and I can snuggle them and give them back. Because I love little babies. <br />
<br />
I'm excited to move to the next phase of kid fun. The phase of bigger kid activities. Skiing. Skating. Bowling. Arts and crafts. Museums. Learning. Having grown up conversations about kindness, Jesus, friendship, and bad things that happen. And why we have boogers. I'm just ready to do the big kid stuff.<br />
<br />
Troy was SO relieved to hear me say it outloud. Because before I went, I was mourning the baby phase. Pathetically. Every few weeks, I was like, "um, so I want a baby still." Troy would just ignore me. And now I kind of feel like a grandparent to my friends who have babies. I get to snuggle them, smell them, coo at them and when it's time to get down to serious business, give them back. It was a relief.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-50010260837445039602015-03-19T21:46:00.001-06:002015-03-19T21:46:33.300-06:00Things I Learned on My Trip - Part 2<b>2. When you have a job you love, you never work a day in your life.</b><br />
<br />
I have heard this before, but seriously.<br />
<br />
So I was planning to go help Kristen move. But we are also starting all of this program at work and I got "volun-told" to help with some new protocols to develop an early mobilization program for people on mechanical ventilation. I worked on a team that had done this in San Antonio. Since I had done it before, my boss asked me assist in writing some protocols for review.<br />
<br />
Like any good medical professional, I went to research first. Reading like a crazy person. Then I collected about 8 protocols from other facilities. There's no reason to reinvent the wheel. However, sometimes reading is not the same as the hands on learning. I would seriously SUCK at getting an online degree. I really need the dynamic environment of a classroom and teacher to learn. Really really.<br />
<br />
In some of my Googling, I came across a class that we being offered in a couple cities, but none of them nearby. One was being offered in DC, and luckily, I was able to coincide my trip to see Kristen to line up with the timeline of the 2 day course. <br />
<br />
And HOLY COW. This was the BEST course I have ever taken. Normally, I take courses just to check a box. You know, get the units to maintain my license. But this lady was amazing. I didn't realize that all the research I had been doing and reading was BY HER. Then, I kind of started fan girl crushing. She is the leading expert therapist in the field and doing so much research, publishing, and writing protocols and assessments for predicting outcomes for patients in the ICU after mechanical ventilation. <br />
<br />
I was expecting to be a little bored with some of the material when I initially looked at the brochure because some of the topics were, "reading a monitor" and "managing lines." I was like *YAWN*<br />
<br />
I WAS SO WRONG. She got her degree in Brazil and English was her second language. Because of this, she taught in a very direct, blunt way that I found refreshing, appealing and useful. She was able to explain how to talk to physicians and patients in a way I had never considered and said things that INSTINCTUALLY I knew, but never would have thought to evaluate or explain to a family. She really explained things from a business, personnel, time management, and team approach that I never would have had the courage to approach without her example and encouragement. She had this way of explaining all the different settings on a ventilator and what to adjust for therapy that just made sense, was down to earth and didn't go over my head.<br />
<br />
She gave me information that made me feel empowered as a therapist and a consumer of medicine. I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed her course and recommend that any physical therapist or occupational therapist that works in an ICU should take this course. It will really make you evaluate yourself as a therapist, what kids of goals and education approach you should use with patients, families, nurses, and physicians. <br />
<br />
This course made me want to quit my life (kidding...sort of) and move to Houston to work underneath her. The course was offered through Education Resources, Inc.<br />
<br />
Christiane Perme, PT CCS<br />
<br />
And here is the description of her course:<br />
<br />
<i>Therapists working with patients in ICU face a complex challenge. These patients have limited mobility due to life support, monitoring equipment, multiple medical problems and muscle weakness. For selected patients in ICU, early mobility and walking enhances functional outcomes by optimizing cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular status. Early mobility can lead to an increase in the patient’s quality of life and higher functional capability. It can also potentially reduce length of hospital stay with overall reduced costs. The content of this course will guide clinicians through the process of managing adult ICU patients. Case reports will be presented to demonstrate how the early mobility and walking program in ICU can positively impact the recovery of selected patients. - See more at: http://www.educationresourcesinc.com/professional-development-for-pt-ot-and-slp/focus-on-early-mobility-in-the-icu-chris-permes-approach-is-highlighted-in-apta-video#sthash.8IDQatBK.dpuf</i>Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-54198104481615541902015-03-18T19:21:00.002-06:002015-03-18T19:21:41.143-06:00Things I Learned on My Trip - Part 1<b>1. Being sick on an airplane is pretty much the worst thing. Ever.</b><br />
<br />
As I mentioned in the previous post, I left on a red eye Thursday night from Vegas to go to Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
Monday night (3 days) before my trip, Troy and I had to give Kinley a bath in the middle of the night because she barfed all other the place. She woke up crying and Troy went to check on her and took a shower with her while I changed her bedding, got out new pajamas, and tried to convince Caris it wasn't play time. Kinley had diarrhea on tuesday with a side of diaper rash.<br />
<br />
Caris threw up 3 times wednesday morning and had diarrhea all day. It appeared to be only a 24 hour thing.<br />
<br />
Troy was freaking out while I was at work on Wednesday, knowing that I was leaving, but counting the seconds for Avery to start praying to the porcelain gods as well. Spoiler, Avery was the only person who made it out free and clear from any sickness. He was begging me to take them to the doctor Thursday morning before I left "just to make sure they were okay." NEWSFLASH TROY! They're more likely to pick up something else from the waiting room than be magically healed by the pediatrician.<br />
<br />
Instead I did some laundry, cleaned up, and packed my stuff thursday and get on the plane at 11pm in Vegas. I was in the emergency exit row (score) and AMAZINGLY was the only person in the row, so I got three seats to myself. I decided to be very mature and lie down immediately across all three seats and fall asleep. You know, before someone stuck in a middle seat tried to move and ruin my plan. <br />
<br />
Well, that was short lived. I woke up about an hour into the flight and my stomach was churning. Bad. It came out of nowhere. Thank goodness the seat belt light was off. I took off at almost a sprint, not wanting to tip off the other passengers to the war about to happen in that TINY, AWFUL airplane bathroom.<br />
<br />
Decisions you never want to make: Do I throw up in the bathroom sink, or put my face in a place that was just occupied by my rear end? And the rear ends of tens of thousands of other strangers? WORST. EVER.<br />
<br />
SO...that happened.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I wasn't running back and forth during the flight. I had a one long trip to the bathroom and was done.<br />
<br />
I landed in DC and Kristen picked me up. Luckily, she was very understanding. Unluckily, Mother Nature had dumped about 6 inches of snow on the DC Metropolitan area and the drive home was bumpy and slow. Her mom had a stash of Pedialyte popsicles in the freezer. God Bless her. I ate 1 and was in bed by 9am. I'm not joking. Sitting up in a chair, I thought I was going to die from the nausea. Worse than my nausea while pregnant with the twins. I woke up at noon and ate another. Back to bed for 3 hours and got up and ate another. Those things are the bomb.com. Her mom said she bought a box of them at Wegmans. I've never seen them before. Although, I've never looked either. You better believe I will be from now on. Those should be stashed at all times.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6KYa9I-mi9EZJU7qpSXpW1s3xqistzLVT-QL2uPtc7CN7JwauxGMV9WdULEoxJE8hdpWNf_QYoiipiuZp-5ezcOQhOUB6ZrG8eRbA6sYkiVrxWxKn5tak2WXb9q3MEn8Q-wHfdr18BF8/s1600/pops-variety_pack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6KYa9I-mi9EZJU7qpSXpW1s3xqistzLVT-QL2uPtc7CN7JwauxGMV9WdULEoxJE8hdpWNf_QYoiipiuZp-5ezcOQhOUB6ZrG8eRbA6sYkiVrxWxKn5tak2WXb9q3MEn8Q-wHfdr18BF8/s400/pops-variety_pack.png" /></a></div><br />
Thank you, Jesus, it was only a 24 hour bug. So, after sleeping all day, I was starving. I was able to eat a full meal for dinner. And feeling SO much better. Like about 90 percent. Which was so necessary because I was attending a $450 continuing education course for work all day Saturday and Sunday. And there was NO way I missing that, sick or not. Spoiler alert, it was the best course I've ever attended.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-81644682886354553112015-03-17T08:19:00.001-06:002015-03-17T08:19:25.629-06:00I Left Troy Alone with the Girls for 9 Days - PrequelSo I have this friend. I've known her for 15 years. Which is crazy. I've known her more than half of my life.<br />
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This is Kristen:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9PbX9i7DfKDqFKjAIYxJPgdCcyoKJ-sVYZVzGoAfCVcDNYJ4n-9ozGrzlLCaOqUF8vjI3jnEVt73Ky4P51Zpw_D98Name_lQyrTrCGaaFmDsfYSlQgeJjywJO0J1yzSEz6otXh98geHW/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9PbX9i7DfKDqFKjAIYxJPgdCcyoKJ-sVYZVzGoAfCVcDNYJ4n-9ozGrzlLCaOqUF8vjI3jnEVt73Ky4P51Zpw_D98Name_lQyrTrCGaaFmDsfYSlQgeJjywJO0J1yzSEz6otXh98geHW/s400/kristen.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is Kristen and Me. In high school (sorry, it's bad):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zojgPv7pxt9ZhZ0f15yLuiUb8fDuJoPhHU5hnTToZTR1anu46LF9GFaeGI9u983JDqkpUU4pexE8UNoLOmmUQknklkmCZVTNlvhdt23gFTrhN4dVO1XHYJJNfkLRAmOVbsbU5RoQDDlR/s1600/us+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zojgPv7pxt9ZhZ0f15yLuiUb8fDuJoPhHU5hnTToZTR1anu46LF9GFaeGI9u983JDqkpUU4pexE8UNoLOmmUQknklkmCZVTNlvhdt23gFTrhN4dVO1XHYJJNfkLRAmOVbsbU5RoQDDlR/s400/us+again.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Kristen and I have been through a lot. Like when we drink together and my feet hurt and she drops me in the parking lot and we can't stop laughing. This was supposed to be a shot of Kristen giving me a piggy back ride. But she dropped me instead and somehow, we got an action shot of us falling:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrHeJQxkzDKJJTc1hXorv-T9_Y2BFEAqbrSGmHbikstptLVYWAmNZVYBPJjp5nq2jUIroLQoKdo8vqjqM5_kOxVdG4SSzhztDK6N3-z_toszVAWaZ-BSI1gitevtC4TRdtKfS7HaHvxHs/s1600/drinking+with+kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrHeJQxkzDKJJTc1hXorv-T9_Y2BFEAqbrSGmHbikstptLVYWAmNZVYBPJjp5nq2jUIroLQoKdo8vqjqM5_kOxVdG4SSzhztDK6N3-z_toszVAWaZ-BSI1gitevtC4TRdtKfS7HaHvxHs/s400/drinking+with+kristen.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Or when Troy went TDY when Avery was a week old. And we were moving away from Dover and living in a hotel. And Kristen came to my rescue. Look how sleepy she is. That's sacrifice. Staying up with a baby that isn't your own:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjyjDidSguXsu17Q05gmim1DsmRCOTW0UJ19f3BrbuysVh24rdx5RopRLTE7RYVsOStSXwFHcX1pZy2NR2cusz8VlgEq8kMPb4a8oKkNS1fbuep_bFRpVxFvdq-vUfx4eMgMVHlERth78/s1600/kristen+and+avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjyjDidSguXsu17Q05gmim1DsmRCOTW0UJ19f3BrbuysVh24rdx5RopRLTE7RYVsOStSXwFHcX1pZy2NR2cusz8VlgEq8kMPb4a8oKkNS1fbuep_bFRpVxFvdq-vUfx4eMgMVHlERth78/s400/kristen+and+avery.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She got married 3 years ago. We look better than high school, huh? We clean up well:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi6M6onQxSjxUEo48dPqVKWvMg_PB4X5kWW_KFFIZNFw-Mr8IP_Ps8GF9jksnDW_a73IOSDCv4o-CGxwuDeKy2pFVOqp95yJoUFnBmbF_xPmWUuKfN-1usj3Q7C1rfDLRkSu6XwDzelij/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi6M6onQxSjxUEo48dPqVKWvMg_PB4X5kWW_KFFIZNFw-Mr8IP_Ps8GF9jksnDW_a73IOSDCv4o-CGxwuDeKy2pFVOqp95yJoUFnBmbF_xPmWUuKfN-1usj3Q7C1rfDLRkSu6XwDzelij/s400/wedding.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So let's pause a minute and list all the things that Kristen has done.<br />
<br />
1. She came when Avery was a week old to live with me in TLF while Troy was gone.<br />
2. She drove with me to Texas when Avery was 4 months old when we moved to San Antonio and Troy was already there.<br />
3. She stayed a week and helped me unpack my house in San Antonio.<br />
4. She came to Vegas when I was hospitalized for hyper stimulated ovaries and took care of Avery.<br />
5. She came to Vegas for a week when I was on bedrest. She left 3 days before the twins were born.<br />
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Kristen married a guy in the military. This is him:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOogNiSShJrnyNulVChD8wyeHaiR0j22Gjv84NudEUgPf3GB1Fm82PO6MZIkR04dLp-WL_R30ynCC06aEc4qYnA1qKjmKBjPFKaNe5WOAdG-PCEvKG4KGAiXcQvf69XcAkpfaRaJyKoiW/s1600/kristen+and+kenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOogNiSShJrnyNulVChD8wyeHaiR0j22Gjv84NudEUgPf3GB1Fm82PO6MZIkR04dLp-WL_R30ynCC06aEc4qYnA1qKjmKBjPFKaNe5WOAdG-PCEvKG4KGAiXcQvf69XcAkpfaRaJyKoiW/s400/kristen+and+kenny.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She moved to Florida. She's been living there since she got married. They got orders a few weeks ago to move back to Virginia. OH and she has a 5 month old little boy. Ain't he cute?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhX_KCmeV04KJtEZ19iraJPEVzzBnJig-biwFzB2cCVFdOiNEuENG5Q7fuMWmmq-5h9LE9tv9b8wixUTx8rvMPMKoKkp5zXRG5j4Jgie2RF3MUZ6uEule7PV_u5EgdE9QQ0PWkYxlzasq/s1600/kristen+and+connor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhX_KCmeV04KJtEZ19iraJPEVzzBnJig-biwFzB2cCVFdOiNEuENG5Q7fuMWmmq-5h9LE9tv9b8wixUTx8rvMPMKoKkp5zXRG5j4Jgie2RF3MUZ6uEule7PV_u5EgdE9QQ0PWkYxlzasq/s400/kristen+and+connor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So go ahead a scroll back up to that list. I'll wait.<br />
<br />
As her first move as a military spouse with a new baby, it can be SO overwhelming. SO much to do. On a plane I went to help her. I mean, not only was I ready for a trip by myself, but Kristen was doing her first move. <br />
<br />
I left on a red eye from Vegas thursday night and arrived in Washington, DC on friday morning. I flew back to Vegas the FOLLOWING saturday...9 days later. Troy was with the kids all that time. He did great. They're all alive and accounted for. In addition, being gone really reinforced the importance and power of building your "village." I'm not entirely certain he would have made it without our village.<br />
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In addition, I got to see a lot of people I grew up with and have known me for years. As well as acquaintances that I have only met a few times, but am friends with on Facebook. Apparently, more people are reading this blog than I was aware of. I had about 12 people ask me, separately, a version of the question, "why aren't you blogging anymore?" Or "I'd like to fan girl stalk your babies and you're making it hard." Or "I am very invested in your family because you blogged about your fertility and stuff and I'm going through that now." So I'm back. And making a better effort. Promise.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-29427236757041168272015-03-16T14:56:00.001-06:002015-03-16T14:56:59.351-06:00Fall 2014 Family PhotosSo here we go again. I'm going to try this blogging thing. These are SO outdated...like 6 months old. People who got a Christmas card from us have seen some of these, but it appears that there are a lot of people reading this blog that I wasn't aware of. I will be address this in my next blog...which I am off to write now - <br />
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We decided to have some professional photos done the weekend after Caris and Kinley turned one year old. ONE!<br />
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We headed out to Floyd Lamb park (it's the peacock park to Avery) and it was a little chillier than we thought it would be, especially with the wind. And the coordinating outfits that I selected weren't super warm/didn't have sweaters or jackets to match, so we just decided to tough it out. "Tough it out" meaning the high that day was like 67 with some wind also. Eek. We have definitely adjusted to the desert weather.<br />
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Here is the all girl picture. <br />
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Here is one of us sitting on a low bridge thingy.<br />
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Sitting on a big tree.<br />
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Avery is RIGHT in the middle of saying "cheese" here. Can't you tell?<br />
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Caris had JUST started walking when this photo shoot was done. Kinley is still happy to sit and not move. I wish you could have seen me just outside the frame. I would hold Kinley up in standing and let go right when the photographer took the picture. Which is why it looks like Kinley is sloooooowly lowering herself to the ground. Because she's like "eh, I'm good sitting right here."<br />
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Family picture with Optimus. He got put in the car right after this. He thought the peacocks were squeaker toys. And he couldn't stay calm. Although, he was only in about 5 shots total so I think technically, he won the "most photogenic award" since all of his pictures were awesome.<br />
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The babies took some "One Year" pictures. I just love those little faces.<br />
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AHHH! They're so cute. I love them.<br />
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Sharing. It's very rare right now. And it was captured in a photo :)<br />
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I wish I knew what faces/noises we were making when this picture was taken. I would make it all the time.<br />
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So if you live in the Las Vegas area, we had a great experience with Dancing Frog Photography and we will definitely be utilizing Erin Kelly's business again.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-8154319770128302682014-11-20T14:48:00.000-07:002014-11-20T14:51:47.558-07:00Avery's Art: Port-A-Potty or Bear?Oh my word. I haven't blogged in AGES. But this was too good not to share. I get to brag on my big girl's art work and share a funny conversation between Troy and me? WINNING!<br />
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Avery has been going to school on tuesdays and thursdays all day and she absolutely loves it. She is quite a talented artist, loves to color and paint, bringing home all kinds of projects every day that she has done at school.<br />
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Last week, she brought home a picture that was AWESOME. I knew what it was immediately. Her teachers always label her pictures, but this one didn't need it. Or so I thought.<br />
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I thought her picture was so awesome, it deserved the center spot on the refrigerator.<br />
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Troy came home from work and started unpacking his lunchbox (tupperware in the sink, uneaten items back in the fridge for another day) while I was getting dinner started. <br />
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I noticed him staring at her picture on the fridge. <br />
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Like, intensely staring.<br />
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I got all excited.<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "Troy, isn't her picture great?!?!"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "Um, I guess so. I'm not sure it should be on the fridge though."<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "What? What do you mean?"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "Well, it's a little awkward."<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "What are you talking about? It's a perfect bear!"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "Well, I hate to say this, but the only thing I see when I look at it, is what you see when you use a port-a-potty."<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "WHAT?"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "You know. When you look down the hole and there's just a giant pile of poop at the bottom of a dark hole."<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "Are you kidding me right now? You are looking at a perfect bear and all you see is poop?"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "SORRY! It's just unappetizing to look at right when I am opening the fridge to eat and all I can see is poop."<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "You are awful. You tell Avery how amazing her picture is right now."<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> (gives Avery a big throw up in the air hug) "AVERY!!! I love your picture! That is the best bear I have ever seen!!<br />
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<b>Avery:</b> "HE'S IN A CAVE"<br />
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<b>Troy:</b> "I KNOW! It's called a port-a-potty cave!!!"<br />
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<b>Natalie:</b> "TROY STOP"<br />
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I guess that's the difference between moms and dads. But here is her picture. It's great right? I've probably ruined it because I told you it's a giant pile of poop. Sorry about that. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzTA6UJEUaVdOvfzYp3I1zYW4oqn_tplXXujInij43wm1J_XhJ8VeCc1zBHo1loXNG97DwTlN4xhbVRi2_o-n-bxtCVNCh3NHqf-lY1MFmUa6UkXRqrwCifekoGVlCu5lqY85cRoXi8lF/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzTA6UJEUaVdOvfzYp3I1zYW4oqn_tplXXujInij43wm1J_XhJ8VeCc1zBHo1loXNG97DwTlN4xhbVRi2_o-n-bxtCVNCh3NHqf-lY1MFmUa6UkXRqrwCifekoGVlCu5lqY85cRoXi8lF/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-77061636523246327032014-05-13T13:29:00.000-06:002014-05-13T13:29:29.755-06:00Selective Reduction Procedure in DetailWhen Dr. Adashek informed us that one of our triplets had anencephaly, Troy and I were devastated. I also had a horrible subchorionic hemorrhage that we found out was a result of that baby's placenta not being properly attached on my uterine wall. <br />
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If you need to catch up on our appointments and diagnosis before reading this (or a refresher on the order of events), you should. Our doctor explained all the risks or carrying the 3 babies vs. the risks of the procedure and he strongly recommended the reduction.<br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/04/we-are-having-triplets.html">Triplets</a><br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/triplet-updateand-first-belly-pic-and.html">Triplet Update</a><br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/anencephaly.html">Anencephaly and Subchorionic Hemorrhage</a><br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/another-doctors-appointment-today.html">Waiting out the Hemorrhage</a><br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/anencephaly-ultrasound-and-doc-update.html">Doctor Update</a><br />
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<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/06/selective-reduction-risks-and-decisions.html">Meeting with Doc about the Risks of Selective Reduction</a> <br />
^^^^^^^^^<br />
This is the important one.<br />
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After we met with Dr. Adashek, he had set up for us to be his last patient of the day and our appointment was at 430pm. I remember feeling this overall sense of doom while we waited about an hour to be seen. You know how ob/gyns can be. Seriously, always running late. I had this horrible ache in my stomach and I was going back and forth between my heart rate skyrocketing and my respiratory rate racing.<br />
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They called us back into their largest room. Seriously big. <br />
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It started off with Troy, me, an ultrasound tech and an ultrasound tech student to observe. They did another ultrasound to confirm the bony prominences as markers for anencephaly and to measure the size of the hemorrhage behind the baby's placenta to make sure that it was stable (aka still there but the same size).<br />
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I was laying on an exam table and they pulled out a plank (it had the stirrups but they were tucked in) so that my head was at about 30 degrees up and my legs were straight out like a recliner.<br />
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After that was done, a nurse came in and stuck me for an IV and then Dr. Adashek stumbled in (he'd hurt himself in a soccer game).<br />
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He gave me a hug and then asked me, "What kind of drunk are you?"<br />
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I was like, "What?"<br />
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And he said, "When you and Troy go out for dinner and you get drinks, do you feel buzzed after 1 drink or after 3 or 4?"<br />
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And I was like, "somewhere between 2 and 3 drinks and I'm pretty set."<br />
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So then they shoot up my IV with some kind of sedative to make me relax. After about 2 minutes, I was like, "Woah, buddy. I'm a cheap drunk. I feel realllllllllly loopy."<br />
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And he was like, "Oh great!"<br />
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The way the room was set up, you could watch what the ultrasound tech was doing on a big flat screen TV on the wall. I immediately asked them to turn it off because I was watching my poor little baby squirm on the screen and I didn't want to watch her stop moving.<br />
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The people in the room during the procedure were me, Troy, the ultrasound tech, the student, Dr. Adashek, a nurse watching my vitals (blood pressure, respiration rate, heart rate, and oxygen sats) and also running my IV, and one other nurse who held my hand. Troy was standing behind my head. I had my right hand up over my head and my left elbow was bent with my hand resting next to my face so my belly was exposed. Troy was holding my right hand over my head and the extra nurse (basically there for emotional support) was standing by my left shoulder holding my left hand by my face. The ultrasound machine was directly to my right and Dr. Adashek was standing by my left hip.<br />
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The first thing they did was use a small needle with a local anesthetic to numb the entrance point for a bigger needle right above my belly button. Honestly, that hurt the most of the whole procedure. At this point, I pretty much kept my eyes and mouth closed during the rest of the procedure. A miracle for me, I know.<br />
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He told me what he was doing at every point so I didn't feel a need to ask any questions or watch. The tech kept the ultrasound on my stomach the whole time to see what they were doing with screen facing completely away from me and towards my feet. <br />
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The tech and Dr. debated for a few minutes the best place to aim the needle to avoid puncturing another baby, another placenta, the hemorrhage and how to most easily get the needle to the baby.<br />
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He inserted a long needle into my belly and put the needle into the baby's heart. I remember he commented that this would be a relatively "easy" procedure because there was no abdominal fat to penetrate before getting to my uterus. Once they agreed that the needle was in the proper spot, he injected potassium chloride into the baby's heart to make it stop beating. I remember him saying, "I'm going to inject the medication now" and he kept jerking the needle around in tiny intentional movements...pretty forcefully while pushing down the plunger. It was kind of akward for me. I'm not sure how accurate they are able to get with aiming the needle directly into the heart with screen imaging, so I think he was jerking the needle around to make sure the potassium chloride was distributed to where it needed to be INSIDE the heart and not just into the heart wall or something.<br />
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I remember that I had asked him if he'd ever done a reduction that didn't work and the baby survived afterwards. He told me that it does happen if they don't wait long enough (5+ min after the medication is inserted) to make sure the heart doesn't start beating again but that it has never happened to him personally.<br />
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This part was the WORST part of the whole procedure. We all waited for 5 minutes. The nurse was stroking my hair back and Troy would occasionally squeeze my right hand. The tech, student and Dr. Adashek were all staring at the screen but making small talk. I remember being SO annoyed and pissed off during those 5 "waiting minutes."<br />
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A lethal injection was just put into my baby for it to die and everyone was talking about Dr. Adashek's private plane that he owns and the process to get his license and he told us a story about having a bit of a hard landing one time. It seemed like such petty, trivial conversation considering what had just transpired. I know they were passing time and trying to be nice but GOOD GOD. And Troy was chatting with him like it was nothing that we were waiting to making sure the baby didn't "come back to life." <br />
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Seriously. Longest 5 minutes of my life.<br />
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The clock finally passed 5 minutes and he was like, "Let's wait 2 more minutes."<br />
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I was dying inside. <br />
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Then he pulled the needle out of my belly and started telling me what to expect for the next few days. The actual procedure has the same risks of miscarriage as doing an amniocentesis, which people do ALL THE TIME. So that made me feel a little better that we weren't going to lose the whole pregnancy. Which I was terrified was going to happen. He said that a majority of people lose a pregnancy after a reduction or amnio as a result of infection from the insertion site of the needle, but he was very clean. The odds of losing the whole pregnancy were about 1 in 300. They wanted me to stick around for about 30 minutes after the procedure to make sure I was okay.<br />
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They answered all of my crazy questions. The baby that the reduction was performed on was located under my stomach on my upper left side. They said the procedure would have been more risky if it was the one on the bottom, right by my cervix because a cervix can be unpredictable during a reduction and it could start dilating if it recognizes that a fetus has died. <br />
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Since I had the reduction at 16 weeks gestation and the baby's bones were still the density of cartilage, as the other 2 babies grew bigger and stronger, they would essentially just grow into the space that the other baby had occupied. The baby would get (for lack of a better word) smooshed into the wall of my uterus as the other babies grew because it's bones weren't fully formed. After delivery of the babies, the baby and it's placenta would be delivered as "afterbirth materials" along with the other 2 placentas and put in bags as bio-material. <br />
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So when I wrote the story of<a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-twin-delivery-caris-and-kinley.html"> Kinley and Caris's delivery</a> and I talked about how long and hard they massaged my belly, it was because I told Dr. Adashek, "You better make sure that you get EVERYTHING out of there. If I'm doing delivery recovery and going pee and 'baby material' comes out on one of those maternity diapers, I'm going to be scarred for life." I was terrified that a teeny baby arm was going to come out after the babies were born. I literally had nightmares about it. Right before I started pushing Kinley out, I was like, "You are absolutely positive that nothing resembling a dead baby is going to come out right now? You promise me. Right now." And he was like, "I promise you. That baby we did the reduction on has turned into an unrecognizable blood clot. Do not worry about that. Now let's deliver your twins. Push."<br />
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We got home about 7pm and my friend Katie brought us a chicken macaroni and cheese casserole for dinner.<br />
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A piece of good news was also confirmed by doing the reduction. The horrible, scary bleed stopped almost immediately. By doing the reduction, Dr. Adashek proved his theory that the baby's placenta wasn't all the way attached to the uterus and that was the source of the heavy bleeding. Once the connection between the placenta and wall of the placenta wasn't needed anymore, the placenta detached that the blood vessel connections stopped bleeding. Within 2 weeks I was passing the clots from the bleed and it was completely over and they could barely pick it up on the ultrasound within a month.<br />
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My sister flew in the next day to keep me company on the couch because I was on strict orders to drink TONS of water and lay around for about a week. The strange thing is, I started feeling the babies move like THE DAY AFTER the reduction. It was like Kinley and Caris KNEW I was upset and they were trying to be like, "We're still here mom. It's going to be okay now." Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-12728383797210716932014-05-12T22:02:00.005-06:002014-05-12T22:10:11.357-06:00You Googled What?So, I have some running stats on the home page of the blog where I do all the behind the scenes and design stuff. Trust me, the blog that you see does NOT look that way when I write it.<br />
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I have a place where there are running stats on the blog. Like how many hits per day, the post with the highest number of hits, the countries that people are located in while reading the blog, and what operating system they use (windows, a mobile device, etc).<br />
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There is also a part that tells me what keyword/phrase they typed into Google/Bing/Yahoo to find the blog. There are some interesting ones. That make me laugh really hard. Some are super inappropriate. Some are useful. <br />
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Mostly, the things that come up make me realize the WEIRD things that people google.<br />
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<b>1. Where is my ovary?</b><br />
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This is clearly an <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/03/and-now-my-ovary-is-size-of-grapefruit.html">image search</a>. With a REALLY high ranking on google images.<br />
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<b>2. What is hormonal mess?</b><br />
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Me. Obviously.<br />
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<b>3. How can I help my hormonal teenager daughter?</b><br />
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Great. I'm giving parenting advice to parents of teenagers. And I don't have any. This may be a little premature, all of you Googlers out there. Hit me back in 10 years. Hopefully never.<br />
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<b>4. Dog balding with little black spots</b><br />
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That is related to Optimus's <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-puppy-has-alopeciamaybe-probably-not.html">episode of alopecia</a>. Poor guy.<br />
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<b>5. Elective reduction risks</b><br />
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The is my MOST popular search word. The second is <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/03/severe-ohss-resulting-in-paracentesis.html">severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome</a>. Google image that my friends. I am pasted all up over that.<br />
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<b>6. Purple sock vag</b><br />
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No comment. When did I ever talk about vaginas. And purple socks. People are freaks.<br />
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<b>7. Nose pinch</b><br />
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What?<br />
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<b>8. Alien mucus</b><br />
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This is from when the <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2014/02/snot-faced-kids.html">babies were sick</a> and blowing big snot bubbles the size of their heads.<br />
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<b>9. Big hip bald ass</b><br />
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What the what? Again. There's some freaks out there.<br />
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<b>10. Boobs without cloths</b><br />
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The had to be a pre-teen who didn't know how to type "naked chicks." Or spell "clothes."Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-66528000827163064262014-05-11T07:52:00.000-06:002014-05-11T07:52:48.774-06:00My Mom is Better than Your MomThat's a pretty bold statement, but I feel pretty good about it.<br />
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Here's a list of reasons why.<br />
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1. She has the best fingernails ever. She tickles me when I flop down on top of her on the couch. Not like "haha," but so that I get goosebumps while she plays with my hair.<br />
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2. She cleans my house better than I do. Whenever she comes to visit, she cleans all the spots that I don't want to/think to clean. Like my baseboards. Or the inside of my washing machine. And she makes my bed everyday when she comes to visit. Cause you know, <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-letter-to-my-bed-making-spider.html">we gotta keep the spiders out of the bed.</a><br />
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3. She's a little crazy. But it's about good stuff. For example, she's on the organic cleaning materials thing right now and she's washing everything (laundry, dishwasher, mopping, bathrooms, dusting) with soapnuts. Seriously. It's a nut that you boil and it releases this oil into the water to make an all natural soap. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeafRE9cj8tbiPnpmw3_IUzLoapmLyUAhSnFEx4WTKuHMQxs7PuoaE9mF6MxD6d6lbvF4qvRw_mvBLL8mn7sgMb61XC70FaBgl_XRMfNumWKqNHG1c_F8sdmvRMhoVfN9nlsgLqs9zesg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeafRE9cj8tbiPnpmw3_IUzLoapmLyUAhSnFEx4WTKuHMQxs7PuoaE9mF6MxD6d6lbvF4qvRw_mvBLL8mn7sgMb61XC70FaBgl_XRMfNumWKqNHG1c_F8sdmvRMhoVfN9nlsgLqs9zesg/s640/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. She gives me good book recommendations. I don't know many moms who will recommend Pure Romance or 50 Shades of Grey. Which brings me to the next point.<br />
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5. She lets me hack her amazon account whenever I want and download her purchased kindle books for enough reading material for 6 months. That's like $200 of free reading every 6 months. Score. <br />
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6. She sends me funny "pins" on pinterest when I'm having a bad day. She just gets me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2HbePTyn-TOr407NPkN75qPOObBwPPaMvTpKXTV-UtRY7rTn-wyH8WZg_9n07ruw5HYznNOIReZ4R9J_AYjBtcg2dt5aXs9ICarfiEHxfpgRQFCbvqUm4Wfi3iqqPNMXPhpUaTT21uyU/s1600/f4fdaca1e374c3e77989b5e1382eaf54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2HbePTyn-TOr407NPkN75qPOObBwPPaMvTpKXTV-UtRY7rTn-wyH8WZg_9n07ruw5HYznNOIReZ4R9J_AYjBtcg2dt5aXs9ICarfiEHxfpgRQFCbvqUm4Wfi3iqqPNMXPhpUaTT21uyU/s640/f4fdaca1e374c3e77989b5e1382eaf54.jpg" /></a></div><br />
7. She loves my babies. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that she adores my Avery so much. There is nothing like watching your parents be better, more patient, more fun grandparents than they EVER were as parents. Seriously.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0veHgQpecC4MVfhxRMQde213asLPp3HkvOmMyv1BOjhkMZ-NY_wF4S5m_f8SxO5YN7q95V2On6bfDyclsHoqtdHQNFm8blx8Z32q7RXe5L6eggH_Eyn1tYcA8swJCpUDs-xYDzJm9ali/s1600/grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0veHgQpecC4MVfhxRMQde213asLPp3HkvOmMyv1BOjhkMZ-NY_wF4S5m_f8SxO5YN7q95V2On6bfDyclsHoqtdHQNFm8blx8Z32q7RXe5L6eggH_Eyn1tYcA8swJCpUDs-xYDzJm9ali/s640/grandma.jpg" /></a></div><br />
8. She tries so hard to eat healthy and watch her weight, but whenever she comes to visit, she makes all my favorite childhood meals that are full of cheese, carbs and butter. Yum.<br />
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9. She has been to visit 6 times in the 1.5 years we have lived in Vegas. 3 of those trips were completely unplanned and she bought her ticket DAY OF because I was having medical/emotional issues and I just needed my mom. Even though I live thousands of miles away, she still comes when I need her.<br />
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10. She lets me steal her stuff. And doesn't even argue. Shoes, clothes, jewelry, coffee cups. I just cram stuff into my bags when I visit. I haven't had the opportunity to in a while cause I haven't been home, but I'll be there in about 2 months. So hide yo' stuff momma. Sticky fingers is coming home!<br />
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11. Her hugs are the best. She really hugs you. And not just me. Strangers have told her she hugs the best. She really hugs you and she rubs your back and scratches while she rubs. None of that ass out/one arm/side hug crap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprfcmyAlvUe4OGL4dWBHZz6NePzV83lsABEwUwChkN4zHKyfN_U5qTdDib1bitO0gHtEVn2XpQIIyFkiSCrjkJkIlrL_2UKIGYyuBCL8pQ7JEDh34XxEmOiArCJ2t_Znc8CGCAm1Gt1iy/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprfcmyAlvUe4OGL4dWBHZz6NePzV83lsABEwUwChkN4zHKyfN_U5qTdDib1bitO0gHtEVn2XpQIIyFkiSCrjkJkIlrL_2UKIGYyuBCL8pQ7JEDh34XxEmOiArCJ2t_Znc8CGCAm1Gt1iy/s640/2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
12. She tells me when I need to take some time for myself. Read this as: She tells me when I look like crap. She tells me to go get my hair cut. Or replace my make up. Or exercise. HAHA let's be real...I just eat better and try to pump more.<br />
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13. She's not big on birthdays...at all. But for some reason, Valentine's Day is a HUGE deal to her. She has to make sure we know how loved we are. She always sends cards and candy and house seasonal decor. Cause I have an addiction to seasonal decor that she doesn't really understand, but she totally supports my addiction. That's what friends do. This is her Valentine's Day tree. She decided that she didn't want to put away her tree and decorated it for Valentine's Day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76rEt66CFltRawKADgQoGkqmzcGZcDKLt0ZRWcALhI2WUGEVtKEt5nit2L-c1UUnVPkD7DKWwmPab8Gmrq2l-VhcPDNUq5QN7lgx9xxa-ACQZ5IbqDub87T5Tfb6EzBo9ow5PacpAh9Ah/s1600/valentines+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76rEt66CFltRawKADgQoGkqmzcGZcDKLt0ZRWcALhI2WUGEVtKEt5nit2L-c1UUnVPkD7DKWwmPab8Gmrq2l-VhcPDNUq5QN7lgx9xxa-ACQZ5IbqDub87T5Tfb6EzBo9ow5PacpAh9Ah/s640/valentines+day.jpg" /></a></div><br />
14. She tells me when I'm being a baby. Or a bitch. Or to go eat something. Or being a crabby pants. Cause sometimes you need someone to tell you to suck it up, pocket the attitude, and push through. But she does let me vent to her first. <br />
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15. She's my bestest friend. I literally call her everyday. More than once. Sometimes just to tell her that I broke a fingernail and I'm annoyed. And if she doesn't pick up and I know she's home, I leave really really long annoying messages on their machine...like 5+ minutes. And instead of listening to them all the way through, she calls me back so she can hear my story first hand and interrupt to ask for more details. <br />
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I can't imagine my life without her. Happy Mother's Day.<br />
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Try and top that list. TRY!!! You can't. Cause my mom is more awesomer than your mom.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-38591321824585210592014-05-10T17:29:00.003-06:002014-05-10T17:34:06.260-06:00One Year AgoExactly 1 year ago at my 12 week appointment, we found out that one of <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/04/we-are-having-triplets.html">our triplets</a> had <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/anencephaly.html">anencephaly</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk77hFHNCKxVgCqvsbiAbVWRIShsO4sCllArzzcPqLAyOG2z48psghgXoMaVDcDsGXqAugZ8I0CIMVe3SgcH3IT4YhV2xlsnj88Crt-vOSjoD8d15pfEsw2OL5HI3wkdRWK6qz6lxuGaQC/s1600/photo-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk77hFHNCKxVgCqvsbiAbVWRIShsO4sCllArzzcPqLAyOG2z48psghgXoMaVDcDsGXqAugZ8I0CIMVe3SgcH3IT4YhV2xlsnj88Crt-vOSjoD8d15pfEsw2OL5HI3wkdRWK6qz6lxuGaQC/s640/photo-208.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When I think back over the past year and everything we went through with the <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/05/another-doctors-appointment-today.html">subchorionic hemorrhage</a>, <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/08/incompetent-cervix-and-cerclage.html">cerclage</a>, and the bed rest, I think about how different life would be now if that baby hadn't had a terminal birth defect.<br />
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One thing Troy and I have kept to ourselves is that the precious baby we lost was a girl. That's right. 3 girls. We would have had 4 girls had everything been alright at our 12 week ultrasound.<br />
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A part of me feels sadness for the life that never was because of her neurological condition. But on the other hand, I'm so grateful that our twins are here safe and sound without any neurological or respiratory conditions, which would have been a high possibility with all 3. It feels like such a catch 22. <br />
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Kinley was in the NICU for 4 days and Caris was there for 7. It would have been so much longer and so much scarier had I decided to carry all 3 babies as long as my body would allow, which probably wouldn't have been long since I went into preterm labor at 25 weeks. And I would have had to deal with the death of child after its birth and 2 very sick babies.<br />
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Looking back, I don't regret our decision to have the reduction, but I can't help but think about how our lives would be now had she been healthy.<br />
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If you read my blog post last year about <a href="http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2013/06/selective-reduction-risks-and-decisions.html">our decision to have the selective reduction</a>, you know that I was on the fence about blogging about it. Well, it's been a year and I finally wrote it. I still get questions about the procedure, how it works, if it hurt, what happened to the baby, etc and I finally wrote about it now. I'll be posting that this week, so if you want to read it, great, if not, you can pass that one by.<br />
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I got some interesting messages/backlash about the decision to have the reduction. There were many people who didn't agree with our decision and we lost some friends over it. I understand that this is a sensitive and controversial topic, so please just pass it by if it is something you don't agree with. I hope that by writing it, someone will benefit from the information or make an informed decision about their health based on this blog.<br />
Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101614493198530256.post-72140347414891533082014-02-26T15:28:00.001-07:002014-02-26T17:02:02.918-07:00Anecdotes with AveryI thought I'd start a series about funny conversations with Avery. She's hilarious and makes us laugh everyday. I thought we could share the joy!<br />
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The other night I am tucking Avery into bed:<br />
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Me: You are SO silly!<br />
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Avery: NO, I'm Avery Barnes!<br />
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Me: You're right. Am I Mommy Barnes?<br />
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Avery: No, you're Natalie Barnes!<br />
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Me: (laughing) Is Daddy Daddy Barnes?<br />
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Avery: NO! That's Troy Barnes!<br />
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We were making homemade cookies yesterday:<br />
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Avery: OH NO! OOOOOPS!<br />
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Me: Oh no, what happened?<br />
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Avery: I licked the spoon. I'm sorry.<br />
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Me: Why did you lick the spoon? Was it an accident?<br />
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Avery: I put it in my mouth. It's yummy in my tummy.<br />
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Me: I think we need to learn the difference between an accident and on purpose.<br />
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Avery: Yeah. It was good.<br />
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Me: I know.<br />
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Every night we say the EXACT same dinner prayer and let Avery fill in 3 things that she is thankful for. Normally she says baby Caris, baby Kinley, Optimus, fruits, or candies. It's 3 of those 5 things in various orders. 2 nights ago she said this:<br />
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Dear God, thank you for a pretty day. Thank you for Jesus, Cinderella, and Jasmine. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!<br />
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She opened her eyes and looked at us and Troy and I almost started crying. It was SO unexpected and amazing. I mean, she put Jesus in the same category as 2 Disney Princesses, but she also didn't say any of the 5 things that she normally says. <br />
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I looked at Troy and we both had watery eyes. Baby girl thanked God for Jesus. We talked about it later and I was like, "I heard her say 'Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me.'" Now, I know that's not what she actually said, but that's what I heard. And my heart was singing.Natalie Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09542598330832436224noreply@blogger.com4