So much time has past.



During the months of January 2013 to September 2013 of my pregnancy had been very challenging for my family and me. I spent 90% of my time in wheelchair and in and out of the hospital. Once I started to gain weight, it became very painful to walk, move, sit or do anything that I would normally be able to accomplish.
I was unable to take any medication or have any procedures done to control my pain from the multiple herniated disks, which are located in my spine from head to tail. I also have a pinched nerve in my neck and severe nerve damage in my lower back that affects my legs.

My doctors put me on bed rest midway through my pregnancy due to having an easily stimulated and weak uterus. Seeing that my first child was a preemie they expected my second to be one also. Besides my body not being able to carry a baby full term, I had to be monitored because of my chronic high blood pressure. I am very grateful to the doctors and staff at Global OBGYN and Memorial West Hospital for their extra efforts to make as close to a full term baby we could have gotten.

First scare was in March when I started bleeding after standing up from sitting. I was rushed to the ER; diagnosis: chance of miscarriage. So from my 3rd month of pregnancy I was instructed to stay in bed and rest. In April, I started using the assistance of a cane to walk, then a walker by the beginning of May, finally ending up in wheelchair by the end of May.

In June, I was rushed back to the hospital with severe pain in my lower stomach; diagnosis: ligaments stretching. By the time august came I was feeling contractions. Not paying it too much mind considering it could be Braxton Hicks contractions, I tried to do as much as I can through my various pains. During one of my checkups, it was noted that I had started dilating. My contractions were ever lasting. Because of my back, I already could not do a lot, but the contractions made things far more difficult. If I tried to walk from any point to another in the house, my contractions increased. It was bad enough any regular movements like sitting, laying, turning, walking, even moving my head or arms caused me a great deal of pain, the contractions made it a million times worst.

From July I was back and forth in the hospital constantly in preterm labor. I became well known by more than half of the Memorial West labor and delivery staff. With every visit, I was admitted and labor was postponed. After the second admittance in July, my doctors prescribed a medication to try to stop my contractions along with the weekly shot I was receiving to strengthen my uterus. This medication did not stop my contractions but made them very irregular. I was admitted two more times in august. Again, with the strenuous work of Memorial West labor and delivery team my preterm labor was postponed yet again. The second time was extremely close. Stressed induced by the carelessness and stupidity of a transportation driver and his company (I would not go into details unless requested). His actions caused me to be rushed to the hospital during this routine medical run. This time the team had to work harder. Contractions were stronger and closer. They pumped me with more medication than I could ever imagine. After 10 days of IV, pills, and shots, my contractions were again irregular, and I was discharged. Finally, my last trip to labor and delivery, after 5 days my doctors agreed that it was ok for me to deliver my baby. They took me off all medication and induced my labor. I spent about 30 minutes in active labor after my water fully broke (my sac ruptured twice during my pregnancy).
 
On September 4th 2013, 7:14 pm I gave birth to a healthy 7 lbs. 4 oz. baby girl, who was originally due October 1.

Hey I'm back

I know It's been awhile. On September 4th I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl.She was born at 36 gestational weeks.Weighing in at 7lbs 4oz. For a preemie we are so forever grateful. Though this pregnancy was not easy, my family and I thank God for getting us through it with our healthy girl.

After my first daughter born 2005, I have been trying to have another child which seemed to be over worked. In 2011, I was told by my gynecologist that I had PCOS and I would not be able to get pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. Now 2013, 7 years after my first and 2 years after my diagnosis god has blessed us once again. Keep faith and be patience through God all things are possible.



In upcoming post, I will fill in my missing time. Until then take care and God Bless.

Been awhile

I know it's been awhile, I do apologize. I have been very busy and would be so for the next few weeks. I would try my hardest to still post a blog here and there but until then, please stay well.
God Bless

Covenant House


A few years back, I read this book about distressed teens. These teens were from different states across America. One story I distinctively remember is of a young girl between the age of 9 and 13, who ran away from the home of her physically and sexually abusive single father. Only to be picked up by a street thug that forced her into prostitution. One day she was rescued by the members of the Covenant House in their trusty van, off of the dangerous streets from that dangerous life. Ever since reading this book and many others with similar stories, written about the Covenant house and their children, I have been dedicated to be active in their service.

“Covenant House was founded in 1972 with the simple, profound mission to help homeless kids escape the streets. Today we are the largest privately funded charity in the Americas providing loving care and vital services to homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked, and exploited youth.” Covenant house provides many programs to supply our youth with a holistic approach to leaving the streets and achieving independence. a wide array of in-house training programs, including healthcare, educational support, GED preparation, job readiness and skills training, drug abuse treatment and prevention, legal services, mental health services, the Mother/Child program, life skills training, and aftercare.

I try to donate regularly, mainly in-kind meaning clothes, supplies, books, household items.

I ask PLEASE check them out. covenanthouse
You can donate online Donation
Or you can locate one of their house and personally drop off items Locations

Thank You
God Bless!

Increasing In Faith

At the beginning of the year my family and I did a spiritual Daniel Fast with our church. For seven days we drank nothing but water, and ate only fruits and vegetables. No dairy, sweeteners, yeast, preservatives, processed food, none of the yummy goodness that our taste buds are so used too. We prayed 5 times a day, and attended regular bible study. No television, phone, or any outside contamination from society. Honestly since the fast my life has changed a lot. My health is better, my personality, my family is closer, and great things are happening in my life. The answer to all problems and the key to all success is God. Building and strong relationship with God is the first step to a meaningful, happy, prosperous life. There are many resources that can help anyone that would like to learn, build, increase their faith.

Here are a few books that I am currently reading:
 1) This book is from my Bishop of my church Faith Family Finances By Henry Fernandez
 2) Understanding The 3 Levels Of Salvation: Spirit, Soul & Body!
 3) Akasha Core Rejuvenation: Spiritual Upliftment Package
 4) Christian Affirmations And Personalized Bible Scriptures


For those wanting more this is the way to go.
Have faith, stay strong
God Bless

My Duaghter's hair style of the week.

So I like to braid. My daughter is my number 1 client. The best product I have found to use in her hair is Wen. Check them out: Wen. I must say besides the price tag  this product is unbelievable. It truly does what it says. My daughters hair is very thick, wavy, and can get very dry if not taken care of. I have been using Wen in her hair for about 2 years, and it has worked very well. Her hair is soft, manageable, and easy to comb. But for the price tag many refuse to purchase this high quality product. Don''t worry i am planing to change it and see what else works. A tip from me to you, you can do a eBay search for Wen, it is sold for much cheaper than the company, SSHHH. I like to try different products, I"ll post occasional reviews of  them. If you would like more details of a product that I have already posted please let me know. Something also to look out for in the future, I do also make my own natural products for my hair (when I have time, and energy) and I would be selling them.

Check this eBook out it teaches how to braid your own hair, put in weave, take care of natural hair and much more, I LOOVE IT!!.
Hair eBook






Completion Of Our Valentine Heart Flower

Heart Flower













Step 1



  Draw and cut out hearts.












 Glue ends of hearts together
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5








Stem

 For the stem we used Toilet paper tube, index cards, and crumpled paper for the ball top.


Step 1
Step 2





 Color the index cards brown

 




Step 3



 Glue to toilet paper tube









Step 4


Glue second index card over the remaining opening












Compel, staple taped tape the ball to the top.
Glue the flower hearts to both side of the ball.
Glue hearts at bottom to make leaves.

And Tada A Heart Flower

 

Thank you for your time
It is greatly appreciated
Hope you had as much fun as us
Until next time
God Bless!! 
  

Valentines Day!!



"Love is in the air, every time I look around". That's right Valentine's Day is back, more gift giving, love spreading, baby making(lol), heart breaking. So what are your plans for this year? Who is your Valentine?

This year it's all about my 7 year old daughter. Planning activities with kids is so much fun!! I would like to share a few ideas and activities that can be done with supplies already in the house, or can be purchased under budget. Most of all very fun.

Heart Shaped Flower
You can just print the print the picture above and color it, Create a 2D flower by following the simple steps, or create 3D flower by adding a middle and a stronger base to support the weight.

Supplies we are going to use:
- Construction paper ( you can choose the colors you like)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Glitter (would get messy)
- Crayons, markers, color pencils (your choice)
- You can use your imagination and add things as you go along


First draw and cut out hearts. Size and amount is up to you. As the one in the picture above 13 minimum for a nice looking flower. 9 for the flower, and 4 for the base. Keep in mind the more hearts the heavier it will be, so the stem should be thicker.






You can save this heart to your computer and adjust the size then print. I am using it at  4"x4", but i suggest 2"x2" to keep things simple.
Trace your desired amount of hearts on your chosen colors of construction paper.
Since I am making ours 3D i would be doubling the amount of hearts, using 18 for the flower and 8 for the base.

When all your hearts are cut out you can decorated them how ever you like. Get creative you can draw insects, bugs, words no limitations.I might stick to just glitter.

While the hearts are drying from what ever decoration, we can make our stems. Remember to keep the weight of the flower in mind. If needed you can used a empty toilet or paper towel roll, but a construction paper rolled and glue at the ends would work. Pick your desired height and circumference of your base.
For the standard 9 2"x2" heart flower, the paper could be cut at 6"Lx4"W to support such a flower.
Glue the ends of the paper length ways (the long way, vertical) so it is 6" tall. DO NOT CREASE! leave round like a cylinder

 My daughter and I need an middle for our flower to make ours 3D so we would just compel regular paper into a ball.

Now its time to glue the hearts together. Start by gluing about 1/2" of the end of three hearts together. Fanning  them out (turning them in three different directions) as in the picture above. You can also use a cut out circle as a center. Continue gluing the hearts in the back of the1st three hearts only placing in the three open spaces from the 1st 3 hearts, this would be 6 hearts so far. Do the same for the final 3 hearts, gluing them behind the second row of hearts opening. your flower should look like the picture.

Leave your flower to dry while you glue the 4 remaining hearts to your stem as a base. Glue 2 hearts ends touching on one side of your stem (refer to picture above) and the other two on the other.

And there you go you should have a stand up flower. If anyone acctualy make the flower please send me a picture of how it turns out.Once my daughter and I complete ours I will post a picture of finished flower.

Thank you!
Have fun!
God Bless!

Hello

So this is my first blog, I'll start by introducing myself before we get down to business.Hello I am Alexann, I am a stay at home mom. I have a 7 year old daughter that I am homeschooling. I am a Christian with very strong faith, uphold the Sabbath, church every Sunday, prayers 3 times a day. I am attending Anthem College Online due to graduate in April with my Associate Degree in Business Management. I enjoy planning events, children and theme events are my specialty. I do custom made and personalized party favors, bags, invitation, cards, business cards, bookmarks, and others things at request. I make homemade lotions, soaps, wax, skin care products hair balm, essential oil mixtures, and other goodies. My cooperate career is in the food industry. I have worked as a server, bartender, cook, and supervisor in fast paced tourist restaurants in New York City.. I love food, cooking, baking, eating and dining out, it is a passion. I love to travel, the last place I visited was the Bahamas. Just like most women I love to shop, clothes, shoes, name it I'll be interested. Saving is a gift I have, can find great deals, and save lots of $ with coupons. I  also can style hair, braid, twist, locks, and do hair cuts. I can be a health nut at times, so I'm always looking for ways to take care of myself and my family. I have also undergone a few health issues personally and with family members so I can provide some insight there as well.

It's time for me to close, so until next time feel free to contact me.
You can check out my Google profile for pictures of my work.

Have a great one, and God Bless.