Life's big moments

Life's big moments happen to everyone and in different forms. For our family they are happening and quickly.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Helen Keller 

We just had the birth of our first daughter. Lucas is about to graduate in about 3 weeks and he got a job at the career fair. We will be moving this summer to a new city, new house, and he will have a new job.
I have to say its funny how much we can plan for our lives and how much actually happens. I knew I could trust that God was in control and had bigger plans for us, but He truly ceases to amaze me. I can write forever how good God is to us and His enduring love, but for now let me just tell you about this job thing. :)

Entering marriage we knew we would love and sacrifice for one another. Our 1st year was blissful, it was easy no troubles, besides adjusting to one another. Then we had our 1st son and things got bumpy. I struggled to finish my degree, while pregnant with our second son. I had planned on working after I finished, but now knowing how demanding teaching is with two young children made me think twice. All this time my awesome husband went part time to school so I could finish. He also worked part time and watched Lukrik while I student taught.This is sacrificial love at its finest because when we give of ourselves that is when we receive the most. So when people say your finally graduating, he says, "Yes and I also have my wife and 3 children with me." So it may have taken him a "long" time but he is finishing and not with out a lot of hard work, perseverance, and Jesus!!! I have to say I am so proud of him and grateful at the blessing of his love for me and our children. I was truly blessed with the most loving, giving, hard working, kind, and sacrificing man ever!! :) I also want to thank him for being open to our Lord's will in his life, no matter how hard it can be at times.

Now he just went to the career fair a few weeks ago and did a few interviews with 6 different districts in our city/state. One of those out of city offered him a job right on the spot!! :) We had two weeks to respond and it was a difficult decision. We had prayed starting last year that when the time came he would have a job by the time he graduated. Boy, did our Lord answer it!!!! For us even if we have to move out of Las Cruces and navigate another city our main concern was having a job. It will not be easy and the hard work is only just beginning, but we fully trust that the Lord has brought us to this and we can't reject His blessings.

I will leave you with this last thought, if we but merely ask the Lord, He will provide. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
It may take us from our comfort zone and test us. Nonetheless we will be together and have our Lord no matter where life takes us. " What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 31-39 :) <3

1 month postpartum and life with 3 children

Karissa is 1 month old and growing fast!! She now weighs 8 lbs.and 2 oz. and 21" long. We are still getting the hang of nursing. She has had a lazy latch and since her mouth is so small its been hurting me still. I have to admit its been a little rough enjoying nursing her because of the pain. It is not supposed to hurt when you nurse and it is totally enjoyable. I finally got nipple shield to help her latch on better and wow huge difference!! So it is helping and hopefully will get better. I can say even with the challenges it is the best thing for both of us! :) We are grateful she is growing and doing amazing! Plus she is a total cutie!!

I am feeling pretty good and lost 10 lbs. already. Once my 6 weeks pass I will start a little exercising to get  in shape. We are not too sleep deprived, mostly because of nursing and co-sleeping. :) 

Big brother Ezekiel still takes naps during the day which is a huge blessing! I at least can rest a little since Lukrik isn't so destructive anymore, lol. We did have a rare moment in time at the Hibler house the other day...

All 3 kids napping at the same time! :) 

Speaking of 3 kids napping...I prepared myself for total chaos for the first 2 months. It has been total chaos, but also a blessing. I say a blessing because it has made me take in every moment one at a time and truly prayerfully be vigilant to my needs and my families. It has been a little crazy with 3 kids, especially when I nurse Karissa. I have days when it is gets so stressful that all I want to do is cry! Especially when everyone wants mommy at the same time.Its a tough job and with lots of help from the Lord I am managing . I don't freak out about the mess anymore (after kid 2 you know better) because its inevitable but their safety I do. I now know why we have Guardian angels, because as parents we can't protect our children from everything. If you've ever watched the "Croods," everyday we say "still alive!" with our hands in the air, lol!! :)

I have yet to make a good dinner, mostly frozen meals and sandwiches. So thank you to our awesome parent's, compadres and my nina for bringing us a few good meals!! We appreciate it so much!!! :)

It is hard with 3 kids, but its what we wanted and what is not hard at times different times in our lives. We are blessed with our amazing, cute, and loving children that the Lord put in our lives. We can't imagine our lives without them and wouldn't change it for the world!!!! :) <3 

I also finally had a precious moment with Karissa, Lucas took the boys outside and I was able to nurse her in peaceful silence!! 

My little sweet pea...love taking in her beauty!!

Our inner beauty

I have been reflecting on the idea of inner beauty and how as women in our media filled world we can find strength and peace to be set apart for God. When I read Proverbs 31: 30, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised," I think of inner beauty and what it means. For me it is contemplating on the condition of my heart. For example what makes me happy, holy, and at peace with God. If we can put all our faith in God, it is better for our hearts. It is so easy to compare ourselves to one another. Because of how easy it is to see women from all over the world today, it is more difficult to not compare ourselves. But each of us are made in the image of God and we are beautiful. Not necessarily what we see day to day but the condition of our hearts day to day. In 1 Peter 3: 3-4 it says, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." The easiest way to focus our hearts on this is to ask God to give us strength and humility to surrender all that we are to Him. To me there is nothing more precious than God being in charge of my life. There is no reason not to give all of ourselves to our Father whom loves us a lot. So I invite you to surrender all your heart to God and have faith that He will see your inner beauty. :) <3

Nuestra belleza interior

He estado contemplando en la belleza interior y como mujeres en el mundo heno de tecnología podemos encontrar fuerza y paz para ser de Dios aparte de las demás. Cuando leo Proverbios 31:30, “Engañosa es la gracia y vana la hermosura, pero la mujer que teme a Jehová esa será alabada,” pienso en la belleza interior y lo que significa. Para mi es contemplando la condición de mi corazón. Por ejemplo que me hace feliz, sagrada, y en paz con Dios. Si podemos poner toda nuestra fe en Dios mejor para nuestros corazones. Es tan fácil compáranos una a la otra. Por ser más fácil de ver a mujeres por todo el mundo hoy en día es más difícil de no comparase a ellas. Pero cada una estamos hechas en la imagen de Dios y somos hermosas. No lo que vemos día a día pero la condición de nuestro corazón día a día. En 1 Pedro 3:3-4 dice, “Vuestro atavió no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible adorno de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios.” La forma más fácil de enfocar nuestros corazones en esto es de pedir que Dios nos de la fuerza y humildad de rendir todo lo que somos a El. Para mí no hay nada más precioso que El este en cargo de mi vida. No hay razón de no dar todo de nosotros a nuestros Padre que nos ama mucho. Por eso las animo que entreguen todo sus corazones a Dios y tengan fe que El va ver su belleza interior. :) <3

Karissa Kay's Birth Story Part 2

Here is Part 1, if you missed it.
*Disclaimer of bodily fluids to be mentioned, but could not be left out.

As we waited for the results of the amniotic fluid test, I prayed that it was because I knew it was time and did not want to go home again without a baby. Finally the midwife came in with a paper with my info and it said positive at the bottom. So because we were not 100% sure when my water broke, she decided to start an antibiotic to help in case of infections. Since it had at least been from Thursday morning at 1 am that I felt that pop, it had been 24 hours since then. It was 7 pm when we knew we were staying, I was also hoping I would not need pitocin.
My second oldest sister came and brought Lucas some food around 8:30 pm. She left but would be back since we wanted her to be there for the birth. We relaxed and watched T.V. for a few hours, it was nice to sit and talk with each other without interruptions. Then the midwife came in around 10:30 pm to explain they would start pitocin and she would come back to break the front bag of waters. So the nurse came in and started the pitocin at a 4 and would come in every 15 minutes to up the dose. Now began the more intense and difficult part of laboring. I really wish I could have not had pitocin just to see how different it is. When the nurse came to up the dose she would ask if I needed anything. So began the breathing, focusing, and praying. I was doing good, but getting so exhausted. At around 12:30 am the nurse came to check me and I was at a 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced, so it was time to break my bag of waters. Once they did I began to feel her move down. From this time until she was born, the contractions became unbearable and I felt pressure, so the nurse came to check on me again, I was barely at 5 cm!
I told Lucas I couldn't anymore and that I was so exhausted, all while beginning to cry. He is amazing, I love him so much!!! He gently reassured me I could do it, to breathe and try to focus on just that. I got courage for about two contractions and lost my will to keep going. My body was taking longer to dilate than with the boys. Also with them I felt empowered and with Karissa, I was emotionally drained. Then I tried to let each contraction bring her down, with her I could feel her slowly making her way into this world. All of a sudden I had the urge to use the bathroom, like I had to take a big crap!! The  nurse assistant came to let me up and hung around until I was done. It felt good to sit on the toilet! I began to cry and said, "I can't anymore, I am exhausted, I need something to help me rest." I Krystle Hibler was crying for pain relief and asap!!! Lucas calmly said, "It won't help you get energized and its probably almost time." I couldn't argue because just then I had a huge urge to push and I did, no not a baby, just crap. The nurse came in because I had the urge again and she said "Quickly get to the bed!" I began to shake and this happens right before they are born. I knew it was time and just wanted to be done. I was such a hot mess by this time and began to not breathe properly. Once on the bed my arms and legs felt tingly. So they gave me oxygen, oh how amazing it was!! Finally, I calmed down and prayed I could do it! The nurse checked me, no cervix left, baby's head, call midwife this little baby is coming.
Once everything was ready, they said to push on the next contraction. Oh, how much of a daze you are in at this point. I pushed once and took a break. Pushed again and gave up once I felt the burning ring!! I was overly exhausted, so I prayed for the last bit of strength I needed to birth this little (thank God she was little) baby and I could feel the power of the prayers. The final two pushes and she was here at 3:18 am on March 1, 2014. Our little baby girl was here!!!
Lucas was able to catch her and cut her cord, which was delayed a bit as the midwife pushed blood back to her from me. He placed her on my chest and never have I felt such relief to see a gooey, slimy, beautiful little baby. She was absolutely perfect and we both cried!! Lucas even cried, he never cried with the boys, but this tiny girl already has his heart. <3
We got to be together right away, she was breathing well and looked good. She nursed for an hour and a half. Even though premies have trouble latching, she knew exactly what to do! I bled a little but she was able to stop it and stitched me up. Asked for some food because lets face it birthing a baby leaves you famished!
She was 5 lbs. 3 oz. and 17" long. Her Apgar scores were good at 1 min. an 8 and at 5 min. a 9. No disabilities or health problems. Just perfect the way the Lord made her and we are blessed!!!! :) <3

Karissa Kay Hibler

This was before she nursed, see she was already sucking on her hand!! :)

Karissa Kay's Birth Story Part 1

Disclaimer of bodily fluids to be mentioned, but could not be left out. :)
I was not due until March 24, 2014, but it was just time. At my last appointment they noticed I had dropped and she was quite low in my pelvis. Apparently this occurs right before labor begins in subsequent pregnancies, not weeks before. I also note that I lose weight right before as well.. Another truth for me is I get this energy urge to nest and have absolutely everything ready for the arrival of baby. At my appointment on Monday Feb. 24, I was not checked, but told them my braxton hick contractions were stronger now. So the doctor just said see you next week hopefully and told me when to go the hospital.
Now by Wednesday Feb. 26, I really began having contractions. Yes I had been cleaning and such all day, so when Lucas got home I decided to rest, but they kept coming. I took a shower and gave the boys a bath. By the time the boys were in bed I had decided that is was time to go to the hospital. I have a history of having strong contractions and going in only to find they fade out. So my sister came around 11 pm and we got to the hospital by 12 am and checked in. I was checked only to be 1 cm and 50% effaced. They hooked me up and left for 2 hrs, they seemed busy that night. While we sat there, I felt a pop, but no fluid came out, so we assumed it was just her moving. Once they were done they came and checked again still the same. We were sent home and the nurse said she thought we would be back later that day. So off we went to rest. All day Thursday Feb. 27, I had contractions, but not consistent or unbearable. Also lost my mucus plug, but I never noticed any fluid leaking. Once Lucas got home, I told him we  were going to Sam's Club for some last minute stuff we needed and to walk this baby out. Now I know it was early, but she had to be ready or why else would my body start labor. Now with the boys I had a lot of back labor, but with her it was more intense cramping and just back aches. So it helped to go walk and get what we needed. I rested well that night because it was just cramps I felt. I also went to buy raspberry leaf tea and drank two cups that night.
Friday Feb. 28, woke up with mild contractions and cramping. Decided I would go for a walk around the block. The boys and I went to a park across the street and ran around. Came home and the contractions started coming strong again. I began timing them and called Lucas around 1:30 pm to just come home because it was hard to labor alone with the boys around. He came right away and I called my mom to have her call into work. She also had a 2 hour journey to us, so I wanted to be sure she got here soon to be with the boys. We then called our compadres because the contractions were really close together and I could not wait for my mom. They came, we left and arrived at 2:30 pm at the hospital.
Now the dreaded check...only 2 cm and 60% effaced. Check again in an hour, so just wait!! Of course in that time guess what happened my contractions slowed down. She came in checked still 2 cm but 70% effaced. Check with midwife, because my blood platelets had gone down again. Our nurse was busy because there were lots of babies being born again, so another nurse let us walk around. They were coming back and the walking was making them stronger. So we walked around, spoke with the midwife and since my blood platelets were not dangerously low we would see what my body wanted to do. When we got back in the room, the nurse asked if my water had broken because she noticed some fluid on the pad. I said no, so they did the test to check if it was amniotic fluid and check my cervix. Still 2 cm but now 75% effaced, which meant progress was happening. Stay tuned for part 2 to find out if it was amniotic fluid. :)

Birth Announcement

Thank you for all the prayers she has arrived....

Karissa Kay Hibler

March 1, 2014

3:18 am

5 lbs. 3 oz.

17" long

She is beautiful, amazing, and healthy!!!!
Birth story coming soon!!! ;)