The Covali Family

Barracuda Baby

2012-01-09T13:43:00.000+02:00

My daughter is the sweetest thing on earth. But when it comes to nursing she is a very agressive eater. Just the other day I read about this kind of children, who destroy their mothers' nipples. They're called "barracuda babies". I went online to look for an image of a barracuda, and I laughed at what I found. Pretty scary and pretty much what I feel when the time to nurse comes. I pray we can get over this soon, I wouldn't want to discontinue nursing her because of fear of pain.

http://www.tidebelize.org/BarracudasBadReputation.htm

Our Christmas Gift

2011-12-28T00:00:00.001+02:00

Well, it finally happened. After much anticipation, our baby girl was born, at 41 weeks. I was supposed to go to the hospital the following day, for induction, but she decided to surprise us when we weren't expecting to be surprised anymore.

On Thursday evening, December 22, at about 7:50 PM my water broke. I was confused at first, because I didn't know what it's like when your water breaks (last time the doctor did it at the hospital), so I wasn't sure if that's what was happening to me this time. I was thinking: I didn't even feel like going to the bathroom, how could I have wet my pants?
Sergiu was at a meeting at Church. I called him and asked to come home because it's possible that Miss Briana decided to arrive, which he did promptly and arranged for his brother to come over to watch Robert. In the mean time, a second gush of water leaked out. We headed to the hospital. After an examination, it was confirmed that my water had broken, though not completely still. After checking in, I was sent into the delivery room, though I wasn't having any contractions yet. I got there and was left to wait for contractions and labor to start. The contractions began about 2 hours later. Meanwhile, I was sitting there listening to a woman next door screaming in pain and working hard to push her baby. That was so encouraging for me to hear!!! :) :) :) The epidural is not popular here in Moldova, so most of women give birth naturally, not by choice but because there is no other way. Anyway, Sergiu had returned home because I wanted him to be with Robert (I am a big freak about who can watch my boy and for how long). My contractions were regular but very mild in intensity. I didn't mind it, except that I did not want to labor all night. I had set my mind that this time things had to move faster than my first birthing experience. So I was getting a little disappointed when, after 3 hours, my contractions were still 7 minutes apart and I was only 4 cm dilated. It was 1:40 AM when I had the internal examination. Up to that point, I had been lying in bed, trying to sleep between contractions, because that's what the nurse encouraged me to do to preserve my energy for the harder work ahead. But after I was examined at 1:40, an idea illuminated my mind - I remembered reading that standing up during labor helps speed things along, and that's what I decided to do. Well guess what? Some 10 minutes later I was ready for pushing. I didn't even have to call for anyone because they heard my agony from the other end of the hallway :), and there was no more time for a confirmation that I was fully dilated - THE BABY WAS COMING OUT, pressing down with full force. To open a parenthesis here, birthing a baby naturally really helps you understand more about hell - you know, like the scriptures describe it as great tourment and gnashing of teeth. That's exactly what birthing feels like. Now back to the story. At 2:10 AM Briana was born. I was shocked and so relieved. I couldn't believe how fast she did it (we did it), comparing with my first experience. I was afraid to get a tear again, and I did get it :), but I'm healing much quicker this time around. So, this has been a wonderful experience that I feel very grateful for. Briana is small and sweet like a cupcake, so beautiful and perfect. I have to admit that I'd been too impatient for her to be born, I've always hoped she would come early, but it wasn't the right time for her, she would have been too underweight and weak. She needed to bake a little longer.
We're at home now and very happy together. We feel extremely blessed to have our children. Briana and I were released from the hospital on Christmas day and it was the best present ever to be all together. Sergiu did a great job with Robert while I was away. I'm so proud of him.
I would post some pictures, but Robert has been playing with our camera and misplaced it, and now I have no idea where to find it :). So I hope it won't be long before I do find it.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! It is a very blessed and happy season for our family indeed.

39 Weeks

2011-12-12T13:49:00.000+02:00

I hoped she would be born by now, but no, she's waiting for her due date.

39 weeks and 2 days pregnant

A Few Pictures For Fun

2011-12-03T23:18:00.000+02:00

The pictures date from September to November. The baby boy is the center of my attention, obviously. I can't wait to hold my daughter in my arms. I could share some thoughts I have regarding to what she will look like. Just having fun with it. We'll see how close to reality my suppositions are.
I think she will have fair skin and blue eyes, like her mommy, she'll have daddy's nose and lips. I kinda hope she'll be a diva, but most importantly I want her to be a virtuous woman.

Other than that, we had a nice Thanksgiving. I felt pleased with the cooking my husband and I did (which is a rare thing because most times my cooking "disability" humbles me a lot). We've been trying to prepare for Briana's arrival, as much as finances allowed us. Our parents have been a huge help to us throughout all these months since we returned to Moldova. Parents are angels, and their love and generosity toward us never cease to amaze me. I hope to be like them when I grow up.

At Church

So cool

So sweet

With grandma Maria

Four generations

The Delight Continues

2011-11-14T15:30:00.000+02:00

This post will be as most others - about our children :). We take pride in them and they bring so much joy, that I wouldn't want to write about anything else.
Robert is 16 months old. Has a vocabulary of about 37 words. He cannot pronounce a lot of the consonants, but he wants to talk and he's trying, with such a cute baby accent. His primary language is English, and since we live in Moldova many people are very surprised to find out about it. It makes him pretty special too. We wanted to make his experience through life more abundant, to offer him (and the other children we'll have) greater educational opportunities beginning with the earliest age.
Briana is getting ready to make her royal appearance. About a month ago the doctors were flipping out because she was measuring smaller than her gestational age, but 2 ultrasounds showed that she's developing fine and her size is within the limits of the normal (though she is smaller than Robert was, which I am thankful for, because I don't want the same circus when I'll give birth the second time).

I wanted to thank everyone who prayed for our family and who submitted our names at the temple for the prayer roll. We have been uplifted and received many tender mercies from the Lord because of that.

Jesus

2011-09-18T21:39:00.000+03:00

We are so excited to share that Robert not only recognizes the Savior in various pictures of Him but he also learned to say His name. It is the sweetest sound ever. He can say 'Jesus' almost as perfectly as 'mama' and 'daddy'. What a fulfilling joy it is to see your children learn of sacred things early in their youth!
I love being a mom!

Going Pink And Happy About It

2011-07-18T17:33:00.001+03:00

Hurray, hurray, hurray! We had an ultrasound that confirmed that we're expecting a baby girl. She's healthy and playful. Didn't sit still the whole time we were observing her on the monitor. She even waved with her hand and we like to think she was waving to us.
We knew the whole time that it's a princess, but it's nice to have a confirmation. Her name will be Briana, like a little sweetheart I knew in New Jersey:

My inspiration

Below are some pictures of my baby bump at 18 weeks and 3 days:

Robert is pulling on my pants :)

Family Picnic

2011-07-11T14:20:00.000+03:00

We had a fabulous picnic and FHE at the Botanical Garden. I did not capture any special flowers and plants, I only have pictures of the great company I had at the park. Families built on gospel soil are a bliss.

Robert having a blast swinging on mommy's lap

The skinny pregnant me

At the end Robert got a little exhausted

Robert's First Birthday

2011-07-10T13:51:00.001+03:00

Happy boy was amazed to see so many people who love him in the same room. He enjoys attention and he knows he's important and cool.
At the age of one he is a helpful and affectionate son (likes to please us and bring us different things), he gives kisses, he sings (na-na-na), loves books and animals, can point where the temple is, shakes his head "no", winks with his eyes, makes faces, screams when stressed out, waves bye-bye, says a few words - mama, tata, papa (a Moldovan baby word for "food"), there, țiiiiiii!... (a Moldovan interjection for "peek-a-boo"), baba, bah (which is supposed to mean both "baby" and "ball"), and pee-pee (referring to his privates). He knows where our baby is and is learning to give her loves by kissing mommy's belly :).
For his birthday he had a car cake, it was his first time eating a cake. He enjoyed it, surprisingly for us didn't get too messy although we were hoping for colorful pictures :), he shared his slice of cake with daddy, his uncle and grandma. I'm just proud of him through and through, I love the way he is. Thank you for coming into our lives, Robert. You changed it forever and made it so much better.

Robert's car cake - I didn't make it, we ordered :)

The blessed date he came into this world

After the party we went for a walk and saw this car covered in gold.
It's almost as ridiculous as a pink car

If You Were Busy Being Kind

2011-07-04T21:41:00.002+03:00

If you were busy being kind,
Before you knew it you would find
You’d soon forget to think ’twas true
That someone was unkind to you.

If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who seem sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You’d soon forget to notice it.

If you were busy being good,
And doing just the best you could,
You’d not have time to blame some man
Who’s doing just the best he can.

If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You’d be so busy you’d forget
The blunders of the folks you’ve met.

If you were busy being right,
You’d find yourself too busy quite
To criticize your brother long,
Because he’s busy being wrong.

-R. Foreman

Good Better Best

2011-06-30T12:10:00.000+03:00

Life Is Good

2011-06-14T13:02:00.001+03:00

I love my life, love having the "job" of my dreams - to create life and be a mother.
Last Sunday, at 13 weeks and 3 days I felt my little one move inside my womb. It was really exciting. Especially because it happened sooner this time, comparing with the first pregnancy.

Big day

2011-05-27T21:51:00.000+03:00

Today was an important day for our little guy. He started walking on his own AND he had his first haircut. Such an exciting day. Also, Sergiu and I got to go on a date tonight. Caramel McSundae tasted like heaven :).

Back in Moldova

2011-05-26T21:02:00.002+03:00

A month ago we left Utah to come back to Moldova. We arrived home safely, our suitcases came with us :), the trip was long and exhausting but we forgot all about it. It was good to see our families again, to move to a new apartment (with air conditioner, big windows. lots of light and space for Robert to go crazy). I was shocked at how people here are so afraid of every breeze and they are wearing such warm clothes and overdressing their kids, though it's so warm outside. I love the green of our city.

Robert only needed 3 days to adjust to the new time zone. Such a trooper! He's got 4 teeth now, chewing food and smiling so cute.

The pregnancy is going well. I feel much better than with the first pregnancy. I'm only more tired, because now I have a little boy as my very active sport. Our feeling is that it's a girl this time. We were certain the first time that we were having a boy and it was right. Hope it works this time again according to our wish.

Sergiu is ready to start his new job. We're very excited about it. It's a brilliant opportunity for growth.

Life is good and happy.

Robert helping us unpack

from the desert Provo to a very green city - amazing!

I missed the pink houses in Chisinau :)

The alley on our way home

crazy hair after bath

Robert got a walker - equals to everybody being happy

a sunflower cake Sergiu bought for me - too bad it had
coffee in it, so we had to give it away

our cool kid

appetizers to celebrate Eurovision :)

78.8 degrees outside and people are wearing coats -
you can only see that in Chisinau

visiting a monastery,
monasteries are basically the only tourist places in Moldova

nice flowers,
these grounds reminded me of the temple grounds

on the same family trip we stopped by a zoo-type-of-barn,
Sergiu is feeding an ostrich

cute pony

Robert's first time on a pony

exploring with grandpa

fun chickens

black swan

would've been nice to ride in this carriage around the area

having yogurt in his high chair

what a happy boy! so blessed to have him!

Our Biggest News Of This Year

2011-04-14T22:30:00.002+03:00

Yesterday we found out that by the end of this year we'll be having another beautiful child. We're so excited! I've never felt more abundant in all my life. What a great feeling! So thankful for my family.

Robert, our first born, and the confirmation that we're expecting again.

Getting Ready For Summer

2011-03-22T20:59:00.001+02:00

http://www.hapari.com/womens-swimwear/

This is a link to Hapari's website. They sell such cute swimwear. I found out about them on www.mygiveawaytoday.com. I like to check out their giveaways sometimes, and, this time, until March 23 they're offering a $96 gift certificate to Hapari. I'm going for it, because I really liked their products - gorgeous and modest. I got all excited about summer! :)
You should try it too!

Spring Enthusiasm

2011-03-14T00:22:00.000+02:00

Hello, everyone! I'm back with updates. Robert is 8 months old already, he got his first tooth a day before the 8 month mark. He's getting very attached to mama and daddy, play time sitting on the carpet doesn't interest him anymore. He's either in our arms or up and walking, continuously.
We're enjoying this spring weather so much! I'm delighted to be outside the house for hours every day and glad that Robert is just as excited. We have very happy feelings. We're also getting excited to be going back to Moldova at the end of April.

TEDxBG - Steve Keil - A Play Manifesto

2011-01-27T22:11:00.000+02:00

A Blast In The Sink!

2011-01-26T07:23:00.001+02:00

The first couple of months of life Robert could not stand bathtime. Then he learned what a relaxing cool activity that is. Here are some pictures of lil' man enjoying himself:

Happy Anniversary to Me

2011-01-23T17:15:00.001+02:00

Today is my 9th anniversary since I got baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a remarkable change that first step has brought to my life! I will be forever grateful to my missionaries for their service and for finding me when I was so lost spiritually and socially. And of course I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for the extended grace and salvation. What an infinitely great gift!

Me and one of my missionaries, Sora Palmer,
right before my baptism

Amazing

2011-01-23T09:55:00.000+02:00

So many of our friends have little children, or even are new to parenting, like we are. And guess what they talk and blog about most of the time? Their little ones of course. And I am no exception! It is amazing to me how all of a sudden another person can fill your life to such extent, that he is part of everything you do and you feel so much pride in your child you become very passionate when sharing all the joys or concerns in relation to the little person.
From the first moment that I saw Robert I fell in love with everything about him. I loved his skin color. I loved his hair, and he was born with a lot of hair, which I did not expect for some reason but loved it instantly. I loved his voice, his smiles when he was snoozing, his birth mark on the tiny middle finger, his smell. To me he was perfect. To this day he is. Of course it took some time until I finally was able to relate to him and communicate at his level, it was very challenging, things did not come to me naturally. So I thank and praise him for being our first born, the spirit within him must have lots fo courage and confidence about his experience in our family here on earth.
I love Robert, my life.

Getting more and more handsome every month of my life!

Well... Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T08:34:00.002+02:00

It took forever to post anything here! I do want to get more diligent at blogging though. I could have shared so many great things about my little one, but now there are too many events to talk about and I feel overwhelmed just thinking to report on everything, so I will just focus on the present for now.
Our son Robert was born July 5, 2010. So we have a very important little person in our life now. He is a very loving child and brings us a lot of joy. We enjoy parenting more that we imagined we would. It turned out to be a great surprise and a great gift. And so did our marriage, by the way. We've been married for only about a year and five months and it feels like a lifetime, we are so comfortable with and love being married to each other.
Robert is sitting up already, without support most of the times. He started diligently on solids, but mommy did not make a good enough research on what is good to start with, so because of me he is having a hard time going potty these days. Now I have to work on providing the relief he needs. Never thought I would wait so anxiously for a baby poop. Oh the joys of parenthood!
Other than that, the little guy is very active, smiles a lot, is everybody's buddy, learning to play the ball, to jump in his exersaucer, and to think scientifically by watching "Sid, The Science Kid" cartoon. Oh, and he chews on books, which encourages my hope that he will be a book lover.
As for me, I am working on finding a balance between all my roles, getting my pre-pregnancy weight, and providing my brain with intellectual stimulation, because it feels sometimes that I think like child, hanging out with a small baby all day long...
Sergio is doing great in school. He's very hard working, well-focused on his responsibilities, and working a lot these days. I also appreciate how diligent he is to always give attention to the family and assure us of his love.

So that's us, at the beginning of 2011.

I'll share a photo with Robert below. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do, though I think that many times the camera just cannot show how precious he is in real life.

READY!

2010-07-02T12:54:00.003+03:00

Well, quite a few of my friends and acquaintances are having babies these days. So I've been reading lots of updates on the progress of their pregnancies and baby delivery. Now I guess it's our family's time to star :). Baby Robert is no lazy child. He is diligently working on making his way out into this world, and we are just so proud of him. Mama's helping any way she can, and daddy is an outstanding support to us. This team work is very productive, and I dare to say that in a couple of days we'll be heading to the hospital.

First pregnancy experience has really tried my patience, but I am so much more ready to step into motherhood now.

Last Ultrasound

2010-06-14T08:32:00.005+03:00

This past Friday I had my last ultrasound of baby Robert. Sad that daddy wasn't able to come, but mommy had a very neat experience. The computer showed I was 36 weeks and 2 days pregnant and little man weighed 2 kg 855 g (which is about 6.3 lb). I got to see my boy in 4D too, and I cought a smile from him!!!... What a thrill to see your son happy and doing well!

On the other hand, last week daddy did an amazing job finding the best doctor to help deliver the baby. We had another option before, but it didn't feel like that doctor had an individual approach to us. But we're very happy with the doctor we have now, and I will feel more secure and confident in her hands.

Happy Children's Day!

2010-06-01T16:09:00.003+03:00

It is children's day in Moldova. Yey for our baby boy and the joy he brings to his parents!

I had my second final exam (or state exam, as it is called here), so I'm almost done. The presentation of my final research paper is all that's left to do and then I'll be FREE, FREE, FREE!!! During the exam I experienced many different sensations (I was hungry, thirsty, hot, and I wanted to sleep - all simultaneously), and at the end I got a big shock, when we were announced the results of the exam - I was given the highest grade, which is 10, according to the evaluation system here in Moldova (which equals the A+ or something like that, according to the American system). It was really very unexpected. I only knew that the day was going to be great, because my husband told me so in the morning.
By the way, summer started! What a glorious season this is going to be. Enjoy, everyone!

A Remark

2010-05-31T14:19:00.001+03:00

Well, I have changed some settings of the blog and fixed the problem regarding comments to posts, so from now on, when you'll find something worth commenting, feel free to do it! :)

One Weekend's Activities

2010-05-18T17:42:00.005+03:00

Last weekend was a very good one!

1) We enjoyed a lot our date night out.

2) Watched some random movies.

“Bridge To Terabithia”

“Marley And Me”

“Everything Is Illuminated”

I wish to become as passionate about family history like the main character in this movie!

3) Making home made sugar candy close to midnight was fun and yummy. It reminded us of the days of our childhood when we used to melt sugar on a pot, let it cool and solidify and then ate it. We were poor but creative :)

4) Attended the festival for the celebration of the Day of Europe in Moldova.

5) And participated in a baptismal ceremony.

Our dear Tonia was finally able to get baptized. And it was a holy ceremony.

I am done with all my exams. Have to work on the final paper now. Oh my goodness, I will be so relieved when this is over! And I’ll be completely free to enjoy my baby when he is born.

BIZEAK!

2010-05-12T15:45:00.002+03:00

I am excited to tell that every day I am closer to graduation. Between school stuff, family and church responsilibities I stay busy, busy, busy. Can't say I always enjoy this busyness, for I don't deal well with stress (and, after all, I don't need it during pregnancy). But it creates positive outcomes even for the nearest future, so it's good reason to feel thankful for. I especially appreciate my husband, who supports me with so much patience and doesn't show disapointment in me when I fall apart. What a blessing to have a companion that has such faith in you and sees the good in you even when YOU are having a hard time seeing it!

The Fellowship Of The Unashamed

2010-05-11T09:52:00.003+03:00

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed.

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.

The Decision has been made.
I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST.

I won't look back, let up, slow down or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,

and my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, small planning,

smooth knees, colorless dreams,tamed visions,
worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, positions,

promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, recognized,

praised, regarded or rewarded.

I now live by Faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience.

I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven.

My road is narrow, my way is rough,
my companions are few,

my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured,

lured away, divided, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,

hesitate in the presence of the adversary,

negotiate at the table of the enemy,

ponder at the pool of popularity,

or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up

until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up

for the cause of Christ.

I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know,

and work till he stops me.

And when He returns for His Own,

He will have no problem recognizing me.

My banner will be clear.