Nat, Jules and I were supposed to go to a picnic on Saturday. However, I told the kids that we wouldn't leave until they had picked up their toys. Now I didn't spring this on them immediately before we had to go, I was requesting their help for hours. After being ignored, there were eventually heated words and spankings. Finally we were able to get everything straightened up and we headed to the picnic. Coming home at the end of the night our conversation went like this:
Nat: "Mom, when I pray, I mean when I am in bed tonight, when I am praying to God tonight" (it took her quite a while to get it out) "I am going to pray to God to help me be a better helper. I'm going to pray he helps me clean up and be a good girl."
There is a break in the conversation as I am contemplating how wonderful my daughter is.... and then....
"What are YOU going to pray for mom?" pausing a moment "Are you going to pray to be a good mom?"
I burst out laughing. "Well first I am going to thank God for my wonderful children. Then, I will pray for patience and that we do a better job helping each other."
Priceless.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Good-Bye
This is an unbelievable post for me right now. Yesterday, John got a phone call. Just seeing his face I knew it couldn't be good. "You don't want to know.", he said in response to my concerned countenance quizzing him as he hung up the phone. "Czerwien." His eyes became glassy.
What shocking and devastating news. Mike Czerwien passed away at the age of 24. Read or watch about him here, here, or here.
We met Czerwien in 2001 when John started as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at North Hills high school. Czerwien was going into the 10th grade. He was a short and stalky kid playing DE for the storied North Hills football team. He was joined at the hip with another Mike, Mike Schmidt. (Hence their "handles" Czerwien and Schmidt or Schmitty.) They shared first names, a birthday, and just about everything in high school.
Anyway, John quickly took a liking to both boys, and I think the feeling was mutual. It wasn't hard though, everyone liked Czerwien and Schmidt. People were drawn to their funny, forever jovial, good natured, sweet, but all-boy personalities.
There were of course, kids that were bigger and much taller than the squat 5'8" defensive end, a relative midget for the position in elite Quad A football schools. But Czerwien had ridiculous speed, crazy strength a giant heart and a love of the game. Moreove, Czerwien did it all with humor and enthusiasm and just plain joy.
His joy was infectious. His beaming smile would light up his entire face, a room, and the faces of those around him. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
While John saw him nearly 5 days a week for 3 years, I also had the privilege of spending time with him. He was around quite a bit during those early years of our marriage. He helped us move in to our first house. He helped load literally tons of rock into our old Toyota pick-up to build our ponds. He and the boys took John and I out to gorge on wings and ice cream after John's body building competition in 2004. And he was at the house the evening I got home late from work and found John had killed his big Pittsburgh deer. He and Schmidt were over checking it out as John used our basement as a butcher shop - the head literally chillin' in our downstairs fridge. It was the boys who convinced John that it was a buck nice enough to mount. It was and he did.
I know Czerwien made an impression on us and I think John made a difference in his life too. I know John encouraged him to consider going to college which, at the time, wasn't on his radar. He encouraged him to see that his football skills could help him to get a quality education which would change his future. I remember being told the story of how Czerwien and his mom went to visit Waynesburg. They were all ready to head home and Czerwien said, "mom, wait! I've got to go back!" His mom wondered, "why? what? Did you forget something?" "No," he said, "I've got to go back and get John a shirt!" They were already in the parking lot and his mom said, "you can get him one next time." Truthfully, he was going to be there a lot in just a short amount of time. No, he wouldn't wait. He went right back and got that shirt. =)
Czerwien went on to receive his degree and was working on a Master's at the time of his death. He was an assistant football coach at Waynesburg and holds many collegiate football records as a player including the NCAA All-division record for sacks.
Working at North Hills was such a great experience. Not just for John, but for me as well. After 5 years of seeing kids come and go, we were used to having to say good-bye as they graduated NH and moved on to bigger and better things. There were certain kids, however, that will never leave my heart - Steve, Turk, Corey, The Longs,... Czerwien was one of those special kids and although I never dreamed I would be saying good-bye like this, and a lot more than miles separate us, I know he will never leave my heart. I can only imagine how John feels.
What shocking and devastating news. Mike Czerwien passed away at the age of 24. Read or watch about him here, here, or here.We met Czerwien in 2001 when John started as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at North Hills high school. Czerwien was going into the 10th grade. He was a short and stalky kid playing DE for the storied North Hills football team. He was joined at the hip with another Mike, Mike Schmidt. (Hence their "handles" Czerwien and Schmidt or Schmitty.) They shared first names, a birthday, and just about everything in high school.
Anyway, John quickly took a liking to both boys, and I think the feeling was mutual. It wasn't hard though, everyone liked Czerwien and Schmidt. People were drawn to their funny, forever jovial, good natured, sweet, but all-boy personalities.
There were of course, kids that were bigger and much taller than the squat 5'8" defensive end, a relative midget for the position in elite Quad A football schools. But Czerwien had ridiculous speed, crazy strength a giant heart and a love of the game. Moreove, Czerwien did it all with humor and enthusiasm and just plain joy.
His joy was infectious. His beaming smile would light up his entire face, a room, and the faces of those around him. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
While John saw him nearly 5 days a week for 3 years, I also had the privilege of spending time with him. He was around quite a bit during those early years of our marriage. He helped us move in to our first house. He helped load literally tons of rock into our old Toyota pick-up to build our ponds. He and the boys took John and I out to gorge on wings and ice cream after John's body building competition in 2004. And he was at the house the evening I got home late from work and found John had killed his big Pittsburgh deer. He and Schmidt were over checking it out as John used our basement as a butcher shop - the head literally chillin' in our downstairs fridge. It was the boys who convinced John that it was a buck nice enough to mount. It was and he did.
I know Czerwien made an impression on us and I think John made a difference in his life too. I know John encouraged him to consider going to college which, at the time, wasn't on his radar. He encouraged him to see that his football skills could help him to get a quality education which would change his future. I remember being told the story of how Czerwien and his mom went to visit Waynesburg. They were all ready to head home and Czerwien said, "mom, wait! I've got to go back!" His mom wondered, "why? what? Did you forget something?" "No," he said, "I've got to go back and get John a shirt!" They were already in the parking lot and his mom said, "you can get him one next time." Truthfully, he was going to be there a lot in just a short amount of time. No, he wouldn't wait. He went right back and got that shirt. =)
Czerwien went on to receive his degree and was working on a Master's at the time of his death. He was an assistant football coach at Waynesburg and holds many collegiate football records as a player including the NCAA All-division record for sacks.
Working at North Hills was such a great experience. Not just for John, but for me as well. After 5 years of seeing kids come and go, we were used to having to say good-bye as they graduated NH and moved on to bigger and better things. There were certain kids, however, that will never leave my heart - Steve, Turk, Corey, The Longs,... Czerwien was one of those special kids and although I never dreamed I would be saying good-bye like this, and a lot more than miles separate us, I know he will never leave my heart. I can only imagine how John feels.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Bailey - Week 8
Well, I know I've missed a few weeks here. Things have been rather hectic since John got home from being out of town for 25 days. Please forgive me.
On the sleeping front, we are doing well. Sunday night she actually slept for over 8 hours! Woo hoo! However, she fell victim to the stuffy nose that had plagued Nat the week prior and struck Julsie on Saturday evening/Sunday morning. Monday was a rough night, but we have been getting back on track now. She has cleared up some and the cool mist humidifier is helping too. Poor thing, she makes little snorting piggy sounds while trying to breathe sometimes. =(
Developmentally she is looking around at things more and I've really noticed her being interested in things with patterns (stripes, dots, etc) She seems to be focusing better and looking at faces more. Her days are still dominated by sleep but we've had some more waking time including some screaming time the last couple days (don't bother calling between 8 and 10.) I hope it is due to the stuffiness and goes away quickly.
Here is the little stinker posing with some peonies from our garden. (They are my favorite flower and are in full bloom here so they had to make an appearance.) 
Friday, June 11, 2010
Lil Tidbits from Jules
Like Nat says, I think we all wish we could fall asleep like Julsie. She can fall asleep anywhere in a matter of moments. She can fall asleep at 6:00pm and sleep until morning. Her dad and I think she may have his narcolepsy. Take these pics for example. We had a long couple days last weekend and 2 nights in a row she didn't even make it to her bed. Someone would notice Jules was missing and say "where's Julsie?" This is what we found. 
John and I were outside bringing the baby and bags, etc. into the house. The girls were already inside. I thought I may have heard the phone ring, but then nothing. When John opened the front door, he pointed to Julsie who was on the steps with the phone to her ear. We looked at each other, puzzled. It took me a minute to realize she really was talking to someone. Apparently she knows how to answer the phone and take messages too. "Yeah. No. Outside. Uh-huh. Ok, bye bye."
"Julsie, who was that?" "I don't know. A girl."
"Was it Nana?" "No"
"Was it Gramma?" "No"
"Who was it?" "I don't know. Her said her call back later."
Everytime Julsie gets on the phone: "Hi. This is Julsie-Baby." It's just about the cutest thing ever.
John and I were outside bringing the baby and bags, etc. into the house. The girls were already inside. I thought I may have heard the phone ring, but then nothing. When John opened the front door, he pointed to Julsie who was on the steps with the phone to her ear. We looked at each other, puzzled. It took me a minute to realize she really was talking to someone. Apparently she knows how to answer the phone and take messages too. "Yeah. No. Outside. Uh-huh. Ok, bye bye."
"Julsie, who was that?" "I don't know. A girl."
"Was it Nana?" "No"
"Was it Gramma?" "No"
"Who was it?" "I don't know. Her said her call back later."
Everytime Julsie gets on the phone: "Hi. This is Julsie-Baby." It's just about the cutest thing ever.
Jules rarely says "her." For example, as she did before Bailey's birth and the revelation of her sex, Jules refers to Bailey as "him."
ie. "awe, him so cute." or "did him lose him sock?"
ie. "awe, him so cute." or "did him lose him sock?"
Jules is a great story teller. I first realized this when she was trying to go potty a few months ago. She asked me to tell her a story while we were waiting for her system to oblige. I asked her to tell one instead, not actually thinking she would. Immediately she said, "Oooonce pona tiiiiime..." She continued to tell me a story about 2 "nakes," 2 mouses, and a wolf. These characters remain among her favorite heroes and villians in tales she weaves. Typically, there is a lot of "getting" accompanied by clawing motions, someone being eaten, the villian becoming nice, and everyone eventually becoming friends.
Julsie is officially potty-trained! I now feel confident in saying that and thank the Lord. She still wears a diaper at night for safety, but rarely needs it. It has been a struggle but we have prevailed. As a reward, she had a special shopping trip with Nana to pick out her very own big girl undies. (It was supposed to be Julsie and Nana only, but she graciously allowed Nat to come too.) Then they went to DQ for a treat. Way to go big girl!
Yeah, she's now becoming a big girl - like Nat says, "we have a big girl, a toddler and a baby" - but we still call her Baby Jules. She still loves it and wouldn't have it any other way. I think she may be Baby Jules (or Julsie Baby) her whole life and I'm ok with that =)
Yeah, she's now becoming a big girl - like Nat says, "we have a big girl, a toddler and a baby" - but we still call her Baby Jules. She still loves it and wouldn't have it any other way. I think she may be Baby Jules (or Julsie Baby) her whole life and I'm ok with that =)
Lil' Tidbits from Nat
Nat (frustrated): Mom, sometimes I really don't want to have a little sist... I mean, I wish I didn't have to have a, I mean, not a little sister, but a...
Jules: Meeeeeeee?!!!
We all just burst out laughing. I said, "I know, sometimes she just drives you" and in unison, we say, "crazy." "But you love her." "Yeah," said Nat, "who would do my plans" (read schemes) "with me?"
Oh, the mystery and intricacies of sisterhood.
Nat to Bailey: Who's the cutest baby on the planet?
Nat: "Where's Pop-pop?" Nana: "I don't know, he should be here soon." Nat: "He's probably eatin' chocolate somewhere."
You know how Jules was using an Italian accent? Well, around January Nat started saying her "r"s differently. It wasn't the "w" sound children typically say instead of "r." I just couldn't figure it out. Then it hit me. It was FRENCH! She is totally using the back of her tongue. The "r" is the only letter with the accent, but we love it and frequently ask her to say words containing "r" over again just to hear it.
Nat: "I wish I could fall asleep like Julsie."
Daddy had a bag of cough drops on his bed.
Nat: "What are these?"
Dad: "They are cough drops. You take them when you are sick and they help you not to cough."
Nat: "Well that's silly, they shouldn't be called cough drops, they should be called Not Coughs."
Nat to Mommy: "Can we go to Nana's house?"
Mom: "Are you missing her?"
Nat: "Well YOU haven't seen her in weeks and weeks!"
In actuality, we had all seen her just a few days before. Glad to know Nat is looking out for me, though. ;)
We stopped over to her cousins' house to drop off some plants before we went in town to visit Gramma and Grandpa. Her cousins were swimming in the pool.
Nat: "Are the boys swimming?"
Mom: "Yep"
Nat: "Why didn't we come over to swim today?"
Mom: "Well, we're on our way to Gramma's right now."
Nat: "But I wanted to go swimming today."
Mom: "We will one day. They just opened their pool this week. We'll go soon. The boys just got home from school today and jumped in."
Nat: "What? They just got home from school?"
Mom: "Yes."
Nat, now almost frantic as I start the truck: "Well why are they swimming? because they're hot?"
Mom: "Yes, I guess, because they're hot."
Nat at a fever pitch: "Well I'm hot!!"
Jules: Meeeeeeee?!!!
We all just burst out laughing. I said, "I know, sometimes she just drives you" and in unison, we say, "crazy." "But you love her." "Yeah," said Nat, "who would do my plans" (read schemes) "with me?"
Oh, the mystery and intricacies of sisterhood.
Nat to Bailey: Who's the cutest baby on the planet?
Nat: "Where's Pop-pop?" Nana: "I don't know, he should be here soon." Nat: "He's probably eatin' chocolate somewhere."
You know how Jules was using an Italian accent? Well, around January Nat started saying her "r"s differently. It wasn't the "w" sound children typically say instead of "r." I just couldn't figure it out. Then it hit me. It was FRENCH! She is totally using the back of her tongue. The "r" is the only letter with the accent, but we love it and frequently ask her to say words containing "r" over again just to hear it.
Nat: "I wish I could fall asleep like Julsie."
Daddy had a bag of cough drops on his bed.
Nat: "What are these?"
Dad: "They are cough drops. You take them when you are sick and they help you not to cough."
Nat: "Well that's silly, they shouldn't be called cough drops, they should be called Not Coughs."
Nat to Mommy: "Can we go to Nana's house?"
Mom: "Are you missing her?"
Nat: "Well YOU haven't seen her in weeks and weeks!"
In actuality, we had all seen her just a few days before. Glad to know Nat is looking out for me, though. ;)
We stopped over to her cousins' house to drop off some plants before we went in town to visit Gramma and Grandpa. Her cousins were swimming in the pool.
Nat: "Are the boys swimming?"
Mom: "Yep"
Nat: "Why didn't we come over to swim today?"
Mom: "Well, we're on our way to Gramma's right now."
Nat: "But I wanted to go swimming today."
Mom: "We will one day. They just opened their pool this week. We'll go soon. The boys just got home from school today and jumped in."
Nat: "What? They just got home from school?"
Mom: "Yes."
Nat, now almost frantic as I start the truck: "Well why are they swimming? because they're hot?"
Mom: "Yes, I guess, because they're hot."
Nat at a fever pitch: "Well I'm hot!!"
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Week 5
Bailey had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and weighed 7 lbs 15 ounces!!! Almost 8 lbs! That's nearly a 2 lb increase since birth!!! I knew she was eating like a little champ, but I had no idea, even when John mentioned how her cheeks were filling out. This past week she has really started to improve her sleeping 
at night. Her best night was last night when she managed a 5 hour stint followed by a 4 hour one. Woo hoo!
at night. Her best night was last night when she managed a 5 hour stint followed by a 4 hour one. Woo hoo! Big sisters love her tons and love helping, but Jules does NOT like it when she cries. "Mom!!! Get him some food!" Yesterday Jules was in tears over Bailey's crying, talk about stressful moments for mama. Nat loves to be as close as she can get. Sometimes it makes me claustrophobic - give me some breathing room girl! =)
PS, that funky shirt is an old one of my gram's I was wearing while gardening. =)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tough as Nails? Who'd Have Guessed
Well, we know that Nat is not allergic to bees. She got her first bee sting a couple weeks ago. She was upstairs in her bedroom with Jules when I heard a LOUD scream and then some yelling. I ran to the bottom of the stairs as she ran out of her room.
"It was on me! The bee was on me!" and she was holding her arm.
"Did it sting you?"
"It was on me!"
"Yes, I know. Are you mad because it was on you or did it sting you?"
"I don't know! I didn't see it." (she didn't actually SEE the stinger enter her)
"Did you feel a pinch or a poke?"
"I don't know, it was on me."
I looked at her arm and could only see a large red area where her hand had been holding it tight. I still couldn't tell if she had been stung. She was not crying, but was a little frantic. When she asked for something cold, I was thinking she really did get stung. Finally she showed me her arm, and I saw the little raised area. She had been stung and never cried, what a trouper.
_______________________________
Last week, we were at my sister-in-law's house when Nat walked into the kitchen and smiled. Her teeth were all bloody! I said, "what happened!?" but I tried not to overreact and upset her. I thought she may not have know that she was bleeding. She informed me that she and Jules collided. Then, I saw her shirt. She had been using it to wipe up the blood. She just smiled, grabbed her shirt and continued to blot her lip which turned out to be offended body part. Again, she never cried.
Apparently my sensitive little girls is a quite a bit tougher than I thought! Daddy said she must have my pain tolerance. ;)
"It was on me! The bee was on me!" and she was holding her arm.
"Did it sting you?"
"It was on me!"
"Yes, I know. Are you mad because it was on you or did it sting you?"
"I don't know! I didn't see it." (she didn't actually SEE the stinger enter her)
"Did you feel a pinch or a poke?"
"I don't know, it was on me."
I looked at her arm and could only see a large red area where her hand had been holding it tight. I still couldn't tell if she had been stung. She was not crying, but was a little frantic. When she asked for something cold, I was thinking she really did get stung. Finally she showed me her arm, and I saw the little raised area. She had been stung and never cried, what a trouper.
_______________________________
Last week, we were at my sister-in-law's house when Nat walked into the kitchen and smiled. Her teeth were all bloody! I said, "what happened!?" but I tried not to overreact and upset her. I thought she may not have know that she was bleeding. She informed me that she and Jules collided. Then, I saw her shirt. She had been using it to wipe up the blood. She just smiled, grabbed her shirt and continued to blot her lip which turned out to be offended body part. Again, she never cried.
Apparently my sensitive little girls is a quite a bit tougher than I thought! Daddy said she must have my pain tolerance. ;)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Week 4
Sorry I missed week 3. Ooops. Well, we had 2 really bad nights in a row over the weekend and I was beat. Thankfully she's been sleeping better at night ever since. However, I need to do a better job scheduling her during the day. It seems like I have to hold her all day. Again, Ooops! She is increasing her neck strength and may have rolled over yesterday. It could have just been that she was on the cushy couch and rolled downhill =)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
All in the Numbers? or More?
Eight. Eight years. Today is our eighth anniversary. Let's see...
1 Husband (and 1 Wife)
2 Dogs
3 Beautiful girls
5 Jobs
2 Apartments
3 Cities
2 Houses bought
1 House sold
2 Years pregnant
3 Years (and counting) nursing
2 Cars
1 Husband (and 1 Wife)
2 Dogs
3 Beautiful girls
5 Jobs
2 Apartments
3 Cities
2 Houses bought
1 House sold
2 Years pregnant
3 Years (and counting) nursing
2 Cars
3 Trucks
9 Vacations
20+ Churches tried
1 Church joined
Tons of friends loved and left
Millions of memories made
Eight years ago, I couldn't have possibly imagined my life as it is today. I couldn't have imagined how far I'd
travel in both miles and maturity. And this may sound bad, but I couldn't have possibly imagined how much I would come to love that man standing next to me at the altar that day.
9 Vacations
20+ Churches tried
1 Church joined
Tons of friends loved and left
Millions of memories made
Eight years ago, I couldn't have possibly imagined my life as it is today. I couldn't have imagined how far I'd
travel in both miles and maturity. And this may sound bad, but I couldn't have possibly imagined how much I would come to love that man standing next to me at the altar that day. I mean, of course, I thought I loved him then. But looking back, there is no comparison. He's the same man he was then, more or less, but over time, I have seen his character in both good times and tough times. I've realized how rare he is, what an upstanding man he is, and what a loving and attentive father he is and I've learned to truly appreciate the amazing man I was lucky enough to marry... eight years ago today.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Week 1 and Week 2
Here are some pics of Bailey at week 1 and at week 2. When I look at those bags under her eyes, I think of an old saying my Gram used to say, "I's born tired and never got rest." =)
WEEK 1 (above)
WEEK 2 (below)
Bay is officially a second shift-er (like her dad and sisters). I need to get her on "day-lights." Just like when she was in the womb, when she began dancing a jig right around 10:30 pm, she is her most wide-eyed right when I want to go to bed. No more mister nice-mom. She's had 2 weeks, now it's my turn. I've got to Baby-wise her little bum into shape. One GIANT praise - neither of the other 2 girls wake up when baby does.
Week 3, here we come. Oh my goodness, week 3? Then 4 - yuck. Too fast already.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Julia Turns 3!
Can you believe it? My other baby turned 3 on Saturday. Let me tell you, I thought Jules was so little until Bailey came along. My dad said it perfectly, "Jules grew up a whole year just right now." I feel like that - like I somehow missed something - like I missed a lot. Somehow she is a little girl and I didn't realize it. Ugh, I'm so sad. Why are my babies growing???? Can anyone make it stop?
So, we had a party for Jules on Saturday. Luckily her daddy had a change in schedule and was able to be there for the whole party. I cheated and just bought some pizzas from Walmart. I wasn't up to making something for a crowd quite yet. I did, however, make her cake. Although the Grandmothers both suggested I buy one, I couldn't help it. I would have felt guilty had I not made her one. As my sister said, I would have blamed any future problems Jules had with me not making her 3rd birthday cake. (Jess knows my irrational side well.) My icing was somehow slightly runny for decorating, but I managed and the cake part was very tasty.
We had a nice day with Aunt Jess (who got to see Bailey for the first time), Aunt Sue, Uncle Matt, Ryan, Max, Spank, and both sets of grandparents. Jules loved all her presents and gave everyone kisses and hugs. She especially loved a little baby doll her cousin Spanky got her. She hugged it while it was still in it's box! She didn't get "Happy Birthday" sung to her 4 times this year (like last year), but she really did enjoy having everyone sing to her. She was running around telling everyone it was her birthday and when asked "who's the birthday girl," she emphatically answered "me!"
After present and cake time, we also gave each girl a special item that they've been working hard to earn. Jules' job has been to go pee on the potty well (we're not all there yet), and Nat's job has been to sleep in her bed all night (she's made 100% improvement). What did they earn? "Camp bags!!!" (sleeping bags). They are both so excited to go camping in the back yard this summer, to roast marshmallows and hot dogs, and to look at the stars with daddy. Now they have the gear to do it. =)
The boys (big and little) spent the rest of the afternoon outside, on the four wheeler, walking the woods and playing in the creek. While the big boys were "supervising," the little boys somehow ended up soaking wet from head to toe. They were practically swimming in the creek. Yes, it was in the low 60's and the water temp was probably in the 30's. It's a wonder they didn't have hypothermia. Boys will be boys, I gues
s. I'm positive God knows what he's doing when he gives one family 3 girls ;)Anyway, we had a nice day celebrating my little Julie baby. I love that little stubborn, sweet, sour, silly, love-bug.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Bailey's Story - The Opening Act
Let's start where my facebook post left off: April 6, 4 cm, 80% effaced and contracting. Sounded good, but …. Well, it fooled me, the doctor, and John, who was even prompted to finally set up the crib. (I’m not sure if the procrastination was because he was busy, complacent with #3, or he knew it was driving my mom batty.)
After 2 more visits with the doctor, an afternoon of helping John outside (trying to get something going) and still NO progress, I was starting to feel like this baby was never coming. However, we scheduled induction for Friday. Then L&D moved it to Thursday evening. Instead, I received a call at 7:30am Thursday asking if we could come in ... now? I told the nurse it would take me a couple hours to get everyone ready, but okay (let's get this over with!)
I got up, showered, and got the kids dressed. After no movement from my room, yet trying to be patient, I finally said to my narcoleptic husband, "Tob, are you trying to make me mad right before I go in to deliver a baby ooorrr..." Whatever, he got ready (mixing a shake for breakfast, knowing better than to ask for eggs) and finally got going. Then, he drove 40 mph on our road. FORTY! It took all I had to keep my mouth shut and try to be rational. Maybe I was a teeny bit anxious.
After meeting my mom to hand over our big girls, we waited unnecessarily in Registration, where John informed he did NOT want anyone yelling “It’s a ____!” He wanted to see it for himself first. (I was sure to put all staff on notice =) I was just praying no one in the waiting area was contagious. Finally we got upstairs and settled in the room with our lovely nurse, Trish who was super nice and is into fitness, so small talk was no problem.
After 2 more visits with the doctor, an afternoon of helping John outside (trying to get something going) and still NO progress, I was starting to feel like this baby was never coming. However, we scheduled induction for Friday. Then L&D moved it to Thursday evening. Instead, I received a call at 7:30am Thursday asking if we could come in ... now? I told the nurse it would take me a couple hours to get everyone ready, but okay (let's get this over with!)
I got up, showered, and got the kids dressed. After no movement from my room, yet trying to be patient, I finally said to my narcoleptic husband, "Tob, are you trying to make me mad right before I go in to deliver a baby ooorrr..." Whatever, he got ready (mixing a shake for breakfast, knowing better than to ask for eggs) and finally got going. Then, he drove 40 mph on our road. FORTY! It took all I had to keep my mouth shut and try to be rational. Maybe I was a teeny bit anxious.
After meeting my mom to hand over our big girls, we waited unnecessarily in Registration, where John informed he did NOT want anyone yelling “It’s a ____!” He wanted to see it for himself first. (I was sure to put all staff on notice =) I was just praying no one in the waiting area was contagious. Finally we got upstairs and settled in the room with our lovely nurse, Trish who was super nice and is into fitness, so small talk was no problem.
Bailey's Story - The Main Event
So, here's how it all went down. By noon, I was hooked up to the monitors, done with paper work and had the IV port stuck in my stinkin' wrist. About that time, my Dr. came in to say "hi" and break my water. I was expecting something right away. I think we all were. With my other pregnancies, I was on pitocin so I felt contractions almost immediately. This time there was nothing. I remember looking at the clock at 2:00 pm and saying, “well, this is officially the longest labor I’ve ever had.” Still, I was feeling good at that time and only had some minor discomfort from time to time.
Quickly, that all changed. When hearing the sound of John and the nurse talking made me irritated, I knew I needed to sit down. I worked through a couple decent contractions where I had relief in between. Then that quickly changed. John said he knew it was serious when I requested a wet paper towel for my forehead. It was “on.” At one point my arms and legs even went numb. Then the nurse reminded me to actually BREATHE. =)
Shortly after, the doctor entered the room. John said he looked like Kramer, practically sliding in. He immediately put his gloves on and said, “okay, on the next one, we’re going to push!” At some point I completely straightened out my arms and legs and just about pushed John and the nurse over. I heard her say “she’s strong!” and I remember thinking, “what did I just grab? Oh, thank goodness, it’s too hard to be her chest. =)” Apparently, the baby was almost out and I said, “I can’t.” Someone said, “You have to” and I thought, “you’re right, the only relief will be when I get this kid out.” Next thing you know, she came out in one push. As requested, the doctor held her bum up to John who said, “number 3.” I thought, “I think that means a girl. Does that mean a girl?” It meant a girl. She officially arrived at 2:39 pm weighing 6 lbs, 3 oz. and measuring 18 inches long. The doctor figures actual labor was about a half hour. (1/2 hour of #10 level of pain mind you.)
I wasn’t aware, but Bailey quickly turned purple. I DID notice that the nurses with the baby were quiet and then I heard someone say the alarm was going off. We later speculated that such a fast and furious labor probably shocked her little system. There really was very little warning for her. She was in one minute and out the next. Bailey had to be “ambu-ed” and given chest compressions. After she was improving in color, John felt he could let me know what was going on, but I was very calm. I knew everything would be just fine. They held her up so I could see her and I immediately saw Jules. However, instead of bringing her to me, they took her over to the nursery to give her O2 and make sure she was stable. (John accompanied her.) The nurses were very worried that she hadn’t crie
d, but knowing my other two, I again, was not worried. Very quickly everyone was gone from the room and I was hanging out there alone and freezing. Luckily a nurse came back and gave me one of those blankets from the warmer. mmmm. That and the ice pack are my 2 favorite things in L&D.
Finally, they brought Bailey back to me even before they bathed her because she was rooting so hard and had already found her thumb. Her blood sugar had been really low, but she latched on right away and once she ate, her sugar popped right back up. One weirdo flippy nurse was such a Negative Nancy, but luckily Tob and I are old hats at this and didn’t let her worry us. We knew everything would be just fine. After delivery, I got up, brushed my teeth, replaced my missing hair tie and we called the family.
Quickly, that all changed. When hearing the sound of John and the nurse talking made me irritated, I knew I needed to sit down. I worked through a couple decent contractions where I had relief in between. Then that quickly changed. John said he knew it was serious when I requested a wet paper towel for my forehead. It was “on.” At one point my arms and legs even went numb. Then the nurse reminded me to actually BREATHE. =)
Shortly after, the doctor entered the room. John said he looked like Kramer, practically sliding in. He immediately put his gloves on and said, “okay, on the next one, we’re going to push!” At some point I completely straightened out my arms and legs and just about pushed John and the nurse over. I heard her say “she’s strong!” and I remember thinking, “what did I just grab? Oh, thank goodness, it’s too hard to be her chest. =)” Apparently, the baby was almost out and I said, “I can’t.” Someone said, “You have to” and I thought, “you’re right, the only relief will be when I get this kid out.” Next thing you know, she came out in one push. As requested, the doctor held her bum up to John who said, “number 3.” I thought, “I think that means a girl. Does that mean a girl?” It meant a girl. She officially arrived at 2:39 pm weighing 6 lbs, 3 oz. and measuring 18 inches long. The doctor figures actual labor was about a half hour. (1/2 hour of #10 level of pain mind you.)
I wasn’t aware, but Bailey quickly turned purple. I DID notice that the nurses with the baby were quiet and then I heard someone say the alarm was going off. We later speculated that such a fast and furious labor probably shocked her little system. There really was very little warning for her. She was in one minute and out the next. Bailey had to be “ambu-ed” and given chest compressions. After she was improving in color, John felt he could let me know what was going on, but I was very calm. I knew everything would be just fine. They held her up so I could see her and I immediately saw Jules. However, instead of bringing her to me, they took her over to the nursery to give her O2 and make sure she was stable. (John accompanied her.) The nurses were very worried that she hadn’t crie
d, but knowing my other two, I again, was not worried. Very quickly everyone was gone from the room and I was hanging out there alone and freezing. Luckily a nurse came back and gave me one of those blankets from the warmer. mmmm. That and the ice pack are my 2 favorite things in L&D.Finally, they brought Bailey back to me even before they bathed her because she was rooting so hard and had already found her thumb. Her blood sugar had been really low, but she latched on right away and once she ate, her sugar popped right back up. One weirdo flippy nurse was such a Negative Nancy, but luckily Tob and I are old hats at this and didn’t let her worry us. We knew everything would be just fine. After delivery, I got up, brushed my teeth, replaced my missing hair tie and we called the family.
Bailey's Story - The End Credits or "Who's Who"
So, I had a plan, a simple plan, I thought - to let my girls see the baby first and then they would introduce the baby to their grandparents. I wanted them to feel that it was THEIR baby too and I wanted them to feel important. Unfortunately, things did not go as I had wished. The baby was in the nursery when the girls arrived and they saw her with just their daddy. (I was now hooked up to an IV to help the uterus contract.) Then, while the baby was still in the nursery, my in-laws stopped in and saw her, so the girls did not have the opportunity to introduce them at all. I was disappointed. Both Nat and Jules were also a little stand-offish with me as well. I think all the people and the hospital bed flipped them out a bit. Let’s just say, it was not the peaceful family bonding time that it was when we introduced Natalie to Julia. They were quickly ready to go back to Nana’s for movies and Cheetos. Oh well.
Anyway, apparently, when Jules saw baby she said, “him a noisy seeper.” =) We decided Bailey has my unfortunate thumbs and long fingers, but also got our family’s nice pointy lips. Oh, and her feet were pretty purple for quite a few hours.
Bailey continued to improve, regardless of Negative Nancy’s warnings. She and her daddy slept well during the night. I, however, did not. My bed broke and would not lay flat. I called the nurse’s station, but they were super busy with “babies flying everywhere” all night. So for the first 4 hours of the night, I was curled up on the lower 3.5 ft of the bed like a cat. Finally someone came in randomly to check on me and I had them fix the bed. That crinkled/crimped sleeping situation turned out to be the best rest I got all night. From 2 am on, I had someone coming in, poking me, asking me questions, checking the baby, etc. every few minutes, I swear. By the time the phlebotomist came in at 7am, turning on all the lights and poking my veins, I had had it. Right then I decided I would go home that day, if possible. I could not spend another night like that. Luckily, they agreed to let me go and I left about 30 hours after I got there. We could have left earlier,
but we didn’t have a name =) Although this was the first hospital that would have LET us go, John (rightly) insisted we stay until we had a name. Otherwise, she would probably have been "Baby Girl O'Day" forever.
Other items of note:
-The older ladies running the café downstairs LOVED John, made him fresh coffee, got him a paper, etc.
-Julsie ran to her Pop-pop when he arrived, yelling “My have a new dister.”
-We found out later that the reason we were supposed to come in on Thursday evening was because one of the girls that set John and I up on our blind date was working in L&D Thursday evening and wanted to be our delivery nurse. She was upset that signals were crossed and we were then told to come in during the day, but we all agreed that it worked out for the best in the end since they were swamped that evening. She told all the nurses to try to persuade us into naming the baby after her and her cousin (the other girl that set us up.)
-Natalie had wanted to call a girl "Sara." She did NOT like the name Bailey and even told her Sunday school teacher (3 days after Bailey arrived) that her name was Sara. =)
After we got home and got our girls all back together, things were much better for me. The older two really took to Bailey and were so excited to hold her. They love it when she opens her eyes and love to hold her. Natalie says, "how's my cutie pie." She picks out Bailey's outfits, brings me diapers and wipes and is just a great helper. Julia says, "Bailey Lyn" in just the cutest voice ever and she calls her "him," i.e. "him's so cute" or "did him poop?" I just love my little trio. =)
Anyway, apparently, when Jules saw baby she said, “him a noisy seeper.” =) We decided Bailey has my unfortunate thumbs and long fingers, but also got our family’s nice pointy lips. Oh, and her feet were pretty purple for quite a few hours.
Bailey continued to improve, regardless of Negative Nancy’s warnings. She and her daddy slept well during the night. I, however, did not. My bed broke and would not lay flat. I called the nurse’s station, but they were super busy with “babies flying everywhere” all night. So for the first 4 hours of the night, I was curled up on the lower 3.5 ft of the bed like a cat. Finally someone came in randomly to check on me and I had them fix the bed. That crinkled/crimped sleeping situation turned out to be the best rest I got all night. From 2 am on, I had someone coming in, poking me, asking me questions, checking the baby, etc. every few minutes, I swear. By the time the phlebotomist came in at 7am, turning on all the lights and poking my veins, I had had it. Right then I decided I would go home that day, if possible. I could not spend another night like that. Luckily, they agreed to let me go and I left about 30 hours after I got there. We could have left earlier,
but we didn’t have a name =) Although this was the first hospital that would have LET us go, John (rightly) insisted we stay until we had a name. Otherwise, she would probably have been "Baby Girl O'Day" forever.Other items of note:
-The older ladies running the café downstairs LOVED John, made him fresh coffee, got him a paper, etc.
-Julsie ran to her Pop-pop when he arrived, yelling “My have a new dister.”
-We found out later that the reason we were supposed to come in on Thursday evening was because one of the girls that set John and I up on our blind date was working in L&D Thursday evening and wanted to be our delivery nurse. She was upset that signals were crossed and we were then told to come in during the day, but we all agreed that it worked out for the best in the end since they were swamped that evening. She told all the nurses to try to persuade us into naming the baby after her and her cousin (the other girl that set us up.)
-Natalie had wanted to call a girl "Sara." She did NOT like the name Bailey and even told her Sunday school teacher (3 days after Bailey arrived) that her name was Sara. =)
After we got home and got our girls all back together, things were much better for me. The older two really took to Bailey and were so excited to hold her. They love it when she opens her eyes and love to hold her. Natalie says, "how's my cutie pie." She picks out Bailey's outfits, brings me diapers and wipes and is just a great helper. Julia says, "Bailey Lyn" in just the cutest voice ever and she calls her "him," i.e. "him's so cute" or "did him poop?" I just love my little trio. =)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Easter 2010
I'm not feeling particularly witty at the moment, but figured I'd better get some pictures and updates on the blog before baby #3 comes. I think this action could be categorized as "nesting," although it may be too new of a fad to be listed in the parenting/pregnancy books as one of the common nesting activities
For all of you face-bookers, this next quote is a repeat. Sorry to bore you, but I need it here on the blog for posterity:
At lunch on Palm Sunday, daddy asked Nat what she learned in church that morning. Nat replied, "My teacher told us how Jesus died on the cross. I told her how Tudor died on the road."
It was all we could do to keep from laughing hysterically. =)
On Saturday, the girls and I went to Nana and Pop-pop's. I wasn't feeling very chipper so they watched the girls while I did my last minute shopping. I went back to their house and made my "Mom Rauch's Carrot Cake" with help from mom and sis.
The entire time I was gone Nat was chomping at the bit to get started coloring eggs. She was ready to go the second I hit the door but in true kid-torturing fashion, the eggs weren't. =) There were 12, yes TWELVE different egg colors in the Paas pack and we didn't even get the fancy pack! Jess and I think we had about 5 colors back in the day. 12! Good thing my mom has saved every little wire egg dipper we've gotten over the past 20 years so we still were able to manage one dipper for every color. (pheeeww. Crisis averted.)
Pop-pop was a great help in assisting Jules with the dipping and instructing Nat on the finer points of egg-coloring, like using the wax crayon and egg holders. They were tickled with their results.
Easter Sunday was a nice time. We made it to church and actually got some pics of the girls before we left. Nat was all about squeezing Jules to pieces for those shots. Later, we went to my mom's, had dinner, and an Easter egg hunt. The girls loved running around in the sunshine (and I'm sure Nat loved not having to fight 1000 little kids and their pushy parents for eggs at the Hershey outlets. At Nana's house you're a winner every time.)
We cajoled my prego sis to get a belly shot with me since she is finally showing a little bit. We played the "this is a once in a life-time photo for us" card. Unfortunately, we couldn't get her to show her real belly, just her clothed belly, but I'll take it!
I Cor. 15:17
For all of you face-bookers, this next quote is a repeat. Sorry to bore you, but I need it here on the blog for posterity:
At lunch on Palm Sunday, daddy asked Nat what she learned in church that morning. Nat replied, "My teacher told us how Jesus died on the cross. I told her how Tudor died on the road."
It was all we could do to keep from laughing hysterically. =)
On Saturday, the girls and I went to Nana and Pop-pop's. I wasn't feeling very chipper so they watched the girls while I did my last minute shopping. I went back to their house and made my "Mom Rauch's Carrot Cake" with help from mom and sis.
The entire time I was gone Nat was chomping at the bit to get started coloring eggs. She was ready to go the second I hit the door but in true kid-torturing fashion, the eggs weren't. =) There were 12, yes TWELVE different egg colors in the Paas pack and we didn't even get the fancy pack! Jess and I think we had about 5 colors back in the day. 12! Good thing my mom has saved every little wire egg dipper we've gotten over the past 20 years so we still were able to manage one dipper for every color. (pheeeww. Crisis averted.)
Pop-pop was a great help in assisting Jules with the dipping and instructing Nat on the finer points of egg-coloring, like using the wax crayon and egg holders. They were tickled with their results.
Easter Sunday was a nice time. We made it to church and actually got some pics of the girls before we left. Nat was all about squeezing Jules to pieces for those shots. Later, we went to my mom's, had dinner, and an Easter egg hunt. The girls loved running around in the sunshine (and I'm sure Nat loved not having to fight 1000 little kids and their pushy parents for eggs at the Hershey outlets. At Nana's house you're a winner every time.)
We cajoled my prego sis to get a belly shot with me since she is finally showing a little bit. We played the "this is a once in a life-time photo for us" card. Unfortunately, we couldn't get her to show her real belly, just her clothed belly, but I'll take it!
I Cor. 15:17
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Uh "O"
John's friend from high school, Mr. O, and his wife have 2 adorable little boys. Interestingly, the oldest is exactly 20 days older than Nat and the youngest is exactly 20 days younger than Jules. Weird, huh?
Anyway, over the years the men have kept in touch and our kids have gotten to see each other a few times every year, regardless of how far we are apart. Now we live in the mens' old hometown, we should see each other even more. This should be especially pleasing to their oldest, Andy.
You see, Andy has been smitten with the idea of Nat-nat for some time. He has drawn maps to her house, calls her one of his "girls of rock and roll" (like on Alvin and the Chipmunks) and made his gramma take him on a recon mission to our new house even before we moved in. We've only known about this apparent affection via his parents' stories - until now.
When they came to visit in February, the kids were a little slow to warm up. Then Andy suggested we have them sit for their routine picture together. Everything was normal (except Joshie wanted nothing to do with it.) Then slowly, Andy slipped his arm around Nat's waist, then cuddled into her shoulder. By the time they left, he had informed us that he couldn't leave her. He "just couldn't help it." By the time they finally cajoled him to the basement door, he had to run upstairs one last time to say goodbye. Nat handled all of it surprisingly well. Maybe a little too well =)
It was too cute and we all giggled about it. At least John tried to giggle about it. Truthfully, I don't think we're ready for all this jazz and if it had been the kid of any other parents, well....
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
It's All About Perception
"Julsie, do you have chocolate on your face?"
"No. My licked it off. Now my all clean."
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Pressuuurrrre of a name
With each child, John and I seem to struggle - slightly - with choosing a name for our new bundle. For both girls we were dressed and ready to leave the hospital with the baby in the car seat still trying to think of a name.
You may be asking WHY? It's not like the child was sprung on us. We've had months to prepare for this. I don't blame you, I wonder the same thing! {Nat has had a boy's name since before we were even trying and settled on a girl's name a few months ago (Ben and Sara).} If it were just me, maybe. I can be a little bit of a procrastinator, but JOHN?! He is a planner. I mean, a real planner! Why can't we do this?
It's not for lack of trying - books, on-line, the Bible, suggestions from friends, family, and even OB nurse's name tags. When we were having Nat, we thought of almost everything for a girl. I mean everything:
- We had the conventional, like Theresa, Allison, Sydney, Alexis, Kaitlyn.
- The familial, like Grace, Mabel, Louise
- Then we had John's suggestions, like
"Arnolda" (after Arnold Schwarzenegger, of course) and
"Dana" which, in itself, is a fine name. I just think "Dana O'Day" is too much. "Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da......." Where does it end?
- Then there were the truly clever from my office gang:
A la our favorite vending machine snack: "Frieda" and then we'd have "Frieda O'Day." Like Frito-lay
A la Gwenyth Paltrow and her daughter: "Apple" and then we'd have "Apple O'Day." Like "An Apple O'Day keeps the doctor away!"
Crazy to Common, Sentimental to Silly, we've tried them all. Somehow we did it, and somehow we settled on Natalie Grace and Julia Louise. I am satisfied. Hmmm. I wonder what #3 will be.
You may be asking WHY? It's not like the child was sprung on us. We've had months to prepare for this. I don't blame you, I wonder the same thing! {Nat has had a boy's name since before we were even trying and settled on a girl's name a few months ago (Ben and Sara).} If it were just me, maybe. I can be a little bit of a procrastinator, but JOHN?! He is a planner. I mean, a real planner! Why can't we do this?
It's not for lack of trying - books, on-line, the Bible, suggestions from friends, family, and even OB nurse's name tags. When we were having Nat, we thought of almost everything for a girl. I mean everything:
- We had the conventional, like Theresa, Allison, Sydney, Alexis, Kaitlyn.
- The familial, like Grace, Mabel, Louise
- Then we had John's suggestions, like
"Arnolda" (after Arnold Schwarzenegger, of course) and
"Dana" which, in itself, is a fine name. I just think "Dana O'Day" is too much. "Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da-na-O-Da......." Where does it end?
- Then there were the truly clever from my office gang:
A la our favorite vending machine snack: "Frieda" and then we'd have "Frieda O'Day." Like Frito-lay
A la Gwenyth Paltrow and her daughter: "Apple" and then we'd have "Apple O'Day." Like "An Apple O'Day keeps the doctor away!"
Crazy to Common, Sentimental to Silly, we've tried them all. Somehow we did it, and somehow we settled on Natalie Grace and Julia Louise. I am satisfied. Hmmm. I wonder what #3 will be.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ugh, The Winter Weather
Let me just first say, I can't stand the winter. Nope, not at all. Can't find one redeeming quality. John says I'll like it when I learn to ski, but until then, I'll just have to take his word for it. The coldness, the dry skin and nasal passages (yes, I'm getting old, thank you), the coldness, the bundling up kids and jamming huge coats into car seats, the buckling of those car seats with brittle icicles for fingers, the dirty boot drippings all over the car, and did I mention the bitter coldness?
It doesn't help that we just moved either. I'd love a nice, warm play date/mom chit-chat time. Instead, I feel couped up and stir crazy!!! Yet somehow, I choose to stay inside, slowly going insane, rather than wrestle my big belly and two kids through the snow and ice.
Oh, do I need to mention that I've been cranky and a little pessimistic lately?
Whatever, here are some pics of our winter thus far:
The first slide show is of our house in the "big snow" and the one day it all melted. Don't worry though, the water went down and was completely replaced by a new coating of snow overnight. We still haven't seen grass yet.
Upon seeing the swing set, Nat was uncharacteristically sedate
Daddy: "whadda ya think?"
Nat: "about what?"
Daddy: "the swing set. Do you see the swings."
Nat: sadly, "yeah, but they're somebody's"
Daddy: "No, it's a park."
Nat: "A park? They're not anybody's?"
Daddy: "No, you can swing on 'em"
She was elated and ran. Upon Julsie and I catching up, she said, "Mom, look at these swings! And they aren't anybody's, this is a park!"
I figure she is so used to Hershey, where she would see lots of swing sets on our walks that she would have to pass up because they were in people's yards. =)
It doesn't help that we just moved either. I'd love a nice, warm play date/mom chit-chat time. Instead, I feel couped up and stir crazy!!! Yet somehow, I choose to stay inside, slowly going insane, rather than wrestle my big belly and two kids through the snow and ice.
Oh, do I need to mention that I've been cranky and a little pessimistic lately?
Whatever, here are some pics of our winter thus far:
The first slide show is of our house in the "big snow" and the one day it all melted. Don't worry though, the water went down and was completely replaced by a new coating of snow overnight. We still haven't seen grass yet.
Upon seeing the swing set, Nat was uncharacteristically sedate
Daddy: "whadda ya think?"
Nat: "about what?"
Daddy: "the swing set. Do you see the swings."
Nat: sadly, "yeah, but they're somebody's"
Daddy: "No, it's a park."
Nat: "A park? They're not anybody's?"
Daddy: "No, you can swing on 'em"
She was elated and ran. Upon Julsie and I catching up, she said, "Mom, look at these swings! And they aren't anybody's, this is a park!"
I figure she is so used to Hershey, where she would see lots of swing sets on our walks that she would have to pass up because they were in people's yards. =)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My Baby Is 5 =(
I can't help it. This was a very hard birthday for me. I am excited to see her grow and learn new things, but the prospect of sending her away to school is just ... well..., just horrifying for me. I know it's probably somewhat selfish, but I love her! I know she'll enjoy making friends and showing me all the new things she has learned, but I will be lost without her. She is my little buddy. I don't think I want to spend my day Natty-less.
Anyway, we did have a party, although everyone had to leave early. She got a lot of cute outfits and some fun Littlest Pet Shops. I made her a special cake too. In the end, the day turned out okay. The cake was very good and she was happy eating pizza. It was not the party I would have liked, but I'm sure I took it much harder than she did and in the grand scheme of things, she won't be too emotionally scarred. ;)
Ugh, and then there's the mean girls, and the inevitable misunderstandings with teachers, etc. that seem so unfair, and little boys who think she's cute and... ugh. Anyway, I'm sure there will be much more agonizing over kindergarten in posts to come.
Back to the birthday -
There were many other stressors for my already emotionally-fragile pregnant self:
-Family scheduling issues causing us to have the party well after her b-day
-Miscommunication between daddy and me so that we did NOTHING for her on her actual b-day (no cards, no presents, no cake). Just "Um, it's your birthday. You're 5 now."
-The entire weeks leading up to her party, she was talking about how she didn't have any friends here and she would have no friends at her party. She even told Nana, "I don't have any friends anymore, so I just invited all my family."
I was completely ready to have a melt-down. How could such a big birthday be celebrated so un-eventfully? My heart was broken.
Anyway, we did have a party, although everyone had to leave early. She got a lot of cute outfits and some fun Littlest Pet Shops. I made her a special cake too. In the end, the day turned out okay. The cake was very good and she was happy eating pizza. It was not the party I would have liked, but I'm sure I took it much harder than she did and in the grand scheme of things, she won't be too emotionally scarred. ;)Saturday, February 20, 2010
Hahaha! Finally Got My Camera Back!
And you will reap the benefits! Now, this picture goes with a previous story - the one on the mouse who eluded me for oh, so long.
Kinda gross, but I HAD to share .... 
See those perfect little bloody paw prints!!!! I wasn't even kidding!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Another Nail Polish Nightmare
Once again, Jules' desire for girly fashion has gotten the best of her. Believe me, after the last debaucle (an entire bottle of Purple Passion on the floor of our Hershey bedroom one month before move-out), she is FULLY aware that she is not allowed to paint her nails by herself.
Anyway...
Earlier in the day we painted our nails together, over newspaper, very carefully. Once I cleaned everything up, everyone was dry and beautiful, I placed my tupperware container of polish on the stairs so I could take it up on my next trip. My next trip was obviously not soon enough.
Hours later, Nat came to me, "Mom, wait until you see what Jules did. It's bad!" Wearily, I say, "What now?" As if on cue, out comes Jules covered in "Brilliant Red." Her nails were painted from the first knuckle up and her toes looked like she was simply dipped. There was some in her hair and all down her belly. When I went to the scene of the crime, it was atrocious. There was the entire bottle, little mixing ball bearing and all, poured onto the beige carpeted steps which face the front door. The polish had already completely soaked through the fibers down to the matting.
I immediately started carpet clean-up and requested John clean the suspect and put her to bed. I knew my temper was likely to get the best of me if I had to deal with her. To ensure his didn't get the best of him (which it actually never does), I hid the evidence until after she was in bed.
After many hours, 1.5 bottles of Goo Gone, 1/2 bottle of dish soap, some Coke (who knows, thought I'd give it a try), the sham-wow, terry cloth towel, scrub brush and an emergency borrowing of my sister-in-law's steam cleaner, only a faint pink tinge can be seen. I don't know. We'll see if there is anything else we're going to do about it... besides completely banning all nail polish, that is.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Technology Stinks
Well, when it's broken. Does this seem like a bad cycle to you?
October - our 3yr old flat screen completely pooped out. The repairman didn't even want it for parts.
November - after a long time nursing it, our computer power cord finally died. (3rd one in 3 yrs at $70 a pop)
December - All the cord troubles have caused our battery to be unable to hold a charge so our lap-top is essentially now a desktop. A new battery will cost $120.
December - Got a fancy new mixer for Christmas... but it didn't work. Luckily we just traded it in for a new one.
January - Our digital camera no longer downloads to our computer and our EasyShare software is now missing ALL of our 50+ albums
February - John's trail cam (This is the replacement for the original that didn't work properly) stopped working completely.
Really?
October - our 3yr old flat screen completely pooped out. The repairman didn't even want it for parts.
November - after a long time nursing it, our computer power cord finally died. (3rd one in 3 yrs at $70 a pop)
December - All the cord troubles have caused our battery to be unable to hold a charge so our lap-top is essentially now a desktop. A new battery will cost $120.
December - Got a fancy new mixer for Christmas... but it didn't work. Luckily we just traded it in for a new one.
January - Our digital camera no longer downloads to our computer and our EasyShare software is now missing ALL of our 50+ albums
February - John's trail cam (This is the replacement for the original that didn't work properly) stopped working completely.
Really?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Photo Updates!
Here are some much needed photo updates of the girls. They date back to the beginning of my blogging hiatus. Sorry there aren't any more recent photos, but our camera and computer are having "professional differences."
Photos include Nat's first day of preschool this year, Julia's first day of baby gymnastics, the pumpkin we grew ourselves in the flower bed at our apt. building (oops!), Natalie's tissue paper fashion, and Halloween.
Monday, February 15, 2010
My Little Sweethearts
When I gave Jules her Valentine gifts, she was so excited and thankful. She opened her box of chocolate hearts and although she absolutely LOVES chocolate, the very first thing she did was give one to me and one to her dad. She shared with everyone all day. She is very generous with her things.
When Nat came downstairs and saw that there were gifts and cards and cookies for her, she became teary-eyed and cried, "but I didn't get you a Valentines gift." I had to work hard through the morning to console her. Later, my parents took us out to Valentines lunch. John had to leave a little early for work and as he was preparing to go, Nana heard Natalie say to him, "on your first day off, can you take me to get mommy a Valentines gift? On your first day?" She is often thinking of others.
My little sweet petites. I love them so much. I am so blessed to have girls with such kind, kind souls.
"Daddy 'napped him!"
Well, apparently I am no trapper. My husband, on the other hand...
After my last post, noting his lack of assistance in mouse eradication, John thought he'd better help out. He employed the most "basic" trapping techniques (oh, excuse me), and the results were stunning.
The Theory:
You see, trapping is not about placing a trap and hoping they come to the bait, it's about placing bait and making sure the only way to get to it is over your trap. (I'm sure you were dying to know that info.)
The Set-Up:
In this case, a trap was placed on the front edge of the sink with a hefty helping of brown sugar leading right to it. Another trap was placed on the back edge of the sink and John's lunch box blocked any other passsage way. (In police terms, a "fatal funnel")
The Outcome:
During my first bout of insomnia that night, I found no trap on the front edge of the sink! To my excitement, it had flipped onto the floor when that stinkin' mouse found himself squarely in its clutches. I left the evidence for John to see (well, really to clean up), ate some Cheerios, read the Area Shopper and went back to bed.
During my second bout of insomnia, I was back downstairs messing around on the computer when I heard a loud "WHAAAH-CHOW!!" I waited about 20 minutes before checking (a little afraid), but sure enough, the trap at the back of the sink contained another mouse! Two for two! I couldn't believe I actually heard it happen!
The Celebration:
I ended up discarding both mice myself and relayed the story to Toby in the morning. He was excited to see the evidence in the outside trash can. While Nat wanted nothing to do with it, Jules was more than excited to take a peek. She came in jumping and yelling "Mouses in a twash can! My daddy 'napped him. He 'napped him and 'napped him!"
We haven't seen sign of a mouse since, although we still have traps set. Toby, of course, had to gloat over his superior skills. I said, "well if you thought you could do it better, why didn't you help me before?" He said, "because the mice really didn't bother me and I was having fun watching you try." - ugh. Stinker.
After my last post, noting his lack of assistance in mouse eradication, John thought he'd better help out. He employed the most "basic" trapping techniques (oh, excuse me), and the results were stunning.
The Theory:
You see, trapping is not about placing a trap and hoping they come to the bait, it's about placing bait and making sure the only way to get to it is over your trap. (I'm sure you were dying to know that info.)
The Set-Up:
In this case, a trap was placed on the front edge of the sink with a hefty helping of brown sugar leading right to it. Another trap was placed on the back edge of the sink and John's lunch box blocked any other passsage way. (In police terms, a "fatal funnel")
The Outcome:
During my first bout of insomnia that night, I found no trap on the front edge of the sink! To my excitement, it had flipped onto the floor when that stinkin' mouse found himself squarely in its clutches. I left the evidence for John to see (well, really to clean up), ate some Cheerios, read the Area Shopper and went back to bed.
During my second bout of insomnia, I was back downstairs messing around on the computer when I heard a loud "WHAAAH-CHOW!!" I waited about 20 minutes before checking (a little afraid), but sure enough, the trap at the back of the sink contained another mouse! Two for two! I couldn't believe I actually heard it happen!
The Celebration:
I ended up discarding both mice myself and relayed the story to Toby in the morning. He was excited to see the evidence in the outside trash can. While Nat wanted nothing to do with it, Jules was more than excited to take a peek. She came in jumping and yelling "Mouses in a twash can! My daddy 'napped him. He 'napped him and 'napped him!"
We haven't seen sign of a mouse since, although we still have traps set. Toby, of course, had to gloat over his superior skills. I said, "well if you thought you could do it better, why didn't you help me before?" He said, "because the mice really didn't bother me and I was having fun watching you try." - ugh. Stinker.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Mouse in the House
Yes, there is a mouse in my house. Well, probably many, but there is this one -
We set some traps after noticing one mouse scurry across the kitchen floor and immediately caught two of the little buggers. (John, of course, was somewhat saddened by the loss of the first, eulogizing "he was a good lookin' mouse.")
Unfortunately, that's when the real trouble started. Apparently, mice too, follow the pattern that squirrels did at my Great Uncle's home - "I shoot one and 10 more show up for the funeral." After the initial fatalities, we had traps tripped a few times and even blood trails with tiny, perfect paw prints leading away from the scene. Yet each morning the traps were empty.
Perhaps by nearly escaping death they were emboldened. Because now, only after the traps arrived, I am waking up to mouse droppings on my counter tops instead of mouse carcasses! I have had to splurge on tupperware containers to seal everything in my pantry. They have gotten to my un-opened sugar, brown sugar, coconut, crackers and cookies in Ziploc bags!
Now, if you know me and how I react to vermin/pests/parasites (think ticks), you know I consider this attack as a personal affront. Not only have they wasted my time in cleaning and disinfecting, but they have wasted my money too (and we all know how much I hate that.) Therefore, I have upped my game. In addition to the sealed pantry, I have placed additional and novel traps. I have sanitized my counters and vacuumed my kitchen each night before bed. I have even tailored the bait to their apparent penchant for sweets. Last night, I even left a trail of brown sugar leading right to the trap. (Upon seeing this, my husband laughed aloud. Notably, record of HIS effort in this mission of eradication has been absent.)
Anyway, what do I get for all of these additional measures of prevention? I'll tell you, the most fat and happy mouse you've ever seen scurrying across my counter tops at prime time! Yes, I've seen him the last two nights at progressively earlier times (8:15, then 7:45) while the whole family was still up and moving about.
I've had it. I have been in bed thinking about putting up John's infrared trail camera to scout the culprit's movements, about practicing my marksmanship with the bb gun. But wait, perhaps that's his strategy - push the envelope until I finally I drive myself into the looney bin and then he'll have free reign! Oh, the "Rats of NIMH" have nothing on this fella.
We set some traps after noticing one mouse scurry across the kitchen floor and immediately caught two of the little buggers. (John, of course, was somewhat saddened by the loss of the first, eulogizing "he was a good lookin' mouse.")
Unfortunately, that's when the real trouble started. Apparently, mice too, follow the pattern that squirrels did at my Great Uncle's home - "I shoot one and 10 more show up for the funeral." After the initial fatalities, we had traps tripped a few times and even blood trails with tiny, perfect paw prints leading away from the scene. Yet each morning the traps were empty.
Perhaps by nearly escaping death they were emboldened. Because now, only after the traps arrived, I am waking up to mouse droppings on my counter tops instead of mouse carcasses! I have had to splurge on tupperware containers to seal everything in my pantry. They have gotten to my un-opened sugar, brown sugar, coconut, crackers and cookies in Ziploc bags!
Now, if you know me and how I react to vermin/pests/parasites (think ticks), you know I consider this attack as a personal affront. Not only have they wasted my time in cleaning and disinfecting, but they have wasted my money too (and we all know how much I hate that.) Therefore, I have upped my game. In addition to the sealed pantry, I have placed additional and novel traps. I have sanitized my counters and vacuumed my kitchen each night before bed. I have even tailored the bait to their apparent penchant for sweets. Last night, I even left a trail of brown sugar leading right to the trap. (Upon seeing this, my husband laughed aloud. Notably, record of HIS effort in this mission of eradication has been absent.)
Anyway, what do I get for all of these additional measures of prevention? I'll tell you, the most fat and happy mouse you've ever seen scurrying across my counter tops at prime time! Yes, I've seen him the last two nights at progressively earlier times (8:15, then 7:45) while the whole family was still up and moving about.
I've had it. I have been in bed thinking about putting up John's infrared trail camera to scout the culprit's movements, about practicing my marksmanship with the bb gun. But wait, perhaps that's his strategy - push the envelope until I finally I drive myself into the looney bin and then he'll have free reign! Oh, the "Rats of NIMH" have nothing on this fella.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Long Time Comin'
I know, this has been a long time in coming. If you're not aware (and it's been so long that I'm sure you all are by now), around September I found out that I was pregnant. Yep, baby number three is now well on the way.
I stopped blogging completely around that time because I figured, if I can't handle packing a lunch for my husband or playing with my kids, I can't take time to blog. Plus, I like to keep my pregnancies a secret at first and, well, if I have a secret, there's no way I can blog.
Trust me, it was definitely NOT for a lack of good blogging fodder. Besides the pregnancy, we moved during Thanksgiving week and that has been a big change.
From a two bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom home with 10 acres.
From 25 yards to the grocery store to 25 MINUTES!
From the "sweetest place on earth" to perhaps the coldest.
From one floor to three
and the list goes on.
And then we have the girls. I can't believe there has been SOOOO much I haven't documented.
Julsies first hair-cut, given at the hands of her sister (with Crayola scissors)
Nat's final year of pre-school in Hershey
"baby 'nastics" classes
and many many many notable quotes.
I'm not going to try to re-invent the wheel and back-post. If I have a couple good pics, I'll post them soon, but otherwise I'm just going to take a line from my favorite movie and "keep moving forward."
I stopped blogging completely around that time because I figured, if I can't handle packing a lunch for my husband or playing with my kids, I can't take time to blog. Plus, I like to keep my pregnancies a secret at first and, well, if I have a secret, there's no way I can blog.
Trust me, it was definitely NOT for a lack of good blogging fodder. Besides the pregnancy, we moved during Thanksgiving week and that has been a big change.
From a two bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom home with 10 acres.
From 25 yards to the grocery store to 25 MINUTES!
From the "sweetest place on earth" to perhaps the coldest.
From one floor to three
and the list goes on.
And then we have the girls. I can't believe there has been SOOOO much I haven't documented.
Julsies first hair-cut, given at the hands of her sister (with Crayola scissors)
Nat's final year of pre-school in Hershey
"baby 'nastics" classes
and many many many notable quotes.
I'm not going to try to re-invent the wheel and back-post. If I have a couple good pics, I'll post them soon, but otherwise I'm just going to take a line from my favorite movie and "keep moving forward."
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