Just too much

Her first bow! Clay called it her Debbie Gibson bow - and I agree she did look a bit like some 80s punk rocker with the spikey hair! E had her 2-week check up today...and she is quite wee. Hanging out in the 5th percentile for her height (remaining at 19 inches) and in the 10th percentile for her weight (7 lbs. 2 oz.), she appears destined to take after her mama. We'll see if the rip cord gets pulled on her like it did on her brother before his 2 month check up (he gained 5 lbs in about 6 weeks). Dr. Ben was pleased with her progress and even said she was made for nursing (I think he specifically said she was about to get milk out of his finger!). It was a monumental day here - I got all three of us ready and out the door on time. No, I didn't brave the doctor with both kids, but I felt accomplished that we were all dressed, fed and driving away at 8:00 a.m.




Isn't this a priceless picture of complete trust? There's something about a dad and his daughter...

An amazing man

I've always felt I hit the jackpot in the husband department...he may not be perfect, but he sure does give 100% to our marriage and our family. He challenges me to step beyond what I've always thought or known. He keeps me laughing and constantly reminds me I am his elder (by a whopping 4 months and 3 days!). He works hard behind the scenes needing no recognition for his labor or contribution. He is strong and tender. He is stable and sensitive. He is my rock - an anchor for me in this tumultuous world. And the past two weeks he has blown my socks off! He has been so amazing...standing beside me during labor pains, offering his hand for support and his silence to calm me, running all over town (getting food I would eat and taking care of the rest of life), stepping it up at home by putting off his need for space after a long day of work until after J goes to bed, helping with dinner and housework, and holding a fussy girl to give me a break. The list goes on and on...did I mention he brought me flowers yesterday to congratulate me on making it through the first day alone?

Many would say he's just doing what any husband/dad should do - and I agree. But I realize that not all men do what they should do - and his no-questions-asked attitude as he gives so selflessly to the three of us has left me speechless. He isn't perfect, but he sure sets a great example for those around him - especially our son. We are so blessed - and I just had to give him props!

A birthday party

Saturday all four of us (yes, you read that right) went to a birthday party for one of our dearest little friends. J had a great time - it was at The Little Gym so he got to run around and climb and just be free. We are so excited with his progress. He didn't participate in the group activities, but he's come so far to play alongside other children. The birthday girl is in the blue with her back to the camera.








You can see his paci is firmly planted in the mouth - this is the one thing that he has regressed with in a sense since E's arrival. If he had to regress in something, this is very doable. While he had it most of the weekend, he's been back on track today so far!



He really loved when they blew bubbles all over the place.



J loved cake time as well...he was an absolute mess, but had such a great time as the pictures prove! He sat between two little girls who very neatly used their forks so it just made it that much more priceless...did I mention he was one of two boys at this party? He has good odds down the road!

The wee one

Isn't she just wee? I love her facial expression too!










The first of many "conversations with Dad!" At this stage, there is no running off and pouting...looks like she even has a smile on her face as she snuggles in close.








And I just had to get a close up of her face...so cute!

Our first day "going it alone" has gone really well so far...I'm impressed I have the opportunity to blog! The Lord knew I needed a good first day to encourage me. How thankful I am He hears my prayers and the prayers of many others!

E's arrival

Well, I finally have a moment (although it may be brief) to share the drama of E's arrival. If the drama of her entrance into this world is any indication of what her life will be like, Clay and I are in for roller coaster ride! If you aren't one for labor & delivery stories, then simply disregard this post for your own sake! ;)

Tuesday, February 13
Throughout the morning, I wondered if I was leaking amniotic fluid. I started having some decent contractions, but there was no regularity to them. I called Clay and told him something might be happening, but I wasn't sure. I had a doctor's appointment late that afternoon so I would see what was going on then. I did decide to pack my hospital bag and began a few other preparation type things around the house. I finally got concerned enough about the leaking that I called the doctor and they told me to get in as soon as possible. If my water had broken, they would have to put me in to labor. Clay heads home. Mom heads to my house to watch J. I finish packing a few things for J and myself as I wait for them to arrive. I head to the doctor while Clay packs his bag and Mom waits. Clay made it to the doctor before she actually saw me, and she determined I was dilated to a 2 and effacing, but my water had not broken - so not really a false alarm, but early labor. She told me to come home and walk or do other activities to try to get things moving...it could be hours or a few days before labor got going. So, we came home and I vacuumed almost all the floors, changed the sheets in the guest room and did a few other things before crashing on the couch. I went to Bible study/accountability that night just to get my mind off my very uncomfortable contractions. The girls were kind as they watched me breathe through many contractions and try different positions to find some place of comfort. I left early just ready to relax on my couch. I fell in to bed at 11:00 p.m. frustrated at how much pain I was in but accepting it wasn't time. I tried to rest, but kept having to ask Clay to push on my lower back/hips as contractions kept coming. After having 3 six minutes apart, we decided to wait for 2-3 more before heading to the hospital. I got up to use the bathroom and realized it was time as I sat paralyzed by the pain of contractions. Clay got dressed, loaded the car, and still had to wait on me to even begin to move. On to the hospital we go...

Wednesday, February 14
12:30 a.m. we arrived at the hospital and are placed in the observation area. Assessment showed I was dilated to a 3 and having regular contractions. DUH! We had to wait 1 hour to see if there was cervical change before they would admit me. (The rooms at this hospital are in such high demand they have to prove you have a reason to be in one!) Clay was a champ as I worked hard to manage my pain...the contractions were so different this time and I had to work a lot harder to stay calm.

1:50 a.m. Nurse Danita checks me (after seeing I am in extreme pain) - I've only changed to a 3.5, but she follows her gut that I need to be admitted (PRAISE GOD!!!) and simply tells me not to let her down and stop contracting. Little does she know what is to come...

2:04 a.m. I am admitted to my room, blood taken (it must come back before I can get my epidural), IV inserted, still working hard to manage my pain

2:22 a.m. my water breaks and my contractions are UNREAL! I ask for Stadol and she gives me a low dose, but it does nothing for me...they had put a rush on my blood work and it finally arrives so the epidural is on its way

2:27 a.m. I am checked before the anesthesiologist begins and they find I am already dilated 5 cm...inserting the epidural begins...intense pain continues...starting to feel the need to push. I tell Danita I need to push and lie to her that I haven't been pushing (how can you not when you are sitting cross-legged on a bed?).

2:48 a.m. they check me again at the anesthesiologist's request (this will change how he treats me) and find I am already at 9 cm...that's 4 cm in 21 minutes all while sitting cross-legged on the bed...so instead of a drip, they simply give me a quick dose of something that slowly begins to take away the pain

3:04 a.m. I am at 10 cm! The epidural has taken away the pain, but not the pressure. Pushing begins...the next 24 minutes are the hardest 24 minutes of my life. Due to the fast labor, E's head is still perfectly round causing difficulty in getting my pushes to do much. At one point, I screamed at her to "get out of me" - Clay says it was demonic and the doctor simply looked at me and said it wouldn't help much. E finally crowns and the moments of waiting for that next contraction seem to take an eternity...I had heard about that pressure, but man, words cannot describe!

3:28 a.m. E is finally here! It all seemed surreal...it was so fast. And now I was holding this little girl I had been thinking about for almost 9 months...she was a loud sucker, crying almost the entire first 2 hours of her life. Fortunately, that seemed to just be in response to the trauma we both experienced as she has been a great baby ever since.

Many have said a short labor is great...and in some respects I will agree. But as I lay there on the bed wondering if I would get the drugs in time, I'm not sure that amount of pain was worth the shorter ordeal. God bless Clay for being exactly what I needed as I managed my pain and for being able to keep it all together through a harrowing 3 hours. My labor was deemed precipitous (basically, fast because from onset to completion was under 3 hours)...and they warned me that next time could be even faster!

There are still moments it all seems surreal...she is already here and she wasn't due until Tuesday. We are doing well this first week home - most of us have battled a cold, but E seems to have been spared. Mom is heading home tonight so it will just be the four of us this weekend (Clay has tomorrow off) and Monday will be my first day going it alone. I am feeling pretty good about things, but we'll see what Monday holds!

Reading this doesn't seem to capture the drama and there are many small details I left out (like the fact we didn't have our cameras until right before I started pushing)...but you get the drift. I'm just thankful her head wasn't any bigger, but it sure is pretty!

First outing

E's first outing on Sunday...to get her weight and bilirubin numbers checked (for jaundice). She weighs the same as the day we left the hospital (6 lbs. 4 oz) and her levels were low. We are so thankful after having to do photo therapy for her brother!

Isn't she just too cute in her hat?

Time with Daddy

Clay took Jbird out for some good 'ol fashioned boy time Saturday afternoon. They went to the County Auto Show with some friends (one for each of them). All the boys had a blast and even got into some trouble for letting the little ones run around in the truck beds. They finished their excursion at McDonald's, and came home happy. Clay is so excited Jbird is at the age they can begin doing these fun things together...and I must say it was a priceless picture as these two big, strong men walked out the front door, sons in tow with itty, bitty backpacks slung over their shoulders! What great dads! (And I hope this is the closest either of them ever get to riding in a police car!)

Someone pinch me

As I type, Clay is at work, my son is asleep in his room, my daughter is crashed out in the bouncer, the dog is snoozing in the recliner, and my mom is out running a few errands...the only noises I hear are the faint music playing in Jbird's room (he's been fighting naps since we got home from the hospital) and the hum of the computer! Someone pinch me!

Just a little off...

15 days was just a little off...a mere 37 1/2 hours after my last post we welcomed our daughter, Elizabeth Jaye, into this world (for those not wanting to do the math, that's 3:28 a.m. Wednesday). Arriving 2 weeks early and with much drama, she is the best valentine I've ever received. Weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 19 inches, she is just too adorable. Her arrival had eerie similarities to my arrival into this world - nurses shouting "don't push!" as they scurried to get everything together in time. I'll tell that story another time, but we just wanted to share some pictures from the last few days and introduce you to the newest member of our family. We are still trying to figure out who she looks like...what do you think?


Look at all that hair! (to the left)

Just below...
Coming home

Showing off the lungs - she cried for almost the first 2 hours of her life... Clay says she definitely has my lungs!

The big brother meeting his sister...he's a bit unsure









The proud big brother and mama...and the new family of four

15 days

15 days...give or take...and it can't pass fast enough. As you can see, I have taken on the characteristics of a puffer fish! Each morning, my face and hands are a bit larger than the night before, but by the end of the day some of that fluid has moved down to my legs and feet making them larger at night. I still don't have the swelling issues I dealt with during my last pregnancy, but I have cold weather to thank for that. It's hard not to swell when it's 100 degrees in May! Jbird is still oblivious to the belly - except that it's one more thing on Mommy he can use as a step up to the sofa. I thought you might enjoy these pictures we took yesterday - I was actually feeling slightly cute, well, at least until I saw these pictures. I tell you, the difference in carrying a girl vs. a boy is astounding - and I blame it on the extra estrogen. More tears, more hormonal shifts, more criticism of myself...and Clay has been such a trooper during it all. Off to finish my to-do list for today (the nesting is in HIGH gear!) - I just wanted to share some photos for those who have been asking...

Waiting is hard

Waiting...I'm not great at it, and that's what we're doing...waiting. Waiting on our little girl to arrive. My nesting instinct is in high gear...but my body doesn't want to keep up. The swelling continues - my ankles are officially partying somewhere else in town - as is evident by my rounding face and the scale. We make plans, but there is always a small hope in my heart that we won't make the engagement. And we keep waiting. These last weeks are hard - we are excited, the fun of the pregnancy is gone (especially this time around), and we are ready to see how she will change our life. So, I try to find small ways to occupy the time - thus the small changes to the template - and put off the longing desire to hold my baby girl. Soon enough...but not, you know?

Weekend "fun"

We've lived in this house almost 5 years - and Friday night we had our first fire! Before I tell you the story, let me ask you a question:

Which sounds like more "fun": learning how bad your heating unit is or that your son has a double ear infection and severe cold? How about discovering both on the same day and having to make decisions about whether to risk having heat on one of the coldest nights this year?

That was our Friday.

Last week, our heater began making some funny noises. We know it's old (almost 20 years), so we didn't think too much of it since it was still heating. Each day the noises got louder and more interesting. By Wednesday night, it sounded like we had some birds singing in chorus and our sleep was beginning to get interrupted (thanks to the furnace being right by our bedroom). I entered a service request online that night with our home warranty company (our saving grace 2 years ago when our AC went out...and now again, as you will see).

I was excited on Thursday to learn someone was coming out early Friday morning. The electrician showed up right on time, and quickly determined the home warranty company sent the wrong kind of repairman...we needed a heating guy. He was very nice, called it in, and went about his way. I called the home warranty company to inquire when we might receive a call...it was getting later on a FRIDAY...and I feared a weekend of no sleep. I was not a happy camper. A nice lady named Gail understood my plight and made this an emergency situation (and told me how to get around all the automated stuff for future service calls so we don't get sent the wrong repairman again)...the new repair company called and would have someone out shortly. I was almost in tears (of joy).

Jbird woke from his nap with goopy eyes, screaming and burning up (his fever was 102.3). Changing of a diaper, sitting with me, and juice did nothing to calm him...and the heater guy was on his way. The repairman quickly determined that our motor is almost shot and we have a blower wheel out of balance (thus the HORRIBLE noise). Our system is so old that while he could get the motor model from the system model number, the blower wheel would have to be removed to determine the part number. The guy had time to fix it, but he wasn't positive he could even get the blower wheel that day. DECISION TIME: wait until Monday to fix it (guaranteeing heat over the weekend and maybe only one night without) or risk no heat over the weekend if he couldn't get the part Friday. Things I had to consider - Jbird having a fever and obviously battling some sort of illness meaning we couldn't crash with friends, weather forecast of the mid 20s that night, the motor going out over the weekend regardless, and my impending insanity due to lack of rest. And I couldn't get a hold of Clay...what to do?

I finally decided (with the affirmation of my father) that I couldn't risk no heat with Jbird having a fever. The repairman put the heater cover back on and said someone would be back Monday. Again, I was almost in tears, but this time from defeat... I was so tired of the noise - and after being messed with, the heater was EVEN LOUDER! Clay affirmed my decision and did his best to calm me down. Then I heard back from the pediatrician who wanted to see us - and they had an opening in 15 minutes. I quickly packed us up and headed that way. Clay heard the stress in my voice after this trying day and met us there - how thankful I was. Jbird DID NOT like being poked and prodded...especially the swabbing for the flu test. I was thankful for an extra set of hands...and that it was only a double ear infection and severe cold.

This story is already long enough - I guess I want you to appreciate what all was happening! The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent getting a couple of space heaters from friends and finding a place with firewood. The heater was sounding so bad, we finally decided to just use space heaters and the fireplace for warmth. We all bundled up and had a cozy night after our long day. A space heater can be kind of romantic in such a situation! We all had a good night's sleep - me in the guest room (smaller room without a vaulted ceiling), Clay on the air mattress by the fire, and Jbird in his bed. It got down to 22, but we were all cozy under the covers. It warmed up pretty well yesterday, and last night wasn't nearly as cold. We've definitely made up for the years without a fire this weekend. Each day gets a little warmer, and the repairman returns tomorrow afternoon. We may not have heat tomorrow night, but we aren't worried after making it through Friday night.

We are thankful for friends who offered their homes and space heaters. We are thankful for a fireplace (not all homes here have them since we have such short winters) and for the memories made. We are thankful that we renewed our home warranty again so we don't have to pay more than our service fee! We are thankful Jbird's fever was short-lived and he seems to be doing better. So, it's a long story...definitely one we will remember! Thanks for hanging in there...I just thought I would share our weekend "fun".