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".

Showering

Some blessed friends showered me and another friend (who just had her second child) this past Saturday. It was a wonderful gathering - a great time of fellowship and fun. They gave us many great gifts - our daughter will be well dressed! It was another wonderful reminder of God's blessings and how much we are loved by those around us!









Two special gifts came from my family. The outfit on the left was my niece's - my sister kept it and chose to pass on to our daughter. On the right is the sampler my mother made that will displayour daughter's name, birth date, weight and time. It is identical to Jbird's with simple color changes, and it looks great in their room.

The first haircut

We decided it was time for a haircut on Friday...not because the boy's hair was exceptionally long or unruly, but due to two pronounced cowlicks and some wave, we wanted to make sure we were combing it in the right direction and to help him look a little more kempt. We went to Cool Cuts for Kids based on recommendations by many friends...and we were pleased. We got there a few minutes early to help Jbird become accustomed to these new surroundings, but he didn't need any help. At first he clung close to us, but then he saw the Legos and he took off on his own. He played well alongside other children - we were quite amazed! Then he discovered the colored tiles and spent the next 10 minutes going back and forth between us and different colors identifying them.









The company is great - offering fun seats for the kids. We got in a car, and Jbird immediately started "driving". We've never seen him do this so we were quite impressed. They also have TVs so he got to watch Elmo do the ABC's while he got his hair cut. What a great distraction! Doesn't he look like such a little boy with his cape on? Again, he was all smiles and friendly. We kept asking him who he was and what he had done with our son. Things went so much better than we expected.









He didn't even seem phased by the snipping, only that Miss Kayla sometimes got in between him and the TV.

He was even intrigued by the edger when she put it on his arm, but once it got near his head/ear, the waterworks began and he was no longer content in the car!












Here Dad is trying to get the boy to smile for a picture. The company gives you a card that holds pieces of hair and a picture of the haircut. As you can see, we didn't get a smiling boy, but it's cute none-the-less.

Learning to ride a horse

As any good Texan should, Jbird got his first taste of riding a horse last week. He's learned how to make his horse sing and talk, but he still isn't very sure about sitting on him without Dad's hand behind him.

To nap or not to nap...

That has been the question the last two days after lunch. With Jbird's new ability to open doors, he is much more intrigued with getting off his bed to open the door and see what is happening outside. Yesterday, no nap happened - well, not at his normal time. I kept putting him back on his bed and sternly telling him it was rest time, but it was all a waste of breath and time. I finally gave up after he was in his room for about 1 1/2 hours. He was so cranky after snack that I laid him down and we finally woke him up almost 2 hours later so we could go to church.

Today started out no differently. He opened the door and talked to me a bit. I put him in his bed and left, praying for him to at least play quietly in his room - I had some things to do! It was quiet in the house and I chose not to keep tending to him. A bit later I hear some funny breathing so I go to check on him...and the picture to the left is how I found him! I guess he got tired enough that he headed to his bed, but didn't make it all the way up. He slept like this for over 2 hours! He is now calling for me to get him - repeatedly opening and closing his door. I am thankful that at least today ignoring him was all it took. We'll see what tomorrow holds!

Graduation Day

No cap and gown, but it's graduation day in our house...Jbird was officially released from physical therapy this morning!

For those who have no idea what I am talking about, let me give a brief history: upon his first birthday, Jbird wasn't rolling over (he had, but only a couple of times), getting himself to sitting up, pulling up, crawling or walking independently. He could sit up if we put him there. He could walk around furniture if we placed him at something, but he seemed to be missing some key gross motor skills. Our pediatrician was quite puzzled because he was skipping easy things for harder things. He suggested we get in touch with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a state-funded program in our state that helps those with developmental delays from birth-age 3. After talking with them and going through the evaluation process, Jbird qualified for the program and physical therapy began every other week in our home in late September. From the beginning, Jbird was comfortable with Jennifer - and he's been so excited to see her each time. We have seen DRASTIC improvement in Jbird's motor skills and confidence over these past months. We had been discussing how much longer we should continue since he had come so far; and at our last session, Jennifer, our angel of a PT, commented that she was having difficulty finding things that challenged Jbird. So today we did another evaluation, and he was deemed "typical." He is right on track for an 18-month old! We are so excited, and yet sad to not see Miss Jennifer anymore. God was good to take care of all of this before our daughter arrives, and to provide therapy at a flat monthly rate (a state-run program that is doing good work and does well by their clients!). We are so blessed!

Here is a picture of Jbird with Jennifer. After Jennifer and Angela, our case worker left, Jbird watched them chat at their cars out our front door window. He kept saying bye-bye and then tried to open the door (a new trick he has learned) to go outside to them (thank heavens for deadbolts!). Jennifer was only in our lives for about 6 months, but the impact she made will benefit us for years to come.

Do you have a request?

Just asking...because it seems most of our family members have a preference for Elizabeth's arrival date. At this point, I'm banking on her arriving at the most inopportune time. It appears if she comes more than a couple of days early, it will cause a bit more scrambling for someone. So while they are all hoping she arrives really close to her due date, I just sit and wait silently hoping she does come early.

I am ready to gaze into her eyes, to hear her gurgles and grunts, to see how Jbird will adjust, and to not have heartburn anymore! Jbird came the day after a 3-day holiday weekend so something tells me that this little girl will come when she is good and ready disregarding everyone else's schedule/desire (even my own)... my mom says I am just getting a taste of what she experienced...she longed for an April baby and I came 1 day too late!

So, put in your preference now... ;)

All aboard!

This has been a favorite toy since his birthday almost 7 months ago (thanks Emma)...I pulled it out for the first time in a while and there was much rejoicing! He loves to get right in the middle of it all, and he even learned how to put the train back on the track correctly today. I think he played with this for almost an hour! He loves a choo-choo!

Beard, Belly, and Breaking free...

Here is a picture of the current progress of the oft-annual beard. It will be here at least until our little girl arrives...length of stay after that depends on how quickly it warms up! Not bad progress since Dec. 25! And here is the current progress of my expanding belly. It's not a complete side shot, but you get the point. So far being pregnant in the winter is boding well for less swelling, but I also did most of my puffing up in the last few weeks. My hair hasn't been cut since the day we found out we were pregnant...not bad since I got it cut that day to just below my ears!




Since he fell asleep at church this morning (sitting up inside one of the foam climbing pieces in the room, mind you), nap time wasn't happening this afternoon. We held out hope as we did his normal straight down to nap after lunch routine, but we soon heard him up and playing in his room. Then we heard an interesting noise...and soon discovered he was opening the door. Needless to say, in just a matter of minutes he mastered the art of opening the door (he just kept opening and shutting it). We put up the gate to see if he would play happily for a while (I didn't sleep well last night and desired a nap), but as you can see he was ready to break free! So I guess it's time to put child-locks on the doors...what fun! Another corner turned in just minutes...this little guy keeps us on our toes!

Getting ready for sister

We've been slowly getting ready for Elizabeth's arrival trying to make the transition easier for Jbird. We hope if he is used to the new setup in the house, bringing home a new family member won't be quite as traumatic. So far the only thing that really catches his eye is the swing, but it has been good practice for him pushing the swing gently. I just hope he is as sweet and kind to his real sister as he is to his baby doll. The house is definitely getting full, but there is nothing better than a home full of love and people...and the stuff that comes with them! We are so blessed!

Note there are 4 more entries today below...I think I am finally caught up!