HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

So on a whim, I woke up and thought that a nice trip to the mountains would be fun.  So I asked Jerry, thinking there was no way... but there was.  And then I called my folks.  My mom had a commitment, but my dad had no plans... so Jerry went to work and I packed the kids and the car and took them to the park to run the energy out.  Jerry got off of work, we loaded up and headed west.
It was really just a spur of the moment, jump in the car and go trip, but it was worth it.  We drove up and arrived Thursday night.  On Friday we set in motion a plan to surprise my friend Laura.  It was an all day gig, which FINALLY panned out when my dad received a last minute invite to a New Year's Eve dinner out with friends.  We arrived before everyone, got a table and were waiting when everyone walked in!!  It was a great surprise and a fabulous night.  We ate well, went to a friends house where my kids got their first look at Jupiter through a telescope (which kicked off a whole NEW interest!!), had homemade hot chocolate and caught up with friends.  I think our fun would have continued, but the friends had a friendly cat and Grace cannot pass up a cat...but they make her swell up.  And we had to leave before her eyes swelled shut.  Still it was a good time.    Jerry and I tucked the kiddos in around 10 and I made it (barely) to midnight.  On New Year's Day we decided to hit a park... really it was the only pictures I took the whole time we were there.  heh.

Right after this last picture was taken, Elijah fell into the water... so back home it was.  We played for a bit at home and just took it easy.  Monday we headed home.  On the way home, I got a call.  sigh.  We had had a play date earlier the week before at Rachel's.  The kids had played well and we had a great morning catching up.  APPARENTLY, when I was telling a GREAT joke (hehehe!) inside, Elijah was outside scratching his name into the side of Rachel's car.  super sigh.  The good news is that it wasn't that bad.  The bad news (other than my son being a VERY bad graffiti artist... I mean who scratches their NAME??) is that my head almost exploded in the car and I think I scared the crap out of Elijah.  After I calmed down, Jerry and I decided his punishment was to sort the recycling... since we only do this once every 4 months, it's a TON of work... and it's all his.  

So the New Year came in. I was with some of my favorite people in one of my favorite places.  Resolutions?  eh. to try to run a race this year.  we'll see.  I"m not too concerned with this one. I have a phobia of running races with other people.  But we'll see.   

Happy New Year!

So for New Years Eve we were supposed to go to a friend’s house for the evening.  Grace had been fighting the gunk that Elijah had over Christmas.  We were waiting to make a call…. waiting until the last minute because we REALLLLLLY wanted to go.  We are not big party people, but this was going to be just a few close friends and their kids and we were going to hang out and there was going to be a babysitter to watch the kids and it was going to be wonderful…  And then, Grace sprang a fever… and sounded like she was coming down with TB or something… and as our friend has cats and Grace was already having respiratory issues, we felt it wouldn’t be wise to go…and she had a fever, so ya know.  sigh. So we stayed home.  hmph.  pout.  whatever. 
The last day of 2010 found us at a park.  Getting out of the house was high on my list, so we could get the germs out.  I had promised Elijah and Grace that we could take the scooter and the skateboard to a local park so they could practice on a smoother surface.  So off we went.  The weather was phenomenal, so that was good.

This park belongs to a local church.  They allow the public to use it and it’s a lot of fun.  We only go in the winter and early spring because there is no shade… and there are no restrooms.  But it’s still a lot of fun.  They have a huge slide and lots of playground equipment as well as two basketball courts.  One of the courts has lower (around 6 feet) goals.  Someone left a basketball at the park, so we borrowed it to play a bit.  Elijah just comes into some sports with such ease.  He picked the ball up and just started making shot after shot.  sigh.  Maybe it will help pay for his shoes for his freakishly large feet! hehe.
After playing for a bit, we headed home for lunch and a nap.  Jerry came home early and we hung out and played for the rest of the evening.  We went to the store and rented a movie for the kiddos to let them stay up a little later.  And by later I mean 8:30, but the freaking kids didn’t go to sleep until after 10!!!  Whatever!  I was ready to go to bed by 11:30, but Jerry woke me up at midnight to say Happy New Year and then we went to bed.  Nothing that exciting, but nevertheless relaxing.
New Years Day brought children up at 7 and a groggy momma, but we got up and had breakfast, packed a picnic lunch, and some beach toys and hit the beach!  It was a BEAUTIFUL day and perfect beach weather (NOT swimming weather!!  though there were several polar plunges while we were there!)  The porpoises were out in full force and the kids were content to dig in the sand and chase seagulls.
 
Really nice day.  A slow and relaxing way to bring in the new year indeed.
On Sunday, the weather was supposed to be rainy… but it wasn’t.  It was cloudy, but it was really warm.  So we went outside for a bit to play around the house, and when that got boring for the parents less than exciting, we loaded up the car and went to a park.  We hadn’t been to Greenfield Lake in a REALLY long time, so off we went.  We played on the playground for a bit and then decided to take a walk to find the big bridge.  It was a lot farther than we remembered, but the kids were troopers and walked the whole way without complaint.  When we got to the bridge we were greeted by seeing turtles and some people out on a boat.  There were no visible alligators to see thankfully.  However, there was a sign warning people not to feed them or, you know, tease them…as if this needed to be stated.  Now, we have seen alligators at the aquarium, and maybe he just hasn’t really paid attention to them, but Elijah, as we were leaving the bridge, looked at me and said, “Mommy, alligators have legs.”  And I replied, “well, yes, they do.”  And he said, “but that means they could come out of the water on the shore.  That makes me VERY nervous.” I tried to explain that while it was a warm day, that alligators really didn’t like cold weather and wouldn’t be coming out onto land.  But he continued to be very nervous and continued to tell me about it as we walked over a small hidden bridge and really didn’t let it go until we were on the main path.  Ah, childhood!

So, as for resolutions… screw them.  I’m refusing to make them.  They would be the same as every year…weight loss, less tv for the kids, more family time….blah blah blah. And while these things are all important, it is not a resolution I need, it’s an ass kicking.  So ya know.  If it happens great!  The kids already have been cut down on the TV….we spend time together whenever Jerry is off, and the weight…well, either it will come off or it won’t.  It’s like bribing a kid to make good grades… it’s what they SHOULD do, so why bribe them?   So there.  That’s it.  2010 is gone, a new year has started and life is going on.  I’m loving my life and it can only get better!!!!

Christmas Part Deux

On New Year's Day we traveled up to see Jerry's folks for the day.  Jerry's sisters were both there and Lisa had her kids there, including the newest addition, Riley!  We had not met him yet.  Jerry's dad had also had some health issues over Christmas so we were glad he was home as well.  The only sibling missing was Matthew who is in Texas.  Elijah and Grace were once again completely spoiled rotten.  Both received numerous presents both from Grandma and Poppop and from Aunt Lisa.

 

Lisa and her kids.

Little guy!

PART of the set that Grandma and Poppop got for the kids.  Jazzy HAD to stand over there because Libby and Elijah kept making the cars fly off around the curve.

Grace getting mad that no one will give her the remote to make Tigger flip over.

Little bit trying to get in on the action (again!) after some food and visiting and playing with other toys.

We had a very nice day.  I thought that the kids did really well considering that they didn't have a nap.  Elijah threw a fit, not wanting to leave.  I'm glad that the kids feel comfortable with their grandparents. 

If New Year's Day was indicative of how the rest of the year is going to be, we are off to a GREAT start!

Well Hello 2010, welcome...

Ah, good bye 2009.  You were an interesting year full of fun, adventure, and exciting new things.  You will be remembered fondly and I must say that you may be missed...
And 2010, I know you have good intentions, but if you could go a little slower that would be nice.  My kids are growing up so fast.  Alas, I must speak with Father Time about this I guess.
And must I make resolutions?  Ones that sound good, and look good, but never are kept?  What is I resolve to make no resolutions??  I guess even that one would be broken by the end of the sentence... well, if I must:

1. Loose the FREAKIN' weight.  10 pounds in a year.  My goal.  Less than a pound a month... should be easy right??  sigh...  Is it too much to ask that I have Jillian Michael's stomach and arms?  That's all I want....
2. Less TV...for everyone.  I want to limit TV for the kids to just George in the morning, Super Why before nap and MAYBE a George before bed.  Once a week we will have movie day and that is it.  For me, For every 2 hours I watch TV I must workout for 30 minutes (at least.)
3. Eat out less...sigh.  I just hate cooking...no I don't I hate having my attention torn 76902784569 ways while I'm trying to cook.  But we will do this.  Eating out will be restricted to once a week at dinner and once a week at lunch (after soccer.)
4. Read more.  There are some good books out there... need to read them.
5. Blog more.  Catch up on what I have started and blog...
6. Have alone time and family time.  I need that once every other week time by myself out of the house.  And we need to do more as a family.  Even if it's walking down the street.
7. Figure out what the hell I'm going to do with my life after Grace starts school.
8. Help ease Elijah into preschool and encourage him to enjoy being around others without his mama!

So 2010, what do you think?  Is this good enough?  Can I do these things?  Will you help me 2010?  Probably not much help, but maybe this will be the year... we'll see.
2009, may you party yourself out tonight and then get the rest you so dearly deserve!
2010...here we come....

January 2009

January 03

Happy New Year

So I amazingly made it until midnight on New Years Eve.  We watched the last Harry Potter and then counted down.  It was nice.  Jerry had Thursday off so we went out for breakfast and then hung out at the house.  Yesterday I realized that I needed to do two things:

1) get organized for Elijah's party and

2) make a costume for him to wear to a birthday party we had today.

So I decided to make a piñata with pull tabs for Elijah's party.  I had never heard of these until we went to a Halloween party.  It was cool.  The kids take turns pulling streamers until someone pulls one that opens the trap door.  It's nice for kids that don't really have the strength to whack the crap out of a traditional piñata and eliminated the possibility of getting whacked in the head with a crazy toddler swinging a stick!  So I blew up a picture of Curious George in a fire helmet and painted a cardboard box.  Today I pasted the picture onto the box and painted George.  I also cut the trap door.  It needs some more work, but I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.

Now, the costume.  Elijah has a little friend who had a princess/prince birthday.  I gotta say that a princess outfit is WAY easier to come by.  I guess I could have spent a lot of money on a costume, but I didn't want to do that.  We talked about dressing him as a Prince of Egypt.  I guess if I had worked on it before yesterday then that could have worked out, but ya know... I found a site that had some ideas and I took those and ran with it... this is what I ended up with:

I am pleased with how it turned out.  Elijah really liked it and I think he had fun at the party.  I was an amazing party to say the least.  They played games and won prizes, had lunch, had cake, and got a very nice parting present.  I think that Elijah's was the only homemade outfit, but he was one of three boys and one of the boys is super little.  The little girls were all cute in their princess outfits.

Tomorrow, instead of taking my movie day, I'm going to go party supply shopping.  I looked at the room we will be using at the fire station today.  I think it will be fun.  Once everyone gets there, we'll get a little presentation from a fire fighter, then we'll do a little craft, read Curious George Goes to the Fire Station, eat cake and pull the strings on the piñata... that's a lot to fit into 2 hours...  I am making most of the stuff to go into the goodie bags.  My folks are getting here Thursday afternoon, so I think I'll do most of the goodie bag stuff then.  I'm super excited about the whole thing!

Okay... I guess that's it!  Happy New Year!  Here's hoping that 2009 will be GRAND!

January 04

Starring Grace...

Look what she did tonight:

GRACE CRAWLING!!!

January 07

Cause it's just annoying me...

What is this, "Boys will be boys" shit!  I get really annoyed when people use this as an excuse.  "Oh, my son is climbing up the slide backwards even though there are children waiting to come down... but boys will be boys."  "Oh, my son drove really fast into a tree but I bought him a new car...but boys will be boys."  "Oh, my son beat the crap out of his girl friend, but that's okay, because boys will be boys."  WTF?!?!  When does this cycle that boys somehow get special treatment because they have a penis end?  It really aggravates me.  Especially when moms justify this.  How are you allowing your child to think he is better than a girl?  Better than his mom?  WTF?!?!?  Seriously?

Honestly, this hasn't happened to me personally, but I have read about parents getting mad at someone for requesting their sons act responsibly and it hurts me to hear them getting defensive of their children.  Then turn around and wonder what to do about their kid the preschool bully.  PLEASE!  Do they not see the cycle they are perpetuating?  Sigh.  I have had to deal with the gender issue.  Elijah likes to pick flowers and put them in his hair (which is now almost constantly in a pony tail... and I know he is a pretty child...) which leads people to think that he is a girl.  And when I tell them his name is Elijah, they come up with things, like, "Oh the flower threw me off, but I see the airplane in his hand now, that even things out."  Seriously?  I was asked in the grocery store the other day if I was sure Grace was a girl.  I had her in a blue and green sleep and play, "That's a girl?  Are you sure?"  SERIOUSLY?  Um, yeah... last time I changed her diaper... but ya know... What is wrong with people?

There is a whole other blog entry that is stewing in my head about gender roles and how we as a society tend to deal with them.  Trucks=boys Dolls=girls kinda thing.  And while I don't believe in that, I don't push dolls on Elijah, yet he plays with them.  I don't push trucks on Grace, but she tries to steal Elijah's when he's not looking (though I think she just likes things that roll...she thinks they're funny.)  Anyway... another entry...

Okay... I'm done with my soapbox...for now... ;)

January 11

The Boy Child's Third B-day

I must say that the party was quite successful!   My mom and I got to the fire station a little after 9 and I gotta say that if we had gotten there any later, the morning would have started in a much different way.  Apparently, there was a communication breakdown between the station coordinator and the chief/firefighters.  They were on their way to a training across the street and didn't know we were coming.  Not too much of a big deal, except I had planned for time for a tour of the station (and we would've been locked out as well.)  But ANYWAY, not a big deal.  We got in and set up.  The chief got us hats and offered to come back over and do show us a fire engine or two and gave us his cell number.  He was REALLY nice!  So after setting up, my friend, Jenn, showed up with the cake.  Last year she did the train cake and that was amazing... but this one was even more so!!  She made a fire engine cake!  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  She did an amazing job!

As the kids came in we had a table set up with goodie bags that had crayons (among other things) in it and a Curious George mask out for them to color and play with.  We also had some snack out for them to munch on.  Our play group doesn't do presents, but we gave Elijah a Curious George Doll and the book Curious George and the Firefighters.  So he got to open that and I read the book to the kids.  (Dad said that was the best part....hehehehe!)  After story time, we had cake.  I gotta say I almost cried when I cut it.  I mean it was just that pretty...but it's cake and it was meant to be eaten.  It was very very yummy!  After they finished the cake, I brought over the pull tab piñata I made.  I was impressed with it.  I found a bunch of fun little toys in to fill it with.  I think the kids liked that.  One of the prizes in the piñata was Curious George balloons, so some of the parents blew a bunch up and the kids played balloon while I put in a call to the fire chief.  He had some of the firefighters come over and show us the one of the engines.  The kids got to climb all over it and play.  It was really cool.  They also ran the lights for us.

Overall, it was an incredible party.  Elijah had a great time, and that was the most important thing!  Grace did great with very little nap and horrid sleep the night before.  Elijah was hyped up and didn't take a nap that afternoon, but he did rest in his room.  After nap we went out to the condo my folks are staying in for the week out at the beach.  It's about a half hour drive out there, but it's not too bad.

My folks brought a ton of stuff down with them.  I found an easel at the Goodwill in Black Mountain while we were up there, but it didn't fit in our car, so they brought that.  They brought the bike they found for Elijah as well.  They brought Christmas presents from Laura (really cool stacking trucks for Elijah and Grace and a very nice necklace pendant for me!)

I will start a new album with the pics...

Three Years Ago Today...

I was still in the hospital getting to know my little man.  Who knew that in three years he would be such an amazing little man!Happy Birthday little guy!

my kiddo at birth: 8 pounds 6 ounces

one year old!

two years old

three years old!!

January 13

So there is news...

I hadn't really realized I hadn't blogged about this yet, until Megan commented on my Facebook Status.   I sometimes get so involved in Facebook and I forget that not everyone is on there...or is my friend on there.... ANYWAY...

The week before Christmas Jerry was asked in for an interview for a company here in Wilmington.  The next week he went in for a lunch interview and was offered a job.  He negotiated a higher salary and handed in his resignation the following day.  Last Wednesday he was promptly (yet amicably) fired.  He started his new job this Monday.  The great thing about the firing is that since he handed in his two week notice, they had to pay him through those two weeks.  So he's pretty much getting a week with two paychecks... sweet!  It's too bad that his former company didn't realize his importance until after he left.  He and another worker left for this new company the same week!  The new company is a direct competitor to his old company.  Apparently, last Friday after Jerry and his coworker left, the company promptly gave everyone a raise (some more than others!)  Still, if he hadn't left and they had given the raises, he 1)still wouldn't be making as much as he is now and 2)they would expect him to work even more than he was and no overtime pay.  Here he gets overtime pay, stock options, and there is actually a HR department.... what a concept!

Anyway, we are REALLY excited about it!!  He started Monday and thus far is enjoying it.  I personally am not thrilled to be staying here, but I am thrilled that Jerry is in a better situation.  I was really getting worried about the amount of stress he was under.  Also, this is an international company, so there is the possibility of travel overseas.  They also tend to promote from within, so he's not going to be stuck in the same situation with no hope of actually going anywhere.

So that's it!  Wahoo!

January 18

The folks have gone, but it's Jerry's birthday!!

So my parents left on Saturday morning.  (boooooooooo!)

But before they left, I was able to clean the WHOLE garage!!  It was a huge relief to be able to do this.  We've been trying to since we moved in!  And it's done and it's looks soooo good!  Our biggest issue is the recycling.  For some reason we just take forever to take it to the place.  And every time we do it, I'm always amazed at how little time it really takes.  So I moved our recycling to beside the garage door into the house.  My reasoning is if it's right there (instead of across the garage) then maybe we'll take it more often...we'll see.  I should have taken a before and after pic.  Someone came and picked up the front loader too, so that made a huge dent.

We also had a picnic at a local park and played outside before it became bone chilling cold.  Elijah has mastered his bike and I bought him a bell and fashioned a basket on the front.  I think I'm in for a faster walk in the mornings and afternoons.  He can go a lot faster than he could on his tricycle.  But he's (so far) good about listening and pulling off the road when a car comes by.  Grace has taken off with the crawling and is in to everything.  She is very stealth.  Half the time you don't even realized she's moved, until you look for her in the last place you saw her and realize she's gone!  It's pretty cool and I think that she's quite proud of herself!

On Friday we went to the serpentarium.   It was neat, but a little creepy.  There were a lot of snakes in there and I gotta say that they were just in these glass cages with hinges and one dinky little lock.   There were some big honking snakes there as well as a man eating crocodile.   There was a cobra that was all riled up behind the glass and trying to strike at us as we went by... eek!   I'll post some pics in a bit.  Friday evening we met Kristie&co. at Brixx Pizza to celebrate Jerry's birthday and his new job.  We had invited some other friends, but due to weddings and the sickies, were unable to come.  I gotta say, we had to wait for a LONG time to get a seat, so I think it worked out for the best.  We'll have to go another time with all the friends and plan to get there at like 4 to be able to eat by 7!  Anyway, the food and company made up for it!  Today is Jerry's actual birthday and he went into put in a little overtime this morning.  So Elijah, Grace, and I went out and got balloons and a cake for him.

We have a busy rest of the month ahead of us, including birthday parties, an inauguration viewing, preschool, wednesday friendsday, and play group.  In February Elijah will start a soccer class.  He's really taken an interest in soccer, so we signed him up.  It's a parent participation class, so Jerry will take his lunch early to watch Grace and I'll go with Elijah.  If he likes it, we'll continue with other classes and eventually a team.  It's wild to see him grow up and really like and dislike things.  I will try to keep on top of things and post as often as I can!

January 20

Snow on Inauguration Day!!!

It very rarely snows here.  And when it does it very rarely lasts more than 10 minutes.  Today it started snowing around 10 and it's still flurry-ing now.  Since it is also inauguration day, I had the TV on all day.  But I totally didn't think to take pictures of Elijah and Grace with the TV watching our new president get sworn in.  Sigh...  Ah well.  Elijah and I talked about how great it was that we have a new president and that it was historic.  Here's our conversation this morning:

Me: Elijah who is that?

Elijah: Obak Mama

Me: Barack Obama?  Who is he?

Elijah: yes.  Obak Mama is the presidennn.

Me: Oh okay.  He's the new president?

Elijah: yes. Mommy, it's 'nowing?  Go p'ay?

So, out we went. Into the snow and this is what I did get pictures of:

It was a good day!

January 26

The days are lost on me...

I don't know why I even try to keep track on my days anymore.  I went through most of today thinking it was Friday... sigh...

Anyway, after the snow on Tuesday our week went by fairly quick.

Wednesday the kids and I drove our to an acquaintance's to pick up a climber/slide and delivered it to kate&co.  That was an adventure in and of itself, but the kind where you had to be there and know the people involved, so I won't bore you.

Thursday we went to the park for playgroup.  Not many showed up.  It was still chilly and the snow/ice was melting, but in the sun it was nice and the boy child needed to be outside.  Kristie&co met us there too and we ended up going to the mall and purchasing the last two Mario Kart games for the Wii!!

Friday we met Kate&co at the park for more play time.  I got to exert my badass-ness toward some jerk-y high schoolers.  They were trying to break the kid's equipment and were cussing and scaring the kids.  I went over and yelled at them and then hunted down their teachers (across the park relaxing under a picnic shelter!) and (nicely) told them to get their kids off the playground equipment that was meant for 5 year olds.  I couldn't believe they let the kids out there unsupervised.  Jerry said I should have asked what school they were from and called the principal...hindsight and all.  My adrenaline was pumping after all that.  I was REALLY mad.  Elijah wasn't even playing on the equipment, but there were lots of little kids and they were getting trampled.  I can't believe that more parents didn't stand up to them.  I mean what are they going to do?  Call you a name?  Whatever.  Anyway, we were all okay and the high schoolers were made to leave the playground area.

Saturday, Jerry had to work.  So I packed up the kiddos and went across town to the model train expo.  Elijah loved it.  He stared at one exhibit for two hours straight!  Insane!!  We left and met Jerry for lunch.

Sunday, Jerry worked again.  The biggest thing to happen was Elijah learned to pee standing up!  Not sure this is a good thing, but so far he has really good aim.

We are relaxing today.  I booked us a mini vacation in Myrtle Beach for mid February.  This place has got a huge indoor water park.  I'm sure the weather won't be great, but I'm just excited to get away.  We have something going on every weekend (except Valentine's) so I'm sure we'll be ready for a break.  I also confirmed with my folks our Outer Banks vacation.  We are going in early May.  Again, probably not the warmest weather, but I think it will be nice enough for the kiddos to enough the sand dunes and the light houses.  We are also going to see about going to see the wild horses in Corolla.

December 2006

December 01

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

I must say that with the weather being more like early May it's a bit hard to get into the Christmas mood.  I am playing Christmas music though.  I will finish up my shopping on Saturday afternoon.  Bonnie and Will are coming over for a play date in the morning.  Then we'll get the tree.  Then the afternoon is mine for the shopping!!!  i only have to buy for Jerry, but I must make several stops.  Everything is almost done.  I have a cookie exchange next weekend and then I am hosting a cookie exchange for playgroup on the 14th.  I made cookies for relatives so I've already done some baking.
Okay...let's see... Thanksgiving was good but Elijah was running a fever of 103.  He had no other symptoms, but it made for a sort of fussy baby.  We actually bought baby food for the trip, not knowing what kind of storing options we would have a t the hotel.  Yeah, he wouldn't eat it.  And I must say that I don't blame him.  The chicken and rice tasted the same as the oatmeal and apples...eewww... Anyway, we gave him mashed up banana and he was much happier about that.  He got a ball from Aunt Marge and two books and a Racoon from Anna and Larry.   We got to meet the newest addition to the family.  And the most exciting thing....drum roll.......Elijah took his first independent step the day after Thanksgiving (which is actually the day we celebrated)!!!!  So we had witnesses and everything.  He hasn't done another step (and really I'm not rushing it...he's only 10 1/2 months for Pete's Sake!) But it was very exciting.  My little guy is growing up so freaking fast!
I'm sure there is much more to write, I'm sorry I haven't been writing as much lately.  Elijah is into EVERYTHING right now and I feel like I am running around like a chicken with head off....I'll add some more pics (thanks for not nagging mom)
December 07

Back up and running...stupid Microsoft

So last Friday Jerry was working from home and he needed to download some software from Microsoft.  Our computer totally crashed.  I mean turned on and turned off, but that was it.   He ran the recovery disc and NOTHING.  We hooked up our old computer and he looked on-line and finally got some answers about what to do.   It took until Tuesday evening for everything to get back to quasi normal.  Our outlook express lost everything.  This is frustrating because I used the calendar and the address book so all saved b-days and addresses of people are gone into the infinite cyber space.  But at least we have the computer back.  It's a little sad that I'm this dependant on a machine....sigh....
ANYWAY, on Saturday Bonnie came over for a play date while Jerry went and picked out our Christmas tree.  The tree is beautiful and it makes the whole house smell like Christmas.  Elijah is very curious about the tree, but we have (so far) kept him away from it.  My parents got Elijah a little table and chairs for Christmas and I went and picked it up on Sunday.  Elijah loves it.  He's still to little to sit in the chairs, but he loves playing with toys on the table.  He has started putting things back into baskets.  This is really cool, he "helps" clean up (sometimes....)  He is also pointing now and thinks it's fun to point at noses.  He's taken another independent step, but again I don't think he'll be walking on his own for quite sometime.
I finished my Christmas shopping on Saturday.  I now just have to finish making gifts.  Hopefully I can do that this weekend.  I am hosting a cookie exchange with our playgroup next Thursday.  That should be lots of fun.  I love some cookies! My parents arrive 2 weeks from today.  I'm really excited about this!  They have agreed to baby sit at least twice!  Before I was all nervous, but now I REALLY need to get out of the house.  I love Elijah and all, but I need Jerry time.  Jerry said we could go to a movie AND out for STEAK...mmmmmmm.....
Okay, I need to go get the boys up.  I turned off Jerry's alarm, but he's gonna get mad if I let him sleep too much longer....
December 17

It's almost Christmas!

I can't believe it!  Today it was 75 degrees so I feels more like April than Mid-December.  These weeks have been CRAZY!  I haven't done most of the stuff I needed the have done yet.  I have two presents that have to be done this week.  I just have to buckle down.  The cookies exchange went off with great success.  It was lots of fun and there were many yummy cookies to eat!  Jerry got a Christmas bonus on Friday and so we spent yesterday and today getting stuff for the house.  We assembled and installed storage things for the garage.  We were going to get an outside room because Ideally we want to turn the garage into a room of some sort.  BUT that won't be happening for a bit.  So we decided that it was cheaper to just get stuff to organize the garage.  We got a cabinet for the Master Bath and a rack that can hold our towels and robes.  We finally bought a system to hang a curtain in front of the laundry area.  Also we got cordless shades for Elijah's room.  We had stupid black out shades but they kept coming down on our heads, so I am REALLY happy about the cordless shades...they are so pretty too!  Elijah was great both days, but his nights are worse than ever.  We really think he's going to walk soon and I have heard that when they are ready to do this babies wake up often.  Last night was the worst though.  He just lost it.  From about 1 til 2 he was crying his head off.  Nothing would settle him.  Jerry tried, I tried, I offered to nurse (which eventually worked, but not at first)  it was CRAZY!  I ended up sleeping with him the rest of the night.  Usually this is a pain because he has become SO active in bed that I don't sleep, but after he finally passed out he slept until 6:30 and I nursed him again and he slept until 8:30!  That was exciting!  Granted I hadn't gone to sleep yet when he woke up the first time, but he was OUT for the duration and that's nice.  I think though that we are going to start the weaning process.  I really wanted him to wean himself, but his mouth is so small and his teeth are so sharp that breast feeding has become a bit painful.  I think that it will be hard on both of us.  I really cherish this time with him and I think it's just another sign that he's growing up so fast.  I can't believe that he's already 11 months old!  My little snarky butt!  Anyway, we'll get through and we'll be fine.  I think for the most part he's only comfort nursing anyway.
Okay, Jerry's been out there playing with EJ and I can hear the sleepinees in Elijah's whine.  So It's off to get the little one to sleep (hopefully better tonight...sigh...)
December 23

'tis the season to be jolly

My parents are here!  We've been hanging out for a couple days now.  It's nice to have someone to help out with Elijah.  I was able to finish some Christmas presents (of course, it was after Elijah was asleep, but still....)  Elijah is having MASSIVE separation anxiety.  I can't even run to the bathroom without him pitching a fit.  Mom gave him a bath last night and he was fine until mom made him sit down in the tub, then he screamed until she finished washing him and diapering him and then brought him to me.  Then he clutches on for dear life.  Ahhh, this too shall pass (I HOPE!!!)  Mom and dad say that they will be okay if we go out.  I just feel so bad for him, but man I need a break!  I think we will try and early dinner and then later this week a movie.  I really want to see The Nativity Story.
We are going to go to Sweet and Savory this morning...YUMMY!  They have the most awesome food!  Then Jerry has some Christmas shopping left and we are going to go look at fabric to make slings.  I absolutely love mine (thanks Rebecca!!!) and I think that they should be fairly easy to make.  So we're going to get some fabric and see.  If they are easy, then I will try to sell some at a friend of mine's store.  I think I will also try to knit some hats to sell there too.
I need a haircut in the worst way.  The ends are crazy gross.  Mom said she'd do it so I think I'll let her.  I just want the bottom 2 inches hacked off.  I have to be able to pull it back because some little munchkin thinks my hair is his own personal pull toy.
I kept him last night (speaking of the munchkin.)  I think we did quite well.  He's such a mover.  I went into check on him and his feet were on the floor and his body was on the bed.  I didn't dare move him for fear of waking him.  At 2 I did bring him to bed with me, but didn't nurse him back to sleep.  I did however at 5:00 and at 6:30 I took him into Jerry where they are still sleeping.  I can't believe that Elijah can sleep through that snoring, but he seems to do very well in bed with Jerry.
Oh yeah, we got confirmation of our vacation this summer.  Mom and dad gave us a week of their time share.  So we are going to Edisto Island. This will be our first real vacation with just the three of us since Elijah was born.  I'm excited.  We think we'll spend a day in Charleston and maybe go back to Beaufort.  I think it will be fun!
Okay, I'm getting a bit hungry.  Oh did I mention the crazy weather?  Tracey is under 5000 feet of snow and I was considering putting on shorts yesterday.  It feels more like spring than winter.  Today it's supposed to be near 70 degrees...sigh.... Oh well....
Okay, food......
December 26

A Merry Christmas indeed

We had a fabulous Christmas.  It was very relaxed for sure.  We woke up and had some coffee cake and sweet potato biscuits.  Then we opened presents and stockings.  Elijah got some very cute outfits and some toys (mostly re-gifts of presents that were given to him when he was too small for them.)  My parents gave him the table already, so we put it to good use yesterday evening by trying out his new finger paints on it.  Very fun!  I got a candy thermometer, a candy cookbook, a dispenser for the shower (it dispenses shampoo and what not), Stephen King's new book, a canvas bag, a pocketbook, a share of goats from the Heifer project, and a bunch of other stuff.  I can't even remember now.  Needless to say it was a very good Christmas.  Elijah is taking more and more steps everyday.  He walks about 5-10 steps independently.  It's really cool, but also a bit nerve wracking.  He flies behind his little pusher cart.  It's insane!  Speaking of insane...the weather yesterday was INSANE!!!!  We were under a tornado warning all day.  It was pouring rain and windy all day.  We stayed in all day (not that there was anywhere to go.)  We had beef stew in bread bowls for lunch, so it was very warm and yummy.  The thing is that the temp outside wasn't cold.  But we couldn't really open any windows because the wind would have blown the rain in.  It was weird...
We took a bunch of stuff to Goodwill this morning. Our garage is so close to being clean!  Tomorrow we will take the brass bed to a consignment store and so that will be out of the way.  We need to figure out what to do with the crib.  We may put it back in Elijah's room once he's walking and use the toddler bed part of it.  Elijah and I had a rough night last night.  He slept really well until about 12:30 and then was a crazy child.  I finally gave up trying to get him to sleep in his room at 1:30.  And ended up nursing him.  sigh...however, that didn't even put him to sleep.  He got much quieter, but then he was start talking to himself and then laugh this punchy little laugh he has.  I would pull him to me to try to cuddle him and he was feel all over my face and then crack up...nutty boy.  He finally rolled over on his tummy and went to sleep.  Then he woke back up at 5:30.  This is when I usually nurse him, so I went ahead and he slept for another hour, but wanted to nurse again, I gave up and took him into Jerry and then went back to sleep for an hour.  He's passed out right now.  sigh... I hope this gets better soon.  I guess it can't last forever right?
MY folks are here and will check into a hotel this afternoon.  Not cause we're kicking them out, they are doing this voluntarily.  It's great to have them here!  Jerry and I went out to dinner on Saturday, just the two of us.  It was really nice.  I was nervous because Elijah had been going crazy if I just went to the bathroom while my folks were here.  But they took him on a walk and we left while they were gone.  They said a couple times he got upset, but overall he was fine.  It makes me feel a bit better.  I think we may try to go see a movie one afternoon and then maybe another dinner.  It's nice to be able to go out without Elijah in tow constantly.  Rachel has offered to baby sit and maybe we'll take her up on it after the New Year.
Speaking of which: Erin, Rachel, and Maya Rose are coming over to spend the night on New Year's Eve.  I think I may even have a drink.  Our goal is to stay up until11.  I think we can do it...  I can't believe that Elijah is going to be 1 in just a few weeks.  It seems he was JUST born.  But a whole year has already gone by.  We're going to have a little party on that Saturday with his little playmates.  It should be lots of fun.
Okay, I think I'll go be social with my folks unless they are napping and then I'll read!!  So far this book is quite good!  Hope everyone is having a GREAT holiday!  I added our Christmas pics to Elijah's 11 month pics.
December 31

The New Year

I cannot believe it is the eve of the new year.  It seems just yesterday that I was in the hospital having Elijah.  Now in just a couple of weeks he's going to be ONE!!!  It's just crazy.
So here are my goals for 2007:

• ride the bike (stationary) at least 10 miles 3 times a week.
• continue to walk daily (weather permitting)
• eat better (I refuse to cut out sweets...I end up gorging myself when I do that.)
• loose enough weight to feel comfy in a cute new bathing suit for our vacation in May.

I think that all of these are attainable.  As I am getting ready to wean Elijah( though he's doing a pretty go job of this himself...) I won't have that extra help to burn calories.  I can already feel the weight adding on, so I want to nip this in the bud right now.  I didn't care over the holidays because (in my humble opinion) it's pointless, at least for me, to try and watch what I eat.  So tonight (and probably tomorrow) will be the end of overindulging.  We are thinking about jumping back on the Compact wagon (not going out or buying new stuff) until our vacation.  It think it will keep us from eating out as much.
Jerry and I had two dates while my folks were here.  If Jerry hadn't had to work as much I think we would have gone out more.  We went out to eat once and went to see The Good Shepherd (Fabulous movie BTW).  We were going to see Happy Feet, but it was almost sold out and there were 2 buses from day cares there, so I think it was a much better choice.  Both times Elijah (reportedly) did well.  I was really happy to hear that.  Yesterday we went up to Jerry's parents.  His sister's kids were there and Amanda (Matthew's girlfriend (Matthew's Jerry's brother)) was there too.  Elijah was tired, but warmed up to everyone after a while.  We played on the back deck a bit.  This weather is crazy warm!  I think I like it, but I would like an actual season sometime too.
Tonight Rachel. Erin, and Maya Rose are coming over to spend bring in the New Year and spend the night.  I think we will have fun.  Rachel and I are both having a drink, so I am hoping that Elijah doesn't want to nurse until the morning.  I'm sure it will all be good.  As I said he's pretty much weaning himself.  He nurses about 3 times in a 24 hour period now.  Once mid morning, once before bed ( but doesn't nurse to sleep) and once at about 4:30-5 in the morning.  It's rather bittersweet as Claire said, but it's just a new stage.  He's walking more and more independently and when he's behind the walker, you better get out of the way.
Okay, I gotta go finish getting the house ready for our guests.  Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

January 2006

January 01

happy new year!

I did not stay up until midnight (though I did have to get up and pee shortly after) and I really didn't think I would.  We left this morning to visit Jerrys parents.  They are only an hour away and we figured that if something did happen we could get back here in plenty of time.  I only had minor Braxton Hicks today and one contraction that hurt for like two seconds.  But we did go on and pack bags in case something does happen soon.  Jerry has tomorrow off and is going to finish the changing table, although the weather is supposed to be rainy!  At least he can open the garage door and take a fan out to help with the fumes.  I wish I could help, but that stuff is really dangerous for me.  I am going to make a new play list for the MP3 player that has nothing but relaxing music on it to take with me to the hospital.  It'll be soooo much easier than lugging around a CD player.  The only thing our bag is missing is the camera, MP3 player, and extra batteries for both.  Oh yeah and I need flip-flops for the shower...may be more difficult to find as it is January.  Though this weather we're having is more like late March.  I can't believe that we have had two thunder storms in the past week.

ANYWAY, we went to Jerry's folks and his mom had made this huge amount of yummy food!  I ate way too much!  The banana pudding just kept calling my name.... what are you going to do?  We got lots of goodies and it was really good to see everyone.  I wish Jerry's sister and our nieces had been there, but they have longer to drive.  It was a good day though.

The baby has either moved a little further down or has turned sideways because his foot has gone from being right next to my rib to sorta the middle of my tummy.  But I think his head is still down as I am still having lots of pressure on the bladder.  I'm trying so hard not to get my hopes up.  I really don't want to be induced, but I know that they would only induce me to make sure I don't have a toddler instead of an infant... still...we'll see.  If I haven't given birth by the 12th they will schedule another ultrasound to see how big he is (well estimate..but he is pretty big.)

Okay, that's it for now.  I'm beat....

January 04

yep, still knocked up

this is a  total exercise in patience...something i'm not all that good at. yesterday i woke up feeling gross, like i was going to throw up, so i went back to bed.  my friend rachel called later on and came over with her hubby erin and brought me some books to read.  they are so nice.  jerry took me to the mall to walk last night.  it totally started me having mild contractions.  we decided to come home and time them.  there is no pain when i have them...it's just like doing a crunch you can't release on command.  so a bit uncomfortable.  it's weird though.  after each on the baby kicks me as if to say, " hey that's not fun!"  believe me I KNOW kiddo.  anyway, they lasted about 2-4 minutes and were 5- 10 minutes apart.  no where near regular and no where near calling the doctor....sigh...i know it will happen when it's supposed to happen, but it could be any day!   i called jerry at work to tell him that rachel and erin were coming over.  he has caller ID at work.  he answered the phone on the second ring and was all come and said, "hey baby".  after i talked to him for a minute and he realized this wasn't "THE CALL" he said, "did you like how calm I was when I answered the phone?"  i think he is more nervous and excited that he lets on.  he's my rock for sure!

anyway, the baby has dropped so all night i wake up every hour to pee.  if i drink a sip of water if some how quadruples in volume... look at that a hard tummy, the fact that i can type this blog and have a contraction is saying something, but i'm to the point where i would rather it stop me in my tracks...soon enough i guess.

two of my friends and former co-workers are taking me to lunch today so i am off to shower and try to look like a normal pregnant lady...

jerry wants to put the bag in the car incase i go into labor while we are out... we'll see....

send thoughts of baby's entering the world to me please!

January 05

even the spicy food

didn't work.  we went to this place called mayfaire last night to walk around.  we went to Qdoba and i ordered the spiciest thing i could handle.  i really don't do the spicy thing that often.  i got the 3 queso nachos.  we walked for a while, but nothing...well that's not true i was having regular no painful contractions even when we got home.  but as soon as i got in bed they became more sporadic and then stopped.  a week from today and we find out if and when they will induce.  the fact that the contractions are just uncomfortable and not painful makes me think i'm in false labor.

we'll see.  i think i'll work on cleaning the house today.  anyway, jerry is under instructions to post when the baby is born and send out the mass e-mails...but don't hold your breath!  i'm not!

January 06

resigning oneself

to the fact that I am just going to be pregnant forever.  sigh.  i cleaned and fixed the nursery.  i've washed the clothes and I have the guest bedroom ready for my parents arrival.  Today I will vacuum.  I'm still having contractions.  They are a little stronger.  One woke me up this morning.  But otherwise nothing.  I'm uncomfortable and I have to pee all the time.  Ruckus' kicks are so hard that I feel like they are going to come right through my skin.  It has finally turned cold...but only for today and tomorrow.  Then by Monday it is supposed to be almost 70 degrees...

Okay, enough ranting.  I shouldn't complain.  There are worse things that could be happening.  My new favorite thing is my fitness ball.  It's a little under inflated and my new best friend.  I sit on it all the time.  It take pressure off of everywhere...it's totally going to the hospital with me.  You may think I am crazy, but don't knock it 'til you try it.  It's just like floating...ahhhh floating....  If the sun ever comes out today, I'll walk around the neighborhood.  But it's supposed to be windy and cold and cloudy all day....vacuuming will have to be the exercise I get I guess.

My mom's birthday was yesterday!  Happy Birthday mom!  I will call later to see what all they did to celebrate.  Jerry's mom think's with the next full moon I will have the baby...that's not until the 14th...but who can say.  Maybe the tides and stars will all do their thing and it'll get this baby out.  Do you think this is indicative of how he will be later in life?  Never leaving home?  I will be interesting to find out.  I just don't see how he can even move.  Supposedly he is about 8 pounds now...who knows how long he is...

Okay vacuuming...I'm off to do some of that....

January 07

really could i get any bigger?

i really didn't think i was that much bigger than i was at 33 weeks when we took the picture this morning.  but holy moly stromboli!  one can really see how i am soooo ready to have this baby. that's all ...no baby yet....

January 10

stupid msn

no we haven't had the baby. this is the first time in three days i've been able to access my site. i don't know if their server is overloaded or what. i can access other web sites unless it is an msn website and then it sometimes loads. ANYWAY, i'm still pregnant.  my skin on my belly stings it is stretched so tight.  i can't even see my belly button unless i look in a mirror.  i took a walk today and i have been doing squats, but nothing!  so i am just waiting.  we ahve a doctor's appointment on thursday.  maybe that will trigger something.  at least the weather is super nice!  i can't believe that it is mid- january and the temp is close to 70 degrees.  i hope this doesn't mean that spring will take forever to get here.

jerry's mom and one of my friends from the library think the baby will come with the next full moon, which is saturday.  that would be just fine with me.  jerry finished staining the changing table this weekend.  once it's in the room i can fill it with diapers and set up the area for wipes and stuff.  we're using cloth of both so we need water around for the wipes.  jerry's clothes barely fit me anymore.  i swear ruckus is going to kick straight through my skin any minute.  i can almost count his toes when he pushes with his little feet.  there is no way he is going to fit into newborn clothes at all...oh well...good thing we have many sizes.  we've been really lucky in so many people giving us clothes.  i really don't think we had to buy any.

i am trying to sleep as much as possible, but that's hard when i have to pee every ten minutes and my hips are killing me.  i'm just uncomfortable.  but once again my new best friend is my fitness ball.  ahhhhh....i highly recommend spending the money on one of those bad boys.  and get one that's bigger than they say.  i got one according to my height and it was so tiny.  i exchanged it for the biggest one they had at Target and it is much better and oh so comfy.  it'll be great during the birth and then after i can use it to starrt getting back into shape.  it's always been my favorite thing to play on at the gym!

so anyway, if i don't update as often as i would like, it's because i can't log on.  jerry said he can get onto his without too much trouble, so maybe i will make him update his page (we'll see...) i'll continue to try to keep updating though....it only took me since about 9:30 this morning to finally get here...not that i have a whole lot to do these days....

think baby!

January 11

ho hum

this waiting game is killing me!   maybe i should have said i would work longer.  we put the baby seat in the car the other day.  however sits in front of the car seat has to have the front seat all the way up....which means i'll be sitting in front of the car seat.  not that i can fit behind the wheel of the car.  jerry and i are both really anxious to hear what the doc is going to say tomorrow.  i'm trying not to get my hopes up too much.  i've been having really bizarre cravings though.  yesterday all i wanted was chicken ramen....what's that about?  then i wanted french fries...didn't get those.  i am loving blueberry waffles too...though that's not that weird.

i can't believe i got on MSN so quickly this morning.  i don't know what the problem was/is.  i need a project i think.  maybe jerry will finish the changing table today and i can load it up.  that would be fun.

okay that's it for now...blueberry waffles sound yummy for lunch! send good wishes for the appointment tomorrow...

January 12

doctor's appointment

SOOOOOO... the appointment went really well.  We are 3 centimeters dilated (out of 10), my cervix is 50% effaced, and the baby is at station zero.  Unless you've had a baby this probably means  nothing.  To me it means that the baby is just about to come on down.  Today I've been having a few contractions that were a little more than uncomfortable, but nothing regular.  The doc we saw today is on call this weekend and she says she expects to see us at the hospital!  We went on and made an appointment for next week, but we are hopeful!  I will probably go on a walk soon and enjoy the outdoors (it's 72 degrees here if you can believe it!)  Jerry had called the 13th.  His mom has called the 14th.  I called the 18th...we'll see.  It's all very exciting.  Everything is organized by the door and ready to go.  I just can't believe how far down he is.  Station zero is right at the cervix!  The doctor actually felt his head today!!!  I think that's so cool!!!!!!

Anyway, keep sending those thoughts.  I'm going to go sit on my ball and walk and stuff!!!!  WAHOO!

January 13

*smile*

Erin and I would like to announce that we are now the proud parents of 8 lb. 6oz. Elijah Jacob Jones. He was born at 6:00 AM on January 13 after 35 minutes of pushing. I haven't yet collected my thoughts and set down my memory of the birth, but when I do I'll be sure to post the narrative here on and my site. *cheer* He's a sweet baby boy. He's a little nonchalant about eating right now, but he's had a long day too. I think he would rather sleep than eat. He appears to be hale and hearty and is awfully curious about the goings on around him. Let's see...his official stats are weight 8 lbs. 6oz. height 20 inches head 14 inches (diameter) chest 14 inches toes = fingers = 10 That's it for now. papa = mama = exhausted. :p

January 14

an a-typical birth story...now we are home...

Jerry was so sweet to update my page for me.  What a past few days.  It still hasn't set in that we really made this being and he's going to be around for a long time.  When we got home, it startled me when he started to cry.

He's so good!  Last night Elijah and I had a little talk and he is now nursing regularly and loves it (while I am glad he is such a good little latch and sucker...my breasts are not so happy...but this too shall pass.)  I am sore, but healing well.  I had a small tear (who wouldn't pushing a 14 inch head through a 10 CENTIMENTER space....I mean something had to give...) so I am a bit uncomfortable, but it was all worth it.

My version of what happened...

After our doc appt on Thursday I had non-painful, non-regular contractions.  I went to bed at 11:00 pm Thursday night.  MY water broke at 12:50 am Friday morning.  We called the doc on call and she said we could go to the hospital or stay home.  We decided the hospital just to be on the safe side.  We didn't rush.  I really thought they would tell us we were maybe 5 centimeters.  My contractions were still not regular, but did hurt a bit more.  We got to the hospital around 2 am and checked in.  (Note to those who are planning on this pregnancy thing...take a trash bag in the car to sit on.  I was saturated when we got to the hospital!  But we saved the seats!)  On the way up to the labor and delivery ward I stopped to throw up...it made me feel better.  After checking in, I changed clothes and the nurse did a pelvic exam.  I was wound up and bracing for a long night/day in labor.  She stepped back from me and said she was going to page our doc because we were 7 centimeters and 90% effaced!!!  This was amazing to me.  Labor picked up.  The pain SUCKS!!!!  I was having back labor and NOTHING helped.  But Jerry was there and supported me and answered questions.  The hospital ad our doc were awesome at following our birthing plan.  Though I never left our room to walk and never used any of the things I took except the birthing ball.  I did sit in the shower for a while...this helped lots!  (By the way, my husband had not yet gone to bed when my water broke...how awesome is he?!)  When I reached transition (the hardest part of labor...usually the shortest and always right before birth) I thought I was going to die!  The nurse came in and asked if I wanted another pelvic exam.  I told her only if it was good news...she found this humorous...anyway we had the pelvic and I was at 9 centimeters and 100% effaced.  Regardless that I knew it would be over soon, I was begging Jerry for drugs anything to stop this pain!  I finally got comfortable (understand this is does not mean that there was not anymore pain...it was just the only way I could deal with the pain.)  I was flat on my back at the end of the bed with Jerry supporting my shoulders and head.  Jerry knew that when I said I felt like I needed to poo, that it was time and called the nurse.  We were almost at 10 centimeters with just a little lip.  At the next contraction the nurse pushed the lip over the baby's head and it was time to start pushing.

I want to stop here for a minute and say that I have read and heard that pushing is a great experience and that it feels awesome...these women must have had little itty-bitty babies....

Pushing was not only the hardest thing I have EVER had to do in my life, I was the most painful thing.  In Bradley class our teacher told us not to be on our backs when we push.  Our doc said we could be in any position...I honestly was so tired that I couldn't have turned over or been in any other position and still have pushed.  So there I was on my back with my feet in stirrups and waiting for the next contraction.  I looked at the clock at 5:25 and asked if we could have the baby by 6a.m.  Everyone in the room said I could if I pushed hard and well.  I was determined.  I was also determined to not see anything that would freak me out.  So I kept my eyes closed while I pushed and only opened them briefly to glace at the clock.  I was given oxygen because the babies heart rate was dipping (Jerry told me later that it went down to 82 beats/minute) I also accepted a topical numbing drug because they knew I was going to tear (only one stitch...no episiotomy!!)  this was the only drug I accepted during the whole labor and delivery.   I will say that after the baby's head came out, things felt a bit better and after that the shoulders came out and that felt GREAT!!!!!  After Elijah was born they put him on my tummy because this is as far as the cord would go.  The cord was apparently the thickest they had ever seen.  When I delivered the placenta they were amazed again.  It weighed almost as much as the baby!  I won't bore you with the cleaning up details and hospital stay.  We had an interesting night last night.  Jerry came home to sleep (he snores really loud, so I wanted him home so Elijah and I could try to sleep.)  Elijah and I bonded and slept for about 3 hours straight and cat napped on and off.  We were treated VERY well at the hospital and I think we had an ideal birth.  I don't think it was typical at all.  In all reality we were in painful labor for less than 4 hours and I pushed for only 35 minutes before giving birth.  I really don't think this is typical, but I am glad it was my a-typical birth.

I am still in awe that he is here and so absolutely beautiful and so good.  He had his first dirty diaper yesterday and Jerry went to change him and got peed on...it was pretty funny...

Elijah and Jerry are watching football right now...well Jerry is.  Elijah does not like to be put down alone at all, so we take turns holding him through naps...or napping with him...

we are so happy to be home!  thanks for all the well wishing!!!

January 19

a rough 48 hours

To start off...we are all doing well.  Now what happened.  Little Elijah had his first doctor's appointment on Monday the 16th.  The doc was a little concerned at his coloring and sent us to have blood work done.  His bilirubin count was a bit high and we repeated the test.  What is bilirubin?  It's the stuff that causes babies to be jaundice.  It happens to all babies, but if the count gets to high it could be really dangerous.  The second test was higher than the first so we were sent to the hospital's pediatric ward.  Here they gave Elijah phototreatment.  This was the most traumatic for me.  He had to be in a little isolette and had these things on over his eyes to protect them and all these lights were on him.  He was very unhappy as he is such a cuddly baby.  I was allowed to take him out to breast feed, but he was so upset he stopped taking my breast.  His count kept going up and we were allowed to take him out at all.  We could still touch him and whatnot.  The staff brought me a pump (it was hardcore and rather painful, but at least I got to pump...my pump was at home, and I refused to leave my little guy) I was terrified he would never go back on the breast.  But at least he was eating and this seemed to calm him down.  He was also hooked up to an IV push to help him process stopped faster.  Last night his count really started coming down and staying down so we got to have him out again.  He took immediately to the breast again!  He slept with either me or Jerry waking up only to feed.  He had to stay on a biliblanket (it's a blanket with these lights in it) but that was very manageable.  We were able to come home today without any extraneous things.  He has to be put in direct sunlight 3 times a day for 30 minutes at a time and we have to make sure he eats well and is having several dirty and wet diapers daily.

We are glad that no transfusion was involved (if the count had gone higher, this would have had to happen.)  We think that his liver had just not finished developing all the way.  But he is doing great now!

He has learned to latch on in the cradle position (he would only latch on earlier on the side and now he latches on to the front...like most pictures of nursing women...it's much more comfy to me and hopefully to  him.)  And while he still latches on very well, it's not nearly as painful as it was.  Either he got just a little lazy from the bottle or my breasts got toughened up from that pump or maybe a bit of both.  While he is still a very cuddly baby and prefers to be held, he will take a nap and sleep independently of us. So while it was traumatic, good things have come out of it.  My parents are THANKFULLY here to help.  So Jerry and I can finally get some rest.  They bring Elijah in for feedings and have done a crazy amount of cooking.  We were not brought food as we weren't the the patients, so mom and dad came to the rescue.  Jerry even got a chocolate pie for his birthday yesterday... it just sucked we had to be in the hospital for his day.

Okay, I need to go sleep a bit more while Elijah's knocked out.  I'll try to keep this updated as thing progress...you'll understand why I have taken no pics in the past couple days, but I sure we'll have more soon!

January 22

cloth diaper humor!

So we want to use cloth diapers.  We waited until Elijah's cord fell off and we decided to give it a try.  We had bought these covers that said they were good for 22 pounds and under.  I guess I didn't stop to think that maybe what could fit a 22 pound baby might be a smidge big on a 8 pound baby.  So then we decided to try with just the diaper, using pins.  Also didn't work very well, as neither of us could get the diapers tight enough with our little soccer players legs kicking so much.  We thought it was hilarious.  So we are still using the diapers people have given us and ordered cover specifically for his weight.  Hopefully those will arrive before we run out of disposable.  It's amazing to me how many diapers this little guy can go through!  I'm glad we don't have to buy any more!  We did this calculator that showed us that we would break even using cloth diapers by the time he is five months.  Not to mention that we will never have to buy any more diapers for the next kids.  It may take some getting used too, but so does breastfeeding!

Okay, I think my guy is about to fall asleep and I think I would like to nap before his next feeding...boy is my milk in and it shows when I put on a tank top!!!

By the way, we are all doing well.  Eli has a dr.'s appointment on Friday!  Hopefully it will be all good news!

January 25

just a quick note

just wanted to let everyone know that all is well.  we are just tired and totally engrossed with our cutie!  i'll write more later!

 

January 28

so sleepy

we went to the doctor's yesterday and got a clean bill of health!  our little guy now weighs in at 9 pounds 2 ounces!  i thought he felt heavier!  he has a little bit of a stuffy nose.  let me tell you how fun putting saline drops into an infants nose is...

jerry and i have been trading nights off.  jerry will stay with Elijah one night and bring him in just for feedings and then i will stay with him the next night.  it's nice, because we both end up getting some sleep.  regardless i usually take over at 6 in the morning just because i'm up by then anyway.

we finally have success with the cloth diapers.  we got the right sized covers the other day and while the are bulky, they are snug.  we've really only had one leak and it was just pee (thank goodness!)  hopefully these will last until he is big enough to fit in the others, otherwise we'll have to get the next size up.  we'll see.

so how long ago did they change the format here?  i totally haven't been paying attention.

mom and dad left this morning.    they'll be back in march sometime.  but this is a chance for me and jerry to do this on our own...it had to happen eventually.  i think we are ready.  it's not like the little guy does a whole lot...though you wouldn't know it from the way we constantly stare at him.  he has these expressions that he goes through in his sleep that just crack us up...not to mention the little noises he makes...speaking of which....