Tonight, my son the first grader, sat at the kitchen table doing his homework. He finished it much quicker than I anticipated so I questioned him about it and looked it over. While I was checking his work he said "This homework is so kindergarten", eye roll and sigh included.
Did I mention he's only in first grade?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
One Month!
Dear Eli,Two days ago you turned a month old! Your dad, brother, sister and I have spent the last month falling in love with you and watching you change before our eyes. It always amazes me how quickly the time with a new baby goes, and this time with you is no different.
It's been so fun discovering things about you.
You have a tiny birthmark on your right eyelid. We first thought you'd scratched yourself but then realized it never went away, I'm wondering if it will fade in time. You have another birthmark on the back of your head at the base of your skull. Makenna and I have one in the same spot. Both of ours are in our hairlines now, I'm guessing yours will be too as you get older.
You HATE having your diaper changed, however we have managed to change a few that you didn't scream through. Same goes for clothing changes. If you could stay in a nice warm sleeper at all times you'd be happy.
You squeak...a lot. I call you velocarapture because that's what you sound like to me in the evenings when you fuss. Your daddy calls you Keebler, he pushes your ears forward and thinks you look like an elf. Your voice, when not squeaky, is somewhat deep and raspy.
When you were born we didn't think you looked like Ryan or Makenna, over the weeks it's become obvious that you resemble your big brother. He's a handsome boy, and we're sure you will be too. The nurses at the hospital couldn't get enough of you and how cute you were when born...now you're even cuter!
Along with our immediate family, you met a few other family members during your first month of life. Your Nana, Papa and Uncle Colin were here when you were born, they were as excited as we were to meet you and traveled from Colorado and Arizona for the event.
You've been busy during your first month. You've already been to the mall twice, two playdates, and out to lunch with friends a couple times. You're so good in the car and when we're out that it's easy to take you places. We have a double stroller that you and Makenna ride in, it's huge, but the two of you are riding in style. In the picture below you're all bundled up and ready to travel.
You've been a pretty good sleeper so far. We often get a 4 hour stretch from you during the night and have even gotten 5 hours. You generally want to eat every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day, which means you've gone a bit longer during night feedings. Daddy and I really appreciate that! You usually eat for the last time around 11pm and then get up around 3 or 4 and then again when daddy gets up at 6am. Another sign that you're eating well, a double chin and chubby cheeks! 
You're very tolerant of your siblings. They want to hold you and kiss you all the time, and you usually let them and hardly ever get upset about it. Sometimes they can even calm you down if you're fussy. Ryan will get right in your face and talk to you and your eyes get big and wide and you just stare at him. He loves it!
At some point you'll share a room with Makenna, but for now you sleep in our room in a bassinet. We're probably going to try putting you in a pack n play in our master closet when you grow out of the bassinet since you grunt and groan a lot when you're first falling asleep and when you're waking up. Once you sleep through the night, hopefully your big sister will be ready to give up the crib and you can move in with her.
You're weighing in at 8lbs 8oz and are beginning to grow out of your newborn clothes. You still seem so small, and yet you were so much tinier just a month ago. It's been an incredible month little man, you are such a sweet natured baby.
Happy One Month Birthday Eli, we love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, February 20, 2009
Pay It Forward
I saw this on my friend Candice's blog and can't wait for my crafty item from her. She makes some really cute decorative items for her house and her baked goods have always been delish! I was excited to be a winner on her blog and look forward to sending out something to those who read mine...so go comment after reading!
The Rules
1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!
2. Winners must post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on their post about this giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate pictures and comments!
If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along.Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!P.S. If you are one of the first three and don't have a blog to post you can take the next three friends that call you just to chat and Pay It Forward to them! Then challenge them to do the same. Let's help make this a wonderful world to live in and show our friends how much we care for them
The Rules
1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!
2. Winners must post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on their post about this giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate pictures and comments!
If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along.Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!P.S. If you are one of the first three and don't have a blog to post you can take the next three friends that call you just to chat and Pay It Forward to them! Then challenge them to do the same. Let's help make this a wonderful world to live in and show our friends how much we care for them
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
She did it again!
Makenna used the potty again last night! DM was changing the wee one's diaper and she decided to take hers off and go sit on the potty. She sat there for about 10 minutes and lo and behold she left a surprise. We aren't pushing this at all, and I'm probably going to jinx it, but she might just train herself!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Oh Tooth Fairy...
Ryan finally lost his first tooth! It's been loose for quite awhile, you can see the new tooth is already half way in. He got $2 from the tooth fairy, she had a toothbrush for him as well but forgot to leave it under his pillow. Another first...I can't believe how big my boy is!Friday, February 06, 2009
Birth Story
You'd think, with a planned c-section, that I wouldn't have much of a birth story to write. That's mostly true, although there were a few things worth documenting.
Sunday night I packed my bag and went over all the little details regarding Ryan and Makenna's care with my mom, step dad and brother. We hung out, had some cake and ice cream and went to bed. I didn't think I'd be able to sleep, but I was tired enough that sleep came pretty easily. Even though my c-section wasn't scheduled until noon, I was told I couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight. I wasn't overly concerned about not being able to eat, but I knew I'd need to take my acid reflux meds or I'd be sick. My pregnancy induced acid reflux decided to give me one more bad night, so I was up at midnight eating Tums and then up again at 2 taking Zantac. Up once more about 4:30 am throwing up and beyond irritated that I couldn't take anything to settle the acid and cool my throat. After about an hour, I think I dozed again and got a bit more sleep before the big day.
That morning we were due to arrive around 9:30. I got up, threw last minute items in my bag, tried not to smell the coffee brewing, chatted with my friend Kele and then Wayne, my mom and I were off to the hospital. We spent a little time waiting to get admitted and then we were off to Labor and delivery. After changing into my beautiful hospital gown I spent quite awhile chatting with the anesthesiologist. I had so much trouble with the medication during Makenna's birth that I didn't want to experience that again. We decided to go with an epidural vs a spinal with hope that I wouldn't have such a strong reaction to the meds...and no spinal headache to contend with after delivery. The anesthesiologist thought I'd been "wet tapped" with Makenna, so I was hopeful that my complications were due to that and all would go well. After putting in the epi, it appeared to take affect on one side, so I rolled to the other side to let gravity help out. Slowly I was starting to get numb, and then I was laid down all the way to let some of the meds work their way up my belly. That's when things got a little crazy. I instantly felt sick from the acid reflux and then had to close my eyes and concentrate on not throwing up. I'm not sure how long I laid there, but at some point I remember hearing lots of noise around me and lots of beeping machines. My BP had dropped, I think I heard the nurse say it was 38/23. They gave me a shot of basically adrenaline and sat me up, soon I was able to open my eyes and was feeling better. After that we were off to the OR to meet our sweet boy. The surgery was pretty uneventful. I don't remember much, however Wayne says blood went flying at one point. I'm sure that was enjoyable for him to see. Before long Eli was out and getting cleaned up. I remember looking at him and thinking he looked really different than Ryan and Makenna did when they were born. He had less hair and his skin was more fair. I think I heard the nurse say his apgars were 9/9. I got to have a couple minutes with him before he and daddy were wisked off to the nursery, at which point I fell head over heels in love with our third child. After they left I recall the doctor popping his head over the curtain and saying "So, no tubal today right?" He was joking and knew my response would be that yes indeed, a tubal was on the agenda. There were two things that struck me as odd that morning. I'd requested dermabond to close up the incision and during surgery they had to call down to another OR to get someone to bring the dermabond. Since I'd requested that months before, you'd think they'd have it ready. Also, I have a minor allergy to an antibiotic and they didn't have the appropriate one to give me and had to call someone for that too. Again, wouldn't you think they'd be prepared with that stuff?
Recovery went well until an hour or so after surgery, then the throwing up began again. It wasn't as bad as it was with Makenna, but still miserable. I was sick through the night but by the next morning I'd started to feel better. Thankfully I was able to nurse laying down even though I was sick, so Eli didn't have to get formula.
After the first 24 hours, recovery went really well as long as I took my pain meds. I let it go too long one night and my body let me know it by shivering uncontrollably, but I'm still surprised by how quickly the body recovers from being sliced open! Surgery was monday and we were released from the hospital on thursday, it was so great to go home and have our whole family together. Eli even had a welcoming committee since my brother, mom and stepdad were still in town and would remain for awhile longer.
I'm glad we decided to go with the repeat c-section, after much second guessing, it was the right choice for us. Now it's time to enjoy being a family of five!
Sunday night I packed my bag and went over all the little details regarding Ryan and Makenna's care with my mom, step dad and brother. We hung out, had some cake and ice cream and went to bed. I didn't think I'd be able to sleep, but I was tired enough that sleep came pretty easily. Even though my c-section wasn't scheduled until noon, I was told I couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight. I wasn't overly concerned about not being able to eat, but I knew I'd need to take my acid reflux meds or I'd be sick. My pregnancy induced acid reflux decided to give me one more bad night, so I was up at midnight eating Tums and then up again at 2 taking Zantac. Up once more about 4:30 am throwing up and beyond irritated that I couldn't take anything to settle the acid and cool my throat. After about an hour, I think I dozed again and got a bit more sleep before the big day.
That morning we were due to arrive around 9:30. I got up, threw last minute items in my bag, tried not to smell the coffee brewing, chatted with my friend Kele and then Wayne, my mom and I were off to the hospital. We spent a little time waiting to get admitted and then we were off to Labor and delivery. After changing into my beautiful hospital gown I spent quite awhile chatting with the anesthesiologist. I had so much trouble with the medication during Makenna's birth that I didn't want to experience that again. We decided to go with an epidural vs a spinal with hope that I wouldn't have such a strong reaction to the meds...and no spinal headache to contend with after delivery. The anesthesiologist thought I'd been "wet tapped" with Makenna, so I was hopeful that my complications were due to that and all would go well. After putting in the epi, it appeared to take affect on one side, so I rolled to the other side to let gravity help out. Slowly I was starting to get numb, and then I was laid down all the way to let some of the meds work their way up my belly. That's when things got a little crazy. I instantly felt sick from the acid reflux and then had to close my eyes and concentrate on not throwing up. I'm not sure how long I laid there, but at some point I remember hearing lots of noise around me and lots of beeping machines. My BP had dropped, I think I heard the nurse say it was 38/23. They gave me a shot of basically adrenaline and sat me up, soon I was able to open my eyes and was feeling better. After that we were off to the OR to meet our sweet boy. The surgery was pretty uneventful. I don't remember much, however Wayne says blood went flying at one point. I'm sure that was enjoyable for him to see. Before long Eli was out and getting cleaned up. I remember looking at him and thinking he looked really different than Ryan and Makenna did when they were born. He had less hair and his skin was more fair. I think I heard the nurse say his apgars were 9/9. I got to have a couple minutes with him before he and daddy were wisked off to the nursery, at which point I fell head over heels in love with our third child. After they left I recall the doctor popping his head over the curtain and saying "So, no tubal today right?" He was joking and knew my response would be that yes indeed, a tubal was on the agenda. There were two things that struck me as odd that morning. I'd requested dermabond to close up the incision and during surgery they had to call down to another OR to get someone to bring the dermabond. Since I'd requested that months before, you'd think they'd have it ready. Also, I have a minor allergy to an antibiotic and they didn't have the appropriate one to give me and had to call someone for that too. Again, wouldn't you think they'd be prepared with that stuff?
Recovery went well until an hour or so after surgery, then the throwing up began again. It wasn't as bad as it was with Makenna, but still miserable. I was sick through the night but by the next morning I'd started to feel better. Thankfully I was able to nurse laying down even though I was sick, so Eli didn't have to get formula.
After the first 24 hours, recovery went really well as long as I took my pain meds. I let it go too long one night and my body let me know it by shivering uncontrollably, but I'm still surprised by how quickly the body recovers from being sliced open! Surgery was monday and we were released from the hospital on thursday, it was so great to go home and have our whole family together. Eli even had a welcoming committee since my brother, mom and stepdad were still in town and would remain for awhile longer.
I'm glad we decided to go with the repeat c-section, after much second guessing, it was the right choice for us. Now it's time to enjoy being a family of five!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Birth Weight...heck yeah!
Today was Eli's second dr's appt. We had to take him in because his first weight check at one week and one day old showed him to be 3 ounces shy of his birth weight. Well today, at two weeks and a day old he was 7 pounds 8 ounces...I guess the breast feeding is going well!
At his first appt, they plotted his size for us and he was on the low end of the spectrum, just like Ryan. Sadly, It's only been a week and a half since that appt, but I can't remember the exact stats. I'll have to look up the info. Sleep deprivation does wonders for the memory.
Edited to add that I finally looked up the stats...Eli's 26th percentile for height, 17th for weight and 42nd for head circumfrence. I wonder if he'll grow into his noggin?
At his first appt, they plotted his size for us and he was on the low end of the spectrum, just like Ryan. Sadly, It's only been a week and a half since that appt, but I can't remember the exact stats. I'll have to look up the info. Sleep deprivation does wonders for the memory.
Edited to add that I finally looked up the stats...Eli's 26th percentile for height, 17th for weight and 42nd for head circumfrence. I wonder if he'll grow into his noggin?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Big Day!
It was a big day in our house.
Early this morning, Makenna decided she was ready to try out her potty. She said she had to go but I didn't think much of it as she's been teasing us in that department. Well, today she was serious. She sat on her potty, asked me to leave and when I went back in to check on her, she'd pooped! We all clapped and cheered and there were high 5's all around. I hope this is the beginning of potty training, but I'm not holding my breath just yet.
Not long after that excitement, I changed Eli's diaper and discovered he'd lost his umbilical cord. Welcome to world of warm baths, little man. I hope you love them.
Early this morning, Makenna decided she was ready to try out her potty. She said she had to go but I didn't think much of it as she's been teasing us in that department. Well, today she was serious. She sat on her potty, asked me to leave and when I went back in to check on her, she'd pooped! We all clapped and cheered and there were high 5's all around. I hope this is the beginning of potty training, but I'm not holding my breath just yet.
Not long after that excitement, I changed Eli's diaper and discovered he'd lost his umbilical cord. Welcome to world of warm baths, little man. I hope you love them.
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