BebeProcaWood

We're Moving!

2009-04-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

OK, we'll we're not moving as in houses or jobs....but we're moving blogs!!! I'm currently moving this blog over to our new "home" on babyjellybeans.com!!! It has more whistles and bells and it's a more secure site as well. Once it's up, we'll let you know! You'll also have to let us know if you want access for it will be password protected!! Can't wait to see you in our new home!!! Launching soon! Stay tuned!

It's the little things...

2009-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Neil doing "So Big!" every time a car drove by the house.

It's the little things in life that make one happy. Or in my case...a big thing...that dries our clothing!! Our dryer broke last Sunday, of course with a load in it, and another one pending!! Now some people say "you don't realize how much you rely on that stuff until it breaks". Well trust me, I have always appreciated both our washer and dryer! After spending most of my life having to trek down into scary apartment basements, and route around for quarters just to do my laundry, I've been VERY appreciative of owning my own laundry set up. So I was a bit bummed when my dryer went ka-put. I guess it was time. It came with the house, as did the washer, which we ended up replacing, because it looked like the previous owners made mud pies in it vs. wash their clothing in it. When we bought the washer we thought "hmm, we should get the dryer that goes with it"....but we just couldn't justify replacing something that works. Anywho...our new dryer arrived this weekend!!! And not to sound like 1950's housewife...but man was I excited! And efficient! Whoo-wee! That baby dried our clothes in half the time of our old crappy one! Whoo hoo!!!

Ooo, ahh!!Complete with sexy lighting!

In other news...it's spring, though it feels like summer!! Hot hot hot!!! Another My first sign of it really being spring though was finding this fellow in the road on my way to work! He hitched a ride to my office and we let him go down by our creek. I know you're suppose to leave them where you find them...but there was no safe spot that didn't involve him getting splat at some point. So hopefully he'll do ok in his new habitat.

Mr. Turtle

The weather was so nice this weekend, Jeff got tons done around outside of the house. Neil helped garden as well!

Neil's first dirty foot!

Crayola Fun!!

2009-04-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Family Trip to Crayola!

We took Neil to the Crayola Factory this past weekend in Easton PA. It was fun. We met up w/ my ol' college roommate, her hubby and son. Though the Crayola Factory isn't much of a factory...and really isn't geared towards itty bitties...we still had fun!

The Worlds Largest Crayon!
Playing with Mommy in the 5 and Under play zone
Neil in a big red tube!
Has anyone seen my parents?? Heellooww?? Neil the gear head!

Neil, now Ant-ony!

Taggin' up the joint with Daddy!

Just Call me MOM

2009-04-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, while taking a "family outing" to pick up a bargain I scored on Craigslist, Neil in the back seat got my attention, but saying for the first time "Mom!...MomMomMomMom!!" Granted, I think he was actually talking to his shoe...but it was still hard to not get teary eyed while driving!!! I love my little monkey!

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Lucky 13!

2009-04-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

I say lucky because I was born on the 13th, so I've never been fearful of the number. Today Neil is 13 months old! It is also his friend Maddie's first birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maddie! Not much to report today. It being Good Friday had off from work, so I got to play full time mommy today which was fun. I made stuffed shells and later Neil and I delivered them to a friend of ours who has fallen ill. Neil continues to grow and thrive, and is getting braver with the walking. He has amazing balance, but the confidence comes and goes. I am not pushing this however...he'll "fly" when he's ready.

In honor of Maddie's birthday, I'm posting a photo of Neil and Maddie!

First meeting, Love at first sight...well when Maddie eventually woke up that is.

Just a couple weeks ago, big date at Chilli's!

A Visit to Daddy's Office

2009-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Over my spring break, Neil and I decided to go visit Jeff at work! There's very little we can see, so we pretty much hung out in is overly tidy cube (seriously, how do you work when there's nothing on your desk?!) and met some of his work mates. The highlight of this trip however, for Neil that is....was Daddy's computer! Neil is turning into the little techy!

"Come on Dad, move over my turn!"

"I gotta get my TPS reports done!"

"Yeah, Hi Ma. Take the picture fast, I gotta get back to my report!"

I love you camera-phone!

2009-04-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

So I have what one may say an addiction of sorts of photographing my son. I mean after all he's my only child! And he's just so darn cute!! Well I have all these new wonderful photos I want to share with you...however they are on my camera...which has a dead battery, and I can't for the life of me remember where I put the charger last. Arg!! In the meantime, I'd like to share a few photos I've taken with my cell phone! Enjoy! Washing his hands like a big boy, and thinking he's pretty cool for doing so!The 4th Generation - Neil strolling with his Great Nana and Grandmo!Playing on Grandpa and Grammy's trampoline. Right now EVERYTHING is a trampoline in Neil's eyes!

Neil meeting his shadow! They had a great time playing together!Playing in Grandpa's truck!

Bookworm

2009-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Reading Peter Rabbit with Daddy early Saturday Morning

Maybe it's because we had read to him from day one....maybe it's just a phase? Or maybe because he has Nerd DNA thanks to his parents...but I just LOVE that Neil request to be read too! He reads every day. My mom (who watches him while we're at work) says it's a morning ritual of his to pick up one of the 3 books they read over and over and over every morning and read it, oh, a good dozen times before he's satisfied and ready to move on to something else. One of his books is in such a state, my step father has even used duct tape hold it together!

This morning, Neil brought Jeff into his room and picked out Peter Rabbit and had daddy read that to him.

We have to give a shout out to the Lovett family who just sent Neil a fantastic book for his birthday. He just adores this book!! You know how the Sock Monkey is afraid to give kisses? Not Neil, anytime I said the word "kiss" while reading the book....Neil would give the Sock Monkey a big ol' smooch!!!!

Don't ya' just love it?!?!

Reading his new book with Mommy

Showing Sock Monkey how to do kisses!Thank You Lovett Family! Neil was annoyed he was pulled from the book to pose for this photo, but trust me he was all smiles hearing this book!

Houston, We have lift off!!!!

2009-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

To my utter shock, Neil had yet another new trick up his sleeve!! He unveiled this trick for us last night! For the first time ever, I'm posting video, because my words can not describe this new talent!

And later, he started carrying things!

The Mother of All Meltdowns!

2009-03-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

Giving big kisses to Mr. Bear!

Well Neil finally had his first temper tantrum. In public of course. There's no one to blame but myself. I should know better then to mess with nap time. Neil takes nap time very seriously, after all this is the same kid who put himself to bed during his birthday party!

I decided to take Neil for is 1 year photos. I scheduled it for 10:20 AM on a Saturday morning. Neil typically naps around 9am. I figured he would nap in the car. Big mistake. He's always napped in the car, but for some reason, he was more interested in the scenery then napping. We got to the mall early. He's awake, and quasi cranky. I think, "well, we'll stroll him around in the mall for a bit in his carriage, he'll nap then." Wrong. Neil spent the whole stroll figuring out different ways to escape out of his stroller. We finally pulled over in a quiet area of the mall and just let him loose to explore.

By the time we got to the photo studio, he was getting cranky. When he realized we weren't leaving the photo studio anytime soon to go get a nap...that's when all hell broke loose. I have never seen this lil' guy so upset. And again, I blame myself, which made me feel even worse! Nothing would console this guy...and he was just getting started. I asked the nice man behind the counter if we could come back later, with out even looking his book he said "gee, we're really busy today, maybe he'll cheer up for the camera". I just looked at him and said "you don't have kids do you"?

There was a photo sitting going on at the time, Neil was getting more and more worked up, so Jeff took him out into the mall. A woman who worked in a Spencer's was so sweet and came out with fist full of little toys to try to distract Neil, told Jeff to bring him into her store that they had all kind of lights and what not that may help distract him. Nothing!

He didn't want to be held, but he didn't want to be put down, he didn't want anything to do wit his stroller, if he was with daddy, he wanted mommy; if he was with mommy, he wanted to go back to daddy. Snack, bottle, nuk, even the beloved "Mr Bear" couldn't cheer him up. In fact I think Mr. Bear only made him want his nap even more. Mr. Bear NEVER leaves the crib. This is his buddy, so I wanted to capture a photo of him and his beloved bear, so I snuck Mr. Bear in my bag. When I busted Mr. Bear out to try to calm him down, Neil threw his arms out for Mr. Bear and buried his face in Mr. Bear and just started sobbing even more. Almost to say "Mr. Bear, how did you get here?! Where are we?! Where's our bed?!" I couldn't take it anymore.

I went back into the photo place and pretty much said "we're outta here". Then another employee offered to book us later that afternoon. The guy who refused to do so earlier decides this would be a good time for him to disappear. Punk.

We carried Neil out of the mall, kicking and screaming all the way. Jeff was embarrassed and later said "Did you see the people staring at us?!" I said "nope, I was too busy dealing with a screaming banshee!" I wasn't embarrassed though, why should I be? He's a baby! There's no reasoning with him, and I caused this. I messed with nap time. Bad Mommy!

When we got to the car he was so worked up he was dry heaving. I had him strapped in his baby seat and I said (as if I expected him to understand me?!) "You better calm down or you're going to make you self throw up"....and with in seconds, he did. Yick! Typically I never sit in the back with Neil, but due to the fact he was so upset, I had Jeff drive and I sat in the back with Neil. I rested my hand on him, using a finger to stroke the side of his face. I got him to take his pacifier...he was asleep before we even left the mall parking lot. We live too far away to go home and come back. So we went to moms house! Mom has a crib! YAY!!! Neil was so out of it, he didn't wake up, even in the bright sunshine from the car to the crib. He slept for almost 2 hours, and woke up in an awesome mood.

At 1:30 we were back for attempt #2 of photos and got some really cute shots! With out further ado.....here they are!

It's the birthday boy!!!

Lovin' his bunny Grandmo made him!

You would never know he can turn into a screaming banshee from this photo!

My big boy, man that first year went so fast!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T05:28:00.001-07:00

This is Neil's 2nd St. Patrick's Day!! He was only 7 days old last year!

Neil St. Paddy's Day 2007 - 7 Days Old!

Neil Today!

One Year, One Day, New Trick!

2009-03-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

So last night I heard Neil crying in his room. I was going to let him cry it out a bit, but his cry sounded weird. I walked into the dark room, the acoustics were all off. I turned on the light, and there was Neil STANDING in his crib!

I realize for a 1 year old, most kids may have figured this out by now, but this was a new one for us! I ended up getting Neil out of bed, so I could adjust his crib to the lowest setting possible. He's just so tall for his age, and I have this fear of him "jumping ship" and cracking his head open on the hardwood floors. Later that night he was up again, I went in and he had his arms in the air for me to pick him up, I leaned down and gave him a hug, but then laid him back down to bed.

This morning he woke up, on the early side. I left him in there, his cry was one that meant he was going to fall back to sleep. He'd start to wind down, then it would sound like he'd wake up again, this went on for about 20 min. I finally went in, and there was Neil, sitting in his crib, semi slumped over trying to fall asleep. Poor baby! He must have stood at one point...sat himself back down, but hadn't figured out how to lay down. Meanwhile "mean mommy" is letting him CIO a bit. Whoops! We got up at that point and had some oatmeal, and all was well in the universe again!

Neil had his 1 year old wellness physical on his birthday and did really well. He is officially 32" tall and 25lbs!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY NEIL!!!

2009-03-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, at 3:03 PM....our lives changed forever!

Happy Birthday Neil!!! We love you!!!!

Mommy & Daddy

The Party Animal

2009-03-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, I was wondering if this baby would ever show up! Now I'm wondering where the year went! Tomorrow Neil will be the big ONE!

We celebrated in style this weekend with a lil' get together at our house. Neil was a pleasant host, and really seemed to enjoy having other wee ones around him! I had put a slide show of photographs of Neil's first year together, and we had that on a continuous loop on the TV in the living room, had plenty of food and then some...and set up our basement like a play zone for the kiddies. AND we really lucked out with some unseasonable warm weather, we were able to use our deck as well!

Neil had his first cupcake, which was a big hit. He thought the #1 candle was a handle for his cupcake, then thought he was suppose to eat the candle. Then he was eating the cake 1 sprinkle at a time, but eventually gave up and ate the whole darn thing! It was a big hit....but he won't be having another cupcake anytime soon! (mean mommy!) ;-)

Neil did really well with the crowd, very social! Before the party was over though, Neil walked me into his bedroom, he walked right to his crib, grabbed the side slats and cried for me to put him in. I didn't think he was really requesting this...but sure enough I put him in his crib and he passed out in about 30 seconds.

Below, some photo's of Neil's birthday party!

Moving Forward...

2009-03-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

What the heck is going on?

Well...Neil took a big step this week, thanks to the addition of Daddy's new car. We installed his car seat in the forward facing position! He was very bright eyed taking this all in, but the more I think about it, he was probably trying to figure out why Daddy's new car looked so different!

Oh! Toys? Well this isn't so bad!

Hey...what happened to Daddy's car?!

Happily Clown Free

2009-03-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Was Neil smiling in my belly this time last year??

I just read my post from exactly 1 year ago today, I was obsessing about pancakes, and worried about running into possible clowns at the circus! Wow, 7 days before my due date and I went to the circus! And afterwards we had gone out for Thai. I remember telling them I wanted level 5 spice, the hottest of the hottest! Some say spicy food brings on contractions. Sadly, my meal came out more like -5, but due to my fear of sending food back thanks to the movie "Waiting", I didn't have any contractions brought on that night by my Thai.

So here we are 1 year later. I am now 7 days away from Neils first birthday party. I thought it would be cute to have his party on his due date...especially because his actual birthday will fall on a Tuesday...not really a good day to throw a party.

Neil is just growing by leaps and bounds. He has a Dr's appointment on his birthday ("Happy Birthday Kid, here's a shot") and we'll find out what his stats are. This weekend he "helped" us peel wall paper and paint the built-ins around the fire place. (OK so his grandparents kept an eye on him for us, but he was in the house with us! So he supervised). And he also assisted his father buy a new car! We now have a 2009 Toyota Venza. It's pretty! Neil loves the duel sunroofs! I think his favorite part of the weekend tho was eating "big boy" Mac and Cheese! I found this great organic brand where the pasta is shaped like bugs...he loves it!

Daddy bought me a car for my birthday!

Lovin' the Mac n' Cheese!

The Last of the First's

2009-02-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well, Neil had his last "First" holidays! He had his first Valentines and Presidents day this past week. It didn't dawn on me until I was in Carters getting him a Valentines gift, and I saw St. Patrick's day goodies, it dawned on me I can't buy him a "My first St. Patrick's Day" outfit. So sad! He was only 7 days old, but he already celebrated that holiday!! Anyway, pictures are always better then words...enjoy!

Neil, St. Patricks Day 2008 - 7 day old!

Neil, Valentines Day - 2009! Almost a year old!

Neil's V-day gift to his Daddy and Grandparents!

11 Months!!

2009-02-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Wow!! One month to go and Neil is a year old!!! Can you believe it?! I sure can't!!! Right around this time last year, we were anxiously awaiting our little one, being showered with well, showers...and had the "Almost done cooking" ultrasound done. I love looking at that ultrasound, though suspended in liquid, to me, it looks like Neil is sleeping on his side with a hand up near his face. Moments ago, for his "official 11 month photo" I snuck into Neil's room and took a photo of him sleeping...on his side, with one hand tucked under him, and the other one up near his head (it was near his face, but he rolled his head and on to his belly when he heard me come in).

I also love how he sleeps with his little legs crossed! Sleeping on his belly is his "new" thing. What's funny is the impressions he wakes up with on his face, sometimes he has the texture of his bear or blanket on there, sometimes even his pacifier. What really cracks me up though is he has a nice long crib to lay in, and he always turns himself side ways giving him self very little legroom! By morning he'll be fully crammed between the 2 sides of the crib! Silly boys!

Buggy Boy

2009-01-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

Jan. 25th - Neil's first trip out of the house in over a week...He deserved a balloon!

Well I've been a busy bee taking care of my buggy boy! I think he's finally better now tho!
Neil got the stomach bug going around. It all started on the 16th. I had the day off and was excited to spend the day with Neil. I was giving him his 6AM bottle, when he stopped drinking, handed back the bottle, and just looked up at me with this weird look in his eyes. I had never seen that look before so I said "What?"...and the next thing I knew we were both covered in vomit. GOOD MORNING!

Needless to say this went on all week, coming out both ends. I stayed out of work most of the following week to be with him. Jeff took Thursday and Friday off. Yesterday, it was as if a switch was flipped and he was all better!

Neil was such a trooper the whole time! As sick as he got, he still was his cute self, playing, eating when he could, and being such a snuggle bug! (That part of him being sick I really enjoyed).

The night before I went back to work, our heat stopped working! At 2AM our house was about 58*!! I went into Neil's room and he was an ice cube!! I ended up taking him back into our room and tucking him in between us. He was snug as a bug in a rug! Meanwhile, I didn't get any sleep! I never could sleep with him in our bed in fear of rolling over on him or something.

It was a looooong week and I'm so glad he's healthy now, And I got another "notch of experience" on my mom belt! Off to the next adventure...what could it be??

Double Digits! 10 Months!

2009-01-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Neil at 10 months and 1 Day

I promise I did not slack, or forget Neil's 10 month birthday this past Saturday. I was so so sick. I don't know if it was the flu or what, but I slept all day, and I mean ALL day! Just cocooned in my blanket locked up in my room. I really wanted to spare Neil and Jeff of any germs. Meanwhile, I have the best husband EVER! He totally took care of Neil day and night in hopes I could re-coup. Here it is Tuesday and I'm still not feeling well...better...but still not better.

Anyway...Neil is 10 months old!! Double digits already! Where did the time go? He sprouted his 7th tooth the other day, and really trying to walk. I think I just posted an update similar to this...so I won't go on much more. Other then he's just the cutest little guy ever! He's sleeping through the night (And then some), and every day it is something new.

Sunday when I came out of my little cave, Neil saw me for the first time in like 48 hours, and he got a big old smile on his face and started clapping! Oh how I wanted to scoop him up and give him a kiss! I did get to snap a photo of him on his 10 month birthday (Something we try to do every month)...I just have yet to upload it. But in the mean time, I'll up load a photo or two of Neil I snapped with my cell at 10 months and 2 days old!

Neil 10 months and 2 Days

Eating from the spoon (usually from the correct end too!)

Chompers

2009-01-05T11:33:00.001-08:00

I just had to post a few pix I took of Neil in his jump-a-roo over the holidays. Not only was he hysterical to watch, but you can really see his teeth coming in now!!! He looks "so old" with teeth!!!! Where did my baby go?

So long 2008! Hello '09!!

2008-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hmm...with only approx 45min left of 2008, I thought I should update my very neglected blog! 2008 came and went in a flash! Starting July 6, 2007 when we found out we were expecting in early 2008, we just couldn't wait for the year to arrive!!! Finally 2008 came, our baby arrived...and here we are moments away from 2009 and only a few months away from our "new" bundle of joy turning 1 year old...so soon!? Where did this year go?

Neil is now walking like a pro (with assistance), can stand very well unassisted (however when he realizes he's standing unassisted he gets scared and grabs on to something near by), and as of just this morning spouted his 6th tooth!! He'll make eye contact and "tell you a story" but we've yet to legitly document any first words though I've heard a few come out of his mouth, they never came again.

His first Christmas went very well! He spent the eve of Christmas with his paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles and all his first cousins! He woke up Christmas morning in his own bed and had breakfast with ALL his maternal grandparents, as well as Uncle Tommy and Uncle Jason. Later he had dinner at his great aunts house with some of mommy's cousins as well as his great Nana!

I know it's been a rough year for many, but I have to say... it was one of our best years ever, and I'm sure now with Neil in our life, there are so many more great years to come!

Cheers and Love to all!!!

9 Months in 9 Months Out

2008-12-10T18:06:00.001-08:00

At 9 month well check up with Mommy

Can you believe it?! The little guy is 9 months already! He's officially be out as long as he was in!!! Just this week he sprouted his 5th tooth, and he is trying so hard to walk. He doesn't do well sitting for long periods of times, those little feet want to be on the move...which only mean in just a few short months I am going to be one very tired mommy chasing after him!

Neil had his 9 month well check up today, he clocked in at 22 1/2 lbs and 30" long.

November fun!

2008-11-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

November has been a busy month for our little guy! I think its best just to show you in the form of pictures! They're always fun anyway right?

I had a blast with my first balloon! It was a funny balloon!

Went to my first kiddy party! (My cousin Nate turned 5)

Can you find me in the picture?

I have pretty much outgrown my walker! But no biggie, I can walk now with assistance!

I LOVE to shread paper!!

Taking over the family business!

Crazy 8! Eight Months Today!

2008-11-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

Wearing my cozy sweater Aunt Tina made me!

Neil is 8 months today!!! He still has not done as much time on the outside as he has on the inside...but he seems to like it out here!

He's been a busy bee exploring new things. A few newbies...Bubbles. He figured out how to blow spit bubbles, he's not sure what to think about them. He did this for about 30 minutes, with a slight whine behind them, almost as to say "make them stop!" He also got a "taste" of real bubbles as well! They seemed more frustrating if anything...he didn't like the fact he would try to catch them and then *pop*.

Neil doesn't really seem intersted in crawling. He has this little scoot on his butt movment he much rather do. And, with assistance, he'll now walk. I much rather he crawl first...for my own selfish reasons, but it looks like Neil is going to set his own rules!

I have attempted every "month birthday" to take a photo of him in his crib. I plumb forgot this morning. Had he not kept me up most of the night with a bothersome tooth trying to pop into the world, I may had been more alert this morning. Anyway, I just snuck into his room and took a photo of him sleeping...I needed to re-tuck him in!

Turning 8 months made me sleepy!

Ack! Get em' off me!

Watch me make my own bubbles! (Note: All the drool!)

Tah-Dah!!

And the winner is.....

2008-11-05T03:07:00.000-08:00

YAY! Neil I can't tell you how excited I am you were born this year!!!

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T10:06:00.001-08:00

Today is a big day, and Neil doesn't even know it!!

I voted today at 6:40 AM and was voter #55.

No matter who wins, some history will be made. We'll wake up tomorrow either with our first African American President (fingers crossed!) or The oldest first term President with the first female V.P. in the house. Should be interesting either way!

Neil, you were born in a pretty historical year! The Phillies won the playoffs just last week, and as a former Philadelphia....that's a pretty big deal!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-02T16:55:00.001-08:00

Neil's first Halloween dragged out over a few days. Halloween this year fell on a Friday. However, our town did trick-or-treating on Sunday!

Friday, Mommy attempted to take the day off. No such luck. I took Neil into work at 8am so he could see the lower school parade. I figured we should do something "halloween-ish" on Halloween. The plan then was to visit Neil's Great-Nana and spend the day with here. Unfortunately, my boss had other plans for me. I won't go into it, but we pretty much spent the day at work. However we did spend a few hours at Great Nana's and because we were at the school, Neil got to see two parades!

Today, Sunday, Our town had trick or treating from 3pm to 7pm. Neil had fun (for about an hour) sitting on the front stoop handing out candy. He really seemed interested in all the characters....and holding candy. I am sure we handed out a few melted pieces of chocolate due to Neil's handling! Over all it was a nice holiday and I think Neil had fun! I know I did!

First of Firsts

2008-10-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Visiting Mommy at Work

One thing I've really enjoyed as a new parent is Neil's "firsts"....first of anything. I remember when he discovered his hand....when he first experienced wind, and then tried to eat it. Little things you and I take for granted is all new for him, and it's just awesome to watch him experience it all. As he's getting older, the firsts are getting more interesting and interactive. This month alone he had his first tastes of yogurt and meat. He rode in his first grocery cart, gave his first hug, had his first experience sitting at a restaurant table like a "big boy" in a high chair, and went on his first pumpkin picking trip. He also got to experience playing in the dirt for the first time, sadly attended his first memorial service, but later that day had a blast on his first wagon ride!

Last night he had a "first" I will never forget. For the first time, he kissed me! I've always had to "steal" my kisses from him, but last night while I was holding him near his crib getting ready to put him down for the night...he broke the routine of me kissing him. He grabbed my face, turned it towards him and awkwardly open mouth kissed my cheek (as I've seen him do so many times before with stuffed animals). After a few "pecks" he then finished it off with a big hug and him resting his head on my shoulder. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I had tears in my eyes. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you, that was the best first kiss I've ever had!

Jeff was standing there and wanted in on the action too! He scooped up Neil in to his arms, and after a little coaxing, Daddy got kisses and a hug too!

We didn't get any kisses the next morning, but I did get a nice hug followed by some snuggles! I love that he's able to show us affection now! And that, he's showing us he loves us back!!

First wagon ride at Pop-Pop Procs house!

Looking handsome in my fall sweater!

First time picking pumpkins AND playing in the dirt!

Lucky 7

2008-10-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

***

So here we are! Neil is officially 7 months today! It's a bitter sweet day for us, for it's also the 2 year anniversary of Pop Pop, Neil's name sake, passing away. We made sure to make it a happy day though and Neil spent the day with his Great Nana and "Grandmo" all day!!!

The morning started out with mom taking a photo of Neil sleeping. You know it was a rough night when there are 2 pacifiers and no pants in the crib!

Ahh, much better! Awake and ready for the day!

Off to Nana's we go!

Nana took me on a walk today...

...and to return the favor, I read her a book.

Cousin George came to visit me!!

As did Cousin Liz!!

Great Aunt Kathy, the fabulous roll model she is even came over to celebrate my big day! Cheers!!

I had to sleep that one off!

It was a great day! At 7 months I am over 2' tall and over 20lbs! I have 4 teeth and may be working on some new ones. I eat all kinds of food now. I just started yogurt, and tomorrow I will start meat. Mom isn't thrilled about that one, but I do love to eat!!! I still have no interest in crawling, but I sure do love to stand and try to walk!! I have also been doing my best to try to talk. So far....just little words that mom can't confirm or deny just yet! I have also mastered, as of yesterday, riding in the grocery cart like a "big boy"!

I can't wait to see what I figure out by month 8!

So we meet again...

2008-10-08T10:41:00.001-07:00

This past Friday, Neil's "girlfriend" Maddie came to visit! I think at this age, every time they're together it's like a first meeting. Their initial meeting, Maddie woke up in her pack and play to find a visitor. Neil!

Neil and Maddie are exactly one month a part, Neil being the senior of the two. Neil has had very limited exposure to other children tus far, so having Maddie (and her older sister Morgan) as house guests was a bit of an adjustment for him. For example: Neil has never listen to a 3 year old laugh before and found this pretty frightening. He got over it with in a few moments after getting use to this new noise. He also wasn't sure what to do with Maddie when put together to play. I am looking forward to him relating to a playmate, but it may take a few more visits before he understands what a "kid" is!!!

Hopefully he'll warm up to her before the wedding her mom and I have planned for them!

Maddie (a week shy of 6 months) and Neil (a week shy of 7 months)

"The First Date"

Maddie (1 Month) & Neil (2 Months)

Just Like Mommy

2008-09-17T02:52:00.001-07:00

Mommy 1976

Neil 2008

Official 6 Month Photos!

2008-09-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

The Fam

Neil is such a trooper! We spent most of Sunday at the mall (Saturday too after visiting with friends!) to get his 6 month photos done. This session went WAY better then the 3 month session! He had a blast!!! And I think had a crush on the photographer this time! I made sure to get her name so we could use her again!

Happy Baby

Go Eagles!

Sneak Preview of Halloween!

6 Months Today!

2008-09-10T06:22:00.001-07:00

Six months ago today...at 3:03 PM into the world came Neil! I can't beleive we're at the half way point of his first year of life already!!! Amazing! My how he's grown!!

About an hour old.

Just shy a week shy of 6 months at the playground with mom and dad!

Here kitty kitty kitty!

2008-09-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

Neil has always been fascinated by our cats, from day one, he knew they were there. First it was the tail...for most of his short life he's been really into the tail. It was like watching a snake charmer! He would just be memorized by the tails! In the last few weeks, he's starting to realize there's more to the cat then just the tail!

The first time he got to pet Snickers he SCREAMED with delight!!! He almost couldn't catch his breath due to all the excitement. Unfortunately, Snickers now wants no parts of Neil because this scared her. I shouldn't say she totally avoids him, just keeps a "safe distance" from him.

Meanwhile, Buddy, our older gray cat, has always been an "attention hog" and is now THRILLED Neil is paying attention to him! He'll even walk up to Neil and let Neil pet him (or grab of chunk of fur...we're working on correcting this). I'm really surprised how well Buddy has been adapting to Neils new found love of him!

I think (And hope) Neil is going to be an animal person. He loves his grandparents dog Pilot...and Pilot loves him!

Buddy and Neil

Pilot and Neil

Summer Almost Over

2008-08-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Chillin' in his lawn chair - August 2008

I've been slacking on my blog...for no good reason! I think this is why I never kept a diary. Well, I do have a correction from my prior post...we only have 1 tooth. 1 big tooth! It totally felt like 2 teeth coming, just turned out to be a large tooth. However, I think we are now working on our 2nd tooth!

Neil I think has had a good summer! He loves being out doors, but due to the extreme heat, we've been inside most of the summer. We're now just getting to enjoy the cooler evenings. Neil has become fascinated with our cats. He "talks" to them and, like last night, squeals with delight if he has the chance to touch one. Our cat Snickers was very tolerant of him last night until he came away with a fist full of fur. She was fine he didn't tug that hard, she's just over due for a brushing so it looked more dramatic then it really was.

Neil has mastered the art of eating off a spoon. We realized we can no longer casually eat in front of him because he wants a taste of whatever you are tasting. He was in the Baby Bjorn on Jeff the other night when we went for ice cream. With every bite Jeff took, Neil would follow the spoon with his mouth open like a baby bird! Poor kid! No ice cream for you!

He also is loving food! He's had cereal (rice, oatmeal and now barley), Veggies (sweet potato's, sweet peas, and carrots) and some fruits (banana and pears so far). We have prunes and apples on tap. And I plan on making him some peaches and green beans because I've not been able to find them. He's eating organic baby food, so the choices are limited. Once we've moved through the flavors I'll make all his food with my baby food blender! I'm looking forward to doing so! Because then I know what exactly he's eating, and saving a ton of money!

He's very much a people person. He enjoys critters, but if there are people near by, he rather watch the people. We took him to see the local goats the other night, and he was more interested in watching people feed the goats then what the goats themselves were doing.

My mom has taught him how to take sips from a cup (totally bypassing sippy cups! We may need to back this talent up a bit!)....so we need to be careful to only drink water when he's in our arms for he demands that sip!

In another 2 weeks we'll be taking him for his 6 month appointment. Six months! Can you believe it?? And to think a year ago, most people still didn't know I was expecting!

Sitting like a big boy on the deck - August 2008

Hanging with Mom (George & Liz's NJ Reception) - August 2008

Hat from Hospital, way too big - March 10, 2008

Hat from hospital, now "skull cap" - August 2008

5 Months and 2 Teeth Later...

2008-08-10T14:37:00.001-07:00

Neil is 5 Months today!! Just a few days and one year ago we were just starting to tell people about our little bundle of joy...and now here is growing like a weed! Just this past week, on August 5th, Neil woke up and there was a little tooth! On Thursday the 7th, we left Neil for the first time! My cousin was getting married in Clearwater Florida, and though Neil was invited, I felt the travel, and the August Florida heat would just be too much for Neil. A winter baby, he's not been a fan of this summer heat! I felt horrible leaving him, but I know I did the right thing!

He spent the time with my dad and step mom and had a blast. When we got home, we couldn't wait to see him. He kinda gave us the once over like "oh it's you guys" and didn't really seem to have experienced any separation anxiety. Humph! Anyway, on the day of the wedding, 08-08-08...Neil sprouted his 2nd tooth!! Right along side his first tooth!

This month he also started eating vegetables, he mastered (and loves!) sweet potato's and just this morning we started peas which he seems to equally love!

All this growing and teething tuckers the little guy out. He's been sleeping more and requesting to go to bed earlier...such as tonight, he went to bed at 5:40 PM!! He'll sleep a good 14 hours now. With a 5AM feeding in there. I took tomorrow off to make up for some time lost we had together while in Florida. Should be a fun day! No work for me, and a trip to Nana's with Mommy for Neil!!!

Horses and Teeth

2008-08-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

So last night, I went back to the stables! It felt great to be back, if only for one class. I was substituting for a Speech Therapy class. However, I have decided I will return for the fall sessions. This will give Neil and Daddy some one on one time....and it will allow me to do something for me, that really benefits other people. Win win situation!

Last night was a long night for both Neil and I. He just seem to be restless in sleeping, waking up every hour. I couldn't figure out what was going on and there wasn't much I could do but to console him. Needless to say I was a bit cranky / tired this morning. However, as I was loading him into his car seat this morning, and watched him chew on his finger...it dawned on me, maybe he was teething last night. I washed my hands, stuck my finger in there...and ladies and gentlemen....we have a tooth!!! Neil's first tooth cut through last night! It wasn't there Sunday...so that must have been what all the fuss was about.

I feel relieved now that I know what was bothering him, because now I know how to help him.

Sitting Tall

2008-08-04T06:58:00.001-07:00

Neil is starting to grow by leaps and bounds! This weekend he had sweet potato's for the first time!! (Pictures to come, they're still on the camera). My mom just sent me this photograph. As of this morning, Neil has decided he no longer needs assistance sitting!

Hypnobirthing Celeb! And Sniffles!

2008-07-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Coolio! I just found out Jessica Alba hypnobirthed her baby!!! Rock on Jessica!!! You so don't hear of celebs doing natural births, let alone hypno!

http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/07/jessica-alba-ho.html

In other news....Neil is sick for the first time. Poor kiddo!!! He's all stuffed up, coughing, I feel so bad for him. He's having the most difficult time trying to sleep. I put him in his car seat last night, he spend most of the night there...breathing easier seeing he was up right. I know it's "just a cold"....but I still feel bad for him.

Swimming in Style!

2008-07-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Because Neil was such a good boy at the Dr's...I got him a turtle for the pool!

Bring on the Food!

2008-07-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Neil tried rice cereal last night for the first time!!

What's this? No! I wanted dinner! What is this?!
Have you tried this stuff?!
Texturey!
Maybe if I hold the spoon, she'll think I'm eating it?
Ahh...much better!

4 Months Today!

2008-07-10T14:01:00.001-07:00

Post Shots, getting some snuggles from dad and his duckie.

Today is Neil's 4 month "birthday". We celebrated the day by getting shots! Poor kid! He did really well tho!!! He's now just shy of 27 inches and just shy of 16lbs! He's in the 91% for height and 50% for weight!

Speaking of weight...he can start foods now! We're going to go out and get some cereals tonight! This should be fun! Next month he can start fruit or veggies (our choice). We already bought him spoons and dishes...and we're also going to try to merge on to a sippy cup. He's really into holding stuff, so I think he should enjoy that!

One thing I did let Neil do today was watch TV. I don't endorse this...but my mom has been letting him watch Teletubbies and said he interacts with them. Soooo...since I was home today, I thought I'd put it on just to see how he reacted. Holy cow! It was the funniest thing! I still am not letting him watch TV....but may let him sneak a Tellitubby in once in a blue moon.

Here are some of Neil's latest pix!

First time swimming!

First 4th of July & Trip to the Cabin!

First sink bath!!

I can eat my toes now!

I like to "read"!

I love to play!

I'm 4 months today!

1 Year Ago Today...

2008-07-06T20:22:00.001-07:00

...We found out we were expecting a wee one!!!

What an awesome year it's been!!

Splish Splash!!

2008-06-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

This past friday Neil went in the pool for the first time at his Grandpa's house!! It went really well! He was very serious the whole time he was in the pool! It was very cute!

A bottle before a dip in the pool

All geared up!
Swimming with Mom n' Dad
Family Time in the pool!
Pool side snuggles with mom!

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T07:11:00.001-07:00

3 Months Old!

2008-06-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Neil is 3 months old today!! And today hasn't been one of his better days. He's with my mom today, while I'm stuck at work. The last couple of days he's been super sleepy, and today constipated...however he's since uh...fixed that problem. I guess all this growing tuckers him out! Overall tho, he's been such a perfect little baby! He loves to sleep, is all smiles and giggles when he's awake and just a joy to have!

Meanwhile, I bought a gift for myself! Let me back up first. Back around mothers day, I was in Hallmark looking for cards. They had a bunch of knickknack like items for sale geared towards moms. Among them was a small canvas painted green, with the words:

"she believed she could do she did"

I loved it! Well, not so much the presentation of this, but the quote.

Back when I was pregnant, I got so much negative feed back, from almost everyone at my idea of having a drug free birth, and even more comments towards my idea of doing so using Hypnobirthing. It got to the point that I just stopped sharing my plan with people, because I was tired of listening to how "horrible" child birth really is and how "you'll change your mind once the contractions start". I really don't think is fair to do to an expecting mom, however it seems to be the norm. It's like robing her of an experience she's yet to experience. Not even really giving her the opportunity to try, which is pretty much like telling her she's going to fail. Nobody can tell you how your birth experience is going to be, because it's never going to be the same as yours. And in the words of Thumper..."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all".

Even though I was being bombarded with all these negative comments, some where deep down inside of me I had my mind made up that I could do this.

And I did.

So when I saw this quote on this cheesy little bric-a-brack, it really hit home. It spoke to me. However as much as I loved the saying, I really didn't want this hanging in my home. So after some thought, I decided I wanted to do something for me. I had a custom silver bracelet made up witha that quote stamped on it! (Quick little shout out to the artist "Pinkpapillon" on http://www.etsy.com/ )It arrived over the weekend, and I just love it! I have other goals and struggles in life and I hope by wearing this I can remind myself that I can...and will accomplish it!

Hi-ho Hi-ho, off to work I go

2008-06-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

I did it! I survived my first week back at work! It was a challenge. If anything more in the fashion department. I was so excited when my "real" jeans fit again, early on post partum. I just assumed this meant all my work pants would fit as well. Boy was I wrong. Getting dressed this week was a challenge in its self! I really hate the idea of buying new clothes, especially now that I'm back at Weight Watchers and working on loosing the rest of the baby pudge. However, I can't wear jeans to work (Wahh!) and I can't keep wearing the 5 outfits that barley fit over and over. What's a girl to do?

Meanwhile, Neil seems to be adjusting to his new "on the go" life. I wake him up (yes, you heard that right! I actually have to wake HIM up for a change) at 5:15 AM. He's just like his mom, not a morning person. He'll go through an array of emotions as I attempt to wake him up, including him playing "opossum" and trying to pretend he's asleep again in hope that I just go away. Once he's up he's all smiles and flirts with me, which is just the best way to start off a morning! I must savor this because as he gets older, I'm sure each morning won't be as perfect. We do a diaper change and chow down on a bottle, and then at 5:45, into the car seat, and off to Grandmo's! He commutes with his dad!

Once the boys have left for work, this leaves me with some spare time on my hands! For the first time in my working life...EVER...I'm eating breakfast before work. I haven't decided if I like this arrangement yet or not. But I do get to take my time to watch the news and get ready for work. I'm sure I'll appreciate this "me" time more as he gets older. Or at least that's what people keep telling me.

As soon as work is done, I rush home to see my little guy! I am usually home no later then 5PM. Neil has a busy day at my moms house, because he's usually tuckered out. He's been really pleased to see me, greeting me with smiles and giggle. Sadly, due to all his activity during the day, he's been wanting to go to bed earlier then his normal bed time (8PM)...and has dozed off as early as 6:30PM, not leaving me with much play time.

Weekends are even more exciting now that it means I get to spend more time with my little guy!

Arriving home after my first day at work

All good things must come to an end.

2008-05-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, all good things must come to an end, and today I finished up my maternity leave. I just have Saturday and Sunday buffering the inevitable...time for me to go back to work. I have always been a work horse and never pictured my self wanting to be an at home mom...that's until I met my little Neil! OK, reality check tho, I don't know if I could be an at home mom full time, the idea of not bringing in any money would freak me out. But working limited hours and getting to spend more time with my little guy would rock! There is comfort in knowing tho that while I'm at work wishing I was with Neil, he'll be one happy little boy hanging out with his "Grandmo". I couldn't ask for a better situation under the circumstances.

So today being our last week day together, we went out. On a date! With Neil's "girlfriend" Maddy. Maddy's older sister spent time with her daddy while Maddy's mom and I did some laps around the mall, did some light shopping, got some lunch and ice cream! Delish! Half way through the trip I had to feed Neil. My first mall feeding. I handled it with such grace...knocking the OPEN bottle of formula onto my lap and then on to the floor. I know how to make a scene! Luckily (for Neil) I ALWAYS carry back up food!! So he happily ate / people watched, while I sat there in soaked jeans, and the mall janitor cleaned up my mess.

After that, it was time for the mommies to eat. We were going to walk to a local eatery. I decided not to buckle Neil back into his baby seat. Well he just thought strolling around with out being buckled in was the cat's meow. He was Mr. Cool the whole time! He had one leg propped up on the stroller, the other hanging out the side, his one arm wrapped around his duckie and this other hand in his mouth (so much for the pediatricians suggestion of a pacifier to avoid a finger sucker). And there he quietly "chilled" taking in the world. He loves taking trips and enjoys people watching and just taking in the world. And I just love watching him take it all in!

I'm sad my 11 weeks off from work have come to and end, but I feel so lucky to have spent all this quality time with him. They say you never get this kind of one on one time with future off spring (because you are now minding over multiple children), so I made sure to really savor this one one time that we got to share. I know he won't remember any of this time we had together, but I hope between this blog and photo's I took, he'll appreciate it some day.

Mommy loves you Neil!

"Mr. Cool" chillaxin' and people watching

Technical Difficulties

2008-05-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

Hey Hey Everyone!!! Sorry for the big gap in posting...our computer died!! But thanks to some super Memorial Day sales...we are back in business!!!

Neil is now over 2 months old! At his 2 month check up he clocked in at 11 lbs 8 oz and 24"! He's finally at the length I was...at birth! (Small fry!) haha

We're keeping super busy as my maternity leave is coming to a rapid end...like as in less then a week. So sad. I'll be blogging more that I'm back on line...but for now....a few Neil pix I took! Enjoy!

Eco-Baby

2008-05-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

So I've always been disgusted by disposable diapers. Did you know how long it takes them to break down? It's like 500 years or something crazy like that!! Not to mention expensive...yet like most parents, it's so easy to be sucked into the "ease" of them. Especially now a days with the velcro tabs, use, toss. Cloth diapers are almost a thing of the past. Or are they?

I had to search high and low when I was making my baby registry to find them. I got a bunch of the flat or pre-fold diapers that both my husband and I wore as babies. My hat goes off to both of our moms....have you tried "pinning" one of these diapers on a squirmy baby?! No easy task!! I also found Kushies (http://www.kushies.com/) and registered for them. I received one pack of 5 (thank you Susan). Neil has been too small for them, but just for the heck of it, I tried again this weekend...and they fit!!! We gave them a whirl and I was really happy with them!!

Continuing with my research I also found something called g-diapers...they also seem right up my ally so I just ordered a starter pack to try them out! I'll save that for another blog...but for now, here are some pictures of Neil sportin' his Kushies! So far, I find them much more reliable then disposables! (Less leaks!)

Growing Pains

2008-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Neil is almost 2 months now. Can you believe it? My maternity leave is running out, and I'm getting super sad about that. I love that I've been able to spend so much time with Neil, and feel horrible that will be coming to an end so soon.

Another thing I'm having a difficult time with, is that my sweet baby boy is growing so fast, and has outgrown some of his outfits! How is this possible?! It's mostly the one pieces with "feet" in them. He's going to be a tall boy, not to mention he also has big feet. I really could use the extra space in the closet, however, I haven't been able to bring myself to empty the closet of these outfits and pack them away. Pack them away?!?! I just had him did I not? And now I'm already creating a box of baby clothes to put away in hopes of having a sibling for Neil some day? Oh the humanity!!! Ok...maybe I'm over dramatising, but this is tough!

This past weekend I put the lil' guy in the first "boy" outfit he ever received. His Mom-Mom picked him up two blue boy outfits while he was in the hospital. All his other clothes were gender neutral. In this outfit, he couldn't really stretch his legs out, but I had to savor him in that outfit one more time...and of course take pictures. Later I went to Target and picked up a "tub" I can pack these clothes away in...granted, I've yet to start this daunting task.

I made myself a promise I would complete this task before I go back to work...so I still have just about a month to procrastinate right?

Too big for this outfit now, i had to pretty much squeeze his legs in the bottom part. It was not possible for him to straighten out wearing this....so sad.

Nature Boy

2008-04-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last week was so nice out, we were eating on our deck. Neil joined us as well. He slept through most of our meal, but then woke up to play!

Say Cheese!

2008-04-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Look what I can do now!!!

Don't Push That Button!

2008-04-21T08:26:00.001-07:00

So as you can imagine, it's a bit tough for me to keep up with the blog now that Neil is more alert during the day! It's fun though having his eyes open and him taking in the world!

I had a request to blog about my recovery from childbirth. Honestly, I assume it was very similar to other women's recovery, I don't think the hypnobirthing impacted it that much. Though what do I know? I'm a first time Mom! I did have two second degree tears that required stitches. Stitches weren't bad, they numb you first, however visually seeing someone "sew" you in that area was to much to watch....and they had taken Neil to the side to weigh and such....so what did I do to keep myself distracted? Started text messaging "It's a boy" to friends and family. If only they knew what was going on while I was doing that. My midwife at one point looked up at laughed when she saw what I was doing! I've never been a fan of stitches, doesn't matter where they are...they gross me out. I had never had them before..and hope to never have them again (unless it means I had another baby...it was worth ever stitch in that instance).

So recovery kind of boring to report on. I will however, share this story because in the long run, it's kind of funny.

After you give birth, and have been all "cleaned up" and what not....they tell you the first time you went to get out of bed to urinate, you need a nurses assistance. I wasn't sure why, but they said a lot of people due to blood loss and such get light headed or dizzy and I guess they don't want any of the new moms going head first into the loo if they were to pass out. Fair enough. At this point after giving birth, the idea of going to the bathroom with someone in the room with you, totally doesn't phase you. Childbirth removes any modesty you may have had!

So we get into the bathroom. I notice there is this little bucket/pan like contraption in the toilet. The nurse tells me they have to measure how much you urinate the first time. Again, I have no idea why they do this, and didn't even think to ask. So, I sit down and I feel like maybe I could go....a few minutes pass... nothing. The nurse says: "Well let me give you privacy, maybe that will help"...ok...nothing. She comes back in "let me turn some water on, that may help"....again nothing. I am tired of sitting here. So after establishing that I wasn't dizzy or light headed and really didn't need assistance to the bathroom. She tells me I can stop trying and when I do go later on, to just "hit the call nurse button when you are finished and I will come and retrieve the pan". Okey dokey!

So a couple hours pass. I get the urge to go. Success!!! I'm just finishing up and I notice next to me on the wall is a red button that says "Call Nurse". Ahh, that must be the button she was speaking of. So I push the button, and then head over to the sink to start washing my hands. As I'm standing there washing my hands, I can hear some bells, and some commotion out in the hallway. I wonder what's going on? I hear lots of feet rushing around...the seem to be getting closer??? The next thing I know, there are several hospital employees with looks of panic on their face IN THE BATHROOM WITH ME!

They sure do get excited over a mom's first pee! The doctor who lead this team in says "Where's the baby?! Is he ok?! Are you ok?!?! What's wrong?!?!?!?"

Well now I'm baffled. My husband who was watching TV also looks baffled to why all these people are in our room and bathroom.

It felt like forever for me to respond to them...but I sheepishly pointed to my pan of urine and proudly said "I peed!"

Now it is there turn to look baffled. They then very nicely (tho I could tell they were a bit annoyed) that the button I pushed is a "code red" button only to be pushed in extreme emergencies...and that I should have hit the call nurse button on my bed which rings a different station. I apologize...and they say "It's OK, it happens all the time, maybe we should put a sign up over the button or something?"...Uh...DUH! YEAH! There are signs all over my bathroom about things, but nothing about this button stated it was for extreme emergencies only. Oh well, live and learn!

Needless to say, I had "call nurse" button phobia for the rest of my stay, and if I needed a nurse, I'd send my husband out of the room to find one!

Want to share with the whole hospital staff you just peed? Push the red button!

1 Month and a new friend!

2008-04-10T10:09:00.001-07:00

I'm 1 month old today!!!! AND I have a new friend!!! Mommy's friend Stacie had a baby girl today, Madelyn Leigh! She clocks in at 8lbs, 9.5 oz and 22"!! She's bigger then I was!! Mommy isn't sure how Madelyn fit inside of Aunt Stacie! Also, kudos to Aunt Stacie, she pushed Madelyn out in only 3 pushes! Under 7 minutes! WOW!! And Aunt Stacie thought I came fast!! Welcome Maddy! I can't wait to meet you so we can play!!

Here it is! Neil's Birth Story!

2008-04-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here’s my birth story, it’s a bit long, OK, it’s really long…but keep in mind the point of this blog is more for Neil. I plan on printing this all out so he has a nice little keepsake of what I went through to bring him into this world. And because it’s for him, I really didn’t spare too many details, so if you don’t want too many details, you probably don’t want to read this. So long story short, I had a baby and it went well! For all those that wanted the play by play…here it is! Enjoy!

As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed by a medical professional, you are given an estimated due date (EDD). Our was March 8th. Now, you know darn well babies come when they’re ready….but it was hard not to feel a little let down when March 8th came and went and no sign of baby.

On Sunday March 9th, I just about had it as far as sitting around waiting for baby. They say the best thing you can do is walk. So we hopped in the car, and drove about 40 minutes west to the mall and walked around most of the afternoon. I had no signs this baby was coming any time soon. I decided to treat myself to a DQ Moolata….yes, caffeine and about a months worth of calories! But I spent the whole pregnancy doing everything “by the book’, caffeine free, and tried to watch my calorie in take, I figured I’m a day over due…I can have a treat. That thing was darn good too by the way! That was the last I ate that day, I don’t know if it was because it was so fattening or the baby was on the way, but I didn’t eat for the rest of the day.

Monday March 10th, Jeff reluctantly gets up for work. He too thought he’d be home with a baby by now. He was also a little nervous about going to work this particular day because he knew he’d be working in an “underground laboratory” that had no cell service and almost impossible to get a hold of. He left me with a list of phone numbers of everyone in his division to call, just in case. I didn’t feel anything though so I just told him not to worry and have a nice day at work. He left…and about 10 minutes later I woke up with some strong cramping. I didn’t think too much of it, however, I would fall a sleep and it would wake me up again. Hmm? I got up to go to the bathroom. Everything seemed normal. Climbed back into bed….cramping continues. I figured, this maybe Braxton Hicks…only because it wasn’t what I expected labor to feel like. Felt more like strong menstrual cramps, but nothing more then that. After about 30 minutes of this I called Jeff and left him a voicemail. He said he’d carry his cell on him, and when he would come up from this lab, he’d check his messages. I left a message pretty much saying “hey it’s me, no worries, I just wanted to let you know I’m getting some odd cramping, it’s probably just Braxton Hicks, but I thought I should let you know just in case! No need to worry, but when you surface, just give me a call and check in. If this is the real deal, it’s going to probably take all day before something actually happens…so again, no worries”.

I then headed to the bathroom again feeling “not so fresh” and thought maybe I was leaking a little amniotic fluid. Sure enough, I was pretty sure that’s what was happening. I walked back to my bed, and by the time I got there, I knew my water had broken. Gross! That’s all I have to say on how that felt! However, the advantage to your water breaking is there’s not question if this is the real deal or not, so I actually appreciated the fact it was broken and I knew I was now in labor and knew what I had to do. I called Jeff again and left him a message. “Hey, it’s me again, yeah I know I called you like 20 minutes ago saying no worries, but, yeah, well my water broke, so like….if you call me back when you get this message it would super! I need to call my midwife, but would like to speak with you first. I’ll give you 30 and if I don’t hear from you I’ll try your boss….no worries, I’m fine, don’t freak out”.

Jeff just happen to be in an area where he heard his phone ring, but was unable to pick up due to something was doing work related. Once that task was complete his coworker said “Hey didn’t your cell ring? Maybe you should check it”. Good thing he said that! Jeff called me back, probably with in 10 minutes of me leaving that message. He defiantly had that “oh my god what do I do” tone in his voice. I assured him I was fine, felt fine, but thought it was best he drive home, but not to rush, and not to panic. (I didn’t want him getting in an accident).

After I spoke to Jeff, I called the midwife, this was now about 7 AM. I spoke to a really nice lady at the answering service and she said she’d have one of the doctors from my practice call me back, because none of the midwifes were on call at this hour. No problem. I was pre warned there was a midwife shortage and we may have to work with a doctor. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I really hoped I could finish out this experience with one of the midwives. While I waited for her call back I called my mom to let her know what was going on. Mom was excited and more so interested to hear what it was like to have my water break. Her water didn’t break for neither myself or my brother. So we chatted for a few about that, and then my other line was ringing, it was the doctor. After describing what was going on, what my “fluid” looked like and how I felt, she said I was welcome to labor at home as long as I was comfortable or until about noon. Once your water breaks, you’re kind of working against the clock now. So at the latest, I could check into the hospital by 12:30 pm. This was music to my ears. This gave me a chance to wait for Jeff to get home and I really wanted to labor at home as long as possible. Laboring at home is more relaxing, you’re able to eat, and I wanted to shower as well.

The whole time I was home laboring, I kept myself busy and moving around, only pausing for surges (hypnobirthing term for contractions). I made sure everything was packed, spent some time on line emailing friends and family to let them know the time has come. I had breakfast, and then a very light lunch before we headed out. And I made sure to take a nice warm shower which was so relaxing. My surges were manageable. I really should have been tracking them better, but when you’re in the middle of one, the last thing you’re thinking about is “oh, I should write this down”. When I’d have a surge, I’d stop whatever I was doing, stand up if I was sitting (Because it was more comfortable to stand through one), close my eyes, and start taking in deep breaths and relax. This is part of hypno birthing. You want to remain relaxed, inhaling nice deep breaths and just let your mind go. So far…this was working out great.

Around 11:45, I decided I was ready to head to the hospital (about 20 minutes away). When we got to the edge of our neighborhood, I called mom to let her know we were in route and that my surges were about 8-10 minutes apart….so I was guessing. While I was speaking to her, I was having a surge, so I told her to hang on a second while I dealt with that. Then back to chatting and then another surge, I excused myself again to let her know I was having a surge, when she “yelled” back “that was not 8 minutes! That’s more like 2!!!” Hmm…so she was right! Maybe they were more frequent then I realized. Sometimes in hypno birthing, if you can get yourself to go deep enough you can experience ‘time amnesia” and loose since of time. Apparently that was happening. The whole ride to the hospital, I pretty much kept my eyes closed, and focused on my breathing.

You would think at such a big hospital, one that has ‘Cancer Patient Parking Only” signs right out front, would have maybe just a few reserved spots for expecting mothers?? I mean even my local McDonald’s has an “Expecting Mothers” parking spot (which is kinda scary if you think about it! Haha). Nope, no special parking for us…actually, there’s no parking out front!! The place was packed. So we parked over in an auxiliary parking lot, and started the walk to the hospital. Jeff found this pretty funny, he’s like “Look at you! You’re in labor and taking a hike to the hospital on foot!” In the movies and such, there’s always the orderly rushing the pregnant woman to the maternity ward….no folks, this is reality…I’m walkin’! Plus if I really needed assistance, Jeff could have left me at the front door and I could have requested a ride up…but I was determined to get myself up there on my own. Good thing I was prepared for this as well, because there was a “mishap” on the elevator, and we rode up, then down, then up again! I thought ‘great, I’m having this kid on an elevator!”

We checked in at around 1:00PM. My room was ready for me. We were escorted back, and I was told to put my gown on and that the labor nurse would be in soon to check me out. We checked out the room, took a few photos and over all were pretty relaxed. I still was feeling great, and just walked around the room. My labor nurse, Helen, a sweet woman from Ireland, accent and all came in to check me out. This also meant I had to lay in bed and be monitored for about 20 minutes. This probably was the worse part of it all. Laying down was sooo uncomfortable! I felt trapped. I can’t explain it, but for me, walking around was so much more relaxing and bearable. This was another reason I wanted to have a drug free birth, so I could birth in any position I pleased. I can’t imagine not having use of my lower body and being “trapped” on my back in my bed. Twenty minutes passed and as promised they let me get back up. They offered to run me a Jacuzzi, sure why not! So off they went to get that ready. They also brought me in a birthing ball which I thought would be a great way to sit, yet work out my surges, well just like the bed, sitting didn’t work for me either. So long ball.

It’s now around 2PM. They determined I was only about 5CM and would most likely be in labor for a few more hours. My surges have gotten stronger, but still bearable. One of my midwives, Barbara, stopped by to say hi. She said she wishes she could deliver me, but she gets off the clock at 5PM and I most likely would not have the baby by then.

They had been asking me to fill out various papers during all this. It would take me like 5 minutes to sign a piece of paper, because a surge would come, and I just told them “hold on a second”….go into my other little world, deal with my surge, then come back and sign. I still to this day have no idea what I was signing! I asked if Jeff could sign for me, but they said no. I was already to head to my Jacuzzi and they said I had to give some blood first. Arg!! Not that I wanted to get back in that bed, but I didn’t think I could stand, go in and out of my “little world” during surges and stay still for this gal to take blood. So I offered to get in the bed provided she promised to be fast so I could get up again. She did…so I laid down so I could zone out and let her do her thing. WELL she was a new gal and finding a vain wasn’t her forte. I’ve been a blood donor since a teenager and nobody has ever had issues finding a vein. This gal was digging around for awhile. I really didn’t feel anything, because I was more focused on surges, but Jeff said it was pretty bad.

While she’s digging around, something changed….I can’t explain it, but while I’m laying there, it was almost like a brief calm before the storm washed over me. There was just this moment of calm….what’s about to happen??? My whole body tenses up and tries to push! What the heck??? Did that really just happen? Boom, hits me again! Who keeps doing that? I thought I was in control of this show. The blood girl jumps back and says “I’m so sorry, did I just hurt you?!” My eyes are still closed, I’m kind of in between 2 world right now and some how manage to get out “I think the baby is coming now”….so blood girl says “should I call someone”…yeah, that was enough to snap me out of my hypno world, boy did I want to smack her. “YES!” She hits the nurse button. Helen comes in and asks what’s wrong. I tell her I’m having this baby now. She kinda chuckles and says “oh, no dear, it’s not time yet, I just checked you and you were only 5CM” (my body heaves with another push) and she then says “But if you like we can just check you out anyway”. She takes a peek and that’s when it all begins. It’s 2:15 PM.

As soon as Helen peeked and confirmed that “oh my you ARE having the baby” I closed my eyes and slipped into my little world again, I could hear lots of commotion, it almost sounded like to many chefs in the kitchen, like pots and pans clanking around. I just focused on being in my little world and focused on breathing through these natural pushes. I could hear the voice of my midwife Barbara now, saying something like she couldn’t believe she was going to get to deliver my baby today, and was amazed how fast this kid was coming. I also remember during all this craziness someone popping their head in saying “There’s a Nola here to visit!”, I looked at Jeff and asked him to go speak to Nola. It seemed like only seconds later, the same woman said “There’s a Dave and Judy to see Eileen”…I again asked Jeff to let them know what was going on and to wait in the waiting room, and also to ask the lady to stop sending people back. Nobody at the front desk had expected me to be in active labor already, so they just assumed it was OK to start sending our visitors back to see me. My midwife must have had the same idea as well, too many people coming back and she shooed away any unnecessary people out of the room and it got quiet again. It was now just Barbara, Helen, Jeff and myself.

Barbara then asked how I wanted to give birth, I said I think I wanted to use the birthing bar, she then suggested a neat position which I loved and used for the labor. It’s a bit hard to explain, but they sat the bed up and I on my knees faced the wall and kind of leaned on the back of the bed. This made labor so much easier…gravity is your friend!! Honestly, nobody really spoke to me, they just let me do my thing. I pushed when my body pushed, then when that feeling would pass, I would come out of my little world and ask Jeff for some water, or crack a joke or ask how I was doing, and then back into my little world again when that sensation of pushing came over me. I think I had my eyes closed through the whole experience. It was just easier to stay focused doing this. Helen would reach in and put a monitor on my belly after each push to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. A few times she asked me to “sit” up a little straighter (I’m on my knees, not sitting, but that’s the only way I can describe it) so she can get a better reading on the baby. She also then put me on oxygen, I said I didn’t want it, but she said it was for the baby. Fine. My midwife keeps telling me I’m doing awesome and pushing just how I should. I’m feeling good. Pain and fear never crossed my mind. I was on a mission to have this baby, I wanted to meet him or her. Affirmations I listened to for months on end on my Hypnobirthing CD kept popping in my head. I mocked these affirmations when I first heard them, so cheesy!! My teacher kept saying your conscious mind will hear these and thing it’s a bunch of bologna but your subconscious mind will eat this up and will savor it for later. She was right. A few that came to mind were, “Each surge brings me closer to my baby”…”My baby is the perfect size for my body”….” I will give my birthing experience over to my body and my baby”. Again, cheese from your perspective, and mine originally, but these things got me through it. Each surge I had, I was more excited if anything because I knew I was one step closer to being a mother.

Towards the end of my labor, I knew something was going on, but I don’t know exactly what. In my little world, little whispers of what was being said between Helen and Barbara were tapping in my head a bit. I heard something about shoulder dystocia….I heard Helen ask Jeff when’s the last time I ate. Why would they need to know that unless they wanted to do a “C”…hmm…must stay in little world! Can’t think about this! Helen then says “ok Eileen, we need to turn around and finish laboring on your back”. I say “no, I want to finish laboring like this”. Then in a very polite but stern Irish brogue, Helen says “Now Eileen, I need you to twirl around like a ballerina now and sit on your bum”. That’s when I came out of my little world and realized, huh, maybe something is wrong and I should listen to them! This is also when I realized I had a head hanging out from in between my legs!!! Ack!

I told Helen I wasn’t sure if I could turn around, because the baby is hanging out. She told me I had to turn around, “1, 2, 3, here we go”, I spin around. Now she wants me to sit….there’s a head down there people!! She assures me I can sit and I won’t hurt he baby, but I need to get movin’. So down I go, I close my eyes, and back in my little world again!

Being on my back, this is probably the most uncomfortable I was during the whole labor. Again, I don’t know how women do it. But if you can, labor where gravity can help you out…it makes a HUGE difference! As I’m laying there, Helen said “here feel your baby’s head” and takes my hand and puts it on my baby’s head. This was not something I wanted to do, hahaha, there was a reason I didn’t request a mirror or anything. I really had no need to be any more ‘hands on” with this birth then I already had. I didn’t like the feeling of the head, it felt like a cone coming out. I much rather just wait and hold my baby after it comes out. I can feel the baby coming out, ok, not so bad, but then I felt 2 hands go in me! Ok that didn’t feel so hot. I don’t want to say it hurt, but it defiantly didn’t feel good. But there really was no more room in there for these 2 hands plus the baby, what were they doing in there?? And then woooooosh! A since of relief! 9 months of pressure “down below” suddenly disappears with in a split second.

It’s 3:03 PM, the baby is out, Jeff leans over and whispers in my ear “It’s a boy!”

I look down and see limbs, and very long “monkey toes” and confirmation, that this little critter is in fact a boy! They scoop him up, pull my gown off and place him on my chest. I now start to notice there are more people in the room. I don’t know where they came from, but I wonder if they’ve been waiting in the hall the whole time waiting for the OK to come in? There is a woman standing over me piling blankets on my son and briskly cleaning him off. Jeff cuts the cord, and we’re now a family of three. We name our son Neil Oliver, after my 2 grandfathers, two men who meant the world to both Jeff and I. Long before that pregnancy test confirmed a child was on the way, Jeff and I both agreed if we were to have a son, we would name him after these two men, who both had such strong qualities we can only hope our son will genetically inherit from their genes. Looking down at him, I couldn’t have thought of a better name!

The sign on my door...it let the staff know I was hypnobirthing. They then know not to ask if I'm in any "pain" or "want anything for the pain", etc. They also keep their voices quiet and don't bother me.

Neil's very first photo!

Bath Time!

2008-04-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

So Neil's cord fell off...which was so gross! I am so glad to see it gone! And with his belly button healed, we are able to now give him a bath in the tub versus sponge baths! This is something we've been looking forward too. Neil, not so much, but I'm sure in time he'll get to enjoy them!!!

Easter

2008-03-24T14:21:00.001-07:00

Do you think this will be discussed at his first therapy session?? :-P

Look for the Golden Ticket!

2008-03-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sadly, Jeff's 2 weeks off from work have come to an end, and he'll be returning to work on Monday. We did however, find some time (with some help from mom!) to put these candy bars together for him to hand out to his co-workers!

Up all night...sleep all day

2008-03-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Neil by DAY....

Neil by NIGHT....

Hopefully he'll get his internal clock right sooner or later!! ;-)

Hypnobirthing

2008-03-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've been getting lots of questions about Hypnobirthing, so before I post my birth story, here is the description of the Hypnobirthing classes I took pre-birth at Hunterdon. It was worth every penny!!

We were told the more you practice, the more effective it is, so we practiced every night. I think Jeff could birth a baby now too! HAHA Now that I've "been there done that", I can say the description below was spot on for me!

Hypnobirthing

Are you expecting? Looking for a stress free birth? Hypnobirthing may be for you. Hunterdon Medical Center now offers Hypnobirthing, an approach to childbirth using hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a naturally-induced state of relaxed concentration in which suggestions are made to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind influences choices we make, and what we think and feel. It is not magic but almost anyone who chooses to can reach a deep relaxation and redirected focus. This profound state of deep relaxation can be achieved through daily practice.

When laboring with Hypnobirthing, you will experience something similar to daydreaming or the focus that occurs when you are engrossed in a book. You will be able to talk but be totally relaxed and in control. You will be aware of your body's birthing process, but you'll also be able to determine the extent to which you feel your uterine contractions. Birth will be experienced in an environment that is calm, relaxing and free of the fear and tension that cause pain.

Hypnobirthing classes teach you how to achieve a safer, easier and more comfortable birth. Techniques include those which help eliminate the fear-tension-pain cycle, produce endorphins (the body's natural pain relievers) and will also help your birthing companion join you a calm and serene birthing environment.

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-13T13:51:00.001-07:00

Ladies and Gentelmen.....our son,

Neil Oliver

Born March 10th, 2008

3:03 PM

8lbs 6oz, 21"

A sucessful Hypnobirthing baby! More later!

Lights..Camera...Action!

2008-03-10T08:01:00.001-07:00

It's go time!

I've been in labor since about 5:30 this morning (it's about 11AM right now). My water broke around 6:30 I think it was? I forget already! HAHA I've been laboring at home and will continue to do so untill about 12-12:30, then they want me to come in, due to the fact my water is broken and we're kinda up against the clock now. I've heard pros n' cons from different friends about their water breaking, but I like that it happened because it took the guess work out of "should I call my midwife?".

As for my midwife....my practice has a shortage right now, and go figure, there isn't a midwife on duty right now. However there is a Dr from our practice on call at the moment, so we'll check in with her when we get to the hospital. Hopefully we'll hit a shift change and get a midwife? But I guess it's not the end of the world if we don't.

My surges are about 8 minutes apart now....I'm really bad at recording them, because when you have one, the last thing you're thinking about is "ooo! I should write this down!" haha I also find them very uncomfortable if I'm laying down...so I find myself walking around the house keeping busy. They're much more manageable that way!

So that's it kids! I won't be posting again till we have the little bambino home with us! After we have the baby, we'll be in the hospital another 2 days..my guess is we'll be home sometime Wednesday?

Till then!

Baby Watch 08

2008-03-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ok....so as I guessed....here we are the day after the due date...and no baby. No sign of baby...no feeling of baby. We're bored! We made no plans this weekend because well, we're on Baby Watch. We think we're just gonna forget it and go out anyway!!! I can't sit around the house now and just wait. This is why I worked up until my due date. My birthing instructor kept saying "take 2 weeks off just to relax". Ummm....sitting around my house wondering when the baby comes is anything but relaxing! I've been lazy my whole life...I'm caught up on relaxing! HAHA, so off we go....I think we're going to trek about 40 min from the house....big trip for being past due....but Jeff can drive fast if need be!!! Off we go!

One!

2008-03-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last chance to gawk at the belly!

Deux Part...well...Deux

2008-03-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

OK, I think I put to many pix for blogger to handle with the first post, so here are the rest of the gifts!

This beautiful sweater was made by "Auntie Tina"!

This is the blanket that just arrived today, made by Jeff's childhood friends mom!

Speaking of Mom, my mom, aka Grandmo, also made this super cute Polar Bear outfit for the baby to wear outside!

Another crafty coworker, Vinnie, made this for the baby!
And we can't forget the crib made by "Papa Joe"

Deux

2008-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

2 days! I have a feeling we'll be going into the negative numbers soon!

Today I worked from home. I totally sat in front of the computer way to much today! So, I'm taking a break to make a post. Today we received another beautiful home made gift for the baby and that got me thinking, I should post these gifts we've received!!! I'm always so touched by hand made items!!

A Bunny Suit for Easter By Mom, there is a blue bow as well in case we have a boy!

Angora bonnet and booties made by my coworker Carrie. Note the 3rd bootie..."because you always loose one!"

A knit cap made by my 84 year old coworker Jean!

Another crafty coworker, Julie, made this beautiful quilt!

"Aunt Jen", my college roommate made this adorable hat and matching booties!

THREE

2008-03-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

Here we are at day Three.

Last night I had my midwife appt. I'm still at 1cm dilated and now 60% effaced, not much of a difference from last week, however the baby is now "engaged". This is a good thing. The midwife was really happy with my progress...So I'll take her word for it. I'm thinking our kiddo won't be arriving prior to March 8th though, but that's ok. As long as it's not in there too long, I don't want to have to deal with an induction.

I got home from my appointment last night and my boss called. Me taking (my first day ever!) off due to pregnancy freaked him out I think. I found this funny. However, he assured me I'd have nothing to worry about because he arranged my temp to start the next day.

So today was that day. I felt bad, there wasn't enough work for the 2 of us to do...only 1 computer...the poor gal pretty much watched me work all day. I am going to request to see if I can work from home tomorrow to give her some space and we can work on separate projects. We'll see how that goes!

~ 4 ~

2008-03-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

So this whole pregnancy I've gone to work, with the exception of the stomach bug I had in December, but that was un pregnancy related. Today was the first time I called out because I just felt like crap! I woke up with a headache, totally not the norm for me. And it wasn't just a headache, it was pretty darn strong, also not the norm.

I got up and took a hot shower which totally took the edge off, but I still didn't feel 100% so I decided to call out of work. Then I went back to bed for another hour. I woke up and I was pretty sure it was gone. YAY! I got out of bed to take one of my many treks to the bathroom and as soon as I started walking, boom it was back. Super! So I've spent today in my PJs just chillin'. I have a midwife appt in a few hours, so we'll see if this is baby related, or just a bad day.

Till tomorrow!

6....5....Evil Lies and Clown Free

2008-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

So we survived the circus! Thankfully the Big Apple Circus only has ONE clown...and provided you're not sitting up front...you're safe! After the circus we stopped for Thai food, and I asked for mine to be extra spicy! They say spicy food helps kick start labor. LIES! Well for starters they didn't make it THAT spicy....but it had no effect on me what so ever.

Sunday (Day 6 in the count down), for the most part we took it easy around the house, but I still tried to keep moving (they say walking and movement helps bring on labor...more lies!). For dinner we went out with my dad n' family to a BBQ joint and I got a spicy chili.....still nothing. All night I laid in bed hoping my labor would start so I could avoid having to come back to work and do this project today and mainly so I wouldn't have to attend this meeting tonight. No luck.

It's not that I'm done being pregnant...I'm just done working. However, here I am back at work. So, I shall sit here and remain crabby and continue to pop my Evening Primrose Oil in hopes it speeds things along....but I'm guessing that won't work either! I am looking forward to my midwife appointment tomorrow though to see if there has been any progression.

8....7....Pancakes and Evil Clowns

2008-03-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

OK, I have to double down here because I didn't have time to put up a post yesterday.
Yesterday was "Day 8". I love eight. It's my favorite number and the baby's EDD and also the same number of the month Jeff was born on.

Yesterday I spent the day as if it were my last day of work....if only. My boss was out of town so this gave me a chance to focus on finishing up notes and organizing things for my temp to pick up where I left off upon me leaving. At this point she's pretty much on stand by for the call. I got everything finished. At home we've been "ready" for the kid for awhile. Work wise, I've felt time is running out, and my "fear" was going into labor with this big pile of unfinished business on my desk. Now, I'm ready...and I so don't want to go to work Monday!! I have a huge project that needs to be executed that day, followed by a 7:00 PM board meeting which usually doesn't adjourn until about 9-9:30 PM, followed by a 40 minute commute home. FUN! Only to turn around and get up early the next morning to head back to work. Why was it I agreed I'd work till I pop????

I did finish off the night by meeting up with a friend and having IHOP for dinner! Delish! Just in the last week or so I've been on a pancake kick, which I find funny because 1) I don't eat pancakes all that often and 2) I've really not craved anything this whole pregnancy, and here I am at the end, and now I could just sit and eat pancakes all day! My banana walnut pancakes last night hit the spot!

So here we are at day 7. Lucky #7. AND the first day of March! Yes, we know one thing for sure now, we will have a March baby as originally predicted! Kinda cool huh? Last night I slept pretty darn good (must have been the pancakes), and woke up with some energy. This is great, because we have tickets to go to the circus tonight (yes, I know, random!) and then out to dinner with friends. I've been go go go all morning. Now I'm getting a little tired, but hopefully by taking a time out and doing this post, I'll get some energy back and have a good time out! I will most definitely need energy at the circus tho....to fight off any clowns that get into my personal space. Boy do I hate clowns. And as fate would have it, when we pulled into IHOP last night, we pulled in next to a car, advertising it usually transports a clown. ACK! Sure enough, there was a clown (thankfully not fully decked out) in IHOP doing face paintings and balloon animals for the kids...and even more thankfully, she was stationary and didn't troll around....so we kept our distance....and I made sure my back was to her the whole evening.

Nine.....

2008-02-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

So nice, yesterday the folks over at Jeff's company had a little shower for him! They gave him a gift card to Babies R Us for $375!! Is that not crazy?! And nice! We have SOOOOO much BRU money now it's not even funny. Also, they gave him a cake! Out of my 3 showers, I've not taken any cake home (other then 2 cupcakes from mom's!)...I'm not a big bakery cake person. So I was a bit surprised when Jeff came home with a bunch of cake from work. Well, I figured, it's here minus well try it. OUT OF THIS WORLD!! It came from Wegmans and it ROCKS! It's a marble cake with fresh raspberry filling and vanilla icing. I don't even like icing...and it was so good! So that's my little shout out to Wegmans today!

The Final Count Down - 10!!!

2008-02-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I figured I'd do a count down to my due date starting when we had 10 days left...and today is the day. Of course babies never come on their due date....so we'll see if I end up going into negative counting after March 8th!

I had my 38 week appointment yesterday. I am 1 inch dilated and 50% effaced. What's that mean? Not much of anything. Just means I'm progressing (which is good!). Jeff tried to shake the midwife down for more specifics...but as she told him, this is not an "exact science" and it's up to the baby. I could have the baby right now....or in 2 weeks. So we'll see!

Meanwhile, the midwife has me taking Evening Primrose Oil, which helps soften the cervix and will help prevent a drug induced induction if I do pass my due date. So we'll see how that goes!

Almost done cooking!

2008-02-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

So here we are almost at week 38!

After that work shower, the next day I got yet another shower!! My cheerleaders threw me a super cute shower! So sweet!!!

I've had no signs of Bebe Procawood making an appearance any time soon. My last appointment they did an ultrasound (see picture to the right) and determined that he or she is approximately 7lbs 1 ounce at the moment, and will continue to gain about a 1/2 lb a week. (Depending on Mommy's diet). I think I'll know more this upcoming appointment, Week 38, I'm pretty sure that will be an "internal" exam.

Overall, at home, we're ready to rock. The kids room has the basics set up. My bag is like 98% packed, the baby's bag is packed. Daddy is on his own to pack his own bag. The car seat is near the door (tho we still need to install the "base" in the car). We have snacks n' juice boxes in stock for the room. And I've been practicing my Hypnobirthing every night, which I contribute to how awesome I sleep over all every night. I still have a night here or there where I toss a bit....but compared to other pregos....I am sleeping really well!

Surprise Shower!

2008-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

I've never liked surprises. And I've never been good with being surprised. I figured out when my "surprise" bridal shower was going to be. I "ruined" my surprised work bridal shower, but taking an extra long lunch that day not realizing there was a room full of people waiting for me...for about 2 hours. By the time I got up there, they were like "hurry up, open your gifts we need to get back to work!" And I almost ruined our engagement coming home in a foul mood the night Jeff proposed to me. It's like my signature thing...to ruin surprises! HAHA

Well yesterday my coworkers got me! I was genuinely surprised....and I don't think I ruined it either! Granted I was as red as a tomato the whole time... but it was very nice. Jeff, my parents and Nana were even there!!

My coworkers really went all out! It was catered by our chef (there was even wine!), they had a big yummy cake for us, and endless gifts including a jar of cash "Babysitting fund" it said on the jar and gift cards. I also was overwhelmed at the talent I work with! The art teacher decorated the "babysitting fund" jar...the Spanish teacher crochet me this beautiful baby blanket, a woman in the development office made this beautiful quilt, an 83 year old beloved teacher we have here made a little beanie hat for the baby, and another teacher here made the most beautiful angora bonnet and matching booties! She gave me 3 booties, which I didn't get a first, but she said it's because you always loose one!

Obviously I didn't have a camera on hand, but one of my coworkers snapped a few shots....here are some! THE CAKE

THE LOOT

THE DECOR (Well some of it)

THE BELLY!

Still Cookin'

2008-02-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

So we've been keeping busy since the shower. We washed most of the onsies and such we received, anything we're going to need when the baby gets home is unpacked and washed n' ready to go. I wouldn't say the nursery is "done"....but it's functioning....there's a crib in there ready to rock....so it's ready for a kid! The rest is just decor n' organization, and that can be done whenever.

We're taking our last of our Hypnobirthing classes tonight, and we took a breastfeeding class week. I'll post separately about that though, a lot of people have been asking me about Hypnobirthing, so I feel it deserves it's own blog. I figured once I finished the courses, I'd write about it.

Last night we went for the first of my weekly appointments. It went well. The baby was sleeping for most of it. It's heart beat was a strong 147, and my midwife was ecstatic that I didn't gain any weight. At my last visit apparently I put on too much weight in a 2 week span and she was not happy. And I was not happy she was grumpy about it...I mean, hello, first offence! Where's my "Get Out of Jail Free" card? Anywho, to please her, I got on the scale every day to make sure I maintained my weight, not something you typically should do during pregnancy by the way! She had to perform a "Group B Strep" test....and then said "While I'm down here, would you like an internal exam". I thought they were routine, but she explained that midwives tend not to "poke around" unless necessary (Which I appreciated)....but figured, why not....I was curious if I was dilated or anything. Thankfully... I wasn't.

Baby is still cooking! My cervix is softening which it's suppose to do, but no sign of enfacement or dilation....so we're still chuggin' along. Oh yes....and sorry if I'm giving to many details here, I'm trying to keep it "G" rated....but it's only going to get worse as I build up to my birthing story....so get use to it or find a different blog to read. :-P

So that's the scoop for now! No baby anytime soon....we're going to continue to get ready, bags need to be packed and all that fun stuff!!

More Pictures from the Shower!

2008-01-22T09:40:00.001-08:00

Lucky You Baby Procawood, you got goof ball parents!

The Food! The Yummy Cupcakes! Did you take a pink one? Or a blue one?

In lieu of a diaper cake we got a Diaper Baby!!! (All snug in the car seat)

Shower Time!

2008-01-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hmm, over due for an update huh? But before I start...anyone else notice that little "egg bebe" at the top of the screen keeps creeping to the right?? Gettin' closer!

Well 2 days ago, my mom and a few close friends hosted a very nice baby shower for me. I didn't want anything over the top (I really squirm at the idea of being the center of attention, I'm much better at coordinating things like this vs. being the person that the shin-dig is being thrown for). It was in moms house, with about 25-30 ladies in attendance. That's not including the grandpa's and uncles hiding in the basement watching the football game. Jeff was kind enough to stay up and enjoy the shower as well as help me open gifts!

There were tons of snacks n' goodies to munch on...Mom made some super yummy over sized cupcakes decorated in pink and blue icing. And people went home with jars of hot coco mix as favors with a little note on it from "the kid" saying "It's still too cold out there for me yet" on it!

We got tons of gifts that will all go to good use! We also received our crib, which was hand made by my step dad and probably one of the most beautiful cribs I've ever seen!! Mom also was super craft and made some adorable "outer wear" for the baby. One of them being a 2 piece outfit, a little white coat, with hood with ears on it...and matching footy pants complete with "polar bear foot prints" on the bottom of each foot!

We spent a good part of the morning prior to the shower trying to find my darn camera charger with no luck! ARG! Me with no camera.....not good. So a few friends with cameras took pix and I so far have received a batch of photos I can now decorate this posting with! Enjoy!

The Crib

The Crib full of gifties

Us checking out the loot!

Guess the Bebe Stats!

2008-01-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

I set up an online game for fun! It's free to play!

http://www.expectnet.com/games/Baby_P

2 Month Count Down!

2008-01-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Today is the 2 month count down until the due date! Granted the baby could come before that...or after that....but as of my appointment yesterday I was measuring "perfect" for our March 8th due date. So we'll see!

Apparently I "aced" my glucose test which was super news! I wasn't really worried...but you never know.

Also, this whole time, I've been feeling I'm having a boy. I don't know why...but just comparing my pregnancy with other friends I figured it's a boy. Now seeing we don't know, we've been having fun with the old wives tales, and per this one, it's a girl:

Old Wives Tales for Pregnancy

To conduct the this old wives take you simply take your baby's heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) using a doppler or fetoscope and look at the chart:

Over 140 = girl
Under 140 = boy

We've always clocked in around 142. Right on the cusp. Though yesterday we got a surprise of 170's!! What's in there?!

Cheers!

2007-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! This has been an "adventurous" week to say the least as far as Bebe Procawood is concerned. Monday, around 1AM I woke up and ended up having the worst stomach bug I've ever had in my life. I'll spare you the details (but don't think you'll be so lucky during my birthing story)....but it was really bad. J got it too! And so did a bunch of other friends and family, but we won't get into that.

I wasn't sure if this was going to harm the baby or not, so after Round 1 of the Exorcist in my bathroom, I grabbed one of my baby books and hunkered down in the guest room (at this point J was still sleeping, and not sick, so I figured maybe I could spare him if I slept in a different room...I was wrong). The book pretty much said, tho I maybe experiencing hell on earth, the baby should be A-OK and not really effected to what's going on outside it's protective little cocoon. Good to know! It did say however, if I had a fever, to call a Dr ASAP. Thankfully, no fever!

Fast forward to Wednesday. My first day back to work after the bug. I really wasn't 100% ready to go back, but my boss needed me, so back in I came. It over all was a light day, so it made it allot easier. Later in the day, I went to the midwife for my 28/29 week check up and to also get checked out post bug. The appointment went well. I had lost a good 10lbs since Sunday due to the bug, and I was a little concerned, but the Midwife said that was expected, and that I could also expect to gain it right back. Super. I was a pinch dehydrated...no surprise there...but over all in good health. The baby was very active that day, and it's heart beat was a strong 146. She was also able to figure out where the baby was in my belly. It's still head up...she said most become head down ready for delivery at week 30, so they'll check me again next visit to see if the baby turned yet. I sure hope I don't have a breached baby! That will chuck my idea of a natural child birth right out of the window!

We now move into the next phase, midwife appointments every other week, versus every 4 weeks. I'll have another appointment right after the new year...this time, with a Doctor and not a Midwife. I am planing on having a Midwife at birth versus a Dr....so they said "for insurance reasons", at some point they like to have me checked out head to toe by a Doctor. More of a physical then a baby appointment. So that's what's next up to bat.

Today, Friday, I went for my 1 hour Glucose screening at Quest. It wasn't as bad as I expected, the glucose I had to drink that is. It was about the size of a soda...and kind tasted like an orange soda with out the fizz. I think I was expecting a thick like syrup, but it was actually on the lighter side. So they give it to me, tell me to have a seat and finish this drink in 5 minutes or less. Geeze, nothing like chuggin' back a drink like that so fast. So down it went. I read the bottle...."May cause vomiting or diarrhea" GREAT that will top my week of just dandy! I survived tho! I did get a bit of heart burn from it oddly though. I sat there for an hour. SO bored! Not to mention, I felt like I was on a super sugar high! I just felt like I should run around the room a few times.

There were 2 other preggo's there. Both taking the THREE hour glucose test (this is what you have to do if you fail the 1 hour). I noticed they had different bottles then I...they had 100mg of glucose where I only had 50. Plus, I heard that you must fast prior to the 3 hour test, where I did not with the one hour. One of the ladies looked miserable. The other one was all dolled up looking just fine. After my hour was up, I had to give a urine and blood sample, and that was it. Easy breezy. As I was putting my jacket back on, the dolled up gal came ruining back looking for a bathroom....she was going to hurl! I later found out this is super common when you have to fast and then ingest this massive amount of sugar. I sure hope I pass so I don't have to test this theory!!

So that's a week in the life of Mama Bean and Baby Bean! I hope our holiday is uneventful and "bug" free!!!

Merry Christmas!

Rounding Third Base!

2007-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow! Here we are! The 3rd Trimester!!! OK, it really starts tomorrow, but I'm not going to have time to blog about it! I guess there really isn't much to blog about now, other then, we're here! The third trimester! Unreal!

This pregnancy for me has gone so fast. But then when I think back, or read back to July....or even think back to June of hauling around Chicago clueless to what was going on inside of me, it seems like so long ago!

I now pretty much have a fully cooked baby inside of me. At this point, it's just going to be growing at a rapid speed to gain weight (which also means the numbers on the scale are going to hit some scary levels!), length and the lungs, the last organ to develop will be doing their best to develop over the next several weeks.

A few people now have asked if I'm scared or freaked out. Nope. Not yet at least. Maybe the reality of all of this hasn't hit yet?? March seems still a bit far off to me. I've not decorated the nursery or bought anything for the baby. I've just focusing on keeping myself healthy during these cold winter months where it seems everyone around me is coughing or sneezing. I figured that's what's most important right now. Keeping myself healthy which is essentially keeping the kiddo healthy. Nursery decor, and cute little outfits, to me, really don't even come in a close second at this point. I just want a healthy baby...all that other stuff can come later.

So with the holidays here, I'll just have to focus as much as I can on making sure our kid isn't living off cookies and treats! This will be tricky I'm sure! I'm such a sucker for home made baked goods. And of course tomorrow I'm hosting our annual holiday cookie swap! Hmm....I think maybe I should put off my glucose testing another week to make sure that's all out of my system! Tis' the season!

"A horse is a horse...."

2007-12-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

My pal Dunkin' Donut

So for over a year now I've been donating 1 night a week to assist handicap riders at a local horse stable. It's probably one of the most rewarding projects I've ever done. I love working with people, and I just adore horses! So for the last year, during all 4 season, I'd show up, groom and tack the horses, then get them warmed up. This would then be followed by assisting the mount for the rider. Some of our riders are so itty bitty, the instructor just has to scoop them up on the horse. Others, like my very first rider ever, was a 35 year old man, who I would guess clocks in to close to 300lbs, paralyzed from an accident he was in during his late 20's. After the rider is on, I would either lead the horse, where it is my sole responsibility to keep the horse in line and under control...or sidewalk, where my job is to make sure that rider stays on the horse, for most of them don't have the physical ability to do it themselves. I would then also assist the therapist in whatever activity we were accomplishing. This job I found both mentally stimulating, and physically exhausting, but all worth it in the end! It was almost like my own weekly therapy! I found it as a great escape during my Pop-Pop's last few months on earth fighting lung cancer. Going to the stables once a week really puts life in perspective.

For the last 6 months, I've kept up with the pace of the stables, but now in my almost 7 month of pregnancy, unfortunately, it's becoming physically to much on my expanding body. I'm not able to twist one way to hold a student on and keep my lower body keep walking forward. I can no longer trot along with the horses with out it feeling like the baby is going to fall out of me...and for the last 2 weeks have required a "stunt double" to stand in for me when trotting came up. I also can not work with the larger students, in fear if one fell, I could jeopardize the pregnancy by taking on the brunt of a large child (or even adult) falling on me. There's also the added risk of tripping, between the therapists feet, and the horses feet, your feet tend to get kicked allot during these exercises.

I will say one thing, I never had a fear of being injured by the horse its self. I think that was my family/friends biggest fear, being kicked or something. And though the horses are "just animals" and I am aware of the risks of working with such creatures....I had no fear in anything like that happening.

I would even like to think, the last few months, my horses have known something is growing in side of me. They seem to have been extra affectionate, especially the mares. A few have even nuzzled my belly! Kinda neat huh?

So here I am, just a few months away from our due date...and I finally feel it's time to hang up the reigns so to speak. I'll miss my weekly furry friends and the wonderful people that rode them! I hope to return once I get the new task of being a mommy...but for now...it's time to start redirecting my focus on this upcoming new event in my life, and hope inside of me I have a future volunteer to work with me at the stables once they're old enough!

Me, last night, saying goodbye to "my" pony Prince

Vroom!

2007-11-26T11:29:00.001-08:00

Watch out here comes the new mommy mobile!

That's right kids! My new car has arrived! I picked it up on Friday, Black Friday to be exact! How's that for boosting the economy! Fun car thus far! Way to many whistles and bells for lil' ol' me! I'm slowy getting over my buyers guilt.

In other news, we had our 24 week check up on Wednesday, right before Thanksgiving. All went well. They measured my belly which I guess was on track, because she didn't say anything. Weighed in (which is starting to get scary! I've never seen numbers "up there" like that before!! I don't think I'm going to look anymore) and got to listen to the heart beat again. Unlike our last visit, the baby was sleeping this time versus kicking up a storm, so we were able to hear a nice steady heart beat of 142. Seems to be it's favorite number ;-)

No News is Good News

2007-11-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in awhile, but look at it this way... No news is good news! This has been an uneventful pregnancy thus far...this is a good thing! Since our last post, not much has gone on. Registry is done, ultrasounds are done (unless there is an issue, so lets hope that was the last one) and the nursery is still a sitting/tv room and will stay that way untill end of January. In December it will be transformed into the "Cookie Room" for the cookie swap!

This upcoming Wednesday I have my 24 Week appointment with my midwife. I think after this appointment we move into 2 appointments a month versus just one. I don't expect much to happen at this next appointment. The only "new" thing they will be introducing will be measuring my belly externally. We also hopefully will have confirmation on J's blood type by then. We KNOW he's A-, but they need "documented proof". Otherwise, I will get some uneccessary shots. I don't care about getting shots, what I have a problem with is anything being injected into me when it's "unnecessary".

J is a trooper. He went to get his "documented proof" of his blood type by donating blood for the first time ever! I'm a seasoned blood donor, so I didn't think it was a big deal. Well the poor guy just about passed out. I think I can say that's the first, and last donation he'll ever be making to the local blood bank.

"The Kid" has been more active then ever, which I just love! I like that reminder that he or she is dancing around in there. When it's sleeping or just relaxing...like right now....I so badly want to wake it up!! I'm sure I won't be thinking the same way later when the baby is out side of me!

Christmas in October

2007-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

So we decided to register for baby cra...er...stuff! It feels a pinch early, but I really didn't want to be doing this during the holiday shopping season.

Our first stop was Target. We decided we'd start there and register for as much as we could because it's a ton cheaper then Babies R' Us (BRU). Well I think we did Target in all of 20 minutes. It was SO hot in there. And no, I'm not talking pregnancy hot flashes. It was a pretty warm day to start with, yet Target had the heat CRANKED inside!!! So we just ran around like crazy zapping things...we can always adjust online right?! While we were there J decided he wanted to get the baby a gift, and bought the kid this super soft (and cute) blanket! I love it because my first baby blanket also had a giraffe on it!

After we left the sauna, well Target, we walked over to Home Depot, just to get some air, water and saw blades.

Then it was time to venture into a store I swore I'd have nothing to do with....the dark side....Babies R' Us. They're evil...because they virtually have no competition, so their prices are out of control! You can find an item there, and find the same exact thing at Target for a good 15-20% less. Hogwash! However, after doing some research on Consumer Reports for the best baby seat / travel system...we find out you can only buy it at BRU.

DAMN YOU BRU!!!

So we met with this quasi pleasant woman at the registration desk who gave us WAY to much information on babies. However we did score a box of freebies! Another huge contrast between the 2 stores, when I told Target I wanted to register, they handed me the zappy gun and left me alone. BRU, they break out this note book (they give you) with the "Must Have List" for new parents.

In so many words or less, she let us know that we should plan on registering for every item on the Must Have List or we will be deemed the worlds worst parents in the history of BRU. After listening to her spiel, and getting the zappy gun....I put the list aside! (I'll show them!!)

It was a lot more comfortable in BRU temperature wise, but it didn't take us long to realize they were blaring Christmas music!! In OCTOBER! If anything it put an extra pep in our step to get the heck out of there. We tried our best to zap the basics, skip the fluff, and nix the stuff we know people will get us even if we don't register for it (bibs, blankies, keepsakes).

I got a kick out of the end of our trip. We went back to hand in our zappy gun and recieve a print out of what we registered for. Well she prints out this 1 page list and in the back of my head I'm thinking "gee, I thought we zapped more stuff then that". She then peers over her glasses at me and says "These are the items you forgot to register for", I look at her puzeled and she says "you know, from your must buy list". ARG! Enough with the Must Buy List! Half the stuff on the list we already registered for over at Target anyway.

So that's done with! We officially have registires at Target and Babies R' Us. Any parents out there want to suggest anything we missed, just let us know! I think there's more then enough though to keep the kid well taken care of for awhile!

Half Way There!

2007-10-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the kiddo as of yesterday, Week 20, 5 Days.
Our check up went really well. The kid is "medium rare" right now...and "perfect and on track" per our midwife. Below, a profile of the kiddo....that's its hand "floating" above.

Knock Knock...Who's There?

2007-10-23T10:01:00.001-07:00

So here it is...Week 20 of the pregnancy! Half way there!!

Over the last couple of day's I've realized....I'm not alone.
There have been a series of "knocks" coming from just below my belly button...Who's there??
It took me a little while to really notice this sensation, I mean it was there, but I wasn't thinking much of it. Now I can't ignore it....there's a baby in my belly. Weiiirrrrddd!!!

I think this is where I'm suppose to have one of those beautiful earth mom moments and relish in the miracle of life. Umm...hellloooo there is a human inside of me trying to get out!!! Just like in Aliens, I'm waiting for this kid to bust through my belly.

How's that for an earth mom moment?
This is a real mom...keepin' it real yo! ;-)

So just in the nick of time, J will be returning tonight from Wyoming and at 8:30 AM tomorrow we have our 20 week checkup with our midwife. We're also having a routine ultrasound done. This is our 2nd and hopefully last ultrasound (they'll only peek again if there's an "issue"). And for the record, this is "the" ultrasound most modern parents are looking forward too. This is the ultrasound we can find out the sex of the baby. But we're going old school. We're not finding out. Does it really matter? It's our first kid... a 50-50 shot! Can't really go wrong with either sex! I really don't want a fluffy pink nursery or a robust blue room. I rather stick with my neutral greens and yellows...I prefer those colours anyway! I figured there are plenty years ahead of us of "gender specific" themed rooms anyway....I'd like to enjoy 1 room decorated by us, that just says "baby room".

Tomorrow I should be posting an update AND pictures! That's right! I finally got a scanner at the office! Wee! Now if only my blog wasn't blocked at work! Oddly, I can post blogs at work, I just can't read them!!! Or comments left for me...I'll have to make sure I log on from home to see any witty remarks left by our friends. Until tomorrow!

Mustang Sally

2007-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Check out my rental car!!!

It's funny, some coworkers heard I was getting a new car...and assumed this was it! My 3 favorite comments from coworkers:

Maintenance Guy: "WOAH! Nice Car! And here I thought you would get a mini van!"

Female Coworker: "WOW! Did you go all out!! *pause* But how are you going to get a baby seat in and out of there?"

1 Male Coworker to another Male coworker as I drive by slowly with the window down: Guy 1 to guy 2: "What the heck is E driving?!?!?" - Guy 2 to Guy 1: "Didn't you hear? That's her new mommy car!"

Beep Beep....Crunch

2007-10-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Cars. You either love them or hate them.

I think I was happier back when I lived in Center City Philadelphia and didn't need a car. Walking to work was the best. Even in bad weather.

So, for the last couple of years, I've been driving my lemon on wheels, my 2000 bright yellow VW Beetle. I will never buy VW again, I've sunk more money in to this car then I can even begin to comprehend. But let's focus on the positive tho shall we...even if it only lasts half way through this post.

There's a baby on the way...and Mama needs a new car!!! I finally bit the bullet and we went to Honda last Friday night to talk numbers on a new 2008 CRV. This was very exciting, yet scary at the same time. I've never owned a brand new car out of the box, let alone purchase one. The trim level that I want hasn't even been built yet! After lots of back and forth on statistics of the car and prices. I finally settled on a 2008 Honda CRV EXL...cream of the crop! If I'm going to do this, minus well do this all the way! This car is going to have to last me until the kid is out of college!

It will be "Born" tomorrow, in Japan! It has all the whistles and bells (tho not the ski rack as pictured! I did however add a roof rack). It's Tea Green with Beige leather interior! (We figured it would be easier to clean then cloth with a baby).

I've never really be good at or into negotiating, but over the years I've gotten better. I was so proud of myself when I did a sarcastic "You're kidding me right?!" when the dealer pushed a number across the table for the trade in on my bug. Now between you and me, that car has ISSUES. But I still wanted a particular number for this car, and what he was offering me was $800 below my drop dead price. Then he had the nerve to say that number would even be smaller in November seeing that's when the actual switch-er-roo with the cars would take place. Not gonna happen. I told him I wanted my number...and guaranteed to hold up in November. He said he didn't think he could do that...and I said "certainly someone can!"... Long story short, the manager backed up my number....and I got it in writing.

But then he said it....the curse words. As he hands me this document, promising me my trade in value in November he chuckles....

"Now don't go hitting a deer or anything!"

Why did he say that? Why did he have to say that?

So let's flash forward to my morning. I make it to work, deer free. I'm slowly driving through the school parking lot when "crunch"....a small SUV (but an SUV no less) drives right into my passenger side, towards the rear wheel well.

This so didn't just happen. I truly had no reaction. Not upset, not sad, nothing. All I could remember is the sales guy chuckling "Now don't go hitting a deer or anything!". Did this really just happen?!

I pull over and park....then the lil' SUV pulls aside me...before I could even see the damage to my car, I saw the shock on the drivers face (A young 20 something Nanny dropping her bosses kids off) as she looked at my car. "OH MY GOD! I'M SO SORRY! THIS WAS ALL MY FAULT!!!". Magic words to hear if you are ever in an accident, and thankfully, buy now I had some witnesses to document her saying this over and over. Her car was banged up as well...worse then mine. I give VW one thing, they sure make a strong car. Take that SUV!

This sounds cruel....but I felt better after the fact she JUST bought this car. HA....we're even now kid!

As she stood there she went through a million emotions, freaking out, cursing, crying, shaking. I just stood there, calm as can be, but in complete disbelief! The dealer HAD to say something didn't he?! ARG!

Anyway, this is more then enough on this topic. Her insurance company called me right away and said their driver was at fault (no duh!) and that they'll be paying for everything. You bet they will!

I also called my midwife, who asked for a play by play of the impact and it was decided unless there was a blow to the tummy area (which there was not)....the baby was all snuggly safe in my belly at the time awaiting breakfast.

In the meantime, I don't have to trade the Beetle in until my new car arrives mid to late November.

I think this injury to my car will just be our secret....no need to share this story with Honda now is there???

Hide n' Go Seek!

2007-09-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a lot of women, when they get pregnant have this "instant bond" with their baby. Rubbing their belly, talking to it, etc. Up until this point I really haven't felt a "bond". I really don't even feel pregnant yet. Just have an expanding waist line which makes it look like I fell off the Weight Watchers wagon real fast. I've felt awesome these 4 full months, not braggin', just sayin'. My hat goes off to all the mommies with their head buried in the toilet.

So that said, I didn't think much of our 16 week check up yesterday, until I noticed the midwife wasn't finding the heart beat. Maybe I expected her to find it as fast as last time...forgetting last time they had a "visual" on the baby. I've always assume babies are hanging out some where behind your belly button. I assume she did as well because that's where she started with the doppler. She scanned around for a few. Nothing. Then she moved to my left side and slowly started doing a sweep of my abdomen. Nothing. It wasn't until she was doing a second pass of my belly button area, I realized, maybe "the kid" isn't there anymore? Was my abode not up to par? So they decided to skip town? Why isn't she finding the heart beat?

As she passes my bell button, I hear a faint heart beat, "Finally" I think. She looks at me and says "well there's your heart beat" ARG! I don't care about mine! At this point, I truly think I stopped breathing. My midwife picked up on this and said "no worries, as the baby gets bigger, it will be easier to find the heart beat". We've run out of belly to explore, she's starting to dip towards my side. Great, now we can hear my liver?!?! But wait....what's that? Now there's a flurry of noise coming out of the speaker.

There's the kid! Playing hide n' go seek!

I didn't even know they could go all the way over there. But she said when they're small, they get around! Who would have thunk it!? Not only was the heart nice and strong, but the kid sure doesn't like being poked by the doppler. No napping this time. Instead it was kicking up a storm at the doppler! This made the midwife smile. She said that's a really good sign to have a feisty little kid in there.

This whole ordeal probably took about a minute. But both J and I agreed it felt like a good 30 minutes if not more.

Now I don't know if I'm going to join the leauge of tummy rubbers just yet, but I will say, I'm definatly more aware of a presence down there now, especially when I thought they skipped town with out leaving a note.

And for the record, the kid is officially grounded for a week for scaring the bejesus out of us!

AAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!

2007-09-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is the scariest photo I've ever seen. This would be my worse nightmare! Have I mentioned how much I hate clowns?! Great, now I'm going to have nightmares up until the point my kid comes out now!

Article: Super Moms - Now More Super Than Ever!

2007-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

A coworker just sent me a congrats card with a copy of this article in it. I got a kick out of it!! I just had to share!

Super Moms - Now More Super Than Ever!
By PAM LOBLEY

THE FRONT PAGE of the New York Times recently featured a 7-month- old sitting on the toilet, potty-trained. Well, she wasn't sitting, exactly, because she couldn't sit on her own yet. Her mother had to hold her over the toilet, but though she lacked the muscular development to sit, she could control her bladder.

Is she a super baby? No, she is evidence of a hot new trend, which is to never use diapers at all, and to train your baby from the earliest age to "go" when placed over a toilet.

I feel sorry for new mothers these days. There is way too much pressure on them. It starts in pregnancy. For one thing, you have to wear tight T-shirts now and show off your bulging "bump." No more hiding behind flowing blouses; the shirts and pants are now skin- tight.
When I was pregnant my stomach looked cute enough, I guess, but my thighs looked like dimpled telephone poles. I was grateful for baggy blue jeans.

Then you have to have a home birth with no anesthesia. Gather your friends and family, charge up the digital camera and prepare to soil your bed past recognition. It may take 48 hours of breathtaking agony to pass the baby, but it will make a great home movie!

Then you need to breastfeed, immediately and successfully. If you don't absolutely love nursing and find it the single most fulfilling thing you've ever done as a woman (not counting painful and medically unassisted childbirth) then there's obviously something wrong with you.

Any problems you have with flow or latch on are your fault: you are too tense, you are not holding the baby correctly, you are not drinking enough water, you may have bonding issues.

As soon as you can walk again, you need to start learning the art of baby massage. There are plenty of expensive classes and coaches to help you. After all the feeding, holding, walking and swaddling have left you drunk with fatigue, you can apply the five brain cells you have left to embracing this new skill! As if carrying the baby with you everywhere you go isn't enough, you learn the "right way" to stroke and knead your baby so it will be more relaxed. After all, babies have a lot of stress.

Once the little darling is a few months old, you can teach it sign language. Yes, babies as young as a few months are now being taught to "say" words so they can tell you precisely what they want! As if they're not going to grow up and nag the daylights out of you anyway!

Personally, I think the frustration of not immediately getting what you want is an important life lesson. Let them grunt and squawk and wave their little arms at you. Most mothers know what it all means anyway, without formal language study.

And of course, the greatest new feat for mothers to tackle: the diaperless baby. Simply carry it around all the time, butt naked, and constantly watch it for signs of squirming or other facial distortion. This will tell you the baby is ready to "go." Then drop everything you were doing to run and hold its floppy, flailing newborn body over the toilet.

Doesn't that sound much easier than diapers?

I realize that in many other cultures babies have never used diapers. They wear split pants or stay naked on the bottom and a mother or other caretaker is completely entwined with them all day long to tend to their needs.

But these cultures value interdependence and community. They are not raising children who will be expected to enjoy sleep-away camp by the age of 6. Don't kid yourself for one minute that American mothers are interested in interdependence and community - we outgrew those things long ago. The diaper-free baby, like the sign language baby and the tight pregnancy T-shirt, is just another way to show off. It says "Look how well I'm doing this motherhood thing!"

I am not worried about the babies. Kids are so adaptable, they'll all grow up fine. They will be well taken care of. But what about all these perfect, overachieving, status-obsessed moms?

Who will take care of them?

***

Pam Lobley is a freelance writer living in Bergen County and appearing on alternate Mondays in the Record. Her Web site is www.pamlobley.com. Send comments about this column to opedpage@gmail.com.
Source: Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.

Rounding First Base

2007-09-10T11:26:00.001-07:00

I'm not slacking, I swear! Just with school starting up, work has been busy busy!

Well we're back from MA! We had a great time visiting T&T! It had me thinking of all the places the baby has been thus far. Chicago! Rush Concert in July, then a nice long weekend trip to Massachusetts! Should we run off to Disney before it's born? That way when it begs for a trip to Disney I can say "Sorry kid, you already went! I can't help it if you don't remember"...hehe...OK I won't do that.

In baby news, we're just a few days away from the 2nd Trimester! They say if you had any sickness in the first trimester, which I did not, it will now go away. They also say your energy will come back, which I have been noticing. One thing I am noticing however, are headaches. Apparently this is very common, due to surges of hormones. Super. I am allowed to take Tylenol, but I prefer not too. I mean I never took anything for headaches prior to being pregnant, why start now?

Just about everyone at work now knows about "the kid". Thanks to my boss making an announcement at some late night meeting! Boy was I surprised when I got an 8am phone call from a Trustee congratulating me! I had to go into overdrive to quickly tell some close coworkers my news before they found out via the grapevine!

Yesterday, Mom called to say my step dad would like to build "the kid" a crib! How cool is that? I already picked out the style and plan! Here it is!!

Super Mom to the Rescue!

2007-08-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

So now a days, most couples (especially in NJ) can't afford to have an at home parent. It's possible sometimes, but then there is usually a struggle that goes along with it. We were kind of stuck in a rut over this.

The idea of handing our new bundle of joy over to a day care center broke our heart. We have no objections mind you to daycare, it's just when we see signs that say "now accepting 6 week olds!"...we cringed. Are their immune system even working yet? And who is this person I'm giving my baby too? I would really prefer to wait until they are 6-12 months before we do day care. It was just a tough fact of life we had to face.

Let's just say we could get past that whole bundle of joy going off to day care. Then there are the costs. A "cheap" place by our home starts in the mid $700 a month. The area we would prefer to take the kid too, is ton more. Day care? Or mortgage payment? Who needs to eat anyway!

For one of us to stay home it really wasn't an option...if in fact we wanted to keep our home. The only way it would really work is for us to give up our house, and go back to apartment living. I don't know about you, but I've never been a big fan of taking steps back to where you came from.

So we just as we were figuring out how to budget day care in our lives...Super Mom came to the rescue! I got a call from my mom on a lazy Saturday....with a "proposal". After informing her I was already married (I'm so funny!), she re-worded what she wanted to say, and asked if we would be open to her being our "daycare provider". I was so caught off guard by this extremely generous offer, I almost cried!

J was out mowing the lawn, and though I was totally cool with this, I wanted to run it by him first. My step dad by the way, has been calling the kid "Enzo". He decided with our Italian last name, it was only proper to give "him" a strong ethnic Italian first name. (Yes, he too thinks we're having a boy). He said if we let them watch our kid....he gets to call the baby Enzo.

When J came in from mowing the lawn and I told him of this awesome proposal, with the Enzo clause. With out hesitation, J said "Your step dad can call our baby whatever the heck he wants if they're willing to watch him!" So Enzo it is I guess!! (And no...we're not naming the baby Enzo....or Paul or Paula which is my father in laws 2 cents on naming the kid).

Sleeping has been much easier now, knowing our kid is going to be watched over by the same person who raised and my brother! I think we turned out OK! The kid will also be watched over once a week by their very own (and only) great grandparent! I'll take the kid up to my Nana's once a week for a full day of fun and bonding! Mom will be there too!

One less thing to worry about! Now I just need to figure out how to afford a new car before the kid arrives! Wee fun!!!

Off to Massachutes we go for the weekend! Ta!

My Little Gummy Bear

2007-08-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Monday August 27th, 2007.....we got to see our kid!

We had our first ultrasound done at 12 weeks and 4 days. And let me tell you, it was an out of body experience! For both of us!! So weird! I still have a hard time making the connection in my brain that the little person on the monitor was actually in me. If I think about it to much, well then I think of the movie Aliens or something. So maybe I should just not think about it too much.

So that goo stuff they put on your belly, I expected it to be cold, only to find out it was warm...almost hot! They have a little warmer for it! I was also surprised the amount of pressure they push on your to use the doppler thing. It didn't hurt, but on TV it always looks like it's gliding over the belly.

After a few minutes of fuzzy black and white images on the screen....there it was! We could see the head and body...and I could make out hands and feet, however, it looked more like a gummy bear! You know, the little nubs that stick out of the torso?! Where are the arms and legs?

Come to find, "the kid" (as we refer to it), was all curled up sleeping! After a quick "poke" to my belly, the kid jolted, limbs flew around for a brief second, before curling back up and going back to sleep! That kid is already like his sleepy parents! We can sleep through anything!

The technician also, without warning, turned the sound on, where we could hear a very strong heart beat! That was amazing to hear! A strong 156 beats! In my readings on line today, a healthy baby will clock in anywhere between 120's and 160. So that's a good sounding heart beat!

Once that was all done, we were instructed to sit back in the waiting area, to wait to see the midwife. So we waited....and waited....and waited. An hour and a half later they finally saw us! It was a busy day there! And if it wasn't for the fact J and I were still on cloud 9 after our ultrasound experience...I would have been pretty ticked!

Midwife went over some blood tests I had just done, I'm as healthy as a horse! She was happy to hear the ultra sound went well and that the heart beat was so strong. The ultrasound tech decided my due date is now March 6th. My midwife, refused to change her date of March 8th. I say...whatever! The kid will come when the kid is ready!

So that was our exciting day! We don't have another appointment for 4 weeks, and we won't get another ultrasound for another 8. We do however have several photo's from last nights appointment we have hanging on our refrigerator! As soon as I get my new office scanner, I'll have to put the photo's online!

So that's it for now and our little gummy bear! More to come!

Pricked!

2007-08-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Not much to report! Next Monday is our 12 week mark and we'll receive an ultrasound! I plan to post that picture once we get it! Sure wish my office scanner would show up!

Today I was pricked! I had to go for a blood test. I will say, the girl was good! No fussin' around, got right into the vein and did what she needed to do. I've never had a problem giving blood. I'm a blood donor. I however, prefer to look anywhere but my arm while this is going on.

As I was getting ready to leave, I saw a super cute toddler and his dad go into the room next to me. The poor kid had to give blood, and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty! The kid was howling! How traumatic! He has no idea what's going on. Dad and some lady in a white coat are all but sitting on him to keep him still! So didn't envy that dad!! I felt so bad for both of them!

In other news....Jeff and I seem to have kicked off the 2008 Baby Boom! We know a couple other people who are also expecting around the same time as us...and I'm sure more to come! At least we started the trend for a change! We tend to do stuff after everyone else! OK, so some of these people are having their 2nd kid....but still....we're like soooo trendy in '08! :-P

Boy or Girl?

2007-08-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we're on a roll telling people a kiddo is on the way, still more people to tell, mostly friends at this point. Just about everyone wanted to know if we are going to find out the sex of our baby. We've decided no. There's really no reason. We're having a baby! As long as it's healthy, that's all we can pray and wish for! BUT, it's still fun taking a guess. For example... I think I'm having a boy. But would be equally as happy to be totally surprised and have a little girl pop out! I just found this on ivillage.com and thought it was fun. I bolded things that are happening to me. What do you think we are having?

It's a boy if:

You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (thank God!)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute (don't know, but will know soon)
You are carrying the extra weight out front (hmm..i think that was always there)
Your belly looks like a basketball
Your areolas have darkened considerably
You are carrying low
You are craving salty or sour foods
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy (i'm just colder in general)
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
Your hands are very dry
Your pillow faces north when you sleep (are you kidding me?!)
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you (he's trying his best to avoid this!)
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
Your urine is bright yellow in color
Your nose is spreading
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
You are having headaches
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number (er yeah, i did get kicked out of college for failing math remember?)

It's a girl if:

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear (hips...story of my life)
Your left breast is larger than your right breast
Your hair develops red highlights
You are carrying high
Your belly looks like a watermelon
You are craving sweets
You are craving fruit
You crave orange juice ( i wouldn't say crave, but i have more interest in it)
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
Your face breaks out more than usual (well that's a tricky one, another story of my life, but it does seem worse, but I'm also not washing w/ silica acid anymore)
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread (oh my god! My husband is having a girl!)
Your breasts have really blossomed!
Your pillow faces south when you sleep
Your urine is a dull yellow color
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number

So you decide....boy or girl? I'm open for bidding!