Our Baby Boy - Thomas Evan

Allow me to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Thomas Evan.

He arrived today at 2:59 pm and is my biggest newborn to date, weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces.  He is 21.5 inches long and is doing great!

Despite the fatigue that is finally starting to hit me, I want to share his birth story.  We arrived at the hospital this morning to have my water broken, which happened at around 8:00 am.  I was 4 cm dilated and about 60% effaced when we started.  Contractions began soon after, but didn't really progress as I would have liked, so Evan and I took a walk around the block at around 10:30 or so.  After a good walk, I returned to my room and the contractions really amped up quickly and I was asking for the epidural pretty quickly.  I was still at 4 cm right before they gave me the epidural, but I had made it to about 80% effaced and the baby's head had descended even more.  I got the epidural just before noon and by 1:00 I was nearly 9 cm dilated!  By 1:50, it was time to push!

I started pushing at 1:53 and that boy just kept getting stuck!  His head got jammed behind my pelvic bone and we were really struggling to get him to move.  I gave it all I had, but nausea and fatigue started to affect me after a while.  At least we were still able to crack jokes in between contractions!  Finally at around 2:45 or so, I brought up the idea of using a vacuum to help him get out.  Thankfully, he only needed that help for about 30 seconds (1 or 2 pushes) and the head came out.  I had to hold things up for a moment or two (which is easier said than done!) because poor Thomas had the cord wrapped around his neck TWICE!  My doc got the cord cut quickly and my baby boy was out!

We were a little concerned about him at first because he wasn't crying the "lusty cries" like they prefer to hear and was doing a lot of grunting instead.  Considering the issues with the cord, they were concerned he had mucus or something else obstructing his airway.  He was taken to the nursery and given some oxygen and got his back beat on a bit until he started breathing and hollering a bit better.

So far, I can report that he is a lusty nurser, appears to like being swaddled good and tight, and is super-cute.  I think I'll keep him.

Once I'm a bit more rested, I'll share a few more details on what's going on with me.  Let's just say it hasn't exactly been an uneventful postpartum stay so far.  Regardless, I'm just happy Thomas is here and healthy!

Deja Vu

Have you noticed on Facebook the new little feature on the corner that tells you what your status was in a different year?  I had to laugh today because my status on August 30, 2009 was "Officially on maternity leave.  Now just waiting on baby to arrive!"  I guess I'm on some kind of two year procreation rotation.

Anyway, here's the update on this whole birthing fiasco.  If you read my post from September 9th, 2009 you'll basically get about 75% of the story for this baby!  I suffered through two rounds of false labor over the weekend that left me frustrated and annoyed.  I went in to see my doctor this morning and I was still sitting at 3 cm dilated, but the baby's head is very engaged (which must be why I've felt like he's been trying to dig his way out of there).  She stripped my membranes and made arrangements for me to come in to Labor & Delivery tomorrow morning at 7:30 to break my water!

So, unless I go into labor on my own this evening, I can plan on meeting my baby tomorrow! 

I'll keep you posted as things develop, but the good news is that it looks like I just might get my August baby after all! 

Just for fun, enjoy this little video I took at Culver's after my appointment today.  Hard to say, but I think my boys were enjoying themselves.  :)




This one is kind of fun too.  As it turns out, Micah has a bit of the flair for the dramatic as well.  Check out how much he really throws himself into his death scenes.  This theater nerd is so proud!!

Project Life Tuesday - August Week Four

Hello and welcome to Project Life Tuesday! I am taking a photo every day in 2011 and putting them together in an album to create a unique keepsake of this year for our family.  Be sure to check in on what others are doing with their projects over at The Mom Creative!

Sunday, August 21st - He wants so badly to help Mommy, so I handed my little superhero a dusting rag and told him to have at it! 

Monday, August 22nd - Despite a harrowing moment where the van refused to start, we made it to Madison so my friend Jenn could take some maternity photos.  Micah was being an absolute stinker, so I'm thrilled she was able to get this shot with both boys in it.  I can't wait to see the rest of her shots!

Tuesday, August 23rd - And in stark contrast to Monday's photo, here is how you can usually find my kids interacting with one another.  Ah, boys.

Wednesday, August 24th - I moved the magazines out of one of the baskets in the living room and replaced them with a stash of wipes, burp clothes, and newborn size diapers.  The boys contributed by "sorting" the new baby's diapers.

Thursday, August 25th - Usually it's me who ends up getting hurt while playing with the kids, but this time it was Daddy who sustained the injury!  Micah's front teeth connected with the bridge of his nose, actually drawing blood.  Isaiah hopped onto Daddy's lap the second I grabbed the camera to document the injury.

Friday, August 26th - I brought the kids down to the VFW park to enjoy the beautiful weather down by the river.  They tried to throw rocks in the water and enjoyed watching canoes go by.

Saturday, August 27th - I figured this might be the last time we get to go out to eat anywhere other than fast food any time soon, so we enjoyed a dinner together at Cheeseburger in Paradise.  The photo isn't great, but I was happy it captured what a good time we had!

I'm sorry there isn't a photo of a brand new baby boy to share yet.  Hopefully soon!

Checking In

False labor is arguably one of the most annoying things on the planet!  I had contractions off and on all afternoon on Friday and by supper-time, they were really uncomfortable.  I went for a walk and got them really ramped up to the point of painful and then settled down on the couch for a while to see if they would keep up.  I started timing my contractions and they varied between 2 and 8 minutes apart for a good couple of hours, so I called my mother to have her make the drive over to our house so she could stay with the kids. 

Wouldn't you know it....the dang things quit about 20 minutes before she pulled in the driveway.  Rats.  She spent the night in case I went into labor in the wee hours, but nothing happened.  So, I guess the good news is that I got to have a nice impromptu visit with my mother, but the bad news is that she had to drive two hours, but didn't get to meet her new grandson! 

Nothing really has happened ever since.  I'm trying to avoid the temptation to toss a couple of tablespoons of castor oil into a smoothie.

11 Days and Counting

Sorry to disappoint, but I literally have nothing to report.  How lame is it that I have to write a blog post just to update you on the fact that nothing is happening?  Ugh.

Anyway, I'm at 38 weeks & 3 days preggers, otherwise known as 11 days from my due date.  At my OB appointment on Wednesday, she said I was dilated to 3 cm, "softening," and the baby's head was good and low.  All good things that point to impending labor, but alas.  No contractions or any other pre-labor signs for me to speak of since.

All in all, I just feel very......well.....pregnant.  Lots of pressure, weight, discomfort, and sporadic contractions.  Nothing decisive. 

Still holding out hope for an August baby here, folks.  One thing working in my favor is Murphy's Law.  You know, the old saying "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong?"  As it turns out, my doctor is going to be out of town on Saturday and Sunday so the way I figure it, that means that I will definitely be having this baby on one of those two days.  Right?

And because every blog post needs a photo, here's a fun little nugget for you.  Check out what Micah looked like at this time last year:

Ah yes.  Barely even an inkling of the troublesome little stinker he was about to grow into.  Now, if you'll excuse me.  It's only been an hour and 15 minutes since I put Micah down for a nap and I need to go back in there for the 12th time and return him to bed.  Good times.

Status Report

Last night, I tweeted this little gem: 

The bedtime battle rages on. I think childbirth will be a nice break from this torture.

So, it is safe to say that we are most definitely not out of the woods with Micah's sleep habits as of yet.  It took over an hour last night to get that boy to sleep and probably at least 20 times returning him to his bed.  And all that was after it took me an hour and 15 minutes doing the same song and dance at naptime!  Honestly, Micah's sleep struggles have Evan and I completely strung out.  We're following the "expert" advice and not engaging with him when we put him back to bed over and over and over and over, but it's been WEEKS now!  It's not supposed to take this long for the child to adjust, is it?  And then there's the overnight hours where I'm hefting my extremely pregnant self out of bed several times a night just to tuck Micah's blanket back over him give him his nuk if he's dropped it.  If I don't go in there, he ramps up his whining to screaming and then will get out of bed, starting the whole nightmare over again. I'm seriously starting to consider writing a letter to Supernanny.
 

We're trying so hard to do the right thing here, but the patience is starting to wear thin at the worst possible time since we'll be bringing home a newborn any day now! 

 

Newborn Micah John coming home in 2009

(He slept just fine at this point!)



Speaking of that newborn, we're just playing the waiting game right now.  I'm at 38 weeks, one day right now.  (FYI, Isaiah was born at 38-2!)  I have an appointment with my doctor tonight to check things out, but I really haven't had any contractions or anything else going on as of late to lead me to suspect anything is going to happen in the immediate future.  I'm still thinking it will be at least the weekend or next week before this show gets on the road.  And I'm still pulling for an August birthday buddy! 
 
I'll keep ya posted!
 
And let me know if you have any sage wisdom when it comes to Micah's sleep troubles.  Until I get this kid's sleep under control, he'll continue to occupy the room that needs to be the baby's.  We'll be in a bit of an inconvenient spot until then!

Project Life Tuesday - August Week Three

Hello and welcome to Project Life Tuesday! I am taking a photo every day in 2011 and putting them together in an album to create a unique keepsake of this year for our family.  Be sure to check in on what others are doing with their projects over at The Mom Creative!

Sunday, August 14th - My favorite birthday tradition, taking in a show at American Players Theater.  Unfortunately, I suddenly felt extremely ill just before the show and was super uncomfortable through the whole performance of Of Mice and Men.  It was an exceptional show and we really had a great time despite my discomfort.

Monday, August 15th - My 28th birthday!  I felt so sick all day long, but managed to pull it together in order to go out to dinner at The Melting Pot with my sister-in-law.  It was totally worth it because that meal was downright delectable.

Tuesday, August 16th - I dropped the boys off at Evan's office so I could go spend three hours at the salon (massage, haircut, pedicure....amazing!) and Isaiah couldn't resist getting his grubby little hands on his Daddy's safety glasses.

Wednesday, August 17th - Micah has been having a blast playing with Brian's leash ever since we got it out on Monday.  Sometimes he hooks it up to his brother's Clifford toy, but most of the time he just drags it behind him and pretends there's a puppy attached.

Thursday, August 18th - Honestly, I don't know where Micah comes up with these goofy faces!

Friday, August 19th - I realized I hadn't yet taken a photo of my boys in their new ride, so I snapped this photo before heading into town in our van.

Saturday, August 20th - I love getting an email on my birthday for a free meal at Noodles & Co.  Nothing says Happy Birthday like free food!  I even tried something new and got the Japanese Pan Noodles today - yum!

There's a chance next week's Project Life will feature a photo of the new member of our family!  Any day now, we'll be welcoming our new little baby.  Stay tuned!

Maternity Photos - Sneak Peak!

Before I was even back home in my garage, Jenn had already posted these three photos on Facebook as a sneak peak from my maternity session.  I was blown away.

Micah was being a little turd and it's always awkward to be in front of the camera rather than behind it, especially when you're 38 weeks pregnant.

But these are great, really great.

I can't wait to see the rest!  Thank you so much, Jenn!  You rock!

A Monkey and a Mule

Allow me to tell you a little story that illustrates the difference between my sons.  I brought home a couple muffins from the restaurant for the boys to have the next morning for breakfast.  I was in the bathroom getting ready for work while Evan got them settled in and eating. 

Evan says to them, "Boys, what do you say to Mommy for bringing you muffins?"

Isaiah replies sweetly, "Thank you Mommy!"

Nothing but quiet comes from the other kid at the table, so Evan tried to rouse his thanks by saying, "Micah......."

My youngest immediately chimes in with a rather annoyed "WHAT??!!"

We've got ourselves one trained monkey and one stubborn mule.

Nesting

Source: cutestuffbyjo.juliemayree.com via Sarah on Pinterest

(Photo is obviously NOT of my baby, but I thought it went along nicely with the post!)

Call it "nesting" if you will, but I'm leaning more toward the concept of "finally getting my act together to get ready for this baby to show up!"  A couple days ago, I hefted a couple Rubbermaid totes full of baby clothes up from the basement and filled Micah's top dresser drawer with newborn onesies, pants, and sleepers.  It was somewhat scary to be looking at such teeny tiny clothes again!  It's kind of funny to see how many of those items are permanently stained from crazy projectile newborn poo.....so not looking forward to dealing with that mess. 

Once I actually had some clothes to put Baby in, I dug out the old baby carseat so that I could actually get the little buggar home from the hospital.  I installed the newborn insert, adjusted the straps, wiped down the inside, and busted out the base.  Evan was kind enough to take it to the van this morning for me, so it's all set to get installed once we need it!

Clothes - check.  Carseat - check.  Diapers - check.  Thankfully, I've been stocking up on diapers for months now whenever I've come across a good price.  I have the top shelf of Micah's closet stuffed with diapers ranging from size Newborn all the way up to 4!  Should be enough to at least get me started.  I do still need more wipes though.  Add that to the Target list!

The goal for this weekend is to make some more steps toward being ready to take care of the new bambino.  I'm planning to hit Target on Saturday to pick up the sleeper I wrote about in the baby stuff post:

Source: target.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I'm also going to go ahead and order the bag for the breast pump since I have no way of knowing how long that will take to actually ship to me.  Probably should have done that a couple weeks ago, actually!!

Source: lansinohstore.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I'll probably also pull the "Buy It" trigger on the goofy looking bathtub:

Source: amazon.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I also need to dig out my box of baby bottles to see if I need to replace any, double check to make sure I have plenty of breast milk bags, Tucks pads, and all the other not-so-glamorous things that become necessities after a baby is born. 

Whew!  I have my work cut out for me!  About two-ish weeks to go!

TMI Alert

Warning:  This post will contain references to bodily functions and other such not-so-pleasant things.  Just keepin' it real.

If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you already know that despite the fact I was spoiled with a three-hour visit to the spa yesterday (seriously, check out my cute little toes!!!), I was awake in the middle of the night yet again last night, feeling rotten.

Today, I feel miserable.

I have no idea if it's related to pregnancy, prepping for labor, or if I'm just plain sick, but I feel awful.  I'm on Day 3 of having nasty diarrhea.  I tossed and turned most of the night, fighting off what I could only figure to be another bout of bathroom fun of one sort or another or perhaps the onset of labor.  At about 2:38 am (give or take), I retreated to the couch so Evan wouldn't have to deal with my grunts of discomfort and my annoyance with my insomnia.

I have no appetite whatsoever.  All I've eaten so far today is a bowl of cereal and a fruit smoothie.  I'm exhausted due to lack of sleep over the last few nights, I'm nauseous, and I just feel rotten. 

Honestly, I didn't mean for this to be a whiny pity party blog post.  I'm just frustrated by feeling icky. 

In other news, we've decided to drop the price on our house for the first time and we've got some new strategies in the works for marketing it.  Hopefully when all is said and done, we'll be the bargain of the neighborhood and this house will be SOLD!!  (Website might take a bit yet to reflect the price drop, but it will be $163,900)

I brought the baby carseat up from the basement today.  Every time the boys walk by it, they point at it and say, "Awww....baby!  Cute!"  I love it.  It makes me smile every time I pass it on the way to the bathroom.  Gross, huh?  That's my day though!  We're having a movies on the couch day....with lots of bathroom breaks.  Might even try to sneak a nap in there. 

Let's end on a positive note, shall we?  Check out my new haircut!

I'm so happy to have it up off my neck FINALLY!!  It's always scary to let someone new cut your hair, but I think the stylist did a pretty good job.  I'll definitely go back to her....if we still live here by the time I can get my hair cut again, that is!

Project Life Tuesday - August Week Two

Hello and welcome to Project Life Tuesday! I am taking a photo every day in 2011 and putting them together in an album to create a unique keepsake of this year for our family.  Be sure to check in on what others are doing with their projects over at The Mom Creative!


Sunday, August 7th - The boys love dancing and they were thrilled to get Daddy in on the fun!
 

 
Monday, August 8th - Some mornings, Isaiah will get up early and head into the living room by himself to play his Explorer before the rest of us even get up.  He's a boy who can appreciate his "alone time" already!
 

 
Tuesday, August 9th - I was making supper and Micah climbed up on the bar stools and started making all these funny faces at me.  This one was my favorite.
 

 
Wednesday, August 10th - Evan took a vacation day and we brought the boys to the Wisconsin State Fair, famous for their cream puffs.  Micah dove in and enjoyed them immensely, but Isaiah refused to even try them.  His loss!
 

 
Thursday, August 11th - I loved walking in on Isaiah "reading" his Jack and the Beanstalk book to his little brother.
 

 

Friday, August 12th - Evan has been teasing me for a while now that he was going to take the clippers to Micah's hair, so I finally took him to get it cut today.  He squirmed quite a bit, but overall he did pretty well for his first official haircut.
 

 
Saturday, August 13th - The Truckers' Jamboree was taking place while we were back in Waupun today, so Evan took the boys out to see the trucks after supper.  He got creative and snapped this photo of Isaiah's reflection in a hubcap.
 

 
Thanks for stopping in and I hope you have a wonderful week!

Turning 28

Today is my 28th birthday.  It isn't even lunch time yet and I think it's safe to say that I would really appreciate this day turning around a bit.  It's been awful!!!  :)

We went to American Players Theater last night and although the show was incredible, I felt absolutely terrible the whole time.  I couldn't eat my dinner due to nausea and I spent the entire evening feeling sick and extremely uncomfortable.  Overnight didn't get any better due my hips screaming at me in pain all night long.  I tossed and turned all night; it felt like I didn't sleep at all.

I woke up this morning to horrendous diarrhea.  I've still felt sick all day and I really need to feel better before my dinner reservations with my sister in law tonight!

We took Brian (our dog) into the vet this morning because he was sick all weekend.  While I was loading everyone in the van, Brian peed all over the drivers seat.   I did not notice this until I climbed into the van myself, ready to head out.  You can only imagine what transpired. 

When we got home from the vet, Micah got his finger pinched in the sliding van door. 

Yup, karma could throw me a bone any moment now.

P.S.  Still waiting on X-Ray results for Brian.  I'll report back when I know something.  I'm trying not to think about the possibilitiy of having to have my dog put to sleep on my birthday.

UPDATE:  Brian is home and doing much better.  The vet thinks he probably passed some bladder stones.  I got in a good nap and was able to go out to my birthday dinner at The Melting Pot.  Things definitely got better!!  :)

Birthday Extravaganza

Somehow or another, the stars have aligned this year so that I get absolutely spoiled rotten for my birthday.  Not only do I get to do something fun on the actual date, but I get to stretch out my celebrations over FOUR DAYS!  Honestly, this never happens to me.  I don't even know what to do with myself, I'm so jazzed.  Here's the breakdown:

Day 1: Saturday - After work, we're hopping in the van to trek back to the hometown for a birthday dinner at the in-laws.  My father in law is a grill master and plans on cooking some kind of meat, which translates to "fabulous" in my book.  Pair that with my mother's famous chocolate cake and you've got a winning combination that sounds like "Happy Birthday to Me!"

Celebrating at APT in 2010

Day 2: Sunday - Yes, I do still have to work my usual weekend shift again, but the fun begins soon after.  My mom is coming over to watch the boys for us while Evan and I do what is probably my #1 favorite thing to do on my birthday: go to a play at American Players Theater.  This year, we've jacked it up a notch and decided to get tickets to the BBQ feast they're holding before our performance of Of Mice and Men.  Once again, meat cooked over open flame comes into play when celebrating my birthday.  I'm easy to please, really.

Day 3: Monday (my actual birthday) - This is the day I officially turn 28.  After a normal day at home with my boys, I get to head out on the town in the evening with my sister in law (whose birthday happens to fall on Day 1) for a dinner at The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant that I have heard nothing but rave reviews about.  Apparently I get to dip all kinds of delicious morsels into melted pots of cheese and chocolate.  Yes, please.  Anyone else noticing that all this seems to center around food?  I'm ok with that.

Day 4: Tuesday - To top off the four day marathon celebration of me-ness, my last day of splurging takes me to Cloud 9 Salon and Spa where I am finally going to use the gift card Evan gave me for Mother's Day and I am treating myself to not one, not two, not three, but FOUR services!  I get a pregnancy massage, a haircut, an eyebrow wax, and a pedicure!  Hey, I need to look good in the photos with this new baby, right? 

It's going to be an amazing weekend, folks.  Let's just hope it doesn't get interrupted by something crazy like childbirth.  Wouldn't that be a heck of a birthday surprise?

Mama's Gonna Snap!

My buddy Jenn, new mama and photographer extraordinaire, is doing me a major solid and is going to take some maternity photos for me!  Even though I feel about about big as a hippo and equally as attractive, I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to document what is likely to be my last pregnancy.  In addition, I'm hoping to get the boys involved in this little shoot so I can have some sweet photos of the big brothers getting ready to welcome their third musketeer. 

I did get some maternity photos done when I was pregnant with Isaiah, but I'm hoping to go in a bit of a different direction this time around.  We're shooting the pictures at the Arboretum in Madison, which is a fabulous, natural location with lots of gorgeous grass, flowers, pillars and stone, and even old buildings to use as backdrops.  I'm kind of hoping we land a few shots like this:

Source: gemmphoto.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

or this:

Source: inspiremebaby.com via Sarah on Pinterest

or this:

Source: inspiremebaby.com via Sarah on Pinterest

and I'm planning on wearing a black dress:

Source: brendalandrum.net via Sarah on Pinterest

But this one makes me wish I was wearing an orange tank top and flowy white skirt:

Source: inspiremebaby.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I love the crop on this because it wouldn't show my chins:

Source: dustinizatt.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I love how this one includes the older sibling:

Source: ontobaby.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Another cute one:

Source: weddingsbyheather.com via Sarah on Pinterest

So, in general....this kind of gives you an idea of the feel I'm going for.  Casual, natural, fun.  Can't wait to share the photos with you!

And of course, be sure to check out Jenn's website at http://www.jennvanwyk.com/ to check out her work!

Project Life Tuesday - August Week One

Hello and welcome to Project Life Tuesday! I am taking a photo every day in 2011 and putting them together in an album to create a unique keepsake of this year for our family.  Be sure to check in on what others are doing with their projects over at The Mom Creative!

Sunday, July 31st - Superhero capes, Madison Mallards baseball caps, and bare chests equal instant cuteness from these guys!

 

 

Monday, August 1st - A quick snack of an orange ended up being a bit of a mess once my little monsters got started on them.  By the time he was done, Micah's shirt was spotted all over with orange stains.  They were happy while it lasted though!
 

 
Tuesday, August 2nd - There isn't much my boys love more than a visit to Culver's for lunch.  I'm not afraid to admit that I really enjoy it too.
 

 
Wednesday, August 3rd - We were blessed with a gorgeous day that actually wasn't crazy hot for a change, so I treated the kids to a trip to the zoo.  Micah loved the lion cub and the tiger and Isaiah's a big fan of the penguins, but this photo of them enjoying their ice cream sandwiches just kills me.
 

 
Thursday, August 4th - Micah is starting to want to do things by himself, but he can get really frustrated when it doesn't go the way he hoped.  Thankfully, he will still allow me to help him get his sandals on after he struggles for a minute or two.
 

 
Friday, August 5th - Every once in a while, Isaiah will get it in his head that he wants to put on a "puppet show."  He'll grab socks out of his drawer, create little characters, and start talking away.  Of course, Isaiah can't do much lately without his little shadow copying his every move.
 

 
Saturday, August 6th - I went on a shopping spree in the clearance racks of Kohl's to stock up on clothes for the boys for next year, but I couldn't leave without taking home these two little guys for my little guys.  They love watching Clifford, so these have been a big hit!
 

 
Have a wonderful week!