RJ and Mom had a great heart to heart today. When Reilly naps, I try to spend some good 1:1 quality time with the boy so he doesn't feel neglected! Today we laid on the floor together and he just got this amazing smile and started babbling away. He would pause, then I would start talking to him and he would listen and smile. Once I was done, he would start up again. It was seriously the sweetest 5 minutes I spent all day. I still can't get over how quickly he is changing, and I know before I blink he will be running around with his crazy big sister and talking like a real boy. But for now I will cherish the cooing, even if I can't get him to do it while the videocamera is on for the life of me!
Today I received a gift, a true gift. I was able to go to the grocery store, sans children. It was the most amazing 15 minute shopping trip ever. I could actually load the cart without having to maneuver around a carseat and a toddler. I went through the aisles without a trail of goldfish behind me, or a tiny person screaming the ABC's (or something closely resembling the aBC'S) at the top of her lungs. I got in the checkout line and didn't have to rush forward so all the candybars and tabloids didn't wind up in my cart. Thank you Angela, and thank you Dr. Anthopolous (oh I forgot to mention the only reason I got to grocery shop alone is because my pap smear was much quicker than expected so I had some time to kill before my sitter had to leave). Ahhh. The little things.
I am excited to be blogging again. I feel like bedtime is getting easier. I really have to work on those naps though!!
I have many random thoughts tonight- I am pissed at ebayers. I keep losing bids on Mickey Mouse costumes in the last few minutes. I can't believe what some people are bidding for these costumes. There has to be a better way. More to come...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Three months flew by...
I thought I would be able to keep the blog up and track every day of R.J.'s life...RIGHT. Not a chance, but now it's finally getting easier and he can sit for a bit without needing to constantly be nursing. Today is the first really cool fall day, so even though it's sunny out, we are staying in and keeping busy. Rich is out of town for the weekend, so it's just the 3 musketeers! We've had a great day so far- went to a craft show this morning, got some cookies, then Angela came over and sat with RJ so reilly and I could do something fun. We went to varner's tree farm and had a blast! She did the corn mazes and the wagon pull, saw the animals and we shared a hot dog and some apple cider :) She is such a big girl! Right now I am watching her parade around in her ballerina skirt from gymboree and sing along with pinky dinky doo. R.J. is hanging out in his Snack-o-Lantern halloween outfit and gazing adoringly at his big sister. I think he is in love with both of us the way he looks at us!
So will be 3 months on Tuesday...not quite sleeping through the night yet unfortunately. Still gets up some nights at 2 and 5, although he does sleep through until 5 some nights as well. Then he usually goes down again until about 7:30. reilly is still sleeping like a champ of course. Bedtime with him has been rough- like a marathon followed by a wrestling match! Some nights it takes us an hour and a half to get him to sleep. Rich and I take turns on rocking him- he fights sleep like a little wrestler- literally. It's hysterical. Some nights it's gas keeping him awake, but mostly just fighting sleep. I don't have him on a nap routine yet, though I am trying. It is really hard with Reilly bc I don't want to sacrafice her being able to have fun and do activities, but I am struggling with him not on a regular schedule.
Reilly is still obsessed with Dora, shockingly we are watching it as I type. It's going to be a looonnnngggg winter!! Here's some pic of them yesterday...
So will be 3 months on Tuesday...not quite sleeping through the night yet unfortunately. Still gets up some nights at 2 and 5, although he does sleep through until 5 some nights as well. Then he usually goes down again until about 7:30. reilly is still sleeping like a champ of course. Bedtime with him has been rough- like a marathon followed by a wrestling match! Some nights it takes us an hour and a half to get him to sleep. Rich and I take turns on rocking him- he fights sleep like a little wrestler- literally. It's hysterical. Some nights it's gas keeping him awake, but mostly just fighting sleep. I don't have him on a nap routine yet, though I am trying. It is really hard with Reilly bc I don't want to sacrafice her being able to have fun and do activities, but I am struggling with him not on a regular schedule.
Reilly is still obsessed with Dora, shockingly we are watching it as I type. It's going to be a looonnnngggg winter!! Here's some pic of them yesterday...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
It's a BOY!!!
Well for all of you who insisted I was having a boy, congratulations! You win...I think Rich and I were in shock- could have sworn it was a girl :) We couldn't be more thrilled with our new addition! Here is the much anticipated birth story as I can recall...
After much hoping and praying to go into labor on my own over the weekend, we finally checked into Paoli Hospital for the induction at 8 pm on Sunday, July 20th. The nurse was all ready for us, and we got checked in and settled into the room right away- it was super quiet on the floor, which was nice. I got hooked up to the monitors right away and was told I couldn't pee for the next few hours- what a nice thing to tell a pregnant woman! Dr. Marlino inserted the cervadil around 9:30 pm and we were able to relax. Rich had to run home to get his glasses, and since I couldn't eat anything but clear liquids, he brought me back some sorbet. Tried to get some sleep around midnight and was able to doze off and on, however uncomfortable I was...At 2:30 am I felt a gush of fluid, and immediately was mortified thinking I peed myself. Fantastic! Turns out my water broke on its own (which the nurse assured me VERY rarely happens and she seemed really excited about). So I was excited too, until I found it I had to keep in the Cervadil and lay there all night, with my water gushing about once an hour, to which I had to get up, get changed, and then get back in bed. So basically no sleep all night (though Rich sure looked cozy on the chair next to me- thank god one of us got some sleep!!)
At 6 am, the cervadil came out, and then I got to shower. What a disappointment. I was SO looking forward to a nice HOT shower. Well I couldn't get the water to heat up! I was SO frustrated I almost started crying over the stupid lukewarm shower, but I just hurried up and got out of there. (Fast forward to hours later, after delivery when I realized I had the nozzle turned the wrong way- what a moron :)! Right after the shower I realized labor had begun, I was pacing the floor with contractions, starting to become more painful, but not too bad. The doctor came in to check me, and surprise, surprise, I was about 80% effaced and still only 1 cm. Yay cervix. The pitocin drip started at 7:50 and by 8:30 the contractions started to come on stronger- Rich jumped into coach mode and got me through the REALLY annoying ones that were on top of another, like 3 every 60 seconds. At 9:15 Dr. Anthopolous (my OB actually turned out to be the one on duty!) came in to check and I was 2 centimeters. I had been denying pain relief for the last hour, and he said, well you can go ahead and get the epidural if you'd like. I looked at Rich and just said- "Let's do it"!
So by 9:45 I think the Epi was in (after MANY painful contractions hunched over the bed waiting for the needle where I thought I couldn't take anymore). Then we just chilled out and I tried to rest- I was EXHAUSTED. Here's the fun part- 11:30 Dr. A arrives for a check, and lo and behold- 8 CM!!! We were absolutely shocked. I thought for sure he was going to say 3! He said "Looks like we are going to have this baby before lunch", and Rich started to get really excited. Huge smile on his face and we were ready to go. Five minutes later, he had to call the nurses back in bc I was feeling a ton of pressure, in they came with the doc and the next thing I knew were pushing! Three contractions and about 7 minutes later, Rich got to announce "It's a boy!!" Little Richard Joseph Dunn, Jr. weighed in at 8 lbs, 8 oz, and 21 3/4 inches- EXACTLY the same measurements as his sister! He definitely looks like her, but she had bigger cheeks, he is more long and skinny, with super long feet and toes. Perfect in every way :)
We could not believe how quickly it happened, and how little time I was in pain. I only had 3 stitches, and I was able to shower on my own right away (with HOT water this time). I felt really good, our little boy latched on like a champ right away and we had a great day enjoying him. I can't even count the number of times Rich drove back and forth from the hospital to the house those few days. My sister Erin stayed with Reilly from Sunday to Tuesday and Reilly was loving the time with her big cousin Kennedy. Rich was doing double duty, making sure they were okay with Reilly and we had what we needed. It was an exhausting few days for him, and he really took care of everything. My mother in law arrived Tuesday morning and will be here for 2 weeks- it is a godsend! We could never do this just the 2 of us.
Reilly is adjusting, she seems to really like her little brother, though she is having a hard time sharing Mommy. I'm sure that will get easier. Rich and I are exhausted, but loving our little boy and managing through it. Rich goes back to work Monday, and I worry about how he will do with the lack of sleep. He is such an amazing Dad and husband, and has done everything this week to care of us and make me happy. If he never has to go to the grocery store again it will be too soon :)
So that is our story, and there will be much more to tell. For now, here are some pictures of our little man and his proud bis sister the princess...Oh, and the pciture of the giant Chick that was my focal point through labor- what a weird thing to have a giant picture of in a delivery room, huh?
After much hoping and praying to go into labor on my own over the weekend, we finally checked into Paoli Hospital for the induction at 8 pm on Sunday, July 20th. The nurse was all ready for us, and we got checked in and settled into the room right away- it was super quiet on the floor, which was nice. I got hooked up to the monitors right away and was told I couldn't pee for the next few hours- what a nice thing to tell a pregnant woman! Dr. Marlino inserted the cervadil around 9:30 pm and we were able to relax. Rich had to run home to get his glasses, and since I couldn't eat anything but clear liquids, he brought me back some sorbet. Tried to get some sleep around midnight and was able to doze off and on, however uncomfortable I was...At 2:30 am I felt a gush of fluid, and immediately was mortified thinking I peed myself. Fantastic! Turns out my water broke on its own (which the nurse assured me VERY rarely happens and she seemed really excited about). So I was excited too, until I found it I had to keep in the Cervadil and lay there all night, with my water gushing about once an hour, to which I had to get up, get changed, and then get back in bed. So basically no sleep all night (though Rich sure looked cozy on the chair next to me- thank god one of us got some sleep!!)
At 6 am, the cervadil came out, and then I got to shower. What a disappointment. I was SO looking forward to a nice HOT shower. Well I couldn't get the water to heat up! I was SO frustrated I almost started crying over the stupid lukewarm shower, but I just hurried up and got out of there. (Fast forward to hours later, after delivery when I realized I had the nozzle turned the wrong way- what a moron :)! Right after the shower I realized labor had begun, I was pacing the floor with contractions, starting to become more painful, but not too bad. The doctor came in to check me, and surprise, surprise, I was about 80% effaced and still only 1 cm. Yay cervix. The pitocin drip started at 7:50 and by 8:30 the contractions started to come on stronger- Rich jumped into coach mode and got me through the REALLY annoying ones that were on top of another, like 3 every 60 seconds. At 9:15 Dr. Anthopolous (my OB actually turned out to be the one on duty!) came in to check and I was 2 centimeters. I had been denying pain relief for the last hour, and he said, well you can go ahead and get the epidural if you'd like. I looked at Rich and just said- "Let's do it"!
So by 9:45 I think the Epi was in (after MANY painful contractions hunched over the bed waiting for the needle where I thought I couldn't take anymore). Then we just chilled out and I tried to rest- I was EXHAUSTED. Here's the fun part- 11:30 Dr. A arrives for a check, and lo and behold- 8 CM!!! We were absolutely shocked. I thought for sure he was going to say 3! He said "Looks like we are going to have this baby before lunch", and Rich started to get really excited. Huge smile on his face and we were ready to go. Five minutes later, he had to call the nurses back in bc I was feeling a ton of pressure, in they came with the doc and the next thing I knew were pushing! Three contractions and about 7 minutes later, Rich got to announce "It's a boy!!" Little Richard Joseph Dunn, Jr. weighed in at 8 lbs, 8 oz, and 21 3/4 inches- EXACTLY the same measurements as his sister! He definitely looks like her, but she had bigger cheeks, he is more long and skinny, with super long feet and toes. Perfect in every way :)
We could not believe how quickly it happened, and how little time I was in pain. I only had 3 stitches, and I was able to shower on my own right away (with HOT water this time). I felt really good, our little boy latched on like a champ right away and we had a great day enjoying him. I can't even count the number of times Rich drove back and forth from the hospital to the house those few days. My sister Erin stayed with Reilly from Sunday to Tuesday and Reilly was loving the time with her big cousin Kennedy. Rich was doing double duty, making sure they were okay with Reilly and we had what we needed. It was an exhausting few days for him, and he really took care of everything. My mother in law arrived Tuesday morning and will be here for 2 weeks- it is a godsend! We could never do this just the 2 of us.
Reilly is adjusting, she seems to really like her little brother, though she is having a hard time sharing Mommy. I'm sure that will get easier. Rich and I are exhausted, but loving our little boy and managing through it. Rich goes back to work Monday, and I worry about how he will do with the lack of sleep. He is such an amazing Dad and husband, and has done everything this week to care of us and make me happy. If he never has to go to the grocery store again it will be too soon :)
So that is our story, and there will be much more to tell. For now, here are some pictures of our little man and his proud bis sister the princess...Oh, and the pciture of the giant Chick that was my focal point through labor- what a weird thing to have a giant picture of in a delivery room, huh?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The day FINALLY arrives...
After much hoping and praying I would go into labor on my own, and it never happening, the day finally arrives that the process will begin. I guess there are still about 14 hours to go and my water could break or something crazy like that, but I'm done wishing. I guess I can be thankful that we were able to plan and not be scrambling around at 4 in the morning getting a sitter and worrying about Reilly. Erin is coming today and will stay until Tuesday so she will be happy to have KK and Owie here and probably won't even miss Mommy :) Grammy comes on Tuesday and she will be the center of attention (thus a happy camper, because we all know that's what she loves!).
So today will be last minute errands and preparation (OK I say that is if I will actually be doing these things, but really it's all Rich). Pretty much Rich has been doing everything, cooking, cleaning, taking Reilly to birthday parties at the zoo in 100 degree heat, washing the cars, putting together rooms, etc. My role the last 72 hours or so consists mainly of sleeping, sitting on the couch, eating, and trying to play with Reilly (when I can move). I somehow went from bundle of energy to bump on a log the last few days and I think I gained another 10 pounds. Seriously it hurts to just breathe sometimes. But it's almost over!!! And Rich deserves the biggest coldest martini ever. :)
Hard to believe that by tomorrow night we will have a new son or daughter. We are just so ready for he/she or get here, and I am actually looking forward to the whole process again. Maybe I am crazy, but I really treasured the process of labor last time, and I have such a great coach that I am excited to do it again. Of course I hope it's a little shorter than last time, but I guess you get what you get! Wish us luck and can't wait to post a birth story hopefully tomorrow night!!!
So today will be last minute errands and preparation (OK I say that is if I will actually be doing these things, but really it's all Rich). Pretty much Rich has been doing everything, cooking, cleaning, taking Reilly to birthday parties at the zoo in 100 degree heat, washing the cars, putting together rooms, etc. My role the last 72 hours or so consists mainly of sleeping, sitting on the couch, eating, and trying to play with Reilly (when I can move). I somehow went from bundle of energy to bump on a log the last few days and I think I gained another 10 pounds. Seriously it hurts to just breathe sometimes. But it's almost over!!! And Rich deserves the biggest coldest martini ever. :)
Hard to believe that by tomorrow night we will have a new son or daughter. We are just so ready for he/she or get here, and I am actually looking forward to the whole process again. Maybe I am crazy, but I really treasured the process of labor last time, and I have such a great coach that I am excited to do it again. Of course I hope it's a little shorter than last time, but I guess you get what you get! Wish us luck and can't wait to post a birth story hopefully tomorrow night!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Well, as expected...
WE went yesterday for our 40 Week, 3 day appointment and NO CHANGE. Luckily I was mentally prepared and Rich was there for support. Although we had to wait an hour to see the doctor (why does that always happen when Rich is with me?), we were both in good spirits and didn't try to rip her head off. She is sending me in today hopefully for a non stress test and U/S to check fluid levels. If there are any concerns, then I'll go in tonight and get the process going. Yea, that's about a 1/1000000 chance. So it is looking like a Sunday night stay for Cervadil to make sure I am soft and ready to go, and then the wonderful Pitocin on Monday morning. She did say if Sunday night I do have progress and my cervix is somehow miraculously ready (surely she jests) she will send us home to get a good night's sleep and we come back in the morning.
Now of course there is a chance my body decides to cooperate in the meantime, and the full moon tomorrow night works some majic. Apparently there is as wive's tale that the moon's gravitational pull effects the water in the amniotic sac the same way it does Rivers, Oceans, etc. So I'll be dancing in my backyard under the full moon praying for my water to break tomorrow night...drop on by if you want to see the show. LOL!! I do have some hope...Erin was pretty much in the same state at her 40 week appt with Owen, and she went into labor on her own 6 days later. So a girl can dream. I will say I am fed up with all the different "ways" to induce labor that just DO NOT work for me. I have eaten pineapple, Eggplant Parm, walked and walked and walked, taken the Evening Primrose Oil pills, drank the Red Rasberry Leaf tea...none of it works. So I am done. I will sit and wait until Sunday where unfortunately modern medicine with have to yank my child from the womb. I am flattered he/she likes me so much and doesn't want to leave.
Now the downside is I am in pain now. Back pain, leg pain, you name it. Last night wasn't as bad as Tuesday, but still it's rough. Luckily Rich has an awesome support system at work and he is going to work from home today and tomorrow, so that will be a huge help. Hopefully last night he finally got a good night's sleep and he gets to sleep past 5 am today :) Yay. He is working soooo hard all day, leaving the house by 6 so he can get home early to cook dinner and take care of Reilly. I am a lucky woman.
So the long and the short of it is, we will have a baby no later than Monday :) Only four more days, so I can't complain too much.
Now of course there is a chance my body decides to cooperate in the meantime, and the full moon tomorrow night works some majic. Apparently there is as wive's tale that the moon's gravitational pull effects the water in the amniotic sac the same way it does Rivers, Oceans, etc. So I'll be dancing in my backyard under the full moon praying for my water to break tomorrow night...drop on by if you want to see the show. LOL!! I do have some hope...Erin was pretty much in the same state at her 40 week appt with Owen, and she went into labor on her own 6 days later. So a girl can dream. I will say I am fed up with all the different "ways" to induce labor that just DO NOT work for me. I have eaten pineapple, Eggplant Parm, walked and walked and walked, taken the Evening Primrose Oil pills, drank the Red Rasberry Leaf tea...none of it works. So I am done. I will sit and wait until Sunday where unfortunately modern medicine with have to yank my child from the womb. I am flattered he/she likes me so much and doesn't want to leave.
Now the downside is I am in pain now. Back pain, leg pain, you name it. Last night wasn't as bad as Tuesday, but still it's rough. Luckily Rich has an awesome support system at work and he is going to work from home today and tomorrow, so that will be a huge help. Hopefully last night he finally got a good night's sleep and he gets to sleep past 5 am today :) Yay. He is working soooo hard all day, leaving the house by 6 so he can get home early to cook dinner and take care of Reilly. I am a lucky woman.
So the long and the short of it is, we will have a baby no later than Monday :) Only four more days, so I can't complain too much.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Today's the day!!!
or is it? Most likely not. I really had a feeling Mom might be pulling some strings up there to get this kid out on her birthday and that I would wake up overnight in labor. No such luck, BUT it's only 6 am, so we still have about 18 hours left in the day. Of course there are no signs of labor whatsoever (I won't share the ghory details of labor signs). So I'll go about my business, take Reilly to Georgie's birthday at Romp n Roll and try to pretend like I'm happy go lucky :) Honestly, I am thrilled that I still feel good enough to do fun things with her now and enjoy our last moments together as a team, just the two of us. It is hard, and I get tired quickly (pool yesterday example), and I lose my patience (more on that later), but at least I can still move around and have fun with her for the most part without too much pain...
This week has been trying though...temper tantrums stemming from I don't know what. Maybe it's intuition that something big is happening here so she is wanting the attention? Last night was a doozy and I lost it for a second. I took her up to the bath and she freaked out, I mean FREAKED. Would not go in, flailing her arms and actually threw herself out of the tub. She wanted to "watch a show"...her new favorite line in a very demanding little voice. It literally took Rich and I 15 minutes to calm her down (after she peed all over him- side note that was the THIRD time she peed while her diaper was off yesterday...hmmm). I had a little meltdown because I got SO frustrated with her and I couldn't take the screaming and flailing. Then I felt awful because we didn't know what was wrong with her and maybe she was in pain? So poor Rich wound up having to pull her together, all the while covered in pee mind you, then console me as I cried worrying about being a bad Mom. Poor guy...but he does it all with grace- he is amazing. Turns out, once she was able to "watch a show", Dora of course, she was immediately happy and then went right to bed. But still needs a bath!! So I may have to fight this fight all over again this morning because we have the birthday party and she is diiiirrrtttty. And she is also awake in her crib right now telling stories to her "guys"! (her guys are Lamby Piggy, Elphenant (pronounced just that way), blankie, and binka- her pacifiers- 2 of them). Side note- her newest thing while she plays is to stuff her guys down between the wall and the crib and then talk to them through the bars like they are in jail- hysterical.
Have I mentioned that instead of her usual waking time of 7-7:30 am, this week she has been waking up between 5:45-6:15 every day? I don't get it!! All I want is my hour of quiet time and coffee and my facebook and ivillage babyboards. Is that too much to ask (LOL). Seriously I am up anyway so it doesn't bother me, but she gets bored and by 7 is already asking to go outside. Ummmm- the rest of the neighborhood is still sleeping, we are not going outside to play at 7 am. Which of course sparks additional temper tantrums. Could it be the terrible two's already? I guess so...As Rich stated so correctly last night, it's not supposed to be easy. Everyone would have kids if it was easy...there isn't a manual or a job description. We figure it out. And I am so happy that my partner is so amazing, but I sure as h^ll would lose it if I had to figure it out on my own everyday. I give single Mom's 1 million % credit and I don't know how they do it. It is HARD. And worth every second. And I can't believe in less than 7 days I get to meet the new member of this amazing little family we have created. And now I have to go because I am crying again. I really thought I would get through the end of this pregnancy without so many tears...but today is my Mom's birthday. She would have been 56 years old. And I miss her. And OMG Reilly is trying to climb out of her crib!!! Wish me labor vibes today :)))
This week has been trying though...temper tantrums stemming from I don't know what. Maybe it's intuition that something big is happening here so she is wanting the attention? Last night was a doozy and I lost it for a second. I took her up to the bath and she freaked out, I mean FREAKED. Would not go in, flailing her arms and actually threw herself out of the tub. She wanted to "watch a show"...her new favorite line in a very demanding little voice. It literally took Rich and I 15 minutes to calm her down (after she peed all over him- side note that was the THIRD time she peed while her diaper was off yesterday...hmmm). I had a little meltdown because I got SO frustrated with her and I couldn't take the screaming and flailing. Then I felt awful because we didn't know what was wrong with her and maybe she was in pain? So poor Rich wound up having to pull her together, all the while covered in pee mind you, then console me as I cried worrying about being a bad Mom. Poor guy...but he does it all with grace- he is amazing. Turns out, once she was able to "watch a show", Dora of course, she was immediately happy and then went right to bed. But still needs a bath!! So I may have to fight this fight all over again this morning because we have the birthday party and she is diiiirrrtttty. And she is also awake in her crib right now telling stories to her "guys"! (her guys are Lamby Piggy, Elphenant (pronounced just that way), blankie, and binka- her pacifiers- 2 of them). Side note- her newest thing while she plays is to stuff her guys down between the wall and the crib and then talk to them through the bars like they are in jail- hysterical.
Have I mentioned that instead of her usual waking time of 7-7:30 am, this week she has been waking up between 5:45-6:15 every day? I don't get it!! All I want is my hour of quiet time and coffee and my facebook and ivillage babyboards. Is that too much to ask (LOL). Seriously I am up anyway so it doesn't bother me, but she gets bored and by 7 is already asking to go outside. Ummmm- the rest of the neighborhood is still sleeping, we are not going outside to play at 7 am. Which of course sparks additional temper tantrums. Could it be the terrible two's already? I guess so...As Rich stated so correctly last night, it's not supposed to be easy. Everyone would have kids if it was easy...there isn't a manual or a job description. We figure it out. And I am so happy that my partner is so amazing, but I sure as h^ll would lose it if I had to figure it out on my own everyday. I give single Mom's 1 million % credit and I don't know how they do it. It is HARD. And worth every second. And I can't believe in less than 7 days I get to meet the new member of this amazing little family we have created. And now I have to go because I am crying again. I really thought I would get through the end of this pregnancy without so many tears...but today is my Mom's birthday. She would have been 56 years old. And I miss her. And OMG Reilly is trying to climb out of her crib!!! Wish me labor vibes today :)))
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
And the update is...
There isn't one. No progression from last week, other than contractions and pain and the baby won't stop kicking and punching me. So the next appointment is next Wednesday, and if I am still the same, then I go in Sunday the 20th for induction. OK I am ready NOW. :) Sorry too tired to write anything else...here is a pic of my doc who I almost punched today :) She is younger than me, I think I can take her.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
39 Weeks today!!
So we had a little progress this week...70% effaced and 1 cm as of Wednesday. Nothing to write home about, and Dr. Chasteney said "see you next week", but I'm hopeful. I have started to feel the baby dropping and hopefully moving down so that's a good sign. I still feel pretty good, so not too much to complain about. The latest they will let me go is the 20th before induction, but I hope to get things started on my own! I have been drinking red rasberry leaf tea, which is supposed to strengthen the uterus, both before and after labor, and taking Evening Primrose Oil pills, which apparently is supposed to help soften the cervix. Not sure I believe either of these methods help, but hey, can't hurt. On my baby board, some of the women have resorted to taking Castor Oil to jumpstart labor, which I WILL NOT do. They had some contest going the on July 3rd to see who could go into labor and have a July 4th baby. It actually worked for one of them, but I wouldn't do that myself!
As far as progress at home, the nursery is ready to go! Rich worked so hard on it all week, and it looks great. Shelves and darkening blind up, crib and changing table in there. Diapers are all stacked the the cabinet, and clothes in the drawer. We just have to move the rocker in and we are good to go! We are "decorating" after the baby gets here so we can do pink or blue, so we don't have the bedding set or curtains or anything yet...Reilly's room looks so cute too- like a big girl room :) We ordered her toy box and that will come next week. And for her "big sister" gift, she got a cute step-stool with her name on it that matches her piggy bank and wall hanger...I pick it up this week. AND she got a potty :) What a big girl! I of course can't stop shopping, so the new baby got a new blanket for the hospital and some lightweight swaddle and sleep blankets (all the ones we had from Reilly are winter so too hot). I pulled out all the 0-3 month onesies last night and will wash them today. We have a bunch, so we are set on 0-3 onesies. Everything in 3-6 is pink though ;) So we'll see if we can use them or not!!!
My birthday was a great day...Reilly woke up at 4:30 and was super cranky, but Rich took over after a while and let me sleep in a little. Of course with all the birthday well wishers calling me thinking of course I'd be up early, I really didn't get much sleep. So I got up and we went to the Elmwood Park Zoo; Reilly loved the animals! She took her first pony ride and was such a brave girl. Then we went to Chili's for lunch, and got home for a nice long 3 hour nap (for me). Then we headed out to play at the neighbors who were having BBQ and Reilly had a blast with all the kids until the guys started setting off fireworks! I had gone into the garage to get ice pops for all the kids, and Reilly was sitting with Brianna, who babysits her sometimes, and all of a sudden Rich heard her screaming. She was FREAKING out beacsue of the booms of the little fireworks. He ran out to get her and the poor thing was shaking like a leaf! It took him a bout 10 minutes to calm her down and get her settled, and then we were able to feed her dinner. Poor girlie!!!
Then I kept her busy with an ice cream cone (messy!) while Rich cooked an awesome dinner for us...steaks, corn, fries, and salad. Then HE cleaned up so I could relax, he gave Reilly a bath and put her to bed so I could go socialize with the neighbors for a bit. So relaxing!!! Not to mention the AMAZING cards and birthday gift I woke up to. Dolce & Gabbana subglasses :) I NEVER would have bought them for myself (at least again, long story) but he spoils me. I love them! I also forgot to mention that he cleaned the entire house on Thursday so the house has been clean all weekend...AND he made me get a cleaning lady again so she starts Thursday, just to help for a month or two while we get adjusted. Have I mentioned I have the best husband in the whole world ;)
Today we are going swingset shopping and to a birthday party for Adrianna, Reilly's special friend :) Should be another fun day...wish me labor vibes- you never know!! Since I didn't have my camera yesterday, here are some pics of Reilly the last time she went to the Zoo. She was so little!!!! I also added 2 pics from last Fourth of July weekend- one year ago!! Enjoy...
As far as progress at home, the nursery is ready to go! Rich worked so hard on it all week, and it looks great. Shelves and darkening blind up, crib and changing table in there. Diapers are all stacked the the cabinet, and clothes in the drawer. We just have to move the rocker in and we are good to go! We are "decorating" after the baby gets here so we can do pink or blue, so we don't have the bedding set or curtains or anything yet...Reilly's room looks so cute too- like a big girl room :) We ordered her toy box and that will come next week. And for her "big sister" gift, she got a cute step-stool with her name on it that matches her piggy bank and wall hanger...I pick it up this week. AND she got a potty :) What a big girl! I of course can't stop shopping, so the new baby got a new blanket for the hospital and some lightweight swaddle and sleep blankets (all the ones we had from Reilly are winter so too hot). I pulled out all the 0-3 month onesies last night and will wash them today. We have a bunch, so we are set on 0-3 onesies. Everything in 3-6 is pink though ;) So we'll see if we can use them or not!!!
My birthday was a great day...Reilly woke up at 4:30 and was super cranky, but Rich took over after a while and let me sleep in a little. Of course with all the birthday well wishers calling me thinking of course I'd be up early, I really didn't get much sleep. So I got up and we went to the Elmwood Park Zoo; Reilly loved the animals! She took her first pony ride and was such a brave girl. Then we went to Chili's for lunch, and got home for a nice long 3 hour nap (for me). Then we headed out to play at the neighbors who were having BBQ and Reilly had a blast with all the kids until the guys started setting off fireworks! I had gone into the garage to get ice pops for all the kids, and Reilly was sitting with Brianna, who babysits her sometimes, and all of a sudden Rich heard her screaming. She was FREAKING out beacsue of the booms of the little fireworks. He ran out to get her and the poor thing was shaking like a leaf! It took him a bout 10 minutes to calm her down and get her settled, and then we were able to feed her dinner. Poor girlie!!!
Then I kept her busy with an ice cream cone (messy!) while Rich cooked an awesome dinner for us...steaks, corn, fries, and salad. Then HE cleaned up so I could relax, he gave Reilly a bath and put her to bed so I could go socialize with the neighbors for a bit. So relaxing!!! Not to mention the AMAZING cards and birthday gift I woke up to. Dolce & Gabbana subglasses :) I NEVER would have bought them for myself (at least again, long story) but he spoils me. I love them! I also forgot to mention that he cleaned the entire house on Thursday so the house has been clean all weekend...AND he made me get a cleaning lady again so she starts Thursday, just to help for a month or two while we get adjusted. Have I mentioned I have the best husband in the whole world ;)
Today we are going swingset shopping and to a birthday party for Adrianna, Reilly's special friend :) Should be another fun day...wish me labor vibes- you never know!! Since I didn't have my camera yesterday, here are some pics of Reilly the last time she went to the Zoo. She was so little!!!! I also added 2 pics from last Fourth of July weekend- one year ago!! Enjoy...
Saturday, June 28, 2008
38 weeks down...
and no progress! I saw Dr. Kambin on Wednesday (she delivered Reilly) and I think her exact comment was "I can't even find your cervix it's so high up there." Thanks! Exactly what I wanted to hear. Then she measures me and says "Wow, how big do you think this kid is?" And I tell her at my U/S 2 weeks ago I was told 6 pounds, 10 oz, and she says, I think this kid is already 8 pounds! Bear in mind that up untik literally 5 minutes before pushing out Reilly she was telling me she was 10 pounds and I might need a C. So I think her mental measuring system is a bit off. So I just laughed and said "we'll see, I'm not worried". She talked about induction at 39 weeks if my cervix is ready, but I don't really see myself progressing to readinees in a week and a half if I am zero, nilch, nada today. You never know, maybe my water will break at the pool today. But then will I know it broke??? Hmmm...
At least we made progress at home this week...today Rich will set up the nursery, at which time it will all "feel real" according to him. I hope I don't come home to him hyperventilating once the room is set up LOL! The baby's laundry is washed and folded, and I have the list of what I need in my hospital bag at least written out. I bought enough diapers for Reilly for like 2 months so I feel good about that. We really need to get to Costco and stock up. Our window washer comes today so that's a plus (I guess?). Our windows are really dirty!
Now we just need to agree on a middle name if we have a girl. I thought we were done, but apparently not. Rich is "thinking on it", so hopefully he'll let me know soon what it is. Did I mention he picked the first name too? Oh and the boy's name? Wait a second, I feel like I am getting the shaft here :)
And of course the Reilly update, she is a princess and as usual has us cracking up constantly. The energy in that little body of hers is amazing. Apparently the most fun part about the pool is not the actual pool, or the toys, or any of the little kids who want to play with her...but running around the pool, chasing all the older kids (yes you guessed it- yelling Wait Stop the whole time at them), and weaving through the tables during lunchtime while people try to eat and I try to chase her bumping my big preggo belly into all of them. I finally got her water shoes so she doesn't fall as muc (we had many boo boos this week), but it is SO tiring. Hopefully today she will just stay in the water already bc it is going to be HOT.
At least we made progress at home this week...today Rich will set up the nursery, at which time it will all "feel real" according to him. I hope I don't come home to him hyperventilating once the room is set up LOL! The baby's laundry is washed and folded, and I have the list of what I need in my hospital bag at least written out. I bought enough diapers for Reilly for like 2 months so I feel good about that. We really need to get to Costco and stock up. Our window washer comes today so that's a plus (I guess?). Our windows are really dirty!
Now we just need to agree on a middle name if we have a girl. I thought we were done, but apparently not. Rich is "thinking on it", so hopefully he'll let me know soon what it is. Did I mention he picked the first name too? Oh and the boy's name? Wait a second, I feel like I am getting the shaft here :)
And of course the Reilly update, she is a princess and as usual has us cracking up constantly. The energy in that little body of hers is amazing. Apparently the most fun part about the pool is not the actual pool, or the toys, or any of the little kids who want to play with her...but running around the pool, chasing all the older kids (yes you guessed it- yelling Wait Stop the whole time at them), and weaving through the tables during lunchtime while people try to eat and I try to chase her bumping my big preggo belly into all of them. I finally got her water shoes so she doesn't fall as muc (we had many boo boos this week), but it is SO tiring. Hopefully today she will just stay in the water already bc it is going to be HOT.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Things I forgot that stunk about being 9 months pregnant...
Number 1. INSOMNIA. I remember it from last time, but it still stinks. I cannot believe I went to bed only 4 hours ago and here I sit up again because it hurts too much to lay down. I should have listened to Rich and taken Tylenol PM again, but somehow I feel like a bad mommy if I give this kid sleeping aids 2 nights in a row. So tonight I suffer, and tomorrow back to snoozing soundly. I thought for sure all my running around today would knock me out, but nope.
Number 2. Drymouth. I am so thirsty, in the words of Alysia Lew, circa my bachelorette party, I could drink all of the water in Philadelphia. I think it's the main reason I woke up- I am parched. Constantly.
Number 3. Pain, just pain. Everything hurts, mainly at night. My sciatic nerve, which is radiating down my legs, my belly, my sinuses, my head, my neck. Just all of it. And finding a comfortable sleeping position is torture.
Number 4. Cravings. Tonight I just HAD to have brownies at 9 pm, which meant I had to make them, and I didn't have enough eggs to make the yummy "cakelike" brownies I like so I had to make the fudgy type with only 2 eggs, and I loaded in peanut butter and white chocolate chips and cream cheese and baked them at 9:30. I ate a huge brownie sundae with french silk ice cream and whipped cream at 9:30 at night. HMMMM Maybe that is why I am wide awake at 3 am???????? Did I mention Rich offered to drive to the Cheesecake factory to get me any dessert I wanted at that time of night? I swear I better start taking advantage of some of these cool things he keeps offering me :)
Number 5. Nesting. Now this I like bc they say it means labor is imminent (whatever I am sure they will drag this kid out of me again), but I spent 2 hours today cleaning out my pantry, which now seems somehow empty. And that just means I have to go shopping again. And shopping is painful. See number 3.
So there are my complaints for the day...but really I have to admit I have good days and bad. Today was actually a really good day until you factor the whole sleeping (or lack thereof) thing into it. Hopefully tomorrow will be another good day. I see Dr. Kambin, who delivered Reilly, for the first time this pregnancy. She rocks, and maybe she'll strip my membranes or something to help move this thing along. She kept measuring Reilly at 10 pounds, so maybe she'll do the same tomorrow and help with some divine intervention so we can get this baby out sooner than later. Wish me luck. Sorry no pictures for this post, I'm not looking too hot right now.
Number 2. Drymouth. I am so thirsty, in the words of Alysia Lew, circa my bachelorette party, I could drink all of the water in Philadelphia. I think it's the main reason I woke up- I am parched. Constantly.
Number 3. Pain, just pain. Everything hurts, mainly at night. My sciatic nerve, which is radiating down my legs, my belly, my sinuses, my head, my neck. Just all of it. And finding a comfortable sleeping position is torture.
Number 4. Cravings. Tonight I just HAD to have brownies at 9 pm, which meant I had to make them, and I didn't have enough eggs to make the yummy "cakelike" brownies I like so I had to make the fudgy type with only 2 eggs, and I loaded in peanut butter and white chocolate chips and cream cheese and baked them at 9:30. I ate a huge brownie sundae with french silk ice cream and whipped cream at 9:30 at night. HMMMM Maybe that is why I am wide awake at 3 am???????? Did I mention Rich offered to drive to the Cheesecake factory to get me any dessert I wanted at that time of night? I swear I better start taking advantage of some of these cool things he keeps offering me :)
Number 5. Nesting. Now this I like bc they say it means labor is imminent (whatever I am sure they will drag this kid out of me again), but I spent 2 hours today cleaning out my pantry, which now seems somehow empty. And that just means I have to go shopping again. And shopping is painful. See number 3.
So there are my complaints for the day...but really I have to admit I have good days and bad. Today was actually a really good day until you factor the whole sleeping (or lack thereof) thing into it. Hopefully tomorrow will be another good day. I see Dr. Kambin, who delivered Reilly, for the first time this pregnancy. She rocks, and maybe she'll strip my membranes or something to help move this thing along. She kept measuring Reilly at 10 pounds, so maybe she'll do the same tomorrow and help with some divine intervention so we can get this baby out sooner than later. Wish me luck. Sorry no pictures for this post, I'm not looking too hot right now.
Friday, June 20, 2008
What a week...
Well the weeks are counting down until Reilly's whole world gets turned upside down. The days are ticking for playdates and the pool, and of course the poor thing has to go and get sick this week. She has been sick ALL week with the exception on Tuesday pm and Wednesday am, and has been quarantined. All she wants to do is play with kids and I keep having to cancel playdates because she comes down with something else. She woke up on father's day with a fever, which lasted 2 days, then was up all night with what we think was a sore throat on Monday, then yesterday the awful cough and runny nose. can you say "misery"? If I hear "uppie uppie uppie" one more time I may fall over and die. But we are getting through it. I hope she is healthy by next week so we can get some more pool time in before this baby comes...speaking of which...
We've made some progress this week! We bought a crib (thanks Grammy :), a mattress, a double stroller, a new bathtub, another diaper champ for the nursery, some pacifiers and BPA free bottles, oh and nursing pads (very critical). I have yet to do a load of laundry, but the goal by the end of the weekend is nursery cleaned out, furniture picked up, baby clothes washed, and hospital bag packed. So I am feeling better about baby's arrival.
I had my first internal exam, and you guessed it, nothing going on. Dilated about a fingertip and he said, see you next week and probably the week after that. Poor me. So we are looking at about another 8 1/2 pounder according to the doc, so I think I am going to hold off on washing any newborn size clothes this time!! Not gonna fit! I am feeling okay, just some contractions at night and getting tougher and tougher to chase her, but I didn't gain any weight between my last appointments so that's great. Send some labor vibes please :)
Here are some pics from Father's Day, motrin allowed us enough time to go to lunch and a local dairy farm before the misery set in again :)
We've made some progress this week! We bought a crib (thanks Grammy :), a mattress, a double stroller, a new bathtub, another diaper champ for the nursery, some pacifiers and BPA free bottles, oh and nursing pads (very critical). I have yet to do a load of laundry, but the goal by the end of the weekend is nursery cleaned out, furniture picked up, baby clothes washed, and hospital bag packed. So I am feeling better about baby's arrival.
I had my first internal exam, and you guessed it, nothing going on. Dilated about a fingertip and he said, see you next week and probably the week after that. Poor me. So we are looking at about another 8 1/2 pounder according to the doc, so I think I am going to hold off on washing any newborn size clothes this time!! Not gonna fit! I am feeling okay, just some contractions at night and getting tougher and tougher to chase her, but I didn't gain any weight between my last appointments so that's great. Send some labor vibes please :)
Here are some pics from Father's Day, motrin allowed us enough time to go to lunch and a local dairy farm before the misery set in again :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
Well Rich is sleeping soundly and it's 6:30 am...I got up at 5:30, Reilly was stirring and crying in her sleep, but can you believe he offered to get with her? I said "it's Father's Day! No way!" and he said something like "you need your sleep"...so sweet! But of course I was releived it was finally morning so I could get out of bed and move around. More importantly, I was super excited to get his Father's day gift together (well that and maybe drink my coffee in silence and have a big piece of the chocolate chip banana bread my niece Kennedy baked for me and brought this weekend- yum :). Luckily Reilly is still snoozing so I am getting to do all of these things in silence. Except for the buzzing of an annoying fly, but that's a different post!
So after much waiting and waiting I can finally reveal his Father's day gift! He told me a few things he wanted for father's day, one I got, one I didn't. I finally engraved the Tiffany money clip I bought him (probably for Father's day last year), but it's not ready yet. The watch band, not so much. Besides that his only request was to not have ANY plans to do anything, just let the day take us where we feel like going, and I am not allowed to rush him at all (something I am normally very good at). So I PROMISE to abide by all of those requests. But I did do something special and I hope he really loves it!
I had a photographer (someone in my neighborhood) come out and take pictures of Reilly and I last week. The pics turned out fantastic, and I have been hiding them all week. I just framed a bunch of them and have them laid out on the dining room table. Can't wait to show them to him, finally! I even had her do "pregnancy pics" of me (which I NEVER thought to do- but thank you Tina for convincing me), she airbrushed out my stretchmarks so it's not too embarrassing to show :) So without further ado, here are some of the shots I love. I'll post more once I can get them from the site! Enjoy! And Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband who deserves every second of relaxation he gets today. And to my Dad, who got to spend part of the weekend with us and we had a blast. And to all of the other "fathers" in our life, we love you all (though you probably aren't reading this because probably only girls take the time to actually read blogs, but whatever). Happy Father's Day from us :)
So after much waiting and waiting I can finally reveal his Father's day gift! He told me a few things he wanted for father's day, one I got, one I didn't. I finally engraved the Tiffany money clip I bought him (probably for Father's day last year), but it's not ready yet. The watch band, not so much. Besides that his only request was to not have ANY plans to do anything, just let the day take us where we feel like going, and I am not allowed to rush him at all (something I am normally very good at). So I PROMISE to abide by all of those requests. But I did do something special and I hope he really loves it!
I had a photographer (someone in my neighborhood) come out and take pictures of Reilly and I last week. The pics turned out fantastic, and I have been hiding them all week. I just framed a bunch of them and have them laid out on the dining room table. Can't wait to show them to him, finally! I even had her do "pregnancy pics" of me (which I NEVER thought to do- but thank you Tina for convincing me), she airbrushed out my stretchmarks so it's not too embarrassing to show :) So without further ado, here are some of the shots I love. I'll post more once I can get them from the site! Enjoy! And Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband who deserves every second of relaxation he gets today. And to my Dad, who got to spend part of the weekend with us and we had a blast. And to all of the other "fathers" in our life, we love you all (though you probably aren't reading this because probably only girls take the time to actually read blogs, but whatever). Happy Father's Day from us :)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Heat Wave!
WOW is it hot. Seriously I am melting- it has been over 95 degrees now for 4 days in a row. Luckily this weekend we cooled off at the pool, and Reilly and Rich had a blast in the water. Today it was literally too hot to even go outside (of course I did manage to get a little shopping in this morning though, shocker). This afternoon it was 99 degrees and then some CRAZY storms blew through. Reilly and I were reading books in her room and all of sudden this crazy sound like a train came upon us- I grabbed her and ran in the hallway to see Rich flying upstairs to check on us- pretty scary! Then the power went out and we all huddled downstairs and watched the storm trying to keep her from being scared. She is such a cutie :) Here are some pics of her in the Dora bathing suit Grammy bought her!
I am shocked that despite all the heat, I am still not swelling! By this point with Reilly I had total cankles and giant toes, swollen hands and couldn't wear my rings at all. None of that going on this time around, which is great. I had my 35 week appt this week and only gained 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks- yay! Dr. A is sending me for an Ultrasound on Friday to check if the baby is definitely head-down, check the fluid and see how big this little one is! Only 4 1/2 weeks to go :) I am feeling really good, even with the heat and a short bout of sciatica over the weekend. Sleeping is pretty much torture, but I get through it. Rich installed room darkening shades in our room so even when he leaves at 5:45 am (yes- he LEAVES at that time poor guy) I can somedays sleep in. Other days I am wide awake, in pain, and have to get out of bed. I don't like those days so much...
I am shocked that despite all the heat, I am still not swelling! By this point with Reilly I had total cankles and giant toes, swollen hands and couldn't wear my rings at all. None of that going on this time around, which is great. I had my 35 week appt this week and only gained 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks- yay! Dr. A is sending me for an Ultrasound on Friday to check if the baby is definitely head-down, check the fluid and see how big this little one is! Only 4 1/2 weeks to go :) I am feeling really good, even with the heat and a short bout of sciatica over the weekend. Sleeping is pretty much torture, but I get through it. Rich installed room darkening shades in our room so even when he leaves at 5:45 am (yes- he LEAVES at that time poor guy) I can somedays sleep in. Other days I am wide awake, in pain, and have to get out of bed. I don't like those days so much...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Kids say the darndest things...
and they really do! Every single day I am amazed by what comes out of Reilly's mouth, or the hysterical things she does. I almost cannot believe that we created this little person who now has a life and a mind of her own- and a personality! Even more amazing that in just a few short months we'll start to see the personality of this baby coming to life, I am having trouble grasping it.
Reilly has a memory that gets me every day. She gets a name in her head, that name goes with a certain type of person, and then anyone that even semi-resembles them somehow is them. Example, at the pool last week, any girl with white blonde hair was "Ellie". Now Ellie is a little girl in our neighborhood who Reilly has only played with once and met on 2 occasions. How does she remember Ellie and her white blonde hair so much? I have no clue. Neither do all the little girls at the pool with white blonde hair who Reilly chased after screaming "Ellie!!! Waaaiiitttt! Stop!!!! and holding her hand up like she expected them to stop (this is her favorite move when chasing people by the way). Then she chased a ten year old girl into the deep end of the pool thinking it was her cousin Kennedy. Yesterday, the woman in the car next to us with short blondish hair was "Grammy", luckily "Grammy" couldn't be chased, but Reilly yelled "Wait!" at her for a good 2 blocks. Then IN the mall, every guy between the age of 15 and 35 with dark hair was "Jon", also known as her Uncle Jon. I know Jon is a popular name and all, but I don't think any of these guys were named Jon, and they weren't turning around as she high-tailed it after them again screaming Wait! Stop! Jon! through half the mall. It is honestly the funniest thing I have ever seen, and I have to just laugh. Probably even funnier for the other mallgoers to watch an almost 9 month preggo woman chasing a crazy screaming toddler with her hands out through the mall. Priceless!
I also have to say that at one point I believe she was yelling Wait! and Stop! in spanish. The problem is I don't speak spanish, so I can't be sure. She definitely learned this move on Dora the Explorer (the addiction that rules her world), as she does everything not to taught to her by us or family/friends. We were in a shop, I took my bag and said "thank you" to the cashier, Reilly looked at her and said "Gracias! Bye bye!". I just lost it, as did the cashier. I know we don't look like spanish would be our "2nd language", so it was comical. I learned of her spanish speaking skills a few weeks ago when I caught her roaming around counting in spanish. She only knew a few numbers, but she and Daddy practice counting every night in English and Spanish so now she can count to ten. She also knows the word for Grandma in spanish, Abuela (no clue now to spell it), and since she has a current "Grandma" obsession that word is used alot. I think she loves the Grandma on Caillou, and any woman who looks like the Grandma on Calliou MUST be called Grandma. It is very embarassing when she chases after 35 year old women who may look a bit older and calling them Grandma, when clearly they are not. But luckily they don't know what she is saying ;) It is adorable when my neighbors Mom drives up the street, she knows their car, and she really IS a Grandma, so she loves it that Reilly is already yelling Grandma at her before she even gets out of the car.
But really the best part of the day is just watching her learn. She walked around that mall, pointing to every single thing she knew the word for and saying it "tree", "light", "baby owen (every baby is baby owen)", etc...I am constantly astounded that she knows the words for things I had no idea she knew. And then when we come home and she looks at me and says "bed"..."lamby, piggy, giraffe, fan (hahaha she has a fan in her room now), and then goes right to sleep without a fuss, it just makes my heart melt. I am so proud of this kid and the one hundred times a day she says "thank you" or "welcome", or "bless you". And watching her little face light up when she sees Daddy come home is just about the sweetest thing on earth.
But really the sweetest sweetest thing on earth was after putting her to bed last night while Rich was mowing the lawn and cleaning up the toyfest out front, seeing him bent over the driveway, with a big pink chalk and drawing her a picture and writing her name so she would see it today. :) I have no pictures downloaded today so I'll just share one of daddy and Reilly that I love...
Reilly has a memory that gets me every day. She gets a name in her head, that name goes with a certain type of person, and then anyone that even semi-resembles them somehow is them. Example, at the pool last week, any girl with white blonde hair was "Ellie". Now Ellie is a little girl in our neighborhood who Reilly has only played with once and met on 2 occasions. How does she remember Ellie and her white blonde hair so much? I have no clue. Neither do all the little girls at the pool with white blonde hair who Reilly chased after screaming "Ellie!!! Waaaiiitttt! Stop!!!! and holding her hand up like she expected them to stop (this is her favorite move when chasing people by the way). Then she chased a ten year old girl into the deep end of the pool thinking it was her cousin Kennedy. Yesterday, the woman in the car next to us with short blondish hair was "Grammy", luckily "Grammy" couldn't be chased, but Reilly yelled "Wait!" at her for a good 2 blocks. Then IN the mall, every guy between the age of 15 and 35 with dark hair was "Jon", also known as her Uncle Jon. I know Jon is a popular name and all, but I don't think any of these guys were named Jon, and they weren't turning around as she high-tailed it after them again screaming Wait! Stop! Jon! through half the mall. It is honestly the funniest thing I have ever seen, and I have to just laugh. Probably even funnier for the other mallgoers to watch an almost 9 month preggo woman chasing a crazy screaming toddler with her hands out through the mall. Priceless!
I also have to say that at one point I believe she was yelling Wait! and Stop! in spanish. The problem is I don't speak spanish, so I can't be sure. She definitely learned this move on Dora the Explorer (the addiction that rules her world), as she does everything not to taught to her by us or family/friends. We were in a shop, I took my bag and said "thank you" to the cashier, Reilly looked at her and said "Gracias! Bye bye!". I just lost it, as did the cashier. I know we don't look like spanish would be our "2nd language", so it was comical. I learned of her spanish speaking skills a few weeks ago when I caught her roaming around counting in spanish. She only knew a few numbers, but she and Daddy practice counting every night in English and Spanish so now she can count to ten. She also knows the word for Grandma in spanish, Abuela (no clue now to spell it), and since she has a current "Grandma" obsession that word is used alot. I think she loves the Grandma on Caillou, and any woman who looks like the Grandma on Calliou MUST be called Grandma. It is very embarassing when she chases after 35 year old women who may look a bit older and calling them Grandma, when clearly they are not. But luckily they don't know what she is saying ;) It is adorable when my neighbors Mom drives up the street, she knows their car, and she really IS a Grandma, so she loves it that Reilly is already yelling Grandma at her before she even gets out of the car.
But really the best part of the day is just watching her learn. She walked around that mall, pointing to every single thing she knew the word for and saying it "tree", "light", "baby owen (every baby is baby owen)", etc...I am constantly astounded that she knows the words for things I had no idea she knew. And then when we come home and she looks at me and says "bed"..."lamby, piggy, giraffe, fan (hahaha she has a fan in her room now), and then goes right to sleep without a fuss, it just makes my heart melt. I am so proud of this kid and the one hundred times a day she says "thank you" or "welcome", or "bless you". And watching her little face light up when she sees Daddy come home is just about the sweetest thing on earth.
But really the sweetest sweetest thing on earth was after putting her to bed last night while Rich was mowing the lawn and cleaning up the toyfest out front, seeing him bent over the driveway, with a big pink chalk and drawing her a picture and writing her name so she would see it today. :) I have no pictures downloaded today so I'll just share one of daddy and Reilly that I love...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
We Love Cherries!
Pregnancy craving of the week - cherries and rice pudding! Cherries in season and sale is a beautiful thing, and Reilly just discovered she loves them as much as the baby and I do ;) I don't know where the rice pudding kick came from, but Rich was not feeling the big bowl topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream I ate for dessert 2 nights ago. A girl can only eat so much ice cream.
I can't believe it's Wednesday already, 35 1/2 weeks to go! This weekend was my cousin Laura's wedding- I had a great time, Rich unfortunately got very sick and only made it over for dinner (luckily the reception was 1 mile from the hotel). Here are some pics of from the big day- Erin and Ted got a night out- and Pat (who always gets a night out) had a great time too. I was jealous of the martini's but the food was great and I even got some dancing in- who can pass up Usher? But Erin & Ted owned the dance floor ;) I have video to prove it...
It was so nice to catch up with my aunts, uncles, and cousins and it was a gorgeous wedding! Reilly got to spend the night at Nana's house and she had a blast! She went to Emma's recital and hung with her other cousins Chase and Jonathan (who she cannot stop talking about) and she got to see Grandpa :) She was exhausted after all the excitement but she napped for 3 1/2 hours on Sunday! Thanks Nana!! That means Mommy got to nap too ;)
Overall I'm still feeling good- we tested out the double stroller today at Babies R Us- love it!
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=6K00SOH3&CategoryID=2
Here's the link if you want to check it out- it's the Graco Quattro Tour Duo Glider in Espresso Roast. It gets great reviews and all the other Mom's I have chased down in the stores asking for their opinions seem to love it :) I also think I found a crib for Reilly, (the new baby is getting her current one) so I think we'll work on getting those in the next few weekends. Not much time left huh? Maybe I should think about getting my bag packed for the hospital soon ;) My next appointment in next Monday, and then I start going every week! It is moving really fast...
Last but not least- GO PENGUINS! Game six of the Stanley Cup is tonight and Rich and I are psyched for the game- Game 5 was AMAZING. Let's hope they survive to game 7!!!
I can't believe it's Wednesday already, 35 1/2 weeks to go! This weekend was my cousin Laura's wedding- I had a great time, Rich unfortunately got very sick and only made it over for dinner (luckily the reception was 1 mile from the hotel). Here are some pics of from the big day- Erin and Ted got a night out- and Pat (who always gets a night out) had a great time too. I was jealous of the martini's but the food was great and I even got some dancing in- who can pass up Usher? But Erin & Ted owned the dance floor ;) I have video to prove it...
It was so nice to catch up with my aunts, uncles, and cousins and it was a gorgeous wedding! Reilly got to spend the night at Nana's house and she had a blast! She went to Emma's recital and hung with her other cousins Chase and Jonathan (who she cannot stop talking about) and she got to see Grandpa :) She was exhausted after all the excitement but she napped for 3 1/2 hours on Sunday! Thanks Nana!! That means Mommy got to nap too ;)
Overall I'm still feeling good- we tested out the double stroller today at Babies R Us- love it!
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=6K00SOH3&CategoryID=2
Here's the link if you want to check it out- it's the Graco Quattro Tour Duo Glider in Espresso Roast. It gets great reviews and all the other Mom's I have chased down in the stores asking for their opinions seem to love it :) I also think I found a crib for Reilly, (the new baby is getting her current one) so I think we'll work on getting those in the next few weekends. Not much time left huh? Maybe I should think about getting my bag packed for the hospital soon ;) My next appointment in next Monday, and then I start going every week! It is moving really fast...
Last but not least- GO PENGUINS! Game six of the Stanley Cup is tonight and Rich and I are psyched for the game- Game 5 was AMAZING. Let's hope they survive to game 7!!!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Week 33..down!
It seems the weeks are flying by, as the days and nights drag on...I have to admit Reilly keeps me so busy some days that I can't complain. Other days I stare at the clock counting the minutes until Daddy gets home. I am somehow blessed this pregnancy in that I only have to get up once a night to pee, a miracle, though I must toss and turn 20 times. The insomnia is just not as bad, though the baby loves to wake up about 4:45 each day just before Daddy's alarm goes off. Which on some days means that's it for me- I'm up. Good thing Reilly is a great napper- which means Mommy is too :) My best sleep is during the afternoon (sorry Rich probably because I get the whole bed to myself).
We had an awesome week as usual- even with a cold, some top molars AND a top eyetooth coming through. Reilly is amazing- the energy she has is astounding. This week was our last week in the Tumble Tunes class at Romp 'n Roll or "Rompy" which is what she calls it (also the name of their signature dog). As soon as we see the sign for the Target shopping center she starts jumping up and down in her seat- I tried to run into Ross for a minute before her class and she promptly sat on the ground and refused to move her little butt because she knew it wasn't Rompy. (I never made it into Ross that day because after Rompy we HAD to go to Petco and see the cats, turtles, bunnies (ferrets), fish, and birdies). Our new favorite pastime! Here are some pics of Reilly and Daddy at Rompy in January- she LOVES it there!
Since we joined Shannondel pool club again this year, I skipped Tumble Tunes for the summer session, but did break down and sign up for a 6 week art session. I took her to a trial session and she LOVED it. Instead of paint she says "pink" and she wants to pink all the time now. Almost as much as she wants to "cuh-wee" also known as coloring, or play with stickers. Rich is getting a little frustrated at the stickers all over the furniture, but what can you do? She loves it!! Here is a picture of her first "art" project, a canvas pillow cover she painted...
We start art class next week, and hopefully Grammy can take her when she comes to visit the new baby in July! One of the best things about Romp n Roll for us has been Reilly's development. She learned to walk there during the first winter session because she wanted to keep up with the other kids! She started out shy and kept to herself...by midway through session #2- the Tumble Tunes class which is gym and music, she HAS to be the center of the circle every time. She sings all the songs and dances and claps and yells "YAY!!!" at the end of everything. All the other Mom's just crack up at her. During music circle, she is yelling for the next song or activity before the first one is done- it's amazing how she knows after you Row Row your Boat with the sticks you pull out the "inruments"! She LOVES "Ring around the Rosie" but won't walk around the circle with all the mom's and kids, she plops right down in the middle of the circle and let us walk around her as if she is our queen- hysterical. And of course her favorite end to every class- the Bubble Dance party! She loves it so much Daddy bought her a bubble machine which we have used outside every day this week. Best $11 we ever spent!!
Like the title said...33 weeks gone and in less than 50 days we will be holding number 2. Every night we say it to each other like we still can't believe it. In six weeks we will no longer be alone in our bedroom at night, sleeping peacefully. We will hear the breathing of 2 little pairs of lungs (one in the monitor and one in the bassinet). AMAZING...
We had an awesome week as usual- even with a cold, some top molars AND a top eyetooth coming through. Reilly is amazing- the energy she has is astounding. This week was our last week in the Tumble Tunes class at Romp 'n Roll or "Rompy" which is what she calls it (also the name of their signature dog). As soon as we see the sign for the Target shopping center she starts jumping up and down in her seat- I tried to run into Ross for a minute before her class and she promptly sat on the ground and refused to move her little butt because she knew it wasn't Rompy. (I never made it into Ross that day because after Rompy we HAD to go to Petco and see the cats, turtles, bunnies (ferrets), fish, and birdies). Our new favorite pastime! Here are some pics of Reilly and Daddy at Rompy in January- she LOVES it there!
Since we joined Shannondel pool club again this year, I skipped Tumble Tunes for the summer session, but did break down and sign up for a 6 week art session. I took her to a trial session and she LOVED it. Instead of paint she says "pink" and she wants to pink all the time now. Almost as much as she wants to "cuh-wee" also known as coloring, or play with stickers. Rich is getting a little frustrated at the stickers all over the furniture, but what can you do? She loves it!! Here is a picture of her first "art" project, a canvas pillow cover she painted...
We start art class next week, and hopefully Grammy can take her when she comes to visit the new baby in July! One of the best things about Romp n Roll for us has been Reilly's development. She learned to walk there during the first winter session because she wanted to keep up with the other kids! She started out shy and kept to herself...by midway through session #2- the Tumble Tunes class which is gym and music, she HAS to be the center of the circle every time. She sings all the songs and dances and claps and yells "YAY!!!" at the end of everything. All the other Mom's just crack up at her. During music circle, she is yelling for the next song or activity before the first one is done- it's amazing how she knows after you Row Row your Boat with the sticks you pull out the "inruments"! She LOVES "Ring around the Rosie" but won't walk around the circle with all the mom's and kids, she plops right down in the middle of the circle and let us walk around her as if she is our queen- hysterical. And of course her favorite end to every class- the Bubble Dance party! She loves it so much Daddy bought her a bubble machine which we have used outside every day this week. Best $11 we ever spent!!
Like the title said...33 weeks gone and in less than 50 days we will be holding number 2. Every night we say it to each other like we still can't believe it. In six weeks we will no longer be alone in our bedroom at night, sleeping peacefully. We will hear the breathing of 2 little pairs of lungs (one in the monitor and one in the bassinet). AMAZING...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Getting Ready for Baby #2
We really can't believe a new baby will be here in less than 2 months. We REALLY can't believe it because we have done nothing to prepare. Aside from a few onesies and a pair of pajamas, we haven't purchased anything. I guess that's the beauty of having 2 kids so close together. We really don't need anything! The nursery is painted, and almost cleaned out (working on that)...the crib and double stroller are picked out but not yet bought, and the list of everything that needs to be done is in process. I have my 34 week OB appointment today and am curious to hear what the doc has to say about next steps. I figure by 36 weeks I'll have the bag packed, the carseat ready, and we'll start pulling out Reilly's baby clothes and getting them washed. It just seems so much easier this time around, like we are pros, and neither Rich or I are stressed about it. Just knowing the sleepless nights are around the corner is a little unsettling. And looking at Reilly's little face and wondering how she will share Mommy and Daddy is a wonder. I am so curious to see how she will react! I think she'll be a great big sister :)
I am feeling pretty good despite sleeping getting to be more of a challenge. Reilly gives me a run for my money- I am constantly chasing her when we are outside, so hopefully I'll be in better shape for labor than last time! I have gained less weight and started out 20 pounds lighter this time, so that is helping. The little one is very active and I feel like we'll have a big baby again- just a gut- I don't think we make small kids! Just for a reminder here is what Reilly looked like the day she was born...not so tiny!!! And then today...amazing how quickly they grow up- 18 months already!!
I am feeling pretty good despite sleeping getting to be more of a challenge. Reilly gives me a run for my money- I am constantly chasing her when we are outside, so hopefully I'll be in better shape for labor than last time! I have gained less weight and started out 20 pounds lighter this time, so that is helping. The little one is very active and I feel like we'll have a big baby again- just a gut- I don't think we make small kids! Just for a reminder here is what Reilly looked like the day she was born...not so tiny!!! And then today...amazing how quickly they grow up- 18 months already!!
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