Thursday, January 31, 2008

Thankful Thursday (LONG OVERDUE)

I have been unable to post my list for a few weeks, but Nathan is allowing me to do so today. I see the light! I see the light! :)

I certainly have many things to be thankful for this month, but some of the biggies today are:

1) My children, of course. Sydney has been very good the last two nights and it has been so nice having our little girl back. She can be such a sweet girl, but fiesty (wonder where that comes from?). I am so in love with Nathan. He is absolutely wonderful. This morning he woke me with coos, not crying. It seems so early for him to be doing this. I also cannot believe I forgot to tell you that he was trying to hold his head up within minutes of delivery. He is such a strong boy! His cord FINALLY fell off yesterday and we're cleared to start tummy time this weekend. He's such a little wiggler. I'm sure he's going to put his talent to good use.

2) My husband. No matter what, you are my best friend. I know I haven't really acted like it for a while. :) I've had patience for everyone except you and I'm thankful to finally realize it.

3) Washing appliances (dishwasher and clothes washer). I would be in one heck of a mess right now without them. Nathan alone keeps the clothes washer running incessantly.

4) A milk supply. I know this might seem silly to some, but after what I went through with Syd, it is amazing to be able to provide for my son. Certainly, it is ashame that it has to be given via bottle, but nothing is ever perfect. :)

5) A toothbrush. Seriously. I cannot believe what a difference brushing your teeth can make on your attitude. Same with showers. Such small things make such a big difference.

6) Soy milk. Poor Nathan has been having stomach issues the several days and I have been so careful about my eating. I have been unable to consume a milkshake or a strawberries and cream for days! Then, I realized I should try soy milk. I think I might make a trip to Starbucks today! :)

7) A wireless laptop! I'm hanging out in my room, watching Nathan and multitasking. I love love love it!

8) SLEEP! When I get it these days, it is simply wonderful!

9) Sweet silence. I always knew that I greatly appreciated my quiet time, but now I appreciate it even more. There is nothing sweeter than lying in bed while everyone is asleep and just listening to my husband breathe, my fan run and nothing at all.


I hope you all have a wonderful day! Thanks for checking in on me!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Still here! :)

I only have a few minutes before Mr. Nathan will "politely" request my assistance. It really is quite strange being away from the computer for such lengths of time. Before I had Nathan, I spent a minimum of 8 hrs at my computer each day. Of course, that was for work, but still...

We are still trying to establish some sort of routine here. It is proving to be a challenge. We've had a few hiccups (i.e. Nathan staying up all night, terrible headaches, etc.). Last night, Nathan did pretty well. He only got up twice. That was amazing!

Nathan and I made a trip to Gordonsville this week (my hometown). My great grandfather, Junior, passed away and we went to the evening service on Monday. It was great to see so much of the family, but of course, I wish it had been under different circumstances. I remember having family reunions every year when I was a kid, but then they just stopped. I'm not really sure what happened. The last time I saw this side of the family was 2.5 yrs ago at my great grandmother's funeral.

Junior was the last of my great grandparents. It is hard to believe that they are all gone now, and I had lots of them (split families do that). He amazingly enough died in the room he was born in. Not many people can say that. In fact, he was born on one side of the room and died on the other. It is all quite symbolic to me, the circle of life, etc. He spent his entire life in the same house. I cannot imagine. I've moved so many times I cannot even count them all.

Well, isn't it funny how children know when you are trying to accomplish something. :) I knew that would happen. I'd better see what the little man wants now.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Mommy and Me Time! I'm Not the Devil!

Yesterday, Syd and I took a short trip to the mall. We rode the carousel, the train, drank a strawberries and cream from SB (of course) and stopped by Bath & Body. With Hannah Banana in mind, I let Sydney pick out a few things to girly herself up. She was just thrilled. It was so nice to see her smiling (IN MY DIRECTION)! It was absolute bliss.

I know you all have probably seen the Hidden Valley Ranch commercial where all the kids are devouring their vegetables, eating giant bowls of salad and playing games for veggie dippers. Well, Syd hasn't shown much interest in ranch, but last night she asked to try our "leaves". We assumed she would just spit it out and move on, but to our surprise, she asked for her own. The salad dressing of choice last night was Brianna's Blush Vinaigrette (one of my favorites). I was stunned. My kid was eating salad! I already had her convinced that sweet potatoes or butternut squash mixed with cinnamon and sugar is "pie," but now I get to add salad too! WOW!

I got a sweet package from Tib today! Thanks so much! :) We really appreciate it. Marc picked up the package and said, "Who do we know in Vermont?" Ha ha! :) Silly silly. Thank you again.

Well, it is 8:19pm and I have got to run and eat dinner. Then I will throw myself into bed and hope to get some sleep before little Nathan starts his evening.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

AT LAST! NATHAN ALEXANDER PHOTOS!

Finally! Our world has stopped spinning long enough for me to post the pics. For those of you that have a few minutes, keep reading and for those of you that don't scroll down to see the photos.

I had an apt with my OB on the afternoon of the 10th. I ended up staying home from work that day because I was just feeling terrible. I felt like I needed to sleep for 100 years. So, I slept most of the day prior to my apt and then I took myself to a very late lunch. At this point I was only a day over and wasn't terribly surprised because Sydney was also late. The nurse took my blood pressure and it was pretty awful. I don't recall the exact numbers, but I do remember it was 152 over ??. The doctor came in, checked me over, took my blood pressure again and decided that he wouldn't risk any further delay. He sent me home and told me to go straight to bed. FAT CHANCE!

I did comply that evening, as best I could. I was so nervous and scared about being induced that I was up the entire night. I ended up eating chicken noodle soup and watching QVC at 3am in the morning, which was a lousy attempt at trying to settle my stomach. Before I knew it, morning arrived and we were on the way to the hospital. I had tried to eat that morning, but wasn't having much luck. I knew I would pay for this later.

We checked in at 8:30am and by 9:00am my nurse started to place my IV. She did a bang up job compared to the last delivery. It only took her two tries and during Sydney's delivery, they blew nearly every vein before they finally called a pediatric anesthesiologist to put one in my hand. Nonetheless, I nearly fainted after the first attempt, which is pretty rare because I am so used to being stuck numerous times for ANYTHING. I have tricky veins. After the IV was in place and the doctor gave the go ahead, they started the drip.

It took some time before the contractions started, but once they did, they were regular and increasing in strength and duration. The progression wasn't quite fast enough for the doctor (my blood pressure was a factor) and she broke my water. With Sydney there were a few complications that led them to believe that they may have to operate so I opted for an epidural prior to them breaking the water. I didn't want to be put under general anesthesia if I ended up on the operating table. This time, I waited. It took a few hours before the pain started to get to me and I decided to request an epidural. At this check, I was 4 cm. It took about 15 minutes for them to come in with the epidural and it takes about 20 minutes for it to start to work. After the epidural was stabilized, they did another check and I was already 7cm at that point. I kept telling them that I though they were getting stronger, but I had no idea how quickly things were moving at this point. The epidural didn't have a chance to kick in fully because I was progressing so rapidly. They cld the anesthesiologist back in, but by the time they got there, I was complete. No point trying to up it then! Thankfully, what I had been given worked well enough that I didn't feel like I was going to die. :) I did end up puking seven or so times during the day. It was pretty nasty. Marc was a doll and held my basin for me almost every time. THAT IS LOVE! My mom and best friend, Rachel, were there to keep us company also. I'm so glad they were there. Rachel, I had to post the potty pic. It is too funny! :)

After the doctor gave the go ahead to start pushing, Nathan decided that he would enter in a hurry. I pushed for less than twenty minutes and he was born at 5:05pm. I pushed for over two hours with Sydney so, I was so happy. I made it through Sydney's delivery without a stitch, but didn't get so lucky this time. It could have been much worse though.

I, of course, started crying the instant I saw him. He had so many familiar Sydney expressions, but he had/has a soft cry. He weighed in at 7 lbs 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. I worried before he arrived that I could never love both children the same, but I worry no longer. I couldn't help but think of The Grinch, oddly enough, while I was holding him for the first time. I just knew my heart had grown in my chest to hold all of the love I was feeling and feel for my children. It really is simply amazing.

So, we've been home for almost two weeks. We've been trying to get ourselves into a routine, but we haven't quite made it yet. The first few days were especially rough because Sydney was SUPER JEALOUS and VERY ANGRY with mom. She wouldn't even talk to me. This didn't go over well with the hormonal mom. I've cried a lot the last two weeks, until today. I've made it through today without crying once. A RECORD! :) There is nothing worse than being rejected by your child. I am happy to report that, although Sydney has been quite a pistol lately, she is beginning to warm up to mommy again, a little. She has decided that now is the perfect time to test every boundary we have. I know she's got a lot going on in that head of hers. We're trying to manage. We put her back in school part-time and this has seemed to abate the nutty behavior of our angry little monster.

As far as Nathan is concerned, he is an absolute doll. He rarely cries, which is something unheard of to us. Sydney cried incessantly for the first six months of her life. She had acid reflux and her mommy was too stupid to listen to her baby. We instead tried to strictly follow the advice of lactation consultants and books. NEVER AGAIN! For those of you that knew me when I had Sydney, I attempted breast feeding and failed miserably. I had thrush several times, had anatomical issues and low supply. When I finally stopped at four months, I had blood running and we were all completely miserable. Nonetheless, I decided to give it another try. I'm glutton for punishment I suppose. Ha ha! What can I say? I am one persistent little girl. If at first you don't succeed....

I was ready this time. I was armed with information, creams and such. If it was going to work, it was going to work this time. Well, I am happy to report that I have been Nathan's primary source of nutrition for the last two weeks. We've supplemented three or four times with formula, but overall, it is just me. Unfortunately, we are struggling to overcome the anatomical issues and he mainly has expressed milk, but he is getting it nonetheless. I certainly cannot change the way I was made and I'm not going to lose sleep over it this time. Things are 1000 times better this go around. THANK GOODNESS! I cannot say I am that thrilled about being attached to a pump all day and night, but if it is better for him, I'll do it.

We are certainly thankful for our new addition and for our family and friends. My mother came to stay last week and took care of us. Thanks, mom! We've received lots of calls, emails and cards from relatives and friends. Thank you! We are so fortunate to have you all in our lives.

I'll check back shortly. I hope you all are happy and well.

Much love,
Jess





































































Sunday, January 13, 2008

He's Here!

We just arrived home. We are both healthy and happy. I will check in with details later. Thanks for checking in on me.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Big Day!

I went to the doctor this afternoon. Unfortunately, my blood pressure was pretty terrible so, they have decided to induce me in the morning. They are playing it safe.

So, I will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow morning and we'll see how long it takes before Nathan arrives. I imagine it will be a few days before I get to post. So, take care and I will chat with you soon.

Thanks for checking up on me! :)

Wondering Where I Am?

I bet a few of you checked my blog earlier this morning to find that no post had been made and thought, "Maybe she's having/had the baby." Well, nope. :)

Last night I was curled up in bed finishing 'The Glass Castle,' (Yes, I said finishing. What a quick read! I loved that book.) when I started having contractions. They were about ten minutes apart for a bit and I didn't get terribly excited because this happens ALL THE TIME. I closed the book, headed downstairs to join Marc in the tv room and had an ice cream cone. I quickly noted that the contractions were coming much faster (5 min) and continued for about a half hour. I had been warned by one of the OBs in our office to not wait until the contractions got to 5 minutes and if they were steady at all, I should call. I didn't. If I went simply on steady, I'd call their office EVERY DAY! Although, they had never been five minutes apart.

I decided to tell Marc and he started timing the contractions. All the while, I'm taking a shower, putting on pjs and just waiting to see what was going to happen. "It's probably nothing." I said. He disagreed because his log indicated that the contractions had been coming every four minutes for over forty-five minutes and had lasted for over a minute. "You should call." He said. So, I did. After giving the report to Dr. Choudry, he instructed me to go to the hospital. So, we loaded up in the car and headed over. The contractions continued at four minute increments. I couldn't help but get nervous and freaked out. I wondered all the things you wonder when you are about to go through something like that. I was just scared.

Turns out, I got a reprieve. I earned one more day to mentally prepare myself. After we arrived at the hospital, they hooked me up to all of their monitors and, within a short period of time, the contractions began to diminish. They continued, but were very weak. After a quick check, it was determined that there hadn't been much change since my last apt. They ran tape on Nathan to make sure he was in good shape and sent me home just after midnight. The "nuisance" contractions continued for much of the night and was just enough to keep me awake.

When the alarm clock went off this morning, I protested. Knowing I had to go to the OB's office today, I decided to take the day to catch up on my rest. So, after Marc and Sydney left the house this morning and I checked in with mom, I went back to bed where I stayed until about thirty minutes ago. I plan to have a VERY late lunch (it is nearly 2pm), visit Dr. Choudry and return home where I will veg with family until something happens or until my alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Strange Things About Me

I was asked by Laura to name seven strange/odd things about myself. Here goes:

1. I hate fingerprints on my kitchen faucet. It drives me absolutely insane. Fingerprints on switch plates and other faucets are annoying also, but the kitchen faucet is the WORST.

2. I am a compulsive hand washer. I counted once and I washed my hands ten times while putting away groceries.

3. I think about death constantly, mine and others. There is rarely a day that passes that I don't think about it. I often get in the car and think, "Will I die today?" I hate it.

4. I'm a spill all. There is very little about me I keep to myself. Someone always knows what I am thinking. I can guard the secrets of others, but I am an open book.

5. I have little confidence in myself as a mother. I constantly question myself. I have no doubt that love my daughter, and soon-to-arrive son, but being responsible for other human beings STILL overwhelms me. I just don't want to do anything wrong.

6. I am anything BUT a pack rat. In fact, I've kicked myself in the butt several times for giving things to Goodwill before their time. I cannot stand clutter, but yet I still have it. There are things I will not part with that drives Marc absolutely crazy. He, unlike me, is a TRUE PACK RAT! I think he would keep every t-shirt he ever owned if I didn't throw them out.

7. I cannot be in a dark bathroom standing before a mirror. I will freak myself out. I guess it is all the silly games I played as a child. We have a giant mirror in our bathroom that connects to our bedroom. Some nights, I swear I can see someone (other than myself) in it. It will make me do a double take. I hate it. :)

I thought it would be difficult coming up with seven things, but I think I could go on for a while. I will spare you though.

Today? I think not.

Today is my official due date and I am at work. I don't expect to be leaving either. I'm just following my normal routine. :) Just wanted to give you an update.

I finished 'Marley and Me' this weekend. I enjoyed it immensely and could certainly relate. Sunday evening I started 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls. Already, I am halfway through. It is a very quick read and I was hooked in the first ten pages. If you haven't already, you should definitely read this book. I have several other books waiting for me and I hope to get to them shortly. It is so nice to read books for fun! What a switch!

I decided yesterday afternoon, after speaking with Sydney's principal, that I am going to attempt to keep Sydney at home with me while I am on maternity leave. I will have help the first week or two so, that will be a good time to assess the situation. I was worried that I might completely disrupt Sydney's schedule and progress in school or overwhelm myself. Sydney was a very demanding baby and we had a very rough first few months. It makes me curious about Nathan's temperament, which remains to be seen. Regardless, I decided that this is a rare opportunity to spend additional time with my daughter and do some bonding. I didn't want to kick myself in the butt later for not even attempting to make it work. So, we're going to give it a go. After all, people do it all the time right? So can I (I hope). Can any of you great moms out there offer advice?

Well, I'm off to do some work. Thanks for checking in!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Good Morning!

I'm about to call in an order for mozzarella sticks. Yes, I know it is only 9am. Do I care? Nope.


Last night, after I had read Sydney her bedtime story and tucked her in, she climbed out of bed. This is nothing new. It has become quite an ordeal to put her to bed at night and can sometimes take up to an hour. Typically, it lasts for about a half hour. I believe it was the third time she had gotten up when I witnessed the following pretty silly exchange:


Syd: Daddy, I want...(don't remember what it was that time)

Marc: Sydney, get your tail in the bed

Syd: I don't have a tail, Daddy. I have a butt.



I think she got up once or twice more before she eventually went to sleep. I was downstairs sweeping when I heard her tell her dad that she had a butt and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Children are quick to correct their parents, aren't they? I'm sure I did it a million times.



Now, remember I told you that I had gotten the coolest painting of our pups for Christmas? I decided to ask my MIL for the artist's contact information so that I could send her a little note telling her what a wonderful job she did. Turns out, she has her own website (http://www.sheilathomasart.com/index.php?showimage=138). Her painting of our babies is below:



Sheila did a stellar job and we will treasure this painting forever! We miss Mr. Colby so much and it is so nice to have such a beautiful keepsake.

Well, I'm off to hunt down some mozzarella sticks. Have a great day!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Cute or Creepy?

I took a quick ride down the elevator today to get a drink from the downstairs deli. On my way down, an older gentleman got on at the 3rd floor. Here is the exchange:

GUY: Hello.
ME: Hello.
GUY: Do you feel beautiful today?
ME: (Looking at him like he is nuts)
GUY: Because you certainly look beautiful. I think pregnant women are the most beautiful women in the world.
ME: (Still looking at him strangely) Uh, thank you.
GUY: I should know because my wife and I had five children together.
ME: So, she was lovely a lot of your marriage. That is good. (Smile)
GUY: Yes, still is, but there is something extra special about pregnant women.

You've got that right! They bring out the strangeness in a lot of people. From valets that try to kiss your bellies (Yeah! I'm serious!) to strangers telling you that you look huge or uncomfortable. The public response runs the gamut.

I'm going to go with cute for this older man rather than creepy. It is most likely true and just makes me feel better. :)

Still Here! :)

So it is a good thing my crazy client has a day job! :) She had predicted that Nathan's delivery would be yesterday. That is obviously not the case since I am at work this morning. Oh well, I look at it as one more day away from Christmas. I know he'll be here very soon, one way or another.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent most of the weekend hanging out at the house. In fact, I didn't leave until 8pm last night when I made a Wendy's run. Did you know that they now have vanilla and chocolate frosties? I had no clue.

Another thing-remember a few weeks back I mentioned the man that is in our Starbucks every day? I haven't seen him for weeks. At first I thought he was away for the holiday, but again this morning, he wasn't there. I wonder what happened to him.

Well, I'm off to find some work. I hope you all have a great day.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Vanity Shoved Aside!

So, my apt went very well yesterday. My blood pressure was good, which had been a problem for the last few weeks and I'm 1.5cm. I'm starting to think that really means nothing. :)

My latest issue is shoving my butt and belly into my maternity clothes. I REFUSE to buy new clothes this close to the end and I'm really starting to look ridiculous. So much so, my boss told me that my shirt was too small today, as if I didn't notice. He didn't mean to be mean about it. He just thought I would be more comfortable in one of his shirts, but...I just wanted to cry. I even went to the thrift store last weekend in search of some larger maternity clothes, but didn't have any luck. I will just have to suck it up because I'm not budging. Perhaps I will steal some of Marc's sweaters. I'm sure the sleeves will be an issue. :) This couldn't possibly go on much longer.

On a lighter note, we decided to hire the receptionist that has been working hourly for us since the holiday. She seems quite pleasant and has done a TON of work. It is still too early to tell for sure, but so far it seems to be a good fit. I'm glad I took that direction this time.

Well, I hope you have a great day and a great weekend!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Still Here! Still Pregnant! :)

The buzz has definitely started about when this baby will make his appearance. He's been quite content in his mommy's tummy thus far. Honestly, I am happy he's still there. I remember I was quite "over it" about this time with Sydney. I had just had enough of the uncomfortable ick. This time, not so much. This pregnancy has been so different. I've got the typical complaints, but other than that, it has been a pretty easy road. I understand now why women say they enjoy their pregnancies. After Sydney, I thought they were lying. So, I will relish the last few days I have my boy close to me, where his daddy cannot get him. :) Ha! Ha!

I hope everyone had a nice holiday and that you spent time with those you love. I got to spend time with many of those I love and, although it was odd, I had a wonderful holiday just the same. For the first time in years, I woke up on Christmas morning in my OWN bed, in my OWN house and was snuggled by my husband and baby girl. I have to admit that I loved it. I couldn't help but think that morning how fortunate I was to wake up with those blessings. The feeling of gratitude was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. There is nothing sweeter than a heart full of love for your family. In that moment, it was Christmas to me.

After about an hour of showering, dressing and just plain stalling Sydney upstairs in the house, my side of the family arrived. When Sydney entered the room, she was completely overwhelmed with all of the packages that were stacked all around the room. Sydney started opening and there were so many we had to break to eat. Sydney wasn't the only one spoiled this year. Marc and I were bombarded by wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Our friends and families went nuts. I couldn't even begin to list all of the wonderful gifts we received, but some of the biggies were: a handycam, an amazing painting of our puppies, a gps, new clothes, gifts cards and the like. We are so thankful for all we received and know we don't deserve any of it. My husband went equally insane on me this year. I received a new camera, which you heard about earlier, a photo printer and a beautiful topaz/diamond necklace that matches the jewelry he purchased for me while on the cruise in August.

I certainly bit off more than I could handle this year as far as the holiday dinner was concerned. :) I had really no idea just how tired I would be at this stage and it was much more difficult than I expected it to be. I'm so thankful that my mother-in-law was there to help me by washing up my colossal messes. :) I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise.

The menu for Christmas this year was:

Sausage Balls
Shrimp Cocktail
Stuffed Picatta Mushrooms
Cheese and Crackers

Ham
Beef Wellington
Green Bean Casserole
Spinach, Corn and Carrot Casserole
Macaroni and Cheese
Butternut Squash Casserole
Rolls
*I feel like I'm forgetting something.

Pecan Pie
Cookies
Butter Bars

First, I didn't cook any of the desserts. They were made by others or purchased. I also didn't make the macaroni, my MIL made it and it was so yummy. :)

Second, I purchased the wrong pastry dough for the Wellingtons and they were a complete disaster! :) Lesson learned. I didn't even serve them. I will know better next time.

Other than that, I received recipe requests for the casseroles. That is a positive right? Or, they are being overly kind. :)

What an experience! I'm so glad I did it. I learned so much and I was so excited to get some use out of my beautiful china. That is why I have it, right?

Well, I'm off to a bump visit (that's what they call my dr apts here). We'll see how it goes.

I cannot wait to catch up with you all.

Take care!
Jess