A Family Christmas

It’s been a very busy fun Christmas.  I got off work on Christmas Eve at noon.  I ran to the store to buy the last few items we needed.  Then, realized I had no Tom Thumb rewards card on me.  Dang It!  We’re only 2 points away from a free pan.  Anyways, I signed up for a new one and was on my way.  Got home, wrestled the bags upstairs, and tried to rest a bit.  Then realizing there was so much to do, I got up and finished wrapping and cleaning.  Daniel had to work late (BIG surprise!  This tends to happen everytime, leaving me to handle the work at home) so I ran and got Adam too.  All this running around.  Oh, and I was also showing the first signs of being sick.  Runny nose, coughing, sneezing, tired, achy…the whole bit.  Daniel got home around 7:30 or so and I was sooooooooo done for the day!

Christmas morning was quiet.  We decided to wait until all my family arrived to exchange gifts.  My sister and I prepared the Christmas feast, my parents and Joseph arrived, and the extravaganza began!  Adam had a blast and he quickly became a pro at unwrapping.  It was such a joy to see his face light up with each gift.  He got tons of Cars stuff, Little People sets, and some spiffy new Crayola stuff.  He’s got his own Cars chair now that he loves.  The one thing I never got to accomplish was gathering up all the old toys to put away or take to Kid to Kid.  We must do that or be overtaken by toys!

Everyone had a great time.  I got everything I wished for and then some.  Most of what I wanted was to make the remaining days of my pregnancy and maternity leave more comfy.  I got a laptop station that’s like a bed tray.  Oh, and my new favorite item ever is the Memory Foam Pillow.  I have not had a decent nights sleep in weeks.  I could not get settled, I’d sleep two hours and be wide awake.  Between my back pain and groin pain, I would wake up Daniel with all my irritability.  I got my new pillow, I laid down for an afternoon nap at 3 and woke up at 6.  It was the best nap ever!  Last night I slept so soundly and didn’t wake until after 7am!  I actually feel rested, if I wasn’t sick I think I would feel freaking terrific!!!!!!!!!  Of course, I got a new Coach purse.  The big surprise was that my nephew Joseph bought me a downright adorable Dooney & Bourke tote.  It’s going to be the diaper bag I use with Isabelle.  It’s so cute.  Daniel got his pink shirt to wear when Belle is born.  He had a blue one when Adam was born.  He also got Madden 09 and the new Guitar Hero World Tour for the Wii.  I haven’t seen much of him since….sigh.

I’m hoping to make it threw this weekend.  I honestly feel drained.  It’s hard to catch my breath sometimes.  The coughing gives me a headache.  Oh, and being 20 months pregnant and coughing with a ton pf pressure on your bladder, well it’s not good.  Christmas Day was officially 37 weeks!  Isabelle will soon be here!  She’s still so active and I love it.  The ultrasound shows she’s around 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and right along the 50th percentile.  I wonder if she has a headful of hair like Adam.  Will she have dark eyes?  Or will she get her Daddy’s hazel ones?  How will Adam react when he sees her?  Soon, we shall see.  It’s going to be quite the adventure having two children under two.  I sometimes wonder if I’m up for it.  I know I’ll love each of my beautiful kids, but will it be enough?  Especially at first when I really won’t be able to handle Adam too much without hurting myself.

Work is still a struggle.  I’ve accepted the fact that they are going to be left a man down.  The help that is there just isn’t going to be adequate.  I’ve done what I can, and I’ve even changed the dates of my leave to gain more time to train.  I was planning on New Year’s Eve being my last day, but now I’m thinking I should go in at least two days before I’m due for my c-section.  I’m not totally positive yet.  Poor Leonard……that’s why I gave him a bottle of wine for Christmas!

I would upload pictures of Christmas and all the happenings, but our USB cable is broken.  One more thing we have to take care of before Belle’s arrival.  Her side of the room still isn’t done.  I still don’t know what outfit she’s coming home in.  I don’t even know who is going to keep Adam while I’m at the hospital.  I can’t think about all this too much because it just gives me a big ole headache.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and has a safe Happy New Year!

One More To Go!

My coworker had her son early this morning.  So now I am so anxious to have Isabelle!  Today I took off work to spend time with my mom and sister.  I also got to visit with Joseph who is finally home for the holidays.  We went to Target which turned out to have everything I needed to buy!  Then we went to lunch.  It was a nice relaxing day, except for driving there and back.  But, I am quite tired now.  I’m definitely feeling like my body is getting more ready for having Isabelle.  I don’t know how to explain it, but just achy and pulling, and I just want to rest.

I can’t believe that in a few days she will be here!!!

Kickin’ It

Today was another day ending in Y so it meant another doctor appointment.  Today was our weekly sono which is cool because we get to see Isabelle every week.  She normally is pretty active mid morning and she did not disappoint today.  She doesn’t keep me up at night and about 5 minutes after I wake I begin to feel her moving about.  So, our appointment was at 9:30 and we got right in very quickly.  The dr. began taking measurements and she was kicking at the doppler.  He examines the umbilical cord and he couldn’t get a good reading because she was kicking it!  He tried a few times and finally said “that’s enough of this nonsense” and gave up.  Afterward the sono is over we are hooked up to the fetal heart monitor and she was not having that either.  She was bouncing around everywhere.  The printout was pretty much a series of dotted lines.  They got a little reading showing all was ok, but it was more of a decision to leave her be since she was so active and her heart looked to be ok.  All this activity and I hadn’t even eaten breakfast.  So her most recent stats are that she’s in the 57th percentile of growth and about 6.1 pounds.  She’s caught up and then a little more in growth.  The dr. is pleased. 

I’m trying to take it a little easier.  This morning I was having what felt to me like mild contractions.  They were sharp and across the lower part of my belly.  I’m under a little pressure at work trying to train someone to do most of my work before New Year’s.  I was planning on taking off the few days before having Isabelle, but I”m not so sure that’s possible right now.  I think we’ll just have to take a wait and see how the trainng goes.  Daniel has been such a big help.  Thankfully his work has slowed down and that’s allowed him to be able to pick up Adam.  It’s just not feasible for me to lift anything or bend over to get him anymore. 

Christmas shopping is almost complete.  We just need a few final things before Isabelle gets here. I need to get my bag packed.  We took the tour of the hospital.  I really like it.  The tour wasn’t all that great, but we got the jist of what we needed to know.  Everything is so new and shiny.  OH, and there’s a suite!  A big huge swanky suite!  It reminds us of a upscale hotel room.  Dark woods and marble counters.  LCD tvs.  Separate common area and bedroom.  All for the small price of $300 per night.  Uh…….I think I’ll stick with the one covered under my insurance.  My mom says I should call the insurance and see what they pay up to for post partum room and board and I should only have to pay the difference.  She thinks since it’s our last baby we should do this in grand style.  Funny Mommy!

Tomorrow is another routine OB appointment (see, another day ending in Y).  We should find out for sure if I’ll be stuck with our 3pm c-section appointment, or if she was able to get an earlier appointment.   I have to ask her if I’m stuck with the 3pm if I can be induced that morning and see how I progress to a normal delivery.  If I don’t progress then we have the back up of the 3pm time slot.  Is it crazy that I’m possibly choosing a day long labor????

The Acura is acting up again.  Seems to be overheating.  I’m so over this car, but we’re trying to stick it out til income tax.  I’m not sure it will.  Perhaps a hose is leaking, especially since it’s been so cold and the rubber may have cracked or something.  I’m probably pulling at straws here.  The oil looks fine so we don’t think it’s a head gasket, but that just may have to be the next repair.  If it can just hang on a couple of weeks, then at least I’ll be homebound and won’t really need a car.  However, during my maternity leave I only earn 50% of my salary.  OUCH!  It’s going to be penny pinching time for sure.  Better stock up on Ramen noodles.  If only we could afford to get into and pay for a van….that would be so nice.  Just another thing to worry about, but at least we have another car this time!

Christmas is fast approaching and Adam and Isabelle are our biggest miracles.  Adam is so smart and learning words on a daily basis.  Isabelle is going to be a strong baby girl who will be such a joy.  I’m trying to stay positive about when she’s born.  I’m praying that there are no surprises once the echocardiogram is done.  Hmmmm… that just made me realize just how unimportant that dumb car is.  Now it’s in perspective.

The Amazing Isabelle!

Today we had our now weekly sonogram.  Everything is going very smoothly.  And Isabelle amazed even the sonographer.  We were able to get a profile picture of her and when she turned on the 3d function we saw that the baby’s foot was over her face.  Yep, she’s a contortionist!  The sonographer said that’s pretty amazing feat considering we’re 34 weeks along now.  Of course, now it’s caused a new worry for me.  Will her hips be displaced because of her acrobatics?  I know I’m just being a worry wort.  Anyway, the doctor says everything is great and we are right on track for the big day.  I called the OB today and we are scheduled to deliver January 8th at 3pm.  She is trying to get a early appointment still, but at least we have this one scheduled.  So, with the date and time scheduled now, it turns out Joseph will be able to see her before flying back to Wisonsin.

Work has been pretty slow, but pretty interesting.  The new lady at work said something pretty shocking to me.  She just started Dec. 1st.  At lunch she asked when I was due, and if this was my first baby.  I told her no and that I have an 18 month old son.  She was shocked and said and I quote ” Girl, you need to learn how to close your legs!”  I was too shocked to even come up with a smart comeback.  The other people that heard it were just as shocked.  What bothers me the most is that she thought it ok to say this after only passing pleasantries.  What is the department in for with this new person?  My closest friends wouldn’t even say that to me, they may have thought it perhaps, but never said it.  I’m still kinda contemplating my course of action. 

Adam will be a big brother soon and I’m beginning to get more excited.  I think he is going to be awesome.   Isabelle is going to be so lucky to have a big brother like him.  He will begin potty training soon.  This should be exciting.  New baby sister.  Potty training.  Mommy can’t even pick him up.  Poor little guy, he’s not going to know what to do.  Hopefully he’ll like being independent and a big boy.  He catches on to things quickly and I hope that continues.

OUCH!!!

I don’t know what Isabelle could possibly be doing in there, but she has been causing her mommy pain!  Without being too graphic, it feels like she will fall out sometimes!  Seriously!  I’ve reached the stage where everything hurts.  Lie down- hurt.  Sit up – hurt.  Walk – hurt.  I keep reminding myself to take it all in.  To cherish it all, even the pain.  Isabelle will be our last child.  We’ll have our perfect pair of children.  Our son and our daughter.  DONE!  I’ve thought on this.  In some ways I want to just see what happens.  Then rationale takes over.  But, I have to admit I will have a period of time when I’ll mourn this time in my life.  Call me crazy.  I guess it’s just knowing that my childbearing years will be over, that I’ll never experience that shock and excitement of a positive pregnancy test again, that I’m done experiencing the miracle of feeling the baby move around, and all the other blessings that come along with pregnancy.  Instead, I will count my blessings and look into my children’s eyes.  And when they throw fits and start hitting each other I’ll remember, that yes, I am DONE!!!!  Hahaha!

I’ve been such a slacker.  Thank you cards need to be written.  Dishes need to be done.  But I just can’t bring myself to do it.  I wonder if I’ll get bored being at home with the baby in a few weeks.  Amazingly, I did after Adam.  I loved being with him, to be able to just sit and stare at him, but come on, after 4 weeks I was ready for grown up interaction.  We only had one car then, so I was stuck all day in the house with a baby who mostly slept.  Maybe this time I’ll take it more easy.

Joseph comes home on the 16th!  We are so excited.  He hasn’t seen Adam since…..well I really can’t remember.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed he sticks with his girlfriend Brittany.  She seems like a really nice girl, oh and she works for Coach!  My kind of sister in law!!!!!!!!!

Oh and one last note, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  I’ll be undergoing surgery, but most importantly, for Isabelle.  Shortly after she is born she will undergo an echocardiogram to check on the hole in her heart.  Please pray that it is as small as they think it is and won’t require any additional testing and procedures.

Nice and Quiet

Life has been moving right along.  Thanksgiving was spent with family and it was great.  No Arkansas this year since we are soon to welcome Isabelle in a few short weeks.  On Friday we dared to venture out into the shopping frenzy.  We bought a new pre-lit tree and a few plastic decorations for those branches within Adam’s reach.  He was so amazed to see the whole process.  He already has his favorite ornaments and quickly walked up to them and gave them kisses.  It’s been fun to spend so much time with him.

It’s hard to believe that soon we’ll be having our little girl in our arms.  It’s so exciting!!!!!!!!!  My family is beside themselves.  Daniel has been pretty calm and quiet about it.  I’m not sure why.  I can’t put my finger on it.  Don’t get me wrong, I know he’s excited, but I think he’s missing out on the love and support that he needs and can’t get from me.  My family and I can try, but in the end it’s just not the same.  It makes me sad, but I don’t get my feelings hurt anymore like I used to.   Soon he’ll have his little girl in his arms and it’ll all be ok.

This Christmas is going to be an amazing time.  Joseph will be home in two weeks or so.  New pictures with Santa.  A day off work to spend the day with my mom and sister.  It’s all leading up to January 8th or 9th.  The doctor should call this week to let us know when the hospital has available.  Yep, she’ll be here either January 8th or 9th!  We’re hoping on the 8th so Joseph can see her before he flies back to Wisconsin.

Her bed is all set and there are only a few decorative things we need to do for her.  All the necessary items are in place and we’ll buy the last few things soon.  It’s hard to believe that I’m going to have two little ones.  We went from talking about how maybe God had not planned on us having kids, to having two within two years!  I know it’ll be tough and I know I’ll wonder what have I done, but when they laugh and smile it makes it all worth it.  Or when Adam says “Moooommy” with his big grin.  Or when we cuddle in our bed before he drifts off to sleep.  Oh, yes, it’s so worth everything you go through.

It’s Official!

The baby officially has a name!  Her name will be Isabelle Alysia June Spencer.  Alysia is after my mom (who spells her name Alicia and June is in memory of Daniel’s grandmother).  Yesterday was our baby shower.  My family did such an amazing job and did it with such love.  Well, let me back up to the morning.  I got up around 6:45, couldn’t sleep so I started cleaning.  Adam got up and then Daniel so we all finished cleaning.  Adam even assisted me cleaning the toilet.  He’s such a big helper.  Then got all spiffied up and out the door to Hallmark.  When we announced Adam’s name we had thank you cards printed up from him and that’s how the family found out.  So, we did the same for her.    And bought a baby book.  And bought a pink cross.  And bought an ornament.  And bought a birthday gift for Arielle.  $100 bucks later we were done and so was Adam.  So we thought we’d go to the park before the shower to let him run off some energy.  We no sooner made it out the parking lot and he was out.  So , we toured Irving and showed up early to the shower.  The diaper cake my sister made is stunning!  3 tiers, ribbon, rhinestones, tiaras, and all kinds of gifts – it’s beautiful!  My cousin Kiki (ok her real name is Juanita, bu we’ve never called her that) came up from Houston and she’s so cute!  Cute clothes, cute hair, just cute cute cute!  She made the cake, the goody bags filled with handmade candies, and she helped direct the party.  My mom and dad are the most loving parents anyone could ask for.  They are my support and my mom is the glue in my life.  She’s so calm and reasonable.  She’s truly excited for us and it shows.  I’m happy that the kids will always have such a caring thoughtful force within their lives. 

Work is begining to change.  I don’t mind change at all.  I’m just hoping I can still meet their expectations.  And soon it’ll be time for maternity leave and there’s no telling what I’ll come back to.  In a few weeks we are having our Christmas party.  It’s not a typical Christmas party that we’re used to by any means.  We’re fortunate that our center is doing good and profitable, other centers are not.  The company canceled parties throughout the company, but we’re having a very scaled down one.  There’s Donna and I trying to help plan and she’ll be two weeks from giving birth the baby Garrett.  We tease her that she’l go into labor at the party.  It’ll be fun and different…no games, no dj, no liquor (gasp!).  The last one was no biggie for me, but for other people it’ll be the deal breaker.  At least we are still gathering for some sort of celebration, no matter how small.

A friend of mine bought me the new Nickelback CD.  And while I must say it is quite good and I have a new favorite song, there are a few songs that are surprisingly naughty.  When I say naughty, I mean they can’t play this on the radio naughty.  I don’t understand why they have feel the need to make songs like that really.  But, the CD has some really good rock beats and guitars.  Adam head bangs….that’s so bad isn’t it.  I think it’s better that some of the words Daniel has been trying to teach him though!

Speaking of Adam, he’s been great this weekend.  Ate up all the attention at the shower, was a big help shuffling chairs, and no fits!  We are gathering up is list for Santa and can’t wait to start decorating.  He’s going to be sooooooooo excited!  He’s so bright eyed and curious now.  My only hope is the tree remains standing!  Note to self: hook tree to wall.

Daniel is great as always.  He’s putting up with me so well.  I think he rather enjoys not having to bend down to help pick up the things I drop on the floor.  Instead, Adam picks them up.

Oh, and I love this chilly weather.  What I don’t love is that we had to spend $70 at Old Navy for jeans that fit Adam and new pjs too.  Oh well, he looks cute in those jeans!

Copay Day!

Today was a day full of doctor appointments.  First, let me back up.  On Saturday we went and had the 3d/4d sonogram.  She did awesome.  She cooperated and she showed off.  She smiled a few times and had a great big yawn!  It was amazing to see what she was doing in there considering I feel her all the time.  Her toes were pretty much tickling her eyes.  How funny!  Afterwards, we went shopping and purchased her travel system.  So she finally has one big purchase.  Then we came home and began washing her clothes.  That should take at least until she’s born!

Today I had 3 appointments.  First up, the fetal cardiologist.  This visit went much better than the first.   The baby’s heart has a hole about 2mm (or so they can tell), it’s located in the septum between the two bottom chambers.  The doctor does not foresee any problems at birth, but she will have an echocardiogram right after birth to fully diagnose what size the hole is.  Then, she’ll be monitored to see if it closes, which statistically it will.  I left there feeling like alot of my questions had been answered.  And we even got out of there early.

Appointment #2 was the perinatologist.  He did a quick sono, took some measurements, and said everything looks good and normal.  The baby is measuring in the 41st percentile and 30weeks 4 days gestation.  Oh, and she’s breech.  Stubborn girl.  Adam was already head down and ready to go, but he also caused much more discomfort throughout my hips! 

Appointment #3 was the routine OB.  She gave us the scheduled C-section date.  And the date is…………….January 14th at 7:30am.  That’s a Wednesday.  Provided she doesn’t decide to arrive on her own early, that will be her birthday.  I need to begin researching her astrological sign so I can prepare myself.  It’s amazing to read what is said about Taurus and Adam surely does behave in the typical way a bull does.  So, now I’m curious to see what her sign reveals.

It would have been much easier if I could have just laid on one table as the doctors paraded on through to do their checks.  But, each one was at a different location.  Each one I had to expose my ever expanding belly and have goo spread over.  It got tiring.

After all that, I decided that I would just relax….yeah right.  But I will say that almost all the Christmas shopping is done.  And I had a quiet trip to the grocery store.  That was amazing!  Then it was time to pick up Adam and still no rest to be had.  Oh well! 

Now the fun really begins.  In two weeks my family is throwing us a baby shower.  Then more dr. appts since I now have the pleasure of visiting the perinatologist and the OB every two weeks now.  Note to self:  I’ve got to schedule a tour of the hospital.  Soon it’ll be every week.  Next up Thanksgiving.  Then work is having our Christmas party in the sim bay (much like an aircraft hangar).  I’m on the committee and it’s going to be fun!  We are fortunate in that we are going to have a party.  The big party was canceled, but we are having an old fashioned Christmas party.  Should be fun!!!!! Then Joseph comes home! YEAH!  Then I’ll take a day off work to spend a day with my mom and sister, just because we like to each year.  Then Christmas!  I can’t wait to see Adam’s smile as he sees all the lights and ornaments.  And I think he’ll be beside himself opening gifts.  We’ve already picked him up a few things so we are trying not to go overboard.  We’ll have New Year’s and then the baby will be here!  I can’t believe how fast it’s gone, but it’s almost here.  Sadly, Joseph leaves to go back to Marquette on January 9th…….is it wrong for me to hope she comes just a few days early?

Adam has learned the word sister and that she is in mommy’s belly.  He pats her and kisses her.  It’s so sweet!  He’s combining more words.  On the way home today he said “Mama cookie”.  Smart boy!  He knows it’s time for snack.  Random note:  Thanks to the Samson’s for getting Adam this popcorn popper…..could you buy me some more Tylenol?

Oh, and here’s her debut!!!!!!!!  The first one almost caught her smile.  The corners of her little mouth are curled up still.  The second one shows her acrobatic skills!  I told you her toes were tickling her eyes!

Time To Catch Up

First of all, I have to say I am so proud of America.  They came out and voted for who they thought was the best.  Whether that be Obama or McCain, people voted.  I don’t think we’ll ever have an election when you feel like the person you have to choose is just absolutely THE best person, but it’s more like choosing which one has the most similiar views to your own.  It is remarkable to have witnessed history.  A foreign client that I helped today actually congratulated us on the election and is hopeful of what the future holds for the country.  That was amazing to here.  The change will begin now and would have no matter which candidate had won.  Now I’m just hopeful that we can all support the new President as he embarks on this new journey…along with us.

Let’s see , what else has gone on….I’m still enjoying being pregnant for the most part.  The still getting sick part not so much.  I love to watch her wiggle around.  Adam said “sister” last night to my belly.  How cool!!  We are trying to start getting things done around here.  She already has at least two loads of laundry!  We’re planning Christmas decorations already.  My sister is planning the shower for my family and that means more stuff to go ga-ga over.  It’s alot to do, but it’s fun.

Work has been crazy lately!  Major issues, major attitudes, but I did get an apology from the person responsible.

Adam is so headstrong like his father.  Our favorite phrase these days is “Use your words”.  He expects us to jump when he demands and that is something we are trying to break quickly.

We are planning a big Thanksgiving with my family this year.  I’m excited since it’s been years since we’ve actually done it up.  Of course, Christmas is going to be so much fun since Adam will be running around like a nut!  I just hope I can waddle around by then!

Leaps and Bounds

My son continues to surprise me.  He’s just growing so much and learning so fast.  He’s inquisitive and bright.  His smile lights me up inside!  He breaks out into huge smiles when he see me or Daniel.  And he’s so proud of himself when he comes out of his room by himself.  The first couple of nights in his new bed went great, then came along the week nights.  We’ve tried a couple of options for the bed and he’s closer to the window and it freaks him out sometimes.  Daniel has been so patient getting up with him and putting him back to sleep.  One night he even opened his cracked door and ended up at our door. Imagine my fright when I heard something outside our room!  But he went back to sleep.

Work has been really crazy lately!  The last two days have been full of meetings and that has put me behind on records.  Not just any records, but the records that were the reason for all the meetings.  So, I’ve pulled short lunches all week and have even worked late.  For once, my schedule and Daniel’s conflicted.  But, it’s good to be so busy right now considering the economy.  Our center is one of the top centers for profitability.  Whew!  That was some good news.

Baby girl is so active.  I honestly don’t remember Adam moving so much, but I think the memories have faded.  It’s so funny to watch!  This is when I want to stay pregnant!  Then comes the not being able to dress myself, can’t walk, can’t sleep, can’t eat, or breathe phase.  I snap out of it!  We’re still not solid on a name.  I hope to figure it out soon!