Independence Day 2009

Quinn's parents invited us over for fireworks and burgers. Jena and I drank most of the Sheridan's (no regrets!). Leah slept most of the time and Jac probably sneaked ate about five cupcakes. He had a blast, though. He ran through the sprinkler and chased Jena around. Quinn and Zac lit a bunch of fireworks while Jena and I watched and kept Jac out of danger. It was so much fun.

Date Night

Quinn's mom offered to babysit, so Zac and I went on a double-date with Quinn and Jena. We saw Transformers 2, even though we haven't seen Transformers. I had three let-downs while watching, We ate dinner at Outback and enjoyed the evening. I'm not sure when we'll get another opportunity to do fun things without the kids. 

Parental Visit

Mom and Dad arrived this afternoon and took us to China Buffet for lunch. We went to the mall and Jac picked out some new pajamas. He's growing so fast. Even Leah is outgrowing some of her newborn clothes.

We went to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. Most of the arcade machines were broken so one of the maintenance guys gave Jac about 200 tickets.

Cord Roach

Leah's cord finally fell off today. I woke up to feed her and it was sitting in the corner of her bassinet. I thought it was a roach! So gross.

Dad is back from the hospital. He had to get two stints put in his artery to hold it open. Mom said they might come stay with us Friday since they're passing through on their way to Mobile.

Baby Stuff

Jac threw up again this morning, but hasn't since, so maybe NOW the puke is finished. After Zac got home from work, I left him with the babies and went to Target in search of a baby swing, which I found because Target is fantastic like that. I brought it home and Jac asked "Do you have a surprise for me?" Ugh, sadness. I had to go out and get batteries anyway, so I picked him up a Percy for his Thomas the Train set. He's feeling much better tonight.

I really need a new phone or a new camera.

Puke and Visits

Jac has been sick since yesterday. It's the first time he's ever thrown up, so it's been an experience. I hate the smell of puke. I washed all the puke bedding and puke clothes and hopefully it's over.

Jena and Quinn stopped by to visit for a little while. It's been an exhausting day for everyone work-wise, baby-wise, puke-wise, etc. so we just sat around chatting like grownups.

Kiddos

My babies are so cute. I've been letting Leah spend time on her tummy. Jac thinks it's a fun game, so he lays there next to her and talks to her. She's been making little squeaky sounds.

Fishing

It's been such a lazy Sunday! Zac and I just laid around until 5ish when we went to Quinn's house to fish. My parents have Jac this week, but it would've been fun to have him here to fish with us. Quinn's parents went nuts over Leah. It was precious.

I caught two fish! Zac almost caught a crab, but it let go when Zac was reeling it in. Quinn's mom, Annette, cooked dinner for us and gave us some clothes for Leah. She's so awesome to us. We're hoping to go back when Jac is home and hopefully fish more.

Post-Partum Visits

Katie and Olga stopped by to visit. Olga had an extra pink gloworm that she gave to Leah. I had been looking for one since Jac has a blue one, but I haven't been able to find one.

Leah pooped all over Katie. Worst diaper explosion ever! Jac had fun playing with Alina and shared his toys without getting an attitude. He even told her, "Don't put cars in your mouth. They have germs on 'em."

So far, two babies aren't overwhelming. Jac has been helpful getting diapers for me and sitting quietly next to me when I feed Leah. And she's really not even a fussy baby. She cries when she's hungry and that's about it.

Leah

I can't believe I've got a daughter. She's such a good baby, too. Mawmaw came over to visit and hold Bean this afternoon. She cries, but not too often. She doesn't like having a wet diaper AT ALL.

Birth Story

My Leah Louise is here! She was born May 25, 2009 at 1:23pm, weighing 7 pounds; 6 ounces, 19.5 inches long. She looks exactly like Zac's mom's newborn picture. Her name was so hard to choose because I liked so many, but one night I had a dream that I had a dark-haired baby girl. She was wearing a frilly pink dress. I picked her up and called her "Leah" so the name stuck.

The birth story:

Zac and I arrived at the hospital Sunday night around 11:30. I was brought into the room and dressed into the hospital gown, then given Cervidil. Around 1:30am, I was hooked up to a fetal monitor and given an IV with Pitocin. I stupidly declined a sleeping pill... My contractions were coming regularly every 10-30 minutes, each lasting 20-60 seconds. I managed to fall asleep for a few hours.

Around 6am, I woke up stronger contractions that were four minutes apart and lasting forever each. I buzzed the nurse and she came in to discover the Cervidil had come out, so she had to push it back in (ouch). Zac basically slept the whole time this was going on.

At 12pm, I was given an epidural and catheter, both of which were unpleasant. I was feeling incredible pressure on my pelvis and wasn't benefiting from the epidural at all. The pain was growing more intense and the nurses kept adjusting the dosage of anesthesia, but nothing was working. It was discovered that the epidural actually went into a vein. Mom and Zac were told to leave the room and I was given another epidural. Almost instant relief, except when they had to take the tape off my back. One long strip of what felt like duct tape from my shoulder to my butt, peeled off. Horrible.

The second epidural numbed my legs and lower abdomen, but I had a hot spot on my left side where all the contractions and birthing pain was concentrated. Leah's heart rate started dropping and I had to roll to my left side, then I started crying. I basically jumped from four centimeters to ten within the hour. My doctor arrived and broke my water and the nurse didn't get a chance to say "Let me know when you feel like pushing" before I screamed "I gotta push!" Five pushes and my baby girl popped out, slippery and gross and so perfect. I tore from Point A to Point B.

I was brought to the recovery room and spent a lot of snuggle time with Leah. Jena and Quinn came to see me and pass the baby around. They brought me a snoball. Mom went to pick up Dad and Jac and I introduced Big Brother to Little Sister. His face was so bashful and excited to see her... I cried a little. 

I had visitors! Cindy brought Miles to see me, then Katie, Olga and Alina stopped by, then Christina and Steve came. Even Kenny and Zac's grandma, Bonnie dropped in.

There was confusion over my discharge papers this morning. I was told I could go home, then I had to stay, and then I could go again. It was crazy. I had everything packed up already and it was really great to be able to just walk around right after the birth. I couldn't do that with Jac.

Marie and her family came by the apartment to visit for a little while and it's been such a busy, amazing day.

39 weeks

I went to my NST appointment. So far, I'm dilated two centimeters! I kept having a ton of contractions, some of which were difficult to manage. Dr. L wants to go ahead and admit me this Sunday! He's mostly worried about the cord around Bean's neck and wants to induce. I didn't want to be induced, but it's just three days early, so I'm okay with it. I'm so excited to meet my baby girl!

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 39 weeks.
Size of baby: A mini watermelon!
Total weight gain/loss: 25 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Stretchy pajama pants.
Gender: Girl!
Movement: Mainly her shifting herself around.
Sleep: I could use more.
What I miss: Being comfortable.
Cravings: Chinese.
Symptoms: Tired, achy.
Best moment this week: Dilation! And less than a week closer!

Belly

Jena and Quinn came over and we played Life. I've been having contractions most of the day and it's been uncomfortable, so board games proved to be a good distraction. I can't believe this pregnancy is almost over! I think I ate too many cookies.

Putt Putt

Zac and I were invited on a group date with Sean and Pam, Kyle and Ashley. We played putt putt and cheated our way through ten courses. Sean won, which we all expected, but Zac and Kyle were the only ones to get a hole-in-one. We ate dinner at Applebees and are going to be spending the night at Sean's. I guess it's like a couple's slumber party.

Jac is Three!

Happy 3rd birthday, Bud!

You love the color red. Cars and Toy Story are your favorite movies, though you do like a few others. Your favorite toys are puzzles and cars and, of course, Henry.
Lately, you've been liking bed time stories. You aren't interested in potty training, though I wish you were. Your favorite TV shows are Wonder Pets and Yo Gabba Gabba. You're so funny and sweet, and super affectionate. I love you so much my little man.

Jac's Third Birthday Party

Jac won't be three for another five days, but we celebrated a bit early with a small party. I decided to put my gigantic self in the pool with my baby dude and let him splash around for a bit. It felt good to be so light for a change. And the water wasn't so cold, which was a plus.

Jac took a nap so I sent Zac to the store for birthday party stuff. It was hard keeping Jac out of the kitchen once he smelled cupcakes. Like a moth to a flame...

Mom and Dad arrived around 5:30. They brought me Meredith's baby bed for Bean, as well as some more baby clothes.

I sent Dad downstairs to put Jac in the car so I could hurry and put the Spongebob decorations around the apartment. My parents treated us to Italian Pie for dinner.

When we got back to the apartment, Zac and I hurried upstairs to light the #3 candle. Jac's little face was priceless. He loved the cupcakes and the balloons... all the smiles. His last birthday as an only child.

I think he liked his party. The past two years, he's had to share his birthday with Mother's Day, but today was all about him. 

Mom and Dad are keeping him for the week so I can go to my appointments and get as much sleep as I can. I'm going to go crazy, though. No internet and no kiddo? What am I going to do with myself?!

36w5d

I dropped Jac off at Mawmaw's and went to my NST appointment. I'm not dilating yet, but my cervix has softened which means I could start dilating next week. Getting close! Three more weeks.

My blood pressure is still normal and my swelling went down. I'm considering another epidural, but haven't made up my mind. Hopefully, I won't be sick this time and will be able to remember everything and rest and be comfortable.

Zac and I started watching The Office. I didn't want to because EVERYONE has been watching it, but it's really not a terrible show. I like that there isn't a laugh track. That always drove me crazy in Friends.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: About 37 weeks.
Size of baby: A large cantaloupe!
Total weight gain/loss: 22 or 23 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Stretchy pants.
Gender: Girl!
Movement: It's slow, more like shoulders turning.
Sleep: Not much this week.
What I miss: Being not-pregnant.
Cravings: Chocolate.
Symptoms: Uncomfortable, tired, crabby.
Best moment this week: Jac being a cuddlebug in the mornings.

Still Pregnant

We still don't have Internet, so we've been hanging out at Sean's in Covington a lot. We're also waiting on a part for the freezer, but I think it would just be easier to switch out our freezer for another. There's a vacant apartment down the hall, so maybe maintenance would be open to the idea.

I'm ready for this baby bump to be done. I can't get comfortable at all lately. She's so low and heavy. And someone is ready to see his baby sister.

Swimming

Zac took Jac swimming in the complex pool this morning. We really haven't been swimming in ages. I put my feet in the water, but it was too cold to be submerged in. Next time, I may deal with it. It would be nice to feel buoyant.

We got our bed today, so I'm looking forward to climbing under new bedding and snuggling up on a comfortable mattress that isn't filled with unreliable air. Oh, just imagine the coziness.... Mmmm.

Quinn and Jena stopped by to see our new place, so I played hostess with coffee and cookies. It was a nice visit. They liked the balcony and we're really close to where Quinn's parents live, so they may come by often to hang out.

35 weeks (almost) & NST

I had my last ultrasound today! Her face is just beautiful. She had her foot up by her face. Dr. L told me her cord is wrapped around her neck, so I'm going to be monitored every week. I went to get blood drawn to make up for the glucose testing, then headed to the ER for the NST (non-stress test). I was hooked up to a fetal monitor so I could hear Bean's heartbeat and was able to lay in a bed and watch TV for an hour. I'm not complaining.

Zac ordered our bed, so we'll have it delivered Saturday. We've been sleeping on an air mattress and it's killer on my back.

Our freezer isn't working, so we're going to have to wait for the maintenance guy to look it over. We just bought groceries so this is not fun.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: Almost 35 weeks (34weeks and 5 days).
Size of baby: A honeydew melon!
Total weight gain/loss: About 22 pounds.
Maternity clothes: My stretchy shorts.
Gender: Girl!
Movement: Knee and elbow jabs.
Sleep: Restless.
What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.
Cravings: Sweets. Mainly cheesecake.
Symptoms: Back ache, low energy.
Best moment this week: Eating a foot-long chili-cheese coney from Sonic's.

Walmart Sucks

I went to Walmart with Jac and picked out a toddler bed and mattress. As I'm a pregnant lady, I'm not supposed to lift heavy things with the chance I could break my water. I'm fairly strong and have stayed pretty fit this time around, so I lifted the bed frame (in a box) and the mattress into my cart. Before choosing the bed frame, I had to move about three other frames from on top of the one I wanted, so I was on all fours, pushing things around. During this process, I spotted a few employees who were trying to rearrange their aisles. I made eye contact with them, and even did the hand motion which means "excuse me" and nobody moved. Another employee walked down my aisle and gave a little "hi, how are ya" before walking away. I asked for some assistance and they said "Sorry, I don't work in this department." Yup.

I made it to the checkout and was walking towards the exit, when the cashier stopped me and refused to let me walk to my car in my "condition" because she didn't want me lifting the "heavy stuff" into my car and going in to labor. I explained that I put them in the basket by myself and was quite certain I could also put them in my car. She told me to wait and paged someone to come help... so I waited.

and waited...

and waited...

and waited...

and waited...

After an hour (AN HOUR), someone came to "assist" me. I was pissed. I hope they could tell.

Good news: We started bringing things to the apartment! Jac has been exploring the rooms and hiding in the closets. The view from our bedroom is my favorite.

Moving

We're moving tomorrow! Melissa (the landlady) said we can sign the lease!

Poor Jac fell out of his bed this morning and hit his head. The guesthouse has tile floor all over, so it was a big thud. I had put a rug on the floor next to the bed, but it didn't occur to me to put something softer just in case. He's okay, though, just a little bump on his cheek. He only cried a minute and required a kiss, then he was back to normal.

Easter 2009

Bean's feet have been in my ribs all day. I'm kinda cranky, but it's been a good day.

The Easter Bunny hid eggs for Jac and Francesca, so they had fun hunting for them. I had to take a nap this afternoon because I've been exhausted. And Jac is super hyper from his sugar rush. Thankfully, Marie kept an eye on him while he played with Francesca so I could rest.

Easter Bunny

Zac and I were able to tour the inside of the apartment today. It's a little small, but looks great. I'm looking forward to moving in. Plus, it's brand new, so we'll be the first tenants. How cool is that?

We went to Ihop for breakfast and then the mall so Jac (and I) could get a picture with the Easter Bunny. So cheesy... he wouldn't go by himself. The bunny made him "nerbus". Technically, Bean is in the picture, too, so I guess it's a win. I kinda wish I put on eyeliner, ha.

Apartment and 31w4d

We got an apartment!! Mrs. Z from the office said she's just waiting on the key so we can start moving. Awesome!

I went to my OB and Bean is doing great. Her heartbeat was really loud today, but normal. She's measuring small, but Dr. L said she looks great. I'm a little worried, but he assured me everything was as it should be. She may just be petite. I go back in three weeks for her last ultrasound.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 31 weeks, 4 days.
Size of baby: A coconut!
Total weight gain/loss: About 14 pounds.
Maternity clothes: My stretchy shorts.
Gender: Girl!
Movement: Not so much kicking as rolling over and hiccups.
Sleep: Pretty good, though still a bit tired now and then.
What I miss: Smaller boobs.
Cravings: Salt.
Symptoms: Tired, hungry, and occasional back pain.
Best moment this week: Besides an apartment, she's still doing great.