No need to give an adjustment period!!
Paul went out of town today. When he first told me about this trip, it was suppose to be an overnight trip, but - big surprise - it turned into an all week trip!!
So I am not getting much time to adjust to him going back to work. He worked late half of last week and then goes out of town for a week!! Luckily, I don't feel like it is much different having 4, I am still just really tired - and not getting to nap.
Somethings will never change. That should be good right? At least I know that "normal" will stay the same when it comes to some things!
Monday, April 30, 2007
How To Scare Your Husband
Especially when he is out of town:
When he calls, answer the phone and tell him you will have to call him back because the fire department is at your house.
I called Paul earlier today because one of our smoke detectors kept going off. I did not know if it was also carbon monoxide detectors, so I had no idea what was causing it.
After ALL of the detectors in the house went off twice, I called the fire department. I explained that I did not see smoke or smell smoke, but that the alarms kept going off and that I replaced the batteries yesterday in ALL of them (it did not sound like a low battery alarm though - it was an actual alarm going off). I asked if someone could come check and make sure there is not something going on that I was not seeing (like carbon monoxide).
SOOOOOO - they send out TWO firetrucks WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS and then an off-duty fireman also came. Not quite what I was thinking!! Not only did they do all of this, but they came in in full gear - tank and mask and all!! I explained again what was going on and they took off their tanks, etc. He checked the alarms, and said that he thinks they are just malfunctioning and to call the contractor tomorrow and tell them they needed to fix them.
He also said that if I could find out which alarm is causing the problem to unplug the wire on that one. The only way to know which one is the problem, you have to be standing underneath it when it goes off so you can see the red light. Well, when the alarm goes off it only sounds for several seconds and then stops. I don't have much time to hear the alarms and run around the house to the six alarms to figure out which one is red!!
I WILL NOT unplug all of the detectors, so hopefully they will not be going off all night!!
The boys LOVED it!! Caleb said he hoped we become famous because of all of the lights and sirens. As it is, ALL of the neighbors were standing outside their houses, trying to figure out what was going on.
I did call Paul and let him know what was going on!! Didn't want him to worry ALL night!!
When he calls, answer the phone and tell him you will have to call him back because the fire department is at your house.
I called Paul earlier today because one of our smoke detectors kept going off. I did not know if it was also carbon monoxide detectors, so I had no idea what was causing it.
After ALL of the detectors in the house went off twice, I called the fire department. I explained that I did not see smoke or smell smoke, but that the alarms kept going off and that I replaced the batteries yesterday in ALL of them (it did not sound like a low battery alarm though - it was an actual alarm going off). I asked if someone could come check and make sure there is not something going on that I was not seeing (like carbon monoxide).
SOOOOOO - they send out TWO firetrucks WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS and then an off-duty fireman also came. Not quite what I was thinking!! Not only did they do all of this, but they came in in full gear - tank and mask and all!! I explained again what was going on and they took off their tanks, etc. He checked the alarms, and said that he thinks they are just malfunctioning and to call the contractor tomorrow and tell them they needed to fix them.
He also said that if I could find out which alarm is causing the problem to unplug the wire on that one. The only way to know which one is the problem, you have to be standing underneath it when it goes off so you can see the red light. Well, when the alarm goes off it only sounds for several seconds and then stops. I don't have much time to hear the alarms and run around the house to the six alarms to figure out which one is red!!
I WILL NOT unplug all of the detectors, so hopefully they will not be going off all night!!
The boys LOVED it!! Caleb said he hoped we become famous because of all of the lights and sirens. As it is, ALL of the neighbors were standing outside their houses, trying to figure out what was going on.
I did call Paul and let him know what was going on!! Didn't want him to worry ALL night!!
Already?
Tomorrow might be a hard day for me! I have to go register Isaac for Kindergarten. He is so excited that he is going to be starting school in the fall.
I was trying to get him in at the school Caleb is going to right now. Unfortunately, when we moved, we moved into a different school (within the same district). All of the therapist at the school Caleb is at (and that I want Isaac to go to), Isaac has worked with before. The OT he would be seeing there, he has had for the past three years since he started OT. That is the therapy where he has learned the most!!
I talked to the assistant superintendent for the district Monday to see if we could do school choice and send him there. I was told no, and that he would have six years to adjust to new therpist. Isn't that a great attitude for a superintendent to have. I am so tired of people with there let-him-start-school-behind attitudes. I don't want him to struggle through school and if he starts behind he will have a hard time ever catching up.
So, both boys will be starting a new school next year!
I was trying to get him in at the school Caleb is going to right now. Unfortunately, when we moved, we moved into a different school (within the same district). All of the therapist at the school Caleb is at (and that I want Isaac to go to), Isaac has worked with before. The OT he would be seeing there, he has had for the past three years since he started OT. That is the therapy where he has learned the most!!
I talked to the assistant superintendent for the district Monday to see if we could do school choice and send him there. I was told no, and that he would have six years to adjust to new therpist. Isn't that a great attitude for a superintendent to have. I am so tired of people with there let-him-start-school-behind attitudes. I don't want him to struggle through school and if he starts behind he will have a hard time ever catching up.
So, both boys will be starting a new school next year!
Don't Know
I don't know what is going on with the movie I posted yesterday. I am going to try to work on it tomorrow - if I have time. It works on my desktop and laptop, but apparantly noone else can get it to work.
Isaac Shocks Us!!
I have been meaning to post this, but only remember when I can't get to the computer. Friday, Isaac shocked Paul and I, big time. Our normal routine consists of him bringing us his shoes to untie, and then him putting them on and asking us to tie them. We usually tell him to try (he has been working on this in OT for a while).
Friday morning, I told him to try to tie his shoes while I was getting dressed. After a while, Isaac came running in all excited. "I tied my shoes by myself!!" I looked down expecting to see a bunch of knots. HE REALLY TIED HIS SHOES BY HIMSELF!!
It was not just a one time accident though. I have not tied his shoes (other than putting a double knot in) since then. I am SOOOOOOO proud of him. This is a really big accomplishment for him!
Friday morning, I told him to try to tie his shoes while I was getting dressed. After a while, Isaac came running in all excited. "I tied my shoes by myself!!" I looked down expecting to see a bunch of knots. HE REALLY TIED HIS SHOES BY HIMSELF!!
It was not just a one time accident though. I have not tied his shoes (other than putting a double knot in) since then. I am SOOOOOOO proud of him. This is a really big accomplishment for him!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
FOUR BOYS??
I have noticed something interesting. We went to the zoo today, and then this evening we went grocery shopping. It is amazing the number of people that stop and ask if Andrew is a boy and if we have four boys. It seems like those that DON'T stop us and ask - just look!
Those that do stop us and ask then give us stories about their children of all the same sex or of a friend or friend of a friend of a friend that has three or four of the same sex.
What I think is so interesting about it is that when it was just the three boys, sometimes people would stop and ask if they were all ours, and "wow, three boys!" But, when we all go somewhere since Andrew got here (and really even when I was pregnant) - we ALWAYS get stopped and ALWAYS have people looking!
Those that do stop us and ask then give us stories about their children of all the same sex or of a friend or friend of a friend of a friend that has three or four of the same sex.
What I think is so interesting about it is that when it was just the three boys, sometimes people would stop and ask if they were all ours, and "wow, three boys!" But, when we all go somewhere since Andrew got here (and really even when I was pregnant) - we ALWAYS get stopped and ALWAYS have people looking!
SLEEP!!
Last night Andrew did GREAT!!! He ate at about midnight, again around 4 and then at 7:30 this morning. We think he already may be having some allergy issues. My allergies have been bothering me the last couple of days and he was doing a lot of sneezing and a little bit of a runny nose, so I think that may have had something to do with the lack of sleep Thursday night!
He has stayed awake a lot today too. He ate better and has been awake more today than he has to date. Hopefully, this means he will sleep well tonight and then we will start to get a good routine going.
He has started taking naps in his crib. I found that if I put something against his side (like a teddy bear or pillow) he sleeps better. I guess he feels like he is still being held. This will work until he is moving around more or rolling over! Hopefully by then he will just be used to sleeping on his own.
He is still sleeping in our bed at night, though. All of the boys slept in our bed in the beginning, when I was breastfeeding pretty frequently throughout the night. If we can get on a better pattern of eating, that would help a lot.
I was reading a magazine the day I posted about how he has always wanted to sleep while being held - since he was born. I have a lot of people give me a bad time and tell me I am already spoiling him. I question whether a baby can be spoiled this young, but regardless, he came out not wanting to be put down. He always wanted close contact. This article in this magazine addressed this exact issue. It said that some babies are just "high-need" babies. There is nothing wrong with them, they just need more than other babies.
I find myself a lot calmer with Andrew than I was with the other boys. I think a lot of it is just that I am not trying to do everything at once. I have learned to take it day by day and enjoy the time I have and where we are at in his life. It makes things much more relaxing and enjoyable with him!
He has stayed awake a lot today too. He ate better and has been awake more today than he has to date. Hopefully, this means he will sleep well tonight and then we will start to get a good routine going.
He has started taking naps in his crib. I found that if I put something against his side (like a teddy bear or pillow) he sleeps better. I guess he feels like he is still being held. This will work until he is moving around more or rolling over! Hopefully by then he will just be used to sleeping on his own.
He is still sleeping in our bed at night, though. All of the boys slept in our bed in the beginning, when I was breastfeeding pretty frequently throughout the night. If we can get on a better pattern of eating, that would help a lot.
I was reading a magazine the day I posted about how he has always wanted to sleep while being held - since he was born. I have a lot of people give me a bad time and tell me I am already spoiling him. I question whether a baby can be spoiled this young, but regardless, he came out not wanting to be put down. He always wanted close contact. This article in this magazine addressed this exact issue. It said that some babies are just "high-need" babies. There is nothing wrong with them, they just need more than other babies.
I find myself a lot calmer with Andrew than I was with the other boys. I think a lot of it is just that I am not trying to do everything at once. I have learned to take it day by day and enjoy the time I have and where we are at in his life. It makes things much more relaxing and enjoyable with him!
All-Boy School
Caleb, who used to get in trouble at school for kissing girls, asked us today if he could go to a Catholic all-boys school (we were driving by one). I told him there would be NO girls there. He said he knew that is why he wanted to go there!
I should probably send him while he WANTS to go!!
I should probably send him while he WANTS to go!!
Talking About OCD!!
Paul frequently gives me a bad time saying I am OCD (especially about cleaning the house). Well he is taking OCD to a whole new level.
He has been pulling weeds out of the front yard pretty frequently lately. In fact, one of Bryce's punishments is that he has to follow Daddy and pick up the weeds he throws on the sidewalk and put them in a bag.
It is pretty annoying because everytime we are trying to leave to go ANYWHERE - we will all be sitting in the car waiting on Paul because he went to pull ONE weed and saw more and kept going.
Today, it happened. He hit the ultimate in OCD-ness. We were at a park hiking a trail. There was a small little "meadow" we passed. The second time we passed it - going back to the car - Paul turns around and asked if it is bad if he feels like he should be pulling all the weeds - AT THE PARK!!!
I don't think I am OCD anymore! Paul has definently passed me!!
He has been pulling weeds out of the front yard pretty frequently lately. In fact, one of Bryce's punishments is that he has to follow Daddy and pick up the weeds he throws on the sidewalk and put them in a bag.
It is pretty annoying because everytime we are trying to leave to go ANYWHERE - we will all be sitting in the car waiting on Paul because he went to pull ONE weed and saw more and kept going.
Today, it happened. He hit the ultimate in OCD-ness. We were at a park hiking a trail. There was a small little "meadow" we passed. The second time we passed it - going back to the car - Paul turns around and asked if it is bad if he feels like he should be pulling all the weeds - AT THE PARK!!!
I don't think I am OCD anymore! Paul has definently passed me!!
Mean Big Brother
I guess Bryce is taking this big brother thing seriously!! Unfortunately, it is not in a good way! He has started beating up his older brother. This morning, before Daddy and I were even up, he bit Isaac on the leg. Apparantly, Isaac was hitting him - Bryce has handprints all over his back, chest and arms. However, his marks went away - Isaac, on the otherhand, has a mouth-sized bruise on his leg and if you are interested in how many teeth Bryce has - you can count them on the Isaac's leg!!!
A little while ago, I was feeding Andrew and the boys were all playing in their room. All of a sudden Isaac starts screaming. Daddy went in to see what was going on and Isaac has blood EVERYWHERE!! It was all over his face, running down his arms, all over his clothes and the carpet and toys. When I heard Paul's "OH MY GOSH" I went running in there.
Everytime I asked Bryce what he did, he would just say "Isaac wouldn't leave me alone!" I finally got out of him that he hit him in the nose with a lego train (the big mega legos). I start cleaning the carpet while Paul took care of Isaac (fearing that his nose might be broken).
Bryce's concern: "He got blood on my fireman sleeping bag!!"
I told him if that is the worst of what he got - consider himself lucky!!
I guess we know who the class bully is going to be when he starts school!
A little while ago, I was feeding Andrew and the boys were all playing in their room. All of a sudden Isaac starts screaming. Daddy went in to see what was going on and Isaac has blood EVERYWHERE!! It was all over his face, running down his arms, all over his clothes and the carpet and toys. When I heard Paul's "OH MY GOSH" I went running in there.
Everytime I asked Bryce what he did, he would just say "Isaac wouldn't leave me alone!" I finally got out of him that he hit him in the nose with a lego train (the big mega legos). I start cleaning the carpet while Paul took care of Isaac (fearing that his nose might be broken).
Bryce's concern: "He got blood on my fireman sleeping bag!!"
I told him if that is the worst of what he got - consider himself lucky!!
I guess we know who the class bully is going to be when he starts school!
Friday, April 27, 2007
NO SLEEP/Update
Last night was Andrew's worst night yet. His tummy seemed to be bothering him, I guess maybe something I ate did not agree with him, although I don't know what it would be. Needless to say it was a long night and early morning since the boys got up at 6 - which is about what time Andrew went to sleep!
Bryce is still acting out, but luckily he keeps it directed at Daddy and I (really, mostly me). He has not started taking it out on Andrew yet, and hopefully it will stay that way!
Caleb asked me to come have lunch with him - I think mainly so he can show off his new brother. He brought one of the aids out to the car yesterday to see him. They are all such proud big brothers!
I went to get Isaac the other day from school. One of his teachers always asks if they can keep Andrew and Isaac and Bryce always say no. I decided to see what would happen if I tried to leave him. They were both close to tears and went over together and picked up the car seat - with him in it. Should we start a pool to see how long before they are trying to give him away??
Last night was the first night I had to fix dinner. Monday night we were still having meals delivered. Tuesday and Wednesday Paul had some grand opening things going on at work and got home late so I cheated with dinner and did super easy freezer foods, that really required no time or effort! Still does not seem much different having four instead of three. Got dinner fixed and cleaned up with no problems.
Still getting into our new routine and trying to figure out what our new normal is going to be!
Bryce is still acting out, but luckily he keeps it directed at Daddy and I (really, mostly me). He has not started taking it out on Andrew yet, and hopefully it will stay that way!
Caleb asked me to come have lunch with him - I think mainly so he can show off his new brother. He brought one of the aids out to the car yesterday to see him. They are all such proud big brothers!
I went to get Isaac the other day from school. One of his teachers always asks if they can keep Andrew and Isaac and Bryce always say no. I decided to see what would happen if I tried to leave him. They were both close to tears and went over together and picked up the car seat - with him in it. Should we start a pool to see how long before they are trying to give him away??
Last night was the first night I had to fix dinner. Monday night we were still having meals delivered. Tuesday and Wednesday Paul had some grand opening things going on at work and got home late so I cheated with dinner and did super easy freezer foods, that really required no time or effort! Still does not seem much different having four instead of three. Got dinner fixed and cleaned up with no problems.
Still getting into our new routine and trying to figure out what our new normal is going to be!
My Two Firemen!
I LOVE these photos of Bryce and Andrew. This weekend I am going to try and get some good photos of ALL of the boys together!
Bryce was excited when he saw this outfit for the first time (this is one you got him Aunt Lindsay). Look - he actually has his eyes open!! Bryce wanted some pictures since he was also wearing his firetruck shirt.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Eating Well
Andrew went to get weighed this morning. He is now 7 pounds 7.3 ounces. He gained about 9 ounces in 6 days and has passed his birth weight. There was some concern about whether he was getting enough to eat, but I think that has been laid to rest!!
He is already growing TOO FAST!!!
He is already growing TOO FAST!!!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Pics of Andrew
Will it be basketball or piano?
Picture is kind of dark, but look at how long his foot and toes are!! It is hard to see how long his toes are from the bottom, but they are long!!
Here are some photos of us trying to keep Andrew awake - you can see how well that works for us!!
Due Date and First Big Outing!
Well, today is my due date, and we have already enjoyed 12 days with our new bundle! It is strange to hit my due date and already have our son with us this long. It has gone by SO quick!!
Andrew went to church for the first time yesterday. I fed him right before we left hoping that he would make it all the way through church and Sunday school. He slept through church without a peep! He made it almost all the way through Sunday school (all but about 5 minutes) before his tummy started bothering him and he got a little fussy.
He did so well just sleeping in his carseat! Hopefully he will continue like that for another month or two before we start taking him in the nursery!
Andrew went to church for the first time yesterday. I fed him right before we left hoping that he would make it all the way through church and Sunday school. He slept through church without a peep! He made it almost all the way through Sunday school (all but about 5 minutes) before his tummy started bothering him and he got a little fussy.
He did so well just sleeping in his carseat! Hopefully he will continue like that for another month or two before we start taking him in the nursery!
Trees for the Kids
Hick's Yew (the tall plant in the corner)
Bryce's Maple Tree
Andrew's Maple Tree
Isaac's Redbud
This weekend we (as in Paul) planted some trees. We planted two Autumn Maples in the front yard and a Redbud in the side yard. The idea is to plant a tree for each one of the kids. We are suppose to have a tree company come out and remove the trees in the back yard. After they do that, we are going to plant a new tree.
Bryce and Andrew each have one of the maples, and Isaac has the redbud. We are going to let Caleb have the tree in the back and he can have a little more say in what we plant.
Tonight I will try to get all of the kids out under "their" tree and get a picture of them and when we get Caleb's tree I will post a picture of him with it.
Paul has done such a great job with the landscaping. He has put up electric landscape lighting (instead of solar) which meant wiring all of the lights together and burying the lines. He put some flood lights in the corners of the front, but they had nothing to shine on, so we also got some Hicks Yew for the corners.
It was funny because after Paul planted all the trees, the next morning we came home from running some errands and our neighbors across the street were out planting a tree. We had noticed them looking at ours and talking about them and I commented that they were going to plant a tree. When we got out of the car, the neighbor calls out to us "Look at what you started!" His wife made him go get a tree and plant it after living in the house for two years without one!!
Now we just need to get some flowers for the front flowerbed and I think the front will look great. Oh, and the grass greening the rest of the way would be nice!!
If you double click on the above pictures, you can see the landscape lighting that Paul put in.
"Bubba"
Bryce has started calling himself "Bubba." I don't know where he got this, because I don't think we have called him Bubba, but he always calls himself "Bubba" now and it is always "Bubba this" and "Bubba that."
This morning I called him Bryce and he came in and told me that I was suppose to call him Bubba from now on. I guess he is taking his new roll as big brother seriously.
There has definently been some acting out from him, but luckily it is geared toward Daddy and I, not Andrew. He seems very excited around Andrew, and usually does great with him.
This weekend I think the last two weeks have caught up with all of the boys. It was a pretty long and rough weekend. Noone wanted to mind and they were all pretty out of hand. Next weekend we are going to try to do something fun with them - Mommy should be feeling better than she has the last couple of weeks (or months really!)
This morning I called him Bryce and he came in and told me that I was suppose to call him Bubba from now on. I guess he is taking his new roll as big brother seriously.
There has definently been some acting out from him, but luckily it is geared toward Daddy and I, not Andrew. He seems very excited around Andrew, and usually does great with him.
This weekend I think the last two weeks have caught up with all of the boys. It was a pretty long and rough weekend. Noone wanted to mind and they were all pretty out of hand. Next weekend we are going to try to do something fun with them - Mommy should be feeling better than she has the last couple of weeks (or months really!)
To Sleep or Not To Sleep
Andrew cannot decide. He sleeps about every other night and stays up about every other night. Don't get me wrong - he is getting PLENTY of sleep, he is just not getting it all at night. He is kinda on a schedule of his own!
This is probably Daddy's biggest weakness with him. Daddy LOVES his sleep, and has a really hard time waking up. He opens his eyes, and he tries to calm him down, but he is not really awake! The first couple of nights, he did really well getting up when he cried and changing his diapers and bringing him to me to nurse, but since I have been doing better, he hasn't really been getting up.
I don't mind though. I am so used to NOT sleeping at this point, that it is not that big of deal for me to get up with him. Besides that, I have to nurse him anyway so I have to get up whether Paul does or not. He tries! He opens his eyes and pats Andrew when he cries, but his hand usually lands on Andrew's head!! He never really wakes up enough to know what is going on though!!
One reason he probably is not waking up all the way is that our lamps were pretty bright next to our bed and all times of the night. I requested that he either get a new lamp for my side of the bed (like a nightlight lamp) or get a dimmer. He found a dimmer that you just plug in and plug your lamp into. It has worked great. Their is a cord that has the dimmer switch on it that I put on the bed next to me and when he wakes up I keep it as dim as possible for me to still see to change diapers and feed him.
The hospital told us that we are not suppose to switch what side we are nursing on until he quits nursing the first side. It used to be that they said to nurse for about 15 minutes and then switch sides. Now they say that if they only nurse for 15 minutes, they are not getting all of the nutrients they are suppose to be getting. Now they say to let them go up to 30 minutes before you switch sides. This is not working to well for us. Andrew cannot stay awake that long. He does good if he eats for 15 minutes on one side before he falls asleep - which means I am having to nurse about every hour and a half. I am afraid his supply is going to dry up if I don't feed him at least that often - even though he will frequently go much longer if I let him! He nurses well, and has since he was born, other than the falling asleep quickly. We have tried letting him cry - really scream - so that he would be awake, but I think that just wears him out quicker!
We will get each other figured out soon I am sure. I am really just taking it as it comes with him and trying to enjoy every second because this will be the last time we do this and it goes by SOOOO quick!
This is probably Daddy's biggest weakness with him. Daddy LOVES his sleep, and has a really hard time waking up. He opens his eyes, and he tries to calm him down, but he is not really awake! The first couple of nights, he did really well getting up when he cried and changing his diapers and bringing him to me to nurse, but since I have been doing better, he hasn't really been getting up.
I don't mind though. I am so used to NOT sleeping at this point, that it is not that big of deal for me to get up with him. Besides that, I have to nurse him anyway so I have to get up whether Paul does or not. He tries! He opens his eyes and pats Andrew when he cries, but his hand usually lands on Andrew's head!! He never really wakes up enough to know what is going on though!!
One reason he probably is not waking up all the way is that our lamps were pretty bright next to our bed and all times of the night. I requested that he either get a new lamp for my side of the bed (like a nightlight lamp) or get a dimmer. He found a dimmer that you just plug in and plug your lamp into. It has worked great. Their is a cord that has the dimmer switch on it that I put on the bed next to me and when he wakes up I keep it as dim as possible for me to still see to change diapers and feed him.
The hospital told us that we are not suppose to switch what side we are nursing on until he quits nursing the first side. It used to be that they said to nurse for about 15 minutes and then switch sides. Now they say that if they only nurse for 15 minutes, they are not getting all of the nutrients they are suppose to be getting. Now they say to let them go up to 30 minutes before you switch sides. This is not working to well for us. Andrew cannot stay awake that long. He does good if he eats for 15 minutes on one side before he falls asleep - which means I am having to nurse about every hour and a half. I am afraid his supply is going to dry up if I don't feed him at least that often - even though he will frequently go much longer if I let him! He nurses well, and has since he was born, other than the falling asleep quickly. We have tried letting him cry - really scream - so that he would be awake, but I think that just wears him out quicker!
We will get each other figured out soon I am sure. I am really just taking it as it comes with him and trying to enjoy every second because this will be the last time we do this and it goes by SOOOO quick!
Learn to Aim It!!
One thing Paul has apparantly forgotten is that with boys, when you change their diapers - you have to aim them when you put the diaper on!!
He seemed to remember pretty quick after a few times of having to change diapers and clothes because Andrew peed up his side or back and got his clothes, blankets etc. soaked!! It is bad enough the amount of times we have to change his clothes because of dirty diapers!!
I guess if that is all he forgets with number 4 - we are doing pretty good!!
He seemed to remember pretty quick after a few times of having to change diapers and clothes because Andrew peed up his side or back and got his clothes, blankets etc. soaked!! It is bad enough the amount of times we have to change his clothes because of dirty diapers!!
I guess if that is all he forgets with number 4 - we are doing pretty good!!
A Sad Day!!
I have gotten spoiled having Paul home for the last week and a half!! He told me to find something that he can do where he does not have to go to work anymore. He has been faithfully filling out his Publishers Clearing House forms for several years now - well - you see how well that has worked for him!!! No one has shown up at our door or met him on an airplane (or anywhere else) with a huge check and flowers and balloons.
I don't think having four is much different than three! Maybe after Andrew is a little older that will change! Also, I have had Paul home doing everything - between friends at church and him, I have not cooked in almost 2 weeks! Today, though, life goes back to normal - whatever our new normal is going to be!!
Paul has amazed me with everyone of the kids. He is so hands-on with them and really does everything, without me asking and without complaining! He did all the diaper duty and changing clothes, etc for about the first week. He is such a pro - but I guess having four kids will do that to you!!
I don't think having four is much different than three! Maybe after Andrew is a little older that will change! Also, I have had Paul home doing everything - between friends at church and him, I have not cooked in almost 2 weeks! Today, though, life goes back to normal - whatever our new normal is going to be!!
Paul has amazed me with everyone of the kids. He is so hands-on with them and really does everything, without me asking and without complaining! He did all the diaper duty and changing clothes, etc for about the first week. He is such a pro - but I guess having four kids will do that to you!!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Piranha or Rubber Ducky?
Andrew goes from being my piranha to my rubber ducky pretty quickly. I usually call him a piranha because if anything touches his face, he trys to eat it! Or if anyone is holding him he trys to eat their shirt. He is always going after something to put in his mouth.
I have never seen a newborn suck on a pacifier like he does. The other three did not use pacifiers AT ALL. Andrew has used it since day one. No confusion though!! He was a champ nurser from birth and the pacifier has not affected that. He sucks that thing like there is no tomorrow!
Rubber ducky comes from his hiccups. He still gets the hiccups several times a day and they always sound like a squeaky duck!
So - don't take offense to the nickname piranha - it is given in love!
I have never seen a newborn suck on a pacifier like he does. The other three did not use pacifiers AT ALL. Andrew has used it since day one. No confusion though!! He was a champ nurser from birth and the pacifier has not affected that. He sucks that thing like there is no tomorrow!
Rubber ducky comes from his hiccups. He still gets the hiccups several times a day and they always sound like a squeaky duck!
So - don't take offense to the nickname piranha - it is given in love!
My Great Husband!!
Today, while out running some errands Paul blurts out "Crap, I just got a ticket!" I was not sure what he was talking about and he asked if I saw the police man. At this point, I still was not seeing a policeman. I was looking in the side mirrors and did not see anyone and Paul pulled off into the shoulder. Then I saw the motorcycle cop with the blue lights flashing.
The police man was not very friendly!! He asked for Paul's license and asked when the last time Paul got a ticket was. Then he took his DL and started filling out a ticket. He did not ask for insurance info, registration or call anything in. He simply wrote a ticket.
Paul was doing 79 in a 65!! He had the radar detector on, but turned down all the way. A lot of good that does him!!
The police man was not very friendly!! He asked for Paul's license and asked when the last time Paul got a ticket was. Then he took his DL and started filling out a ticket. He did not ask for insurance info, registration or call anything in. He simply wrote a ticket.
Paul was doing 79 in a 65!! He had the radar detector on, but turned down all the way. A lot of good that does him!!
Andrew Update
Well, Andrew went for his one week checkup. The hospital never told me his discharge weight, so I had no clue where he was at. At discharge, he was 6-15 - at one week he was 6-14. The dr was not too concerned - he thinks he was still just losing like normal and should be going up now. We have to go back next week and have his weight checked.
As far as the ASD, the cardiologist report said there was nothing showing on the echo. Dr. S (the pediatrician) listened to his heart and did not hear a murmur. Paul and I are a little confused as to how they heard a murmur and a technician read his echo as ASD, but now they hear nothing and the cardiologist did not see anything on the echo, but we are more than happy to accept that he is healthy!!
Dr. S also checked his blood pressure on all extremities - which came back normal. Then they put a heel warmer on his foot for several minutes and took blood from his heel. They were checking for jaundice. The count had to be under 20 and his was 12. So he has jaundice, but not severe enough that we have to take him in everyday to be checked or put under lights. We are trying to let him get some sunlight to get rid of it.
Overall - he is healthy. I am glad we did not waste our time stressing and worrying about it for the last week.
As far as the ASD, the cardiologist report said there was nothing showing on the echo. Dr. S (the pediatrician) listened to his heart and did not hear a murmur. Paul and I are a little confused as to how they heard a murmur and a technician read his echo as ASD, but now they hear nothing and the cardiologist did not see anything on the echo, but we are more than happy to accept that he is healthy!!
Dr. S also checked his blood pressure on all extremities - which came back normal. Then they put a heel warmer on his foot for several minutes and took blood from his heel. They were checking for jaundice. The count had to be under 20 and his was 12. So he has jaundice, but not severe enough that we have to take him in everyday to be checked or put under lights. We are trying to let him get some sunlight to get rid of it.
Overall - he is healthy. I am glad we did not waste our time stressing and worrying about it for the last week.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Great Friends
I just wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone that has helped us out! We have been so blessed! Friday we had some friends that delivered bbq with all the trimmings, along with trashbags, paper towels, drinks, paper plates, utensils, cups and drinks. Monday we got lasagna, salad, bread and cookies. Tonight, someone brought Kings Ranch Chicken, salsa and cheese dip, chips, ice cream, a package of diapers and some clothes for Andrew. There are people lined up to bring us food through next Monday. All of these people work and have their own families to take care of, and still manage to find the time (not to mention money) to do this for us.
On top of having great friends, my wonderful husband has been great! He has done a lot with the boys and around the house. I have not had to do much other than focus on getting back 100% and taking care of Andrew. He has even pretty much taken over diaper duty - and with Andrew that is no small feat!
Thank you again to everyone that has helped us out and for all of the great gifts! It is all greatly appreciated!
On top of having great friends, my wonderful husband has been great! He has done a lot with the boys and around the house. I have not had to do much other than focus on getting back 100% and taking care of Andrew. He has even pretty much taken over diaper duty - and with Andrew that is no small feat!
Thank you again to everyone that has helped us out and for all of the great gifts! It is all greatly appreciated!
Meaning of the Name
Someone asked the other day what Andrew's name meant, so I thought I would post it. Andrew means manly; a warrior. Jace means God is my salvation.
The No-Bed Baby!
Andrew is not a bed baby!! This is taking some adjustment for me, because none of the other boys were like this. Since he was born, if you lay him in a bed, he crys. I try to let him cry it out, he doesn't - he keeps crying. It is not just that he does not like his crib or his playpen, he wants constant contact.
In the hospital, he ended up sleeping on me! It wasn't that bad because I was on steroids and was not sleeping. I don't think I slept more than 15 minutes at a time at the hospital. The first night home - he did not sleep, but did not really cry. He would let out a grunt every now and then and we would get up and check on him and he would be contently staring. The second and third night we were home he was up all night - with lots of crying. Last night he did pretty well. I woke up before he did for feedings so he never really got worked up.
He has spent a lot more time awake today than he has any other day - maybe because he spent a lot more time asleep last night!! We are hoping this means good things for tonight!!
In the hospital, he ended up sleeping on me! It wasn't that bad because I was on steroids and was not sleeping. I don't think I slept more than 15 minutes at a time at the hospital. The first night home - he did not sleep, but did not really cry. He would let out a grunt every now and then and we would get up and check on him and he would be contently staring. The second and third night we were home he was up all night - with lots of crying. Last night he did pretty well. I woke up before he did for feedings so he never really got worked up.
He has spent a lot more time awake today than he has any other day - maybe because he spent a lot more time asleep last night!! We are hoping this means good things for tonight!!
New Brother
Paul called the boys first Wednesday to let them know their brother had FINALLY arrived. They had all been anxiously awaiting his arrival. Since Andrew decided to make his arrival an all day affair, it was late and Bryce had already gone to bed, but he talked to the other two and then Bryce the next morning.
Here were the first responses from the boys:
Caleb: "What was he wearing when he came out?" After several minutes of discussing that he came out wearing nothing, Caleb says "Is he wearing his birthday clothes?" I guess he has heard of a birthday suit!
Isaac: "Did Mama get her baby?"
Bryce: "The babies out!!"
They did not come to the hospital until Friday morning. I wanted to get them coming into the room for the first time on video, but unfortunately my nurse was discharging me when they got there. I did get some video of them really meeting him for the first time though. I have to get a cable to get the video from my camera to the computer, and then I will post it.
It was so nice to see them all so excited. They have all been fighting over who gets to hold him and who has been holding him for how long. Everyone wants to help - although Caleb learned VERY quick that if a diaper is being changed he does not want to be around. Daddy asked him to throw away a dirty diaper ONE time and now if he sees a diaper being changed he quietly turns and leaves the room!
Isaac always wants to put the pacifier in his mouth. Other than that - he is content to just sit next to him and stare at him or to hold him. When people ask him what he thinks of his new brother he always answers with a big smile and "Good!"
Bryce. I am impressed! I had gotten to where the last couple of weeks I was really wondering how he was going to take having a little brother. I think he has been the most excited! When he sees Andrew, his face just lights up and he gets a huge smile. He always calls him "Baby Andrew". He can not leave Andrew for school or anything else without giving him a big kiss!
They all get up in the morning and go directly to give him kisses. When we take them to school or see someone we have not seen since we had him the first thing all of them say is "I have a new brother now."
I know it will not always be like this, so I am just going to take what I can get and enjoy it while I can!!
Here were the first responses from the boys:
Caleb: "What was he wearing when he came out?" After several minutes of discussing that he came out wearing nothing, Caleb says "Is he wearing his birthday clothes?" I guess he has heard of a birthday suit!
Isaac: "Did Mama get her baby?"
Bryce: "The babies out!!"
They did not come to the hospital until Friday morning. I wanted to get them coming into the room for the first time on video, but unfortunately my nurse was discharging me when they got there. I did get some video of them really meeting him for the first time though. I have to get a cable to get the video from my camera to the computer, and then I will post it.
It was so nice to see them all so excited. They have all been fighting over who gets to hold him and who has been holding him for how long. Everyone wants to help - although Caleb learned VERY quick that if a diaper is being changed he does not want to be around. Daddy asked him to throw away a dirty diaper ONE time and now if he sees a diaper being changed he quietly turns and leaves the room!
Isaac always wants to put the pacifier in his mouth. Other than that - he is content to just sit next to him and stare at him or to hold him. When people ask him what he thinks of his new brother he always answers with a big smile and "Good!"
Bryce. I am impressed! I had gotten to where the last couple of weeks I was really wondering how he was going to take having a little brother. I think he has been the most excited! When he sees Andrew, his face just lights up and he gets a huge smile. He always calls him "Baby Andrew". He can not leave Andrew for school or anything else without giving him a big kiss!
They all get up in the morning and go directly to give him kisses. When we take them to school or see someone we have not seen since we had him the first thing all of them say is "I have a new brother now."
I know it will not always be like this, so I am just going to take what I can get and enjoy it while I can!!
So Much to Blog...So Little Time!
We are still trying to get into a routine here, so things are a little crazy.
Friday morning when the pediatrician checked on Andrew so we could be discharged they found that he had a heart murmur. The pediatrician ordered an echo before we could leave the hospital. This kept us there until 3:30 in the afternoon!
The technician that read the echo said it looked like he has ASD or Atrial Septal Defect. Basically, it means he has a hole in his septum between his two upper chambers. This is just what the technician saw - we have not gotten the results from the cardiologist yet.
After talking with our pediatrician, they let us go home. Our pediatrician pretty much told the nurse at the hospital that we were very responsible parents and would know if there was a problem and what to do .
Often, this hole will close on its own, but if it doesn't it could require surgery. We decided in the hospital we were not going to worry about it until we are told to worry about it. That does not mean that I am not guarded and keep and extra eye on him for signs that he is having problems, just means I am not going to focus on it or let the worry take over me!
We go to the pediatrician tomorrow so they can listen again and see where we go from there.
Friday morning when the pediatrician checked on Andrew so we could be discharged they found that he had a heart murmur. The pediatrician ordered an echo before we could leave the hospital. This kept us there until 3:30 in the afternoon!
The technician that read the echo said it looked like he has ASD or Atrial Septal Defect. Basically, it means he has a hole in his septum between his two upper chambers. This is just what the technician saw - we have not gotten the results from the cardiologist yet.
After talking with our pediatrician, they let us go home. Our pediatrician pretty much told the nurse at the hospital that we were very responsible parents and would know if there was a problem and what to do .
Often, this hole will close on its own, but if it doesn't it could require surgery. We decided in the hospital we were not going to worry about it until we are told to worry about it. That does not mean that I am not guarded and keep and extra eye on him for signs that he is having problems, just means I am not going to focus on it or let the worry take over me!
We go to the pediatrician tomorrow so they can listen again and see where we go from there.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Andrew Jace
Andrew was born April 11 at 8:30 pm. He was 7 pounds 5 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. Everything went great and I will post more on the birth and the boys when I get a chance.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
When I went to pick Bryce up this afternoon from MDO, I stopped and was talking to someone in another classroom. Bryce walked by taking out the trash, and saw me. He stopped and with a huge smile said "did you bring the baby home?"
Let's hope that after I have him, I look at least a little smaller than I do now!!!
Let's hope that after I have him, I look at least a little smaller than I do now!!!
Caleb's Parent Teacher Conference
Caleb's school is having parent teacher conferences Friday. Obviously, I will not be there. I sent a letter to his teacher that I was being induced tomorrow and could not be there, but that we could reschedule or she could send me the info through email.
She called today, and asked if we could do it over the phone. I told her that would be fine. She said that he has straight A's (which we just got his report card - so we knew that). The last STAR test (a reading test) he took showed that he is reading at almost a 5th grade level (he is in 2nd grade). She told me that she was very impressed because he reads a lot of non fiction (Yes - he is an encyclopedia of knowledge - some useful some not!!).
She also said that she put his name in for gifted and talanted and that we should be getting a permission slip to have him tested around the end of the month.
Other than that, she just wished us luck and congratulations. She also talked about how great Caleb was and how much she LOVED having him in her class and how intelligent he was.
She called today, and asked if we could do it over the phone. I told her that would be fine. She said that he has straight A's (which we just got his report card - so we knew that). The last STAR test (a reading test) he took showed that he is reading at almost a 5th grade level (he is in 2nd grade). She told me that she was very impressed because he reads a lot of non fiction (Yes - he is an encyclopedia of knowledge - some useful some not!!).
She also said that she put his name in for gifted and talanted and that we should be getting a permission slip to have him tested around the end of the month.
Other than that, she just wished us luck and congratulations. She also talked about how great Caleb was and how much she LOVED having him in her class and how intelligent he was.
Dermatologist Appointment
So, I went to see my dermatologist about the poison ivy. The poison ivy has pretty much gone, it has now turned into hives. The bad news is that the hives could last up to 6 weeks - and I am not sure that they are any better than poison ivy. It itches just as bad! I am glad that it is not still poison ivy spreading like I thought it was!
He gave me Zyrtec and told me to supplement with childrens benadryl during the day and regular benadryl at night. Then he said that he was going to call my OB about putting me on a steroid IV after I have the baby tomorrow.
This is the epitomy of misery!!
My "village" is working hard to help us with the kids, etc while at the hospital. We have a great support group, thank goodness. We have people from church delivering meals every night for the first week after we get home.
He gave me Zyrtec and told me to supplement with childrens benadryl during the day and regular benadryl at night. Then he said that he was going to call my OB about putting me on a steroid IV after I have the baby tomorrow.
This is the epitomy of misery!!
My "village" is working hard to help us with the kids, etc while at the hospital. We have a great support group, thank goodness. We have people from church delivering meals every night for the first week after we get home.
Monday, April 09, 2007
38 Week Check-up
And, the last! I went for my 38 week check-up today. The dr was very concerned because of the poison ivy. Not only is he concerned about the fact that it is still spreading - he is most concerned with the fact that I am bruising. He asked if I was scratching with a wooden spoon or something. I said no, that when I scratch it is lightly with my nails and usually over my clothes. He then examined every bruise I have and questioned where I got it and how long I have had it.
I half-jokingly told him he could induce me - and he said "I have never induced because of contact dermatitis, but I think we may have too." After a few minutes of staring at the rash in wonder, he pulled out his cellphone and personally made the appointment to be induced. He asked how soon they could get me in and the hospital said Wednesday, so Wednesday at 7:45 am, we go to the hospital to be induced.
I asked the dr if I was the first pregnant person he had with poison ivy and he said no, but he has never seen ANYONE bruise from it. He is sending me back to the dermatologist tomorrow. He wants me on a more aggressive treatment. I don't know that I will be able to start this treatment before I have Andrew, but I will definently be able to right after I have him!
Assuming that it does not take ALL day for me to get induced and deliver, Andrew's birthday will be April 11, 5 days before Daddy's!
I half-jokingly told him he could induce me - and he said "I have never induced because of contact dermatitis, but I think we may have too." After a few minutes of staring at the rash in wonder, he pulled out his cellphone and personally made the appointment to be induced. He asked how soon they could get me in and the hospital said Wednesday, so Wednesday at 7:45 am, we go to the hospital to be induced.
I asked the dr if I was the first pregnant person he had with poison ivy and he said no, but he has never seen ANYONE bruise from it. He is sending me back to the dermatologist tomorrow. He wants me on a more aggressive treatment. I don't know that I will be able to start this treatment before I have Andrew, but I will definently be able to right after I have him!
Assuming that it does not take ALL day for me to get induced and deliver, Andrew's birthday will be April 11, 5 days before Daddy's!
Houston, We Have A Problem
A BIG problem. Yesterday afternoon we had to make a quick trip to Home Depot - which we were not sure would be open since it was Easter. One major design flaw in this house is that they put the doorbell in the hall with the kids rooms - wouldn't you think it would be in the middle of the house or at the master bedroom? We cannot hear the doorbell - or knocking - if we are in our room.
Right after we moved in, someone had come to the door selling newspapers or something and the boys opened the door and talked to them. They did not even come get us - not even Caleb!! Caleb did not open the door - and I am not sure if he was even out there with them, but he knew what his brothers were doing and did not come get us.
Yesterday, we had put a doghouse out at the road - getting rid of it. An older couple rang the doorbell and we did not hear it. Paul walked into the kitchen and heard the boys talking and noticed the front door open. The boys had answered the door and GONE OUTSIDE with these people. Luckily for us, they told the boys to go in the house. Paul went out and talked to them - they were wanting to know if they could have the doghouse.
We left immediately to get a lock to put on the top of the front door. I cannot get Isaac and Bryce to understand about strangers. When I was telling them that someone could take them and put them in their car and drive away with them, Bryce says "but he didn't!"
It also upsets me that Caleb knows his brothers are doing this and doesn't come let us know! The problem has been temporarily fixed - at least now they can't open the door, but we really have to work on the stranger thing with them!!!
Right after we moved in, someone had come to the door selling newspapers or something and the boys opened the door and talked to them. They did not even come get us - not even Caleb!! Caleb did not open the door - and I am not sure if he was even out there with them, but he knew what his brothers were doing and did not come get us.
Yesterday, we had put a doghouse out at the road - getting rid of it. An older couple rang the doorbell and we did not hear it. Paul walked into the kitchen and heard the boys talking and noticed the front door open. The boys had answered the door and GONE OUTSIDE with these people. Luckily for us, they told the boys to go in the house. Paul went out and talked to them - they were wanting to know if they could have the doghouse.
We left immediately to get a lock to put on the top of the front door. I cannot get Isaac and Bryce to understand about strangers. When I was telling them that someone could take them and put them in their car and drive away with them, Bryce says "but he didn't!"
It also upsets me that Caleb knows his brothers are doing this and doesn't come let us know! The problem has been temporarily fixed - at least now they can't open the door, but we really have to work on the stranger thing with them!!!
Weekend Update
We had a BUSY weekend! Our focus going into the weekend was yardwork. Friday we just chilled most of the day after we got home from the drs office. I think the only thing we really did was grocery shopping.
Saturday, we had to go get spark plugs, filters, etc for the lawn mower, weedeater and blower. That took quite a bit of time because it meant several different stores. Paul got home and got everything put together on the weedeater. When he went to start it - it would not start! We tried not to get to upset because we have had the weedeater for about 8 years!! Paul wanted one that would weedeat and edge - which was not easy to find!! We spent several hours and several more trips to stores looking for THE weedeater. We finally found it.
By the time we got done doing all of the running around, Paul got the front yard done as it started getting dark! So the front is all that he got done Saturday. He is questioning whether he likes the corner lot now - there is a LOT to weedeat - especially since we have a sidewalk around the side and front of the house and then up to the front door.
Sunday we got up and went to church. We had our Easter lunch at the Mexican restaraunt! NO CLEANING!! We got home and Paul and I worked on the backyard while the boys played with their stuff from the Easter bunny. We went through several pairs of clothes each and LOTS of washing to NOT get more poison whatever! Sunday evening we did an Easter egg hunt - which I will post later - with some pictures.
As far as the poison whatever - I am still getting new spots. I go see my OB today and we will see what he thinks. The itching is much worse at night! The side of my belly that initially broke out is REALLY dry - which is part of the problem with the itching. The other side of my belly and my back is all newer spots and they are itching because of the poison - they are not dried out yet! Needless to say - if pregnancy did not do enough to destroy the way your stomach looks - throw on top of that a REALLY bad case of poison whatever and that will pretty much seal the deal!
Saturday, we had to go get spark plugs, filters, etc for the lawn mower, weedeater and blower. That took quite a bit of time because it meant several different stores. Paul got home and got everything put together on the weedeater. When he went to start it - it would not start! We tried not to get to upset because we have had the weedeater for about 8 years!! Paul wanted one that would weedeat and edge - which was not easy to find!! We spent several hours and several more trips to stores looking for THE weedeater. We finally found it.
By the time we got done doing all of the running around, Paul got the front yard done as it started getting dark! So the front is all that he got done Saturday. He is questioning whether he likes the corner lot now - there is a LOT to weedeat - especially since we have a sidewalk around the side and front of the house and then up to the front door.
Sunday we got up and went to church. We had our Easter lunch at the Mexican restaraunt! NO CLEANING!! We got home and Paul and I worked on the backyard while the boys played with their stuff from the Easter bunny. We went through several pairs of clothes each and LOTS of washing to NOT get more poison whatever! Sunday evening we did an Easter egg hunt - which I will post later - with some pictures.
As far as the poison whatever - I am still getting new spots. I go see my OB today and we will see what he thinks. The itching is much worse at night! The side of my belly that initially broke out is REALLY dry - which is part of the problem with the itching. The other side of my belly and my back is all newer spots and they are itching because of the poison - they are not dried out yet! Needless to say - if pregnancy did not do enough to destroy the way your stomach looks - throw on top of that a REALLY bad case of poison whatever and that will pretty much seal the deal!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
We Found the Poison!!
The city is going by this month and picking up tree branches, etc that we put out at the curb. Our "ward" is being done this week, so Paul was out cleaning up some vines that he pulled down a couple of weeks ago.
While he was out there he found a plant at the base of the tree that was three leaves and reddish. It does not look like poison ivy though. I did some looking online and I am pretty sure it is poison oak. Not only is it at the base of the tree - it is the only thing living ON the tree.
We are calling the builders agent tomorrow morning and telling them that they have to get someone out here - yesterday - to cut them down because we are all very allergic! Too bad they did not cut them down before we moved in like we asked - then we would not have this problem!!
While he was out there he found a plant at the base of the tree that was three leaves and reddish. It does not look like poison ivy though. I did some looking online and I am pretty sure it is poison oak. Not only is it at the base of the tree - it is the only thing living ON the tree.
We are calling the builders agent tomorrow morning and telling them that they have to get someone out here - yesterday - to cut them down because we are all very allergic! Too bad they did not cut them down before we moved in like we asked - then we would not have this problem!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Boring Baby
One day last week Bryce told me he did not want a baby. I asked why, and he said he just did not want a baby right now.
Today he says "Okay, Andrew can be boring now."
Paul and I just laughed and corrected him and said he could be born. Bryce said "Yes he can be boring." All morning, he has been meaning born, but saying Andrew is going to be boring.
I guess he is going to be a boring blue baby!
Today he says "Okay, Andrew can be boring now."
Paul and I just laughed and corrected him and said he could be born. Bryce said "Yes he can be boring." All morning, he has been meaning born, but saying Andrew is going to be boring.
I guess he is going to be a boring blue baby!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Some Relieve At Last!!
Last night we spent $40 on a wash called Zantel - that is for poison ivy. I was DESPERATE!! The stuff claims that if you use it, it will wash away the oils from your skin. It also says that if you have severe poison ivy, you may have to use it several times. The stuff helped for a couple of hours - no itching. I used it twice last night and once this morning. Unfortunately, you only get an ounce for $40 and it does not go far when you have poison ivy as bad as I have it.
I did not get much sleep last night. I kept waking up - scratching. Finally, about 5 am I got up and took a shower and stayed up. At a reasonable hour, I called my dr to beg for some relief. I ended up having to go to the hospital today to see a dermatologist (my ob made an appt for me). He looked at the poison ivy, asked how far along I was and said I must be COMPLETELY miserable!
I ended up getting a shot in the rumpous and send home with some topical cream. I wish I could take the nurse that gave me the shot with me to labor and delivery because as Paul was telling me my butt would hurt after the shot - she was saying she was done. I never felt it!!
The shot worked pretty quick! I have had a few spouts of bad itching, but it is much easier to handle than previously. Apparantly I had a "systematic reaction " which means it was in my blood stream so I was still breaking out from it. The dr was pretty shocked by how severe it was - and that it was mainly focused on my huge belly!
The cream takes a little longer to dry than I like, but it is helping so I will take it!!
I did not get much sleep last night. I kept waking up - scratching. Finally, about 5 am I got up and took a shower and stayed up. At a reasonable hour, I called my dr to beg for some relief. I ended up having to go to the hospital today to see a dermatologist (my ob made an appt for me). He looked at the poison ivy, asked how far along I was and said I must be COMPLETELY miserable!
I ended up getting a shot in the rumpous and send home with some topical cream. I wish I could take the nurse that gave me the shot with me to labor and delivery because as Paul was telling me my butt would hurt after the shot - she was saying she was done. I never felt it!!
The shot worked pretty quick! I have had a few spouts of bad itching, but it is much easier to handle than previously. Apparantly I had a "systematic reaction " which means it was in my blood stream so I was still breaking out from it. The dr was pretty shocked by how severe it was - and that it was mainly focused on my huge belly!
The cream takes a little longer to dry than I like, but it is helping so I will take it!!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Another Caleb Story
This is my imaginary pet.
He is called a hot dog.
He came from the candy land desert.
I gave my hotdog a hat and gun as soon as he could hunt by himself.
He eats popcorn, ketchup, tomatoes, and mustard.
He is mean because he looks tasty.
Please be careful around him even if he's tasty looking.
He is called a hot dog.
He came from the candy land desert.
I gave my hotdog a hat and gun as soon as he could hunt by himself.
He eats popcorn, ketchup, tomatoes, and mustard.
He is mean because he looks tasty.
Please be careful around him even if he's tasty looking.
A Story From the Head of an 8 Year Old
This is a story Caleb wrote. I typed it just like he wrote it:
Once upon a time there was a hen who laid 5 eggs 4 were regular after hatching. 1 chick was stange, it had half a body. one day his mother told him he can live by himself. he crossed a stream geting choked by weeds what asked him to pull the weeds up. Then half chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself. Then he passed a farm house, a farmer started a fire for his patatos, and fire said toss me some wood, and the chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself and then he passed a cook who thn picked him up and said this will make some good chicken soup because half a chick is better than full and tossed him in some boiling water and said don't boil me. And it said he didn't pull the weeds up and he said the fire do not burn me, and the fire said you did give me some sticks and then it was much to late.
Once upon a time there was a hen who laid 5 eggs 4 were regular after hatching. 1 chick was stange, it had half a body. one day his mother told him he can live by himself. he crossed a stream geting choked by weeds what asked him to pull the weeds up. Then half chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself. Then he passed a farm house, a farmer started a fire for his patatos, and fire said toss me some wood, and the chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself and then he passed a cook who thn picked him up and said this will make some good chicken soup because half a chick is better than full and tossed him in some boiling water and said don't boil me. And it said he didn't pull the weeds up and he said the fire do not burn me, and the fire said you did give me some sticks and then it was much to late.
Made It To Land!!
He is back on land! I was telling him I had looked at the weather and it looked good down there, but apparantly on the oil rig they were having about 40 mph winds - so made the helicopter trip kinda bumpy! But - he should be back about 4!
He got paid to do a lot of sitting this week! He has tomorrow off for Good Friday, so he only had to do about 3 hours of work all week and gets paid for 40 - nice mini-vacation (if you call bad weather and sitting on an oil rig wondering if your wife is going to go into labor while you are away a vacation).
He got paid to do a lot of sitting this week! He has tomorrow off for Good Friday, so he only had to do about 3 hours of work all week and gets paid for 40 - nice mini-vacation (if you call bad weather and sitting on an oil rig wondering if your wife is going to go into labor while you are away a vacation).
COME HOME!!
I just looked at the weather for Port Arthur. It says that visibility is 10 miles and there is abundant sunshine. I see NO reason why he can't get home today - especially since we also have abundant sunshine!! If he doesn't get to come home today for some reason they are going to have the wrath of a very angry 9 1/2 month pregnant woman to deal with (especially since the kids are home tomorrow!)
A Blue Baby?
On the way home from taking the boys to school, Bryce was talking about what color all of our animals were. I was really impressed because he said Bella was tan, white and black - as opposed to saying brown (for tan). I did not know that he knew tan!
What was really funny is that after he is saying all of this he says "I don't know what color Andrew is going to be." I am dying laughing and tell him that Andrew will be the same color he is and probably even have blonde hair like him (if he has hair). "No I think he will be blue."
Where does he come up with this stuff?
What was really funny is that after he is saying all of this he says "I don't know what color Andrew is going to be." I am dying laughing and tell him that Andrew will be the same color he is and probably even have blonde hair like him (if he has hair). "No I think he will be blue."
Where does he come up with this stuff?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Now I Am Beyond Upset!!
I am beginning to think my husband is being held hostage! I know that is not something to joke about these days, but he went for a ONE day job on Sunday. This is Wednesday. He is still not home! They are stuck on the oil rig in the middle of the ocean. The helicopter won't fly because they have been having a bad storm all day.
It is just very frustrating for me because #1 I did not even want him to go! #2 I just feel like crap and could really use some help with the boys! I am having a hard time getting up off the couch at all, much less to cook, clean and take care of the kids.
I am trying not to use the creams much because it seems like for a couple of hours after I put the cream on, Andrew just kind of goes crazy. He moves and kicks like crazy, so I don't know if it is really bothering him or if it is just conincidence. So at this point I am only using the cream if I cannot handle the itching. So far today, I have only used it once - which has been hard!
It is just very frustrating for me because #1 I did not even want him to go! #2 I just feel like crap and could really use some help with the boys! I am having a hard time getting up off the couch at all, much less to cook, clean and take care of the kids.
I am trying not to use the creams much because it seems like for a couple of hours after I put the cream on, Andrew just kind of goes crazy. He moves and kicks like crazy, so I don't know if it is really bothering him or if it is just conincidence. So at this point I am only using the cream if I cannot handle the itching. So far today, I have only used it once - which has been hard!
Update
I did get some sleep - and actually slept pretty good. Bryce fell asleep between 9:30 and 10. I stayed awake for awhile, hoping Paul would call. He did, finally, at about 10:45. He was calling from the oil rig (which I think was an hour out by helicopter). He does not get phone service on his cell way out there, so he was calling from their phone.
He said they had finished working and were sleeping on the rig for the night. The helicopter is suppose to pick them up around 10 this morning and then they have an hour drive back to the airport, so the earliest they can even get to the airport is noon. So - as far as things go now - he should be home this afternoon.
Still having contractions, but still mostly just my stomach tightening, only a few that were painful!! I woke up a couple of times last night with some that hurt, but I was able to go right back to sleep. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to 40 weeks. He probably will, but he is going to keep us on our toes until then!!
He said they had finished working and were sleeping on the rig for the night. The helicopter is suppose to pick them up around 10 this morning and then they have an hour drive back to the airport, so the earliest they can even get to the airport is noon. So - as far as things go now - he should be home this afternoon.
Still having contractions, but still mostly just my stomach tightening, only a few that were painful!! I woke up a couple of times last night with some that hurt, but I was able to go right back to sleep. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to 40 weeks. He probably will, but he is going to keep us on our toes until then!!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
No Sleep Tonight!
We have been waiting on a cold front to move in that was suppose to bring some severe weather. I tried to get the boys in bed a little early to beat it and the one that needed to beat it the most - didn't!
For about an hour we had nothing but lightening. Then I was looking out the front window and heard some loud bangs and it started hailing. The bangs were not thunder. They were our two 96 gallon trashcans - with trash - being thrown across my front yard into the street. So I had to run out -in the hail - to get the trashcans! When the loud bang happened it also opened the door from the kitchen to the garage (and the garage door is down!)! Pretty big pressure change I guess!
So, Bryce is up. Luckily, I guess, I had not taken my benadryl yet - and I guess I won't tonight!
For about an hour we had nothing but lightening. Then I was looking out the front window and heard some loud bangs and it started hailing. The bangs were not thunder. They were our two 96 gallon trashcans - with trash - being thrown across my front yard into the street. So I had to run out -in the hail - to get the trashcans! When the loud bang happened it also opened the door from the kitchen to the garage (and the garage door is down!)! Pretty big pressure change I guess!
So, Bryce is up. Luckily, I guess, I had not taken my benadryl yet - and I guess I won't tonight!
Still No Daddy!!
I talked to Paul earlier and asked him if he was going to be home today. He said it did not look like it. Apparantly it has been to foggy for the helicopter to fly to the oil rig, so they still have not been able to do the work. What was suppose to be a 3 hour job has turned into a 3-4 day job!! It is pretty frustrating!
I have been having contractions all day. They have not been to painful, just feeling a LOT of pressure. Also been kind of nauseas all day.
Paul did call a little while ago and said the helicopter was on its way and they were going to try to fly out tonight and do the work. If that happens they can get home tomorrow morning, otherwise the earliest he can be home is 10 pm tomorrow night. We will see what happens!!
I have been having contractions all day. They have not been to painful, just feeling a LOT of pressure. Also been kind of nauseas all day.
Paul did call a little while ago and said the helicopter was on its way and they were going to try to fly out tonight and do the work. If that happens they can get home tomorrow morning, otherwise the earliest he can be home is 10 pm tomorrow night. We will see what happens!!
M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E
That is what I am right now. Beyond the fact that I am 9 1/2 months pregnant - this poison ivy! I am putting so many different things on my stomach right now, and am having to walk around with my shirt pulled up or off to let all the creams, etc dry.
Here is what is hard. When I was talking to the dr about using the hydrocortisone cream, he told me to start using it again and that there was another medicine I could take, but that it is an oral medicine and they don't like to give it in late pregnancy. It would have been easier if I had not known about it. I really want to call and ask the dr for it, but I don't want to do anything to jeapordize the baby, obviously.
The benadryl last night helped me sleep! I only got up one time last night - which I don't remember the last time I only got up once. Unfortunately, the one time I got up I was up for about 20-30 minutes trying to get the itching under control. I am alternating the hydrocortisone cream, benadryl cream and this spray that numbs itching and pain (this spray was introduced after I had Isaac and works REALLY well). They all work short-term but not near long enough! I am also taking oatmeal baths, taking benadryl pills, and putting cool wet washclothes on it. The wet washcloth works GREAT as long as I can just lay down so they will stay on!
I am on day 5 of this, and still have spots coming up. I guess we know where Caleb gets his poison ivy allergy!! Paul and I both are allergic to it, so I guess the kids are doomed! I wish I could pinpoint when, where and how we got this!!
Here is what is hard. When I was talking to the dr about using the hydrocortisone cream, he told me to start using it again and that there was another medicine I could take, but that it is an oral medicine and they don't like to give it in late pregnancy. It would have been easier if I had not known about it. I really want to call and ask the dr for it, but I don't want to do anything to jeapordize the baby, obviously.
The benadryl last night helped me sleep! I only got up one time last night - which I don't remember the last time I only got up once. Unfortunately, the one time I got up I was up for about 20-30 minutes trying to get the itching under control. I am alternating the hydrocortisone cream, benadryl cream and this spray that numbs itching and pain (this spray was introduced after I had Isaac and works REALLY well). They all work short-term but not near long enough! I am also taking oatmeal baths, taking benadryl pills, and putting cool wet washclothes on it. The wet washcloth works GREAT as long as I can just lay down so they will stay on!
I am on day 5 of this, and still have spots coming up. I guess we know where Caleb gets his poison ivy allergy!! Paul and I both are allergic to it, so I guess the kids are doomed! I wish I could pinpoint when, where and how we got this!!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Bathing Dillema
First off, I have already gotten VERY spoiled with my tub! I was wanting to take an oatmeal bath for the poison ivy, but I did not want to clog up the jets in my tub, so I took it in the boys bathroom. There tub is tiny!! I am used to my BIG tub!!
Secondly, since I used the smaller tub, I could not get my big belly under the water. I stayed in for about 15 minutes, continuously pouring water over my stomach! Did the best I could - then SMOTHERED my stomach in hydrocortisone cream and popped a benadryl! Maybe I will sleep through it all tonight!
While in the tub I decided my stomach is looking more like a globe than a basketball everyone says it looks like. A nice globe though. You know, the ones that have the land raised up so you can feel it! The land on my globe is BRIGHT red instead of green and the interstates are in the water (the bright blue veins in my stomach). It has some big continents, some small continents and LOTS of little islands.
Hopefully my continents will quickly begin to break apart and disappear!! At least maybe my globe could become a not-as-nice one and the raised continents will become unraised!!
Secondly, since I used the smaller tub, I could not get my big belly under the water. I stayed in for about 15 minutes, continuously pouring water over my stomach! Did the best I could - then SMOTHERED my stomach in hydrocortisone cream and popped a benadryl! Maybe I will sleep through it all tonight!
While in the tub I decided my stomach is looking more like a globe than a basketball everyone says it looks like. A nice globe though. You know, the ones that have the land raised up so you can feel it! The land on my globe is BRIGHT red instead of green and the interstates are in the water (the bright blue veins in my stomach). It has some big continents, some small continents and LOTS of little islands.
Hopefully my continents will quickly begin to break apart and disappear!! At least maybe my globe could become a not-as-nice one and the raised continents will become unraised!!
It Figures!
Paul is stuck at the coast. He went down there to do some work on an oil rig and, of course, they have been hit with a bad storm. They were being flown out to the rig on a helicopter. They got part of the way to the rig and had to turn around because of low visibility. It does not look like the weather is going to clear enough for them to get out there today, so he will not be able to come home until tomorrow.
He keeps asking if I am going to be okay until then. I don't get to choose when I go into labor - so we will just hope the baby holds off until he gets home!
He keeps asking if I am going to be okay until then. I don't get to choose when I go into labor - so we will just hope the baby holds off until he gets home!
37 Week Check-up
The dr has told me I can use Hydrocortisone cream!! YEAH!!!!! I slept fairly well last night, getting up every couple of hours to use the bathroom like normal. When I woke up around 3:30 - I was REALLY itchy and could not get it to stop. I FINALLY fell back asleep!
Bryce told the dr I played in poison ivy. The dr looked at me and I said yes I have poison ivy all over my stomach and would love a remedy for the itching! He asked how I got it - especially since it is only on my stomach. I told him I did not know. He looked at it and was amazed at how bad it was. He asked if it itched pretty bad. YES!! He told me to use benadryl and hydrocortisone cream and to make sure and wash my hands if I scratch so it does not spread anymore. I think the spreading that has happened so far has been from my clothes though, not my hands!
As for Andrew, he is in position for delivery - head down. I have dilated to a one - which for me is a pretty good accomplishment 3 weeks out! Heartbeat sounded good, and everything seems to be fine. I go back Monday (although I hope I don't make it!!).
Bryce told the dr I played in poison ivy. The dr looked at me and I said yes I have poison ivy all over my stomach and would love a remedy for the itching! He asked how I got it - especially since it is only on my stomach. I told him I did not know. He looked at it and was amazed at how bad it was. He asked if it itched pretty bad. YES!! He told me to use benadryl and hydrocortisone cream and to make sure and wash my hands if I scratch so it does not spread anymore. I think the spreading that has happened so far has been from my clothes though, not my hands!
As for Andrew, he is in position for delivery - head down. I have dilated to a one - which for me is a pretty good accomplishment 3 weeks out! Heartbeat sounded good, and everything seems to be fine. I go back Monday (although I hope I don't make it!!).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Poison Ivy
I have what appears to be poison ivy ALL OVER my stomach! Just what every miserable nine month pregnant woman needs on top of an itchy pregnant stomach is poison ivy. I have been using hydrocortisone cream on it, until I talked to Mom earlier. I thought I had read that I could use it, but she questioned it and made me want to make sure. I am NOT supposed to be using it, unless I have too, and then I am not suppose to use it over a big space. I have been spreading it ALL over my stomach today!
I am not using it anymore, obviously. Thank goodness I go to the dr tomorrow and I will find out what I can use. Hopefully, since I did not sleep at all last night, I will be so exhausted tonight that it will not keep me up!
I am not positive where I got the poison ivy - Paul has it too. I started getting spots Friday, that did not itch until yesterday and they have been spreading. My stomach is covered and I have started getting some spots on my legs. Paul has one spot on his stomach and lots on the back of his legs.
I am not using it anymore, obviously. Thank goodness I go to the dr tomorrow and I will find out what I can use. Hopefully, since I did not sleep at all last night, I will be so exhausted tonight that it will not keep me up!
I am not positive where I got the poison ivy - Paul has it too. I started getting spots Friday, that did not itch until yesterday and they have been spreading. My stomach is covered and I have started getting some spots on my legs. Paul has one spot on his stomach and lots on the back of his legs.
Night Owl
The last several nights, Caleb has been waking up in the middle of the night. Instead of trying to go back to sleep, he turns on the tv in his room. We found this out because yesterday morning while we were running errands, Caleb could not stay awake. Everytime we got in the car he would fall asleep.
I asked him why he was so tired and he said he got up at 4 am and watched Bill Nye The Science Guy, but stayed up all morning. Last night, when I was sleeping in Andrew's room, I kept hearing voices at around 3:15. I finally got up to see what was going on (thinking it was outside) and looked out in the hall and saw light coming from under Caleb's door.
We have been having problems with him and the tv and not doing what he was suppose to do since he got his own room. I kept threatening to take the tv out, but haven't. Last night, at 3:45 (less than 10 minutes after I went in and turned it off and unplugged the tv) I heard him plugging it back in. I waited to see if he was going to turn it on again, and he did. I guess he figured I had gone back into my room so it was safe. So, at 3:45am, I was moving a tv out of his room (I know I am not suppose to lift it, but you gotta do what you gotta do!).
It is one thing for him to not mind during the day about the tv, but there is no reason an 8 year old needs to be getting up in the middle of the night to watch tv. He says he does it because he can't get back to sleep, yet he was back to sleep in no time after I took the tv out. He obviously wasn't giving himself a chance to go back to sleep!
I asked him why he was so tired and he said he got up at 4 am and watched Bill Nye The Science Guy, but stayed up all morning. Last night, when I was sleeping in Andrew's room, I kept hearing voices at around 3:15. I finally got up to see what was going on (thinking it was outside) and looked out in the hall and saw light coming from under Caleb's door.
We have been having problems with him and the tv and not doing what he was suppose to do since he got his own room. I kept threatening to take the tv out, but haven't. Last night, at 3:45 (less than 10 minutes after I went in and turned it off and unplugged the tv) I heard him plugging it back in. I waited to see if he was going to turn it on again, and he did. I guess he figured I had gone back into my room so it was safe. So, at 3:45am, I was moving a tv out of his room (I know I am not suppose to lift it, but you gotta do what you gotta do!).
It is one thing for him to not mind during the day about the tv, but there is no reason an 8 year old needs to be getting up in the middle of the night to watch tv. He says he does it because he can't get back to sleep, yet he was back to sleep in no time after I took the tv out. He obviously wasn't giving himself a chance to go back to sleep!
Not To Great A Day!
I literally got NO sleep last night. I was awake ALL night!! I "slept" on the bed in Andrew's room, though, so I did not keep Paul up all night. Andrew would not settle down last night, and I think he "dropped" at some point. I knew I had ribs, because he has been in them for the last too-many-months, but I forgot that you are suppose to be able to feel them under your skin. I CAN FEEL MY RIBS!!!
I can breath a little better, but it was traded with other downfalls. For example, I cannot bend forward at all when I am sitting down now, I live in the bathroom - more than I did before!! Still, completely uncomfortable!!
I was put on bedrest today - from my husband. He had to go down to the coast to do a job tomorrow morning. He will be home tomorrow, but he is very concerned. This is what I have heard: with your first pregnancy the baby can drop several weeks before you actually go into labor. In second, third, etc pregnancies, the baby does not normally drop until you are about to go into labor.
I keep giving Paul a bad time telling him he is going to miss the delivery! He told me that I never went into labor early before and not to pump myself up to go into labor early this time. I told him if I could work myself up into labor - I would have had all the kids early!!
Before he left he told me that I could not go into labor until late tomorrow night. He told me to lay on the couch as much as possible and do absolutely nothing and then when he gets home if I want to do jumping jacks until I go into labor - that was fine. Don't count on that happening!!
I go to the dr tomorrow, so we will see if labor is looming (in the VERY near future!). I will probably get there and be disappointed to hear there has been NO progression! We will see. I have been having some sharp pains down low - so maybe there is hope.
I called Paul a little while ago and he told me I probably should not call him because every time my name pops up on his phone he gets worried! It is kind of funny!!
I can breath a little better, but it was traded with other downfalls. For example, I cannot bend forward at all when I am sitting down now, I live in the bathroom - more than I did before!! Still, completely uncomfortable!!
I was put on bedrest today - from my husband. He had to go down to the coast to do a job tomorrow morning. He will be home tomorrow, but he is very concerned. This is what I have heard: with your first pregnancy the baby can drop several weeks before you actually go into labor. In second, third, etc pregnancies, the baby does not normally drop until you are about to go into labor.
I keep giving Paul a bad time telling him he is going to miss the delivery! He told me that I never went into labor early before and not to pump myself up to go into labor early this time. I told him if I could work myself up into labor - I would have had all the kids early!!
Before he left he told me that I could not go into labor until late tomorrow night. He told me to lay on the couch as much as possible and do absolutely nothing and then when he gets home if I want to do jumping jacks until I go into labor - that was fine. Don't count on that happening!!
I go to the dr tomorrow, so we will see if labor is looming (in the VERY near future!). I will probably get there and be disappointed to hear there has been NO progression! We will see. I have been having some sharp pains down low - so maybe there is hope.
I called Paul a little while ago and he told me I probably should not call him because every time my name pops up on his phone he gets worried! It is kind of funny!!
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