Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Although MY Mother's Day was not that great (since I spent it in bed sick), I am still very lucky and have great kids! I was given lots of weeds....errr....flowers, from our yard. They were the most beautiful weeds I have ever been given!! Bryce even took the flowers and glued them to a piece of paper he drew on.
Isaac and Bryce made me stuff at school. Bryce had his wrapped in paper. He walked in the door Friday after school and told me to close my eyes. He then unwrapped my present for me and gave it to me.
Caleb wanted to fix me breakfast Sunday morning, but I did not really feel like having breakfast, as much as the thought was appreciated. He did keep Andrew occupied while I fed Mady and we got dressed though.
I could not be any happier or lucky than I am. I have a wonderful husband and five wonderful children. I get to stay home and be a full time Mom, which is what I have always wanted to do.
So, Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.
Isaac and Bryce made me stuff at school. Bryce had his wrapped in paper. He walked in the door Friday after school and told me to close my eyes. He then unwrapped my present for me and gave it to me.
Caleb wanted to fix me breakfast Sunday morning, but I did not really feel like having breakfast, as much as the thought was appreciated. He did keep Andrew occupied while I fed Mady and we got dressed though.
I could not be any happier or lucky than I am. I have a wonderful husband and five wonderful children. I get to stay home and be a full time Mom, which is what I have always wanted to do.
So, Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Our Weekend
Nana was here this weekend to visit and meet Madeleine. She got here Friday afternoon and stayed until Sunday afternoon. Friday, she got a hotel room. Friday night Caleb spent the night at the hotel with her and Saturday Isaac and Bryce did. She said they did great, did not get up too early (she was actually up before they were) and the boys loved it.
Paul has been working on the flowerbed that he planted my rosebushes in. He had to pull up all the landscaping bricks around the bed and level it out. Everytime it rains hard part of the bed washes away because it is so unlevel. He has put down dirt and leveled it out and has been working hard at putting the bricks back properly. Then he will put down weed barrier and mulch (which has been sitting in our garage for a couple of weeks now). Nana also helped pull weeds out of the other beds. Mady and I sat and watched :)
Saturday evening I started feeling rundown and achey. I went to bed as soon as the kids went to bed. Sunday the boys (Caleb and Andrew) did not get up until 8!! It was so nice to sleep in. Unfortunately, I went steadily down hill Sunday. After we took Nana to the airport, I came home and went to bed. I was running a fever, achey and just feeling horrible. I have come down with Mastitis. I am breastfeeding my fifth child and have never had it before. I have been running fever since yesterday. I take Tylenol, my fever comes down for a while and then goes back up. I have gotten up to 102.8. So, this morning I called the drs office to get an appointment. I was very happy to hear that I did not have to come in, they called in a prescription for me.
I am lucky though, I have heard others talk about having it and it sounds VERY painful! I was uncomfortable Saturday evening, but immediately started the remedies I read about online. Sunday morning when I was starting to get the other symptoms, I was not hurting unless you REALLY push on the spot that is red. Hopefully, the antibiotics (FOUR pills a day....that will be fun to remember) will work quickly and things won't get any worse.
Paul has been working on the flowerbed that he planted my rosebushes in. He had to pull up all the landscaping bricks around the bed and level it out. Everytime it rains hard part of the bed washes away because it is so unlevel. He has put down dirt and leveled it out and has been working hard at putting the bricks back properly. Then he will put down weed barrier and mulch (which has been sitting in our garage for a couple of weeks now). Nana also helped pull weeds out of the other beds. Mady and I sat and watched :)
Saturday evening I started feeling rundown and achey. I went to bed as soon as the kids went to bed. Sunday the boys (Caleb and Andrew) did not get up until 8!! It was so nice to sleep in. Unfortunately, I went steadily down hill Sunday. After we took Nana to the airport, I came home and went to bed. I was running a fever, achey and just feeling horrible. I have come down with Mastitis. I am breastfeeding my fifth child and have never had it before. I have been running fever since yesterday. I take Tylenol, my fever comes down for a while and then goes back up. I have gotten up to 102.8. So, this morning I called the drs office to get an appointment. I was very happy to hear that I did not have to come in, they called in a prescription for me.
I am lucky though, I have heard others talk about having it and it sounds VERY painful! I was uncomfortable Saturday evening, but immediately started the remedies I read about online. Sunday morning when I was starting to get the other symptoms, I was not hurting unless you REALLY push on the spot that is red. Hopefully, the antibiotics (FOUR pills a day....that will be fun to remember) will work quickly and things won't get any worse.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Kids Day
Bryce said after Mother's Day it is Kid's Day. Isaac asked what Kids Day was. "That is when the parents have to kiss up to the kids."
When did my five year old learn about kissing up?
When did my five year old learn about kissing up?
Baby Girl
Andrew has called Mady "Baby" since the first time he saw her. He will only say Mady when we tell him to (several times). This morning she had the hiccups (which she ALWAYS has) and they were close to violent! I was holding her and she was being very patient with them (she usually ends up screaming and they go away). I looked at her and said "GIRL!"
Andrew has not stopped calling her Baby and calls her Girl!
Andrew has not stopped calling her Baby and calls her Girl!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Bows
I have been working on trying to learn how to make bows today. Hobby Lobby had ribbon half off :)
I made four today, but two of them were too big for Mady's little head! She kind of disappears behind them. Here are the two I made that came out at a good size.
I am having fun making them. It is nice to have a "hobby" to do in my "free time". Hmmmm....got company coming this weekend. Maybe I should stop making bows and do some housework!!
I made four today, but two of them were too big for Mady's little head! She kind of disappears behind them. Here are the two I made that came out at a good size.
I am having fun making them. It is nice to have a "hobby" to do in my "free time". Hmmmm....got company coming this weekend. Maybe I should stop making bows and do some housework!!
Closing
We got some great news yesterday. We were supposed to close on the house on the 14th. There was apparently a hail storm a few weeks ago and the buyers saw some houses get new roofs. They wanted us to have our insurance company look at the roof to see if there was any damage because they saw some houses in the neigborhood getting new roofs. The streets on either side of ours have older houses....houses that probably need new roofs WITHOUT a hail storm.
I called the insurance company that day, but since it has been raining so much, he just got out there yesterday. He called me to let me know there was no damage to the roof. I called our realtor and let him know. Now, the buyers want to close THIS Friday instead of the 14th (like we originally planned). We, of course, are all for it! Get this house out of our hands before we DO have to make an insurance claim on it!
I will be SO happy to be only have ONE house to take care of and pay for!
I called the insurance company that day, but since it has been raining so much, he just got out there yesterday. He called me to let me know there was no damage to the roof. I called our realtor and let him know. Now, the buyers want to close THIS Friday instead of the 14th (like we originally planned). We, of course, are all for it! Get this house out of our hands before we DO have to make an insurance claim on it!
I will be SO happy to be only have ONE house to take care of and pay for!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
2 Week Check-up
I now know what germaphobs feel like! Madeleine had her two week check-up today. We almost cancelled it because Swine Flu is in LA now and I know that a couple of schools in Baton Rouge were closed for possible cases. However, I needed to talk to the dr about her tummy issues, so we went.
I did not want to take anything in that I didn't need to so I had less to have covered in germs, so we went without a stroller or carseat. Me and two kids. I did not want to let go of Andrew because I did not want him to touch anything and I was trying to keep Mady covered as much as possible. This is one trip I have to say Andrew did horrible on! Why do they put toys in drs offices? Paul's theory is it is to keep business up (spread germs, more kids get sick and have to see the dr). The drs office is split, sick kids on one side, well on the other, but everyone goes in the same door and checks in at the same window.
Anyways....her appointment....
At her four day check-up the dr told us he wanted her back at her birthweight by 2 weeks. She only lost 5 ounces and she has regained it. Today she was at her birthweight - 7 lbs 5 oz. She has grown an inch and is now 20 1/2 inches long.
As far as her tummy issues, he told us to try laying her down after she eats for a few minutes and then try to burp her again. He said sometimes they just need a few minutes for the gas bubble to reform and then they will burp. We will give it a try!
We go back in two weeks for another check-up. As for this one, everything seems great so far!
I did not want to take anything in that I didn't need to so I had less to have covered in germs, so we went without a stroller or carseat. Me and two kids. I did not want to let go of Andrew because I did not want him to touch anything and I was trying to keep Mady covered as much as possible. This is one trip I have to say Andrew did horrible on! Why do they put toys in drs offices? Paul's theory is it is to keep business up (spread germs, more kids get sick and have to see the dr). The drs office is split, sick kids on one side, well on the other, but everyone goes in the same door and checks in at the same window.
Anyways....her appointment....
At her four day check-up the dr told us he wanted her back at her birthweight by 2 weeks. She only lost 5 ounces and she has regained it. Today she was at her birthweight - 7 lbs 5 oz. She has grown an inch and is now 20 1/2 inches long.
As far as her tummy issues, he told us to try laying her down after she eats for a few minutes and then try to burp her again. He said sometimes they just need a few minutes for the gas bubble to reform and then they will burp. We will give it a try!
We go back in two weeks for another check-up. As for this one, everything seems great so far!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Another Intelligent Caleb Quote
"The only vibrations her larnyx is capable of making is HWAAAA HWAAAAA!" Caleb talking about his sister at dinner (and she WAS NOT crying).
The only time they notice her is when she is crying. Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.
The only time they notice her is when she is crying. Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.
Repost of Stunt Driving Video
Paul and I were going through some old photos and videos last night and came across this one from 2006. It is so good it deserves to be reposted! We laughed as hard (or harder) last night as we did the day they did it!
Enjoy (again):
Enjoy (again):
A Suckers Timeline (Andrew's)
Day one: Soothie pacifier
Not long after: a soothie pacifier with his thumb in it
Not long after that: drop the pacifier and just suck the thumb
Two years and 10 days later: his thumb OR a pink pacifier
Two years, three weeks and 2 days later: his thumb AND two pink pacifiers (one with a heart and one that says Sweetpea on it)
For some reason I think we are moving in the WRONG direction!
Not long after: a soothie pacifier with his thumb in it
Not long after that: drop the pacifier and just suck the thumb
Two years and 10 days later: his thumb OR a pink pacifier
Two years, three weeks and 2 days later: his thumb AND two pink pacifiers (one with a heart and one that says Sweetpea on it)
For some reason I think we are moving in the WRONG direction!
Almost Done
Only 13 more school days to this year!! And the last three are half days! We have a busy few weeks ahead of us.
What's In a Name: Madeleine Elizabeth
It came to my attention that I never explained the reason for the change in the spelling of Mady's name. We had looked at Madeline and Madelyn. We discussed that we both like Madeline better, but thought that people might question the pronunciation.
We had decided on Madeline anyway.
Right after I had her, the nurses were asking her name. We ended up getting into a conversation with the nurses about the spelling, pronunciation, etc. When we got to our room and I was trying to post her arrival, I asked Paul if we were sure about the spelling we chose. He said he wanted to research it first.
While he was researching he found a third spelling. Madeleine is the french/cajun way of spelling it. We figured since she was born in Louisiana, we would choose this spelling. The name stuck with me the first time I saw it when we were choosing names, and the spelling was the same.
The funniest part is that Paul had commented a couple of times that he did not want a spelling for her that would be hard for people. People who don't know me never spell my name right. Then he chooses a spelling that is different. We already have had to correct people.
I have since found LOTS of spellings of her name, but would not have changed it from what we chose.
Elizabeth, for those who don't know, is my middle name. Daddy has wanted to use it since we were pregnant the first time.
We had decided on Madeline anyway.
Right after I had her, the nurses were asking her name. We ended up getting into a conversation with the nurses about the spelling, pronunciation, etc. When we got to our room and I was trying to post her arrival, I asked Paul if we were sure about the spelling we chose. He said he wanted to research it first.
While he was researching he found a third spelling. Madeleine is the french/cajun way of spelling it. We figured since she was born in Louisiana, we would choose this spelling. The name stuck with me the first time I saw it when we were choosing names, and the spelling was the same.
The funniest part is that Paul had commented a couple of times that he did not want a spelling for her that would be hard for people. People who don't know me never spell my name right. Then he chooses a spelling that is different. We already have had to correct people.
I have since found LOTS of spellings of her name, but would not have changed it from what we chose.
Elizabeth, for those who don't know, is my middle name. Daddy has wanted to use it since we were pregnant the first time.
Learning to Make Bows
First bow I made
I made these to put her bows on and hung them on her closet door.
I am trying to teach myself how to make bows. The cost of buying them amazes me!! I have only made a couple, and they are just basic bows. Hopefully, I can learn how to make different kinds, but I am starting "simple"!
Easter 2009 (Better late than never!!)
Bryce and Daddy dying eggs
Isaac and Caleb decorating eggs
Daddy and Bryce dying eggs
Caleb and Isaac decorating their eggs
All of the dyed eggs
My own personal egg....made by Daddy!
The boys going through their baskets. They were not posed for this, they all just sat down there to start digging into the candy!
Kayaking Trip
This one MIGHT be too big!
If he flips his kayak....he won't drown!
Andrew "paddling"
Andrew "paddling"
Swimming on the wet patio? At least he has his life jacket on. And, yes, he IS licking the wet ground (NASTY)!
Friday we went and got life jackets for Daddy and Andrew so they could go kayaking. Andrew insisted on wearing his around Friday. Yes, he is a goof!!
Daddy, Andrew and Caleb went kayaking Saturday morning. It was Andrew's first time to go kayaking and Daddy and Caleb had not been since before we moved to Louisiana (we have been here almost a year!!!). We were uncertain how Andrew would do sitting in front of Daddy while he paddled. He doesn't sit still much! Daddy said the first hour he hung over the side of the boat splashing water. ALLIGATOR BAIT?? After that he went to sleep and slept almost the entire time. They paddled over 8 miles!
They got to a sandbar and got out. They saw alligator prints the size of Daddy's palm and some baby prints. They also heard a male alligator. He said just on the other side of the sandbar there was swamp and bamboo and he was very certain that is where the alligators were. They also saw belly slide marks at the water (where the alligators slide into the water). Caleb was all about looking for the alligators. Daddy was not quite so into getting eaten that day, so they got back in their boats and went along their way - THANK GOD!!!
Daddy's cameras battery was dead and he did not have his extra one with him, so he was not able to get any pictures this time :(
We are planning on getting two more kayaks so all the boys can go at once. Before we do that, I told Paul he had to take ALL the kids one by one to make sure they all enjoy kayaking before we spend the money on the kayaks. I don't want to spend the money on them if they never want to go or don't enjoy it.
Caleb's Blog
Last night at dinner Caleb asked me how often I post on my blog. I told him it depends on the material my subjects give me. He said he was wanting to know how many post he needed to do to catch up with my blog. I told him I had over 2000 post (this is number 2155 to be exact) and had been doing it for over four years, so he would probably never catch up.
I noticed the comment on his blog about the dog and why didn't he post about his sister. I made that comment to Paul last night. It is funny because the boys cannot get enough of her and all had to take pictures to school, etc., yet she was not worth him posting about!
I noticed the comment on his blog about the dog and why didn't he post about his sister. I made that comment to Paul last night. It is funny because the boys cannot get enough of her and all had to take pictures to school, etc., yet she was not worth him posting about!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Caleb's Blog
My oldest must read too much! He has had a blog for a while and has just started writing on it. He is too funny! Here is a link to his page: www.calebscave.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Living in a Bubble
I made a vow to my husband a few days ago (after seeing the baby wipe commercial) that I would not put Madeleine in a bubble to keep her from getting dirty.
I am ready to put her in a bubble...and all the boys...but not because of them getting dirty. I am ready to put us all in a bubble because of this Swine Flu!! Scarey stuff!
I am ready to put her in a bubble...and all the boys...but not because of them getting dirty. I am ready to put us all in a bubble because of this Swine Flu!! Scarey stuff!
Forgotten Lunch
It was Bryce's turn to watch for the bus this morning. Usually, this does not go well. He doesn't like to watch for it and he usually plays at the kitchen sink instead of watching. Today he did not mind, though, because he had a field trip.
I was getting ready to leave this morning and saw his lunchbox hanging on the drawer knob in the kitchen. When they forget their lunches I usually wait until after 9 to take it to the school, so I am not in the crowd of people dropping kids off and kids in the office, etc. I got to the school at about 9:15 to drop off the lunch.
As I was pulling into the parking lot, I remembered today was his field trip. Yep, they had already left! I asked what they would do if he didn't have a lunch and if I should take it by the park. They called his teacher. He actually thought to tell her BEFORE they left that he forgot his lunch, so she got an extra bagged lunch from the office (the schools here will fix bagged lunches for field trips - probably because of the number of kids on free or reduced lunches).
This would be the day he forgets his lunch!
I was getting ready to leave this morning and saw his lunchbox hanging on the drawer knob in the kitchen. When they forget their lunches I usually wait until after 9 to take it to the school, so I am not in the crowd of people dropping kids off and kids in the office, etc. I got to the school at about 9:15 to drop off the lunch.
As I was pulling into the parking lot, I remembered today was his field trip. Yep, they had already left! I asked what they would do if he didn't have a lunch and if I should take it by the park. They called his teacher. He actually thought to tell her BEFORE they left that he forgot his lunch, so she got an extra bagged lunch from the office (the schools here will fix bagged lunches for field trips - probably because of the number of kids on free or reduced lunches).
This would be the day he forgets his lunch!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daddy's Girl, No Doubt
When Paul got home this evening I was feeding Mady. After I finished feeding her and burping her I went to lay her down while we ate. Paul asked if she was asleep as soon as I laid her down and I told him she was. "So, I can't hold her?" he pouted? "I really want to hold her!"
He ended up holding her while he ate dinner.
I am amazed at how quickly she became a Daddy's girl. No matter how upset she is, she hears her Daddy's voice and her world becomes a happier place.
I am not as amazed with how quickly he became wrapped around her finger. But, I love watching every minute of it!
He ended up holding her while he ate dinner.
I am amazed at how quickly she became a Daddy's girl. No matter how upset she is, she hears her Daddy's voice and her world becomes a happier place.
I am not as amazed with how quickly he became wrapped around her finger. But, I love watching every minute of it!
Another Redneck Olympic Game
Elbow Blowing (or Elbow Farting): the boys are apparently all competing in this one this evening. Andrew, for a while now, has liked to run around and make farting noises and then yell "Daddy" with a wrinkled up face (trying to make everyone think it's Daddy).
They make a Mom SO proud!!
They make a Mom SO proud!!
Redneck Olympic Games
Papa and Daddy started what we are calling the Redneck Olympic Games with Andrew last week. Here are a few of the games in the olympics and we seem to add more and more every day.
Tractor Ramping: he rides his John Deere tractor up a wood ramp and jumps it
Ladder Sliding: They took a 6 foot ladder and put a board on the second from the top step. Andrew would climb up the board and slide down it. I have a video of this one I will put online when I get a chance.
Diaper Surfing: he takes his bag of diapers and puts them on the rug in the living room, then he stands on it and pushes himself off using the couch
Diaper Derby: We have a small television that was in Mady's room. Paul set it on the living room floor yesterday to get it out of the way in there. I asked Andrew to take his wet diaper and Mady's wet diaper to the trash. Instead he put them both on the top of the tv and pushed them off the back. His falls much quicker than hers (and has much more mass than hers!!).
Baby Gate Scramble: This is the newest...I JUST found him doing it. Mady was crying and I went to check on her. He had climbed to the top of the gate and was trying to figure out how to get himself OVER it and into her room. This is the first time I have used the baby gate since she came home and it has only been up for about 30 minutes. Don't guess that will work for long with a monkey in the house!
Tractor Ramping: he rides his John Deere tractor up a wood ramp and jumps it
Ladder Sliding: They took a 6 foot ladder and put a board on the second from the top step. Andrew would climb up the board and slide down it. I have a video of this one I will put online when I get a chance.
Diaper Surfing: he takes his bag of diapers and puts them on the rug in the living room, then he stands on it and pushes himself off using the couch
Diaper Derby: We have a small television that was in Mady's room. Paul set it on the living room floor yesterday to get it out of the way in there. I asked Andrew to take his wet diaper and Mady's wet diaper to the trash. Instead he put them both on the top of the tv and pushed them off the back. His falls much quicker than hers (and has much more mass than hers!!).
Baby Gate Scramble: This is the newest...I JUST found him doing it. Mady was crying and I went to check on her. He had climbed to the top of the gate and was trying to figure out how to get himself OVER it and into her room. This is the first time I have used the baby gate since she came home and it has only been up for about 30 minutes. Don't guess that will work for long with a monkey in the house!
Day One....So Far
So far, day one alone is going pretty well. We had to put up the baby gate whereever she is sleeping to keep Andrew out. Yesterday he climbed into her crib with her and was trying to get her to drink his milk out of his cup. While he did that, Bryce was trying to shove a pacifier in her mouth.
Why did I think I could go to the bathroom while Paul was outside and her door was open?
Lesson learned.
The only other "problem" we are having is that Andrew won't stay out of her swing and he is too big for it!! And he is still giving LOTS of kisses...which is fine, but we have to continue to work on how rough he is!!
Why did I think I could go to the bathroom while Paul was outside and her door was open?
Lesson learned.
The only other "problem" we are having is that Andrew won't stay out of her swing and he is too big for it!! And he is still giving LOTS of kisses...which is fine, but we have to continue to work on how rough he is!!
Withdrawl
Andrew is going through Papa and Marmar withdrawl. Saturday when they took them to the airport Andrew called for Papa the whole way home and then came home and looked all over the house for him. Off and on all day Saturday and Sunday he would walk around the house saying "Marmar? Papa? Marmar? Papa?"
Yesterday we drove by the park where Papa had been taking Andrew every day. Andrew starts yelling "Papa par!" over and over.
This morning, at breakfast (which Papa and Marmar had fixed every morning for the last two weeks), he again starts "Marmar? Papa?"
Yesterday we drove by the park where Papa had been taking Andrew every day. Andrew starts yelling "Papa par!" over and over.
This morning, at breakfast (which Papa and Marmar had fixed every morning for the last two weeks), he again starts "Marmar? Papa?"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
A Loss in the Family
Friday our Cocker Spainel, Trip, was acting kind of funny. He has gotten "depressed" before when he has been put outside for any length of time. He was put outside during Spring Break and we made him stay out.
He went several days without barking...which is really unlike him and we again thought he was depressed about being outside. Friday while Paul was out mowing, Trip did not run around at all. This is really unlike him and we began to be concerned about him.
Saturday morning, I looked out the window and did not see him so Paul went out to check on him. He had died.
We have had problems with him several times in the past trying to eat toads in our yard (along with lizards and anything else that moved). Because of his drugged state he appeared to be in Friday, we think he ate a toad. They apparently have a poison in their skin. We don't know what else it could have been.
We have been expecting to be a dog less soon, but HE was not the one we were expecting lose.
He went several days without barking...which is really unlike him and we again thought he was depressed about being outside. Friday while Paul was out mowing, Trip did not run around at all. This is really unlike him and we began to be concerned about him.
Saturday morning, I looked out the window and did not see him so Paul went out to check on him. He had died.
We have had problems with him several times in the past trying to eat toads in our yard (along with lizards and anything else that moved). Because of his drugged state he appeared to be in Friday, we think he ate a toad. They apparently have a poison in their skin. We don't know what else it could have been.
We have been expecting to be a dog less soon, but HE was not the one we were expecting lose.
FIrst Trip to the Store with FIVE Kids
We do our grocery shopping early Sunday mornings. Our Walmart is always pretty busy and this is when we have found to be the calmest time on weekends. This morning we did our first grocery shopping trip with five kids.
I can't really take Madeleine's stroller when we got get groceries because it takes up too much of the back of the vehicle. So, we used to buggies. We were quite the train going around corners....a buggy with Mady and Bryce in it, Mommy, two boys, a buggy with Andrew and Daddy. Luckily the boys all did better than they normally do, so it was not that bad of a trip. I think I will try to go back to doing grocery shopping on weekday mornings though when we don't have everyone with me!
We moved Andrew to the back seat of my car. The middle row is two captains seats and a console in between. It is going to be a pain having him in the last row when it is just me and the two kids going any place. He seems to like it back there though - for now.
I can't really take Madeleine's stroller when we got get groceries because it takes up too much of the back of the vehicle. So, we used to buggies. We were quite the train going around corners....a buggy with Mady and Bryce in it, Mommy, two boys, a buggy with Andrew and Daddy. Luckily the boys all did better than they normally do, so it was not that bad of a trip. I think I will try to go back to doing grocery shopping on weekday mornings though when we don't have everyone with me!
We moved Andrew to the back seat of my car. The middle row is two captains seats and a console in between. It is going to be a pain having him in the last row when it is just me and the two kids going any place. He seems to like it back there though - for now.
Thanks for the Help!!
We just want to thank Papa and Marmar for all their help the last couple of weeks. Papa came down the week the boys were on Spring Break. They had such a great Spring Break, especially compared to what they would have been doing if they were home alone with me! Papa took them on 3 or 4 walks around the neighborhood everyday, took them to the park everyday and played outside with them in between walks and parks. I was able to do very little the week before Mady came thanks to him.
Marmar came in last Saturday morning. We planned on spending Sunday going over the boys routines and school, bus, homework schedules. We are glad she came Saturday and not Sunday! We had no idea that we would end up waking up late Saturday night in labor!
They did an awesome job taking care of the kids, even after we came home. I was able to nap when I felt I needed to and did little to no housework. It was nice to be able to spend some time recovering and getting to know our new Princess and definently helped with the adjustment period with the boys. They were able to get lots of attention.
Andrew will be knocked back into reality this week, I am afraid. I am still not feeling 100%, so he is going to go from being outside all day with one on one attention from Papa and Marmar to being stuck in the house most of the day, with Mom and Madeleine, until Daddy gets home from work. Thank goodness it is a four day week for Daddy!
Friday evening, Emily came to visit. She got here late Friday and went home early today. I am so glad to have gotten to see her, although I am afraid it was probably the most boring visit ever! I was in and out of sleep on the couch most of yesterday. Not great company for sure. Thanks for your help while you were here, though Em....we really enjoyed seeing you.
Marmar came in last Saturday morning. We planned on spending Sunday going over the boys routines and school, bus, homework schedules. We are glad she came Saturday and not Sunday! We had no idea that we would end up waking up late Saturday night in labor!
They did an awesome job taking care of the kids, even after we came home. I was able to nap when I felt I needed to and did little to no housework. It was nice to be able to spend some time recovering and getting to know our new Princess and definently helped with the adjustment period with the boys. They were able to get lots of attention.
Andrew will be knocked back into reality this week, I am afraid. I am still not feeling 100%, so he is going to go from being outside all day with one on one attention from Papa and Marmar to being stuck in the house most of the day, with Mom and Madeleine, until Daddy gets home from work. Thank goodness it is a four day week for Daddy!
Friday evening, Emily came to visit. She got here late Friday and went home early today. I am so glad to have gotten to see her, although I am afraid it was probably the most boring visit ever! I was in and out of sleep on the couch most of yesterday. Not great company for sure. Thanks for your help while you were here, though Em....we really enjoyed seeing you.
Andrew's Two Year Appointment
Andrew has his two year old well child checkup when Mady went for her checkup last week. He weighed 27 POUNDS!!!! He was 34 3/4 inches tall. He is right above average for height and right at average for weight. Remember this is the kid that was in the bottom 5% for weight for a long time!
Everything looked good. He still has his tubes in his ears. He had to get one shot (which Daddy got to hold him down for for once!!!). He cried when they did the shot, but was smiling at the nurses and telling them bye by the time Daddy picked him back up.
His growth has amazed us. He seems even bigger now that Madeleine is here. She seems really tiny, he seems really big!
No food restrictions anymore. He has been doing great since we put lactose back in his diet and he is loving getting to have ice cream and everything his brothers get.
Everything looked good. He still has his tubes in his ears. He had to get one shot (which Daddy got to hold him down for for once!!!). He cried when they did the shot, but was smiling at the nurses and telling them bye by the time Daddy picked him back up.
His growth has amazed us. He seems even bigger now that Madeleine is here. She seems really tiny, he seems really big!
No food restrictions anymore. He has been doing great since we put lactose back in his diet and he is loving getting to have ice cream and everything his brothers get.
One Week Old
Madeleine is a week old. She has adjusted very well. She is sleeping through the night for the most part. If she wakes up in the middle of the night it is only once or twice to eat and she goes right back to sleep.
During the day she is still sleeping a lot, but she is starting to stay awake more. She smiles all the time. I don't care if it is gas smile or a smile because she wants to smile....I love seeing it! When she does get mad though...she gets MAD!!! She came out screaming in a way I don't think I had heard from ANY of the kids. She has some lungs and is not afraid to show their capabilities if she does not get what she wants when she wants it.
She hates being undressed and having diaper changes, but she also hates having a dirty diaper on. Since she is still a newborn and is breastfeeding, we have LOTS of dirty diapers!
The only problem we are really having right now is that she does not burp after she eats. This is causing some major upset tummies. We have tried SO many different ways of holding her and attempting to burp her, but nothing is working. Mylicon is our friend!
I still cannot get used to having a GIRL. When she went to her first drs appt this week and I was filling out her paperwork I kept trying to mark male when they asked male or female. Just a while ago I told the boys to find something quiet to do while their brother and sister sleep. Still seems wierd to say sister!
As far as Andrew adjusting goes, I think the worst is to come! Papa was here for the last two weeks and Marmar was here for a week. They kept him very busy and gave him LOTS of attention. Now, not only is he going to be adjusting to a sister, he also has to adjust to not getting the undivided attention he was getting when his brothers were at school.
We have seen him act out some all week, but he does not really direct it at Madeleine. His biggest issue has been not minding. When you tell him to do something we are getting "no" a lot and when he does finally do it (IF he does) he usually has a pretty big attitude about it. He is super sweet to Madeleine though. He gives her kisses all the time. He is rough though! He lays across her to kiss her on the face. We are working on it and I am trying to spend LOTS of time with him when she is sleeping. When she is awake I try to get him to help me as much as he can to keep him busy and make him feel like I need his help.
I am somewhat concerned about what is going to happen next week. I am still not supposed to be picking up Andrew and he is good at getting "jello legs" when he doesn't want to do something. I am just going to try to keep Andrew on his routine and try and get Mady to adjust to his routine. We will see what happens.
During the day she is still sleeping a lot, but she is starting to stay awake more. She smiles all the time. I don't care if it is gas smile or a smile because she wants to smile....I love seeing it! When she does get mad though...she gets MAD!!! She came out screaming in a way I don't think I had heard from ANY of the kids. She has some lungs and is not afraid to show their capabilities if she does not get what she wants when she wants it.
She hates being undressed and having diaper changes, but she also hates having a dirty diaper on. Since she is still a newborn and is breastfeeding, we have LOTS of dirty diapers!
The only problem we are really having right now is that she does not burp after she eats. This is causing some major upset tummies. We have tried SO many different ways of holding her and attempting to burp her, but nothing is working. Mylicon is our friend!
I still cannot get used to having a GIRL. When she went to her first drs appt this week and I was filling out her paperwork I kept trying to mark male when they asked male or female. Just a while ago I told the boys to find something quiet to do while their brother and sister sleep. Still seems wierd to say sister!
As far as Andrew adjusting goes, I think the worst is to come! Papa was here for the last two weeks and Marmar was here for a week. They kept him very busy and gave him LOTS of attention. Now, not only is he going to be adjusting to a sister, he also has to adjust to not getting the undivided attention he was getting when his brothers were at school.
We have seen him act out some all week, but he does not really direct it at Madeleine. His biggest issue has been not minding. When you tell him to do something we are getting "no" a lot and when he does finally do it (IF he does) he usually has a pretty big attitude about it. He is super sweet to Madeleine though. He gives her kisses all the time. He is rough though! He lays across her to kiss her on the face. We are working on it and I am trying to spend LOTS of time with him when she is sleeping. When she is awake I try to get him to help me as much as he can to keep him busy and make him feel like I need his help.
I am somewhat concerned about what is going to happen next week. I am still not supposed to be picking up Andrew and he is good at getting "jello legs" when he doesn't want to do something. I am just going to try to keep Andrew on his routine and try and get Mady to adjust to his routine. We will see what happens.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
First Check-up and Sleep Through the Night
Madeleine had her first check-up this morning. She is weighing in at 7 pounds even (she was 7 lbs 5 oz), so she has really not lost that much of her birth weight. She checked out perfect and the dr said she looked great.
She also slept through the night last night. Up until last night she had not slept very well. I woke her up twice to feed her last night, but spent more time trying to wake her than she spent nursing. Our pediatrician is one that believes you DO NOT wake a baby up to feed them, unless they are under weight or not growing well.
The only problem we are having with her so far is that she won't burp after she eats. This means tummy aches!! So, she gets fussy and gassy between feedings. We are trying all the different positions for burping, but so far not much is working. The best we got was a couple yesterday while walking around and bouncing her lightly while patting her back.
She goes back on the 4th for her two week check-up.
She also slept through the night last night. Up until last night she had not slept very well. I woke her up twice to feed her last night, but spent more time trying to wake her than she spent nursing. Our pediatrician is one that believes you DO NOT wake a baby up to feed them, unless they are under weight or not growing well.
The only problem we are having with her so far is that she won't burp after she eats. This means tummy aches!! So, she gets fussy and gassy between feedings. We are trying all the different positions for burping, but so far not much is working. The best we got was a couple yesterday while walking around and bouncing her lightly while patting her back.
She goes back on the 4th for her two week check-up.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Too Much Estrogen
Paul had to run a few errands this morning, to get my meds, send off some UPS packages, etc. He was asking Andrew if he wanted to go and Papa said he would go too. Paul says as they walk out the door "there is just too much estrogen in this house now!"
I still think we are REALLY outnumbered.
I still think we are REALLY outnumbered.
Baby Sister and Her Big Brothers
It was so great coming home last night. When I called and told Papa we were on our way he said he would get the kids to bed before we got there (it was close to bedtime). I told him they could stay up and we would put them to bed because I did not want all of the craziness that would come to come while they needed to be getting ready for school. He did not, however, tell them we were on our way home.
We opened the door and the boys all start jumping around excited. Everyone wanted to give us hugs, see Mady, ask questions, etc. I was glad I had them stay up. It was awesome seeing the boys with their sister. They are SO in love with her. We are seeing sides of the boys we rarely see. Such sweetness and gentleness. I guess it is not cool to be that way to your brothers!!
Caleb is continuously talking to Mady and rubbing her cheeks. He came in this morning and kissed her and said "hello my little sister, how are you this morning."
Isaac is being his normal sweet self. He wants to love on her and talk to her. Last night he just wanted to be near her. He was okay not to touch her or mess with her, but he wanted to sit near her.
Bryce is still trying to get over Mom and Dad being gone. Apparently it hit him hard Sunday night. He never cried or got overly upset, just quiet and withdrawn. I did notice Sunday when they came up to the hospital he stayed glued to my side. He did the same when I got home yesterday. He loves on Mady and talks to her and has been gentle with her. So far he has done great.
Andrew is still funny to watch with her. He REALLY wants to hold her (he hasn't gotten to yet). He goes about doing his normal thing and then he sees her and remembers about her. He calls her "Baby" all the time. He is trying to do the same things to her outside as he did when I was pregnant with her...like driving cars on her! All in all, he has done better than we thought he would do, both with accepting her and being somewhat gentle with her.
We opened the door and the boys all start jumping around excited. Everyone wanted to give us hugs, see Mady, ask questions, etc. I was glad I had them stay up. It was awesome seeing the boys with their sister. They are SO in love with her. We are seeing sides of the boys we rarely see. Such sweetness and gentleness. I guess it is not cool to be that way to your brothers!!
Caleb is continuously talking to Mady and rubbing her cheeks. He came in this morning and kissed her and said "hello my little sister, how are you this morning."
Isaac is being his normal sweet self. He wants to love on her and talk to her. Last night he just wanted to be near her. He was okay not to touch her or mess with her, but he wanted to sit near her.
Bryce is still trying to get over Mom and Dad being gone. Apparently it hit him hard Sunday night. He never cried or got overly upset, just quiet and withdrawn. I did notice Sunday when they came up to the hospital he stayed glued to my side. He did the same when I got home yesterday. He loves on Mady and talks to her and has been gentle with her. So far he has done great.
Andrew is still funny to watch with her. He REALLY wants to hold her (he hasn't gotten to yet). He goes about doing his normal thing and then he sees her and remembers about her. He calls her "Baby" all the time. He is trying to do the same things to her outside as he did when I was pregnant with her...like driving cars on her! All in all, he has done better than we thought he would do, both with accepting her and being somewhat gentle with her.
Caleb and his "Funnies" the Last Few Days
Caleb has been on a roll the last week or two with his mouth. Things like saying Papa was in his 60's....which is funny because Papa works out and has lost a lot of weight since he found out he was diabetic....to the first thing out of his mouth when Marmar got here Saturday was "you are white headed". He doesn't think before he speaks! So here are a few of the things that have come out of his mouth the last few days.
When the boys came to the hospital to visit Sunday I was lying in the bed. Caleb commented that I was skinny again (and also said that I was much prettier now than when I was pregnant...thanks DEAR).
This morning I was in the kitchen getting his picture ready (all of the boys HAD to take pictures of their little sister to show off). He patted my stomach and said "I guess you didn't get ALL THE WAY skinny yet."
He sure knows how to make a girl feel good!
As a threat to Caleb to make sure he did not miss the bus while we were at the hospital, I had told him that if he missed the bus I would make MarMar stand out there with him for the rest of the week. Caleb does not like ANYONE to stand outside with him when he is getting on the bus. I told him IF Marmar had to stand outside with him he would get embarrassed for sure because she likes to yell "Huggy huggy kissy kissy have a great day" as kids get on buses for school.
Yesterday morning he was standing outside waiting on his bus. Marmar walked outside (still in her pjs). Caleb walks in the house and says "Papa, you need to go tell your wife to get in the house. I have not missed my bus so she can't be out there!" (pointing his finger in demand the whole time). Papa told him that Marmar would come in before the bus got here, and she did.
While still in the hospital, Mady's foot was hanging out of her blanket. She had had her footprints done and still had some ink on the bottom of her feet. Caleb asked why she had "mixed skin".
When the boys came to the hospital to visit Sunday I was lying in the bed. Caleb commented that I was skinny again (and also said that I was much prettier now than when I was pregnant...thanks DEAR).
This morning I was in the kitchen getting his picture ready (all of the boys HAD to take pictures of their little sister to show off). He patted my stomach and said "I guess you didn't get ALL THE WAY skinny yet."
He sure knows how to make a girl feel good!
As a threat to Caleb to make sure he did not miss the bus while we were at the hospital, I had told him that if he missed the bus I would make MarMar stand out there with him for the rest of the week. Caleb does not like ANYONE to stand outside with him when he is getting on the bus. I told him IF Marmar had to stand outside with him he would get embarrassed for sure because she likes to yell "Huggy huggy kissy kissy have a great day" as kids get on buses for school.
Yesterday morning he was standing outside waiting on his bus. Marmar walked outside (still in her pjs). Caleb walks in the house and says "Papa, you need to go tell your wife to get in the house. I have not missed my bus so she can't be out there!" (pointing his finger in demand the whole time). Papa told him that Marmar would come in before the bus got here, and she did.
While still in the hospital, Mady's foot was hanging out of her blanket. She had had her footprints done and still had some ink on the bottom of her feet. Caleb asked why she had "mixed skin".
Monday, April 20, 2009
A BOW....ON A GIRL....OUR GIRL!!!!
I found some headbands on ebay that I wanted Paul to order for Mady (I don't know the password to ebay and paypal). He kinda blew it off and I figured we would get to it when we do.When he saw Mady today after the headband was put on her with her bow (for her hospital pic) he smiled and said "didn't you have some bows you wanted me to order?"
WRAPPED AROUND HER LITTLE FINGER!!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Mady Meets Her Brothers
Mom and Dad brought the boys up to meet their sister earlier today. It was really a good day for them to come up here because there were not too many people here. Monday (when I was supposed to be induced) there were SIXTEEN scheduled inductions coming in between 3-7 am. So glad Mady had other plans!
Anyway, so the boys came up. They were SO excited to meet her. There were lots of questions as to why she came early, how she got out of my stomach (a fairy came with a wand and said "Mady come out" and POOF here she is!), where my tummy went, etc.
I got comments from Caleb about how it was okay for me to go in public now because I don't have a big belly. He also said I was much prettier without the big belly (he has been on a roll lately...told Papa he was in his 60s, asked Mom why she had white hair, etc).
They all had lots of questions about everything in the room, how things are done, why I had to wear a hospital gown, etc. It was a bit crazy. But, they were all so sweet to Mady. They all wanted to touch her and kiss her and play with her. They were loving on her continuously.
The cutest, though, was Andrew. He walked in the room and saw Mady. He looked at her and I told him it was Mady. He looked at my stomach, then looked back at her and back at my stomach. Then he got a huge smile and went after her. He kept patting her and saying "baby" or "Mady" over and over. He could not get enough of her. He was rough with her, but in a trying-to-be-sweet kinda way! He did a great job for a wild two year old! But he seems SO big now!!
While they were excited and I was probably a little irritable (havent slept in two days AT ALL), all in all they were pretty good. They were not running the halls or anything! They were boys, but even the nurse commented on how well behaved they were.
I am very proud of my boys and how excited they are about their little sister. I will post pictures of them with her during their visit shortly.
Anyway, so the boys came up. They were SO excited to meet her. There were lots of questions as to why she came early, how she got out of my stomach (a fairy came with a wand and said "Mady come out" and POOF here she is!), where my tummy went, etc.
I got comments from Caleb about how it was okay for me to go in public now because I don't have a big belly. He also said I was much prettier without the big belly (he has been on a roll lately...told Papa he was in his 60s, asked Mom why she had white hair, etc).
They all had lots of questions about everything in the room, how things are done, why I had to wear a hospital gown, etc. It was a bit crazy. But, they were all so sweet to Mady. They all wanted to touch her and kiss her and play with her. They were loving on her continuously.
The cutest, though, was Andrew. He walked in the room and saw Mady. He looked at her and I told him it was Mady. He looked at my stomach, then looked back at her and back at my stomach. Then he got a huge smile and went after her. He kept patting her and saying "baby" or "Mady" over and over. He could not get enough of her. He was rough with her, but in a trying-to-be-sweet kinda way! He did a great job for a wild two year old! But he seems SO big now!!
While they were excited and I was probably a little irritable (havent slept in two days AT ALL), all in all they were pretty good. They were not running the halls or anything! They were boys, but even the nurse commented on how well behaved they were.
I am very proud of my boys and how excited they are about their little sister. I will post pictures of them with her during their visit shortly.
Labor
Last night, I went to bed feeling fine. I got up at about 11:30 to go to the bathroom and my water broke. I got in the shower and Paul realized I was gone and came to check on me. I frequently take showers in the middle of the night when my back is hurting. He asked if I was okay and I told him my water broke.
"WHAT?"
"My water broke"
"It did not....are you serious?"
"yes"
"What do we do?"
"I don't know, we have always been at the hospital well before this!"
I told him to take a shower and get ready and I called the dr. I was not having any contractions at this point.
Within an hour I had had a few contractions that were about 3 minutes apart. I had not heard back from the dr yet, so we decided to just head to the hospital. I did not want to lose my window of oppurtunity for an epidural and the only thing I had to go by was Bryce's delivery.
I went to tell Mom and Dad a few things about the kids and school. Mom was kicking me out the door. The weather was HORRIBLE on the way. I had to keep telling Paul to slow down and that we were fine. I had PLENTY of time when we got to the hospital.
The drs and nurses just loved the story of four boys and finally getting a girl. I told the dr if she came out a he to go find me a she before she gave me the baby!
She ended up having to be delivered with the help of forceps (that makes three of five babies). She was serious about the not liking lights!! It became the joke after we told the nurses and drs how she reacted to sun and flashlights on the belly! Luckily, though, there seems to be no bruises from the forceps :)
She still will not open her eyes if there are lights on. She has not left us since we delivered her this morning. They come to her if they need anything. I am sure tomorrow they will take her for hearing test, etc., but we were told Paul could go with her.
"WHAT?"
"My water broke"
"It did not....are you serious?"
"yes"
"What do we do?"
"I don't know, we have always been at the hospital well before this!"
I told him to take a shower and get ready and I called the dr. I was not having any contractions at this point.
Within an hour I had had a few contractions that were about 3 minutes apart. I had not heard back from the dr yet, so we decided to just head to the hospital. I did not want to lose my window of oppurtunity for an epidural and the only thing I had to go by was Bryce's delivery.
I went to tell Mom and Dad a few things about the kids and school. Mom was kicking me out the door. The weather was HORRIBLE on the way. I had to keep telling Paul to slow down and that we were fine. I had PLENTY of time when we got to the hospital.
The drs and nurses just loved the story of four boys and finally getting a girl. I told the dr if she came out a he to go find me a she before she gave me the baby!
She ended up having to be delivered with the help of forceps (that makes three of five babies). She was serious about the not liking lights!! It became the joke after we told the nurses and drs how she reacted to sun and flashlights on the belly! Luckily, though, there seems to be no bruises from the forceps :)
She still will not open her eyes if there are lights on. She has not left us since we delivered her this morning. They come to her if they need anything. I am sure tomorrow they will take her for hearing test, etc., but we were told Paul could go with her.
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