He's with me?

You might be curious why I put Stuart way over on the right side of the cradle.

For a very practical/Paige reason. he he.

Last night Benjamin got up about 1 am and needed to go to the bathroom. I woke up to take him and was surprised to find Stuart next to me. I honestly didn't remember waking up to get him or even what time I had. Scary. I had no idea he was next to me and I panicked a little--what if I had rolled on him--or James had.... I'll need to evaluate my laying down nursing skills.

Yesterday we went family room furniture shopping as a family which was really ridiculous. At Bassett the sales lady showed me a beautiful couch that I sat on and then asked if I could feed Stuart on it. She left us alone for awhile and James and I were able to discuss options in a furniture setting. They were having a friends and family sale so 25% off everything--but 25% off of very expensive is still expensive.

My parents flew to Florida for a week to drive down and camp and swim in the Keys. How fun is that? We stopped by Marie Callendars (5.99 any whole pie the month of October) yesterday and bought a Key Lime Pie to pig out on because it was snowing here and they were beach hiking in 80 degree weather there. We also have Reggie, their bird who used to be our bird, for the week. The kids are in heaven. Benjamin flies around like a little bird flapping his wings

My brother, Tom took these shots right before the boy was born. I am so impressed. I'm having a hard time finding frames I like (and can afford 4 of) for above the stairwell--I think I might try and make something. Anyone ever made big frames before?

Stuart is so fussy after he eats. It's really a crap shoot what's wrong with a fussy new born. It could be anything.. or nothing. I think the honeymoon is over. My house was clean once...my laundry caught up on... and Stuart used to sleep a lot. Now reality is setting in. So I've diagnosed him with overactive letdown reflux http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/breastfeeding/a/colic_2.htm I'm now just feeding a long time on one side but he seems real fussy still. It's a wash with these new ones.

Paige is getting molars and James joined me last night a couple of times to console her. Such a good guy. There's no way I could get up for anyone but Stuart right now. I'm surviving. Maybe tonight will be better.

Photography session sneak peek!

Today I went and had some pictures done with the Boy. I was very apprehensive because I feel and look like such a caterpillar in my all black non maternity clothes. But look at this sneak peek! I was not worried about the boy. He is a stellar kid and such a cutie. I need to put in a plug for Marisa. Her link is on the page and she is just amazing. I'm so excited to see the rest. Stuart is two weeks and one day old. Yesterday we went to see the Dr. for his check up and he's up to 9 lbs! Such a nursing champ. And we've figured out how to nurse laying down. I'll get so much more sleep now.

First Bath!

We gave Stuart his first bath a week ago in the bathroom sink. Addie was a the photographer and she loved it! As you can see Stuart had an entirely different attitude.










He actually only screamed first entering the water. Then he was somewhat content. Oh he is so cute. I can't tell which of my kids he looks like. When he cries he looks a lot like Ben but other that he really has his own look.



Here he his all cleaned up!

We're doing really well. I'm still amazed how good I feel. I'm trying to swing a survivor nap about 2:00 every day. Addie is at kindergarten, Paige and Stuart will sleep. My dilemma has been Benjamin. He sometimes will fall right to sleep after stories, other times he moans and bangs toys and it's driving me crazy. He can last the evening too if he has a nap so my incentive is great to get him to sleep. I've thought about chasing him around the basement to wear him out right before stories. I might try that tomorrow.

Home and Doing Well!

This was the sign I put out last Sunday to let the world know we were open for business. After it went up: A whole plate of cc cookies and banana cake with carmel frosting stopped in (along with some very thoughtful neighbors). It was Sunday afternoon but still, they must have known a nursing mother needs sustenance!



A word on the nursing. Even though it's my fourth baby to nurse, there are still some things that need to be invented. Like an epidural for engorged nursehers. DNA restructuring that would clue in the nurshers how much milk to make for a two day old baby. Not 8 ounces! Finally a bra that simulates zero gravity. A side note on the terminology of nurseher. It came from Benjamin--when I nursed Paige. I would say, "I need to nurse her." Ben then commented one day on my nursehers. I must be grateful that I have lots of milk. I would be stressed if I didn't as well.

Addie and Daddy came to pick us up from the hospital. Addie held Stuart while I got dressed and James loaded up the car.
Now is this a proud brother or what? Benjamin suggested when he was crying that he needed to get on the floor and crawl around to feel better. So innocent.
Now I was very concerned about Paige before we had Stuart just because she is so much of a baby herself but my worries were in vain. Paige has come into herself and is laughing and smiling and growing in leaps and bounds. Maybe she just needed the nudge of a younger sibling to help her join the older kids in playing, and eating and helping with the baby. Here she is just laughing and going down the slide. Her temperament has turned sweet and helpful and obedient. (If she knows what I'm asking)
And here is the star of the show these days. He has been so yellow I've been giving him little sun treatments on the floor of his room in the mornings. Along with trying to feed him every three hours. I tried to get a picture of him looking intelligent--but even in this one he's concerned about something. Maybe he's worried the milk will run out (not a chance little buddy).

As for me...I feel GREAT! I'm comparing my postpartum to Paige and how long it took me to feel good again (about 6 months). I regret none of the major nesting I did before. It's so nice to walk into rooms and look under beds and see NOTHING! (thank you new carpet) To open bedroom closets and see empty space for future needs. To have a freezer full of future meals. And maybe because I was so active right up until the end, that has made all the difference in recovery. It was a miracle I have to acknowledge that. My doctor and nurse were surprised my previous condition didn't return. Thank you to everyone that has supported our little family along. We're doing great!

Day of rest and today I'm coming home

Here are Addie and Ben riding the hospital bed with me. They each had a side button to push making it go up and down. The highlight of the evening.

The kids were so cute when they came to see him. Benjamin has one voice volume but started talking high and soft when he held him.

"oh, he's sleepy"

Addie is going to be a great older sister. She's going to help Paige not to poke Stuart's eyes like she does with Bitty Baby. Paige just seems so gigantic compared to baby Stu and she's just 14 months.

Yesterday was a great day of rest. Stuart hung out with me all day and we napped and ate and napped and ate. We're figuring out nursing and I was sore from some bad attempts but then last night he/we just got it. My milk is in and he's loving that but I'm sure it'll only be day or two before I'm a volcano of lactation and I'll be trying to attach this little guy to a breast the size of a cantaloupe.

I'm going home today and I'm excited. I've had some wonderful nurses and some good midnight breaks of oreos and milk, but I'm ready! Thanks for all your comments and for following the blog. It's been really fun to let the world know of these events. We are so lucky to know so many great folk who are so willing to help. Hopefully I can post some photos of the boy with his eyes open. If you're around drop by so you can hold the most beautiful newborn at the moment. I'm a little partial right now though.

He's all cleaned up...

This labor was great. About 2:15 I felt some intense pressure and I was at a 7! 10 minutes later, a 10 and I was ready to push. 1 contraction and 2 pushes and he was out! And so cute. He didn't scream a whole lot but he's perfect and beautiful. He's fair with light hair. Here he is getting ready to take a bath. I just tried to upload more photos but the connection isn't working so maybe later. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers and comments. It's been a fantastic day. I'm so blessed.

It's a Boy!!!!

Stuart James came into this world at 2:48pm. He weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. He is doing great!

Grape Ice

It's going a little slow. The grape Ice chips are fantastic. I'm trying not to be hungry but I am. I had a good discussion with nurse Pegah about all good foods and take out. She's on weight watchers. It looks like it is going to be 3:00pm before I have this baby. I was hoping it was going to be sooner. We're just waiting for my body to take over the contractions and for the little guy to descend down.

I truly am blessed to be so calm and happy during this whole show. Can't wait!

Cherry Ice

They just brought in some cherry ice and it is just like eating a snow cone. Nora says that she might come back just for the cherry ice.

The contractions are pretty regular and Nora thinks the baby will be born by 1pm. My prediction is 2:30pm. You can post your own prediction in a comment if you want.

Epidural

Sweet relief. Throw my leg back on the bed I have an epidural. Things are progressing along at a slow rate but they are progressing. Nora's hope is that the baby will come before dinner.

Ghost Written by James

9:00 AM Thursday September 6, 2007

Good Morning! It's a great day for a baby right? We're here at the women's center already hooked up to everything and ready to go. Dr. Lloyd came in and broke my water. We dropped the kids off at mom's this morning and didn't account for traffic. My nurse, Pegah, said parents with kids are always late when getting induced--first timers are early. Well we fit that mold really well. So far there are contractions but nothing consistent. We'll keep posting until Stuart James comes.

Counting Down

I cleaned all day on Monday so sure that I would have the baby that night. It didn't do anything but make me sick of cleaning and I've tapered my itinerary. I'll be induced Thursday morning if I haven't gone on my own yet. Here's hoping for one more day.

I went to the dentist this morning and the dentist asked when I was due. I told him Saturday and he said, "well let's get you out of here fast, I don't have any stirrups on these chairs...." He filed down a very unnoticeable snaggle tooth and now I feel like a rock star with my even, shiny teeth. The hygienists both were a bag of rocks. They had nothing but oh no's for this next baby. Their comments: "I don't know how you'll nurse, you'll get him latched on and Paige will get into something... good luck you'll have your hands full... You're going to feel so cooped up... and the winter's coming... you won't be going out side.... " Well thanks for filling my bucket gals but I'll be alright.

Now how will Paige adjust? This really is my one worry. She seems so sensitive but decisive at the same time I fear her world will just combust, (it will) but she's so young anyway maybe she won't notice. Any advice?

Almost everything is ready. I'm making 4 lasagnas as I write this. I've never cooked so much before a baby but I'm banking on this being my saving grace for the next month. These are the meals in the freezer already. 3 sloppy joes, 3 hamburgers, 4 pizza sauces, 1 crock pot chicken, 2 beef stroganoffs, 1 spaghetti, 2 tacos and finally 4 lasagnas. I might try chicken enchiladas tomorrow if I can get to the store tonight for chicken.

Addie's first (and second) day of Kindergarten

It was such an exciting day. Addie has been talking about a kindergarten hair cut for a long time. I like her hair long but it really needed all the uneven stuff cut off so I cut it (an hour before school). She said she liked the sharp ends and we flip it with the curling iron. Benjamin and Paige got in on the action as well.


On the way to the playground to wait to go in Addie realized she had to go to the bathroom really bad.

Can you just wait five minutes? I asked but she couldn't so we slipped into the class early and she used the cutest little potty I've ever seen. I should have taken a picture of it. It had a scalloped toilet seat. After the episode she had one second to get in line before they all went in. It was over in a flash. I was so excited for her I had no time to cry. She was so excited. She lined up with Olivia Marler (her friend from preschool) It really is a mile stone.

I took the camera the second day too to make up for the first day being so quick. She is so grown up!

We got carpet yesterday. Talk about mile stones. I forgot what work it is. The moving part anyway. I kinda figured once the paint is in the real work is done. Wrong. There was so much junk under beds and on closet floors--yuck. Well it's all cleaned up now. My blessed visiting teachers came and vacuumed the whole house to get all the bits of the new carpet. I served them crystal light with lots of ice.

I've been having two days of afternoon cramping. Something is happening but then it all stops around the time I do dinner. shucks. I saw the Dr. yesterday and I'm still just between a 1 and 2 dilated but I'm now %60 effaced (is that even spelled right). I'm making progress and sleeping again. YEA

Tomorrow IKEA. Robyn has this idea to walk the baby out of me. I have so much I still want to do but I didn't do much today. I think I'm giving up--which I'll regret but I can't force physical movement when my body won't comply can I? It's lame stuff anyway. Wash all windows--organize kid's clothes--clean the shower walls. Stuff that'll be there if the baby comes or not. I really should use the deadline (and my timer) and do it. I wrote up a new daily itinerary for the next 6 days today and we'll see.

I have had the best luck on KSL classifieds. I got a new crib, mattress, and dresser off of it for around $120. All from different sellers but I'm extremely happy about the good deals and as soon as we pick up the dresser I'll take pictures of the room. I can finally pull out the baby clothes too. YEA. He's really coming.

Comments!

So I was looking through my blog realizing that y'all have been posting comments on it. Thanks. I have posted to others before but I didn't think to check mine. This is an extension of the Tetons trip. Here's James and the kids swimming in String Lake.

I went to the doctor last Wednesday and I was about half effaced and dilated almost to a two! I went into panic mode thinking that I might not get everything done that I wanted to--I haven't even got out the baby clothes! So this weekend I recruited James in my painting frenzy and Donna and Bevan. My bedroom is done and the boy's room just have two more coats on two of the walls. The carpet is scheduled for Wednesday morning. I think after that I'll relax and the baby will just fall out. You know these last two weeks are soooo uncomfortable but it's not memorable because it's such a short time in comparison to the rest of the 9 months. How come I never remember it till it comes?

Addie is starting Kindergarten tomorrow. I'll be sure to post a picture. She is so excited and ready. I can't wait for her to have an outlet for her need to be directed. I don't want to say entertained but the gal needs and wants to be doing something all the time.

Benjamin is into tools. This weekend Donna and Bevan came for a concert in West Jordan and stayed for the weekend. I totally used them but Saturday They helped clean up the preschool and organize and pack away toys. Donna made about 20 hamburgers--which were delicious and she cleaned out the fridge and the freezer. Thanks a ton Donna and Bevan. Anyway in the midst of cleaning we found some lost tools--a circular saw and a saber saw. Benjamin has played with them non stop. We also found Lightning McQueen and he is on a high.

Paige has finally learned to communicate somewhat. She still won't say anything but she'll sign more, all done, food/eat and drink. Just that much has cleared up her frustration a ton. She caught a nasty cold though and is now a snotty gal. eeew. I'm off to sleep or at least to try to. I've been waking up at 4 every morning. I should read but I usually just lay there hoping to go back to sleep.

We just got back from the Mother Land-- the Tetons. It was a great trip. We had some cute cabins that I didn't take a picture of but were so nice being as pregnant as I am. Everyone that saw me walking around with our gaggle of kids and me, plodding along had pain/sympathy in their eyes. It really was a vacation for me. Everything thought of a head of time. The kids had both of us to bounce off of. Great. The first night we threw rocks in the lake and enjoyed the beautiful mountains. Little did we know they would be covered up with rain clouds for the next 24 hours.
Paige deciding which rock to suck on first.
Paige and Addie at the visitors center at Colter Bay. Yea that's an elks horn she's chewing on. Real hands (mouth) on!
We cooked out at String lake on Sunday and after went swimming. So much fun but from reports that water was cold. I didn't get in. I can't believe it either. Truthfully I do a lot of sitting now days--That's probably why-- just too busy sitting.
Paige keeping herself busy with hotdogs and a water bottle. She ate about half of it and then filled up a water bottle with the rest. Food storage?

WE HIKED TOO. At String Lake we walked over to the bridge that heads up Paintbrush Canyon. It was beautiful. Ian found this rock and had to climb it. My kids followed suit. It was two miles round trip. After being in the car, the visitor centers, and lodges for a whole day they had energy to use up.

Eat your veggies!

I peeled carrots for lunch the other day but left the greens on. It was like Easter. Bunnies munching and loving the garden plenty. Right now squash, and tomatoes are coming out our ears. If anyone wants any holler!

Lagoon and then some

I'm determined to have proof of fun with Vanessa's family. We went to Lagoon on Tuesday. We didn't want to deal with rif-raf or long lines so we went on a week day. We had a blast of course but it was really hot!

After the waterpark I changed back into my shorts and realized that they had split on the bum some time earlier. I tried not to think about it after I saftey pinned half the slit that I must have really tanked on the lbs. these last few weeks to take out a whole pair of shorts. Wha wha wha. At Lagoon-a-beach I rode the Outrigger with James a bunch of times. That is the best waterslide ever! So fun. Noone batted an eye that I was gigantic pregnant. It's a tame waterslide for sure.

NO MORE PINK!

I could not be any more excited at the spurt of nesting/energy I had last week. I painted my hall, family room, and kitchen. It is incredibly liberating. Our neighbor is a painter and really hooked me up with paint and some taping. He chuckled a little because the previous owners had painted about 6 months before they sold the house to us and had asked Jim for a bid. He quoted them $1800! They found some one to do it for cheaper but what motivation after I heard that. My 4 days of physical labor was worth $1800!! And credit is due to Robyn the fastest taper, cutter and cheerleader and James who did all the high parts for me. We painted a brownish color-- Swoosh--Addie said it was a boring color but at least it's not peach anymore. When the carpet comes in about two weeks I'll post a picture of the entire transformation. It'll be a new house!

Lava but no Proof!

So on Sunday night we drove to Pocatello to visit Vanessa and to go to Lava on Monday. We had the best time playing, talking and eating banana pudding. On Monday we drove to the pool and set up camp. Vanessa brought her big shade which was essential because there wasn't much shade and all the kids turned into water babies. Weeks of swim lessons have really paid off. The biggest surprise were these two great water slides that looked very intimidating but landed in a trough of water. We wondered if the kids would go for it. They LOVED them. The rest of the day Vanessa and I traded swimming for water slide chaperoning. Grandma Christy was wonderful to help with Paige and Meg. We couldn't get her to water slide either because she didn't want to temp fate with her toe. There was a sign of caution for pregnant women--Vanessa told me to suck in. No one said anything. We all forgot our cameras so we don't have any proof of our brave kids going down water slides and doing bobs in the water but we had a wonderful time. And it's officially the family reunion next year--we can't wait.

The kids have had a summer that dreams are made out of. Parades, swimming and Lagoon; all in one day! James had some free passes to Lagoon but we had to go on the same day our kids were marching in the Days of '47 Youth parade. So after marching 6 long blocks in 90 degree weather we headed to Farmington. It was hot but we went to Lagoon-a-beach about half way through the day and cooled off. I was best friends with the lazy river. Addie love the Lady Bop drop and Benji liked Bulgy the Whale. Paige rode the merry go round and the train and of course her stroller. James bounced back with them on the 24th of July for more rides but I was ready to sit around and talk and eat so I headed up to the cabin with Paige. The Kamas fitness center has a great water slide too. Tom said to lay down and only let your heels and shoulder blades touch and you'll go really fast. Being pregnant I went fast anyway. It was so much fun and thanks Kim for the wonderful food you made. And thanks Heather for food Paige would eat. She has been so particular about what she'll eat or not--I'm always looking for something.

James and I just celebrated our 9th anniversary. A few days after my wedding ring broke. The casing that holds the diamond popped off the band. We celebrated by eating a whole pound of See's truffles and going out to dinner at Ruth's diner-- up Immigration Canyon. I'm so lucky to have him as a husband. This pregnacy has been so hot and he has listened and been so patient with all my commentary (complaining) about the weather, ligaments, and other maternity woes.