Update at 4:45 am-Early Thursday Morning

I was able to hold Elliott for 3 hours last night from 9-midnight. It was a great bonding time for us. I was able to do "kangaroo care" with him which is skin on skin. He loved it. Toward the end of our time together, He was having a bit more trouble keeping his oxygen level above 83% consistently. I had a feeling we were going to be in for a long night.
At 3:45 am, the doctor came in and told me that they were going to intibate (spelled wrong I think) him and give his body a little rest. He was working very hard and they felt putting him on a ventilator was going to be the best thing for him. His is sedated, so he feels no pain. He is also going to be receiving the steroid that was talked about the day he was born. Please pray for our family right now. We are sad that they had to do this, but know that he needed to rest a little.

Mom and Dad get to hold Elliott!!!

The boys came to see Elliott last night at the hospital. They were both concerned with Elliott's condition and were not expecting all of the tubes and machines hooked up to him. They wanted to hold him but were unable to. I think Owen was in shock a bit more than Andrew was. Last week the boys ordered a trophy for Elliott at the trophy store. It was all their idea. They picked out a baby trophy with "Best baby Brother" engraved on it. They presented it to Elliott last night. I think Elliott liked it. This morning, we found out that during the night, they took a an x-ray and it showed a bit more cloudiness than the previous one they had taken. The good news is they decided not to do the steroid because they felt like he was stable enough and he was working through this. Aaron and I were able to hold him for the first time today. It ws a very special moment for us and for him as well. As soon as I held him, his respiration's per minute decreased from 80 down to the 50-60 range. His heart rate was also lowered because he didn't have to work as hard to breathe. I held him for about 1 1/2 hours and we loved every minute of it. Here are a few pictures from last night and today. The boys made it up here again today but Owen had a "temp" of 99.2 degrees. I am glad they didn't let him go in (even though I know that the increase in temperature was due to coming from outside). He was not a happy little boy and his heart was crushed. He has needed a little extra tender loving care these past couple of days. Please continue to pray for Little Elliott and for strengthening of his lungs. We also ask that you keep the boys in your prayers for their week has been rocked with no school (due to a huge power outage in the Columbus area...of all weeks), a new brother, and just being bounced around all week.

He is Here

Short and Sweet post here. Mama bear is on Lotsa meds for pain...I am afraid I will write something Stupid.

Spinal went great. Nothing like the last one.
Elliott was born 8:16 this morning
7lbs, 6 oz
18 in long

He is currently in the Newborn ICU. His lungs were apparently underdeveloped. He is fine, but breathing rapidly. The doctors are confident that he will get out of there in the next couple of days.

I am fine, but LOOPY and tired. Nubian is good.

More details coming in a couple of days. I haven't seen him yet and plan to go down at 5:00 this evening. I have seen pictures. Aaron spends a lot of time with Elliott. He cannot hold him yet, but maybe tomorrow. Pray that he will have a fast recovery.

no title.

So, it is calm here in our house. For the past few days, there has been this stillness and peacefulness. It has been nice. The boys are getting along for the most part. Yes, they have had their spats, but not the screaming to the top of their lungs kind of fights. I think we are all preparing mentally for Elliott's arrival.

My house is clean. Everybody seems to be picking up after themselves. We have managed to keep up the house for the past week or so, cleaning up after our messes, doing things on our own, without being asked. Nice. This is a very rare thing.

I think our entire house is preparing for the big day on Tuesday. The only problem that has been going on is the lack of sleep for mama bear. I awoke Saturday morning at 2:00 am not being able to go back to bed. Is it nerves? Is it my body preparing for the upcoming sleepless nights? Is it because I know my mom would have been so happy for this baby's arrival and isn't physically here to celebrate with us? Who knows? I think it is a little of everything. I just know that I was so tired yesterday, things were foggy and just seemed weird. I did manage to finish the first part of Elliott's birth video (the part leading up to the 16th). Aaron took the boys in the afternoon to the pool so I can get a little sleep. Just as I fell asleep, the door bell rings. It wasn't the kind of ring like "ring ring". NO. The Jehovah's witness who has visited my door once before was at my door did "ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring". Just when I thought they left, about 2 minutes later..."ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring". Come on people, if I didn't answer to the 9 times of ringing my door bell the first time, don't be brave enough to ring it 9 more times. I was up and didn't get to fulfill my much needed nap.

I took a unisom last night. I haven't done this in a while because I was afraid that I would go into labor or something during the night. Last night, I was so desperate and confident that nothing would happen, I popped one of those bad boys in my mouth about 8:00 and by 8:30 I was in my bed fast asleep until 8:00 this morning. Ahhh. I woke up all by myself. I usually wake up to boys screaming at one another about something silly. I actually woke up to a peaceful household.

This will probably be my last post until after the baby is born. The hospital has wireless and I plan to take the laptop. I will be there 3-4 days, so I'll have to find something to do before I commit myself to a mental care facility. Depending on how I am feeling, I hope to update the blog.

So, I guess this is so long for now blogging friends. Pray for our family these next few days. Pray for me as my emotions and hormones will be a little out of whack. Pray that our family adjusts to the upcoming changes that are before us.

Out of the mouths of babes.

Owen was a little goofy last night while snuggling before bedtime.

Here is what I heard before I went to bed. Maybe this should also be on the list of things not to say to a pregnant woman.

"Mom, guess what? Now that you are fat, you can do mega belly flops at the pool".

This morning, it was this zinger...
Andrew sneezed this morning and had goop come out of his nose...Owen said "ha ha..good times Andrew, Good times".



Where does this kid come up with this stuff?

Elliott's Birthday will be....

September 16th. Looks like nobody gets the $1000.00 prize we were offering for guessing the right date.

decisions, decisions...

Well, we have decided on a c-section for the 3rd time around. I didn't want to go this route originally, because the spinal that I received with my last c section was just plain awful. I can honestly say that getting that jabbed in my back (unsuccessfully) was worse than the surgery and recovery combined. I am not joking. I never wanted anybody to ever poke at my back again. The anesthesiologist also "double dosed" me and I was unable to go and see Owen in the Newborn ICU for a couple of days. Unfortunately, the cons of delivering naturally after a c section (called vbac) outweighed the benefits of just having the
c-section. I will find out tomorrow or Wednesday what the official day is. I just want to be knocked out at this point...wake me up when it is over. I am starting to prepare myself mentally for this poking in the back event. I complained to my doctor about it and she said "Jude, our final goal is to have a healthy mommy and a healthy baby". I guess I just need to suck it up.

So much for the Lamaze class Aaron and I took a few weeks back... $125.00 later.

Soccer Boys

Soccer season has begun. There is something about this time of year that makes me happy. The weather was great with a little hint of fall. Their soccer schedule is going to work out fine without stretching us too thin. Originally, we were not going to have both in the same sport in the same season, but after looking at their playing schedules (and Andrew is not in Boy Scouts this year) we decided that it would be A-ok.

Owen's game on Saturday "The Dragons"





Andrew's game on Sunday "The Cobras"

ooohhhh.....

I found our song for the video birth announcement. It is a surprise! now I can sleep.

Sickness in the household...

So Andrew has been complaining of a tummy ache since last Wednesday (also the first day of school). I thought it was nerves because Andrew hates change and stress always manifests physically with him. Anyway, I really didnt think much of it until this morning. Andrew woke up complaining again of a tummy ache and didnt eat his breakfast. Part of me wanted to keep him home because my gut feeling was telling me that something wasnt right. I went against my feelings and took him to school anyway.

About 20 minutes after I dropped him off, Andrew needed to come home. I went back to school to find him in the office in a lot of pain. He did happen to give me a slight smile as I picked him up. I think he was relieved that he didn't have to spend the entire day in pain at school.

Come to find out, there is a nasty bug going around that is "catchy" for only a day or so...but the effects (tummy ache, the squirts) can last up to 3 weeks. ugh. I hope I don't get this. From what I understand, adults can get this same little bug and it tends to be more harsh on the adults. The weird thing about this virus is that it is hit and miss. One hour he is perfectly fine and the next hour he is buckled over on his bed.

If you think of it, pray that Andrew starts to feel better and that the rest of our family doesn't get this.

Things not to say to a 9 month pregnant lady

It really is amazing what people say to someone that is not feeling so good about themselves. Most of the things people have said to me are DUH...OBVIOUS enough that I don't need to be told again, and again.

If you meet a pregnant woman in the store, or know of a pregnant woman...please be careful of what you say or act like to them. Here are some things that I have heard in the past 9 months that have really cut to the bone.

1.) When I was about 6 months along someone said..."that is as big as I got at 9 months". My silent, under the breath response was..."and your point is??"

2.) "Your HOW far along?...oh my" My silent response "what the heck is that supposed to mean"

3.) When talking to someone that is expecting, Don't stare at the belly in awe for more than 3 seconds. The feeling is like when a man stares at your chest when talking to you...same feeling. MY FACE IS UP HERE!! TALK TO ME!!

4.) My favorite "Are you SURE you're not having twins" or the other variation "Are you SURE there aren't more than 1 in there". Don't say this especially early on in pregnancy or late pregnancy.

5.) "Your nose is looks pregnant". My silent response "what the heck does a pregnant nose look like?" (I know what this means indirectly-some women gain weight in their face, but it still is weird thing to tell someone). I think this is actually a humorous one.

6.) "WHOA" My silent response is "Hello people, I am not a horse and don't need to be slowed down, I am a 9 month along pregnant lady with a growing person inside of me."

7.) Never say...."I think your due date is WRONG!"

8.) A classic..."You are big." My response...DUH!! Do I need to be reminded?

9.) "Your baby is going to be a 10 pounder". Ok, this one gets me. Lets freak mom out by having her think of what it is going to be like to push a 10 pound baby out of her body. hmmm...not a smart thing to tell someone.

10.) "Awwww, your hormones are so crazy Judy". My silent response "yeah, maybe my hormones are a little out of wack right now, but YOU are just driving me nuts..and I am sorry to tell you, that isn't a hormone issue."

11.) And the best one so far..."hmmmmm, I don't know Judy, I think your doctor is wrong about your due date." I LOVE THAT ONE!!

So, I would love to hear some of the things people have said to you while pregnant. I think at this point, I am just going to start telling people off. I guess I have the excuse of "crazy hormones."

Can you tell I am ready to have this baby?

We're Havin' a baby!

Well, I brought my camera to our sister and brother in laws (For their sons birthday celebration) yesterday so someone could snap a picture of Aaron and I together. I would eventually like to have a few for our video birth announcement when the time comes. My brother in law Alex gladly snapped one for us. Thanks Alex! He did give me a hard time about having a Nikon.



I am currently searching for a unique, cool song for our video birth announcement. I am looking for it now, because the library may have it and I am sure if I will be up and about once the baby arrives. Any suggestions? We are not into Country music, so any suggestions along that line will not be considered. hehe. I am either looking for something old old...like roarin 20's old, classic rock era or modern rock.

Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down.

Here is what a Weeble is.

I had these as a very small child. They were great. I am now comparing myself to a Weeble. Round, plump and a little rolly polley..

For the past couple of days, I have felt like a Weeble. I lose my balance when attempting to pick something off the floor...but I don't fall down, because Weebles just wobble but they don't fall. I have resorted to using the boy's play claw to grab things that are high or things that need to be picked up off the floor. They are handy little suckers.


I watched Aaron pick weeds yesterday...feeling helpless. I knew if I got down on the ground, I would never get back up. Besides, the last time I picked weeds, I was attacked by fire ants. I found Owens Froggy chair (made for children) and use to sit and get up with no problemo. Well, I was feeling a like I needed to sit and the froggy chair kindly invited me. Minutes later, I wanted up....but couldn't maneuver my body to get out. I asked Aaron to help and he laughed and attempted to find the video camera to tape the attempts of me escaping out of the froggy chair. Fortunately, he couldn't find it.

Getting out of bed lately has been a challenge. I think I need an acrobat bar hanging from the ceiling. That would be nice. Andrew and Owen have learned that mom needs help with most getting out of chairs and bed types of tasks. They help with a little grin.

I haven't fallen YET because of my growing belly. I have officially adopted the phrase "Weebles wobble, but I wont fall down" as my motto of the week. I think it is a bit humorous that I have grown so incredibly big.

I know....

I know it is getting close to my delivery when I saw that the yogurt I purchased at the store has an expiration date of September 28th. Yipppeee.

Corny video of Me on the first day of school!

Ok, yes, this video is a bit corny. Especially the fact that I look like I am ready to explode and trying to act so graceful like a ballerina. Laugh if you want to, I really don't care...I laughed at myself.
My sister Nancy says she does a similar dance every year when her kids head off to school. I love my boys, and it was a great summer. However, it was good to cut the umbilical cord yet a second time when Owen headed off to school today. I am alone for the time being. I have some much needed mommy time to get out of the way before Elliott arrives.

Dr's appointment today...

Well, I am officially dilated to 1 and a 1/2 ish. I even got this "congratulations" letter from my doctor. Hilarious. When she told me, I kind of paused and made a sound like "ugh". She asked "Aren't you excited that your body has begun the process?" I said "NO, I was really looking forward to about 2 weeks of no kids in the house for the first time in say...7 1/2 years". I haven't even started the nesting phase...well, maybe a little (Elliott has a pretty cute room to come home to).

Anyway, what date do you expect Elliott to arrive? Leave your prediction as a comment(anyone can comment). The winner gets a special prize! Aaron thinks it will be September 7th. I think it will be the 15th...but I am not sure if I am brain washing myself out to think that because I REALLY, REALLY want my 2 weeks ALONE!

It's here!

Owen's first day...I snap a picture in the same spot every year. Aaron wanted to take the picture this morning, but I told him "It's MY thing". Andrew's first day... The boys and their Principal... Aaron took the morning off to get the kiddos off to their first day of school. We took Andrew to his 2nd grade classroom first. As he gets higher in grade, it seems like his class becomes smaller and smaller. I guess that is a good thing...more one on one time with teacher. I guess it is pretty typical for this to happen in a city school. Parents tend to freak out a little about their kids entering junior high in a few years, so they make the transition to suburban schools early on in elementary (that is just my sociological take on the matter). Anyway, Andrew was excited to see all of his friends from last year. He sits with a grouping of good friends which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Andrew adjusted well to becoming a second grader and made himself at home. One funny thing about today in the world of Andrew...We were unpacking his backpack in the classroom and he said "I can do it mom" so, I thought he was just wanting to do it himself (ya know those big independent 2ND graders). I stepped back and a friend of mine noticed that he needed help getting his school box out of his backpack. She looked on the bottom of the bag and said "Does your mom know you have that?". My instincts knew what it was. After looking in the backpack, it was confirmed that he brought his GAME BOY to school with him. The reason he didn't want me to help him was that he didn't want me to see the GAME BOY. Little stinker. Owen had a 2 hour orientation with his class. He was in the Library while parents were in the classroom taking care of the business of Kindergarten. (I was having contractions the entire time while in there might I add!! I cant have this baby this week. I want at least 2 weeks of PEACE AND QUIET!) After orientation, we went out for a special lunch with Owen. Here are some pictures and a video montage of the morning.

Our special lunch with Owen... Andrew and his bestest friend...in Kindergarten (they bonded imediatly after noticing they had the same Batman lunchbox) First grade... Second Grade...

One more day till school BEGINS!

I remember the anticipation of the first day of school. As I hung out with my boys today, the memories came back to me. We really are fortunate to not have to buy a ton of clothes for the boys. First, boys love t-shirts and this makes things easy for us. They also wear the same size of shirts so their wardrobe doubles. My dad's neighbor also supplies us with a great amount of hand me downs from her son (Thanks Sarah!). It is a true blessing.

I remember wearing a new outfit on the first day of school. It made me feel so proud and "new". I thought it would be fun to take the boys on a little shopping spree and buy new shoes and a new shirt for the big day. Let me tell you...Owen can Shop! He needed to have just the right shirt for the big day. I am not kidding you when I say we drove around Columbus from 10:30 am until 3:00 p.m. looking for that shirt. We found the shirt at a Target store (after 4 Target stores did not have his size). He Immediatly took off his shirt, right there in the middle of the store, and tried on his new shirt. In the meantime, he was shaking with excitement. His big brother was very patient with him.

I also remember getting everything ready the night before. In my kid's case, they came home from a long day of shopping and layed everything on the floor in the living room. They even found matching socks. Owen is so excited and kept asking me all day "how long is it until tomorrow mom?" I hope the novelty of being excited for school doesn't wear off.

Here is what our living room looks like...


This is what it looked like right after the boys went to bed. I am not sure if the cats are excited to have them go to school or if they are protesting.


I am not sure how I will do tomorrow. I cried when Andrew went to Kindergarten. I will be alone for a few weeks during the day (until Elliott arrives). Owen will no longer be my coffee house date on Friday mornings. hmmm. The more I think of it, I think I will be an emotional wreck tomorrow. I am getting a little teary eyed just thinking about it right now. I guess it doesn't help that there are more hormones than usual that are invading my body right now. My babies are growing up.

Saying goodbye to an old friend...

We got a letter in the mail yesterday. We were informed that our good friend from College would no longer be a part of our lives. Even though this friend has been a part of our lives for the past 13 years, IT WAS GOOD TO SEE HER GO! I am talking about our SALLY MAE STUDENT LOAN! She is Gone! It was so good to get that "Congratulations" letter in the mail from the loan company. Our final payment of $2.70 will be deducted next month. YIPPEEEEE! Sally has been through thick and thin with us, but I am not sad to see this annoying little friend leave our lives. We thought she would never leave us.

My little gamers...

So, my kids had a friend over today. We spent most of the day in the miserably hot weather, so I thought I would let the boys play some Xbox for a while in the afternoon. As I was checking my email, I looked over into the living room to see this...


(While recording the video, I almost peed my pants just watching their little heads bop up and down).


Like I said before, video games are an extracurricular activity for my kids. Andrew was actually sweating when I went up to watch them. Hilarious. I am listening to them right now and they are actually "panting" like dogs thirsty for water. I love my smelly boys...they rock.