Friday, February 29, 2008

So far so good - it's crazy!

So obviously the blogs have slowed down with a newborn in the house. The first two weeks have been good because I have had the best help in the world. Matt was home for the first week and my parents have been here this week. Next week I'm sure I'll lose my mind.

Thomas finally was discharged on Wednesday. It was touch and go because of his jaundice levels. We got them under control and he has been great ever since. Since Sunday he has been up only 2 times per night which is something I can handle as long as he goes down fairly early or talks to dad until its time to eat again. That way I can rest for a while and feel refreshed when the alarm goes off at 5:30am.

The boys have done really well. Patrick doesn't seem to mind him much and only patted his head roughly a few times. It has been crazy with my folks here this week. I think they are ready to go back in their own beds. I know I'm ready for them to sleep in a little later. Patrick's molars are bothering him. Some are closer to coming through than others. I hope they come in quick so he can rest peacefully and we don't have anymore distractions at night.

I think next week I'll have to be more organized than ever - easier said than done. Changing 3 diapers, getting lunch ready and getting 2 little ones off to nap will be quite challenging. Hopefully I will be able to nap during Sesame Street so John will be entertained otherwise I will have a 4 year old checking in on my napping progress. I can't wait until I'm stronger so I don't have to nap. That will relieve some anxiety that I will be able to hopefully accomplish some work for my virtual assistant job during the day - especially if I get a job at night or on the weekends.

Chicken Little aka Tom is looking to eat now. I'll update when I have enough time and strength not to nap!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The fun has begun! Thomas Andrew is born!

Thomas Andrew has arrived! Now the “fun” has begun. It all started on Sunday night. We got the boys down for the evening and I was starting to fold the last of the laundry for the weekend when I felt like I lost control of my bladder. I ran to the bathroom and took care of business. Now I decided to grab a pair of clean underwear from the basket when it happened again. I know I just went so I didn’t think I was having an “overactive bladder” moment. Could this be my water breaking? While I’m in the bathroom I decided to summon my dear husband to go upstairs to get me a maxi pad. The last thing I wanted was to go through 5 different pair of underwear. I then filled him in with what I thought was going on and he was like ok – now what? I said we call my sister and we go to the hospital to find out for sure. So as we waited for Lori – I grabbed the last minute items I didn’t pack and made many trips to the bathroom. It is just weird when you don’t have control of what is coming out of you!

The ride to the hospital was full of mixed emotions – excited and nervousness. I kept hearing about how the more kids you have the faster the later ones arrive. I wasn’t having any contractions but when the baby moved I kept wondering if this was the time it was just going to come out? I told Matt I think we should go in through the ER. He agreed. They took me right up to L&D where shortly after we arrived it was confirmed my water did break. After being a pin cushion my IV was hooked up and they began the pitocin. At that point I knew Matt and I were in for a long night. I even mentioned to him what is up with the kids arriving in the middle of the night. We both tried to rest as we watched some TV.

At one point in the wee hours of the morning when the nurse came to check on me or the IV that was beeping, I explained to her that the last time I gave birth to a baby came very quickly near the end – no doctor’s no nurses just Matt and I asking for help. She said that is ok she would be hear to remind me what to do and to stay focused. Her words really helped put me at ease and I kept those words in my head so I knew to relax and it would be ok. So around 5am the contractions were getting closer together so I called the nurse in and made sure Matt was more awake than asleep. At one point she said do you feel like pushing? I said yes. So on the next contraction she said I would push and she would check to see where I was at. That is when Thomas started to come down the birth canal like a train. The next thing I know she and Matt are telling me to stop pushing – easier said than done when you just want the pain over with. Well I tried to stop and the nurse was freaking out as the doctor was not in the room, the baby was coming – so she called in the other nurses and out Thomas came. He was ok but in the mass confusion of everything I’m not sure if they took his initial Apagar score. I was very relieved that was over and this time I wasn’t the one freaking out! What Matt and I thought was funny was the nurses asking me if I was having my tubes tied. I am going to have my tubes tied with a new procedure that will take place in about 6 weeks. I couldn’t help but wonder why didn’t they ask me after the 3rd child was born?

Thomas weighed in at 7lbs 8oz and 20 ¼ inches long. I was disappointed that he didn’t weigh more – that means most of the fat landed on me! He sure is one handsome little dude!

Matt and I both rested late in the morning. It was nice to sleep for a while. Thomas was nursing like a champ – especially after he was born. Matt brought the boys to the hospital to meet him early in the evening. John and James were a little hesitant to come by me but Patrick was sure happy to see me. The boys warmed up after a while – of course when they received a present from Thomas that helped!

Last night was pretty good. He nursed well before I had him taken to the Nursery so I could get some rest. They brought him in around 2am but he didn’t seem too interested in nursing. He then nursed great again after I finally woke him up around 5:30am. The only problem we ran into is Thomas’ bilirubin level is high for his age. They are treating him with lights and phototherapy and supplementing him with some formula. I’m waiting for the results hopefully the levels will start to go down so he can come home tomorrow.

Tomorrow John has his kindergarten screening. I was hoping to take him but maybe he will do better with Matt there and not his overly protective mother!

Well American Idol is on. I think I will get ready to rest and wait for my little man to nurse some more. Good night!

Friday, February 15, 2008

TGIF

Boy I am glad it is the weekend. Week 2 of 3 before the baby arrives. Yesterday was fun but today was much better. Yesterday I took the kids to the mall. They enjoyed the play area and running the stink off. The only problem was a little nap went a long way for James while a little nap wasn't long enough for me. Today I was room parent for John's Valentine's Party. It was a lot of fun of course I brought the fun with me. Today I realized why God has blessed me with boys and not girls with attitudes. All the kids were good but some just had their issues. John was great this afternoon and I got a good nap in. Just in time as Patrick took the short nap today.

I got the house cleaned up some more. It would be really cool to get the refrigerator cleaned before the baby but that would mean I would have to do it sometime during the week next week. Usually I like to do it on a Friday night when the fridge is just about empty. I still could attempt that next week. I wonder why our bathroom turns into the grossest, dirtiest place after one week. I have been talking myself into a good cleaning every week instead of maybe a quick clean - just in case the baby is born and the company starts to arrive. The basement could use dusted too. Maybe that might be a job when the kids are watching TV.

I need to decide very quickly what to make for next week's dinner. The choice hopefully will be easy without a lot of mess. Tomorrow is Ashley's baby shower. That should be fun. I hope she enjoys herself. Big decision for dinner tomorrow - do we get pizza or burgers. With Lent in season now I don't get the burger on Friday nights so this decision becomes difficult. Pizza is good anytime so maybe we'll go with that - and a wrap! I wish they would bring back the coupons for the wrap, fries and coke for $6. 75. That was a great deal!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Winter Blues

It feels like it has been a long two days. The weather hasn't been too great, the list of things that need to get done is long and the house seems small. I feel it has been hard to have some "me" time lately. If I'm not taking care of this kids then I'm doing something for my virtual job or John's school party. I am also worried about what the future might bring as I still don't have a solid plan to earn more money to help make ends meet. I am hoping the job and if we need childcare will fall into place. It's hard to imagine taking care of the kids and then do something else for 4 hours and still have energy the next day - because right now I'm exhausted with what I'm doing now but that could be because I am 9 months pregnant too. I then wonder - and I'm going to add one more child to the mix - hence the title to my blog - "What was I thinking??"

Some funny things have happened today that make being a stay at home mom a joy. John called me "dear" like his Dad does. Patrick waking up after an hour and half nap wasn't joyful but watching him and James trying to waking up John who fell asleep in the living room for a little bit before dinner was pretty cute. Patrick has these pants on that are the right size but the elastic in the waist is a little "loose" so they are hanging off his butt most of the time. So he is bending over John then sitting on top of him like John is going to wake up and give him a ride. James is sitting in his Cars chair yelling "wake up John!"

Thanks for listening to my rant. I feel better getting that off my chest. I guess it is good it only took 10 days and a lot of snow before I started to break down mentally. Hopefully I have reached my low point until after the baby when the lack of sleep will be sure to get to me again - however - the weather will hopefully be a lot nicer so this house won't seem so small :-)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Great Weekend - Busy Day

We had a good weekend. Today was busy. The good news was John didn't have school because it was too cold. I had a doctor's appt this morning and tons of work just came in for my virtual assistant gig. I have the one trip squared away but several other I will need to tackle. I would like to do it in the afternoon when James and Patrick are napping. I just have to think of something for John to do while I am doing it. I'm sure the computer or TV would be fine with him but I wish I could be more creative than that.

This is a short one today because it is so late. Hopefully more time will be available tomorrow. More snow tomorrow so it will be another in the house day. I was hoping to take the kids to the mall to pick up my engagement ring. Maybe Thursday will be the better day.

Friday, February 8, 2008

The house is coming together

Today I was able to finish vaccumming our bedroom and living room and clean the carpet in the living room and one area of the bedroom and hallway outside the bathroom. The main concern was at the bottom of the steps where there were some noticeable spots. Of course with this type of stain you should really pre-treat it with a spray - which I didn't have. It made it a little better but still noticeable. It was amazing how dirty the water was.

John had a good day at school. He was very happy. It is funny that he won't tell me what happened but I have to "check out his bag" to see what they talked about. James had a rough morning. He hasn't been happy that Ashley is coming over. I think his problem today was still a result of yesterday's no nap incident. Patrick was very happy. He cracks me up when I watch him play or interact with John or James. Not to mention this kid must be on a growth spurt because he is eating like he has a hollow leg.

Nothing else note worthy. Its getting late and I would like to get some sleep. We are going out tomorrow evening so I'm not sure how long I will be able to nap and I still need to think of what we are going to eat for dinner next week! Yikes - that is the only thing I miss about work - the "free" time to figure out what's for dinner and reading all the news stories.

Google better snap out of the funk its in - pages are taking a long time to load today. Bummer!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

February 7th

Well it was a good night as far as Patrick was concerned but my mind got the best of me and made me worry a lot. What was I worried about?? Having the baby today while I went to Babies R Us. The worst part was I couldn't get in touch with Matt and I had the three kids by myself. I kept wondering if I could get in touch with Kathy to come get the kids and to get to the hospital. Well, to solve my problem, I called Kathy this morning and asked her to meet me at Babies R Us. I was lucky enough that she was available.

We met her and it was so helpful because she could push James around - even keep John and him occupied while I located items off the baby registry for my cousin on top of looking for my now - 4th child necessities. I almost started to blow all the money on cute clothes - I don't need but am a sucker. Then I remembered that I needed a changing table pad as the one I currently have (which was bought used) is tearing and could really be replaced. Did I think to measure how long the table was - heck no. I was about to buy the cheaper, flatter changing table pad until my SIL Kathy talked me into the contour shaped pad - the one I really wanted . Turns out I made a good decision shelling out the extra money because this pad fit perfectly and the other one woudn't have fit my table. The other reason that was making me not want to get the contoured shape pad was the fact I would probably need new covers - more $. I found one that was $8 because it was discontinued and then I paid the full price for the other one. Well after we got the cutest Irish outfit on the way out I ended up going over the card limit of $100 by $12. I even put back an outfit I was going to use as a going home outfit and maybe Easter outfit (only $7 but still I'm trying to be good :)

Kathy then treated us to Wendy's. I can't believe how well James ate. I guess that is good because he didn't eat very very well yesterday.

We came home and Patrick and I napped. John and James did god only knows in their bedroom. Well I found out James moved his and John's duck banks on to James' bed. I wish he would stop doing that. I guess James was excited at the fact his cousins, Carter and Paige were coming over and I wasn't sure of the time so I was hoping he would go to sleep fairly quickly but maybe not take such a long nap. That plan didn't work out. He made it until 7:45 tonight and went to bed with no problem.

The kids enjoyed seeing their cousins. The toys and noise level was at a all time high. Ok Celebrity Apprentice is on and I have laundry to fold.

Good news - no baby today - maybe I have another 20 days left in me after all!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

February 6th

Wow - What a day! Patrick had a great nap yesterday but that didn't transpire into a great night last night. He woke up sometime in the 2am hour. I didn't want to get sucked into I have a pacifier and now I just can't get back to sleep please hold me. So I let him cry it out for a while but then I did sneak up to find him without a pacifier and his blanket. SO he got the benefit of both back and I held him for a while. Of course when the time came to put him down he cried again but not as long as he did before.

I did feel a sense of accomplishment in getting Tom's room ready. I need the mattress raised up and put the clean sheets on.

Picking up John from preschool was fun today. He had a great day. He came out with a Chinese New Year mask and then when he was in the car he revealed to me that he received ashes. I asked him who gave them to him - expecting to hear that one of the priests distributed them, instead I heard "you know the lady who plays the piano". A side note - she is part of the Pastoral Council that runs our church - not just the music minister.

I took the boys to the Ash Wednesday Service at noon. I thought I would be ok because it wasn't a full mass. I was ok but it was hard at times. Patrick fell asleep, James wanted me to hold him and the lady who plays the piano presided over the service which led to a lot of questions from John. Luckily the older women around us thought my "children were beautiful" and said they were very good in church. This was from a group of people we don't normally sit around.

We came home and the boys played for a little while. Around 1pm I needed a nap so everyone was going upstairs today. John and James sounded like they were having fun both had their socks off when I checked in on them. Patrick was crying for awhile but he quit and started again so one of the boys went in his room to check in on him. I was able to rest for a good half hour until the Plain Dealer wanted to know if I wanted to get their paper daily. I declined and hung up. Then got up to get some more things accomplished like dinner, laundry and calling the local tax service place. John came down to visit - I had to talk James into going to bed which he complied and luckily Patrick did fall asleep. I had John write some thank you notes to Uncle Bob and Shelly for helping us out last month. I wrote out the thank you note so he would know what the letters are to look like but it turns out its just easier to tell him the letter and let him write it in capital letters. My letter includes both capital and lower case so he can practice both. The letters turned out ok and John enjoyed the exercise. I sent my version in the envelope just in case the recipient couldn't make out the run on words.

James was a hard one to wake up after nap. I'm sure the late start didn't help. As I was getting dinner ready the Plain Dealer called again to make sure I didn't change my mind in wanting the daily paper - um no in case you were wondering. John and Patrick ate dinner well but it took James a long time to eat. He didn't eat a great great lunch either that I thought he would eat up dinner.

Tonight I got my hair cut and then ran to Target. It was nice to get out for a little while without having to buckle and unbuckle anyone. I like my haircut and I finished getting things at Target for John's Valentine's party. My friend Anita, whom I spoke with today, suggested we play a hot potato as one of the games. I found a heart the kids can pass around and prizes will be candy. I also decided to get some things for the boys Easter baskets. Who knows when I will have the time to get out again myself.

Tomorrow we are going to Babies R Us to get my cousin presents for her baby shower. Hopefully John won't tell her too much when she comes on Friday to watch the kids so I can get the carpet cleaned in the living room. Ok I'm ready to go to sleep!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

February 5th

Today was a great day. Matt stayed home with the boys so I could go to my doctors appointment without trying to entertain three little boys and not having to answer John's questions about the female anatomy. I think it is still puzzling to him that I do not have a penis.

I feel like I'm at the point in my pregnancy when we are waiting and watching for the New Year's Ball to drop. The doctor said I am dialated to 2 cm. That is up 1 from last week. I'm hoping it will be a slow progression to 10 and that I will get to have a full 3 weeks off with the boys. My cousing Ashley is coming tomorrow and Friday so I know Thomas' room will be ready but it would be nice if I could get the carpet in our living room and bedroom cleaned as well. Oh and there is the added pressure of being Room parent for John's Valentine's party and taking John for Kindergarten screening on February 20th. Ok I guess if I get through those things Thomas can come but the later the better as to maximize my work benefits!

After my appointment I ran some travel information out to a guy who is using me as his meeting coordinator. I like the job a lot. I don't have to invest a lot of time into it which is good and bad when it comes to being paid. When I got home I packed the boys up and headed to the mall.

This past month James and Patrick have been couped up in the house so I was looking forward to a no school day with a bonus of warmer temperatures to get them out of the house. I also needed to get my engagement ring serviced (the prongs were starting to get loose) and they have a Hallmark store so I might as well buy Valentine cards for all of my boys! Then we were off to play in the play area after a quick stop at the Indians team shop. I only saw a handful of things that would be cool to buy from the Indians.

I think the boys enjoyed the play area a lot. They are fun to watch. John leads the way and James is close behind at times. Other times it takes me a minute to locate everyone in the different toys they have. Patrick should be proud he was able to climb into the toy airplane. He only did it once but I'm sure it will now happen more frequently.

My bladder decided when we left the play area today. I tried to hold it as long as I could plus it was getting close to the lunch hour. I love the Family restrooms at the mall where the whole crew (including stroller) can take care of business without being to cramped and in everyone's way. As soon as we got in there James says "pee" - so does that mean he really has to go or he is just making the association? I don't leave it to chance and put him on the potty first. He didn't have to go that bad. As I took care of him getting dressed I made John go - then it was my turn. Patrick was last but he didn't seem to mind. The whole time I'm changing Patrick the boys are either getting too close to the toilet (that has an automatic flusher) or the automatic hand dryer. After they would set that off they would complain about the noise level - like their screaming isn't that loud.

We used money the kids got from their Grandma for Christmas for lunch money. Usually I will pack but with it being Fat Tuesday and I never know what James is going to eat I decided the kids would get treated today. We got pizza and they actually sold "potato wedges" that would satisfy my french fry lovers. John and Patrick at pretty well. James ate ok but at least I felt I got my moneys worth and I didn't come home with a handful of chicken nuggets.

We then packed up and headed home. Patrick fell asleep on the way home. I expected that. The part I was nervous about was once we got home. Luckily he went down in his crib and slept really good. He has been getting up very early due to congestion and not been napping very well. James eventually went down and John and I played some games in between a couple of short naps. There is nothing like getting your batteries recharged for the evening.

It was a nice surprise that Matt was home early. The boys enjoyed their time with him this morning so for him to be home fairly early was a treat too. It sure made bathtime easier for crowd control reasons.

Tomorrow is a cleaning day and I'm going to take the boys to Ash Wednesday services. I hope that goes well. If not I will have a hair appointment in the evening to look forward to. I also have this weekend to look forward too. My aunt is going to watch the boys so Matt and I can go out. We are going to meet his brothers and their wives. I'm sure I'll be tired on Sunday but it will be so nice to visit with them!

Monday, February 4, 2008

February 4th

Well I survived my first day of being a SAHM of 3 with #4 due in 3 weeks. John, my oldest (4 years old) had preschool today. So we dropped him off. This was the first time in a while James (2 yrs old) and Patrick (13 almost 14 months) dropped John off school in a long while. That is a long story that I'm not going into. Anyways, James was sad to see John go into his class without him. I thought that was sweet until James decided he was too sad to get into the van. That left me picking him up (while still holding Patrick) and getting him in the van. I suggested he sit in John's car seat - which made everything all right. I miss when John is not with us. James is still full service - compared to self serve like John. Meaning - John can buckle and unbuckle himself and James just hasn't tried or wanted to try yet.

We got home and hung out for a while. James wanted to go up to his room to play. I wasn't thrilled with the idea but went along with it. I was able to clean up the millions of books that they took off their bookshelf and finally moved John's & James clothes into different dressers to make room for Patrick's clothes which will be moved upstairs this week.

After a snack and a few diaper changes we were off to the local craft store to look for ideas for a Valentine's Party craft. I decided I should be "room parent" in the upcoming Valentine's party at John's school. It is kind of intimidating thinking that the children in John's class will be looking to me to make this a fun party. I have come up with a game and now I have a craft. Hopefully that will fill the hour and 15 minutes before the other parents are allowed to come in to join the fun.

We picked up John. James again, missing his brother, greeted him with a hug. John came out with one glove on. I said - oh we didn't have both gloves in your bag? (also thinking to myself - you don't really need them on) He said no - I only wanted one, just like Uncle Bob (another long story but funny to those who know Uncle Bob only wears one glove for medical reasons).

We travel home and the boys begin to play. We are upstairs for a while until I think we had enough fun and I decide it is time for lunch. The boys ate well and then after the dishes we went downstairs to catch some Sesame Street. John watched SS, James and Patrick played and I napped a little because I knew I wanted to get some things done while the little ones napped.

I'm still undecided if I like John napping or not. He wasn't napping for the last few months while my sister watched him but over the last month he has had a nap or two that makes him stay up much later that I would like at night. So I told him to hang out while I put James and Patrick down. I had him help me put together the new double stroller - that thing is awesome! Then we went to the basement so I could get some "work" done on the laptop and he could play a little too on the web with the main computer. That plan worked until Patrick decided it was time for him to cry. Its a mystery as to why - teeth? cold? to annoy me? I tried to rock him but John kept coming upstairs wondering why it was taking so long. I was trying to explain there is no timeline on this one - except my bladder was full and Patrick was put down to cry some more so I could relieve myself. I decided to give up on Patrick trying to back to sleep. I held him while John and I played Crazy Eights. As we were playing I was thinking too bad James isn't awake and we could do something else. Well I received my wish as he came down the stairs not long after my thought.

The weather wasn't terrible so I suggested we go for a walk. John was against the idea until I brought up the idea of using the wagon. Crazy idea on my part but it worked out well and Thomas is still inside me. Pulling 100 lbs around the block isn't always fun. Soon inside it was time for me to get dinner on the table.

This is the part I think I'm going to enjoy mostly about being home. The boys and I can eat around 4:30/5pm. The hard part - as always - is getting something on the table before they whine to me about how hungry they are. Sometimes I try to tune them out but it still gets to me. Finally I sit down to my eggplant parmesean. It was very tasty much to my surprise.

The rest of the evening was pleasant at times. John was tired from not napping and would cry at the drop of a hat if you criticized him in any way. Patrick was a bit fussy too from being tired.

I am relieved I survived today and look forward to tomorrow. After my doctor's appointment I would like to go the mall just to let the kids run around the play area. I think they will enjoy that. Hopefully I will be able to nap if I need to when we get home!