They said "heaven!"

 After a whale of a day with Michael and Nicholas, we headed a half an hour away from home to the groomer's to pick up Duncan.  That's always quite the ordeal for some reason: picking up the dog.  I can never seem to make it out the door in time to pick him up, it must be my subconscious working or something.  (Just kidding, of course!)  We managed to get to Duncan with ten minutes to spare.  

On the way home, I played a Christmas CD with the song "Silent Night".  Michael was listening intently and said, "MOM!  They just said HEAVEN, MOM! Baby Jesus lives in heaven, MOM!"  I got a little teary and answered back with a," Yes, he does, Michael!"  We talked a bit more about baby Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas, which was just so incredibly sweet.  

He then thought a bit more about the conversation and in an excited voice said, "

MOM!!  What do you think they do there?!  Who's with baby Jesus, MOM?!"  

The past few weeks have been really interesting with Michael and all this Christmas business.  He is completely intrigued by God and Jesus, and not so much by Santa.  The other night while saying a goodnight prayer, we asked God to help Michael B feel better since he has been so sick.  I explained to Michael that when we are sick, God can help make us better.  He really thought about what I was saying and asked, "Will He come see me tonight, Mom?"  I told him that God is with us all the time, when we are awake AND when we are sleeping.  Totally intrigued again

, he stated, "But, I can't see Him, Mom."  

I'm bracing myself for the Christmas Eve getting dressed in fancy clothes fight that will likely ensue.  So, we are going to explain to Michael over and over in the time being that we are dressing up for Jesus and his birthday party.  If it's for Jesus, I think he'll comply.  

Check out Mr. Nick--he's quite a flirt, isn't he???  : ) He is now ELEVEN weeks!!  And, the little rascal is sleeping through the night, which translates to uninterrupted sleep from 10:45pm to 6:00 am.  He refuses to sleep in his crib, so I'm giving him just a few more weeks in the bouncy seat.  Then it's to the crib he goes!!  Nicholas also rubs his eyes when he is tired,  those chubby wrists melt my heart.  

"Fluffy"

I love how fluffy Nicholas's hair is after his bath...

Just look at how incredibly cute he is... : )

He had this outfit on for like ten minutes because he urinated all over himself and the outfit shortly after I began a diaper change! The entire time I was taking these photos, he was making his sweet, little baby grunts and moving his little arms. (Don't you just love that baby grunting sound?!)

We're having a good week. Each day is a tad bit easier (except for dinner time), even though I'm tired. Really, though, I feel like the exhaustion this time around isn't nearly as bad as it was right after we had Michael. I think I'm just used to be constantly tired. All mothers can probably relate to that sentiment, right?

Nicholas had his first doctor's appointment today, which went very well. He now weighs 6 pounds and 9 ounces, and is 20 inches long. I'm glad to know that he has not shrunk! Because Nicholas is doing so well and nursing is going so well, he does not have to go back until December. Yay for our sweet, little Nicholas!!

(He's so cute, I could just eat him. I especially love his little neck and his itty, bitty arms.)

Almost Normal...

My mom stayed with us today because Josh needed to get back to work. The morning started out a little rough. Michael threw two fits in the course of about two hours. One being as soon as he got out of bed, nothing like waking to a screaming three year old! ( At least the baby wasn't crying, too.) Naturally, I was a little worried about how the day would go. As it turned out, the day could not have been better. My mom and I took the boys to a local co-op farm, that is full of fun activities for kiddies. We went on a hay ride, picked out four pumpkins, watched a pig race, jumped on a gigantic pumpkin inflated with air, and we played on a toddler/little kids playground. Towards the end of our visit, we bought some hot apple cider and kettle corn. Nicholas cooperated quite well by sleeping throughout the entire outing. 

Today I was so grateful to no longer be pregnant, with a baby ramming my rib cage. I could breathe, I could climb on the gigantic pumpkin with my Michael (though I probably should not have..), and I was able to truly enjoy his laughter and curiosity again. It's been a long, long time since I have felt good enough to truly appreciate his magical age. And, sharing this wonderful day with my mom and Nicholas was quite a delight, as well. We can't wait to take Josh back to this farm, Michael wants to take him back TONIGHT. That's how much fun he had today, and I'm so glad for that. The new baby is kind of taking it's toll on Michael B right now, which is completely understandable and to be expected.  

I am looking forward to more days like this one...

Enjoying our company!

Obviously, things have been busy this week!  We're learning how to adjust to two babies now, how to deal with a sleep shortage, and how to get daily chores completed around the house while squeezing in naps.  Even though we have a lot to learn and a lot of adjusting to do; we couldn't be happier.  Michael loves his brother so much.  The crying seems to bother him a little bit, and he frequently tells the baby (in a sweet voice), "Too noisy, Baby! Too noisy!"  He does worry about the baby when he cries, though.  He's such a sweetheart....

Josh is an awesome father, and he loves to cuddle Nicholas. Josh will often take over the "shushing" duty after I nurse Nicholas.  

Cousin Amanda came over to meet Nicholas with Mango the other day.  She did a fantastic job holding Nicholas!  And, Michael was SO HAPPY with the paper, crayons, and coloring book that she gave him.  Michael worked on his writing ALL day yesterday with that paper!  : ) 

And, now some pictures of some very, very special visitors!  Grandma and Pap-Pap!!

Grandma and Pap-Pap also came over this week to meet their newest Great Grandson.  I think both of them fell in love instantly.  Pap- Pap said that he is a "fine baby boy."  And, Grandma was actually speechless for a moment or two.  I am so incredibly thankful that our  children know three of my four grandparents.  

What a tremendous blessing it was, to be able to introduce our baby to his Great Grandparents on such a beautiful fall day!

A happy, healthy family of four...

We're having a wonderful day. I'm amazed at how much more relaxed Josh and I are in comparison to the first few days after Michael's birth. Josh and I are certainly still exhausted, and I'm definitely in pain at different points during the day; but somehow these days have felt so much easier. Nursing is going really well! And, I am soaking up each comfy, cozy moment after each nursing session. There's nothing like snuggling a content, and well fed, teeny tiny baby!

Tomorrow we get to go home! Michael can't wait for me to get out of bed! (It's really troubling to him to see me in the bed every time he comes to visit.) Meanwhile, I am soaking up every minute of this "mini vacation." I love being served drinks all day, and having a call button.

Stay tuned for going home photos tomorrow!

Our Newest Blessing:

Proudly introducing....

Nicholas Clay 

(with a possible nickname of "Cole!")

6lbs 13 0z

 20 inches

of preciousness!!

We're all doing very well. We're so thankful for this beautiful, beautiful little boy.  

Side Note:  He's very mellow.  Where'd he get that from?  : ) 

One Michael story...

He was walking back from the nursery last evening with Josh, and he began to jabber about the name Nicholas.  He said, "I didn't use to like the name Nicholas, Dad.  But now I do, Dad.  I like the name Nicholas."  If we suggest calling the baby something else, like Cole, Michael corrects us about his name.  "It's Nicholas," he says.  

Michael wanted to hold Nicholas right away last evening, I think Josh just let him put his hand on his back.  This made Michael feel like such a big boy.  He is wonderful big brother and is having a blast with his grandparents this weekend.  

Back to napping....

Hall of Famer!

"Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way."

Satchel Paige

Josh was inducted into the hall of fame last evening for his contributions to CC basketball, tennis, and cross country. Michael and I were so proud of him, and were so thankful to attend the presentation last evening. Unfortunately, I only took a few pictures and they certainly aren't spectacular. I did video tape the presentation, and all of Michael's questions related to the hall of fame.

Two of the most influential people in Josh's life, his former basketball coach and former tennis coach, were on the field for the ceremony. I know how much it meant to Josh to spend the evening with both of those coaches. The last few years of high school were certainly far from easy and far from care-free for Josh. Both of those men played a significant role in helping Josh to excel in the face of adversity. Josh is truly an amazing individual; so strong and determined. And, certainly a hall of famer in my mind.

This pot is not going to boil....

Someone referred to me this weekend as a "pot of water, ready to boil."  

Well.  

I appreciate the analogy, I really do. But the boiling?  It's not gonna happen, nor is it in the process of happening.  Today the baby and I went to our weekly appointment.  The nurse asked me if I wanted the doctor to check for dilation or effacement, and I politely declined.  The baby is nice and high in my rib cage and is quite comfortable at the moment. Why bother checking at this point?  

Everyone around me thinks that each phone call is going to be "the baby call, "  and it isn't!! Poor Josh's blood pressure rises a little bit each time I call him at work.   Usually, I just have something to say about Michael or the news, rarely anything baby related.  I haven't had one single sign that the baby is ready to make his/her debut, not one; no pressure, bleeding, gushing, cramping, none of it.  Aside from the rib pain, I'm feeling pretty good!  Every now and then my right leg feels a little numb, but that could have to do with the positioning of the baby. Our babies really like lounging about in my uterus.  And, I really think this one likes the running and walking!  : )   

The doctor today said to me a number of times, "If you think you're going into labor, just come on into the hospital. And, we'll be here."  I politely smiled, thinking to myself, "whatever."  The appointment went really well.  The heart rate of the baby continues to be in the 130's, today it was 138.  The baby is measuring at 36 weeks, even though I am 39 weeks along.  There's no need to worry about the "off" measurement, it just means that the baby is likely going to be under the "norm" in size.  And, thank goodness for that!  I can't even imagine how badly my ribs would hurt if I were carrying around a ten pound baby.  The fundal height has increased a 1/2 inch since last week, which indicates that the baby is still growing.  My weight hasn't changed at all over the past three weeks, and my blood pressure is completely average.  So, we're very healthy and very grateful to God for such a wonderful pregnancy!  

At the end of the appointment today the doc said, "So, Katie!! We'll either be seeing you in the hospital later this week OR back here in the office early next week!"  I laughed and said, "I'll be seeing you next week, then!"  We both chuckled to ourselves.  

My phone then started to ring off the hook as soon as I stepped out of the office door...

How we get here, Mom?

Michael woke up bright and early this morning, ready to conquer the world. Before we even got down the steps for breakfast he was asking to pitch the tent, paint, and go to Grandma and Pap-Pap's house. I was still rubbing my eyes at this point, wishing that a cup of coffee would hit the spot or that I had just finished running with my girlfriends. (Michael is a bit easier to handle in the morning, if I have been up a good hour before he wakes. My energy level doesn't match his these days!)

After breakfast I cleaned the kitchen and started the laundry, while Michael watched Sid the Science Kid (a good show~ on PBS). (Check out the link...) And soon after the morning chores were accomplished, we scurried off to the park. I walked a lap around the trail, while Michael took it easy asking many questions in the jogging stroller. Today's questions included: What lives in the forest, Mom?, Who lives up high, Mom?, Are there monsters in the forest, Mom?, When do the animals come out, Mom? The most annoying questions to answer included: Where are we, Mom?, How we get here, Mom?, How we get to the park, Mom?, How we get to Nina and Granddad's, Mom?, Why I have fruit punch gatorade, Mom? I know I shouldn't get frustrated with the "annoying" questions, but wow! they are exhausting! Do I philosophically answer where we are or do I need to simply explain that we are at the park? Or, the "how we get here" question. Do I need to go over the road names and numbers or is he just looking for the answer..."in a car, Michael"? Sometimes, I give long answers, sometimes short answers, and sometimes I just grunt in acknowledgment of the question. And, in most situations, it all works out! : )

We decided to hit the tennis courts after the walk, to burn off some excess energy. Michael is fun to play tennis with because he LOVES to chase each and every ball! How awesome is that? I hit a couple of serves, and he charged across the court to retrieve the balls for me. Josh has been taking Michael to the courts near our house to play on Saturday mornings. Naturally, I was eager to see what Michael has learned from Josh's Saturday lesson. His hand/eye coordination is really improving and so is his confidence. Michael will enthusiastically tell you that he is a "really, really good server!" We are letting him use Josh's old racquetball racquet right now. It's pretty light and it gives him lots of room to hit the ball.

Josh is going to cringe when he sees these pictures because of the Crocs! Crocs are not allowed on the tennis court or the playground, according to Josh! : )

Michael taught his favorite cow, "Moo", how to serve today. Then she got a little tired and had to take a break!

Moo also went over to the playground with us after tennis! (He loves this cow.) She even went down the big slides with Michael. : ) The playground was wonderful today. The temperature was great, the playground was full of preschool age children, and Michael was able to run and run! Nap time came pretty easily (and, early!) this afternoon.

Disappointing...

The appointment today was, disappointing and discouraging. It's looking like the hope of having a VBAC is dwindling. There has been no cervical change at all from last week, which means that we're running out of time. The doctor confirmed my thoughts that this pregnancy is heading down the same path as Michael's, meaning that it's unlikely that I will progress enough prior to the scheduled c-section date. Neither dilation or effacement happens over night, according to my doctor, and typically a progression is seen each week when the body is preparing for labor. If I had not been down this road before, I would still be hopeful. So, I'm feeling disappointed. We still have four weeks, so I haven't given up hope of a VBAC. It's just very unlikely. And, that's okay. A healthy baby is much more important than a VBAC.

Josh and I do have so much to be thankful for, that is for certain. The baby's heart rate sounded great today. The doctor was able to find it immediately. And, the baby is growing and putting on layers of fat by the day, which is wonderful!

After the appointment Josh and I went out for lunch, and we made a list of all of the good things that will come from the (likely) scheduled cesarean. Here's some of our list:

1. Our favorite doctor will perform the surgery, he delivered Michael. We both adore him and his bedside manner. I completely trust him and he will likely let our doula be with us during the surgery, which was very comforting with Michael.

2. Insurance! My insurance will change on Sept 30, which means better hospital coverage!

3. Michael will go to his sitter's on the baby's birthday, and Josh will hopefully be able to pick him up so that we can have some quiet "family of four" time before our families come to visit. I really want Michael to meet the baby without a room full of people. I think he's going to be overwhelmed with seeing me in the hospital bed, so I really want things to be low-key when he meets the baby.

4. The baby will be a perfect 10! ; ) Born on the tenth day of the tenth month of the year. Now how many people can claim that?!

5. My brothers and my sister in law will be here on the birthday. Daniel and Patty were not able to meet Michael until he was three or four weeks, but this time they will get to meet the baby on the actual birthday! James will hopefully be able to pop in before heading to work. And, Clay doesn't have a home game that weekend, so he's free to head home.

6. I kind of know what to expect this time around, which is somewhat comforting. The staples, the catheter, the prep work before surgery, and the time spent in the recovery room, won't be as shocking this time around.

There's so much to be thankful for, and we truly are looking forward to the baby's birth.

***Talked to my Grandmother F. this evening, and she was thrilled about the proposed c-section date because it was her mother's birthday! She told me not to name the baby after her mother, though. Her name was Alpheous Barnes Clay! How's that for an "old name"?!?!? She was actually named after her father who died a month before she was born of typhoid fever. Barnes is was her Grandmother's maiden name. And, obviously Clay was her last name. ***

The Baby Really Needs One...

I've kept the baby purchases to a minimum.  We really don't need anything at all, except one (or, two) of these Obama onesies!  Josh and I are really looking forward to Obama's speech this evening.  We've been glued to the Democratic Convention speeches this week and have DVRed the ones that we are too tired to watch.  Tonight's speech is going to be monumental, though.  What a blessing to witness such history being made this week. This entire week has been inspiring to me as a parent.  Our children really can be whatever they want. And they can dream, dream, dream....

He's breaking the rules!

Michael has a cold.  (Darn it!)  This morning when I lazily got out of bed at 8am, Michael was snuggled up on the couch with his favorite blankets.  Josh looked at me and said, "he's sick."  Of course, I rushed over to Michael B and smothered him with hugs and kisses.  Michael said his belly hurts, and then it changed to his throat, and then to his nose.  I told Michael that we don't get sick on vacation!  And, hurricanes are not allowed on vacation, either.  

Like the good, understanding parents that we are, Josh and I put on our bathing suits and sunscreen and headed out to the beach.   Michael had no choice but to follow suit.  Surprisingly, Michael did just fine on the beach, he played in the sand and waves and had a little snack.  I served as the human tissue, anytime the mucous started dripping he used the "flap" of my bathing suit as a wipe.  We enjoyed a lovely little morning on the beach, and we are eager to head back out after Michael wakes.  

Michael has been asking about when we're going home, though.  I think he misses his home, and he even misses the most hyper dog on the planet (Duncan).  However, Josh and I don't share his feelings, at this time.  : )