MommyQuinn

TW's texts from my labor

2009-07-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

The website we created shortly before Dawson's birth is closing in August. The company will no longer be hosting webpages. So I have been sifting through old blog posts and came across Terry's updates while I was in labor. It's kind of nice to have a record of what happened when. That way I know I didn't imagine it. It's pretty long so this one may be more for me than anyone else.

MON

JUN

2008

We're off to the hospital

By Terry Ward

Well, this is it. We have packed our hospital bag and taken care of all the last minute things (that we could think of) and we are getting ready to load up in the car for our 5:00 pm appointment at the hospital. If all goes the way it should we will be holding little Dawson by this time tomorrow. I can't wait.

Quinn is feeling good. She's a little nervous, anxious and not too thrilled about having to be induced. She was hoping to start everything on her own. But we both agree that the important thing is that Dawson arrives safe and healthy and if being induced is what makes that happen then so be it.

If you didn't get a chance to get on the anouncement list go ahead and e-mail me or text message me at 765-414-4947 and I will get you added. Be sure and tell me who you are in the text though.

We will be at the St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital for the next little while. I will try and update the posting when I can. Just understand that if Quinn is in hard core labor she probably won't appreciate me typing on the computer just to give YOU an update.

4:42 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

MON

JUN

2008

Update from the hospital via text

By Terry Ward

Update from the hospital via text. Quinn is sleeping and we are waiting to see what happens overnight. I will update again in the morning.

10:58 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

June 24, 2008

TUE

JUN

2008

Slipped away to make an update

By Terry Ward

Quinn is doing great. She is sleeping right now so I thought I would let everyone know what is going on.

We got to the hospital at 5:00 pm and went straight to labor and delivery. They went over all of the paperwork with us and then put Quinn in a gown and hooked her up to the monitors. One to measure her contractions and the other to monitor the babies heartbeat.

After that they put in an IV in case they needed to give her medication quickly and so that they could give her the pitosun in the morning.

At 6:18 she took her first dose of medicine to help her cervix prep for labor. She was not dilated at all when we got to the hospital. Four hours later they gave her the second dose of medicine and checked her and she still was not dilated at all. They will give her another dose at 2:00 am and then start the pitosun at 6:00 am.

The edicine is causing her contactions to be more regular and intense. They are currently around 10-11 minutes apart.

The wireless internet is not working at the hospital so my updates tomorrow will be logged via text message meaning they will be much shorter postings.

We will keep you updated.

12:30 AM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Update from hospital. Quinn is

By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn is having stronger contractions. They are getting more frequent as well.

5:38 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Update from hospital. They gave

By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. They gave Quinn the pitosun at 6:15 am and checked her cervix. She still is not dilated.

6:50 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Update from hospital. Quinn's contractions

By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn's contractions are about 2 minutes apart.

7:23 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Update from hospital. Quinn is

By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn is dilated to a five! 90 percent efacement. She is doing great.

7:59 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Update from hospital. Still dilated

By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Still dilated to a 5 but the head has dropped more.

8:56 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is finding relief on

By Terry Ward

Quinn is finding relief on the big blue exercise ball. Thank you Megan!

8:58 AM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is still at a

By Terry Ward

Quinn is still at a 5. They stopped the pitocin for awhile. The contractions were too close.

9:57 AM | Permalink | 2 comments

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is currently getting an

By Terry Ward

Quinn is currently getting an epideral. The pain got to much for her. She has been so strong.

10:32 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Still at a 5 at

By Terry Ward

Still at a 5 at last check. The epidural is working. Quinn is feeling very little pain now.

11:19 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is getting rest. The

By Terry Ward

Quinn is getting rest. The nurse stopped the pitocin because the baby's heart rate was dropping.

12:00 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

The doctor will be here

By Terry Ward

The doctor will be here in a little while to check on things.

12:01 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

The doctor came in and

By Terry Ward

The doctor came in and broke Quinn's water. They are going to leave the pitosin off to see how she does without

12:45 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

They checked her cervix and

By Terry Ward

They checked her cervix and she is actually at a 3. They said they made a mistake earlier.

12:49 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Although things arent moving as

By Terry Ward

Although things arent moving as quickly as we thought, she is still progressing just fine.

12:51 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Being here with Quinn is

By Terry Ward

Being here with Quinn is an amazing experience. I love her so much!

12:54 PM | Permalink | 2 comments

TUE

JUN

2008

Things are moving slow right

By Terry Ward

Things are moving slow right now. Really nothing new to report.

2:06 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Newest update

By Terry Ward

The nurse checked Quinn not too long ago and she is at a 3.5 to 4. Contractions are about 2 1/2 intes apart. Dawson's head has dropped to a plus one.

Things are moving extreely slow but Quinn's spirits are up and she is relaxed (thanks to the medication).

The doctor will be in shortly after 5 to check on her again.

4:19 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

The doctor just checked. Quinn

By Terry Ward

The doctor just checked. Quinn is now dilated to a 6! The doctor assures me it is for real this time.

5:06 PM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Latest check has Quinn at

By Terry Ward

Latest check has Quinn at a 6.5. She is feels dizzy, sick to her stomach, and a bad headache.

5:54 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is now dilated to

By Terry Ward

Quinn is now dilated to a 7. The baby's head dropped down to plus 2. Both Dawson and Quinn are doing great.

6:31 PM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE

JUN

2008

The doctor checked Quinn again

By Terry Ward

The doctor checked Quinn again and she is still at a 7. We should have a baby by July 4th.

7:24 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Not much new to report.

By Terry Ward

Not much new to report. Quinn is still at a 7. She is really tired and I am worried about her.

9:03 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Dawson will eventially figure out

By Terry Ward

Dawson will eventially figure out a way out. He just needs to use his head. :-)

9:20 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

I want to clarify my

By Terry Ward

I want to clarify my post from earlier. It is hard seeing Quinn so tired and uncomfortable. I feel helpless.

10:07 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Quinn is now at an

By Terry Ward

Quinn is now at an 8.

10:26 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE

JUN

2008

Making slow progress. Quinn is

By Terry Ward

Making slow progress. Quinn is now dilated to a 9.

11:31 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

June 25, 2008

WED

JUN

2008

Quinn is exhausted! There has

By Terry Ward

Quinn is exhausted! There has been no change for awhile now. It has been an emotional day.

1:33 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED

JUN

2008

We just started the pitocin

By Terry Ward

We just started the pitocin again to see if we can move things along.

2:13 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED

JUN

2008

Quinn's contractions have increased in

By Terry Ward

Quinn's contractions have increased in intensity again and she is having alot of back pain.

4:03 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED

JUN

2008

Quinn is in alot of

By Terry Ward

Quinn is in alot of pain so they are giving her a 2nd epidural to reposition it.

4:22 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED

JUN

2008

UPDATE: We are getting ready

By Terry Ward

UPDATE: We are getting ready to head into surgery for a c section.

6:36 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED

JUN

2008

Welcome Dawson!!!!

By Terry Ward

Dawson was 21 and 3/4 inches and weighed 8 lbs 12 ounces. He was born at 7:05 am this morning.

7:55 AM | Permalink | 3 comments

WED

JUN

2008

Pictures are up on Dawson's site

By Terry Ward

CLICK HERE FOR DAWSON'S SITE

Hey everyone! The pictures of Dawson are now up on his site. Thanks for staying with us as we kept you updated on the birthing progress.

Be sure and keep watching our site for more photos of our growing family and be sure and read our blog in the future as we share what is going on.

Let Quinn know how much you love her by signing our guestbook. It is always good to hear from everyone.

CLICK HERE FOR BABY PHOTOS

10:10 AM | Permalink | 2 comments

WED

JUN

2008

Quinn and Dawson

By Terry Ward

CLICK HERE FOR DAWSON'S SITE

I just added more photos to Dawson's site. There are now some of mommy and baby.

Quinn is doing great. She has been getting very much needed rest today. I am so proud of her. She handled everything over the past few days like a champ.

Everyone - thank you for all of the wonderful supportive text messages and online comments and guestbook entries. It is great to have family and friends that are so supportive.

A year ago...

2009-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

As Dawson's first birthday approaches I can't help but think about where I was a year ago especially after reading Nikki's blog post today. Her due date is very close to mine (only a year apart). Anyway I remember I was due on the 21st (a Saturday) and when I went into my appointment on that Friday Dr. V said if I didn't go into labor over the weekend they would induce me on Tuesday.

I was desperate to go into labor on my own so we tried just about EVERYTHING to bring it on but Dawson wouldn't budge. I was sooo uncomfortable and super swollen. I was scared to death but everything worked out all right in the end and now I have a beautiful baby boy who is almost one. I can't believe it.

Me on the way to the hospital to be induced.

I remember being so worn out from labor and the surgery (Nikki I won't share those details until after you have your little one, k?) and trying to breastfeed Dawson, which is unbelievably hard -- who knew! and he was fighting me with his little tiny hands and I was struggling to get everthing working when I said something to him. I don't even remember probably something like 'hey bud, just calm down" and he stopped fighting me, his little head snapped up and he met my eyes with this pure look of joy on his sweet little face, like there's my mom. And that was it, that was THE MOMENT when I just fell completly in love with my brand new baby.

That was probably the first time he heard my voice after he was born because I was like the 50th person to hold him. At first I was all bummed out because I never got to push and I wasn't the first one to hold him but it didn't matter because I was the one he was looking and listening for.

Wide Stance

2009-06-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

When TW and I lived in Arkansas we loved to hang out at Barnes and Noble because we could pretend like we weren't in Arkansas ( you know somewhere where people actually like to read j/k, kinda). Anyway one Saturday I was in the bathroom at B&N when the lady in the stall next to me started waving toilet paper at me under the stall partition.

I decided to ignore this strange behavior because I had nooo idea what she wanted. Next thing I know she's sticking her foot under the divider and over on my side. I was like oh my better hurry up and get the heck out of here. Then she starts rubbing her shoe against mine and I was like get me outta here! And she says, "Sorry, I have a wide stance." As she giggles hysterically in her stall.

I responded with a gasp, I think. And then silence.

Then I hear, "Charlotte?!? Charlotte?!? Charlotte where are you," panic streaked through her voice.

"I'm over here mom," Charlotte responded.

"In the stall next to me," mom asked hopefully.

"Nope over in the corner stall," she said.

"Oh."

This was followed by nervous laughter for all of us. By this point I was coming out to wash my hands and Charlotte and her mother apologized profusely and explained she was making fun of the Sen. Larry Craig bathroom incident. I laughed and laughed. I thought it was great, strange but very funny.

TW was waiting for me outside and thought it was very strange when I walked out with these ladies all of us laughing. And he got a kcik out of it too when I explained.

So this one goes out to Charlotte's mom whoever you are, wherever you are, you made my day with your strange bathroom behavior and good sense of humor. Thanks for the foot rub!

T.W.

2009-06-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

I must have the BEST HUSBAND in the world! Find out more about him here.

Greeting the Day

2009-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

My sweet pea's birthday month is here! A year has really flown by so quickly. Dawson has changed and grown so much in such a short amount of time. He was 8 lbs 12 oz at birth and has quickly grown to 27 lbs at 11 months! He wears size 5 diapers and 18-24 month clothes. He is a BIG boy. He has 7 teeth and two more about to come through.

And he has learned so many new skills. One Sunday morning (May 3 -that's for me to remember such an important date) I came in to get him up from his nap and there he was laying on his stomach with the bumper pad pulled down so that he could watch the kids jumping on the trampoline outside his window. His bedroom is on the second floor and both windows look down at the play area, a trampoline, swing set, etc. Anyway, I thought this was probably the cutest thing ever. So I stood him up and helped him hold onto the crib so he could see them better. He got so excited and started yelling and smiling at the kids.

I opened the window and got the kids' attention. Caleb, Patience, Josh and Brys saw him and got all excited too they waved and yelled hello to him. He LOVED this. (He LOVES his older siblings very, very much and they feel the same way about him) And then it all began. His crib, once just for sleeping became the best toy ever. Patience and Brys and then Josh too came up to see him and Dawson thought this was awesome. Grandma Gina and Rita came to watch too. This kid is at his best with an audience. He took off falling and bouncing in his crib, kicking his legs, pulling himself back up only to fall all over again. The more people laughed and cheered him on the wilder he got. He had a blast. And when he hit his head on the bars he would just laugh and get back up. I marvel at what a tough little guy he is.

A couple of weeks ago we gave him corn on the cob. I took a bite to show him what to do and then let him try some. Dawson LOVES corn on the cob. He couldn't get enough. It was so cute and so funny. He went to town on that corn. I love his excitement for learning new skills and about new things in his world. He is so full of wonder for everything. Like TW says he can give me a such a fresh perspective on the world.

This morning when he woke up I came in to get him. I picked him up and was ready to hurry down the stairs to mainline some coffee but he cried when I went towards the door. Right now his vocabulary is pretty limited (mama, dada and a few other phrases we think sound like words but we're not too sure) so it's always a guessing game to figure out what he wants. I thought maybe back in the crib to play? Nope. Down to play with his toys? Nope.

And then I remembered. He loves for me to scoot his crib back so that he can stand by the south facing window and look outside. Once I did that he was happy. He stood pounding the window and smiling.

At bedtime I always hold him and we look out the west window and say goodnight to the day. "Night-night trees, night-night birds, night-night grass, night-night trampoline, etc..."
Then we read our stories, listen to music, rock in the chair while he nurses and then it's off to dreamland.

After he goes to sleep I have to confess I love to look at him. He looks so sweet. Booty in the air, his sweet little cherub mouth and those long lashes against his adorable chubby cheeks. I can't get enough of him. Before I leave the room I always look out the west window one more time. It has the best view of the fading day.

Our night-night routine is one I've established and his morning routine of looking out the window is one he has established. I guess that's just his way of greeting the day.

Harrison House

2009-03-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

Goodbye Harrison House, I shall miss thee. . .

Your gleaming hardwood floors, beautiful old woodwork and the immediate charm you offer upon crossing your threshold

Spring evenings spent on your wide front porch watching the day fade and the abundant pink blooms on the trees swaying in the breeze

Evenings cooking in the kitchen sunlight streaming in the west windows, music blaring and the occasional dance with Dawson

Evenings grilling on the back deck nestled amongst tall maples

Greeting TW Everyday for lunch and after work

Waiting on the front porch to see my TW walk down the sidewalk home from work

We had many happy times under your roof little yellow house

My dear little Dawson this is the house we brought you home to from the hospital, so tiny and new, we were so proud ( and still are of course) of our sweet little man. This is the place of many firsts for you. Just so you know when you grow up...this was your first home.

Pesto, St. Paddy's Day, Sisters and Wine

2009-03-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last week my sister Shauna and her two boys Vonn and Kingston came to visit us at Harrison house. It was great but all too short a visit. When they left I was sad and wished my sisters both lived closer!!

Dawson must have been sad too because he was super fussy after they left. And when it was time for me to leave for my Friends of the Library meeting he didn't want to be with anyone but his mommy. I think it was those darn teeth. They hurt him so. My poor baby was really fussy the rest of that week. : (

Shauna and I were super bad and had a glass of wine with our pesto quesadillas. YUM! This is a lovely creation I came up with on St. Paddy's Day.

Pesto + Tomatoes + Mozz Cheese in a quesadilla = sooooo GOOD!

I was feeling very Irish and festive after watching Meredith and Al Roker in Ireland. So I made corned beef and cabbage. We sat out on the back deck because the weather was unusually mild and so beautiful. We drank a little wine and I felt like we needed an appetizer so I whipped those up in a pinch. TW and Dawson shared a grilled cheese (this is D's fave food.)

And we listened to a great playlist Kiera10906's (All irish songs) http://www.playlist.com/playlist/2958298379

our fav was the one about the drunken scotchman -- very funny!

A LOVE Note To My TW

2009-02-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dawson and I have missed you this week. Memphis has missed you too.

Dawson is waiting for you to rough house with him, the way only you can. And I am

waiting for a smooch!

We can't wait to see you!

I just wanted you to know that I am thankful for you. You are a great husband and a wonderful father. My best friend.

Just a few of the many reasons I love you:

The fact that I can't wait to tell you all the latest gossip and get your take on it.

I love the way you find me attractive no matter how I look.
Your ability to stay positive, even when things get tough.

You are great to me. So caring.

Your intelligent, quick mind.

You give GREAT foot rubs. (hint, hint)

You make me laugh.

Your outlook on life.

Your intensity.

You are you.

And the fact that you are just so darn cute!

Love you baby! We'll be waiting for you to get here soon.

You better be ready with my smooch!

Orange Balloon

2009-02-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. I had the flu, have been away from TW since Sunday (he has presentations to do in Huntington) and it was coldish and super windy, yet it was a great birthday.

Because....

I got a birthday message from dad!

Mom stayed home from school with me because I was soooo sick Tuesday night

and weak. At 6 she went down to school to make up her lesson

plans for the sub. When she came home she noticed and orange balloon

floating at the end of the driveway. She thought about picking it up but left it.

Then she headed out to the barn to feed the horse. All the rain was causing water to back up into the barn so mom was working on that just outside the barn when

the orange balloon floated right up to her and on it it said

Happy Birthday!

all over this orange balloon.

Mom tied it up in the barn and came in to tell me about it. She said she felt like it was a

birthday message from dad.

Thank you dad! I love you!

The adorable Dawson

2009-02-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

Meet Mr. Dawson.

Stats

Name: Dawson Mathias

Age: 7 months

Weight: 24 lbs

Eye Color: Beautiful blue

Nicknames: Giggle MOnkey, Little D, Munchkin, Chunky Monkey, Bud

Hobbies: laughing, giggling at my dad, charming all the ladies (they just can't resist my blue eyes and sweet cheeks), smiling at all the ladies and laughng at all the ladies.

Likes: Mommy's singing, playing with my dadda, nursing, tickling, pretty ladies, pinching people, pulling mommy's hair (it's the best when she squeals OUCH!), my bunny rabbit, my dog memphis, my grandma and my brothers and sister.

Dislikes: Mooing - don't moo at me it makes me cry! Loud people, being apart from my mommy, and strange men.

Favorite food: Milk or anything mommy and daddy are eating.

Favorite movie: Baby Einstein: World of colors

Catching up

2009-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

Oh so much has happened since I last blogged...

...Terry and I celebrated ONE YEAR of marriage! Love you baby! We get better every day. We celebrated with a great dinner at Silver Creek in Urbana. He had a steak and I had a wonderful Mahi Mahi. So good! It was a great night.

...Dawson is 7 months. Happy 7 months sweet baby boy! He now has four teeth and the most adorable smile, the best laugh and the sweetest little baby rolls!

...I took Dawson to the pediatric gastrointologist in Indianapolis because he had the poos for 4 weeks. Found out he had cedif ( no idea how to spell that) and Meg he nurse pratitioner was so great to us. She gave me the recipe for Riley's Butt Balm, which is way better than the booty cream I used before. So my insurance wanted me to pay $38 for this and I was like no way I'll make it myself. So I bought some over the counter stuff and whipped up the butt balm. So in case anyone needs some awesome booty cream here's the recipie:

1. A & D ointment

2. Nystatin (this is prescription anti-fungal keeps the yeast infections at bay)

3. Dibucain (OTC hemoriod cream it numbs sore little booties, which really helps when it is sore)

Great stuff!

...We marked my dad's birthday, the second since his passing. I miss him so much!!! As his birthday approached I found myself thinking of several dad-isms. Here are a few of my favs that can still make me smile, maybe even a little giggle. Love ya dad!

1. The whole Fam Damily
2. Bas ackwards
3. Diaploopsie of the blow hole

...WE have gotten snow, snow, snow and more snow. Good thing Ryan and Caleb were here. They shoveled ALL day. Our driveway, our sidewalk, the neighbors sidewalk on the east side and the neighbors on the west side of us and then the neighbor's sidewalk across the street and THEN Terry took them up to the paper and they shoveled the walk outside the paper. That's some hard work! And they loved it.

3 am chocolate milk

2009-01-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

TW had to go into the paper from midnight to 3am last night to deal with some circulation probs. Not a fan of being in the house by myself at night. I know that makes me a wienie. So I didn't sleep well plus I had a horrible case of restless leg!

When he came home at 3 I had the little guy in bed with me because he threw up all over himself and his crib. Dawson woke up when TW came in so I had TW rock him while I changed his sheet. Poor little guy!

Then TW and I were both so wide awake we headed to the kitchen for some chocolate milk...reminds me of my pregnancy but with company. It was nice sitting on the loveseat in our underwear sippin some good ole 3 am chocolate milk and sharing the details of our night.

This morning when Dawson woke up he had thrown up again oh plus he still has diahrea. Poor, poor little munchkin. Drs aren't too worried though.

Right now TW is rocking the munchkin back to sleep for the millionth time tonight. What a good husband! Thanks for saving my sanity baby!

Naked Days

2009-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just gotta have a nakie day! Today I let Mr. Dawson run around (well lay around actually) naked for a good part of the morning. His poor little bootie is so sore because he has had the runs for two weeks. So i though a little air might do it good.

His lovely Aunt Bridgie came to visit me so that I wouldn't have to stay by myself while Terry was in Kentucky. What a doll she drove two hours to spend the night and get woken up by mister D like 15 times just so that I wouldn't have to spend a night alone in our creaky at night house. Thanks Bridgie you are great! Oh and thanks for the new clothes for Mr. D he is going to look soooooo cute in them!

My poor baby! I think he sat in his diaper too long at daycare Tuesday because his bootie hasn't been the same since. We have been using this great little concoction that I got from my sister. Here is the recipe if you need it.

Awesome bootie cream
equal parts lotrimin(non creamy) and creamy desitin
a couple tsp. of Milk of Magnesia

Thanks Shauna really great stuff!

As you can imagine a 6 month old without a diaper is not always great. But I only got peed on once, that's about average.

He Loved being naked! He just laid around and kicked his legs and rolled all over on his play mat and in his crib.

Our dr is out today so I took him to see another dr and he was a funny dude. This tall, skinny man strolled in in his tweed high water pants pulled up to his armpits, suspenders, a funky pinkish tie, something white chillin under his nose, crazy wild white hair and big thick black-rimmed glasses and introduced himself. He then proceeded to make all kinds of funny noises while he examined Mr. Dawson. And I though little kids must love this walking cartoon character of a man. However Mr. Dawson just looked at him like "what planet did you come from?"

Now I get to collect a stool sample. Sweet, can't wait to scoop up some poo and carry it to the hospital! Oh the things we do for our kids - about 6 months ago I would have been totally grossed out by this. Now I don't even care just want the little man to get better.

The holidays

2009-01-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have neglected my blog. But with five kids at my house and a sick baby I think anyone could understand that.

Here is a bit of my time in Illinois for the holidays.

TW and Brys with the look.

Christmas time in a nutshell:

Freezing rain, skating rink in my driveway, baby with a cold, husband with a cold, flooding, 60 degree weather, tornado warning...
......mom's damp dark basement with 9 kids, 4 dogs, 4 adults and one baby, one soupy poopy diaper and baby vomit down my leg. Could it really be December? How lovely!

Rita's diner. Patience made this on her new marker board. Love it!

canceled pizza night, pizza night resecheduled,

a ruptured ear drum, influenza b and nebulizer treatments -- my poor baby!

my poor baby didn't feel good. This was his First Christmas - more on that later. I plan to devote an entire entry to him later this week.

The case of the rubber flying cupcake that shoots flying icing....yum! Really Abby got this individual "cupcake" maker and she was sooooo excited. She arrived Christmas night and told everyone she was making desert. You mix a batter and put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds -- it came out looking like melted rubber cow patty. Then you put it on the "cupcake maker" which spins it around and adds icing through a tube at the top. In our case, Maria put the cupcake on the spinny deal and then it shot out and hit her in the chest and then the icing shot out at everybody too. So funny.

Aunt Rita with THE cupcake. Abby with THE rubber flying cupcake.

No one wanted to eat this scary cupcake. Not even Abby. But in good grandma fashion grandma Rita dug in.

Believe it or not it was actually a pretty enjoyable time. Hope everyone had a Great Holiday Season!

Out of the rut!

2008-12-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

I am finally out of the mommyhood rut!

Dawson has slept through the night! Wow I am amazed thank you Dr. C!! Thank you for patiently talking me through it. And thank you sweet, beautiful baby boy for being such a wonderful little baby!(even when we had the sleeping problems)

After three nights of letting Mr. Dawson cry himself back to sleep he slept through the night Sunday night. Amazing. Now we just have to work on naps and teaching him to put himself to sleep at bedtime. But I am now headed back towards sanity and it feels great!

Today is a good day...

Mr. Dawson is at Daycare (I miss him so much when he goes :( but I get to have dates and sleep :)

So TW and I met for coffee at Flavors. This man + carmel machiato = yummy happiness!

I picked TW up from the library where he was hanging out with the coolest group of men. Seriously a really great group of men. Most are in their 60s or older and they meet at the coffee shop in the basement of the library every Tuesday for coffe, some tall tales and good company.

This morning they brought Christmas goodies and all sat around eating and sharing their goods. When I came in everyone greeted me with smiles and warmth and Fred invited us out to dinner with he and his wife. Very nice. I look foward to that becasue Fred is a pretty cool guy so I bet his wife is too, well not a guy but a cool lady.

In a little bit I'll pick TW up at the office and head to the joint Kiwanis/Rotary lunch. Fun I get to do grown up things today with my cute hubby.

2008-12-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

The dr says cry it out.

A few reasons I'm ready to do this:

1. This dr much nicer about it. Took the time to talk me through it. Related it to what he went through with his son.

2. I'm losing my mind. I have hit a low point and hope to now bounce up.

However I'm not going hardcore. We helped him get to sleep at 8. Then he was on his own and we did not pick him up once when he woke up. He cried himself back to sleep but it only took a couple of minutes. Much better than the non stop screaming when we tried to let him cry himself to sleep.

We will continue to help him to sleep for a little while. Then after we get better at night sleeping we'll work on that. I can't go hardcore with hours of screaming.

We'll see how it goes. I hope we have turned a corner towards adequate sleep.

P.S. glad to read Nie surgery sucessful!

Sleepless nights

2008-12-17T08:57:00.000-08:00

No naps
Recently I have hit a low point in the motherhood journey. Because my now almost 6-month old son Never sleeps. He does not nap for longer than 20 minutes during the day - although on a good day sometimes he makes it 45 min. This has been going on since about 6 weeks of age.

Up all night
At night he is up every hour or more. Sometimes every 20 minutes. The best we do at night is two hours. This has been going since about 3 months and each month it gets progressivly worse.

Needless to say I am exhausted! How do I get him to sleep? Our doctor looked at me like I was a silly first time mom and kept telling Dawson "You've got mommy wrapped around your little finger." Like it is my fault. I told her how often he is up and then told her he is going to daycare two days a week now so that I can get some sleep. And then she said oh is it really that bad? Did she not hear me say every 20 minutes? She said just let him scream it out he can scream for hours.

First of all.. Not a fan of this technique. Second IT'S NOT WORKING!!!

Advice...please!!
So first on my agenda find a new dr who listens to me. And ask for help!! Does anyone else have this problem? What have you done to get your baby to sleep better? I can use all the good advice I can get.

Winter woods

2008-12-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to my mom's we snuck away for a trip to Homer Lake.

Walked in the woods and then watched the sun set over the lake. Beautiful! The winter woods were very peaceful. Winter is actually my favorite time of the year to be in the woods. I love to go around dusk. If you are quiet you can hear an owl hoot, coyotes call, the wind rustle the tree branches high above while I am nestled safe from the wind in the forrest. Sometimes I even run across deer gatheredin herds in the darkening woods. Amazing. It always fills me with such peace to watch the dark cold river flow by among the big old trees. I even love the way the woods smell at winter.

Thanks Darlin.

I'll leave you with the words of one of my favorite poets and poems.

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

-Robert Frost

2008-12-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 12

This is cuteness!

Thanks Bridgie for the adorable hat! See Dawson loves it.

Goodbye dear friend

2008-11-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Tobey

This morning my friend Amelia called to deliver some bad news. Tobey, her four-year-old Golden Retriever, died early this morning. Poor Tobey. He was such a good, sweet little dog. He loved to go to Homer Lake and play in the water. This Spring, Amelia and I along with my five stepchildren took Toby to Homer Lake. He was so excited to play with the kids and they loved him too. They were all throwing sticks in the water for him so fast he didn't know which one to chase down first. He had a blast and so did the kids.

Tobey's passing reminded me of when I lost me Golden Retriever, Tallulah, aka Lu. She too was very young, almost four. She died only a few short months after my father had passed making it incredibly hard to loose her. I was living six hours away at the time and mom called to say that Lu was not doing well and that I would need to make the decision about her. I went to the Vet's office and spent some time alone with her. She was in so much pain. I couldn't let her suffer. I sat on the floor of the surgery room and stroked her head on my lap while I cried hysterically. I couldn't stand to loose her right after I had lost my dad. I was heartbroken. She loved me so much. I was HER person.

Lu stealing Caleb's seat

The Vet's were so kind. And they felt so bad. The last time they had seen me was at my dad's visitation. They knew what a struggle we had been through with him and now Lu. I wish that I had stayed with her but I didn't think I could take it. My heart still breaks when I think about leaving her. She tried to go with me because she thought I was there to take her home. More than a year later I am sitting here writing this sobbing. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

I'm so sorry Amelia. Tobey was a great dog. A great friend and he will be missed!

This is a forward I was sent after I lost Lu. It is a tear-jerker but it always made me feel better when I read it. It has a good message.

Here it is:

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Be always grateful for each new day.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY !

Thankful today

2008-10-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last night

my son, as usual, had a very hard time going to sleep and staying asleep. After many ups I finally got him to sleep for the night and just held him and rocked in the rocking chair for a while because I love to cherish moments like those. He won't be this small forever. He is so sweet. I watched adorable smiles flicker across his sweet little face sometimes he even laughs in his sleep, so cute. I adore his chubby cheeks, little red lips and beautiful eyelashes. He is such a beautiful child. And despite all our sleeping problems and my frustrations over my complete lack of sleep I wouldn't trade a single moment.

Today
I am thankful for ( in no particular order):

1. My husband he is so sweet and creative and patient with my crazy/hormonal spells. He likes to leave me these great little notes stuck to the fridge with a clothes pin.

2. My beautiful, healthy and big baby boy. He get's his sweet disposition from his father and his looks from ME of course. Oh and probably his sleep issues from me too.

3. My smart dog. I have started calling our walks strolls after I discovered she can spell walk. Plus she makes me feel safe in our spooky, creeky house.

Now the baby, dog and I are going to go for a walk, I mean stroll, and enjoy this fine day.

A great mom

2008-09-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last week my husband brought the nienie dialogues http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com, a Mesa mom's blog, to my attention after he had heard about the terrible accident she and her husband had in August. They were involved in a small plane crash that left Stephanie fighting for her life and her husband badly injured. They have four small children and just seem like such a great family.

In stolen moments (my infant makes it hard for me to concentrate on much of anything but him) I cruised through her blog. I was struck by what an awesome person she is. Really, she seems like such a fun mom. Motherhood can be challenging, as I am learning, but she really focuses on the positive aspects of being a mom. And she just seems like so much fun too.

I love that she had a back-to-school party for her two daughters. They made cute little crowns full of glitter and pretty cutouts to wear on their strut down the living room catwalk while showing off their new school clothes. Then she finished it off with a fantastic dinner complete with a chocolate cake, yum!

I have been following her blog since then. Her sister has been re posting old blogs and today I clicked on one originally posted in March. Stephanie, one of her sisters, and their children made up happy fortunes for the people of downtown Mesa. Fortunes like: "Someone loves you" or "You are beautiful" etc.

These lovely fortunes were hand-written on strips of paper with little pictures by the children and had a little sticker that says "read me." They hid these fortunes all over the downtown area with the hopes that people would find them and it would make them smile. How great! I am so impressed with that! Not only are they making other people happy, completely selflessly, but think about the great lessons she is teaching her children. I hope that I can be a fun, creative mom like her.

My thoughts are with the Nielson family. I hope that Stephanie and Christian can get home to their beautiful children soon.

It just comes naturally

2008-09-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors just brought home their brand new baby girl. I haven't got to see her yet but I can't wait to meet her. I talked to the new father today in the yard and congratulated him. I can tell he is very proud of her, and very tired too.

I remember when we brought Dawson home from the hospital not too long ago. I was so happy to have him home, but also a little scared to leave the cocoon of our hospital room with the safety of help only as far away as the push of a button.

The birth of their daughter reminds me quite a bit of our own labor experience. Sunday night when we came home from my mother's (mom takes the baby on Saturday night and I get a full night's sleep! Completely unheard of these days, so we go a lot) anyway we were bringing in all the 50 million things it takes to travel with an infant and they were entertaining in their backyard. Jared told us the due date was Saturday and their weekend flew on by and still no baby. So Monday night they were to go to the hospital to be induced Tuesday morning.

The similarities to my experience were almost strange. My due date was Saturday, June 21 and I went in that following Monday night and was given medicine to help me dilate, which didn't help but did send me into labor right away. I was given pitocin the next morning. My labor was really pretty awful, completely worth it, but really long and hard and ended in a c-section. I was hoping the neighbor's would be much easier! But I spoke to her family this afternoon and they said she had to have a c-section too. I felt so bad for her! But she is home today so everything must be going well for her and I am glad.

My labor lasted on to Wednesday morning, we think about 38 hours total and then at 7:05 June 25 our beautiful baby boy was born. He has grown and changed so much in that small amount of time. And I have grown and changed as a mother. I started out scared to even change his diaper, let alone bathe him. But now, eleven weeks later, I feel super confident with him. I know as he grows we will encounter moments I am not sure how to handle. But I've learned that really it just comes naturally. It's on the job training.