REJ Birth Story

I typed this up, but realize that I never posted it - and since this is THE blog and the ONLY record (which reminds me, I haven't saved this in over 3 years - YIKES) - I need to post this here. If you don't care to read about details pertaining to giving birth - click away.


Tuesday, September 14:

RJ and I took the boys to Chic-fil-a for breakfast before school - sort of a one-last-day-just the-four-of-us kind of thing. Then, we took them to school and made sure the teachers knew that someone different would be picking them up. RJ and I came home, I got in the shower and mid-way through, RJ brought the phone in as my OB was calling. The hospital we were slated to go to - the one we've always been to - was full of pregnant women who were ready to deliver, so we could either go to the other hospital or she could be a pest and try to get me in 1st thing the next day. We opted for the other hospital, but this caused RJ some anxiety.

We made it to the hospital, got registered and checked in and were ready to start the induction by 12:15. I was having NO contractions, was 4 cm and 70% effaced...got hooked up to Pitocin. The dr. came to break my water. Nothing too intense was happening. Around 2:15, the nurse let me know that the anesthesiologist was on the floor - did I want the epidural now? Honestly, I wasn't in much pain, but I decided to go ahead and get it...I was at 5 cm and I just didn't know how fast things might go...they weren't going too fast, but third baby and all.

We liked the anesthesiologist quite a bit - he was not all stoic like the previous one. But, it seemed as though the epidural didn't quite take on the right side as much as the left. As things progressed - I was getting sleepy - I think it was the fact that I couldn't feel my hips - which had been hurting so much for the past 6 weeks...I felt relaxed. From looking at my contractions (on the computer screen), the nurse didn't feel like I was having "good enough" contractions, so she keep upping the Pitocin. She eventually decided to put in an internal monitor. She also kept flipping me from one side to the other to get the epidural to even out and to get the contractions to intensify.

At about 4:15, I complained to RJ that this epidural was not going to let me get any sleep - which he thought was funny...that I thought I should be able to sleep through labor. I could totally feel contractions on the right side of my uterus. A different anesthesiologist came in and told me several options, but none of them sounded too good to me...and it seemed he basically thought I should ride it out. But, I have to tell you - those contractions were hurting. He said I didn't look pained in the face - which I know - I have a high pain tolerance AND, I tend to not show pain, so there you go.

Once he left, I was fearful for how much more pain might be coming - I mean, really - if this is it, I can take it, but if it is going to get crazy-worse, I don't know. At this point, the nurse checked me and said, "ok, well, you're ready to go". So - there you go. I was seriously having to "go to my happy place" and focus on my breathing as they went into "go mode". The doctor showed up after about 15 minutes, I pushed through about 4 contractions and out came REJ.

Approximately 25 minutes passed from "ok, you are ready to go" to delivery. Everyone in the delivery room thought she was huge, but at 8 pounds 14 ounces - she is our smallest baby.I have to admit that I am taking to having a girl more easily than I thought I would, but it is an adjustment. I have had several crying bouts over the past couple of days. Just baby blues...where one minute I feel like crying and the next minute I feel fine. I really dislike this first part of having a baby - not the baby itself, but how emotional I feel. I feel like life will never be the same...like I'll never adjust...like I'll never go outside again...like I'll never feel the normal I felt just a few days ago. Hormones. Yuck. And, now REJ will have these hormones too.

The Deal

When LJ was an infant, I had great anxiety as each night would come - would he be cranky or would it be a good night? Good = he wakes up to eat no sooner than 3 hours after his last session and he goes right back to sleep when finished. Back then, we didn't have the DVR, so I was stuck with whatever show was on at the time...actually, it didn't occur to me to watch tv - RJ got up and laid on the couch for practically every nursing session that occurred during the night.

With PJ, I was more than ok with being by myself and watching something other than Nick Jr. while he nursed at night. But, I still would dread the night time - what if he was cranky? The thing is - RJ handles the cranky times, so I don't know why I would worry.

With REJ, I'm not finding that I dread the night. Here is how it goes...
We get the boys to bed between 7:30 and 8:15. Somewhere between 8:00 and 9:00, REJ nurses. In the middle of that session, RJ changes her into her pjs and swaddles her up. She finishes nursing and is usually asleep. We take this opportunity to get in bed ASAP. We *have* to maximize the possible sleeping hours. The boys will be up by 7:00 am regardless of how much we've slept, so if that means we go to bed at 8:30 pm - well, we go to bed at 8:30! So far, REJ has had more good nights than bad nights. She generally makes it until somewhere between midnight and 1:00 before needing to eat. Then, she'll make it until somewhere between 4:30 and 6:30. Of late, RJ has had to spend some time getting her to be less cranky somewhere in there. She is usually cranky if she has a burp that won't come out. If she is cranky somewhere after 5:30 am - I usually get up with her. Then, the boys come out at 7:00 and I get them their breakfast and ready for school. I have to go wake RJ in time for him to get dressed to take them to school. So, I don't have to deal with a cranky baby in the middle of the night and RJ doesn't have to feed a baby in the middle of the night - I can handle feeding...no problem - it is the crankiness I dread, so this arrangement is working GREAT from my perspective!

Today...

I got the boys some breakfast and packed their lunches - Thursdays they stay for Lunch Bunch.

I got the sheets and blankets off their beds and into the wash...and dried them and put them back on the beds...this is no easy feat with bunk beds, but I'd put it off longer than I should.

I also washed and dried the other dirty clothes.

I got my UofP materials posted - still need to grade. I'm in the last week of this class and I don't start another until November 14, so I have a nice break coming up.

MawMaw came over to watch REJ while I went to get my hair colored and cut - this was desperately needed.

RJ, MawMaw, REJ and I went out to lunch.

I dropped RJ off at work and then went to pick up the boys from school.

I have sent both boys to their rooms as they are always a bit grumpy on Thursdays - because they don't have a nap.

I've nursed REJ numerous times and changed several diapers!

We are about to go pick RJ up from work and then I imagine there will be dinner and more nursing and diaper changing! But, RJ will be home, so we will be able to divide and conquer!

Stats

REJ had her 2 week dr. visit.

Weight - 9 pounds 12 ounces (so she gained 1 pound in 1 week)
Length - 22 inches
Head - 14.5 inches

For the record...

LJ:
Weight - 58 pounds
Height - 49 inches

PJ:
Weight - 45 pounds
Height - 44 inches

If you plug these figures into one of those "height prediction calculators" (http://www.csgnetwork.com/heightpredictcalc.html) - at age 21 LJ will be 6'5" an PJ will be 6'4". I don't know how much stock you can put in these...and for PJ I had to choose less than 4 for the age, but I see expensive grocery bills in our future!

A Story from the Hospital

I'm going to take you back to Wednesday, September 15th - the day after REJ was born. RJ left to go get the boys from M&B's house (M&B were so generous with their time and home and kept the boys while we were in the hospital - I don't know that we will ever be able to repay them, but we are ever thankful for having them here...it is great to finally have FRIENDS (who happen to be family) who live in town. Maybe all of our lives will slow down enough to do more socializing than we've been doing!) to take them to school. On the way back to the hospital, he stopped at this donut store that he and the boys go to on Saturdays. The store is on the other side of town (which is where we ended up having REJ), so it is rare that he would visit on a weekday. The owner is a young Cambodian man and he has a son who is in 1st grade...so the kids play with the son and they have all gotten to know the family. His wife usually runs the cash register...and makes up a price for RJ that seems to have nothing to do with how many donuts he purchases...the price is always in our favor, so they are being nice. PJ, who likes to pretend he is other people...and he has been assigning roles to the rest of us as well...sometimes plays like he is Riley - the 1st grade son.


Anyway, back to the story - since we live on the other side of town, it was odd for RJ to be there in the middle week, so RJ told the wife that we were at the hospital because we had just had a baby girl. The wife was apparently very excited because RJ arrived to our room with donuts AND the news that the wife might be stopping by to visit this afternoon. Um...I've never met this woman. Saturday morning donuts are a "guy thing" and I've never met her. AND - I'm not SUPER-keen on strangers visiting me in my hospital room...in my hospital gown...fewer than 24 hours after giving birth. But, I understand that RJ couldn't really tell her no. So, I told RJ he HAD to be there when she shows up.


And, she showed up, she was so kind as to bring a gift for REJ (a couple of outfits), and RJ was present for her visit. She has a very thick accent, so it was tough to get into the groove of understanding her. None of us know her name. This is evident when PJ is pretending to be Riley as PJ assigns RJ to be the owner of the store (we know his name, but I cannot begin to spell it) and PJ assigns me to be "the woman". What I did learn is that her uncle owns a donut store in another town and that is how she met her husband - he worked for her uncle. She likes money - she said so. In Cambodia, his family does not have money - they sleep with mosquito nets - this means they have no air conditioning. Her family has air conditioning. Her family did not want her to marry him because his family has no money, but she explained that here, in America, everyone can have money if they work hard. In fact, she said to me, "You don't work. You want money we can open a store and you can work the cash register." - I'm not sure how she surmised that I don't work or how she thought my skill set might make me good at a cash register...but it was nice that she would provide me a job! We also learned that her sister married and American...as she said this, she pointed up and down at RJ and said, "She marry an American like him."

The visit was very interesting. It was nice of her to come see me and to bring a gift for REJ. I bet no one else can say that the person who owns the donut store her family frequents came to visit them in the hospital. Perhaps no one else has a donut store they frequent?!

Friday!

And this means the weekend is right around the corner. When RJ comes home from work today, he'll be home for many many many hours in a row! This is great.

Let's see - Wednesday - I managed to get a pot roast and some veggies into the crock pot, so we had a home cooked meal for dinner. I also got caught up on the laundry, so we had clean clothes to wear. All the children napped during nap time, so I actually folded the laundry and put it away too.

Thursday morning - LJ woke up at 5:45 and "had blurry eyes", thought it was 6:45 and woke up PJ as they only had 15 minutes until time to get up...except they really had 1 hour and 15 minutes. Sooo...this was highly annoying. We had a talk in which we determined that, no matter what time you wake up, you should not wake up your brother. RJ took the boys to school - they had Lunch Bunch, so they get to stay for lunch and play after school. This allowed me to spend the morning taking a shower, drying my hair and putting on make-up - while tending to and nursing REJ in between all of that. Then, I left to pick up RJ for lunch. We ate a nice lunch while REJ napped in her car seat the entire time. After lunch, we went to pick up the boys from school, dropped RJ back at work and came home for snacks. I told the boys they did not have to nap (it was 2:45 when we got home) *if* they could be nice to everyone...and bedtime would be early. They did a good job and the afternoon was pleasant.

Thursday evening - RJ didn't feel well - again. His stomach has been bothering him. With the stress of CRAZY work over the summer, the pending birth of our 3rd child, and a couple of stomach bugs - he's lost 16 pounds. If only it were that "easy" for me. The boys went to sleep quickly, but REJ was a crank. She pretty much cried from about 8:00 - midnight. Sure, there were breaks of 20 minutes here and there, but she was not in a pleasant mood. RJ worked with her until 11:30 when it was time for her to eat. In the late afternoon and early evening, she wants to nurse every 2 hours - which would be ok if she would then sleep. But, after the 11:30 nursing session, she fell asleep and slept until 5:20. The 5+ hours is not too shabby, but the 4 hours of fussing is not fun.

Today - I'm doing laundry...again. I need to play with PJ while LJ is at school. And, I'm trying to figure out what we are all going to wear for our church directory photo this afternoon. Hopefully *I* can find something for myself that isn't going to depress me when I see the picture AND hopefully REJ won't be crying for the photo shoot!

Pink Lint!

People must be excited that we have a baby girl as many are being very generous in giving us clothes and other things pink! With a 3rd child, I'd imagine we have all the baby trappings we might need, but people are soooo correct - girl clothes are something of which we don't have many. We are enjoying opening every single package that comes, so thank you! I will get proper thank yous out - one day. I have washed the clothes as they've come in...and they have turned our dryer lint PINK. PINK. As I gathered it off the screen, there was blue underneath - and the lint turned a sort of purple color. But still - PINK.

Day 2 of being home by myself - with just REJ in the morning and all 3 in the afternoon...let's sum up with the words "one continuous juggling act". I had to get to the grocery store, so once the boys left with RJ for school, REJ and I got ready and went. I would not have dreamed of taking LJ to the grocery store at 1 week old. It was over-stimulating to say the least...loud music, people, lights, etc. I ended up holding a swaddled baby in one hand and pulling the cart with the other. She had to cry while I put the cold things away and THEN got to feeding her. Then I had to put her back in the car to head to a meeting I needed to have at work. It was short and RJ drove around the parking lot with her. Then, we went to pick up the boys...the school moms and friends of LJ and PJ were excited to see REJ! Both boys had taken pictures of themselves holding REJ to share with their class, so everyone at school knows they have a little sister.

Once home, I put REJ in the bouncy with the water running in the sink (not great for resources, but great for calming a baby) and made lunch for the boys and myself. REJ nursed while I ate a sandwich...this is how lunch has been. After lunch, I tried to get everyone down for a nap at the same time - REJ didn't cooperate, she wasn't fussy - she just wasn't ready for a nap right then...so, I didn't get a nap either.

The day wasn't bad - it is just that someone or something is always in the que needing attention. So...one continuous juggling act.

Home Alone - with the Kids

RJ went back to work today - and I cried a little about that. Thankfully, LJ is in school everyday and that is a good routine for us to work around. I need routine so much and that is the part of having a newborn that is just so unsettling!

REJ had a well-visit this morning...she is 2 ounces short of her birth weight, so she has almost gained all that she lost. The first 2 nights home she was great - nursed and went right back to sleep and slept for 3-5 hours. Last night, she was a crank pot until 1:00 am and then slept in her swing with RJ on the couch until 5:30. I fed her and she was quite and peaceful and went to sleep in the seat next to our bed. RJ slept and I took LJ to school...PJ came with. PJ wrapped his baby doll - LJ named him "baby Joe" when we first got him about 4 years ago...when we were expecting PJ - in a swaddling blanket and carried him around...everyone thought that was so cute.

Today, it seems I have another MOUND of laundry to do (and didn't) and I need to get the kitchen dishes where they go.

I will miss having RJ around...he is such a great dad.

Now We Are Five

As many of you know, we welcomed the newest Baby J on September 14...a GIRL - if you can believe that one. So far, she doesn't seem too different from the boys (infancy is infancy) except when we change her diaper. So far, I've changed 3 diapers and RJ has changed the rest!

Yesterday, we got released from the hospital in just enough time to go pick up the boys from school. They were excited that REJ was in the car, but she did cry the whole way home - it was time for her to eat. We had lunch and naps as usual - so that was good. It is always with great apprehension that I welcome a new baby home...how will the routine change? How will we find a place for this baby in our family? A man at work once said to us, "children bring their place with them" and I think he's right.

Last night was ok. RJ was terrific about taking care of REJ while I got about 4 good hours of sleep. He said they were asleep in the living room, so that is good. Last night, she did not take to the being laid in her cradle after eating, but it is early yet. Today, RJ got her to take a nap without someone holding her the entire time and we worked it out where we could all go pick LJ up from school. REJ fell asleep in the car and then stayed asleep in her car seat until her next nursing...so about 2.5 hours. Now she's fussing a bit, but she had some nice awake time where she just looked all around. Today has been a pleasant day. I have cried, however. Just baby blues - weeping for no real reason - just feel like I need to cry. This happened with LJ and a bit less with PJ, so we'll see how long it holds out with REJ. I am glad it is the weekend and we have RJ home for 2 more days. I think I'll be very sad when he goes back to work.

The house is a mess and there is a growing pile of laundry, but right now - we are all just trying to enjoy each other and celebrate having another girl in the house!

In the Words of Tom Petty...

...and you want to make it hard - yah, you want to make it hard on me...

...Well, she was an American girl, raised on promises...

...you don't know how it feels...

...Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out...

There are so many that fit, but the lyrics that keep playing in my head are...

...the waiting is the hardest part...

And we are...still waiting...

WHATEVER! As of right now, we have an induction appointment for tomorrow, Sept 14th at 10:00 am. If the 5:30 am slot becomes available, we should get a call from my OB's office telling me to come then. So, for sure tomorrow, if not today...but, at this point I am having zero indications it'll be today.

I took PJ to Target to walk around for a bit - get out of the house - etc. Otherwise, I feel like I'm twiddling my thumbs here. I haven't really gotten into a routine since school started - I've been stalling thinking it pointless until we have #3 here and can figure #3 into the routine. That means I'm 3 weeks in with no routine - this bothers me!

Still Waiting...

I'm still here and still pregnant. And, I'm going to admit that I'm getting depressed about this! I'm ready to be done. Thankfully, my sprained ankle felt 70% better the very next day and today, I am walking pretty close to normally...except for the fact that I'm over 40 weeks pregnant....which certainly affects my walk.

Last night I dreamed that I had a baby girl - 12 pounds. Yikes!

I feel this constant need to count baby movements - I'm close to obsessive about it. I also feel a constant need to wash any dirty clothes...as in, I want everyone to have maximum clean clothes since I should be out of commission for a few day ANY DAY NOW!

I thought Thursday evening was promising - I had several strong contractions over a 3 hour period, but they never intensified or became regular and....eventually they went away altogether.

The bright side is - this weekend is a weekend we can truly relax - there is nothing hanging over our heads, nothing at work this week that we need to spend the weekend preparing for, etc. The yard needs to be mowed, but other than that - we should be able to have some down time for the first time in a LONG time. I know RJ is looking forward to that!

When it Rains, it Pours

Had an OB appointment this morning...and, it is pouring rain here. On my way in (RJ was with me), I slipped (wearing Crocs b/c they are the only shoes that fit - although last night and this morning I have had NO swelling in my feet/ankles, so I could have worn a different shoe today) and twisted my right ankle. It hurt and continued to hurt...and is/was obviously swollen. Went through my OB exam - still 2cm and 50% effaced. Told the OB she can see what is available NEXT week in terms of induction and that seemed to make her happy. I'm waiting for that call.

After my OB appointment, I went over to urgent care to have my ankle checked out. It is not broken (x-rays confirm this), so it is sprained. It does hurt. They gave me an "air cast" and I'm to stay off of it as much as possible (HA HA HA - I have a 3 and 5 year old), elevate and use ice, and use the air cast.

Needless to say, I'm slightly depressed and highly disgusted.

Due Date

Well, here it is - my due date. I'm not holding my breath! I have yet to have a baby early or on time - 4 days late is my earliest. I see the dr. tomorrow and I suppose I'll schedule an induction date for some days in the future "just in case". Aunt K is in town this week - staying with M,B, and J...so it would be good to have this baby this week...that way I won't feel so badly leaving our kids there overnight - 3 kids and 3 adults! I have been having contractions and other signs of making progress, so it'll be interesting to see if I've progressed over the weekend.

LJ is having a difficult time adjusting to school this year. I say this because when we drop him off he hugs us A LOT and tells us he doesn't want to stay. When I ask him why, he says, "I'd rather be with you". This morning he got a little teary-eyed, but it wasn't a big scene or anything. I think it might be harder on him when RJ, PJ, and I are all there and he is "being left" - because it might seem like we are all going to hang out and do fun things and he's there. Also, the day is more structured and less "play" than pre-K, so he is probably thinking he'd rather be in his old class! Today he stays until 2:30 - for math and science (this was optional), so he has his lunch with him for the first time. He BEGGED to stay for lunch last year and seems excited about it...it is just a little tough in the morning...when we are actually dropping him off...for him to be happy about being there.

This 2:30 pick-up is a bit of a problem. In my mind, RJ was going to pick him up and bring him home, but now RJ has a meeting at 3:00 on Mondays. So, I guess I'll need to get PJ his lunch around 11:30, so I can get him down for his nap by noon or so. Then get him up at 2:00ish to go get LJ. LJ just won't have a nap on Mondays, but he only sleeps during his nap time about 3-4 days out of the week anyway, so I think he'll be fine.

1st Day of School

LJ had his first day of Kindergarten yesterday and PJ had his first day of "pre-school".

PJ is in the Beginner's Program 2 morning a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). He seems a bit more reserved and observational in his classroom than he does at home...it is interesting to see. He seemed to have a good day - it was abbreviated...only 1 hour instead of 3. The first day, the teacher has 1/2 the kids come for 1 hour and the other 1/2 for 1 hour...that way, the kids can get used to the classroom, etc. without so many of kids around. There are some structured activities and some unstructured activities. For example, the have "circle time" first thing - where they talk and share with one another...the teacher reads a book, etc. Then, they either have chapel or music (depends on the day), then outside play time, then snack, then center-time, then clean-up, then circle time again and then home...so, while I think there are themes throughout the year, I don't get the impression "formal learning" is an emphasis...thus the quotes around "pre-school". Thursday is his first full-morning.

LJ hit the ground running yesterday. He got himself and PJ dressed before they even came out of their room in the morning. He told me what he'd eat for breakfast and then, after breakfast, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, got his backpack and put on his shoes - ready to go. We took pictures at home and at school, but we haven't downloaded them yet. His class starts promptly at 8:30, so we went to his classroom first - hugged good-bye and he was off. When we came to pick him up, his class was playing outside and LJ was speeding around on a tricycle (these trikes, which RJ maintains - and they need A LOT of maintenance) are the hit of "outside time". It was H.O.T. and humid yesterday, so these kids were soaked and red-faced on the play ground. The kids went inside for their backpacks and then the teachers brought them out to sit on the benches for pick up. Of course, most of us parents were hanging out on some benches not too far away - waiting to see how the first day went. LJ's teacher brought LJ over right away - I think when you are as pregnant as I am, people tend to want you to get out of the heat! When we asked LJ about his day, he said he wasn't ready for Kindergarten...we asked why and he said, "I'm hot and I'm tired" - after some more talking - we think he was just cranky because he was "hot and tired"! His analysis of the day - he did some stuff he wanted to do and his teacher told them a bunch of things. Today, he is going to check a book out of the classroom library. I figure if he's making plans that's a good thing. We'll see what he says about today!

Tonight, LJ has religious education class from 6-7, so it'll be a busy late afternoon/evening to get dinner eaten and in bed by 8:00!

So far as #3 goes - it is just a waiting game. The only thing I really want to get accomplished before giving birth is to get to my hair appointment - which is at noon today. I have every indication that this will NOT be a problem!

And Now...

RJ and I thought the baby flipped on Saturday (due to some mild coaxing from RJ)...we just came from a "limited ultrasound" that confirms that baby is head down. Whew! Of course, the baby could flip again, but I'm just not going to worry about it. When I show up at the hospital in labor - that is when we'll discuss what options we have if the baby is breech. I figure I have plenty of room in the ol' uterus (thanks to LJ and PJ and their largess) and this baby simply has the room to move around.

Thanks for the prayers!

Breech - AUGH!

Had a routine OB visit yesterday, I'm 38-39 weeks. OB did a cervix check - still 2 cm and 0% effaced, but...

She couldn't tell if she was feeling a hand or a foot, but she knew it was a small part. Pulled in the portable ultrasound machine - double footling breech. And, the placenta is high, but in front - not in back. Last week, when I was having contractions, she did an internal exam and said she felt the head, so I guess this one flipped within the last week. The problem with footling breech appears to be that, if you go into labor and your cervix starts to dilate and thin...the foot/feet will drop out before the cervix is open enough for the rest of the baby to fit through. Plus, you don't know how the head will come out, the cord is more likely to prolapse, and I'd imagine I could likely suffer a good bit of trauma "down there" - so, it seems drs. are not interested in a vaginal delivery with a footling breech. Frankly, I'm not interested in it either.

So, according to my OB the options are 1) schedule a c-section for next week (I don't want to have a c-section) or 2) schedule a version manipulation next week and, should it work, be induced so the baby doesn't have time to flip back. Should it not work, have a c-section. Also, since my placenta is in front, it is more possible it might separate during the version and I'd need to have an emergency c-section. I'm supposed to call on Monday with our "decision".

RJ and I are thinking we'll add a third option - do the version and, if successful, go home and wait for labor to begin. If the baby flips back to breech - potentially do another version and then induce labor. Or, if the baby flips again - have the c-section if the 1st version was particularly bothersome. The OB gave the option of having an epidural for the version and then inducing, so if there is a need for a 2nd version and the 1st was bothersome, I could do the 2nd with an epidural.

We're hoping and praying the baby will flip back between now and next week. To encourage this, I've laid on the couch with my bottom/hips propped with pillows and my feet/legs over the back. This does get the baby's head to move from the top by my ribs to the left side. It is suggested to do this 3 times a day for 20 minutes each time - it does get uncomfortable rather quickly - perhaps doing it NOT right after a meal would help! I'm also going to get in the pool today and do some flips. These things seem to be helpful for women on the Internet. I'm not going to put a sack of frozen vegetables near the baby's head and shine a flashlight at the bottom of my uterus...that one seems a bit odd to me.

Girl or Boy?

Well, my labor "scare" on Thursday compelled me to do the last few things that would be more convenient to do before #3 arrives. I found the gender neutral infant clothes and, of course, with those is the boy infant clothes. So, I picked out one gender neutral outfit and one boy outfit to pack in the hospital bag. Then, for the heck of it, I dug out the girl clothes my sister gave me about 5 years ago...and picked out one little pink girl outfit to pack. This is the first time I've taken one of each outfit to the hospital...does this mean that, somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I think this one is a girl?

A Little Update

Yesterday was not fun! Around 5:00 am, I woke up with contractions. They were every 15 minutes until about 10:00 am. I was supposed to see the dr. at 2:30, but called to get fit in earlier. This is how it all started with PJ and by 2:30 pm, he was born - so...I didn't want to wait all morning. I felt TERRIBLE though - nausea and flu-like symptoms. The dr. checked me out. 2 cm, but not effaced. Baby's head is engaged though. Could be today, could be 3 weeks. The rest of the day, I sat around and felt totally useless - I just felt so badly. I got a good night of sleep last night and today, I'm back to "normal" 3rd trimester pregnancy ailments. Those were the worst and oddest Braxton Hicks I've ever had.

We got PJ totally moved into LJ's room and I'm ready to try to find the infant clothes. We have several "neutral gender" items since we've not found out with any child...but, I need to find those! RJ also needs to install the "salt to chlorine generator" for our pool. We spend a small fortune on chlorine, so this generator will be worth it!

Next week, I need to get the kids a couple of vaccines and then finish their school paperwork and find out how much we actually owe for tuition and extra things like Lunch Bunch on Thursdays and Math/Science on Mondays.

So, there are things that we need to get done - it'd be nice to keep this baby until the due date so we can have 1 week of school routine under our belts before baby joins us. But, it would also be nice to get this baby out early so that he/she can't possible weigh 10 pounds!

Sharing a Room

LJ and PJ are now sharing LJ's room! R and his brother assembled bunk beds and we put our fabulous queen-sized guest bed on loan to M and B. They have special directions to only use it as a guest bed so that it is not slept in every night...one day, we'll have room for that most-comfy bed again.

The first night went pretty well - I'm actually a bit surprised at how well it went. It was my goal to get them into sharing a room weeeellll before the school year starts so that they can figure out how to leave each other alone and go to sleep! They talked a bit last night and I did have to go sit in there for about 15 minutes to settle them down, but I left the room before they were asleep and they feel asleep soon after. LJ is on top and PJ is on bottom. They both picked out their own quilt and are both rather excited to have more floor space to play.

I was apprehensive about nap time today, but they both slept a little (PJ probably not as long as he would have normally) and they didn't get out of bed until 3:30, so I consider that all good. I have a feeling things will get a bit worse before they settle in for good. The next thing we need to tackle is getting a dresser out of the barn and moving PJ's clothes to their new shared room, but we have time for that. PJ thinks he has 2 rooms right now - one for sleeping and one for his clothes. LJ explained that he only has one room and the other room is for the baby...which caused PJ to ask me when I'm going to get the baby out of my tummy.

I only have 3 more days of summer school and then I'm through until I go back to work after my baby leave...whew! It is hot our there and I'm tired of teaching for 4 hours straight...everyday. I don't know how K-12 teachers do it.

Cleaning and Mildly Sick Kids

I think I have a cleaning routine down. The key to this working is not to let the clutter get out of control. This means making sure the kids aren't going nuts getting toys out AND that they put them away at regular intervals. They don't seem to mind putting them away when the task isn't so overwhelming. Also, I put stuff away a couple of times a day (it takes like 10 minutes each time) and that keeps things under control. Keeping the clutter down then allows me to do 1 hour of house work a day...

In each of these areas, I clean surfaces, vacuum and steam the floor...meaning thoroughly...I move furniture that can be moved, etc.

Mondays - Kitchen and LJ's Room (and grocery store)
Tuesdays - Dining Room and PJ's Room
Wednesdays - Living Room and Computer Desk
Thursdays - Bathroom and Hallway (and Target)
Fridays - Our Bedroom
Saturdays - Vacuum house (without moving furniture...just to knock back the dirt/dust)
Sundays - No Cleaning

I do laundry on Wednesdays and Sundays. That's it. Unless there is something that is really needed. I fold laundry while I watch tv. As in, kids be gone!

I plan to do an extra 15 minutes a day for a week in each of these areas (ala Fly Lady) - so this week my extra 15 minutes is in the kitchen (not that this is where The Fly Lady is working...that is just where I decided to start). Yesterday, I cleaned the stove top...took off the grates, knobs, etc. and washed it all down. I have a clean stove top! I also cleaned off the window sill. Today, I'm going to clean the toaster oven.

LJ had a slight fever for a couple of days over the weekend...so he did a lot of "playing" camping and nap time. Yesterday, PJ had the fever. He refused to take Tylenol, so he is suffering needlessly. It does keep him listless and out of trouble though. Silver lining?!

I had my 30 week appointment yesterday. Nothing unusual. I do not have gestational diabetes. Blood pressure 124/70. I am measuring fine. Baby is moving. Heartbeat is strong. See the dr. again in 3 weeks. My feet and legs are frequently aching, I am generally unable to get a good breath and I'm getting pooped quickly, but all to be expected.

Tomorrow, I start summer school - 4 hours of teaching every morning until July 23rd. Should be interesting. Plus, I imagine this will have some impact on my ability to keep to my cleaning schedule.

I Will Never Catch Up!

I'm quite confident I will never catch up on all the happenings of the Js, so I'm going to stop thinking that I will.

The Pennsylvania newsletter is not going to happen. I'll try, but I can't promise anything or give ETA. A recap of our trip to the beach is not going to happen. Once again, I'll try, but I've already forgotten what happened on which day. At least with the PA trip, I made notes - with the beach...on the car ride home - all the days were already a blur! As usual, we have plenty of pictures and video of all, so there is still hope.

Upon arrival home, we were delighted that B had safely arrived from Hong Kong, but pretty quickly events transpired such that M is also home from Hong Kong and I have a new great nephew! He came about 6 weeks earlier than expected and will spend some time in the hospital catching up on the growing he needs to do, but otherwise, everyone appears to be in good health. This just goes to show that plans don't always work the way we think they will! In an effort to help them all out, RJ has assumed some "general contractor" duties and is trying to match the work M&B want/need done to their fixer-uper with the people to do the work.

LJ went to a week of camp at his school - 9:00 - noon, M-F last week and had a very good time. His "best friend" from his class was there and that gave them an extra week to play together. Now, LJ and PJ are adjusting to being home together all day...and how to negotiate playing with each other in a nice way.

I have been teaching a new course for UofP - focused on grammar. Just because I have a graduate degree in English does not mean that I know grammar! I do happen to have a decent grasp on grammar terms and diagramming sentences is a favorite of mine (although the students do not have to diagram sentences...if they did, their heads would explode)...diagramming sentences pretty much forces you to understand grammar terminology. BTW - I don't consider this blog to require strict grammar adherence. The simple fact that this is a new course dictates that it takes more of my time, so I've been busy with that. The class is really on about a 5th grade level, so the material isn't difficult for me, but I've learned to modify ALL assignments to remove any directions for the students to write their own sentences. When they write their own sentences - things get crazy! It is somewhat amusing to read posts where students talk about how bad sentence fragments are...when they are not writing complete sentences.

I am going to Denver to lend whatever help and support I can to my dear friend C - before I am no longer fit for travel. After that, RJ and I are going to my 20th High School Reunion. Then, I teach 2nd Summer Session. Once that is over, we progress toward the beginning of the Fall semester...LJ will be in Kindergarten and PJ is going to go to pre-school 2 days a week...and I'll be having baby #3. I have a feeling it is all going to move very quickly.

I am generally feeling well. I haven't been sick since May 1. I am experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain - sometimes it is VERY painful. With PJ, I had trouble with my "pubic symphysis"...I felt as though my pubic bone had been hit with a baseball bat. With this little one, I am having trouble with my "sacroiliac joints". I frequently express that "my right bottom hurts" or "my left bottom hurts". Usually, it hurts, but is not debilitating. Earlier this week, it was debilitating. My "left bottom" was so painful I could not lay on it and my left leg was feeling generally weak. I seriously rated it an 8 on the 1-10 pain scale. It was hurting more than my broken wrist hurt - and for longer. I started to wonder if I had fractured my hip and didn't know it. After about 2 hours of trying to sleep and being in such pain, I took some Tylenol and that really did help. I figure, if I see my dr. and tell her Tylenol helps, she'll tell me to take Tylenol, so I'm not going to make a special appointment. I got a support belt to help align my pelvic bone and support my baby belly and I treated myself to a special body pillow to put between my knees and under my belly when I sleep. This combination has allowed me to avoid the 8 pain. When I bought the pillow, I told the check out lady, "My husband will comment about this pillow. He won't be upset, but he will make a comment!" - and, RJ did...you know the "we need another pillow?" kind of comment. I just reminded him about all that he has in his barn and we left it at that!

Off to the grocery store...

End-of-School

I will attempt to do a catch-up here!

Wednesday, May 19th

RJ spent the entire day with LJ at school. They had some tricycles to return. RJ has been the tricycle repair man - these kids are tough on the trikes! Apparently, this job is much appreciated by all. He even got a mention in LJ's teacher's end-of-the year letter. It seems that, when the tricycles are out of commission, the kids are crazy during outside time, so the teachers prefer the tricycles to be in good working order.

RJ had been feeling as though he had missed out on knowing what is going on when LJ is at school, so he decided to spend the morning. I believe he has written a post about this, so I'll let him give his report.

After school, we all went out to lunch and then home for a typical afternoon of naps, playing, snacks and swimming.

Thursday, May 20

RJ went to work and I started packing for our trip to the beach. At 10:00, I went to my spray-tan appointment! The week before, I had been at my hair salon for my usual procedures and a lady emerged from the back with her recently applied spray-tan. So, I asked some questions and saw the results and decided that I would be happier going to the beach (as a pregnant lady) with golden skin. The spraying was no problem, but I needed to wait 8 hours before showering so that it could all set-in. This was annoying. I spent the day in my swimsuit cover-up, doing laundry, gathering supplies, and packing, so I didn't need to go out. But, I was kind of sticky most of the day...and just generally uncomfortable.

RJ came home from work and decided to check out the rear brake pads on the Tahoe. So, he did some car repairs before LJ informed us that his Crocs are just too small and he needs new ones. I showered (a glorious shower that involved the rinsing off of the "guide line" - which is brown) and we went out for Crocs, car parts, and dinner.

Friday, May 21

RJ took LJ to his last day of pre-school! I finished the last minute packing and getting the house ready for our departure. Upon his return from dropping LJ at school, RJ did his last car preparations and packing. Around 10:30, RJ, PJ and I left the house for our attendance at LJ's end-of-year school party and then straight on the road for the beach.

LJ's party appeared to be lots of fun! They made home-made ice cream and played in a "water contraption" made of PVC pipe. PJ enjoyed playing on the playground and I visited with the other moms...where I was informed that they have 1 opening in the 3-year-olds MWF and 1 opening in the 3-year-olds TR class next fall. RJ hadn't even thought about PJ attending pre-school at age 3, but we were about to spend the next 3 days considering it! The head-of-school told us we could call on Monday to let her know - after that, she needed to start calling people on the waiting list (since we have a sibling at this school already - we get out ahead of people without siblings at the school).

After pictures and "see you laters", we headed to pick up Jfer and then to our destination in Louisiana.

Our car ride was rather uneventful...full of stops and SHHHs and treat bags with trains and snacks...until Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is where we take I-12 North instead of I-10 South (to New Orleans). Our hotel for the night is on I-12, right before it joins back with I-10. Well, as we are speeding by on the Interstate, we are seeing signs (temporary - signs that are digital and what they say can be changed) that say something about I-12 being closed and to take I-1o as a detour...and something about 30 miles. It is hard to read at 70 mph...surrounded by traffic and looking for the I-12 exit. But, I can tell you that having to go down to New Orleans would be one heck of an out-of-the way detour. So, we pull over, look at LDOT and it seems there is an overturned truck about 30 minutes up I-12 and the road is closed. We look at the map and decide to go on 12 until right before the closure and then go across on a smaller road. When we exit 12, we figure there will be a place to eat dinner.

Our choices were Subway and Wayne's Bar-B-Q. We chose the local-flavor of Wayne's and, while the food wasn't very good, we talked to a local guy who told us what road to use...it would be less crowded and quicker. So, Wayne's was worth it for the information. We got to our hotel and went straight to bed. I slept with PJ (BIG mistake...I guess I'm like a magnet for him as his slept ON me) and RJ slept with LJ...who snored loudly...his nose was stopped up. Jfer slept on the pull out couch. The people upstairs either had children who ran across the floor for 45 minutes at 10:30 or were square-dancing. As you can gather, we did not sleep well!

MMRs, Birthday Parties and Jellybeans

We took both kids to the dr. for a well visit and their next vaccination. I took LJ on Monday. He is due for his 2nd MMR, 2nd Varicella, and last DTaP and Polio. We only did the MMR and will do the Vacricalla and the combo DTap/Polio at the end of the summer. This is in accordance with our spacing the vaccines to keep the level of aluminum and other "extra" substances to a "more acceptable level". So, you can see, by the time he enters Kindergarten, he'll have all of the vaccines he's supposed to have...just not at such an accelerated rate.

He actually cried about the shot, but got a lollipop in the end, so all was good.

RJ took PJ on Friday. He got his 1st MMR. According to RJ, PJ did not cry and he got a Thomas sticker, so he was happy. PJ spent the morning saying, "I'm ready to go get my shot now!" - so I guess he was truly ready!

LJ has a birthday party to go to...at 2:00pm ON MOTHER'S DAY! Who does this? Well, I can tell you who, but I won't. First of all, is our 5 year old the last 5 year old on earth who still takes an afternoon nap? It would seem so if I take the typical birthday party time as any indication. Sure, he doesn't always sleep, but LJ goes to his room and lays on his bed for 2 hours every afternoon that we are home. Second of all, Mother's Day? I think you get my point. So, today, LJ and I need to buy a birthday gift for this child. The volume of gifts that I see piled up at these parties strengthens my resolve not to have a birthday party where we invite his classmates.

I don't know about you, but we still have most of the Easter candy in our house. We, the J parents, didn't even do much candy, but somehow, we accumulated a ton of it. I labeled a Ziploc bag with each child's name on it (have to keep the candy separated!) and I dug the jellybeans out and put them in a bowl. PJ knows this bowl exists and, for every 1 time he asks if he can have a jellybean, it appears there are about 10 times that he just helps himself without asking! I'm to the point where I don't care anymore...the sooner they are gone, the better.

Trips, Birthdays, Cookie Contests, Etc.

It has been a rather busy time for the Js. At the end of April we went on a "big" trip to Pennsylvania and New York. This was the boys' first time on an airplane and they were excited. We had a terrific time - although we slept very little. I am working on a newsletter-style highlight that includes a few pictures...I'll e-mail it to anyone who wants it when I'm finished, so if you want it, let me know! To help you decide, highlights include: Steam train ride, PJ's birthday (in NYC), and NYC. I don't see how you could *NOT* want to receive the newsletter, but I realize I might be biased. Do you realize that I'm using you to try to prod me to actually finish this newsletter????

Immediately following our return from Pennsylvania, we were slated to get in the car and drive 6 hours (one-way) to the wedding of my cousin's daughter. The kids were on so little sleep that dark circles were appearing under their eyes and RJ was exhausted too. So, we decided that Mom and I would fly to the wedding and spend one night while RJ stayed home with the boys. It was Cookie Contest weekend and we were a bit bummed to have to miss it anyway. Plus, there was some super-fantastic "tool auction" that RJ wanted to attend (and, according to the credit card statement - did buy some super-fantastic tools). This plan sounded good all the way around. This plan also allowed me and RJ to have dinner with my friends Chrissy, Katherine, and Johanna on Friday night...of course, we didn't get home until 11:00 pm and our flight left at 7:10 am. Once again, little sleep.

I woke on Saturday not feeling just right, but I figured I was just tired. Mom and I got to our destination with no problems, upgraded our rental to a Cadillac (this is what happens when I think that we "deserve" a nice reward!), and found our hotel. Seeing as how it was only 10:45 am, I figured that actually checking in was not likely. Turns out I was correct. In fact, "there will be NO rooms available until 3:00." I did not like this. I was tired and still not feeling quite right.

Mom and I ate a snack at Panera Bread and decided to drive our Cadillac to the church and reception to make sure we had good directions. Then, we sat in the hotel lobby and tried to eye ball the receptionist...you know, make her feel uncomfortable and all. She told anyone else who tried to check-in the same thing though. At 1:00, we met a friend of mine from my mommy message board for lunch. I wasn't too hungry, but we had a nice visit. Upon return to the hotel, we were able to check-in. Once in the room, we rested and got ready for the wedding.

The wedding was nice - a bit traditional and non-traditional...very humorous. It was hot in the church, but it was all very nice. The reception location was nice as well. We visited with R & K and our cousin, but I was seriously not feeling well. In fact, in short-order, I was the lady in the first stall hurling my lunch. Nice. I left the reception (and Mom to be returned to the hotel by R & K on their way out of town) and hoped this was a one-time deal. Alas, it was not. Finally, around 11:00 pm - with thoughts about the plane ride home in fewer than 12 hours lurking in the depths of my mind and no end to the sickness in sight...I called the answering service for my doctor. I found a 24 hour CVS and begged the on-call doctor to call me some Phenergan suppositories. He expressed concern of possible dehydration, but I convinced him that I am a professional, so he obliged. With the hotel ice bucket and directions in hand, I headed out (in the Cadillac) to the CVS, which for all I know - is located in a not-so-good part of town. I made it without incident, used the ice bucket while waiting in the drive-thru, and made it back to the hotel. I was in bed and relieved of my need to visit the bathroom by 1:00 am.

I spent the next day feeling as though I had been drugged - Phenergan does this, but it beats the alternative. Mom and I made it home without incident. I slept most of the rest of the day and night.

Mom says she had a nice time at the wedding reception. I, however, did not enjoy this trip.

While I was gone - LJ won his age-bracket and is, once again, the Cookie King! PJ was in the same age-bracket as LJ this year, but he only ate 1 cookie and LJ ate 3.

Monday

Sunday, PJ woke without a fever and it slowly rose to 100 by the end of the day. LJ woke with 101 and had 103.6 upon waking from his nap. Tylenol got it down to 100.

RJ got home around 5:00 yesterday and was really nice about jumping right in and letting me have a break. I ordered Pei Wei take-out and went all.by.myself to pick it up. I took VeggieTales right out of that CD player and blasted Saturday Night (Elton John - I know, I'm a REBEL) in the car. Asian Chopped Chicken Salad hit the spot.

RJ gave me a debrief of the conference and the kids went to bed. We watched Survivor on the DVR and then went to bed too. Once again, there were about 5 calls in the night from the children, but we all survived.

This morning, PJ was fever-free and LJ had 101. I went to work and the grocery store and came home. We had lunch and the kids went down for naps. Upon waking, PJ is still fever-free...and his nose has not been running today. LJ has 99, but he had some Tylenol at lunch, so we'll see what progresses today. During naps I worked on receipts for health savings account reimbursement and paid various odd bills.

I'm still praying I don't get the flu!

This Should Catch Us Up

At the end of March, we went to SA for the night to eat dinner and have a play date with Chrissy and family. That was fun and a welcome change from being home and being sick! The next day, RJ left for a conference in New Orleans. We put him on the plane and once the plane took off...LJ and PJ both started crying. So, I soothed them by occupying our minds with planning a Welcome Home party for when Daddy returns. LJ thought this little party should have a Batman theme. This is interesting considering he had just told me (a few days earlier) that he (LJ) would like a Batman theme for his birthday...considering it was March, he sure talked about his birthday a lot. We survived our 3 nights without him, but we all missed him very much. MawMaw came over to stay with PJ on Monday and Wednesday while LJ went to school and I went to work. I'm not sure what happened on Monday, but when I got home, PJ was in his room and crying. I asked him what was the matter and he said, "MawMaw pank me" - ha!

Sunday, April 4 - Easter
At church, PJ was being very quite and studiously looking at the missalette...there was a responsorial Psalm on the page and he ran his fingers over the notes and seemed very interested. Right as I was thinking, "hmm, maybe PJ will be musically inclined", he held it up to his face and stuck out his tongue and licked the page. Sooo...I retracted my thoughts about his possible musical inclination. What possesses a child to lick the thin page of a missalette???

After church, we came home for our Easter Egg Hunt and then headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for the afternoon - which included lunch and another Easter Egg Hunt.

Tuesday, April 6
18 weeks 1 day - threw up last night, threw up this morning. I had been battling a headache all day. I slept horribly the night before. Most days I'm feeling pretty good, but I'm still having about 1-2 days out of the week that are NOT what I'd expect from 18 weeks.

It is unfortunate that I was out of sorts that day as I was one of the hostesses for LJ's class Easter party Wednesday. I was in charge of snacks. So, I needed to make cupcakes. But, I didn't.

Thursday, April 8
Thankfully, I felt better Wednesday, so I got up at 7:00 to make the cupcakes for the pre-school party. PJ was not feeling well and had a fever of 102. I gave him some Tylenol and while the cupcakes were cooling I went to the store for strawberries, bananas, milk and paper goods. PJ watched TV while I decorated the cupcakes. RJ came back from dropping LJ off at school and cut up strawberries. I had just enough time to put on some makeup before the babysitter arrived and I left for pre-school and RJ left to teach my class.

The Easter party was mass chaos, but I suppose that was to be expected. I think things took longer than the teacher desired and she seemed a bit out of sorts the entire time. LJ was excited I was at school and was very helpful in helping me put the snacks out.I ran home to pick up PJ because the babysitter had to meet her grandparents for lunch...ran back to school to pick up LJ...PJ fell asleep in the car - he was still not feeling well. We got home, I took PJ's temperature - 103. Called the dr. and made an appointment for 3:00 - RJ and I were to leave for a conference where we are on the planning committee, so this illness is not cool for many reasons.

I have to take both kids to the dr. because RJ is at a meeting for this conference. PJ has no ear or throat problems, so the dr. swabs his nose to do the rapid flu test...while it is late in the season, they have had a few cases in the past weeks. Test is positive - of course.

So, PJ has the flu. Since the fever is less than 24 hours old, she prescribes Tamiflu. I pick up the prescription and come home to call my OB...since I've been exposed to the flu. She prescribes a preventative course of Tamiflu for me and I go pick that up. Meanwhile, RJ is calling the babysitter to tell her PJ has the flu - she's had her flu shot, so she's not too worried. The babysitters for this weekend - 1 has had the shot (Jfer) and 1 has not (Bek). This is just going all down the tubes.

RJ has to go back up to work, but he makes the kids some dinner. Oh -rewind...PJ throws up 2x...that is lovely. Then, I throw up. As RJ is leaving for work, I throw up again. PJ has already asked to go to bed, so he is in bed. LJ is still up and, as I'm laying on the couch, I have to throw up again. I go ahead and use a phenergan suppository. Throw up one more time - that makes 4 times in 2 hours - and get LJ to bed. I go to be myself...feel like I might be able to fall asleep before throwing up...and PJ needs my attention. Finally - we are all in bed and it is quiet.

Thursday morning, I get up - not sure how the day will go - I'm deathly afraid I'm going to get the flu. Take PJ's temp - 102...I give him Tylenol - he's supposed to get Tamiflu 2x a day, but he will NOT take it. He will have nothing to do with it. We mix it with juice...nope. He wants milk - we mix it with milk - nope. He wants yogurt - mix it with that - nope. Now, this poor kid is sick is asking for a few drinks and some food and we are ruining it all for him with this Tamiflu. I'm willing to scrap it - it isn't a cure or anything - it just lessons symptoms and length of symptoms, but RJ keeps trying. We've wasted several doses by now, so we won't even be able to give it to him all the time he's supposed to have it.

So, now, I am staying home from the conference because I have fewer responsibilities than RJ. Obviously, a pregnant lady is not the best choice to stay home with the flu child, but it is the choice we have to make. I was not looking forward to taking the Tamiflu again - I'm pretty sure it is what made me throw up.

Saturday, April 10
Yesterday, Paul asked to go to bed several different times. He was in bed for the night at 6:30. And, as I sat on the couch with LJ I noticed that he felt hot. I broke our thermometer the other day, so I called my mom to go buy one and bring it over. 102.3. Terrific.

Last night was one of little sleep for me - mostly because every-so-often a child would go to the bathroom, cough, want a drink, want to tell me they don't feel well, etc. But, no catastrophes.

This morning - PJ finally has no fever!!!! I won't be surprised if one creeps in as the day goes by. LJ's is 100. I seem to remember fever is lowest in the morning?! Maybe I'm making that up. I'm trying to decide if I should take LJ to the dr. this morning - they are open from 8:30 - noon. I figure I'd better since tomorrow is Sunday and my health care options are limited and more expensive.

Took LJ in - he tested 'faint positive' for the flu. So far, his fever has not been as high as PJ's was. The dr. said that, once PJis fever-free, he shouldn't get a fever again, so if he does - to bring him in. This afternoon - he's had 100, but I'm thinking it is still flu-related and not going to be concerned...it is lower than the past 3 days. I am confused as all get out about taking the Tamiflu. Google it and you'll see why. I've taken 3 of the 10 doses, but today, at the dr. she said, "your OB approved you for Tamiflu?" - which got me all flummoxed again. I talked to RJ and we agreed that, we know what we are looking for here...fever. If I get a fever, I'll go to the dr. ASAP, get the rapid flu test done and, if positive, take the Tamiflu. I won't sit with the fever for a couple of days thinking it is a bug...I'll know it is likely the flu. So, I'm not going to take anymore. When you are pregnant - the internet is an evil place of doubt.

I gave LJ some Tylenol and sent him to lay down for a nap. An hour later, he is up and his fever is gone. I'm sure it'll come back, but now he thinks he is "all better" (he has yet to admit he is sick or doesn't feel well) and wants to play. Honestly, it is easier when they are fever-ridden and lay listless on the couch and watch TV...it almost makes me not want to give them the Tylenol. Besides a lower fever - PJ's main issue is that his nose is running like a faucet.

And this, Dear Reader, catches you up to current time!

Potty Training and What Followed

PJ didn't take to it as quickly as LJ did. It got better everyday, but the training isn't considered over until he takes himself to the potty without being reminded. This didn't happen on day 1 (as it did with LJ) or even week 1. I think he wasn't associating the feeling with the pee pee. But, he did get better every day and now you can get away without telling him to go potty every 30 minutes. He is sleeping in a Pull-Up though...the first few nights, we did not do a pull up...and we had to change sheets and pjs quite a few times. Around night 3, we put a pull up over his underwear and he said, "Oh good, now I can pee pee in my pull up" - so, you can see that he would really rather not be bothered to have to go to the potty! Now, he'll yell, "I've gotta go pee pee" and we tell him to go ahead and go...and accidents are few and far between.

Sunday, March 14th (the first weekend of Spring Break) was a bomb. Around 12:30 - as I sat down to lunch, my head started throbbing and I felt like I was going to throw up. Which I did. And then my head throbbed and I threw up every 20-30 minutes until 9:00pm when I asked RJ to call MawMaw to come watch the kids so he could take me to urgent care. Things were getting worse - not better. So, we did that. I threw up in a bucket in the car on the way there...poor RJ. Of course, by that point, I had been dry heaving and throwing up only stomach acid for about 3 hours, so it wasn't sooo bad.

They did all of their assessments and gave me a shot of phenergin. My head was still pounding, but I wasn't writhing in discomfort about to hurl any more. We got home about 11:00 and I went straight to bed. RJ went to the pharmacy to pick up the phenergin suppositories I was prescribed and didn't get to bed until about 1:00.

Monday, I was in bed and eating small bits of jello and toast and water. I kept burping, but did not throw up. I had a headache and felt rather weak. I called my OB just to let her know what is going on. I think it was a stomach bug. This happened 3x with PJ and lasted 3 days each time. I was not looking forward to 3 days of this, so I went to beg for a shot! Of course, the dr. at the hospital diagnosed me with hyperemesis gravidarum, but I'm thinking that it would have manifested itself before 15 weeks - right? It would sooo not be pleasant to have that, so I was going with a stomach bug.

Around 6:30, I started to throw up again - I guess the shot wore off. After a couple of bouts of that, I relented and asked for the suppository. I wasn't looking forward to that, but I was miserable. RJ was wearing thin...he was with the kids all day...as a reminder, they are 5 and almost 3...PJ was having to be reminded to sit on the potty every 20 minutes...this is not how RJ thought he'd be spending his days off...etc. Eventually I felt better and went to sleep.

Tuesday, was fine and I was feeling better, but was producing tons of stomach acid.

Spring Break was pretty much a bust...I feel badly for RJ who took the week off to get some things done and instead had to play every role the family needed.

More on the weeks following Spring Break to the present to come...

It Has Been Crazy

I know I left you all hanging with how PJ's potty training went...that is because 2 short days later, I came down with a stomach bug. And...things have been crazy ever since. I'll try hard to make it a priority to write a nice newsy update over the weekend. I won't be going to the teaching conference for which RJ and I are on the planning committee...because PJ has the flu. Where he picked up the flu? I don't know, but a rapid flu test confirmed the diagnosis. If I don't come down with the flu, I should have some time to update this weekend.

Potty Training PJ

Today, while LJ is at school and I am at work - RJ is teaching PJ how to use the potty.

As you may recall, LJ had great success with Toilet Training in Less Than a Day and that is the method RJ is using with P today. I bought the snacks, drinks, stickers, and prizes last weekend. I have already received the joyful call from PJ telling me that he pee-peed on the potty, so I know there is success.

Now, RJ will have to take the front off of PJ's crib...actually, his crib converts to a bed...so that PJ can get up and go whenever he need to do so.

We have the week of Spring Break ahead of us for any accidents (LJ had about 3 or 4 the week following training day). PJ used his last diaper last night, so we are diaper free!

Presenting...

Momma Snowman:

It started snowing yesterday around 1:00 pm and snowed pretty hard until about 5:00 pm. The boys (including RJ) built this, their first snowman. The kids call "her" - "Momma". She is still out there...despite sun and a high of 50. She is thinner now, but every time we leave or come home the kids shout "Bye Momma" or "Hi Momma".

Seems Like this is All About LJ

Chuck E. Cheese's was not so bad. It was a weekday and at 5:00, so it was relatively uncrowded. By the time the crowds showed up, the birthday party kids were eating and anxiously awaiting Chuck's appearance. LJ had a great time, so it was worth it - I suppose.

LJ's school is having a fund raiser. I loathe fund raisers. You know, I should really *like* fund raisers...as a way of having money other than through taxes, but...since we already pay tuition at this school...a fund raiser is just a chore. Thus far, I have taken the attitude that I will donate money rather than time...I'm too lazy and too tired to clean up or set up or man a booth or head a committee...so, they get donations that involve buying something or another. The theme is Children Mean the World to Us and it is an "International Dinner"...so one might bring food that represents their cultural roots. No, I'm not making food. There is also a silent auction. Each class is putting together a basket for the silent auction. LJ's class theme is "All American Dinner", so I bought a gift card from Omaha Steaks. Of course, Omaha Steaks is always having a "fire sale" - you know...really slashing prices. I don't know who ever buys anything for regular price...they are the TJ Maxx of beef. While purchasing the gift card, I ordered some food. Then, I had to find room in the freezer for this food...that was no easy task!

We also had a teacher conference with LJ's teacher after school Friday (scheduled - she does this with everyone in the Spring). She says she has nothing she is concerned about with LJ...which is good because I hope she would have told us by now if she did! He is very happy and joyful. At the first of the school year, he seemed to be so excited he wouldn't do any one thing for very long, but now he will stay focused on an activity for longer...now that he is acclimated. He seems very social - knows everyone's names and he tells people things like, "that is a nice picture you drew" or "I really like this tower you made" - and she says that isn't very usual for kids at this age. I have no idea if this is usual or not. A new boy started school in January and she said that LJ has been very nice to Peyton - playing with him and showing him where things are, etc. All good - I just want my kids to me nice.

Later today, we are headed to the craft store for some supplies. LJ has a Valentine's party at school next week, so we need to make some valentines. I know we could just buy the store bought kind, but this gives us something to do together. I'm sure the first 2 will be fun - the other 14 will probably become a chore and I'll have to cajole LJ into finishing them. I figure, if we can start tomorrow, we can do 2-3 a day and be ready to take them to school on the 15th. Of course, this means I have to commit to 2-3 a day myself.

Working on Reading

A mommy on my message board introduced me to Progressive Phonics...this website is amazing! Even though LJ knows his letters and pretty much what sounds they make, I printed off the first book in the Alphabet section. We read it before his nap today - and he had a great time making the letters with his hands and being able to read 2 words on each page. After his nap, we're going to practice writing the letters...trust me, he could use the practice. I have high hopes for success with this! The only problem we have is - he likes "Electric Company" and that show often focuses on rules and exceptions to phonics. He is having trouble with "g" being "guh" because there is a song on "Electric Company" about how "g" can make the "juh" sound...so he keeps saying "dodge" instead of "dog". We're working on it though!

Papers and Parties

We are back in the swing of things. LJ is all better and none of the rest of us caught his illness. He didn't miss any school, so that is good.

About school - I suppose this is no shock to anyone who has kids in school, but they send home a lot of papers! There is always something I'm supposed to volunteer for, or something they are putting together that I'm supposed to gather items for, or some form I'm supposed to fill out and return. It is exhausting! I actually like the days that RJ picks him up because these papers usually stay in the car and I can remain blissfully unaware of their existence.

LJ has been invited to a birthday party - at Chuck E. Cheese's. He is so excited because we have *never* taken him to Chuck E. Cheese's. CiCi's Pizza is the most I can handle. The question is - do you leave your 5 year old at a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's and come back later and pick him up? Because, I don't think I'm going to do that. I think I'm going to hang out at Chuck E. Cheese's while he is there. Trust me, I don't want to be there, but I don't think I am going to leave a 5 year old in the care of someone else (who is also watching 15 other kids) at public place. What in the world does a 5 year old girl want for her birthday??? Suggestions are appreciated.

LJ is Sick

This next-to-never happens - LJ seems to be made of steel...he is truly never sick...especially compared to PJ who is sick every-other week. But, alas, LJ met his match. He had about 102 fever yesterday and his "tongue hurts". I translate that to mean his throat hurts. He laid around most of the day yesterday and then, after sun down, he seemed to deteriorate. He even had a sleep walking episode last night.

Today, his fever has been hovering around 99 and, while his "tongue" still hurts, he seems to be feeling better. If I discount the green gook coming from his left eye - he looks normal. I'm debating about this green gook. His eye is not pink or red, so could he still have "Pink Eye"? I have some drops from when I had Pink Eye, but should I put them in his eye when Pink Eye has not been diagnosed? I just don't like these cooties around! I've banned LJ and PJ from playing together (this will likely work for about 30 minutes). I've lectured LJ to wash his hands all the time. I haven't noticed LJ rubbing his eye. I guess I'll let it ride until to tomorrow and call the doctor if things don't improve.

LJ is most saddened by the fact that, due to his illness, we did not get to accompany RJ to Grandma and Grandpa's house. What was going to be an overnight trip became a day trip for RJ only.

I'm hoping none of us get this illness...if we do, that'll put us being ill right at...the first week of school - lovely.