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One Month Old

Chase is now one month old (a week ago)!  He weighs about 10.5 lbs., wears size 1 diapers, and is completely out of Newborn clothes and in 0-3 month clothing.  He eats every 2-2.5 hours, and is good about going right back to sleep after his midnight feedings.  He is much more alert during the day, and is a pretty calm baby!

With his giraffe from Blake at about 1 week and 1 month!

Chase's Birth Story

After a long, tiring pregnancy, I was induced on Oct. 19, 2011 at 39 weeks, 4 days.  I was pregnant one week longer than I was with Blake.

I had been measuring big from early on, so we expected a big baby.  At 36 weeks, Chase measured 7 lbs., but the doctor said he was closer to 8 1/2, so we scheduled induction.  I was 3 cm dilated then, so we were both sure he would come before then.

The last few weeks were exhausting.  I was so achy, tired, but couldn't sleep more than 4 hours at a time.  I was just ready to be finished being pregnant.

We got to the hospital at 5:45 on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and waited.  The nurses had it written down that I would be there at 7:30, so they waited until shift change to start anything.  About 7 my nurse came in and tried to start the IV.  After poking for 10 minutes, we switched hands and got it in right away.  We started pitocin at 8, and the doctor came in about 8:30.  She checked me and I was still 3 cm, 30% effaced, so it was a waiting game.  Contractions started, very inconsistently, and at 1 the doctor came in to check me again and break my water.  The contractions started picking up.  By 2, I was ready for the epidural.  Dr. Craig came in and gave me the epidural, and things were good to go by 2:35.  I tried to rest, but Blake got to the hospital about 3:15, so no rest for me!  I visited with Blake, but had to ask them all to leave at 4 because I was having super duper pressure, and needed a booster to the epidural.  I got that and just hung out for a little.  The pressure became stronger, and at about 5, the doctor came in to check me again.  I was fully dilated and we did a practice push. My doctor asked me to wait for her to come back to push again since she had 2 other patients ready to deliver at the same time!  We waited while they got every thing set up and at 5:15 she came back in.  We did 3 sets of 3 pushes, and Chase was here!  He weighed 7 lbs. 10.8 oz, and was measured 22" long.  He was a lot smaller than we thought, but is absolutely perfect.

He is an exact copy of Blake at birth.


Chase




Blake

Things are going perfect, and I am really enjoying being home with my boys!

L&D visit #1

Friday night, I went to bed late--after 11.  I woke up at 12:45 when Joe came to bed, and then I couldn't go back to sleep.  I was having contractions fairly regularly, so I got up at 3:30 to start timing.  I timed contractions from 3:30 until about 5, took a bath, timed them again until 6:30, and finally called the doctor at 7ish.  I was contracting every 5 minutes with them lasting about a minute long.  I thought it was time!  We took Blake to Joe's mom, and headed to the hospital.  I got hooked up to the monitors, and the nurse with the biggest hands in the county checked me.  I was still 3 cm, so we started walking.  We walked the halls for an hour and got hooked up again to the monitors.  I was contracting every 3 minutes and they were pretty strong.  Not strong enough though.  She-man checked me again, and I was still at 3 cm.  I got sent home with a prescription for sleeping pills.  Joe and I ran some errands, bought the last few things I wanted and got home about 3.  We were both asleep by 4, and slept until 9 a.m.  It was nice to rest that long, but I was super groggy yesterday.  

No real contractions yesterday, and nothing today to speak of.  I am crampy today though, and my pelvis is super sore.  I went on 2 long walks in hopes to encourage this little guy to move on out.  Since I was induced with Blake, I don't know how it starts, or what a natural contraction feels like.  Keep your fingers crossed that he comes sooner, rather than later!

Maternity Leave

I have begun my maternity leave. No, I am not due yet, but I really couldn't be fully functional at work anymore. My hips have been so sore, I was having tons of contractions, and to top it off, a C.R.A.Z.Y. parent screamed at me last week in the classroom because I asked her to get a tardy slip when they were 15 minutes late. Really??? Anyway, I am home now, and relaxing....or so I am supposed to be.

There's so much that needs to be done (not really) and I have been trying to chip away at it.

Yesterday I had an ultrasound, and our nameless baby weighs 7 lbs.

I am dilated to 3 cm and not effaced at all. He is still pretty high, and I have tons of fluid, just like with Blake. I started my walking routine this morning. I really don't know how far I went, but I was out of the house for 35 minutes. I was cramping a bit during the walk, and hope this means it's making him more ready to come.

We have a tenative induction scheduled for Oct. 19 (not soon enough) but hopefully he will come before then! We'll see!!

Why I love Kindergarten

Some times I forget that 5 & 6 year olds take things literally. Today I laughed at something one of my babies said.

We were on the playground and someone had brought the un-mentionable to school. GUM. Yep, gum. Whoa! Serious offense. It was a kiddo in the other Kinder class. Another student came to me and said that Ed* was chewing some of that gum that Peter* had and then he swallowed it.

I called Ed over and said, "A little birdie came to me and said that you were chewing some of Peter's gum and swallowed it. Is that true?"

Ed looked at me like I had 2 heads and said, "What? A bird was talkin' to you?"

I almost fell off the chair I wasn't supposed to be sitting in! Hilarious! He has no concept that I was talking about gum. I love my babies!

Today I registered Blake for Kindergarten at our neighborhood campus. It was late, and at dismissal, so I rushed a little but we got everything filled out and he's all set for Kinder at Fuentes!

10 weeks

I turned 10 weeks on Saturday. Only 30 to go! I am already starting to show, well, not starting, I am. No hiding it now!

We went to the doctor on Tuesday to have an ultrasound, and saw the baby moving all around. It was awesome and I was so excited to be able to share with Blake.

Today at school, I had the kids guess what I had growing in me that would need the doctor to check. I got bones, healthy food, carrots, flowers, a bean stalk, and a dragon. I told them they would find out at the end of the day, and I would share a picture of it. At the end of the day, I put the ultrasound picture up on the projector and one kiddo yelled out, "What!!! You have a rock growing in you?" The other kids kind of giggled and then said, "No, silly, it's a baby." I pointed out the body parts and they were excited. I am excited to share it with them. I contemplated waiting until someone noticed, but I know 5 year olds pretty well, and I don't think anyone would have guessed it. I did get some questions about how the baby got in there, and how it was going to come out. Anytime I get those type of questions, my response is, "Talk to your mom".

I have been feeling pretty good this week. Just tired, but I know its just my body telling me to relax! I had an emotionally stressful job with Blake, and this one is emotional and physically stressful. I have been coming home early, but Some days I can't...like today. I was at school until 4:45. YUCK!

Sicko

I woke up yesterday morning, got ready for work, then looked at Blake. He looked miserable. Joe stayed home with him, and I took today off. He was acting fine, but looked HORRIBLE! At 10, his fever spiked again, so I called and made him an appointment. Turns out he has a double ear infection. Poor baby! I hate it when he's sick, and today was the 4th time THIS year he's been to the doctor. Last year, we went twice. Once for his well-check, and the other for his annual ear infection in December. We got some yummy Augmentin, and headed home. We both took a 2 hour nap, and feel great!

13 more school days until Spring Break!

Surprises

Joe and I have been trying to make a baby for a long, long time (since Aug. 09). I know every weird detail about a girls cycle and when the best time to do the deed to get pregnant. But it just didn't happen. In Oct., I went to a new OB-GYN since my old one retired. I told her of our struggles and she said, "Well, great! Let's have blood work, blood work, and more blood work done, an HSG (weird, painful thing where they put a tube in your cervix, blow it up, and inject you with dye to see if your tubes are blocked), and then Clomid.

I took my first round of Clomid in December. They say there are some side effects and the most apparent ones were hot flashes--boy do I feel bad for pre-menopausal women, and mood swings. Boy were the mood swings CRAZY!!! At least it was over the 2 weeks I was off at christmas so only Joe got to experience them. January rolls around, and bam! I was pregnant. We were excited, set an appointment, and then one week later, Jan. 15, I started bleeding. We went to the Emergency Room, I was poked and prodded by a very loud, gum smacking tech, and found out that I had a "pregnant looking uterus" but there was nothing in it. My hormones levels were super low (11). I went home to a very heavy, long period.

I went into the doctor on the 18th. She says the same thing, a miscarriage. Actually a chemical pregnancy. You are actually pregnant, but the egg doesn't implant. There's nothing I could have done to prevent or cause it, and the doc says we are free to try our next cycle after this month.

Fast forward to last week. Blake and I were sick, and we were home on Monday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, we watched Cars, and I was eating one of my favorite snacks--Buffalo Chicken Dip. I couldn't eat it. I almost threw up just at the smell. Anyone who knows me knows I am sensitive to smells, so the vinegar in the Frank's Red Hot was too much. I was disappointed, but thought it was my illness.

Some friends of ours are moving back to Florida, and were having a going away bar-b-que and Ken makes the most delish margaritas I have ever had, so I wanted to be sure. Saturday morning I get up, pee on that wonderful stick and wait. I fully expected it to say "Not Pregnant", but this is what I got

WHAT!!!!! I wasn't due to start until Tuesday, and last month, I tested 3 days late and that was my first positive. I took another test on Monday afternoon...very dark positive line! I also had blood work done on Monday and when the nurse called on Tuesday, she said I was "very pregnant".

We are still cautious, and worried about miscarriage, but with great numbers and continual peeing on a stick should keep me occupied until Feb. 28th (my first appointment).

shhhhhhhh.....no comments on Facebook.

Week 5 Day 2

Today, I participated in my 2nd workout of Week 5 of the C25K by completing a 5k run/walk benefiting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My great work friends and Joe were there to cheer me on. Carolyn is training for a Marathon, and decided to be my running buddy and we ran together. I ran as long as I could, stopped for a wonderful potty break behind an industrial dumpster, walked a bit, and sprinted (well, at least a sprint for me) to the finish line. It was a great feeling to run full stride the last 1/8 mile and hear my friends cheer for me to finish strong. My time was 45 minutes 11 seconds. I couldn't have asked for a better partner while running. She talked me through my pain, told me when to regulate my breathing, drop my shoulders and let me stop when I needed to. Who knew I could run 90% of it with only 13 "trainings" before hand? I am super excited and can't wait for the next one with no walking breaks or potty breaks!

And, yesterday, I turned 32.

My mother-in-law asked how my "telethon" went. Yesterday, we found out that dad-in-law has been using some horse cream for his muscle spasms, and taking the small, white pain killers he got from the same friend. Oh how I love them!

My mom, on the other hand, said she would come, but backed out last minute, then went to IKEA!

4 days to 5k

My birthday is in 3 days. I will be 32. I am running a 5k on Sunday--it's just 4 days away. I planned on running at least 4 days this week, but Monday, I felt, well, pooped. Yesterday it was raining as I stepped outside, and today Joe has school. So here I am, 4 days away, and haven't run in as many. Tomorrow I am getting new shoes and I am super stoked. I WILL run tomorrow and at least on Saturday. I am going to try to do Friday also, but not sure.

When I decided to do the Susan G. Komen 5k with Fabuleslie I excitedly told my mom. She said, "Wow! That's the day after your birthday and I will be there." Tonight, I told her I was starting at 7:30 and she said, "Oh, I can't come that early." Unfortunately, Fabuleslie may not be able to run with me.

I tracked my Saturday run, and in about 31 minutes, I ran 2.53 miles. That came down to about a 12:14 minute mile. I should be done in under 4k minutes! Then, it's out to breakfast!

Running

This morning I ran day 3 of week 3. I had a hard time finishing, but blame the head cold I am fighting right now.

I don't know if I should start Week 4 tomorrow or repeat week 3.

Disappointment

The one person in the world who I should have been able to trust for my entire life has disappointed me once again. Webster (who is he anyway...) defines it "to fail to meet the hope of". Boy is that right on.

After more than 20 years of disappointment, I shouldn't be surprised, right? Nope, I still am.

This time it involves my kid.

How can you be constipated and have diarrhea at the same time? Um, don't you remember what you just told me 10 words ago?

All I can do is make sure I never do this to my baby!

No bueno

I have been crabby for over 24 hours. I was feeling better, then I had to sit through traffic. Stupid traffic. Then we went to HEB. Stupid HEB. We got home and I forced myself to run. Felt good until I had to R.U.N. Knees hurt, ankles hurt, shins hurt, back hurt, feet hurt every flippin' thing on my body hurt. Something even happened to my sports bra. My boobs were feeling quite heavy. And to top it off. My right ear bud stopped working. Not fun to listen to lawn mowers on one side, and Britney on the other.

It's now 7:50 and I wanted to be in bed already. I give myself 15 mintues then I am there!

Good Feelin'

On Monday, I went to a new OB-GYN. She is young, cute and so sweet. Joe and I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, and she is really optimistic that we will get pregnant soon. We are starting basic testing now. I had a lovely trans-vaginal ultrasound yesterday and the doctor called today to say my uterus and ovaries look perfect. One thing down. Many more to go. I am having bloodwork next Monday, Friday and then again in about 3 weeks.

I just broke down a bit ago. I found out on Facebook that my sister in law is pregnant with #3. She and her "boyfriend" have 2 kids 16 months apart. The oldest is 6 months younger than Blake and about 18 months delayed from his chronological age. He has about 30 words, no other functional speech. It's not a disability though...it's parents and family who don't ever talk to him. They treat him like a little animal and don't interact with him. The youngest, same thing!

Anyway, I sat on my pity potty for a bit, and felt sorry for myself. Then I said to myself that God has a bigger plan for us. I just need to be patient. We need to be patient.

And the dog just farted. Whooo...that was ugly.

C25K

Have you heard? I'm a runner. Yep, me! A runner! I officially started the Couch to 5K running program. I just finished week 2 day 1 and I feel great! Who knew that after 1 day of running (last week) I would be motivated to do it every day? Last week, I had to force myself a day off because I am so excited about running! Thanks to Fabuleslie, I am running! My first 5k is the day after my 32nd birthday. What a great way to start my uphill climb to 35.

This week's advice is to keep a journal of anything I want. So, here I am journaling about stuff.

We went to a wedding in Hunt, TX this weekend, and I drank too much. For some reason, I thought eating lunch and then 8 hours later drinking a whole bottle of wine and taking shots of 100% Agave Tequila was a good idea. It was fun, but whoa, I shouldn't drink like that. This morning our friends were telling me some of the amazing things I did and said in my drunken stupor. For example.....after leaving the door of the condo open, "Well, P--now you have 73 roaches under your bed. Yes, 73. I counted. I'm a kindergarten teacher and I practice counting to 100 every day and I'm real good at it." There were no roaches under the bed. We saw 1 water bug and P freaked out! Guess that's where I got that idea. Apparently when we left the reception, I yelled, "Hey! I didn't say goodbye to Heather", and ran over to her. I started to booty dance with her, grabbed the bottle of champagne out of her hand, and tipped it up and started chugging it. It wasn't until the fizz hit me that I stopped. I walked over to Joe and he wondered why I was wet. Well, duh--I stole champagne from the bride! Good times my friend!

Tonight it was cool and breezy. I went out to run a little later than normal, and it got dark on me pretty fast. I don't really like being outside after dark by myself, so I will just have to make sure I am out of the house earlier! I would really like to run in the mornings, but I already get up at 5 or so, and can't see getting up any earlier!

Phooey

Today I got a notice that my compressor on the car was recalled....until 60k miles. I had it replaced (and paid a $100 deductible) at 65k. I called and tried to talk real sweet to the Mazda customer service center, but NOPE. Can't reimburse me. Oh-well, at least I tried, right?

Shhhhh...don't tell anyone. I bought Naturalizer shoes and I LOVE THEM! Who am I ????? I don't wear those "teacher" shoes, or "mom" shoes. Um...now I do! They are somewhat cute (for work) and oh.so.comfortable. After school today on the way to potty for the first time, I realized that I didn't even feel my feet aching. I will buy another pair when pay day rolls around.

Conversation with Cookoo bird today...

Me, "Do you math Teacher Editions?"

Her, "Yes, of course."

Me, "Where did you get them?"

Her, "I had them from last year."

Me, "Did you have them on Friday when I asked you about them?"

Her, "Yes."

Me, "Then why did you tell me you didn't have them."

Her, "Because I didn't."

could go on and on...I just left it at that.

Another conversation

Her, "OOOOh, I lost my lunch money."

Teacher #3, "Why don't you just put money on your account?"

Her, "Oh, no, I don't trust them and I can't eat that food anyway--you know I had cancer."

Me, "You don't trust the cafeteria ladies to put your money on an account for you."

Her, "No, I didn't say that...I can't eat the food, I had cancer."

Teacher #4, "I found $2 on the floor, is it yours?"

Her, "Oh, yes! Thank you so much!"

Then, she proceeds to buy a Diet Dr. Pepper, and a bag of Ghardettos.

Um...you can't eat the *somewhat* balanced food in the cafeteria, but DP and Ghardettos are OK???

First Week of School

This week went great! Blake has been a trooper, just going along with what's happening, and learning the new routine. I have to say that I love, love, LOVE having him right down the hall. It has cut about 25 minutes off my morning commute, and about 35 in the afternoon. And, I am able to work a little later, not worrying that he's been away from me too long. Only con is that he wants to eat cafeteria lunches every day. He has a calendar, and wants to check it every morning to see what is for lunch. I got the letter today saying we were DENIED for free or reduced lunch, and I am really sad about it. $2.25 for lunch and $1.25 for breakfast get expensive pretty quick. I knew we wouldn't qualify for it, but didn't know he would enjoy eating from the cafe so much!

My class has been amazing. I have 14 little sweeties, and 1 little girl with big attitude. She tantrumed yesterday because she had an accident. I kind of lost it, and told her, "Everyone of us has peed in our pants before. Do you think I cry when it happens? You are 5 and in Kindergarten, we don't cry like that. Dry your eyes, and take care of your business and meet us in the cafeteria." I felt bad, but really? You think you can scream at me to go get your back pack??? Um...no...not how it works.

My days are long, but the only frustration I have had is with adults in our hall. There is a teacher who I will call Ms. Lippy--you know--from Billy Madison? OMG! I can see my self punching her in the face EVERY DAY!!!!! She called me a genius because--get this--I KNOW HOW TO PLUG A PHONE IN. She couldn't figure out how to put the cord into the back of the phone. She jammed it in sideways. Really???? I should just blog for a week all the wonderful things she does. Maybe I will do that next week. Should be interesting.

Boy am I pooped!

I went to school for a meeting on Monday, and worked in my classroom for about 4 hours. I went back today and finished organizing an arranging! Blake and I were there for about 5 1/2 hours today. Everything is ready....except a little decorating. That can be done quick next week, though.

On the way to the Vital Statistics office (which, by the way, is hidden) to get Blake's birth certificate I noticed that the a/c is on #3, and I am still warm. Oh, great! My a/c is out on my car. I called Mazda, and they said it may or may not be covered by the extended warranty. We'll find out tomorrow.

I did some sneaky work, but Blake is coming to my school for Pre-K this year. He is excited and so am I!!! Tomorrow, we will buy all of his school supplies!

have you seen this video?

Help! I am looking for a video for a friend. It is a woman bringing home a new husband and relating it to what it is like for a child who is getting a new sibling. It is hilarious! If you can find it, add the link to the comments.

My summer is slowly coming to an end. I HAVE to work on Monday, then will probably go in at least 1 more day to work before the official end. Professional development. Yay. It starts on the 16th.

This summer has been a long, relaxing time. Blake is definitely ready to go back to school. He gets to go to Pre-K at my school this year! I am so excited! It will cut my morning commute down by 30 minutes and save me at least 100 miles a week! Whoo-hoo!