Just Popping In

I just wanted to say a quick "HI!" It's been a while...I know. Life has taken off and we're crazy busy, as is usual for this time of the year. Here are a few reasons why:

Logan is playing football- two practices and one or two games, each week.
Logan's scouts and church activities
Shane's scouts and church activities
My church activities
My book club
Shaun's Primerica stuff (or rather the lack of business the past few weeks as he struggles to keep going)
My work
Shaun's work
My master's degree program online (VERY DEMANDING of my time)
AJ- enough said- We love the little guy and he goes everywhere and does everything with us. I'm surprised that he doesn't demand even more of our time. We've been blessed with such a carefree baby.

There's more...I'm just too tired to remember it all. Oh, and one sick kid a week for the past three weeks does not help. Mainly they have been sick for a couple days on weekends, but it does spill over a bit and causes us to get behind on, OH, HOUSEWORK. Yep, I'm not sure what that word means at the moment. It's not getting done. It hasn't been a priority. The house is messy but not dirty and gets picked up whenever we have friends over for any reason (photo sessions, dinner, visiting, etc.). Well, at least the rooms to be seen by guests get picked up. The other rooms are invisable so they don't really matter.

Yep, that pretty much says it all. Busy! One day I will have time to blog about my daily joys and rants once again. Today I will leave you with this beautiful little tidbit:

AJ SINGS! He has for the past two months- since about 7 1/2 months old. He started to sing at church when the congregation sang. Then he would sing when he would hear the organ or piano start. Next he started singing in the car/truck with the radio. Now he'll sing just to sing, even without accompanyment. Oh, and whenever he is in a large and excited crowd (football games especially) he sings because he thinks that is what they are doing and he wants to join in. It is soooo cute! Everyone notices and smiles and laughs. The funniest thing is that he has recently decided he needs to be just as loud as the people around him, which can mean that he gets VERY loud. I LOVE it! It melts my heart every time I hear him. This brings so much joy to my heart! I just listen and give him lots of hugs and kisses. At times he gets so into it that I have to hush him quickly when everyone becomes quiet at the end of a song. :)

I'M IN! EXTREME HAPPINESS

I have been on pins and needles over the past couple weeks (actually a couple months) waiting for news from my friend James at Creighton. He's my contact for my graduate school application. We've talked often over the past several months.

Today's conversation began with him stating "You're in!" but not until after an almost apologetic-sounding "Hello, how are you?" I was SOOO nervous! I read too much into it, obviously. I am now (quite literally) jumping up and down. This is what I have been working for, for years. I cannot explain the extreme joy that I'm feeling. Although, it is similar (but not in the same way) to the feeling of seeing your new born child the second they are born. Seriously! That happy. But it's a different kind of "child." Can you even imagine that feeling? I don't think anyone can, even after having a baby. It's the joy of the moment and it quickly disappears when reality sets in. I don't want reality to set in. This one comes with homework instead of diapers. Again, a different reality.

We went out for dinner to celebrate. I'd planned to cook. Plans change so easily.

Maybe one day I'll update my blog readers on the other goings-on in our lives. It's been a crazily (is that a word?) busy summer. Truly. This will make it even more so. First day of school for the kids- Mid August. My first day- August 30th. There goes the reality setting in. DANG IT! The moment has ALMOST passed. I will still enjoy the remnants.

Giggles

Last night Logan and I made some monster cookies and bars to give to a friend and for us to snack on. They have oatmeal, 3/4 bag chocolate chips, 1/2 or less bag peanut butter chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter and everything that an oatmeal cookie normally has except for the raisins and half the amount of cinnamon. Logan does NOT like raisins. Although I added peanut butter I did not take out the real butter, which I think made them even better. Butter always= better. Here's what they looked like: After, well, there were a few cookies left...and a friend and his kids will enjoy some of the bars while his wife is out of town. Also last night, Logan was enjoying playing with Aj. When Aj is tired he is easy to get to giggle. I took this video with my cell phone (same with the photo above) so it's not the best, but you can still here Aj giggling if you turn your volume up-way up.

Welcoming Baby AJ

Guess what?! I had a baby today! Wahooooooo! And, I did it drug free! Yay me! That or I'm nuts...I haven't figured it out yet.

First...the labor and delivery story:

Yesterday was Shaun, my husband's, birthday. We thought it would be great to have the baby yesterday but that didn't quite happen. My friend, Heather, however did have her baby yesterday! We went out to dinner last night, in a near-blizzard, for Shaun's birthday and then to run a couple errands. The weather doesn't bother us. While it was windy the visibility was fine and it wasn't snowing very hard. The roads were alright too.

Shortly after arriving a Della Voce I started to have contractions. I'd had them very early Sunday morning as well so I wasn't about to get my hopes up, even if it was Shaun's birthday. Well, they were about 4-6 minutes apart for the next two hours and were seeming to be fairly strong. We had my bag in the car but I wasn't sure that this was the "real thing" so we ran a couple errands and then went home to see what happened. After walking on my Gazelle for about 15 minutes I noticed that the contractions had all but subsided. While running the errands and while at home the contractions were only about 10 minutes apart and were not as strong as they had been. I was exhausted so I decided to wait it out and try to sleep. That worked! I was able to get a few hours sleep while the contractions weren't strong and was able to get rested for today. However, I was awakened at 2:25 am with much stronger contractions.

That's when I decided that maybe, just maybe, this was the real thing. I wasn't able to go back to sleep because of the strength of the contractions so I went to the living room and played on my computer (checked email, Facebook, etc.). At around 3:30 I woke Shaun up, told him that my contractions were anywhere from 2-9 minutes apart and growing stronger. I hadn't really paid attention to the exact timing because some of the contractions were pretty weak. I asked Shaun to wake up and come to the living room with me to time my contractions and help me get through the stronger ones. Instead he went back to sleep... go figure! :)

I was able to get to about 5 am without waking my family up but at that point I knew that my contractions were more regular and strengthening. I was also paranoid that they would disappear again. It was time to go! I woke Shaun up again, twice, and woke the boys up. Slowly everyone got up and ready. I was already dressed, packed (cameras and computer and a couple other last minute items), and ready to roll. We left the house about 5:50, after figuring out the workings of the car seat. We hadn't put it in the car and hadn't even figured out how to release the seat from the base until then!

Arriving at the hospital at 5:55 am we came right up to the OB wing and checked in. I was immediately checked internally and found out I'd progressed from dilated to a two at yesterday afternoon's OB appt to dilated to a four at check in this morning with contractions every 3-5 minutes. Wahoooo! Dilated to a four means they consider you to be in active labor. I was so excited! And a bit terrified at the same time. I'd decided to go drug free and keep moving as much as I could. I'd decided this probably months ago and now it was time to see if I could handle it! We called my sister Betsy at 6:30 and she called our family, my boss, and a couple friends for us. We also called a local friend who was able to come watch the boys in the waiting room for us until AJ was born (kids must NOT be left unattended- according to at least five signs in the waiting room). We also called Anne, my friend and doula. Because of the hospital's current policy on visitors due to flu season only Shaun and Anne were allowed to be in the OB unit with me. The boys weren't allowed in and were not even allowed to see their baby brother except through the entrance door windows. That was really hard for me!

Anyway, so while we waited we walked. And walked. And walked. Ok, only three times around the small OB unit but it took a while because of the contractions and we took our time. Anne arrived about the time they needed to monitor me again and Shaun ate his breakfast while I and the baby were monitored. Then Shaun went out and hung out with the boys and his friend who was watching them. Anne and I walked, and walked, and walked (three times again). My contractions were again growing stronger but I was doing quite well. I also sat on the exercise ball a couple times for short periods. At the next check I was dilated to a seven! Wow! It was going fast and I was thrilled. My contractions were now every 4-6 minutes but no one seemed to be concerned since I was still progressing.

It was now time for the hot tub! I knew I wanted to spend some time in the hot tub because I'd done it when in labor with Logan. Again it worked for me. I was having VERY strong contractions and they got more and more frequent to the point where they were not really going away before rising in intensity again. After only 45 minutes I got out (very slowly because of the intense pain) and was checked again. I had quickly progressed to a nine!!! According to the nurse I was "pushy" even though I didn't think I was quite ready to push. She called the doctor and he was there maybe two minutes later. Wow! I guess I was doing this whether I was ready or not!

Here's me in labor when Shaun caught a quick picture...I think it was the only picture of me taken with my camera today! I was having a contraction but caught him!



After MAYBE 20 minutes of pushing (at very most) and after some very intense contractions and tons of pain...AJ was born! I couldn't believe I'd done it! I was soooo tired and weak. If I'd had to go through a longer delivery I don't know what would have happened. I questioned myself about being able to do this a couple times but of course it was too late by then. I was committed and my body knew it. And here he is...freshly delivered.



And here's the very proud daddy...acting all natural about holding his newest baby. He had been worried about having a baby but everything is sooo natural to him this time. I'm amazed!



AJ did also have his first "bath" today at the hospital and there are a few video clips of him right after delivery but I've not figured out how to do video on here since they changed things and I don't want to post them on YouTube so if you want to see them you'll have to visit me. Ha!

It's been a long day and even though the hardest part was done by 10 am I'm still awake and tired so I'm signing off now. Oh- the older boys got to quickly see their brother through the window and are thrilled. They then spent most of the day at our friends' home and then Shaun picked them up late this afternoon. He'll be working tomorrow and they'll be at school so I should get plenty of rest.

Good night! Don't forget to hug and kiss all your babies!

Photo Class

According to my digital photography intructor: "You have a gift." Awwww! I love hearing that. That was his response to my demotivational poster (seen below). To see our class projects you can visit the website he created at: http://www.cloud.edu/academics/art/njones/K_State/index.html

If a link doesn't work then the project has not been assigned, completed, or graded yet. It's fun to see everyone else's work. We have a pretty good class.

Tidbits of Today's Thoughts

It has been a while since I blogged. Oops! Life took over as usual. It's been a crazy month. Here are a few of my recent thoughts:

1. People who get lost in K-State's new parking garage make me laugh. Seriously people? It's not that big! I'm still trying to decide if the price is worth parking there. We'll see.

2. I'm pregnant, not broken. I'm pregnant, not dumb. YES this pregnancy was planned. NO I'm not regretting it. YES my children's ages are very spread out. YES I am cute with this protruding belly; I don't mind saying so and I don't mind hearing it. WHY do I feel like I have to complain when I am asked how I'm doing knowing full well that random people I don't know that well ask me and are referring only to my pregnancy. I'm a person too you know! My life contains many aspects, pregnancy just being the most obvious at this point. Overall I am doing wonderful and loving it! YES I have some discomfort from pregnancy and YES my back aches. NO I'm not bloated, yet.

3. My boss is great! Today she decided we needed to have an ice cream social so that I could show off my 3D baby pics to some friends working down the hall. She announced this to me as she was walking out the door to a meeting. I had the small ice cream social while she was gone. :) I guess that was her plan. It was fun. She had provided the ice cream. I provided the pictures to look at. It was me and three others. What a nice late afternoon break!

4. YES, the 3D sono pics and perhaps the video (if I can upload it) will be online, probably tonight since I'm procrastinating on watching an online lecture!

5. My kids are aggravating me a lot lately. Probably because I'm always tired and therefore moody. They seem to be very loud. Logan fusses too much and doesn't think he has an "indoor voice." Shane isn't applying himself, anywhere, at times. Otherwise they are wonderful boys who just want to hug and cuddle with me A LOT. Yes, that annoys me at times but I deal with it. I love their hugs and cuddles too much to let it annoy me for very long. I'm very blessed!

Hmmm. There were three or four other thoughts that I'd tried to share however blogger has been giving me problems. Here's the short version of those:

6. Shaun has been great, most of the time. :) He's been spoiling me with meals in bed once in while and has been very understanding when I am tired and grouchy. He knows when to avoid me. He has also helped me to complete a couple photography assignments for an online class. I have a hard time being inspired for this class just because I am tired and don't want to do things by deadlines. He helps me to meet the deadlines though and has been having fun learning along side of me.

7. I have started the application process for graduate school. I am still planning to go to Creighton, in Omaha but mostly online, for Dispute Resolution and Negotiation with an emphasis on educational institutions. I tried to link this earlier but that was what started my half hour of blogging problems so I'm not going to do it again! Shaun "mentally clapped" his hands for me Monday when I called to inform him that I have decided to go ahead with the August enrollment for my application. The admissions rep assigned to me suggested that since this is a very competitive application process and only 15 people are allowed into each class that I should apply for May or June instead of waiting for the August class due to the number of students who apply for the more traditional start dates. I was told that my GPA and career goals will be a great fit for them and that I should have no problem with being accepted so I decided that I, and my family, deserve a few months break before I continue my college career. Summers are hectic enough around here and I really want to have a short time without coursework. Adding a baby to our summer baseball schedule will be enough to handle! I decided if I am not accepted in the August class then I will apply for a later class whenever offered, most likely the following January, May, or June. As long as I get in eventually I will be fine.

8. I use contractions too often so I'm cutting back.

9. There was something else... Oh well! I'll do another post if I remember and deem it important or random enough.


These were just a few "thinks" I thought I would share. :)

The End.

The Beat of a Heart

Last night was my first "doctor" appointment for this pregnancy. Apparently at this office, you only get to see the doctor for a few of the appointments. My next one, in a month, is with a nurse practitioner, for a "belly check." Makes me feel like a number once again...

So last night my mom and I went to my appointment. She and her husband are visiting for a week while on their two-month motorcycle trip this summer. It was fun to have my mom at the appointment and even more fun to see her face when the doctor found the baby's heart beat. It was going at a steady 155 beats per minute, nice and healthy. This was the reason my mom came with me for this appointment, just to hear the heart beat. It was also my first time with this one so it was exciting for us both. Once the doctor had the heart beat located I looked at my mom and she was gleaming-I thought she was going to cry so I quickly looked away so that I wouldn't cry myself. Later she said it brought back memories of hearing her babies' heart beats for the first time. Ahhhh! Great moment.

A Very Nice Evening

Last night was great! I suggested that we burn the "bon fire" that we'd had sitting in our firepit for the past year or maybe two. So, when I arrived home from work Shaun was mowing the lawn and Logan was washing the outsides of a couple basement windows (!). I went down and helped Logan. Shane had baseball practice later in the evening so I suggested he make himself something for dinner. I had other ideas for dinner but he wouldn't yet be home. After doing some yard work and window washing we lit the fire which was hot and high! Shaun cheated and used his "torch", a large torch-like connection to a propane tank. Seriously! I thought I was cheating enough by using a grill lighter but he wasn't happy with the progress so he tourched it a few times to really get it going. It was probably about this time when we started commenting that we might need a burn permit...Shaun's not sure we need one for the firepit so he's going to call and check, hopefully today.

While Shaun brought Shane to practice and then ran to Walmart for hotdog buns (Wahoo, fire roasted hotdogs! I'm not worried about eating hotdogs while pregnant like some people may be.) and s'mores fixin's I tended the fire. By then it was much lower and easy to control. Logan and I later added a few more logs that our neighbor wanted to get rid of. We got to sit outside all evening enjoying our firepit and loving the fire atmosphere. What a beautiful night for this! It got a little chilly so ended up with a light blanket but it was gorgeous! Once Shaun and Shane got home we finished up the hotdogs and made s'mores. YUMMY! One of my all-time favorite treats. I don't need to camp to eat them. Microwaves make good s'mores too, but the firepit's marshmellows were perfect last night. All in all it was a perfect evening, most of it with my family, and all of it enjoyed outside under the rolling clouds and in front of the fire. I was very content!

Part of the reason we decided to burn the pile we had in the pit was because we plan to move the firepit to a different location. It wasn't really supposed to be where it currently is but ended up there by default for a while. Betsy even circled it with some nice edging stones that we'd bought shortly after she moved in with us a couple years ago. Since we'd used that spot to burn some stuff before it just became the temporary burn pit. Much later (the wood burned was from that horrible ice storm we had a couple Decembers ago) we're still using it. I'm not exactly sure where we'll end up putting it but we planted a few trees along the side of our yard and one of this is about 10-15 feet from the current site so the firepit now needs to move. The tree is still small so it was safe to burn it last night. We now hope to move it, possibly making it a little smaller, and then we're going to surround it with a circle of gravel or something, just so that it's even more safe. I can't wait to get it moved and use it again! I could use lots more evenings like we had last night.

Happiness

YAY!!! I just got a notice from Amazon that my books have shipped: Three Cups of Tea: One Man... $8.25
1 Breaking Dawn (The Twiligh... $12.64 1 $12.64
1 The Host: A Novel $15.59 1 $15.59


I'm soooo excited! I probably won't get Breaking Dawn until Monday (ARGHHHHHH!) but then I'll have two weeks to read before the semester starts (I have one class to finish but only have studying and one final after this upcoming Monday and I'll have two entire weeks to study, then I have one week with no classes whatsoever). I really wish I had time to read during my semesters, but that just doesn't happen. Not if I want to get good grades and be part of my family. :)

On another note, due to all the stress in my life recently... We've decided to bring the kids out tonight to "Time Out Corner." We've been there once and had lots of fun. It's been open a few months now and I know the kids would like to go. So tonight's plan is to eat dinner (most likely at home) and then head out to have fun for a couple hours playing games in the arcade and playing miniature golf on the black-light lit neon course. Tomorrow we plan to go to Sam's in Topeka and will be bringing the kids there too. What could possibly be more fun than Sam's??? Maybe we'll find something fun to do in Topeka too, but at least we'll be together. That's my goal for the weekend, ignore chores and have fun with my boys.

Have a fantastically fun weekend!