Caitlyn Quote of the Week

Caitlyn: Mama!  Come see what the TV did to my show!

Me: Are there commercials on?

Caitlyn:  Yes!

She is so spoiled.  We haven't watched a lot of regular tv.  We usually steam something on Netflix when she watches but I've been lazy lately.  So she doesn't understand the concept of commercials and that her show will come back on within minutes. 

Holiday Fun

This year we are having so much fun getting ready for Christmas! 

We introduced our family Elf.  We read the story behind the elf and watched a tv special that I recorded on DVR.  Caitlyn decided to name him Matthew despite my attempts to name him something cute and fun.  Every night he goes back to the North Pole and reports to Santa how she was that day.  Then she has to find his new hiding spot each morning.  It's been so much fun! 

We went to the Museum downtown to see the huge Christmas tree and Santa with PaPa and Grandma Darling.  Caitlyn was all excited about seeing Santa until we were next in line.  She ended up in my lap again this year.  At least this year we sat next to him and not on the floor below him!  We also toured the museum and all the trains.  Caitlyn loves trains right now! 

We took family photo's and the kids individual photo's in front of the Christmas tree for our Christmas card.  I have so much fun picking out a fun card to use each year!  We actually got the family picture in the first sitting.  The past 2 years we've had to try 2 or 3 different times.  I love how our card turned out this year! 

Last week Caitlyn had her Christmas Program at school.  I was so excited about this!  The set up was kind of crappy so it was hard to see all the kids since I didn't get there early enough and were in the back row.  I did get a small video and a couple of pictures though.  We then helped decorate a gingerbread house in her classroom before going home. 

My Christmas shopping is all done and all the gifts are wrapped! 

Last Saturday we celebrated with Grandma Kendy's family in Seward.  Lunch and Pitch...unfortunately Caitlyn was sick with diarrhea so we didn't get to stay long after lunch. 

Last Sunday we celebrated with my immediate family.  We included Uncle Tony's new girlfriend Darcy who I just love and picked names.  We opened gifts and ate dinner.  Caitlyn got up at 6:00 that morning and has given up naps so she was pretty tired and crabby by the end of the night.  But we still had a lot of fun! 

Christmas Eve we'll go to Church and then dinner at Biaggi's with PaPa and Grandma Darling. 

Christmas Morning is just the four of us and my dad may join us for breakfast casserole!  Totally laid back and all about us!  So excited!   

I am so full of happiness and joy this year.  I can't imagine it being any better than this! 

Working Mom

Being a working mom is hard.  I'd love to be able to stay home with my kids, but for us right now it's just not possible.  So I'm making the best of the situation.  Before I left on maternity leave I started doing some career pathing stuff with my director.  I've been looking at open positions in other departments but haven't seen much that I am either qualified for or that I'm interested in.  I love the people I work with in my department now so I'm not sure I want to leave what I'm doing.  I've just been doing the same job for 8 1/2 years and I want something different.  I want more responsibility. 

I love the flexibility I have here.  Being able to come in a little late or leave early if needed is awesome!  I also have the capability to work from home if one of the kids is sick.  Most other jobs in this field aren't as flexible so I don't think I could leave the company itself.  Plus I've earned my extra week of vacation here and the cost of benefits are awesome here (the benefits themselves are a little to be desired). 

Today I did my first solo enrollment meeting.  I was so nervous I was sick to my stomach!  It ended up only being 2 employees so it was very laid back and a good way to get my feet wet!  I've done a few training meetings with employers on our website before but never a benefits enrollment meeting.  I love that I'm being given an opportunity to do more.  Hopefully they come up with other things that I can help with that is outside the box and outside my comfort zone. 

If I'm going to be working I want to set a good example for Caitlyn and Cole.  I want them to be proud of what I do.  I want to feel like I make a difference and that my work is important.  I do feel that some days when I help resolve an issue for a member.  But other days I feel like I'm just clocking in and waiting to clock out and go cuddle the kids!  I suppose most parents feel this way. 

Hopefully soon I'll find a balance between work and home.  I'm feeling very unorganized now and like we have no structure or routine.  I felt like it took 2 years to get into a routine with just Caitlyn...hopefully it doesn't take as long with 2! 

Cole's Birth Story

We had a scheduled c-section on September 6th to welcome baby Cole into our family!  We got to the hospital at 5 AM.  The c-section was scheduled for 7 AM.  Of course I didn't sleep very well the night before...not that I had been sleeping well period the last couple months of pregnancy.  Once in the operating room they administered the spinal tap and wouldn't you know the first one didn't take.  The anaesthesiologist kept asking if I could still feel things and I could...including the catheter being put in because Dr. N was ready to go.  Not a fun feeling.  And then they had to take that spinal out and start again.  Thankfully that one took.  At 7:24 AM Cole was born!  I had a lot of nausea in the operating room but didn't actually get sick this time so I was able to pay attention to what they were doing with him and made sure Jared got a lot of good pictures.

Once back in the recovery room I started getting sick and throwing up.  That lasted all morning.  I felt like total crap.  We waited to have people come see us including Beth and Josh bringing Caitlyn up because I felt so bad.   Once I started feeling better Beth and Josh brought Caitlyn up.  She was awesome with him!  We only had family visit us the first day and then friends came to visit us on Wednesday. 

I started having headaches in the hospital once I started getting up and moving around.  Thursday morning my Dr came in to check on me.  He asked me a few questions and then asked if I had any questions.  I told him I knew there was something I had wanted to ask but couldn't remember what that was.  He then asked if I was having any headaches and I said YES!  That's what I was going to ask you about!  I was having spinal headaches, spinal fluid was leaking from a hole from the spinal tap they did for the c-section.  The headaches go away when you lay flat but when you are up and moving they flare up.  We waited all day on Thursday for the anaesthesiologist to come see us and of  course the headaches seemed better by the time he came to see me so I opted at that time to not get the blood patch to fix it.  Went home Thursday night (Jared's birthday) and the headaches came back full force.  I could barely move.  Woke up Friday morning.  Took Caitlyn to daycare and Cole to the pediatrician.  I don't know how I functioned during that appointment.  Went back to the hospital where they did a blood patch through an epidural.  The relief was instant!  I felt so much better.

Overall my birth experience with Cole was tons better than with Caitlyn.  Even with the double spinal and the headaches.  I love our little guy...he fits perfectly into our family!   

Cole's Birth Announcement

One More Week

One week from today (or possibly sooner) we'll get to meet our new little addition to our family.  We have a lot going on before then.  I decided to plan Caitlyn's birthday party prior to baby's arrival for a couple of reasons.  One I wanted her party to be all about her and not about her and the new baby.  Two I'm not sure how long it's going to take me to recuperate from the c-section.  Three I'm going to be sleep deprived with a newborn and thought it would be easier being sleep deprived from being pregnant instead!  So we're having a Disney Princess party on Saturday.  Aunt Bethy is making a castle cake...I can't wait.  Caitlyn picked having a strawberry cake.  Then after the party some people are staying to watch the first Nebraska game of the season and Beth and I are going to get pedicures...have to have one before delivery!  Then on Sunday I offered to watch Harrison so Beth and Josh can go out to dinner as a Thank You for watching Caitlyn while I'm in the hospital!  Monday is going to be a family day...just the 3 of us before it's 4 of us!  I'm thinking about taking Caitlyn to see her first movie at the dollar theater! 

Tuesday morning next week we have to be at the hospital at 5 in the morning.  C-section is scheduled for 7.  I'm getting really nervous about the c-section.  Things I've read and heard say that the 2nd one is easier to recuperate from.  That since your body isn't exhausted from laboring for 24 hours it heals more quickly.  But it's still major surgery and Caitlyn is a very active toddler who needs lots of attention. 

Caitlyn is transitioning to preschool this week.  Next Wednesday will be her first full day in the preschool room.  That's a lot changes going on in her life.  I'm a little worried...she loves going to the preschool room to visit but I don't think she full understands that starting next week she won't see Miss Ria any more.  She and Miss Ria have an awesome bond and I have a feeling when she figures out it's a permanent move that she's going to be sad about it.  Hopefully it doesn't last long.   While I'm on maternity leave she'll be going to preschool part time: Mon/Wed/Fri and staying home with us on Tues/Thurs.  I'm pretty excited about this!  Plus it saves us $50 a week in tuition!

So...lots of stuff going on.  Exciting and Terrifying all at the same time!

Baby Boy Update

Last Thursday we had a dr appt with u/s.  He was being very stubborn and had his back to us and did not turn around.  So we got no pictures (except for the one of his boy parts because my dr has a sense of humor like that).  He's measuring big already at 7 1/2 lbs.  I know the u/s can be off a little but that scares me a little bit.  If he grows a 1/2 oz a week and I go to my scheduled date he'll be about 9 lbs when he's born.  I was feeling pretty depressed about this after our appt but the good thing is he is healthy and strong!  What can I say...I grow big babies!  Caitlyn was 8 lbs 11 oz when she was born so if he's around 9 it's not that much bigger than she was.  It just seems so big.  He was also breech.  The dr said if I wasn't already scheduled for a repeat c-section he'd be talking me into right now!  His heartbeat was at 147 bpm. 

We are still working on the nursery.  I got all his clothes (Thanks Aunt Bethy) and blankets and towels and sheets and things washed.  We took down all of the wall stuff we had in there for Caitlyn and finally moved them into her room (I'll post pictures of her big girl room soon).  Jared patched up the holes in the walls so now we just need to prime and paint those spots.  Hopefully we won't have to paint the whole room! 

Now we're just counting down.  Less than 4 weeks to go til my scheduled date! 

Opposites

Who would have thought my children could be opposites...starting in the womb?  But sure enough this little boy is already so different from Caitlyn.  The pregnancy itself has been a little different at times...but not too much.  I was more nauseous during the first trimester.  I've had more growing pains and other pains not meant to be talked about on the Internet.  It's the MOVING that really sticks out.  Caitlyn could go days without me feeling her moving...except for the hiccups which I'm pretty sure she got every day.  This little boy moves ALL. THE. TIME.   He's only had the hiccups once that I've felt.  But I feel him moving several times a day and night.  Sometimes I feel like he's trying to claw his way out through my belly button.  Seriously...it's crazy!  I'm a little worried about what that means when he actually gets here.  Maybe he won't be colicky...but will he sleep?  Once Caitlyn hit 3 months she was basically sleeping through the night 75% of the time.  It was heaven!  Hoping that's one thing they have in common!  Less than 2 months until we found out and get to meet this little guy!

Pregnancy Dream

Last night I had a dream that I delivered baby boy.  McSteamy (from Grey's Anatomy) did the c-section.  Baby boy had lots of hair...with horrible highlights.  There was some strange guy in the room taking pictures.  I also had an epidural but could move my legs and walk still.  Even after the c-section I got right up and went over to the bassinet the baby was in.  Usually when I have baby dreams I can't see the baby's face...but I could see his face and all his features.  He looked a lot like Caitlyn when she was born...except for the crazy hair! 

I've been thinking of this dream all day.  I know it's still way to early to have this baby...but I'm so miserable and ready for him to be here already!  2 more months and counting down! 

Anniversaries!!!

We've celebrated 3 anniversaries in the past month. 

Memorial Day weekend we've known each other for 10 years...how crazy is that?  

June 9th (also my birthday) was 10 years from our first date.  We went to Burger King for dinner and played putt putt golf.  So romantic...I know!  

June 25 was our 6 year wedding anniversary.  Jared went out of town last weekend to KC with Tony and Matt for baseball games.  So we'll be celebrating Saturday night with dinner and then a surprise party for Josh's 30th birthday...thanks to grandma and grandpa Darling for babysitting Caitlyn over night for us!   

Caitlyn's Birth Announcement

Better late than never...right?  I never got around to doing this for Caitlyn, I looked at tons of them but for some reason put too much thought into it and couldn't find the "perfect one".  I really want to do one for the new baby.  So I've created one for Caitlyn at shutterfly and I'm printing just enough for immediate family to have and for us for keepsakes.  This way she doesn't feel left out some day when we're reminiscing and baby boy has one but she doesn't. 

It's a Castle!

This morning we were driving and Caitlyn is pointing and saying "look mommy"!  She see's a fireworks tent on the corner.  I ask her what it is and she says...."it's a castle!"  I love my little princess! 

Random Thoughts

• It's a BOY!  Our ultrasound was awesome.  He's measuring perfectly!  Heartrate was 157 BPM.  We got some cute pictures and he was sucking his thumb.  Not sure how I'm getting stuck with 2 thumb suckers...but I'll take it!  Now if we could just agree on a name.
• Caitlyn has had a stomach virus the past 2 weeks.  2 weeks of diarrhea.  I am so hoping that it's all past us now.  Last week she had a reprieve of 3 days and then it started up again Saturday afternoon after a day at the zoo.  Sunday (Mother's Day) was constant diarrhea all day.  We were both miserable! 
• I've been feeling the baby move since about 14 weeks.  I think I started to feel actual bumps around 19 weeks.  He moves a lot!  I was lucky if I felt Caitlyn once a day, usually it was every other day.  But I feel this little guy a few times every day and I love it!  I just felt him with my hand for the first time a couple of days ago.  I can't wait for Jared and Caitlyn to be able to feel him kicking!  Now when I'm rocking Caitlyn, he'll kick.  I can feel the sibling rivalry already!
• I'm working on painting Caitlyn's big girl room.  I tried using a pink and purple with a double roller, but it didn't turn out how I'd like.  So I'm still deciding what to do.  Hopefully the transition will be easy.
• We were all ready to start Caitlyn in her big girl panties and the stomach bug hit.  We've had a few days where she'll wear them and she stays dry all day in them.  But when she was having diarrhea episodes we'd put her back in a pull-up.  She had one pee accident and I think that was enough to keep her going on the potty.  Hopefully we'll get her to go #2 on the potty soon too...a ring sucker is in her future when that happens! 
• We bought our plants for the garden...so excited!  We're doing tomato, cherry tomato, zucchini, cucumbers, green/red peppers, watermelon and cantaloupe.  Wish me luck! 
• My c-section is scheduled for September 6th unless little guy decides to come early! 

Pregnancy Update

Not much really going on right now.  I'm told I popped 2 weekends ago.  I still just feel like I look bigger...but not pregnant.  But I have had a couple of people who didn't know I was pregnant comment...so I must look somewhat pregnant!  We had our 16 week appointment last week and the only update from that is that the heartbeat was at 155 bpm.  Otherwise it was non-eventful.  Just what we want!  Our next appointment is April 28th and this is where we find out if it's a boy or girl!  Still can't agree on a boy's name!  I'm so excited.  Plus that means we're half way there!  Time is moving so much faster with this pregnancy! 

So there is my short but sweet update! 

Caitlyn Antics

Last weekend at church during the pastor saying a prayer, Caitlyn starts saying very loudly that she needs to poopy and potty.  I told her ok in just a min but she kept repeating it and it would get louder each time she said it.  So I had to take her out.   Luckily for her she really did go on the potty.  She's been doing a lot of the crying wolf when we are out and about when it comes to using the potty.  We usually get into the bathroom and then she doesn't want to go anymore.  I'll have to write a whole other post on potty training though...and how much I despise it! 

1st Trimester Update

We did our 3rd IUI in December. I tested on NYE and it was positive! I was in a little bit of shock! I didn't have any bleeding or cramping this time around which I was thankful for. I did have 24/7 nausea for about 6 or 7 weeks. It was horrible. I would come home from work and basically go strait to bed. Jared would take care of Caitlyn then after dinner / bath she'd come in and cuddle with me and watch cartoons. That's how we functioned during this time. We had our first u/s on January 21st at about 7 weeks with Dr. Macklin's office. The heartbeat measured at about 147 bpm. Our second u/s was February 1st with Dr. Nudity and the heartbeat measured at 176 bpm at this appt. There is a myth about the rate of the heartbeat and if it's a boy or girl. If the heartbeat is slower than it's a boy and faster it's a girl. Caitlyn's was always higher in the 170's. So when the heartbeat was slower at the first appt I was sure it was a boy! Of course this baby is going to keep us on our toes! We had our 3rd u/s on March 3rd and the heartbeat went up again. I can't remember the exact number as I didn't write it down right away but it was in the high 160's. Everything is looking really good and progressing as it should! I started wearing maternity pants between weeks 9 & 10. They were just so much more comfortable. And I'm mostly wearing maternity tops now as well. We're in our 14th week and everything is just going like clock work! I'm feeling much better although I'm tired and exhausted at night. By the time Caitlyn goes to bed I'm not far behind her. And I'm usually sleeping by about 9 or 9:30. Everyone thinks we're having a boy. And I kind of feel like that too but not as strongly as I felt we were having a girl when I was pregnant with Caitlyn. We can't agree on a boys name. Of course we have a girls name picked out. Why are boys names harder?







Over all I'm feeling really good and things are looking great! I have my next appt on March 31st. Will have another pregnancy update then!

3rd Times a Charm

This is so cliche...but true!  Our third IUI worked!  I tested on NYE and it was positive!!!  Our due date is September 9th, 2011.  This was Caitlyn's due date as well.  I truly believe that my mom is watching over us and had a hand in this...as September 9th was her birthday as well!

I'm working on an update of my first trimester and will post again soon! 

Caitlyn's Surgery Update

Caitlyn's surgery went really well!  It lasted about 45 min.  We were at the surgical center for about 4 hours total.  They gave her something to relax before the surgery and I swear I was torn between wondering if they were killing brain cells and laughing so hard I might pee my pants!  She was so funny.  She had no motor control, and just giggled like she was on laughing gas.  Waking up from the anesthesia was better than her first surgery, but still not a fun time.  They wake up and are so disoriented that they cry and fuss.  She did drink her glass of apple juice and kept it down so we got to go home an hour after the surgery.  She didn't sleep as long as she did after her first surgery.  She got up at about 2:30 and we watched Finding Nemo (the only movie she'll sit still for more than a few min).  She was fussy on and off the rest of the day.  But she went back to school the next day and has been doing pretty well since.  She's been getting up at night and been kind of restless.  I've only had to actually get up with her once though.  They also told us that she'd have bad breath for about 2 weeks after the surgery....but they didn't warn us how bad it would be.  O.M.G.  I can't even explain it.  I don't think it's bothering her though and it's already started to get better. 

We have our follow up appt in another week...hopefully her ears look clear!  She has been eating so much better since her surgery...it's amazing! 

Caitlyn's Upcoming Surgery

Since November Caitlyn's had constant fluid in her ears.  Her tubes fell out sometime between her 2 year check up in September and the beginning of November.  So she's getting another set of tubes in her ears.  And while we're at it they are taking out her adenoids.  The ENT thinks that taking out her adenoids will also help the tummy issues she's been having.  We thought maybe it was her reflux acting up again...but it could also be drainage into her tummy making it upset and making her not want to eat.  Praying this is it because the reflux medicine doesn't seem to be doing the trick.  Please say a prayer for our little girl this week.  Her surgery is the 17th.  I'll post more after to let you all know how she does.