Macie and Emma meeting for the first time.

We got home yesterday and we were really looking forward to introducing Macie to her new little sister.  It was not even close to being eventful at all!!!  Macie really couldn't have cared less that there was a new baby in the house.  The only time she cared was when we brought out the swing (you know....the one that Macie spent the first three months of her life in) and put Emma in it.  That did not fly with Macie.  She kept going over and stealing her blanket and taking off with it.  Guess that's her way of setting the boundaries.  She really doesn't even look in Emma's direction unless Emma is in the swing. 
Our first night home was very nice.  We actually had to set an alarm to get up and feed Emma.  She never cries, just kind of grunts a little when she's hungry.  She would much rather sleep through her feedings, but we obviously can't let her do that.  So, we got up twice in the night to feed her and that was that.  I'm sure things will change, but we sure are enjoying it for now.  We actually have a call in to the Dr. right now since we are a bit worried about jaundice.  She's looking a bit yellow and with all the bruising she had, they told us to keep an eye on that.  I'm trying so hard to get enough breast milk in to her to help and it's just a repeat of my struggles with Macie!!!  Errrrr. 
Anyway, Emma has been wonderful and she's just a little peanut.  She is sooooo tiny, I feel like I am going to break her!
Macie and Emma meet for the first time:

Daddy and his girls

Emma Diane is here

She was born on February 8th, 2010 at 11:15 P.M., 6 pounds 7 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.  She has a full head of black hair, just like Macie did.  The journey began at my routine appointment that day.  I was four centimeters dilated and having some pretty intense contractions the night before.  I got home from the appointment and was contracting every 4-5 minutes for quite a while.  I called Phil, called the Dr. and we headed over to the hospital.  They put me in triage and "watched" me for about 3 hours.  I was really upset that they might send me packing again.  I was in a pretty significant amount of pain with the contractions and wasn't sure how I would do if they sent me home.  Finally around 6:00 they decided to admit me, I was 5 centimeters and contracting regularly.  I got the epidural pretty soon after they moved me.  I didn't react well to it and my blood pressure went really low.  They gave me some oxygen and some ephedrine to bring it back up and then pumped some liquid evil (pitocin) in me.  That's when the fun started.  I was having some decent contractions, but seemed to be stalling at 6 cm. for a while.  Then I could tell it was almost time, I was in a lot of pain and begging for more drugs.  I was almost completely dilated and having back labor so there wasn't anything they could do for me at that point.  All I can say is....OUCH.  I did not have anything close to the pain with Macie that I had delivering Emma.  I was crying, screaming, begging the Dr. to "get her out".   I actually feel a bit nauseous talking about the pain!!  My Dr. pretty much told me that I experienced "natural" child birth.  The epidural either wore off at the end or it just didn't "take" with me.  Kudos to the women that have their children without an epidural.  My mom never had one and she felt bad for me while pushing Emma out.  It was quick, so I am VERY thankful for that.  I was fully dilated at 11:06 and she was out at 11:15.
She is absolutely precious, and we are more in love than we thought capable!  She had a rough entrance into the world which caused some pretty significant bruising all over her tiny little body.  Her face was probably the worst.  She also is very red.  She looks like she has a sunburn.  This is due to having a high red blood cell count.  They have been doing all kinds of tests on her to make sure the levels are "safe", and they are.  It will just take some time for her to adjust being outside.  She was three weeks early and trying to regulate herself.  We are hoping to take her home today with us, and it's looking pretty promising.  They are checking her billirubin levels which are a concern especially with the bruising she has. 
So....after all that babbling, I present to you Emma Diane Scimeca.

Update

Went for my 37 week visit this morning.  I was up all last night with contractions....came really close to heading to the hospital, but decided to wait it out and go to my appointment today.  While he was measuring my belly he felt me contracting.  I told him that the Maternal Fetal Specialist thought inducing me this week would be best and he said "we'll do it next Wednesday".  I was ok with that....at least I can mentally prepare, right?  He decided to check me to see if I was dilated....OUCH.  I am 4 cm dilated!!!!  Holy crap!!!  He then decided to call and consult with the other Dr.  They decided that this Thursday would be best for induction, but they both thought I would "go" on my own before that.  The Dr. told me if my contractions were 5 min. apart for an hour to head to the hospital.  As I sit here and type, they are about 3-5 min. apart and I am just waiting for Phil to get home and we are heading to the hospital.  I'm nervous, excited, nauseous, anxious....you name it. 
We will soon be a family of four!!!  Can't wait to meet her!
My next update should be the announcement and some pictures.  Wish us luck.
Love to all!!!

Here are some last belly shots!!! 

 

Happy 65th Birthday Papa!!!

Can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!! 
Love you!
Macie

An entry about Macie- Not Mommy....for once!!!

It seems like it's been so long since I have done an entry about Macie.  I looked back and it really has not been that long, but I still feel bad doing so many updates about ME!! 
This is the time I should be updating on Macie since she changes so much everyday.  Phil got home from his trip and noticed a lot of changes in her (size and personality).  He said she looks taller, and she is such a clown now.  She must have an audience at all times, and is not happy until everyone around has stopped what they are doing, looked at her, and laughed.  She makes all kinds of silly noises and faces to get your attention, and then it's a "one toddler show".    She is a dancing fool now.  She has a piano that plays a bunch of tunes, but there is one in particular that she goes nuts.  She starts by doing a little jig, and then she runs across the room and does this fake, exaggerated laugh and runs into the couch (kinda like she's performing the Heimlich on herself).  It's hard to explain, but hilarious. 
She also is quite the Soccer player.  Her and Daddy really enjoy kicking the ball to eachother, and she's quite good.  I really should be getting videos of all this, but it's hard....she moves quick. 
She's not talking a whole lot, but I have a feeling we are going to be in trouble soon.  I think she's just going to wake up one day saying whole sentences and we won't be able to shut her up.  She talks in her own language right now and uses hand gestures all the time.  It's so cute.  She seems to learn a word and sticks with it for a few days and just repeats it all day.  This week is Duck- Duck a Duck a Duck a Duck a Duck.  I haven't heard a "Mama" in a very long time....annoying.  She calls me "Dada" too.  She does say "Daddy" now too- Poor Mommy!!!  I'm sure in time I will want to change my name she will be saying it so much. 
We are working on learning animals, the sounds they make and colors right now.  She's more interested in turning pages of books and eating them than learning much from them.  I have also been working on some sign language with her.  She knows "milk" and "eat" right now.  Takes a lot of patience which I don't seem to have much of these days.  That will hopefully change very soon.
So, that's all for now with Macie.  I'd like to say she's excited to meet her baby sister, but she has no clue what's going to hit her in the next few weeks.  We have been giving her baby dolls to get used to having a baby around, but she just wants to pull out their eyelashes and chew on their fingers.  She does give an occassional kiss and hug, but would rather poke and chew!!! 
Here are some random pics of her:

36 week NST

I had my weekly NST today and ended up spending a little more time there than I have been.  They tried stimulating her with the buzzer thingy and she wasn't responding like she should.  The nurse said she would give it a few more minutes and then she was going to go get the Dr. and they would probably do an ultrasound.  Apparently baby didn't like that idea since she started waking up.  They got a few "good reads" from her and then the Dr. came in anyway to "chat".  I adore this Dr., by the way.  He's the Maternal Fetal Specialist and he's just the nicest, most personable, caring guy.  He talks to you like you are human and he addresses any and all concerns.  He asked me how I was feeling, and I just said "eh, ok".  He wanted me to ellaborate.....BAD IDEA.  I haven't slept in a week due to some pretty strong contractions and having to pee every 5 minutes.  I am just rather run down in general.  I am so much bigger in my belly this time and it really kinda sucks.  Not that being 20lbs heavier and big everywhere with Macie was great, but there are parts of my body I haven't seen in months.  I was able to shave my legs with no problem the day I had her.....not so much with this one.  Can't manuever around the Buddah!  I digress, sorry!!!  Anyway, the Dr. asked me how far along I am and I told him that I will be 37 weeks on Monday.  He then says "so, we probably won't see you next week then."  I said "pardon me?".  He said that I should really talk with my OB about being induced after next week.  You are considered full term at 37 weeks.  He said that with Pre-eclampsia, it's not a real great idea to go much further than that.  Now as excited as I wanted to be about that.....my OB is not the "inducing" kinda guy.  I kinda get the feeling if I mention it to him, he won't do it just for that reason.  I am sure that is not the case and he will do everything to ensure that the baby is safe and healthy, but my aching back brings out the pessimist in me!!! 
So......My next appt. is Monday.  Until then......

I have to apologize to Macie.  I have been slacking in the updates for her blog.  I am consumed with Dr. appointments and exhaustion.  I am trying to keep everyone updated via the blog since everyone knows how much I LOVE chatting on the phone- ugh!!! 
I will do an update very soon for the Face....promise. 
XOXO

Still can't find the spell check button.......where oh where are you???? 

Week 36, and the diagnosis is........

Phil and I only produce big headed babies!  Dang!!!  I had my growth ultrasound today, and she looks great.  She's weighing in at approximately 5 lbs. 12 oz.   According to everything I read, 6 lbs. is the "norm".  My blood pressure was great (112/70), and another lb. gained.  As the Dr. is doing the ultrasound he says "she has a big head" and the student in the room says "oh yeah, she's got a big head".  GREAT, thanks for the double verification on birthing another baby with a large head!!!  Why wouldn't they just not say anything?  I didn't know Macie had a huge head before I had her and I liked it that way.  Can't say it was so pleasant getting her out!  Of course this is the only thing I think about now. 
Anyway....I got off track there.  I had the ultrasound to make sure that she was growing appropriately since I am having "issues".  Seems my "issues" have subsided for a bit.  I was seen in Labor and Delivery on Saturday for high blood pressure and I was not feeling "right".  I called the Dr., told him what my BP was and he told me to go to the hospital.  I was there for about an hour and 1/2 and they sent me home.  HATE THAT!!!  I told Phil I will not be going back unless I know for SURE that she is on her way out!  While I was there I was contracting every 4-6 minutes but could barely feel any of them.  We got home and around midnight the fun started.  I was having really strong contractions that almost had me in tears and they ended up being 5 minutes apart for about 2 hours.  I got in a warm bath and they subsided, but the minute I got out they started back up again.  I got so tired finally and fell asleep for a bit and when I woke up again, they were gone.  No clue what that was, but I sure as heck wasn't about to go back to the hospital! 
So, seems she's going to stay in there a bit longer than we all thought.  That's a good thing, but I sure hope she decides to come before her head gets any larger!  Macie was born at 37 weeks 2 days and was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and the Dr. told me that this baby was going to be bigger than her. 
Sorry I did a lot of babbling on this post.  I'm getting anxious and want to meet her.  So, will she come on her own, or will my body become uncooperative again and they'll have to get her outta there with the evil drugs??? 
We shall see....stay tuned.

Update

Had my weekly NST today.  She was a bit sleepy today and needed some stimulation from this weid buzzer thingy to get going.  My blood pressure was a bit elevated, and there was a bit more protein in my urine than last time.  So, with all those factors not in my favor I do get to get a glimpse at her on Monday.  They are going to do a "growth ultrasound" to make sure she is at the appropriate size for the # of weeks I am (36 weeks Monday).  I am told by the Maternal Fetal Specialist that he wants this done in case they have to deliver me early.  He just wants to make sure she is big enough.  I delivered Macie at 37 weeks and she was 7 lbs. so I am hoping that we are in the same ballpark there!  I get a little excited at the prospect of delivering early, but of course I want her to be healthy and cook as long as needed.  I am very uncomfortable- having frequent contractions cramping, back hurts, no sleep, etc., but I know that the end result is what's important and wonderful and that's what matters.  "Short term pain for long term gain", right???  I have to keep repeating that right now. 
Guess more waiting.....ugh.  I will know more on Monday, and maybe have an idea when we get to meet the little one. 

Onto other things:  Phil is coming home tomorrow night and Macie and I could not be more excited.  He's been gone almost a week and we miss him terribly.  Macie and I have been pampered and spoiled at my parents house for the past week.  We have had awesome home cooked meals every night, a nice cozy bed, relaxation and some very nice family time.  We want to thank Grandma and Papa for pretty much giving up their home and their daily routine for us for the past week.  I know it wasn't easy having a crabby pregnant lady waddling around complaining.  Macie has had such a good time.  She has been going to bed earlier every night since all she does is run around all day long!!!!  Thanks Mom and Dad. 

35 Week Appointment

Had my 35 week appointment yesterday. Nothing new to report. I gained a pound so my total is 21 lbs. so far. I am starting to swell so am sure the pounds will really start coming on now!!! Still protein in my urine, but my blood pressure has actually been fairly low. I will still have my weekly NST's on Thursdays at 11:00 until I have her.

Phil left for Cleveland on Saturday and Macie misses her daddy so much. She is enjoying hanging out with Grandma and Papa, but still looks around for Daddy and is constantly saying "Dada". Poor thing, has to be very confusing for her. Phil REALLY hates being away from her. This is the longest he and I have been away from eachother and it has to be extra hard now that he's away from his baby girl!!! I send him a picture of her everyday so I think that helps a bit. I tried to get her to talk to him on the phone, but the minute she heard his voice, she had a major meltdown!!! No more of that.

Blogger is not cooperating with me AGAIN.  I can't find spellcheck so my apologies for any misspellings!

16 Months

I am still only doing letters every 3 months now, but wanted to post some cute pictures.
You are walking/running now, and it's so cute, and soooo much easier on Mommy!!! You insist on carrying something at all times when you are walking, must help with your balance (or at least you think it helps).

15/16 Month Check up

Macie had her 15 month check up today (really ended up being at 16 months due to us just having her there not too long ago for illness).

Her stats:

Weight: 26 pounds (90th percentile)
Height: 31 inches (95th percentile)
Head: 19 1/2 inches (95th percentile)

Diagnosis: Healthy, tall, and super smart!!! At least that's Mommy's diagnosis.

Seems our "healthy, tall, and super smart" kid has some stinky pits. We've tried different things to help with it, but nothing is working. The Dr. is going to call an Endocrinologist tomorrow to see what/if he recommends anything. Probably do some blood work to rule out diabetes, thyroid issues, and metabolic problems. We'll know more soon. Yes, we have a stinky kid.....poor thing.

Today was the day of Dr.'s appointments. I had my first NST today. Seems everything went good since the baby was reacting appropriately to stimuli, and just normal movement. I also had an appt. with my OB- blood pressure was good, baby's heartrate was 130 and I am measuring 34 weeks. Not much to report....a good thing!

34 Weeks

Had my first of two 34 week appointments today. My blood pressure was nice and low this time. I am still spilling protein in my urine unfortunately. I will now go in for a weekly Non Stress Test until I deliver. I am waiting for a call back from the Maternal Fetal Specialist to see what day this week they can do my first one.
How is one supposed to rest with the following orders:
1- Drink tons of water. I spend most of my time trying to get my tank ass off the couch to go pee 500x a day.
2- You will have two appointments every week with the OB office, and now 1 appointment weekly with the Maternal Fetal Specialist. That requires me to get ready and get out of the house 3 days a week. Granted, it's not strenuous, but it's not RESTING!

That's all for now, sorry about the bitching. I just want to be "normal" again....whatever that is.

Update

I went over to the hospital yesterday to turn in my "jug o' pee" and to have some blood work done. Today was my follow up appointment for blood pressure and the test results.
My blood pressure was still elevated, no shock there. I also am spilling a fairly large amount of protein in my urine. This is an indicator of the beginning stages of preeclampsia. Here is some info. I found. Much better than me trying to explain it.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Also referred to as toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is marked by high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. Preeclampsia, when present, usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, generally in the latter part of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier.
How Can Preeclampsia Affect My Baby?
Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, which can cause your baby to be born very small. It is also one of the leading causes of premature births and the difficulties that can accompany them, including learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision problems.

What Is the Treatment for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?The only real cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is the birth of the baby.

Mild preeclampsia (blood pressure greater than 140/90 that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman who did not have hypertension before; and/or having a small amount of protein in the urine can be managed with careful hospital or in-home observation along with activity restriction.

If the baby is pre-term, the condition can be managed until your baby can be safely delivered. Your health care provider may prescribe bed rest, hospitalization, or medication to prolong the pregnancy and increase your unborn baby's chances of survival. If your baby is close to term, labor may be induced.

The treatment for more severe preeclampsia (having vision problems, lung problems, abdominal pain, fetal distress, or other signs and symptoms) may require more emergent treatment -- delivery of the baby -- irrespective of the baby's age.

So, what does this mean for me and the baby? I have been instructed to "not do much of anything". I am to lay on my left side most of the time, drink lots of water, and relax. Oh yeah....and not lift Macie. I did explain to the Dr. that that was nearly impossible. I understand why they don't want me to do it, and I understand the instructions but they also understand that I am going to have to lift her from time to time. Phil has been awesome in helping me with a lot. He brings her up for her naps, brings her down, puts her in the highchair, gives her baths,etc. Unfortunately, he can not be here all the time...one of us has to work!!! My parents have been a huge help too and have been taking her for a few hours and/or days if I need to go to the Dr., or just need to "rest". I can't express enough how grateful I am to all of them for their help. I also am very grateful that Macie is walking now. That makes things a bit better in the lifting department.
I got a little off track there. I go back to to the Dr. on Monday and I will be scheduled for a Non Stress Test. They hook me up to the monitors for about an hour and record the baby's heart rate and my contractions. They want to make sure that the baby's heart rate is reacting properly to stimuli and movement. It helps them determine if the baby is getting enough oxygen, or if the baby is under any stress.
So...more waiting, and worrying, and wondering. I'm not good at any of those, and can't imagine it's good in this situation. Obviously the main goal is to keep all this under control so that she can bake a little bit longer.
I am so bummed, frustrated, nervous, etc. This pregnancy was going along very well, and so much different than with Macie and then all this came about! I don't have the swelling and rapid weight gain that I had with her, but I am told to keep an eye out for it so it must be in my future.
That's all for now...I am off to go lay on my left side. I have so much to do with the nursery, etc. Guess it can wait!

33 Week- Headless belly shot

I haven't done a belly shot in a while. I am HUGE!!! It's a 20lb baby in there you know.....

Now that I am off work.....

I should probably be doing all that laundry I have been putting off for so long.





Say CHEESE!!!!

Follow up appointment- 33 weeks

Where to start? How about the good news? Only gained 1 pound.....that's all I got for good news.
When I got home from work on Friday my back was killing me, but I didn't think much of it since my back hurts even when I am not working. I decided to come home and take it easy for a little bit. While I was laying down I decided to check my blood pressure and it was 150/100- yikes! Shortly after that I started cramping and the back pain was awful, and I was noticing somewhat of a pattern. I was having contractions about 6 minutes apart...oh crap. I finally broke down and called the Dr. He told me to take two Tylenol, drink a bunch of water and lay down for 2 hours. The contractions went to 12, 15, 20 min. etc., and then went away.....phew!!!
I went in today for a follow up on my elevated BP last Tuesday. It was elevated again today, but I got the added bonus of having protein in my urine. This didn't happen when I was pregnant with Macie until the day I was induced with her. Needless to say, I was a little surprised since this pregnancy has been so different. I have minimal swelling, minimal headaches. There really hasn't been much going on to concern me. After the physician's assistant did all her "stuff" she said "I am going to go talk to the Dr.". That can't be good....I don't see him very often right now. He came in and proceeds to tell me that he's concerned about the protein and I am to stop working ASAP. Say what??? I tried to bargain with him for a bit, but he wasn't going to change his mind. I only work two days a week for crying out loud! I am supposed to "rest"....HA....he doesn't know me.
Anyway, now I have to pee in a jug for 24 hours and go to the hospital Thursday for some tests. And I also get to go to the Dr. two times a week now. So, guess it's the waiting game now to see what the results tell us.
BUMMER....big, big bummer. We need this baby to bake longer!

I think we can finally say.....

Macie is a walker. I've been trying for a week to get her on video and this is the best one I have.

32 Week appointment and a HUGE thanks.

Had my 32 week appointment today. This is the part where I say "all is well". Yeah, not this time. Nothing horrible, just not as "well" as the other appointments have gone to this point. My blood pressure was high- 140/90. We are hoping it has something to do with the HORRIBLE cold I have right now that was passed on to me from my little sweetie. I haven't felt this crappy in a very long time, and not being able to medicate myself is making it very difficult to cope with. Poor me.....So, now I go back in a week instead of two to check the BP again.
Baby's heart rate was 135, I gained one pound in two weeks....REALLY? With everything I ate over the holidays???? I LOVE the scale at the Dr.'s office.
I want to send out a HUGE thank you to my parents and my brother. My Dad and brother came this morning and picked Macie up and watched her all day so that I could rest. It took some persistence on my moms part to convince me it was a good idea, and I am so glad she did. I got a nap in and some serious couch time. Thanks Mom, Dad and Mark for helping out the crabby, sick, pregnant chick.

Happy New Year!!

We went out for a very nice dinner with Susie, Nelson and Jaden this year for New Years Eve and to celebrate Phil's birthday. Thanks for celebrating with us!!! I didn't get any pictures since it didn't really seem appropriate at the restaurant. We were home pretty early since Macie has been fighting a cold for a few days, and we sadly didn't even make it until midnight....god we are old!!!

Macie is now ringing in the new year with a nasty cold. I did manage to get a picture of her looking rather pathetic, it's so sad. My poor baby!

Happy Birthday Phil!

Macie and I just wanted to wish the best Daddy and Husband a very happy 36th birthday today. We love you so much!!!

A Christmas Miracle

Well almost....
Macie is pretty much walking now. For about 2 weeks she has been walking the perimeter of whatever room she is in, and just kind of holding on to the wall for stability. On Saturday at Phil's parents house she was letting go and walking from point A to point B. I give it a couple days before she is full out running!!! I was afraid it was never going to happen. She just needs a bit more confidence and she'll be on the go.
Hoping to get a video of it soon.

The day after Christmas

The day after Christmas we went to Phil's parents house and had our Christmas celebration with his mom and dad, his brother, sister in law, and Macie's cousin Joey. It was an awful drive with the massive snow storm, but was worth it!!! I was worried that Macie was going to be burnt out from the long weekend, but she still had a lot left in her. She played with her cousin Joey, and they opened gifts together. Phil's mom and dad also outdid themselves with all the presents and food!!! Thank you to Grandma and Papa, Joe, Sam, Joey, Kim, Mike, Kayla, Dean and David for all the wonderful gifts!! We stayed overnight and drove home the next day....we were all beat (I'm sure you can tell from the last picture that Macie was exhausted from all the excitement).

Christmas Day

Christmas Day we headed over to my parents house to open gifts and have dinner. Once again, my parents outdid themselves with the presents and the food. Macie is now in that stage where she doesn't like taking a nap if she is having too much fun. This was the case over the entire weekend. She was having such a good time with her cousins that she fought taking a nap, but finally did and we are all so glad she did. Thanks Grandma and Papa for all presents and the yummy grub. My mom had a 25lb. turkey and I think Macie ate about 20lbs of it. Also, thanks to Uncle Mark, Auntie Gayle, Katie and Ryan for all the great gifts!

Christmas Eve 2009

This year we spent Christmas Eve with my side of the family. We headed over to Mike and Jackie's house for the festivities. Macie had so much fun, and she got some really great gifts!!! Thank you for having us Mike and Jackie! Thanks to everyone for all the nice gifts. I have tons of pictures, here are just a few.

Macie was not happy with the sales this week!

First experience in snow.

We took Macie outside today for her first time actually playing in the snow. You can pretty much see from the pictures that she wasn't a big fan. Actually....I should say that she enjoyed touching the snow and eating it. She absolutely HATES having a coat and/or mittens on. She gets upset whenever we go somewhere and have to put a coat on her. She didn't like being swaddled either, she's just like her mommy- hates to feel confined. Once Phil took one of her mittens off and she could feel the snow and play with it, she was fine. Maybe we'll try gloves!!!
Here are some pictures from today.
Thank you again Mom and Dad for the new camera.....what a difference! Our old camera sucked!

30 Week Appointment

Went today for my 30 week check-up and everything is great. I passed my Glucose test- thank god! Baby's heart rate is 145, my blood pressure was 102/60 (really low for me), I am measuring at 30 weeks and no weight gain in the past two weeks (I think their scale is broken since my clothes are telling me otherwise).
Not much to report, and that's a good thing.

I am loving all the Christmas Cards we are getting....keep them coming!

Merry Christmas!

Long overdue announcement....

I am a terrible wife. Phil found a job THREE WEEKS after being laid off!!! I am so proud of him. He worked his butt off getting his resume out there and networking through friends and previous co-workers. He got an amazing offer with a company called Barnes Distribution, and it's exactly what he's been looking for!!! He will have a home office and just be traveling locally (except for his trip to Clevelend at the end of Jan.). They made him a very generous offer (hard to find in this crap economy) and he is worth EVERY penny. It's about time someone compensated him for his talent and hard work.
I'm so proud of you Phil, and I feel really good about this opportunity for you.
I really enjoyed the 5 weeks that you had off recently. We definitely spent some much needed, quality, family time together! Macie was ecstatic to have Daddy home. Hated to see you leave today and get back to the grind, but know that it's necessary.
Thank you for all your hard work- I love you!!!
Congratulations on your new job!!!

What a difference a year makes!

15 Months

Macie Face-

I can't hardly believe you are 15 months old already. Time is just flying by right now. You grow and change everyday, and I wake up everyday wondering what you are going to do, or learn. You are funny, cute, charming, witty, stubborn, determined, quick tempered, independent, happy, sweet....I could go on and on. You demonstrate all these traits, and more every single day. Some of the traits make me sad because you are growing so incredibly fast, but the others make me look forward to you growing even more. Just don't do it too fast!!!
These are the things you have said/done/learned over the past three months:
*You wave bye bye and say "buh bye" while waving
*You blow kisses and make a smacking noise while doing it
*You give kisses (mostly just at bedtime and will only give them to me), it's so sweet.
*You have taken a few steps on your own, but don't think you are ever going to walk.
*You drink water out of a water bottle like you've been doing it for years. You never used a sippy (well maybe once for a few seconds, but that was it). You will ONLY drink water from a water bottle and milk from a bottle.
*You have tried every food that Mommy and Daddy eat. You love grilled cheese, pizza, peas, broccoli, apples, oranges, cookies (the organic ones are your fav.- I tried them and don't see the appeal), chicken, etc.
*You say "ki ki" (kitty kitty)
*You say "dog dog"
*You clap when you are done eating, and you remove your bib yourself. You sometimes say "all done"
*You give high fives
*You do "so big", but only when we say "how big is the Face".
*You give hugs, but only to Daddy. You crawl to him and wrap your arms around his neck/back and pat him on the shoulder, it's very cute and Daddy LOVES it!!!

Daddy has been home for the past month and you are loving it. He goes back to work on Monday and I think it's going to be hard on both of us. It's been fun having him around!!! You adore your Daddy, but between you and me....I think he's going to be more sad going back to work than you are!!!

You amaze us every single day! I can't imagine my life without you! You bring so much joy to my life and everyone around you.

I love you!!!

Mommy

28 Week appointment- Glucose Test

All is well. Had my glucose test today- yuck. They gave me the sugary drink and it was Fruit Punch flavor. It's not bad enough, but I HATE HATE HATE fruit punch. I won't have the results for a week since our insurance goes through a lab that is out of state! I am measuring right on the 28 week mark. Gained 2 lbs. in 3 weeks- not too bad, just hate seeing the scale go up! I'll attribute it to the fact that they weighed me before I got to pee, and I had 10 lbs. of clothes and boots on. Her heart rate was 146 and she was practicing her Karate moves during the exam thanks to the Fruit Punch flavored sugar drink. Blood pressure was good. I start going every two weeks now for check-ups. Getting closer.

Wagon Fun!!!

It's another dark video, but still funny to listen to. She loves cruisin around with Daddy in her wagon. Although, not sure which is more amusing: listening to Phil, or Macie!

Katie's Ballet/Tap Recital

We were invited to see my niece's ballet/tap recital on Monday night. It was so cute, and she did a really great job! Macie loved watching the teacher dance around next to her!!!
I have some cute videos from the recital too, but blogger won't let me download videos right now! I have been trying to process one for about 2 hours now. Will try to share those later.

Would someone please tell Macie........

That no one is going to take her food away from her? She doesn't seem to know this.

28 Weeks- The Final Stretch.....literally.

I am officially in the third trimester....wow! Not much to report except I feel soooo much larger this time around than I did with Macie. I have gained 1/2 the amount of weight compared to last time, but feel like it's double. Weird. Still feeling pretty good, just the aches and pains that go with pregnancy. My hips have really started bothering me in the middle of the night, it's hard to get comfortable. I am thankful that I am not experiencing the swelling I did with Macie....at least not yet! 82 days to go, can't believe it.
Have my glucose test tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that I pass this time! I was over by 1 point last time and had to do the 3 hour test.
And, I am pretty sure that the following picture is the only one that includes my head. I absolutely hate it, but what can ya do. I'm pregnant and huge- just have to work really hard after I have her, right?

Congratulations to the Nixon's!!! And a belated Congrats to the Weldon's!!

John and Kari Nixon welcomed Baby Boy Mason this morning around 1:45am.
He was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 inches long.




Congratulations to Matt and Jessica Weldon, they are expecting sometime in June!