Thursday, July 31, 2008
Farmers' Market
My friend Bri posted a link to Local Harvest: this great site will tell you about any farmers' markets located in your area. It's awesome and it's a great way to support local farmers! I found the Phoenixville Farmers' Market website using local harvest and it sounds like an amazing place. I really want to check it out on Saturday. If we go, I'll write a review for all you locals.
My Super Kids
Last night I had a dream that Libby had super powers. She could shoot fire from her hands and she had gills so she could breathe under water. She had to sleep in a mini-fridge to regulate her body temperature. Man, I hope I have crazy dreams like this after she's born! :-)
When I woke up, Matt had left for his Bible study and Harrison was very quiet. It was 8:30 and I was amazed that he let me sleep in. When I opened his door, I expected a huge mess. Instead, there he was-- perched on his bed reading one of his books. When I sat next to him, he started summarizing on the contents of each page as if he was reading to me. I can't wait to start teaching this little guy to read!
The book was about a surprise party, and I wondered if Harrison remembered that his daddy's surprise party was today. Matt's office threw us a baby shower. I told Harrison about it yesterday, and I was somewhat amazed that he kept the secret. I didn't think that Matt would be surprised at all (he's never surprised...about anything! Which is pretty annoying for a wife who loves to surprise people.) and he was!
The shower was great, and the people in Matt's department were so incredibly generous to us. Libby got a teddy and a gift certificate to Babies R Us and Harrison received an "I'm the Big Brother" t-shirt. Thanks everyone for such a great time!
When I woke up, Matt had left for his Bible study and Harrison was very quiet. It was 8:30 and I was amazed that he let me sleep in. When I opened his door, I expected a huge mess. Instead, there he was-- perched on his bed reading one of his books. When I sat next to him, he started summarizing on the contents of each page as if he was reading to me. I can't wait to start teaching this little guy to read!
The book was about a surprise party, and I wondered if Harrison remembered that his daddy's surprise party was today. Matt's office threw us a baby shower. I told Harrison about it yesterday, and I was somewhat amazed that he kept the secret. I didn't think that Matt would be surprised at all (he's never surprised...about anything! Which is pretty annoying for a wife who loves to surprise people.) and he was!
The shower was great, and the people in Matt's department were so incredibly generous to us. Libby got a teddy and a gift certificate to Babies R Us and Harrison received an "I'm the Big Brother" t-shirt. Thanks everyone for such a great time!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Our little Birthday Santa
Harrison was a night owl last night. When I arrived home at 7:30pm, he was just waking up from his nap, so I figured one of two things would happen: 1) he would eat dinner and go right back to sleep watching a movie, or 2) he would be up very, very late. When he had a major meltdown due to getting water in a sippy-cup rather than bottled water, I figured it would be the latter.
Yesterday was my brother Shane’s birthday, and while we celebrated it Monday, Harrison and Mommy bought the present yesterday to drop off at my mom’s for him to receive when he returned from a night at the Police concert. We came up with a great themed present to go along with his night of Police, and while I made up the card, Harrison wanted to wrap the presents. I didn’t understand what he was saying at first “I WANNA WAP ‘SENTS!” Finally, he was able to slow down and tell me that he wanted to get wrapping paper to wrap Shane’s gifts. So, we went up stairs and picked out the least feminine looking gift bag we could find, and two pieces of “wrapping paper” or tissue paper, we came down stairs, and I taught Harrison how to wrap a gift in a gift bag using tissue paper.
I then told him that I was going to go to Grandma’s to drop it off for his uncle. “Uncle Shane’s at Grandma’s?” He asked as his brow curled up and his head titled to one side.
“No, Uncle Shane is at a concert, but I am going to leave it for him to open when he gets home.”
With this I could tell his little mind was racing with questions and trying to piece it all together. But then he said something that was truly hilarious and imaginative. “Like Santa?” He said and then smiled, like he knew that what just came out of his mouth was adorable.
Katy and I laughed and agreed that it was kind of like a Santa-mission, leaving a present for someone to open later without us there. Then Harrison indicated that he wanted to play Santa. Despite my urge to reply with a quote from A Christmas story, “No Ralphie, you played Santa last year,” I refrained. I looked at my watch, then at Katy and said, “It’s 9:30...What do you think” Again, Katy thought it a great plan for him to play Santa, then fall asleep on the drive home, so we went along with it.
I don’t know if I ever saw him so happy. He smiled, laughed, and jumped up and down. He was so happy it was cliché. But it showed me in a real concrete way that giving can be so much fun. And that is mostly why I agreed to take Harrison out at 9:30 at night, despite the neighbors looking at me like I was crazy for taking a 3 year old out at such a late hour.
Our mission was successful. Go to Grandma’s, print card, leave it for Shane. Harrison even got a bonus—leftover birthday cake. A little stale, but good. However, I believe this was a mistake on my part. Too much sugar, too late. The thought crossed my mind, but my irrational side said It is so late and he is so tired that he will still fall asleep. On the drive home, I kept looking in the rearview to see that his eyes were wide open. Uh-oh, too much stimulation + too much sugar = up way too late. When we got home, he wasn’t asleep, and he was bargaining for 5 minutes (which is never 5 minutes). It turned out to be nearly 11:30pm before he finally went to sleep. One of the latest nights he has ever had. But, as I think back, being Santa is a very important job and requires one to stay up late. The small price to pay is his Christmas-in-July hangover that my wife will need to deal with today. Merry Christmas, Katy!
Yesterday was my brother Shane’s birthday, and while we celebrated it Monday, Harrison and Mommy bought the present yesterday to drop off at my mom’s for him to receive when he returned from a night at the Police concert. We came up with a great themed present to go along with his night of Police, and while I made up the card, Harrison wanted to wrap the presents. I didn’t understand what he was saying at first “I WANNA WAP ‘SENTS!” Finally, he was able to slow down and tell me that he wanted to get wrapping paper to wrap Shane’s gifts. So, we went up stairs and picked out the least feminine looking gift bag we could find, and two pieces of “wrapping paper” or tissue paper, we came down stairs, and I taught Harrison how to wrap a gift in a gift bag using tissue paper.
I then told him that I was going to go to Grandma’s to drop it off for his uncle. “Uncle Shane’s at Grandma’s?” He asked as his brow curled up and his head titled to one side.
“No, Uncle Shane is at a concert, but I am going to leave it for him to open when he gets home.”
With this I could tell his little mind was racing with questions and trying to piece it all together. But then he said something that was truly hilarious and imaginative. “Like Santa?” He said and then smiled, like he knew that what just came out of his mouth was adorable.
Katy and I laughed and agreed that it was kind of like a Santa-mission, leaving a present for someone to open later without us there. Then Harrison indicated that he wanted to play Santa. Despite my urge to reply with a quote from A Christmas story, “No Ralphie, you played Santa last year,” I refrained. I looked at my watch, then at Katy and said, “It’s 9:30...What do you think” Again, Katy thought it a great plan for him to play Santa, then fall asleep on the drive home, so we went along with it.
I don’t know if I ever saw him so happy. He smiled, laughed, and jumped up and down. He was so happy it was cliché. But it showed me in a real concrete way that giving can be so much fun. And that is mostly why I agreed to take Harrison out at 9:30 at night, despite the neighbors looking at me like I was crazy for taking a 3 year old out at such a late hour.
Our mission was successful. Go to Grandma’s, print card, leave it for Shane. Harrison even got a bonus—leftover birthday cake. A little stale, but good. However, I believe this was a mistake on my part. Too much sugar, too late. The thought crossed my mind, but my irrational side said It is so late and he is so tired that he will still fall asleep. On the drive home, I kept looking in the rearview to see that his eyes were wide open. Uh-oh, too much stimulation + too much sugar = up way too late. When we got home, he wasn’t asleep, and he was bargaining for 5 minutes (which is never 5 minutes). It turned out to be nearly 11:30pm before he finally went to sleep. One of the latest nights he has ever had. But, as I think back, being Santa is a very important job and requires one to stay up late. The small price to pay is his Christmas-in-July hangover that my wife will need to deal with today. Merry Christmas, Katy!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bending Down: Reason 101 for why I can't wait for this child to be born.
Today I thought I had timed everything perfectly for Harrison's nap. I would wear him out at "Aunt" Tricia's house while he played with Jayden, run a few errands, and bingo! A sleeping Harrison in the car seat on the way home. He fell asleep as soon as we turned into the neighborhood, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Yes! I can take a nap and maybe have some "me" time to write and journal about all the emotional stuff I've been going through lately. Um. Yeah.
We pull into the parking spot in front of our house. There are men with weed-whackers and lawn mowers in our front yard. Maintenance day. Totally forgot. Harrison miraculously stays asleep. What an angel! I take my keys, my purse, and Harrison's bag out of the car, and I have to make a decision--leave Harrison in the car for a split second to unlock the tricky front door or attempt to unlock the door with a 33 lb three-year-old in my arms. It's hot. I decide to risk it and I pick up Harrison with my arms full and position the keys so they are ready to unlock the door.
I get to the door. I look at Harrison (still asleep), I take a second to give the men yelling across the parking lot a withering stare, I shift Harrison to position him onto my left hip, and I raise my right hand to unlock the door.
I drop the keys.
Less than gracefully (read: about as graceful as one can be while 38 weeks preggers and a sleeping toddler in her arms), I somehow attempt to dip Harrison and squat down to retrieve the keys. Harrison squirms a bit. Still asleep. I grab the keys from the floor and very awkwardly stand up. I get the key into the lock. Turn the key. The key "CLICKS."
Harrison wakes up.
Now, as I take a moment to write this, Harrison is protesting his nap by shouting down the vent that links his room with the kitchen (our intercom system). I told him that he can't leave his room until he takes his nap, and I'm really surprised that he's actually listening to me about that. I'm going to go check on him now, but I just want to say I really don't want to be pregnant anymore. Come out Libby... please???!!!
We pull into the parking spot in front of our house. There are men with weed-whackers and lawn mowers in our front yard. Maintenance day. Totally forgot. Harrison miraculously stays asleep. What an angel! I take my keys, my purse, and Harrison's bag out of the car, and I have to make a decision--leave Harrison in the car for a split second to unlock the tricky front door or attempt to unlock the door with a 33 lb three-year-old in my arms. It's hot. I decide to risk it and I pick up Harrison with my arms full and position the keys so they are ready to unlock the door.
I get to the door. I look at Harrison (still asleep), I take a second to give the men yelling across the parking lot a withering stare, I shift Harrison to position him onto my left hip, and I raise my right hand to unlock the door.
I drop the keys.
Less than gracefully (read: about as graceful as one can be while 38 weeks preggers and a sleeping toddler in her arms), I somehow attempt to dip Harrison and squat down to retrieve the keys. Harrison squirms a bit. Still asleep. I grab the keys from the floor and very awkwardly stand up. I get the key into the lock. Turn the key. The key "CLICKS."
Harrison wakes up.
Now, as I take a moment to write this, Harrison is protesting his nap by shouting down the vent that links his room with the kitchen (our intercom system). I told him that he can't leave his room until he takes his nap, and I'm really surprised that he's actually listening to me about that. I'm going to go check on him now, but I just want to say I really don't want to be pregnant anymore. Come out Libby... please???!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dazed and Confused
My doctor from last week must have written a note in my file: "Cries at the mention of a C-section."
My doctor this week was a major advocate for V-BAC. He was encouraging and friendly towards the idea. He told me that my chances were good (still 60%) and that Libby was much smaller than Harrison, so the delivery may have a completely different outcome.
For the past few days, I have been trying to come to terms with the possibility of a C-section. So I mentioned the idea of scheduling one next week on the day I turn 40 weeks pregnant. Dr. Mansfield said it was possible, but that I should wait until my appointment next Friday to make my decision. He also scheduled another ultrasound to get more information about Libby's size and weight so that the decision making process is an informed one. Last week they gave me a paper on V-BACs and repeated C-sections that I have to sign by next Friday to let them know I have committed to a decision.
The paper says that V-BAC has less risks than a repeated C-section, but that if I have to have a C-section during labor that is even riskier. So next Friday, if Libby doesn't show up before then, I will have to make the decision of whether I should have them break my water or go in for a C-section. The reason for my title--I have no idea what to do.
Thanks to everyone who has written and has offered their prayers and support. My prayer for right now is that Libby will either come on her own time before next Friday or that the information we get next week will clarify which is the best and safest choice for me and Libby.
My doctor this week was a major advocate for V-BAC. He was encouraging and friendly towards the idea. He told me that my chances were good (still 60%) and that Libby was much smaller than Harrison, so the delivery may have a completely different outcome.
For the past few days, I have been trying to come to terms with the possibility of a C-section. So I mentioned the idea of scheduling one next week on the day I turn 40 weeks pregnant. Dr. Mansfield said it was possible, but that I should wait until my appointment next Friday to make my decision. He also scheduled another ultrasound to get more information about Libby's size and weight so that the decision making process is an informed one. Last week they gave me a paper on V-BACs and repeated C-sections that I have to sign by next Friday to let them know I have committed to a decision.
The paper says that V-BAC has less risks than a repeated C-section, but that if I have to have a C-section during labor that is even riskier. So next Friday, if Libby doesn't show up before then, I will have to make the decision of whether I should have them break my water or go in for a C-section. The reason for my title--I have no idea what to do.
Thanks to everyone who has written and has offered their prayers and support. My prayer for right now is that Libby will either come on her own time before next Friday or that the information we get next week will clarify which is the best and safest choice for me and Libby.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Middle Name Scrabble
As Matt so aptly put it: "It's like we've been playing scrabble for the past three days..."
I really want a middle name for Libby that honors both my sister and my grandmother. My sister's name is Wynn and my grandmother's name is Mildred Louise. Matt totally squashed the idea of two middle names and so we've been trying to think of the perfect combination of the two names. We think we have it! But, it's going to be a surprise. HA!
Hey, we gave you the gender and the first name... we have to have something to tell you. :-)
Love,
Katy
I really want a middle name for Libby that honors both my sister and my grandmother. My sister's name is Wynn and my grandmother's name is Mildred Louise. Matt totally squashed the idea of two middle names and so we've been trying to think of the perfect combination of the two names. We think we have it! But, it's going to be a surprise. HA!
Hey, we gave you the gender and the first name... we have to have something to tell you. :-)
Love,
Katy
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