Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A week to change everything


Day 318 - 7 May, 2010

The Due Date

I knew that this day would come, and go without incident. For whatever reason, so many thought I wouldn't even make it to my due date. I had a normal workday, though still exhausted, and think I have decided not to come back this school year.
Afterward, I got my son, and we played and played. I really have tried to get as much fun in with Malcolm as I can this week, before he doesn't have my attention undivided anymore.
My mother arrived at 8:30, and now we're just waiting for the fun to begin.
My photo of the day is our front step, and it's fun circular pattern. I've been watching my step a lot more carefully lately, and so I thought I'd get my shot of it in here. There are so many things that need to be done to this house, that they all add up. After I have the baby, I will at least be able to do the lawn maintainance, and keep the weeds out of the concrete cracks.

Day 319 - 8 May, 2010

T Ball

We watched cousin Michael's T Ball game today, oh what fun! Mac loves anything to do with the cousins, and now he talks about baseball all the time. He is definitely a very physical kid, and enjoys sports of any kind. Really actually anything with a ball, or in the water. Here are some more highlights...



Day 320 - 9 May, 2010

Play time

My mom is a good sport. She's been feeling miserable, but she was still up for some mother's day fun. We relaxed, and played a little bit with the kids amidst barbecue fun. Delicious steaks! This is my dear mother in the photo of the day. Love Her!

Day 321 - 10 May, 2010

Zoo














We did lots of errands today, and ran to the zoo really quickly before they closed. It was the neatest thing to see this peacock running about out in the open in the petting zoo. He was obviously very happy, and this was the closest any of us had been to such a proud peacock. He was even doing the mating shake, and we got to hear that rattle sound of the layers of his feathers. Too bad we didn't see the full dance, but there was no female around to impress.

Day 322 - 11 May, 2010

New Arrival

I had been feeling things happen on and off since Friday, but I started to feel fairly regular littl contractions beginning yesterday evening. I woke up at one in the morning feeling really uncomfortable, and bummed because it reminded me of how early laor was with Malcolm. So, I dozed in a warm bath for a couple hours. Got a heating pad to offer relief while I laid in bed, Took some extra strngth Tylenol and tried to rest.
I think I started puking at 4:30 in the morning. Great.
By the time everyone was waking up at 6 we were making phone calls, and by 7 I knew we needed to get to the hospital. We were out the door right as Tim's mom arrived to get Malcolm.
The photo of the day is my belly wrapped up in monitors.
We arrived at the hospital at 7:30, and I was pushing by 8:30, and she was here around 9:26.
This was an amazing experience. I cannot believe how wonderful natural childbirth is. Painful at points, but really not that big of a deal if your relax. IT's actually very empowering. I could not believe that I had done it when it was all over. She just came right out! I can tell, looking back now, that things had not been right with my son's birth, and the miracle of modern medicine saved us, multiple times. This experience has also opened my eyes to the mercy of the Lord, and the joy in how some moments in life truly draw us toward His grand plan, in different ways. Here are somemore of the day's highlights.




Day 323 - 12 May, 2010

Visitors Great And Small

Malcolm was very concerned about my well-being after he last saw me I was in active labor. He was excited to see his baby sister had decided to come out to play, and he had really enjoyed the time he got to spend with the cousins. Though, I understand that he missed us in the middle of the night. I LOVE this photo.


Day 324 - 13 May, 2010

Homeward Bound

Here's the mandatory car seat photo.

Though when I left for the hospital, we had a string of 90 degree days, when we left it was right brisk.

So glad I brought the fuzzy blanket!

Thank you grandma.

Day 325 - 14 May, 2010

"Get my gun!" - Tim Banks

Really?

for a snake?

Everyone knows you use a shovel...

and this one wasn't even threatening. He is one protective papa. Just because we spotted this beauty near when our two-year-old son was playing, he got right anxious. Needless to say, this was the highlight of our day.

Pretty black snake, huh?


Day 326 - 15 May, 2010

Greek Festival and the Zoo

Am I overdoing it? Yes.

But, I am so excited that I feel so great right after giving birth! The difference between this, and how I felt after Malcolm is indescribable. It really makes me appreciate how close I was to (not to be overly dramatic), well, death. I am loving each moment I have to appreciate the first newborn days, to experience the things going on around me, and all of that.

Greek food is good. I love a good loukoumade.

Here are some more of the day's highlights, from the zoo, to baby's first bath...






Day 327 - 16 May, 2010

Happy Sabbath!

My mom's last day, and my little girl's first Sunday, I had fun playing dress up.

and playing with bubbles with my son.

the joy of parenthood.



Sunday, May 16, 2010

A week in Preparation

Day 311 - 30 April, 2010

Savings

Between in store savings, VIC prices, sales, and coupons I saved twice as much as I spent on this week's shopping trip. I LOVE it when a well planned shopping excursion works out well.






Day 312 - 1 May, 2010

Rita's

What better way to spend a beautiful spring day in anticipation of our coming arrival, than pigging out on ice cream?! But this is not just an ice cream. This is custard and iced yummy goodness, and and delicious.





Day 313 - 2 May, 2010

4 weeks

Can you tell that these two are related?

These two are exactly 4 weeks apart, and share half of their genes.

I can see the relations and think it is adorable that they play together now.



Day 314 - 3 May, 2010

Fun in the sun?

There was this funny sprinkler thing in the Williams' garage.

Mac didn't know what to think of it at first, but he grew to love running through the sprinklers.

Sorry I am so short in my descriptions...Fatigue has set in.


Day 315 - 4 May, 2010

The zoo-sideways, sorry

Cannot figure out how to turn it... it looks right in my editor.

Cute picture at the zoo.

Love giraffes.

The End.



Day 316 - 5 May, 2010

Legs

Spending a lot of time tired.

I sat outside while Mac ran around.

I found myself staring at these weird end tables.

Like the legs?

Not me.

Day 317 - 6 May, 2010

Scenery

Another sideways shot.

This is on a botanical gardens tour.

I am spending a lot of time outdoors, trying to get things going with the pregnancy.

No such luck.

With the due date tomorrow and mom coming tomorrow... I am ready, and willing.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Day 301 - 20 April, 2010

True Bravery

I have this lovely post-shower photo of me and my son included on my website,

publicly posted,

for the whole world to see.

I deserve a medal.






Day 302 - 21 April, 2010

Routine

It's amazing how routines, and knowing what to expect make the days and nights go so smoothly.

If there is any advice I would ever give to a new parent, I think it would be to start a routine from birth.

Our bedtime routine starts with lotion and pajamas, followed by lots of books, scriptures, and prayer.

Blankets, bedtime music, and lights out make the transition easier too.

I love bedtime!

Day 303 - 22 April, 2010

Parcel Post

I finally mailed out my craft swap gift. I really hope that the Bradshaws enjoy it.

She have us such cute gifts.

I love them!

They are the quiet time toys that have the windows in them with the hide and seek toys inside the peekaboo window.

Day 304 - 23 April, 2010

Best Guess

This was a fun shot for me to take.

An everyday place for me, and I think parents will definitely recognize where/what this is.

My challenge is for your best guess.

Anybody know what this is a photo of?






Day 305 - 24 April, 2010

Floral Fun

I am really sad of my lack of ability to do a ton of gardening, although it would probably be beneficial to starting up labor when I am ready.

I have so many flowers I want to plant, and the vegetable and herb gardens are still in construction, taking forever. This time next year, we should have a ton of beautiful plants!

Oh, and edible ones!





Day 306 - 25 April, 2010

Ganya's House

Malcolm had the cutes pose, with his chin in his hands, laying so sweetly on the bed at Ganya's house.

I missed it by that much ()!

Of course I missed it.



Day 307 - 26 April, 2010

Long Line of Trucks

No idea what was going on at the terminals today...

But this was the beginning to the long line going all the way down HAmpton Blvd.

Holy Cow!



Day 308 - 27 April, 2010

Mapom Bots


Where should I ship him?












Day 309 - 28 April, 2010

Shopping


It's done!

I am ready for this kid.

I have everything in order, set up and ready to go.

Shopping, check.

Nursery, check.

Rest and relaxation, here I come!

Day 310 - 29 April, 2010

Speed=0

I don't want to talk about being stuck in traffic.

I don't want to talk about how I needed to pee sooooo bad.

I don't want to talk about how tired I was.

I am home, and going to take a shower.