MANY MORE PICS TO COME

Wren's Birth Story

Why? I don't know, but I have been convinced for months that Wren would arrive in my 39th week of pregnancy. So imagine my excitement as my last week of pregnancy approached and my disappointment as I saw it starting to slip away. I was ready to meet our little girl. On Wednesday, I went to the OB and asked for a little help moving things along (stripping membranes), but she declined saying that she was not on call and because it normally works pretty well and pretty quickly, that as a courtesy to the doctors on call, they do not do that. Whom, whomp, whomp. She did allow me to reschedule for Friday.

My Mom arrived Wednesday to help with Nash and the waiting officially began. On Friday I went into the office, was warned that Seton SW Hospital was full and that we'd have to deliver at South Austin Hospital if I immediately went into labor, and then had my membranes stripped. KP held my hand for the lovely procedure and then Mom and I went to get pedicures and very, very spicy Thai food. The waiting continued.

On Saturday, feeling defeated, KP and I finished our Christmas shopping and then took Nash for a long, vigorous walk. I felt contractions begin and seem to escalate. All of a sudden my pain went from a 1 to a 5 in about 20 minutes. We decided to head to the hospital after we put Nash to sleep.

At the hospital, my contractions were about 7 minutes apart, then after walking, got to about 3-5 minutes apart, but they were not consistent or strong enough to admit us. We arrived home at about midnight. At 6 am I woke to realize that my contractions had all but stopped completely. I napped and moped some more, stating several times that Wren was never going to come out. As I stood at the kitchen sink, I suddenly felt fluid running down my leg. I ran to the bathroom, changed, and KP and I called the doc. She confirmed that she also thought my water broke. GO TIME!

At this point I had no contractions, but KP and I quickly put Nash down for nap and headed to the hospital. There we were again registered and taken to the labor and delivery wing. As we walked in, I saw a potential client I met at an open house a few months ago. She would be our nurse, Jenn! Jenn set KP and me up with a corner room with lots of space. She confirmed that my water broke and that I was dilated to a 5, 1 cm more than the night before. This was about 12:30pm.

After being checked, my contractions started to pick up and to further speed them, I labored in a rocking chair and on a birthing ball for about another hour and a half. I wanted to really let the labor pick up before getting an epidural as to not slow things back down. I had been down that road already. Jenn then hooked me back up to the monitors to listen to the baby and check the regularity of the contractions. Wren looked great on the monitor and my contractions were not 2-3 minutes apart, lasting about 90 seconds. I believe this was about 3:30 pm.

KP and I talked about the wait time for an epidural, which is about 45 minutes to get fluids in and for the doctors to arrive. We decided to make the call. It was perfect timing. The anesthesiologist arrived and started my epidural. My OB, Dr. Hart, then came in and checked me again. I was at a 6, in terms of dilation. Dr. Hart broke another bag of water and my contractions really picked up. I could still feel lots of pressure and some sharp pains, so the anesthesiologist came back in and gave me some additional medicine.

Up until this point, the mood in the room was fairly lighthearted and fun. Then, all of a sudden, nausea hit me hard. I do not like to vomit so I felt like I was fighting it. And to complicate things further, I starting shaking and convulsing. Awesome fun. I remembered this from labor with Nash and tried to go with it as much as possible. Dr. Hart suggested that my body was in transition and was working extremely hard, even if I couldn't feel it. She checked me again, and I was at a 7-8.

KP, Dr. Hart, and Jenn all stayed close for a few minutes, trying to help me relax some. I then asked what was next and I was reminded that when Wren was ready, I'd feel some serious pressure and it would feel "like I needed to poop." Their words. Well, that was pretty much spot on to what I was feeling. This was 10 minutes after I was checked at a 7-8. Jenn checked me again and said I was ready! I was at a 10 and +2 station, meaning Wren's head was already down some.

Dr. Hart came back in the room with her assistant and the nurse for Wren. They all suited up, took off part of my bed, and got into position. It was all very calm. Jenn and KP each took a side and we waited for my next contraction. I asked if I could push and they said sure! I pushed and was told that her head and body were out. I looked at KP for confirmation and he gave it. Jenn asked if I wanted to touch her head. I declined. I could tell from KP's look that something was up, but I wasn't sure if he was just amazed or if something else was going on. Then Dr. Hart told me to push again. She said it calmly, but I could tell she meant right then. So I pushed, and out she came. I later learned that the cord was wrapped around Wren's neck and they needed a little slack to get it off. I believe I pushed one more time and the next thing I knew, Wren was on my chest, crying.

KP and I both had tears in our eyes. Our little girl arrived so quickly in our world, after what seemed like the wait of our lives.

I was told I had no need for stitches. While I was cleaned up and my bed reassembled, Wren was cleaned and weighed.

Wren Debra Paczosa weighed in at 7 lbs, 8 oz and was 20 in long. She was officially born at 5:36 pm on December 18, 2011.

She is so loved.

Lately (round one zillion)

I can't keep up!

Nash in bed watching Gabby. He constantly requests "bed," then "Gabby," then "feet." That means he wants in our bed to watch Yo Gabba Gabba and put his feet under the covers.

Trying to get a pic of all three dogs. Look at their grey chins!

Cheese.

Lilly trying to direct Nash away from the Christmas tree.

And another cheese face!

Dos: 38+ Weeks

I am so ready to have this baby! Actually, if she could wait until mid-week, that would be better!

She feels like she is huge, though I know she's probably under 7lbs. She moves constantly in the little space she has. I think I have gained just under 40 lbs, but not for lack of trying to gain more. Chasing Nash helps some with that.

Dos' room is full of pretty, pink things. We are STILL waiting on her custom bedding to come in or I would have posted pics of her room (that also serves as the guest room).

So, here I am at 38+ weeks. When Nash stands close, I can't see him!

NAP: 22 Months

Dear Nash,

I am really loving this age. I always love you, but darn, you're fun right now.

You are chatty, though we still don't always know what you are talking about. When we don't understand, you say "hand" and take our hands and lead us to what you want. You now pronounce your name as "Natch." When I point to a picture of you and ask who that is, you say "you." We will work on our pronouns! You know all of your people and dogs by name. You even chat about family members that you haven't seen in a while. When I ask you if you are handsome, you give us the most toothy smile.

You love to learn and constantly want to practice shapes, colors, numbers, and letters on our iPhones, puzzles, with bath toys, coloring on paper, songs, counting fingers, and on and on!

You are mischievous when you want our attention; time outs in your room (for 60 seconds) work sometimes, though we still redirect you more than anything.

You love school and walk right in most days. You have a little crush on a little girl. You seem to like your teachers, making craft projects, and playing outside. While you love to climb, especially on jungle gyms, you are not super adventurous and stay away from swings and slides. You love bounce houses.

You are an extremely picky eater. You are also very strong-willed. This means you'd rather not eat than eat some of our dinners. It's painful for me. I do not like to upset you but I need you to try new things. We'll keep working on it.

You might have a sense that something is going on little sister-wise. You are super clingy to me, though once you get to playing with Dad, you are always so happy. The weather has been dreary and you've been sick (shocker!), so you frequently request to get into our bed and watch TV, usually Gabby (Yo Gabba Gabba). It's pretty sweet, though I don't want to make a couch potato of you. We get lots of snuggles in then too.

Nash, you are so fun and so amazing to watch grow. You make each day an adventure and some a challenge as well. You make us laugh all of the time. You are the best entertainment and most deserving thing our pride and love.

We love you,

Mom

Lately

Lately, I have not been taking pictures! So, here are the best ones I have.

Side view of our little donkey.

Happy little trick-or-treater!

A pregnant lady (not a costume) and a donkey picking his nose. Classic.

Mischief.

More mischief.

And the mischief-maker.

Crossing the street with Grandma and Grandpa. It's a favorite pastime.

Hanging out in the giant box with Mimi.

A Mommy/Nash pic before Dos' first shower.

NAP: 21 Months

Dear Nash,

Sweet, wild, busy, strong-willed, creative, chatty, busy, silly, serious, defiant, loving, smart, beautiful boy. We are so in love with you. I see so much of myself in you. I think Daddy does too.

Let's see...you are loving school. You go right in, sometimes cry for a second, but have a really great time, are super happy when I pick you up, and make fun craft projects. When Daddy comes home from work, you spend at least 5 minutes chatting to him all about your day. We generally have no idea what you are saying when you speak in very long stretches, but it's pretty darn hilarious, though sometimes you mean for it to be serious.

Your sleep is kind of off. You have your canine teeth coming in and they really seems to bother you. You have had a hard time with each and every tooth it seems. Not fun. You are eating popsicles and ice chips now though. They seem to help some. You are a very particular eater. You don't like many carbs. You don't like vegetables. You don't like food to touch other food. Feeding you is fun!

You really enjoy climbing and being outside. You ask for "hands" to "cross the street." Sometimes, you just make a run for it though. We are always watching! You also like to color and play with stickers or "stickies" as you call them. You are learning to help some and like to give the dogs treats and put their gate up.

You love to get "up" in Mommy and Daddy's bed and watch either "Elmo" (Sesame Street) or "Gabby" (Yo Gabba Gabba). You probably watch more TV than you should, but that's the way it goes with an 8 mos pregnant Mommy. Sorry. You still love to read, especially by yourself and a few select books with Daddy and me.

You are very independent, in the sense that you like to lead the way. Also, when you get your mind set on something, you don't give it up! Tantrums are in full swing. You like time out, so we're going to have to figure out other ways to discipline.

Nash, I am so nervous and excited to see how you are going to react to being a big brother. I am looking forward to spending the holidays at home with you and our little family. I hope you don't take all this change too hard. Whatever happens, we love you and all of your wild ways!

Love,

Mom

Pumpkin Patch

Lately

Illness. Travelling. Hospital visits. Chasing a toddler. Selling real estate. Being 7 months pregnant. Trying to maintain order as chaos descends on our house. These are my excuses for not blogging. Don't worry, we've been staying plenty busy though these last few months. I sure hope to take more pictures now that it's Fall and the family fun activities are on the rise.

NAP LOVES to brush his teeth.

After buying 2 ranges in one month, we had a nice cardboard selection. We played for weeks (literally) in this box. We decorated it with crayons and stickers. Daddy made windows. This box is currently in time out in the dining room, as Nash likes to move it and moving a box of this size causes some issues. Maybe it will make another appearance before it hits the recycling bin.

The dogs near the box. They like to go inside too.

Even Mommy plays in the box!

Sweet Nashie.

Peek-a-boo!

As good as the Mommy/Nash pics get.

Lounging in the rocker, reading books. We find him in this spot frequently.

More book reading.

Telling Grandma and Grandpa what he's been up to.

Grandma was very surprised by all of that talking!

Helping Daddy in Dos' room. It's always fun and safe to use power tools before two years of age.

Just like that.

As a side, I promise this kid wears pants. Usually I am too lazy after nap to put them back on until KP comes home and takes Nash outside. We must take a lot of pics between nap and evening. Hmmm.

NAP: 20 Months

Dear Nash,

TWENTY (months)! That's OLD. How did this happen?

You are growing so quickly. Since recovering from several bouts of illness, you have been eating like a horse. When you wake up, your first word is "food." You ask for food at least 10 times a day. You are still a very picky eater--no vegetables, very few grains, no pasta, no rice, and now no milk, at all. We even tried chocolate milk. No dice. So, in the mornings you have V8 (fruit/veggie mix) and we get some calcium in with lactose-free yogurt, but it's getting tricky to get you proper nutrition. You do eat fruit like it's going out of style, spoon fulls of peanut butter, chicken, meatballs, and cake. See, I lied and told you that anything sweet is cake. Now you walk around demanding "more cake," and it's so cute I don't want to correct you.

You are starting to like school more. You still melt when we drop you off, but by the time I come to get you, you are happily playing on the playground and have lots to tell me. Speaking of telling lots, boy do you talk. Most of the time we have no idea what you are saying still. I can decipher more than other people. You don't care. You talk, and talk, and talk. When you see someone you haven't seen in a few hours or days or weeks, you chat with them and tell them all about what you've been up to. Every day when Daddy comes home you reflect on our day. It's adorable!

You climb on everything. I have heard that you have to be reminded lots not to climb at school. You still love to read. We recently were given a bunch of new books from your cousins. You found one in particular that you love and you mandate that we read it several times a day. After that, you go page by page naming the baby animals. I love that you call that little horse a foal. Smart boy.

You still love outside, taunting your dogs, throwing all of the shampoo bottles in the bathtub, Elmo, Yo Gabba Gabba, brushing your teeth, cardboard boxes, helping, music, dancing, and spinning until you are dizzy.

All this moving means you are also sleeping well. You go down between 8 and 8:30 and sleep until 6:30 or 7. Then you take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours for a nap. Many times you kick me out of your room after I put you in your crib by blowing kisses and saying, "Bye!"

Little boy, we are about to change your life drastically with this little sister. Twenty months means we are one month closer to that day. I hope you adjust well. I hope I have enough love, time, and patience to spread. I hope you don't feel left out. I hope you feel that my love for you is infinate and that nothing will ever change that.

Love,

Mom

NAP: 19 Months

Dear Nash,

My goodness. You, and Dad, and I have had a ridiculous couple of months. You had hand/foot/mouth and then an ear infection, Dad was hospitalized for a bacterial infection, and just last week you were also diagnosed with a bacterial infection. It manifested itself as a serious rash all over and a low-grade fever. You were very unhappy and the rash spread very quickly. I was worried you might have chicken pox (surely it couldn't have been hand/foot/mouth again!). Because of this the doctor's office ushered us in a back door and treated us like secret patients. The news was very scary: the Doc thinks you probably picked up what Dad had. Because they never officially tested Dad and only treated him, you had to be tested for MRSA, which is a scary staph virus. For the next 4 days, we were worried sick, quarantined, bathing you in Clorox, slathering you in antibiotic cream, and giving you oral antibiotics. On Friday we learned that you did NOT have it, but had some sort of less severe bacterial infection that has been responding beautifully to medicine. Whew!

In these weeks, you started school, though you have missed about half of the days so far. Because of the infection, your sleeping patterns have been very off and you were getting tired at about 10:30 at school. The teacher's helpers were so sweet and rocked you! Your teacher, Ms. Angela, says you are the chattiest one and she loves how you say "okay," for yes. We love that too.

Speaking of chatty, you are! You blab on and on and on. We know what some things are, but basically your sentence structure goes something like this: "Ahbdakjhd asjd frjgir skfjsd sfjij HOTDOG." Or " ZEUS djgndj skfjdsifj skji NO." or "Gkajsi seirhwif HAPPY jadjfjd KNOW IT." We are working hard on your manners so please, thank you, and sorry are repeated to you lots.

You have been coloring up a storm, though sometimes you like to test out the windows and furniture as drawing surfaces. This leads to time out and revocation of free-reign of the crayons. That you do not like. Thank goodness for washable crayons. We have also been playing with stickers, sorting shapes, and singing more (Happy and You Know It, Shoo Fly, and She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain are your faves). We haven't been playing outside tons because of the heat, but expect that to change very soon.

Your appetite is nil. Thanks antibiotics (insert sarcasm here). We're really trying to get you to eat anything at all. Your tummy is upset and we think you are avoiding food so that your stomach does't get more upset. We're changing serious diapers around the clock...even in your sleep!

Your hair is getting really long. Soon we will be at a crossroads: cut or let it be. It's a toss up right now as it's kind of poofy, but I am hoping the length will soon weigh it down. It's such great hair! You also have all but your canine teeth, which you love to brush several times a day. You are a seriously cute boy.

All this quarantine time has done two things: made you sweeter and made you more strong-willed. I love getting all of your kisses, hugs, and love. Your determination reminds me of myself. Sometimes it is frustrating, but you usually respond well to being corrected and we move on. Seriously, I understand it; you've been cooped up with me for a long time! We will get out starting tomorrow, I promise.

Nashy, we wonder at your intelligence, spirit, sensitivity, and will every day. We are so honored to be your parents. We're a little worried about the coming months and you meeting your little sister, but we know that it will be great for both of you as the years go on. We love, love, love you, little monkey.

Love, Mom

First Day of Pre-School

NAP started mother's day out today. He will be going twice a week. When we dropped him off this morning, he just went right on in and played. However, when I picked him up, he was much worse off. The teachers said that about an hour in (10 am) he got very sleepy and they had to rock him off and on for anout an hour. What? He doesn't nap until noon or one. Hmmm. We have noticed that he's been taking longer naps and sleeping less at night, so this might be part of that. We have also noticed that he seems a little off. He's drooling and has stinky breath, but those are the only other symptoms. Ideas?

Anyway, our sweet guy will go back on Friday. Hopefully he'll have a better day.

For Sue Sue: A Dos and Mommy Update

The picture below was last Friday at 22 weeks, and some change. I think I have now gained 15 lbs. The last few are a direct result of the 1lb bag of peanut M&Ms I consumed over a four-day time period. That consumption was a direct result of KP being hospitalized, Nash having hand/foot/mouth, having to replace appliances, having a water leak, almost getting mastitis (at freaking 22 weeks pregnant), and just generally liking chocolate.

We think we have a name. I am not sure if we will ever pull the trigger though. I realize that that is obnoxious, which is not the point. We're tired. August has been hot and so much crap has gone on that we're just not in the mood.

September is already shaping up to be a much better month. I am not going to jinx myself, so I'll wait to tell you all about it, but let's just say things are looking up. Maybe we'll announce Dos' name when the birds are singing, everyone's sleeping, and the world according to Amy is calm. On second thought, that may never happen...