Weekend in Review

We had a very relaxing weekend here. One of the last few, I'm sure! Colt has fit into our family perfectly and has blended right in with all the chaos, noise and fun. He is still very easy going and a very good baby.
We had some major accomplishments, too! Riley learned to tie his shoes! I can't believe how great a job he did!!! His teacher was VERY excited to hear he learned, too! One less pair of shoes for them to tie! Jason took him to Burger King for lunch, just the two of them, and he got to pick out a new Transformer! He had a very good time, just he and Daddy.
Brodie also reached a huge milestone, too! She has been using the potty for the past 2 weeks, but this weekend she finally pooped in the potty, too! That had been the one thing she wouldn't do. Our little girl is growing up! She will only wear her Princess panties and she's actually been dry for the past 2 weeks in the morning, so at least we aren't going through diapers so fast at night!
Randy worked on his Lego's this weekend and helped Riley finish his Star Wars X-Wing. We also exposed the boys to Star Wars for the first time, too! It was fun watching them see "the future" for the first time. I can remember the excitement of watching Star Wars when I was their age. (Oh so many years ago!) They both saw the Lego's ships they had built and it brought a whole new world to them. Now they can't get enough of it. They want to watch the other 5 movies now! I think I see a Star Wars Marathon coming up...
Other than that, we had a very relaxing weekend... Now comes the busy week!

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe our little man is already a week old! It's been an intresting week, but a good one none-the-less. I think we have settled into a routine, or at least something that could possibly resemble one. Colt had his final "weight check" on Friday and has been given the green light until his 2 week check up on the 1st. His yellow-tint is starting to decrease and everything seems to be falling into place. He still loves to eat, and I've finally been able to from the formula and we are off on a great start to nursing full time! Luckily, since he takes the bottle so well, Jason will still be able to give him a bottle from time to time. He sleeps about 2-3 hours at a time, which is tiring, but to be expected.

I'm even getting used to my attention being pulled in 4 directions, but I do find it hard to be there to spend enough time with all of the kids. I hope Randy and Riley realize I'm not chosing to ignore them, but that Brodie and Colt require more attention and one-on-one time right now. My heart still hurts when I have to tell them "later" about something they want or want to do. I'm just glad they play so well together, for the most part! They are typical 5 and 8 year old siblings, after all! I'd be dreaming to say they play together perfectly every time! Either dreaming or highly medicated!!! I'm also glad they are both in school!!!

There is one thing I think all OB's should require expecting mothers to do, though! I think 2-3 weeks before the baby is due, the non-dominant arm should be required to be put in a sling or otherwise restrained so we get used to doing things one armed....without the fear of actually hurting a real baby! I forgot how hard some everyday tasks were to do with limited mobility. But, at least I'm remembering VERY quickly!!! I still think it should be a "suggested practice" before delivery!!!

Tonight is my first night with all 4 kids home alone! Jason had a Ball to attend and here I am. It's funny that I had to prepare myself to be home with all the kids at once! Maybe I should have hired a babysitter to come and sit me!!! Jason has the next week off, which is good since somehow the kids and I ended up having appointments galore next week! What will I do when he goes back to work? (Party at my place!!!)

Colt Jesse Hale

Colt Jesse Hale

18 January 2008

8:40am

8lbs 9oz

18.5"

He's here! I know I'm behind in posting this, but here he is!!! He's our love and perfect addition to our family. He completes the family and so far is the perfect baby! He actually sleeps for 3-4 hours at a time...something my other 3 NEVER did at this age! He loves to eat, even though we are on a "weight watch" right now, and even switches between bottle and breast with no problems. (We had to start formula in the hospital due to low glucose levels and now we are supplementing with formula to help with his weight and jaundice issues.) He is a great nurser, so I'm very pleased about that! He's following in his sisters' footsteps with that one! Hopefully tomorrow at his next weight check he will have started putting on the weight so I can discontinue the formula and we can stop going back to the hosptial every 2 days!!! He also takes a pacifier with no problem, which after 3 kids who didn't, is actually a blessing! Something besides Mommy that can comfort him! He's very laid back and just goes with the flow. When he's awake he is very alert and looks around taking everything in. His eyes are a very deep blue and I'm hoping they don't lighten too much, because they are GORGEOUS! I know he'll keep the blue color, but I hope it stays the deep blue it is now.

My 4 little wonders

Brodie LOVES to help with Colt! As you can see, she takes her job quiet seriously! Anytime we sit down with him, she is climbing in our lap saying, "My turn to hold my baby," and she is VERY serious about it! She is so careful with him, holding his head up, being very gentle, giving him kisses on the head, and being very protective when he starts to cry. She will pat him and say, "Don't cry, baby Colt." A perfect little Mother's Helper!
Randy had his second Pine Wood Derby for Scouts this past week. He came up with a Spongebob car completely on his own! He did an awesome job using the dremel to shape it and painted the whole thing, too! He came in 4th out of 12 scouts and everyone agreed he had the most original car! Riley got to race a car this time, too! He had a gold Transformer car driven by Darth Vadar! He was very proud of his car and he finished 2nd or 3rd in each of the heats he ran in. Watch out next year, Tigers!!! Riley has his engines running!!
And last, but not least, our new little Colt. As I was trying to take pictures of him while he was sleeping, I managed to capture this "adorable" picture! It's almost as if he's saying, "Take that mommy" since I kept taking picture after picture! He was sound asleep during the whole time!

Here we go!!!

I'd post this in the morning, but I don't think that will be what I will be wanting to do! We go in at 0600 and if all goes by schedule, Colt will be born by 0800!!! I can't wait! Hopefully there will be no complications and all will go smoothly. It is snowing outside now, but hopefully it won't keep us from getting there in the AM.
I'll be back when I can to post the news and pictures, but for now.... in 13 hours or so... Colt Jesse will be a part of our family!!!

Mystery Solved...

Ok... so today at my Pre-Op, the doctor did an ultrasound to make sure the placenta was out of the way of the incision site, and I found out what we were having, no question! It's a boy!!! Live and in person, large on the screen, no question! :-) I'm happy just knowing! So, it's Colt Jesse we will be welcoming into the world on Friday! Still don't know the size, obviously, but the doc said he looks to be a big one! I guess I can't seem to have anything but big babies! I'm just glad I don't have to revamp the clothes when I get home now and I'll get to see him in all the cute boy things I have already!
Unless I start having contractions today, which is still possible, I'll go in at 0600 Friday morning to bring our little Colt into the world! I'm so excited I could spit! (Which is better than what I have been doing this past week!!!) I'm making this short, because I've been ordered to bed my my dr. mom, so I'd better listen!
YEAH!!! Come on Colt!!!

Let's play a game

Ok... so with only 5 days and hours remaining, let's play a game.
Comment what you think we are having: boy or girl
And how big you think the baby will be.
In the past, my kids have been:

Randy 10lb 1oz
Riley 7lb 14oz
Brodie 8lb 5oz
Colt/Devon ???

This is the biggest I have been with ALL of them, so it will be fun to see if he/she is big or just hanging ALL out in front!

As for my guess...
I still think we are having a boy, Colt Jesse, and he's going to be 9lb 7oz.
(and from how many places he can poke at the same time.. 34 inches long!!!)

The final countdown!!!

I can't believe it! I'm finally here! 38 weeks and only days to go! 6 to be exact! It's nice having a definate date that I KNOW the baby will be here by, if not before, but it still makes the wait long!!! I think he/she has dropped, but that hasn't brought on more problems than before! I'll be SOOO glad when this little one is OUT causing problems. That way others can share in the fun! Keeping him/her all to myself has been selfish and it's time I share!
With my other complications not getting any better, my mom has moved up her plans to be here so that she can help me get through the next few days. Jason has been awesome about coming home at the drop of a hat, or phone call, but it will be nice now if he can come with me instead of having to hold down the fort. With delivery in the near horizon, Mom decided that I could use an extra set of hands to prepare myself and rest, as well as try to avoid the snow storm we are supposed to get on Monday and Tuesday. If we didn't count on it, the airports would close and she wouldn't be able to fly in on Wednesday... but now that she's coming before the bad weather, it will be 80's all week long and I won't have any more complications until delivery on the 18th! WOOHOO If only that would happen. (Now, with my luck, my water will break tonight and there will be a freak snow storm in Texas closing all the airports down!)
Either way, this will be my LAST week pregnant and I'm kinda bittersweet about it! I've had something "fun" happen with all my pregnancies and I have truly enjoyed "watching them grow" as they swim accross my abdomen in these last stages. However, there comes a point when sleep is important, Rolaids turn your stomach to just think about it, and you have the urge to tuck your shirt in and wear a belt again... not to mention tie your own shoes!!! I have had a wonderful 4 pregnancies... 2 more than I thought I would ever achieve, and it's time to put this in the past. (Yes, doctor, I know the procedure is PERMANENT, now where do I SIGN????) I just don't understand why he can't snip off a little extra skin while he's closing me up since he's right there!!! If you have a C/Section, you should have the option of getting stitched up tighter than when ya started! I'm sure the docs would end up getting paid more, so why not? But a girl can dream, and speaking of dreaming.. I'm off to soak for 15 more minutes (I used to dream about taking 4-5 baths a day, but this is getting OLD!!!) and then off to dream. Hopefully all night!!

"Arlington"... worth the listen!

This song is by Trace Adkins and I cry EVERY time I hear it! Arlington National Cemetery has always held a special place in my heart after visiting it so many times growing up, but when I learned that several soldiers I knew were buried there after being killed in Iraq, it is even more special now. Jason and I haven't been down there yet, but that's one of my "to do's" while we live on the East Coast. And it's not just Arlington.... but any National Cemetery that honors our fallen heros. We had 8 soldiers from Jason's company die in Iraq and they are all heros to me. I grew close to the families of 2, and will never forget any of them!

Even though it's not Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or another "Day," I always take the time to thank those that gave everything when the thought crosses my mind. I wear those 8 names on a bracelet on my wrist to remind me my freedom comes at a cost. I also used to wear a POW/MIA from Vietnam for 14 years until his remains were finally identified and returned to his wife, who I've talked to and hope to someday meet. Military runs deep in my family and I am proud to support my husband, and my father, who devote their lives to keep others free.

Here at West Point, surrounded by future officers, I am reminded even more of the sacrifice some chose to give. There is a Cemetery here that dates back to the Civil War. Twice I have gone with the Cub Scouts to place flags for Memorial and Veteran's Day and each time I am rendered speechless. There are some VERY well known names here, finally at rest, and each time I see them, I am thankful. Every week we have at least one burial for either a Veteran or a recently killed Soldier from Iraq and I am humbled. Many complain because they shut down roads and make you detour around the long way, but I always try to stop and say a prayer. Every now and then, when the wind is right, I can hear the 21 gun salute and taps and again I am reminded at how lucky we are!

So take a moment to say a silent thanks for those who are currently serving, those who gave all, and those that will choose to follow those before them.

We don't need a "Day" to be thankful!!! Let's be thankful for every day!

What is this world coming to????

I was reading the headlines today on Road Runner and I ended up in tears. I know I am an emotional mess with pregnancy, but this was THE worst day I have read in a long time! Two headlines caught my eye. I can't decide which one is worse. "Dad threw 4 children off bridge." or "Bodies of 4 youth found in DC home."

The first one tells a story of a Father who had argued with his wife, left the house with 2 kids, returned for the other 2 and then sometime later THREW THEM OFF A 80FT BRIDGE!!! They were 4 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years old! He then reported them "missing" on Monday claiming someone who had them in custody refused to return them. Could it be his GUILT that made him come forward and admit what he did? How could he live with himself for 2 days?!?!? What's more disturbing is that his family "thought he traded them for drugs." WOW! Now, I've never been addicted to drugs or alcohol, so I'm not sure about the powerful control these substances can have over you, but trading your kids for DRUGS??? I'm speechless.... All I can say is those poor kids are in a MUCH better place now! If a father has the ability to do that, can you imagine what home life was like???

As for the second story... US Marshalls delivering an eviction notice found 4 youths decomposing in an upstairs room of a DC house. They ranged in ages from 5 to 18. The lady who opened the door seemed ,"apparently calm throughout." Wow.. was her nose clogged??? The neighbors had complained about an odor coming through the vents they assumed was from rats. Even more sad... No one had reported the children missing and they had not been registered in any school. Neighbors said they thought there were 3 or so children living there, but hadn't seen them in months. Again I ask... WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO????

I admit, I get angry at my children.... but what would it take to drive a person to behave like this? It breaks my heart to the core. And this is only 2 stories. Can you imagine what happens that goes unreported or unnoticed? As I prepare to bring another child into this world, I fear for what will happen in his lifetime. What am I subjecting him too. Where will it end?

MYSELF

I'm following behind my friend Angel and taking an idea from her blog. She has come up with a "Word for the Year" for herself. I'm doing the same thing.
My word is MYSELF. I know it may sound selfish, but I've decided that I need to start putting myself first sometimes. Not to the point where my family is neglected, but in the past years, I have put them first more than myself and I've suffered in the end. I need to remind myself that I am important, too. That I am special and deserve some of the good things I do for others. I can't continue to take care of everyone else if I don't start taking care of myself, too. With a new baby on the very close horizon, I think that's more important now than ever. My husband and boys can start doing more on their own...hear that boys!!! I need to stop saying "yes" to every request without really thinking, "Do I really want to do this or am I just saying it because I don't want anyone upset with me?"
So having said that, I'm off to fix dinner and then sit down and put my feet up! The laundry will keep till tomorrow, and if you knew the complications I was going through with the end of this pregnancy, you'd tell me to sit down, too! (Trust me, it's not pleasant, and that's all I'll say!)

More pictures... more fun

Randy looses teeth like most people lose sleep! He'll come up to me and say he thinks he has a loose tooth. When I go to check it, it usually falls out in my fingers. I haven't had to actually pull one yet...which is good! I remember those moments with my Dad! He's up to 7 lost so far! Unfortunatley, the teeth coming in are bigger than the spaces left behind, so I'm hoping he won't have to have dental work! If so, overseas, here we come!!! (Braces are paid for if you are stationed overseas!)



And of course, I can't take a picture of one child without taking one of all of them. These blogs are going to get long once the 4th child is born! These are pajamas the boys got for Christmas from his Father's parents. Riley happened to have them on and wanted to have a picture taken in them. Not the best picture of Riley, but he hasn't been too photogenic lately. Too concerned with all his Christmas toys!

And then there's Brodie! She posed just long enough for me to get a front shot of her. Lately, I can only get the backside of her because she is always on the go! Her Impetigo is finally gone, thank goodness!!! No one seems to have caught it, so I am SOOO thankful! Jason and I just ended up having sore throats, no strep, so that's good. Except, it would have been nice to get something to help get rid of the pain sooner! We had to trick Brodie to get her to take her amoxicillian, but it worked!


And last but not least, Baby Colt or Devon! We are at 37 weeks today. Only 2 more weeks to go!!!! It seems like forever, but I know it will go fast! This is the biggest I have ever been with the previous 3! Even with my 10lb Randy!!! I am so uncomfortable, I can't imagine what the next 2 weeks are going to bring. Nights are all but sleepless, with heartburn, midnight bathroom runs and constant movement, I'll be glad when someone else can hold this little bundle of joy!
And as for this shirt... it's the ONLY one I have that still fits (thanks Mom!!!)... but who was the genius that made horizontal stripes on a maternity shirt! We already look big and making us look bigger HAD to be a man's idea! But it covers my belly, is longsleeve and is comfortable! Between this one and Jason's ARMY PT shirt he can't wear anymore, I'm set! :-)

So... that's my picture update! I'm trying to make sure I take more pictures lately, trying to keep current!! Thanks for taking time to "see" us!!

Countdown...

So, I realized that I have 14 days and several hours until I go in for my c-section. Is it wrong to be looking forward to a hospital stay? No, I'm not looking forward to the actual surgery part, but I have to admit... the "after care" from Brodie's surgery was rather nice!

For 3 days, at least, I'll have meals brought to me,(I actually get to pick from several choices for each meal and I hear they are actually tasty!!!) dishes taken from me, people asking, "is there anything you need," and "can I get you anything" and they really mean it! No laundry, no dishes, sweeping, mopping, chores, demanding kids (yes, I love them, but a break is always welcome!)...just 3 days of recovering and getting to know this new little person. Who can complain!!! Yes, so it's in a "sterile environment" and in a hospital, but I know I'll never get the chance to go to a 5 Star hotel and be served room service, and have someone pay for it!

Am I sick and twisted? Probably to a slight degree. I know I won't be sleeping for hours at a time, but I'll still be encouraged to stay in bed, my feet up, relaxing, and bonding with the baby! If that's that's twisted then call me Sister!

New Beginning

Let me tell you about an awesome friend I have. She and I have known each other since 1993, where we were fortunate to meet in the 'Going Band from Raiderland. (Marching band for Texas Tech.) There aren't very many female trombone players, so we tend to stick together when we meet! Well, Elaine and I became fast friends. We did road trips together with the band, roomed together at the hotels and kept each other going when the long days of practice were TIRING!!!! We also watched each other's backs on our daring adventure into Mexico when the band traveled with the football team to the John Hancock Bowl in El Paso. (What was Mr. Bearden thinking taking a bunch of college students into Mexico???)
We lost touch after we both stopped playing in the marching band, but then ran into each other one day in the parking lot on our way to class. We caught up, traded addresses and continued on in our day. Later, we really lost touch, and it wasn't till a few years later we managed to track each other down again. By this time, she was expecting her first son and I was trying to find my feet. We've been in touch since then. It's funny... we have spent more time apart in our friendship than together! She's one of those that you can go several months without talking to, and when you do, it's like no time has passed!
We've walked down the same path... almost together through our experiences in our lives. Through her 3 boys, my many moves and trouble with Jon, my kids and life in general, she has been a great support in my life. Both emotional and spiritual, and I know she would have been there physically if we lived closer! She has given me the strength and encouragement only someone who has struggled too, can give. Her strength in the Lord is AMAZING!!!! She always knew just what to say, when, what to quote, what to praise... it's amazing!
So, what brings me to praise my friend today? Her blog was truly inspiring the other day. I have felt those EXACT things many times and thought I was less of a mother/wife/friend. Did I take on too much in my life? Did I expect things that would never happen? Am I appreciated in what I do, even though I never hear it? Am I completely alone in my thoughts and feelings?? Elaine, you read my mind and settled my emotions.
She is my inspiration, my strength, my foundation, my friend!!! Elaine, thank you for being you. Don't ever change!!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2008!!!! As I have for the past few years, I brought in the New Year by sleeping! Hey... if I only keep one resolution each year, it's always "get more sleep when I can!" I know I won't be getting much sleep in the new year, and the year was going to change regardless of if I watched the ball drop, so I slept.
This is what we woke up to this morning!!! If this is any indication of what we should expect in the next year, I think we may be in for a White New Year!!! It's been snowing BIG snowflakes all morning and covering the ground very quickly. And of course, I need to to go the grocery store! AUGH!!! Guess we'll be sledding to the store!
I know I'm late getting Christmas picutres up here, but we've been a very sick household, so I'm behind in everything. Between Brodie having Impetigo, Jason and I enjoying Strep and the boys having coughs, it's been a FUN holiday!
This was taken Christmas morning as we were waiting for the cinnamon rolls to cook. After this picture, my camera promptly died, so I was lucky to get at least one.
The kids had a great morning, and were immersed in their toys all afternoon, which was good since we were all tired and sick!
After my battery charged, I managed to get this picutre of Brodie admiring the tree later that night. This picture doesn't even closely catch the "feeling" that was present at the time. There was just this overwhelming calm as she stood looking at all the ornaments. She must have gazed at the tree for about 30 min before I thought about grabbing the camera, so I missed the first few good shots. We have only Texas Ornaments, white lights and UT Orange balls on our tree (our longing for our Texas home, maybe???) and she would get VERY close to the balls and look at them with one eye open. Then giggle to herself and back up only to do it again to the next one. It was a moment I will forever remember... her small little figure backlit by the lights of the big tree. a precious look on her face.

This next one was too cute, too! We are dog sitting for our friends while they are on leave, and Brodie and Nero have taken to each other like fast friends. He is a BIG Rotwieller/Lab mix with a teddy bear heart! He looks ferocious, but is quick to drop a toy at your feet than bark or growl! I have to admit, it's been nice not having to sweep everyday!!! The kids like him, but I'm so glad he's just visiting and not here to stay! Just proved I'm not ready for 4 kids AND a dog!

Who can turn down a Candy Cane at Christmas time???? Not my kids!!! I mangaged to capture this shot during a highly unusual "quiet moment" with the three of them in the same spot! Oh the joys of having something in their mouths to emphasize the wonders of silence!!!

And so ends my quick walk down Christmas Lane. Now we only have 5 days till school starts.... (please stop before then snow!!!!) Christmas decorations to put up, baby stuff to get out and rest to try and get... yeah right! 2 out of 3 isn't bad, right?

I hope that everyone had a pleasant, enjoyable Christmas and start to the New Year. Hopefully it will snow enough so that we can get a few more rounds of sledding in.... yeah, I'm a little eager to get this baby here! Walking uphill may just be what I need! So, find something to be happy about as we start the year off with a clean slate. 2007 is in the past, as is everything that happened. Don't bring your troubles with you. Make a fresh start and move on!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!