Monsoon June

Here we are, nearly out of June. It has been a wet wet month. Someone told me last year we got 26 inches of rain and so far this year, we've gotten 27 inches. My veggie garden is loving it. However, we haven't been able to break out the pool yet. I am waiting for a dry Thursday through Sunday (since they mow on Thursday). I may be waiting for a while.

Today, we took the girls (and Grandma) on the Garden Walk. We made 3 gardens before stopping back at the house to drop the girls and Dad off for a nap. The first garden was one I've been curious about for some time. It's a brick farmhouse built in 1870 that has a very private yard protected by heavily planted berms, mature trees, and lots of shrubs. Turns out the owner is in my service sorority. And, she likes to garden :) That one was my favorite, but the others certainly offered a variety of styles and features.

Ellie has seen two fireworks shows this year. She doesn't really watch them, but she's done a good job of catching our enthusiasm for them. She's  not scared of them, which is nice. Thus far, we seem to be raising a relatively fearless child. I'm working with her to instill a healthy amount of fear in parking lots, streets, etc. Ellie's not much of a climber, but she's taken a few tumbles lately, so she's learning about gravity too. She might have a future as a stuntwoman though. She is pretty good at catching herself when she trips over her feet. There are lots of opportunities to practice though because she does so at least half a dozen times a day.

Calista is growing well. She holds her head up pretty well and should be ready for less supported baby-wearing pretty soon. We might even see some full-fledged rolling here soon. Sometimes, she will roll from her tummy to her back or side. She's currently in a size 2 diaper and fixing to move up to 6 month clothes. I'm still trying to find the motivation to transition to cloth diapers and move her into her crib from the bassinet in our room. Since she's been sleeping through the night for a couple months now, it seems like there's really no reason to delay. We still use the rocking feature of the bassinet, although she  really doesn't need the incline and she's almost too tall/long for it.

E was having accidents at school for a while and when we tried to express disappointment she had a few meltdowns. So, we've been working more on positive reinforcement instead of negative. She's been responding well and takes great pride in telling us when she's had a "dry pants" day.

This summer has been full of exceptions to the normal rules. We've been to the drive-in three times (Ellie doesn't fall asleep until 10:30 or 11), with another visit planned this week. The two "late nights" with fireworks, and all sorts of goodies like lemonade, orange juice, cake pops, several visits to the ice cream parlor, extra screen time, and pushed naps (which today did not work out so well) are causing me to stress a little about too many treats. I realize that summer is for having fun and that I have a tendency toward stick-in-the-mudism, however she's so young that it's hard to communicate to her that these things are special when they seem to be happening all the time. Tonight, Ellie lost it in the bath because Dad told her that she was going to bed afterwards. She wanted to go to the movies. And, when she learned THAT wasn't happening, she bargained for fireworks. She had to settle for keeping a book in bed since it's not a school night. And, she was perfectly happy to do so.

Father's Day was a success. Dad did get a big hint when a few days before Father's Day, we got two subtle BRIGHT ORANGE Shutterfly packages (thanks, a lot, Shutterfly!). One of the packages contained his "sentimental" gift of an 8" x 8" photo book skimming over the past year or so of highlights. He also got a tennis ball key-keeper alien that goes on the fridge (Ellie and Isis both agree that it does not belong to Dad), a Star Wars game of Operation, and an egg separator (because Mom hears all).

Aunt C had a pretty good birthday, I think. We had her pick out a cake. I guessed she'd go with something pistachio. And, she did not disappoint. She picked out this one, a triple layer pistachio-apricot monstrosity with a cream cheese frosting. The celebration was quiet for a 30th, but we dragged her along to the company picnic and "gave" her a fireworks show for her birthday. She also got to split an elephant ear. We're tentatively planning on a Bob Schneider concert in Chicago for a delayed celebration since C is all about her music and Schneider is an old favorite.

Aunt C and Ellie at Ogden Garden looking at the fishies.

No paparazzi!

Smiles

More smiles.

My romaine the day before the deer found them :(

Ellie and Daddy at Forest Park.

Ellie finding her groove at the Splash Pad with Cousin Soph.

Playing on the dirt pile at Butterfly Park.

Cali asleep before the "Man of Steel" started. Too bad it didn't last.

Ellie's new favorite activity. Mixing colored water outside.

The dogs in a rare moment of companionship.

Aunt C making a wish.

Ellie practicing the family trade of flower arranging.

A little Chicken of the Woods.

A small sample of our foraged snack Thursday. 

The ominous sky right before it opened up on us.

Naptime Bonus

I realize it hasn't been a month, but the Midget fell asleep during tummy time and I have a couple minutes.... Sunday, we went to the drive-in again. However, it rained almost right until the movie began, so we got a little damp (see pic). After the back of the truck was soaked, I decided to watch from the comfort of my car with Cat and Cali. It was truly the way to go. If the concession stand had served decaf, it would have been pretty perfect.

About the only thing I've accomplished since my last post is to hook up my rain barrels. I went to check on the garden after a week of rain and discovered the empty one had fallen on my biggest broccoli head and broke it off. So, I fixed the rain barrels. They should both be full now because it has been so wet the last week. I hope it stays dry for a few days. And, this Spring breeze is awfully nice.

New on the to-do list is developing an identity (logo) for Cat's new business idea. She has been offered a job and starts June 3rd. However, it is as a PRN Companion Homemaker, so she will still have the flexibility to get this off the ground and do some traveling.

I also need to track down some windchimes. There is a young woodpecker who recently discovered our (cedar) house. The final straw was this morning when he decided to tap out a wake-up call right outside our open window at 5:45 am. Cheeky little devil!

I'm also pretty stoked about my Father's Day project. P really outdid himself this year, and I've been struggling to come up with something on the same level. However, we only have room for so many framed pictures and ceramic whoozits, so I had to come up with a different idea. Check back next month to see how it went.

A genuine smile. Cali is shaping up to be a more demonstrative baby than (stoneface) Ellie.

Our silent auction basket. Worth $400, it went for $200 :(

Soggy drive-in with makeshift umbrella.

Sisters, just hanging out together.

Always a lady with ankles crossed.

Wearing a diaper cloth chapeau by Dad.

Communing with Dad.

Oh really, Dad? Tell me more....

Napping on the job.

Our first *official* family pic with Cali.

Springing into Summer

Currently, Cali is a little over 2 months. She weighed 10 lbs. 13 oz. at her 2 month check-up. Incidentally, Ellie weighed 10 lbs. 14 oz. at her FOUR month appointment. The younger one has settled in to a nice little routine. She has her last feed of the night around 8 and then sleeps for 6-9 hours. It's kind of awesome. I hope it lasts. I can't tell you how long it took Ellie to sleep that long, but I know it was at least 15 months before she did that regularly.

Overall, life is flowing along nicely. Since Aunt Cat has been with us, I don't stress quite so much. She takes care of cooking dinners most nights and is usually around during the day so I can run out to the yard or get on the computer with both hands to take care of Tri Kappa publicity (Like our page!) I'm anxiously awaiting Friday since that will mean that The Taste is behind me for another year.

I'm behind on weeding and pruning this year, and I still have to hook up my rain barrels properly, but the garden is planted and mostly looking pretty good. I'm excited to be trying kale, rhubarb, celery, beets, broccoli (purple and green), and beans this year in addition to my standard peppers (I'm giving them one more shot), okra, tomatoes, tomatillos, herbs, romaine, cucumbers, zucchini, lots of new strawberries, and raspberries. I'm trying a lazy square foot gardening technique (which means I just cleaned out my seed stash and then panicked trying to squeeze everything in). My purple asparagus rose from the dead this year. I've had 5 stalks, 4 of which are now 3 feet high and lying down in full leaf. I need to get a cage. Next year, I'm hoping for a full bunch. For insurance, I planted two more Mary Washington asparagus plants this year. I'm a little scared what the garden will look like by mid-July. With luck, it'll be a lush maze of green. I'd love to plant some fall squash and pumpkins, but I don't think I have room. And, since I can't manage to weed my current garden or containers, perhaps it's better if I don't create another bed for now.

Aunt Cat has had a couple of good interviews in the last week and keeps thinking up new possibilities for business ideas. Her latest is pretty good (IMHO). She is in the process of joining a local church and has been volunteering a couple shifts per week at the local organic farm. Because of her, P has been running more regularly. And, we've been shamed into more recycling and more timely dishwashing. If she gets hired soon, I'll be scrambling to fill the void.

We went to the drive-in Saturday with both girls and Aunt Cat. It was quite cozy in the truck bed, but miraculously the patch P adhered to the air mattress last year held and our derrieres stayed nicely off the truck bed through both feature films (The Croods and Iron Man 3). The new digital projector was delightful, however, the biggest news was in the concession stand. We discovered that the 49er carries funnel cakes, which may be reason enough to head back soon regardless of the film. Ellie was a little wired and bounced all over the truck bed through most of the first movie. Although P took her early to get a good spot and they played with other kids for a good hour, she stayed up until Iron Man 3 was underway (about 10). Luckily, she slept in Sunday like the rest of us.

P has been really enjoying his birthday present to himself. He bought a MakerBot (home 3D printer) and has been running it nearly 20 hours a day since it arrived. (That may or may not be an exaggeration.) Thus far, he has printed a flock of owls, a tiny model of the new plant, a few Yodas, a Darth Vader head, a cup holder change organizer that fits under his sliding armrests, a retro rocket model for Cali's room, a few things for Ellie's "sound of the day" at school, avocado pit holders, and a watering spike attachment for a 2 liter bottle. I'm sure I'm forgetting several others. There have been several misfires due to technical limitations and design flaws, but he's having a blast working through them.

He and Ellie have been going to swimming lessons on Saturday mornings. Ellie loves the water. I honestly believe that half-hour class is the highlight of her week. We've had some warm days already, but I'll have to break out the wading pool soon. We may even make it to the lakeshore sometime this summer.

Aunt C and Lil C catching Z's together

P's birthday cake – 3 layer chocolate peanut butter cake

Ellie with a postcard Grandma sent from New Mexico

Ellie sporting the Summertime trifecta:  Summer hat, sunglasses and sandals

My exotic purple asparagus

Keep trying to get one of her elusive smiles on camera, but the dimples are cute too

Swim class

Goofing around at Ogden Gardens

Dad knocked Mother's Day out of the park!

Smiling at Aunt Cat

A semi smile

Ellie and David at the Taltree Discovery Garden

MakerBot

Cali

Life with Two

We just marked Cali's 1 month birthday, so I figured it is probably time for an update. So far, she seems to be a pretty easy baby. Ellie had an even temperament too, so P is really fighting any mention of a third because he figures there is no way we'd get so lucky as to have 3 angelic children.

Of course, Ellie is having more frequent episodes of "being two". She doesn't listen when told to do something. For a week, she regressed to having non-repentant accidents (usually when we were talking about potty or had just asked her if she needed to go). And, she is easily upset into irrational fits. So, that part is fun. Of course, the rest of the time, she is her sweet and funny self. She chatters constantly, sings songs to herself, and has recently started using nonsense words. It just takes superhuman self-control not to react to her irrationality with a fit of our own sometimes.

Cali is a pretty good eater. She's risen from a low of 6th percentile to the 28th percentile at a whopping 8.5 lbs. In real world terms, that means she has graduated from newborn diapers and clothes into size 1's and 3 month clothes. She pretty much only cries when she is hungry or uncomfortable (ie. hot, cold, or has a messy diaper). She does seem to suffer a bit more from reflux than Ellie ever did. I'm not sure if that's just a side effect of being born a little early, or if it's something else. I remember Ellie staying in the same outfit for days or at least from bath to bath. This little one frequently has 4 costume changes in a 24 hour period. Today, 2 were due to a diaper explosion. (Most of the time, she just douses herself in milk or spit-up.) The girl has got some serious gas (ie. propellant). I'm tossing around the idea of using "Windy" as a nickname. We seem to be settling into a good eating routine though where she eats pretty lightly in the morning and then has a big lunch and continues to eat well until bedtime. The last couple days, that seems to have helped the spit-ups. She's also a pretty good little sleeper. I'm trying to establish a bedtime feed at 9 (ish) and be in bed by 10. The last few nights, she wakes up at 3 and then again sometime between 6 and 7:30. If I can get her to go until 7:30, I can jump back into the morning routine of helping Ellie get ready for school.

This is a red-letter week for Mom as well. I have my six-week appointment tomorrow and should get my lifting and exercising restrictions removed. Thursday, I have what I hope is my final appointment with the Orthodontist. If all goes well there, I should be able to get my little nubs removed and stop wearing my retainers during the day.

I've just about got the nursery finished. Grandma made a lovely quilt for the wall and came to the rescue on the curtains as well since I wasn't able to 1) Clean up the craft room and 2) Sew the curtains before Cali came. I may hang a few more things by the crib, but it's pretty much ready to go.


Through everything, Aunt Cat has been a huge help. Part of me will be sad when she finds a job, but for the time being, it's certainly helped make our transition to a bigger family a lot easier to have an extra set of hands.

Dad and the girls. Ellie likes to "hold" Cali.

Sporting a little Whoville hair while holding little sis.

Bubbles while swimming in a newborn outfit.

Ellie decorating eggs at school.

Kicking back in the "napper".

Big girl pigtails and a runny nose.

Cuddling with Mom.

Monkeying around with trains and blocks.

Cali's nursery.

Where Cali gets her midnight snacks.

Doorway shot.

The Ellie nook.

Where Cali will catch her Zzzz's in a few months.

Fattened up 5 week-old Cali catching Zzzz's before bedtime.

Early Bird

Well, technically, the baby is not due for another couple weeks, but we met her last Saturday. I woke up with contractions around 3 on Friday morning, but figured since it was 3 weeks early and they weren't regular, it was probably a bout of false labor. So, I tried my best to rest and did a little bit of prep, putting the final touches on my hospital bag and birth plan. Then, I tried to ignore them. I'd had a doctor's appointment just the day before and she told me I was at 2 cm. We had an ultrasound on Friday morning to check out positioning and verify if the baby was indeed breech. She was. I did cancel my workout Friday morning since I was still having sporadic contractions. But, otherwise, we continued as though nothing was amiss.

We had friends coming in to stay the weekend with their two little girls and my sister just arrived Thursday afternoon to live in our basement for the time being. So, we went home and started preparing the house. I may have overdone it a little because the contractions picked up. After we came home from dinner, I called the OB to see when I should go to the hospital since we knew the baby was breech and I wanted to avoid a truly emergency situation if we did have to proceed with the c-section. She advised me to rest and hydrate and reassured me that our bodies typically repeat what they've done before, so I would probably go another 2 weeks. I did as she recommended and they seemed to relax somewhat. I was still hoping for a last minute flip. Our house guests arrived and we down-played the contractions, still preferring to think that they were false labor. We all headed to bed at a reasonable hour where I proceeded to get no sleep. I timed contractions and they went from 15 minute intervals to 10 minute intervals. Also, I was getting more back pain than I remembered with Ellie. According to the internet, that could have indicated false labor or real. Finally, I woke P at 1 am. He really didn't want to wake up since he had planned to go to the Shedd Aquarium with the girls the next day and knew he'd need all his strength. However, I got him up. He took the dogs down to my sister's room and nearly caused her to freak out. Then, we snuck out of the house and headed to the hospital halfway hoping that it wasn't a false alarm just so we could take the next day off.

We entered  through the emergency room entrance and headed up to the fourth floor where our time of arrival and my large belly made our purpose pretty evident. They showed us to a Labor Room around 1:30 am where the nurse, Tracey, checked us in – my pre-registration apparently had not been received/entered and I didn't have a copy on me. She did a physical examination, we discussed the baby's position, and then Tracey kicked into high gear once she determined that I was dilated to 6 cm and the contractions were 5 minutes apart. The doc showed up, we told him about the ultrasound positioning. He confirmed that we were going to do a c-section right then and went to put on his scrubs.  P got to don a nifty "space suit" with blue footies that barely covered his shoes. The nurse prepped me for surgery and then we headed to the OR around 2:15. A nice (skillful) Anesthesiologist administered a spinal block and we did a little more prep. I was grateful for the block since it made the contractions go away. The rubbery legs phenomenon was a little strange, but I really couldn't complain since the purpose was to block sensation. After that, things proceeded at a pretty fast clip. P came back, the doctor and midwife showed up. I heard the pediatrician, and then boom, we had a baby at 3:19. I found out her sex when P and the docs laughed because "she" had peed on me. Better than in me, I suppose :/ I had just talked to the pediatrician the night before about skin-to-skin immediately after delivery, so he diligently did her APGAR, confirmed she was stable, and then sent her over via one of the nurses. One thing that they don't mention is that your arms are tied down during surgery. So, the nurse patiently held the baby where she could make eye-contact with me after it became pretty clear that the position wasn't really conducive to nursing.

Afterwards, I was taken to a recovery room and baby went to the nursery to get her full battery of tests, warming, and shots/blood drawn. They brought her in and I was able to hold her as we were wheeled down to the maternity wing and our new (tiny) room. Never having had major surgery before, I didn't realize that you have to remain catheterized until all the anesthesia leaves your system. I had an IV attached for over 24 hours, and they won't put you on a solid diet until you pass gas. For the record, I am still on a liquid diet ;) Another thing not commonly discussed is that it hurts to laugh, cough, and sneeze when you have abdominal stitches. My brother-in-law literally brought me to tears when they visited.

We had truly excellent care while we were at the hospital. Our previous stay had been over Thanksgiving weekend, so we were prepared for a lack of information, combative nurses, and spotty communication. However, we had two nurses, Linda and Lori, who took fabulous care of us for the 36 hours after delivery. I'd hoped to get Lori for our second night, since we were already familiar and knew she was working. Instead, we were assigned a third nurse who was yanked off our ward over to NICU. Instead, I was assigned Dianne (who coincidentally had held Calista to my chest in OR) and Calista got Lori. This happened about 10, when I was trying to nurse Calista and get to sleep for the night. I was informed that since we had new nurses, we both had to be assessed again. I asked for a reprieve so we could get some sleep. However, they took Calista, who I assumed they would bring back in 20 minutes or so. After an hour, I called to request my assessment so that maybe we could avoid further interruptions that night once they brought her back. Around midnight, I finally got Calista to sleep and drifted off again. At one-thirty, my nurse came in and asked when I'd last fed her. I told her about two and a half hours prior and she told me I'd better get ready to feed her in the next half hour or so. When I questioned that (since this wasn't my first rodeo), she informed me that since Calista was so small and premature (technically full-term, btw), if she went more than 3 hours between feedings, her blood sugar could drop and she "might not wake up." That just plain pissed me off. I knew for a fact that 3 hours was not a big deal and did not appreciate the use of scare tactics to get me to comply. I took a deep breath preparing to launch into my tirade, at which point Calista woke up. I curtly told the nurse that it was a moot point now since she was awake and she got the message to skeedaddle. At the time, I was under the mistaken impression that this particular nurse was studying  to become a lactation consultant which made me especially riled up. I got so worked up it was nearly impossible to get any sleep that night. At that point, I decided that instead of the 3-4 days in the hospital that I'd planned, I'd leave the next day if the doctor approved it.

Monday went pretty slowly. I'd expected my doctor in the morning, since with Ellie and this hospital stay, that had been the case. However, we didn't see him until around 2. Before that, we were able to get newborn photos, talk to the lactation consultant, signed paperwork for the birth certificate and social security, and briefly talked to a lady who was offering assistance for families who needed it. After I was released by my doctor, we snagged my nurse who was a little harried since apparently it was nearly shift change. However, she helpfully stayed to get the paperwork in order and we were home by 4.

So far, Ellie has adjusted well. It helps that Aunt C is in residence and available to lend an extra hand when needed. Grandma B is also visiting from Texas, but unfortunately contracted the flu en route, so she has been quarantined with a pharmacy downstairs for the last couple of days. Hopefully, tomorrow, she will be well enough to rejoin us.