More of Grayson's Firsts...

Grayson's first trip to Wegman's- December 4, 2009

Grayson's first snow - December 6, 2009

Grayson's first trip to Outback - December 6, 2009

Picking out Grayson's first Christmas tree - December 6, 2009

Grayson and Gifts

Here are a few pictures of Grayson posing with some of the great gifts he has received from friends...

Grayson in his outfit from Auntie Tamara

Grayson in his hat from Auntie Kristin

Grayson playing on his playmat from Auntie Penelope

Grayson in his Christmas outfit from Auntie Theresa's mom, Darlene

Random Cute Christmas Pictures

Here are a few of the cute pictures we've taken (or had taken) of Grayson this Christmas season...

Merry Christmas

As 2009 comes to a close, we once again look back at the year and all that we’ve accomplished or wished we had accomplished. Even with some ups and downs over the year, I would definitely say that 2009 was a huge improvement over 2008 for us.

We didn’t have the exotic and busy travel schedule that we had in 2008, but we were able to make some fun trips during the year. I made a trip to Tampa in early January for work and then spent 3 weeks in Virginia Beach for work later in the month. I drove to Pigeon Forge, TN in late March for a girl’s weekend with Heather, which introduced me to what may be the greatest Christmas store I have ever experienced…it was almost overwhelming. I had another girl’s weekend with Penelope and Karian in Berkeley Springs, WV (known for their spas) in early May. Later in May, we spent Memorial Day weekend in the Outer Banks, NC. I had always wanted to go to the Outer Banks, so was very excited about this trip…and was not disappointed…well, except for our accommodations which we booked through RCI; Turns out that you have to make a special request if you prefer that your ceiling fan blades don’t fly off in the middle of the night nearly decapitating anyone nearby. On the upside of things we were able to make our friends Theresa and Joe, (who were also vacationing down there at the same resort) feel much better about their place. All of a sudden, their ocean view with a fireplace, loft, full kitchen, and lamp that didn’t work…didn’t seem so bad.

After the Outer Banks, I was a little skeptical about whether RCI was such a good deal given the accommodations, however, when we went to Florida in June our accommodations more than made up for the near-decapitation. We spent a partial week in St Augustine with Wil’s parents (which turned out to be perfect timing as we were conveniently there to get the news that Wil’s baby sister Danielle was engaged) and then we headed down to Orlando for a week at the theme parks. We stayed at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. It was amazing!! The condo was spacious and wonderful, the ability to use the bus service, the flexibility of hours…all amazing! Now…while RCI and Disney did us proud with the accommodations and flexibility, we didn’t plan so well. We planned for full days every day, including some special dinner reservations...however, this was late June…and instead of taking the advice of others and using logic…we slept in…got to the park about 10am or so and were so exhausted from the heat (well over 100 everyday) that we were done by 6pm or so. Friends had recommended going early, coming back to the hotel during the hottest part of the day, and then going back out in the evening. Great suggestions...which we will follow in the future.

We had a few other small trips that rounded out the rest of the year including: A surprise weekend getaway for my birthday to a wonderful Bed and Breakfast just outside of Charlottesville, VA; A quick trip back to Indiana for Labor Day; and Wil spent a week in Bahrain which is apparently the place to go to party in the Middle East.

Other than travel, there were academic and career successes during the year. Wil finished his Master’s degree at the US Marine Corps Command and Staff College in early June and also got the notification that he would “pin on” Commander in early July. This worked out well as Wil was able to have his promotion ceremony at his new Command, the Navy Air and Missile Defense Command (NAMDC) where he is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, N2. This turned out to be extremely convenient as NAMDC is located on the same base that I work, so if either one of us would get on a consistent work schedule, we could actually carpool together.

Without a doubt, the biggest event of the year was discovering in late March that we were expecting a new addition to the family. In July we found out that what we were expecting was a son due December 9th. However, due to various medical concerns that date was bumped up with an induction scheduled for November 22nd. So, our little one who became affectionately known as “Bob” (which was an acronym for Blob of Baby because of the first ultrasound picture) was scheduled to arrive just in time for Thanksgiving. And arrive just before Thanksgiving he did. Grayson Paul Dean Pharis was delivered via emergency c-section on November 24, 2009 at 3:51am. He was 6lbs and 19 inches and just perfect. (Although, I guess I could be biased on that point.)

It’s hard to believe that this little person has made such a huge difference in our lives already…and I’m not just talking about sleep deprivation. We were fortunate that Wil was able to take the first 2 weeks off of work and spend with Gray and I. We were also lucky to have our parents visit and help us greet Grayson. And now that everyone has headed back to work or home, Gray and I are enjoying spending our days together.

But even as we look back on all the positives and happy events of the year, we remember the loved ones who are no longer with us or who have been sick or fallen on hard times. This year we lost my maternal grandmother in August, we also mourned with friends who lost loved ones (grandparents, parents, and children), and we memorialized another loss which is never far from our hearts and thoughts as we remembered Bailey on what would’ve been her first birthday. So, as we celebrate this happiest of holidays, we take a moment to reflect on those who made such a profound impact on our lives, but are no longer with us…whether they were here for 80 years or merely minutes, their impact Is lasting and they are never far from us.

We wish you all a very happy holiday and all the best in the new year!

We are Japanese if you please...

Ok,  so that's not quite how the song went, but last night was Grayson's first trip to the Japanese Steakhouse.  He really slept through the trip...but the rest of us were able to enjoy the show and the food...maybe in a year or two he'll be able to enjoy the show and the food.

Today was a big day for Gray for other reasons than just a visit to the Japanese Steakhouse. He turned 4 weeks old today and had his 1 month check-up.  We discovered that Gray has gained some more weight and is now 7lbs 5.5oz  and is 20 1/4 inches long. He also got his first shot today and a physical exam.  I handled the shot better than I handled the physical exam. It looked like the doctor was trying to squish him like a tube of toothpaste.  Poor Gray!

Speaking of toothpaste...Grayson reminded us a bit of squeezing a tube of toothpaste as he went to the bathroom repeatedly as Wil tried change him. It's not the first time that he's gone to the bathroom on Wil, but it was still quite funny.  We think he may have lost 3 ounces during that evolution.

Knee Deep...

It's not Grayson's first snow, but it was definitely a lot more snow than we had before and really a lot more than Grayson had experienced...ok, so more than all of this area had experienced since 1976 I believe. So, we decided to cuddle up inside the house and avoid getting out in all the snow...well, except for the boys who decided to go play in the snow.  Indy had an especially great time.

Fortunately, my parents who had planned to arrive for Christmas on Saturday, December 19th, left a day early and came out on Friday and got to the house just as the snow was starting.  On the down side, we weren't able to go out to celebrate Wil's birthday on Saturday.  He didn't seem to mind and we were able to celebrate at the house with some special meals, presents, and cake.

Watch Me Grow

We had a visit today from the nurse and found out that not only is Gray doing very well, but he is growing like a weed. YEAH! He's now 6lbs 14.5oz.  He's turning into quite the little chunky monkey.

We're not really surprised since earlier this week we thought he was going through a bit of a growth spurt.  He was pretty grumpy, hungry, and not sleeping well. But alas...I guess we've all had days like that and we don't have such a good excuse as a growth spurt.

Brave or Foolish

It was hard to decide which I was...I had a doctor's appointment and also needed to do some shopping, so I decided to venture out on my own with Grayson to get all of this accomplished.  We started the day at my doctor's appointment and then headed out to do some shopping.  It was getting close to lunchtime so I decided that I wanted to grab lunch.  Instead of going to fast food, I decided to go to Olive Garden so that Gray and I could relax and feed him in a comfortable environment and get some decent food. 

It didn't really hit me until we got our table that it could be awkward if Grayson had a meltdown in the restaurant...it would not be so easy to leave the restaurant as it would be if we went to fast food.  Now, this was not Grayson's first trip to a restaurant, but it was the first trip I took alone with him. Fortunately, there was no meltdown.  In fact, we had a wonderful lunch...So wonderful that the waiter actually said to me that I looked like the happiest woman in the world. A day out with Grayson...I just may have been.

3 Weeks Old

It's hard to believe that Gray is 3 weeks old today.  He's definitely growing and changing.  He's much more alert and is putting on some weight and starting to get those cute little baby chubby cheeks.  Everyday I'm more and more impressed with him.  It's hard to believe that this little guy has made such a huge difference in our lives in such a short time. I can't wait to see what new things he'll do as he grows.

I'm also surprised at how busy I have been everyday.  I admit that I have a new appreciation for stay-at-home moms...I never realized how busy you are.  We get up at about 7am (or sometimes earlier) and it seems like I'm on the go until 10 or 11pm everynight.  Between laundry and picking up things and feeding (and of course getting ready for Christmas right now), I rarely sit still. But I am enjoying it.  I'll have to go back to work at the end of my leave, just to get a break. :)

Rough Day

Yesterday was only our second "rough" day with Grayson.  The first was 2 days after we brought him home from the hospital.  On that day, he wouldn't eat and was fussy all day long.  Yesterday was the second rough day...and while he did eat, what seemed like all day, yesterday...he wasn't his normal laid back self.  Instead he was quite fussy between feedings and diaper changes.  It seemed like anytime something was off (he was hungry or wet) he was very upset about it, which is quite unlike him.

This has continued into the night...another unusual thing for Gray...and thus we are up aftter changing him an now trying to get him to eat something before we try to get some more sleep.  My thought is that this could be a growth spurt for him and he's just that hungry or irritable.  According to the book that the visiting nurse gave me, at 3 weeks there is usually a growth spurt which could explain why he was hungrier than normal yesterday.  The book says that it lasts a day or two, so we'll see if that's what it is and that our little Gray will go back to his normal happy-go-lucky self in a day or so.  After all, today Grayson is officially 3 weeks old.

Some Firsts...

Here are some random pictures of some of Grayson's firsts...

Grayson's 1st "Professional" Pictures

25 November 2009

Grayson's 1st Thanksgiving

26 November 2009

Grayson's 1st Nap in his crib

26 November 2009

Grayson's 1st Trip to Chic fil a

2 December 2009

Meeting Santa

After a morning of getting Grayson photographed by a popular (and expensive) Fredericksburg photographer, we decided to risk taking him to see Santa.  He was quite the trooper.  We weren't sure that Santa would be able to handle him since it looked like Santa was a Weight Watchers Success Story, but alas he was able to handle him.

Progress

Today was my turn to go to the doctor to see how I'm recovering.  Unfortunately, we seem to have a bit of an infection at the incision and a portion of the incision that didn't seal, so I'm now on antibiotics and have to go back next week for them to reseal part of the incision. 

The good thing is that little Grayson seems to be doing very well and even though I probably "over-did" it...I did get most of my holiday decorating done...so, a little injury is a small price to pay for a healthy baby and a holiday-decorated house. :)

Some day my feet will be as big as daddy's

Happy 1 Week Birthday Grayson

It really is hard to believe an entire week has gone by and yet, it's hard to imagine Grayson not having been here. He's so much an important part of our lives already.  Now, his introduction to the family does mean that I'm delayed in getting almost everything I have planned done...but he's a great excuse for that and one that I'm really ok with. And it's probably my fault as I could be getting things done while he's sleeping, but I prefer to just sit and hold him.

For the most part, he's been doing really well (except for the eating thing that I discussed in the previous post), but I think we're doing a lot better with the introduction of the formula and I'm optimistic that we can get this worked out and he'll be growing like a weed in no time. He's been doing great with sleep and I think we may have finally started to conquer his confusion over daytime and nighttime.  For the past 2 nights, he's slept 4 hours straight, which is great! Of course, his feeding issues forced me to wake him every 2ish (doctor said he could go 3 hours between feedings, but I'm aiming for 2ish) hours to eat...so that has interferred with his daytime sleep routine, which really benefits us at night. YEAH!

Happy 1 week birthday, Grayson! We love you!

We're still learning how to properly diaper a baby...this was obviously one of our failures

1st Doctor's Appointment

Monday was Grayson's first trip to the doctor.  So, we got up early, got ready and headed to the doctor.  We took the opportunity to also get Jon-Christian the flu shot and the H1N1 shot since Grayson is too young to get either and they recommend having everyone around him vaccinated to protect him.  Wil and I have already had the flu shot, but haven't been able to get the H1N1 shot.  Hopefully, we can get by with just the regular shot.

The doctor scheduled us to come in early so that we could avoid running into any sick kids in the office, so our appointment was one of the first of the day and they immediately took us into a room.  We had some concerns with Grayson's eating and just some general questions about his gassy tummy, etc.  Many of which were addressed through questions from the doctor.  Grayson hadn't been eating as well as we would've liked and we mentioned that to the doctor which was confirmed when they weighed him.  He's lost weight and is down to 5lbs 1oz.

Needless to say, this news caused great concern an angst in me. We go back to the doctor on Wednesday and she'd like to see a 2 oz weight gain.  No gain will indicate that we need to put him on formula.  Not one to wait and well, he's so small anyway...I didn't feel as though I could risk waiting to put him on formula, we've decided to supplement him with formula immediately.  I also started trying to pump and discovered that I may not be making enough milk and that could be the problem.  I spoke to the nurse at the hospital and I'm trying to get an appointment with the lactation consultants at the hospital for further guidance.  If all else fails, we'll either simply supplement his formula with whatever breastmilk I have or stop breastfeeding all together.  A disappointment, but ultimately all that matters is that the little guy is getting fed and healthy.

Thankful for the Mary Washington Hospital Doctors and Nurses

I am very thankful to my doctors and to the nurses and staff at Mary Washington Hospital.  As you saw on the earlier post, Grayson's delivery was more complicated than we had originally thought it would be and I truly feel as though the doctors and staff did everything they could to deliver him safely and he is here today because of their efforts. 

In addition to the amazing work they did delivering Grayson, they were also extremely compassionate.  In the rush of the emergency c-section, they had me take my necklace off.  This necklace contains a charm with Bailey's handprint on it and I always wear it.  When I woke up in the recovery room, I couldn't find the necklace. I had taken it off as they requested and then remembered holding it in my right hand.  However, it wasn't there when I woke up.  The nurses, doctors, and staff scoured the hospital looking for the necklace.  Housekeeping started searching through laundry that had already gone downstairs.  The anestheologist and the nurses went back into the operating room (which had already been sanitized, so would need to be sanitized again), and the nurse with me, Emily, called all the doctors and staff to see if anyone remembered seeing what happened to it.  We eventually found it on my bed, but I was so impressed and thankful for their willingness to put so much effort into finding my necklace.

Another surprise was a visitor I received while I was in post partum.  The surprise visitor was Tammy Ruiz.  Tammy is the perinatal bereavement specialist at the hospital and worked with us last year after our loss of Bailey.  She heard that we were in the hospital for Grayson's birth and she wanted to come and congratulate us.

All in all, while I complained about the lack of comfort of the hospital beds, I can't complain about the wonderful care we received while there.

Breaking the rules already...

On Thursday, we came home from the hospital and while I try to do things "by the book" as always...it has been a little harder with the little one.  First of all, he's so darn cute.  All you want is for him to be happy and healthy.  So, by Friday I caved...some say that you shouldn't give them a pacifier too early (whatever that means), but I figure if he's sucking on his fingers or mine, what's the harm in giving the little guy a pacifer? He seemed to like it and it helped calm him down when he would get frustrated either during feeding or during diaper changes (he really doesn't like to be naked).

The next "bad" thing we've done...and I do understand why this isn't recommended, but we have let him sleep with us on occasion.  Wil is a light sleeper and I've become one since he's arrived...waking up in 15-20 minute increments to check and make sure he's alright.  Grayson does have a bassinet in our room and after he gets settled and asleep we usually move him over to the bassinet (although I know that's not recommended either...you're supposed to let them fall asleep in there)...but we're adjusting.  Everything I've read says that they can't be "spoiled" at this point...so no amount of attention is too much.  But his sleeping locations are definitely going to be one of those things that we'll need to get settled sooner rather than later.

Happy Thanksgiving

Good evening everyone. This has been a really happy Thanksgiving for us. I know many of you have kept up with our progress on Facebook, but for those who haven’t, the baby formerly known as “Bob” was born on November 24, 2009 at 3:51am. He was 6 lbs and 19 inches long and has been officially named Grayson Paul Dean Pharis.

It was a long road to get here, but we made it. We went into the hospital on Sunday November 22nd at 4pm to start the process for induction. We were expecting that “Bob” could be anywhere from 6 to 8 lbs and pretty sure that he would be delivered “naturally” on Monday November 23rd, but as most things, nothing went quite as planned.

We started the cervadil on Sunday and after some Ambien got a little sleep (although not too much because I was having some lower back pain and was restricted to the hospital bed, which we all know aren’t very comfortable). After 4 failed attempts at running the IV for the pitocin (which means 4 blown blood vessels and bruises up and down my arms), they eventually got one and started the pitocin on Monday morning at about 9:20am and gradually ramped it up throughout the day. However, being on the pitocin through the IV and the baby monitors meant that I was pretty much tied to the bed all day, which did not help my aching back.

At about 5:30pm on Monday they decided to break my water and said that they expected us to progress at 1cm per hour from that point on. We had only progressed to about 3-4cms at that point, so we were still expecting another 6-7 hours of labor. I resisted the epideral as long as I could and by the time I finally got it I was in some pretty strong contractions and in quite a bit of pain (although I’m not sure the contractions were nearly as painful as the blood pressure cuff that they had on me monitoring my blood pressure every 30 mins…apparently they had it on wrong and it was cutting off the circulation in my arm leaving me with bruises all around my upper arm). We got the epideral a little after 8pm and the pain started to ease a bit. However, that wasn’t the end of our “adventures”.

About 15 minutes later the nurses came running in as “Bob’s” heart rate began to drop with each contraction to worrisome levels. They put me on oxygen, decided to stop the pitocin (we were already receiving the max dosing of pitocin at that point) and decided to “recreate” the amniotic sac by injecting a solution in the uterus in hopes to ease the stress on the baby. This worked temporarily. We had 2 more episodes of the nurses and doctors running in, stopping the pitocin, putting me on oxygen and monitoring very closely. We were told after the first incident that this may result in a change of plans and a c-section, but they were optimistic that everything would be fine. However, at about 330ish am on Tuesday November 24th, the nurses and doctors made a decision that they needed to conduct an emergency c-section immediately.

Wil had been asleep, but I hadn’t been able to sleep as I had been watching the heart rate very closely after the previous incidents (obviously getting more than a little nervous at this point). At about 330am, the nurses came running into the room and told me that they were going to have to conduct a c-section and began pulling the wires and plugs out of me and the bed in earnest. They woke Wil up and threw some scrubs at him, told him to change, but that they couldn’t wait for him. They wheeled me out of the room and down to the operating room. While, I think I had handled most of the concerns fairly well throughout the pregnancy, seeing the concerns on the faces of the doctors and nurses was finally more than I could handle and I admit to loosing composure at this point. They wheeled me in the operating room and quickly moved me from one bed to the other and had me prepped and standing over me with cutting instruments in what seemed to be just a couple of minutes. Someone eventually showed Wil where I was, but they wouldn’t allow him into the operating room. They told me that there wasn’t time for the epidural and that they were putting me under general anesthesia and then I heard the doctors arguing about hurrying up and that there wasn’t time to talk that they needed to move now.

That was the last thing I remembered and then I woke up in the operation recovery room not knowing what happened or if the baby was ok. The nurse came in and started giving me the update. They had NICU ready, but didn’t need them and that he was in the nursery and had scored a 9 on the APGAR (apparently no one ever gets a 10—a perfect score), so that was great news. It turns out that he had the cord wrapped around his neck and his foot and was pinching off the cord every time there was a contraction. I asked to see him, but it still took quite awhile…maybe 20+ minutes before the nursery staff, Wil, and my mom were able to come down and see me. I only got to see him for a couple of minutes before they had to take him back to the nursery and prep me to go to my room. I got to my room and asked to see him again. They eventually brought him in after some checking some initial vital signs on me.

I admit that it was hard to stop looking at him and holding him. I’m still amazed every time I look at him. We were in the hospital until this morning (appropriately Thanksgiving) when they released us early (originally we were planned to be released on Friday). So far, we’ve been doing really well. He initially lost about 6oz going down to 5lbs 10oz by Wednesday, but had gained 2oz back by this morning. He’s a bit smaller than we were expecting and so even his newborn clothes are swimming on him. Fortunately, we do have a few preemie outfits that a friend, Cathy, had given us as they didn’t fit her newborn. Those have been great for our little guy.

We really appreciate all the calls, emails, facebook notes, and visits we’ve received. Tamara came by to visit just about every day we were in the hospital, which was great. Unfortunately, the day she brought Nate by to meet the little one happened to be the day that Wil had to go into work for a few hours leaving me alone with little Grayson and therefore left it up to me to sign for his circumcision (so I’ll be the one blamed) and that’s where little Grayson was when Nate and Tamara stopped by.

It’s not surprising that we are extremely thankful for Grayson and Thanksgiving is even more special this year…but as you can see from his dramatic entrance into the world, he seems like even more of a true blessing and we are feeling very thankful and fortunate.

One More Day...

It's only one more day until we go into the hospital for "Bob's" induction.  And I have to admit that I am a bit anxious and excited.  I'm looking forward to having him here and healthy...but I also realize that since I've been fairly tired the last couple of days that I have not been able to accomplish all that I wanted to and doubt that I will be able to finish those tasks before we head to the hospital tomorrow...but here's hoping.

Today, in addition to shopping for Thanksgiving groceries, spending time with the family, and prepping for Bob, we also celebrated Indiana's 4th birthday.  And while Indy is supposed to be on a diet...he still needed to have his Chic fil a today and maybe a few other little surprises.  After all, a puppy only turns 4 once.

Counting down...

Well, we're officially getting really close to the big day...just a few more before we go into the hospital.  I am excited and anxious. 

We had our last official doctor's appointment yesterday morning and all seems to be going well.  We're measuring at 40 weeks...which I think is a way for them to tell me that my belly is huge...but the baby is still in the average range for size (on Monday at the Perinatal Specialist he measured 6.6 lbs, with a 1 lb margin of error and he could potentially gain 1/2 lb before Monday). The heart rate was great at 148 and apparently a look of relief comes across my face whenever they get the heart rate as the nurse made a comment about my face glowing when I heard the heartbeat.

According to the doctor we're about 1cm dilated and 25% effaced...so she went ahead and "swept the membranes" to really get things started before Sunday.  And let me just say...if you've never had that done...not the most pleasant of sensations...but if it helps move things quicker than a coworker's 59 hours of labor...I'm all for it!

But just to keep me from getting too relaxed or forgetting how quickly things can change, while at this appointment I ran into a couple from the Childbirth Class we had taken when we were pregnant with Bailey.  So, no worries about me relaxing and feeling like everything will be just fine because that was definitely a very real reminder that I won't really be able to "relax" until Bob is delivered. (And I know from all of you parents out there...a new set of worries will begin...but at least they'll be different worries and not reminders and fears of what has happened in the past.)

I saw the couple in the waiting room and then, ironically, we finished our appointments at the same time and rode in the elevator together (talk about just continuing to pour salt in that open wound).  We chatted and caught up.  They're expecting again in February and I had to explain what happened with Bailey as I had not seen them since our last day of class.

After that, while I really would've preferred a glass of wine, I opted for some Christmas shopping and a pedicure.  I then came home and wrapped presents and started the holiday decorating and when Wil got home we put the car seat in.  At least we think we did.  I've been trying to reach the Stafford County Sheriff's Department as they are the ones who supposedly will check to make sure it's in properly, but they have not returned my messages. So, if anyone in the area feels that they are an expert and comfortable double checking the car seat for us...that would be great...otherwise I may have to start reaching out to other counties in Virginia that will be a more helpful.

Less than a week...

It's officiatlly less than a week before we go into the hospital to Bob's delivery. I'm not really sure if it seems so far away or rapidly approaching.  I think it depends on the day...I think about the long list of things that I need to accomplish before Bob's arrival (finishing holiday shopping, decorating the house, cleaning/organizing, getting the car seat in, writing Christmas cards, getting the last few things packed for the hospital bag, getting a manicure and pedicure :) and then it seems like there's not enough time...but then there are other moments when I just want him here safe and sound and that can't come quick enough.

This weekend we thought that Bob might have decided to make his entrance a little earlier than planned, but no...it was just 9+ hours of FALSE labor filled with some pretty painful Braxton Hicks contractions.  Fortunately, the only one "inconvenienced" by these contractions was me since I figured they weren't the real thing as they were somewhat sporadic over that time frame and not within a consistent timing and duration...so alas...I tried to sleep between contractions. As I told a good friend, it was kind of like a very long and painful dress rehearsal with no flowers or standing ovation at the end.

But alas...Bob will be here before we know it...so I better get focused to accomplish my long to do list...

Decision '09

And here you thought after Tuesday all of that was over...no way...a much more important decision is left to be made...what does "Bob" wear home from the hospital.  Wil and I haven't been able to make a decision.  Wil thinks it's because I bought too many outfits, but I beg to differ.  This is just a tough situation with all of the candidates really standing out on different points.

So to help with this effort, we are requesting your input.  We will take the popular vote via email, blog, or facebook to the electoral college (made up of Wil and I) to make the final decision.  It may come down to letting the Indy dog choose, but I'm desperate at this point. 

The first 4 pictures are the outfits in the running and the last 3 pictures are really just showing off the super cute outfits that Bob will be wearing on Thanksgiving.

We appreciate your support in our "get out the vote" campaign for Decision '09!

If you think, hey...it's football season...go football, support

Option A: Bulldogs Football

If you think, I love football as much as the next guy...but football should be a little more casual support
Option B: Football #18

If you think football schmootball...a little boy should just be cute as a bear, support

Option C: Bear Overalls

If you think there's nothing better than a well-dressed young man, support

Option D: Corduroy Loafers

And now for a few previews that aren't in the campaign for the homecoming outfit, but will be worn during that first week to celebrate "Bob's" first big holiday...

Everyone needs a special turkey wearing outfit...that of course has some "give" for enjoying a Thanksgiving Smorgasbord

And it's always good to plan ahead for the much needed nap after consuming way too many calories on Thanksgiving...

Seemed like the perfect outft for our "little turkey".

Halloween...

This year Halloween was fairly low key for us, which was just fine with me as I've been feeling increasingly more run down in the past week or so. I ran out on Friday night to pick up some candy to distribute, but began to worry when the weather was less than cooperative.  Fortunately, we still had a pretty good turnout and as the evening progressed, kids were getting handfuls of candy to ensure that we made a dent in the candy container.  Wil's office will now benefit from the left overs, which is fine with me...

I admit that I was initially worried about having the extra candy in the house, but along with feeling run down, I've also been feeling fairly nauseous...so candy...or really anything sweet...does not sound even remotely appealing.  I actually told Wil on Halloween that all I wanted was some fresh vegetables...but then opted to just go to bed instead of eat dinner. This could be a good thing...preparing me for the massive diet that will ensue in less than 3 weeks now.

We had lots of cute little goblins and princesses that graced our doorstep and even several that I really couldn't tell you what they were...I was just hoping that it was in fact a costume and not their normal attire.  Indy wasn't so sure about all of these visitors coming to the door to take candy, but not come pet him.  He almost got his wish though...We put the gate between the living room and the foyer so he could see the little kids, but wouldn't run them over in his excitement when one little fella who was probably about 3 decided to walk right into the house and go greet Indy, who was of course thrilled that someone finally came to the house to see him. And although this young man's parents were quite embarrassed by his willingness to make himself at home in a stranger's house and immediately retrieved him, Indy was quite thankful for the "almost" attention.

With one holiday down, I decided that it was time to begin planning for the next holidays and on Sunday began wrapping Christmas presents. We didn't start decorating yet, but at least we're making some progress.  Now to store the presents, try to shop for the rest of the presents, and get the house completely decorated (all 12 minus the live tree for the inside, plus the other holiday decorations--inside and out) in the next 3 weeks...no problem...except that I'm tired and nauseous all the time...oh yeah, and there's work and doctor's appointments to squeeze in too...hmmmm...

Home...

I am happy to be home this evening after spending last night in the hospital for monitoring.  In case you haven't experienced a hospital bed in awhile...not comfortable...plus, when you are on monitors for fetal heart rate and contractions it is very difficult to sleep.  Especially when every move you make dislodges the monitors and causes the very annoying alarm to go off on the machine. 

Fortunately, everything looked good so I was able to come home earlier today.  I initially thought that I would go into work, however, with some additional requirements levied on me by the doctors that would not be very easy to do at work...and frankly, since I got very little sleep...I came home and laid down...after stopping for some chic-fil-a of course. Three more weeks...I'm counting the days...

Getting Ready

Well, now that we're less than 4 weeks from our induction date (we're scheduled to go to the hospital on November 22nd with the actual induction beginning November 23rd), we've realized that we have quite a bit to do to get ready for Bob's arrival.  So, last week I put the bassinet together, organized the diaper basket to go with the bassinet, and picked up diapers and other "necessary" items.  I also stopped and picked up a few other items that might not be necessary, but will be nice-to-haves when Bob is here. I started packing our hospital bag and got everything laid out to have the car seat put in...some of this may be a little earlier than necessary, but what can I say...I'm a planner and don't like to wait until the last minute. 

I'm also hoping to start decorating for Christmas in the next week or two.  Some may think that's crazy, but with Bob coming the week of Thanksgiving, I fear that I won't have time to decorate at the "appropriate" time. I would also LOVE to have my Christmas shopping done before then...but frankly, I don't see that happening...I have no idea what to get anyone...perhaps this will be the year of the gift card.

But we're not the only ones getting ready for Bob's arrival.  Apparently, he is also preparing to make his entrance.  At our appointment on Monday we learned that Bob is head down.  He weighs about 4lbs 13 oz and is expected to gain another 1/2 lb per week from now on...so with say 4 weeks left to go, we can expect him to gain about 2 more pounds...with the margin of error for these weights, I figure Bob will be somewhere between 6 and 8lbs when we deliver...so average.  Since we are on the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) at work...and "average" is called "valued performer"...I think we'll use that terminology instead...Bob is a valued performer in the weight category.  Of course with the apparent competition at my Command for who can have the biggest baby (we've had several 10 pounders and even one a couple of weeks ago that was 10.4lbs)...I think Bob will not even come close to making the grade...but since I have to deliver him...I'm really ok with this.

Thanksgiving...

I have no doubt that this year that term will be even more meaningful.  We have scheduled our induction date for "Bob" for early in the week of Thanksgiving.  We'll go to the hospital on the evening of November 22nd with the official pitocin induction to begin on Monday, November 23rd.  I am sure that I will be even more "thankful" if all goes smoothly with the induction and Bob arrives on the 23rd or 24th...but hearing horror stories from recent deliveries...I am preparing myself for the reality that I may seeking people willing to deliver turkey and pumpkin pie to the hospital on Thursday. Either way, it's almost a relief to have the date scheduled and we can plan toward that.  And thankful that it won't be too much longer before "Bob" greets everyone.

Almost Done...

That's right...the bathroom is sooo close to being done.  It's hard to believe and I have to say...I'm quite proud of myself...it's looking good...Ok, so I'm not the one who did the work Dean and Vincent Dodd are the ones who have done all the heavy lifting so to speak...but picking everything out...that's work too and that was ALL me...I would usually require Wil to go with me to see if he agreed after I picked something out...but for the most part, he just said..."ok, as long as I can use it to shower, brush my teeth, etc...it's fine with me." So, I can't really say that interior decorating is in his future...probably not mine either...but it does look good if I do say so myself. 

There are a few touch-ups that Dean and Vince need to do next week and then we're having them do a few other things around the house and I need to pick out curtains and wall hangings to really finish it off...well, and decide whether or not I'm happy with the bathmats I purchased...still not sure if they're the "ones"...but they may have to be the ones until I find my dream set. :)

I love the granite counter top and my way cool sinks!

I think the tile in the shower may be one of my favorite features...hard to really see it in this picture, but it's very pretty.

Even Indy likes the new bathroom, but he'll miss Dean and Vince when they're done.