A formal e-troduction...

Make a Smilebox photobook

Sometimes life is sad...

In the middle of the night last night, Michael and I woke up to our dog yelping in pain. In the 15 seconds it took for Michael to get to her kennel and open it, our little Molly dog passed away. She was only two years old. We are heartbroken, and can only assume her mission on this earth was complete. We all love her and will miss her dearly.

In memory of our Molly dog. 2006 - 2008

Ummm, I thought this was a family film...

"I know what a drag queen is. It's a boy who is a queen. I learned that from watching The Bee Movie."
-Adam Hooten, age 6

Oh, is that all?

"All I want for my birthday next year is a Martian Maker, a Mario, a Goomba, and a lot of other things."
- Adam Hooten, age 6 (nine months before his next birthday).

The Story of Thomas...

So, our little Thomas wasn't due to make his debut until at least this past Wednesday, September 3rd. That would have been my 37th week of pregnancy, which is the earliest we could have delivered him and considered him to be a full term baby. We were debating an early induction because we already knew he was a bigger baby. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, we were estimating his weight to be 3 weeks ahead gestationally speaking. (In case you're wondering, this is due to the fact that I'm a Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) Diabetic. Even though my blood sugars were very well controlled during my pregnancy, larger babies are one of the most common issues that Diabetic moms face.)

So, around 6 o'clock on Monday night, August 18th, I thought a little amniotic fluid might have trickled it's way out. I couldn't be certain because the baby was smack dab hanging out and generally performing acrobatics on my bladder and it was also possible that I could have been slightly incontinent. I wasn't contracting so I didn't really think anything of it. Actually, I went to bed that night not thinking of it at all.

Around 1 am (now technically Tuesday morning), I woke up with some mild cramps. They stopped after about 10 minutes, so I went back to bed. Around 5 am, I woke up again. I realized that the mucous membrane had passed, but still wasn't too alarmed because this can happen anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks before birth actually occurs. What was concerning was that I seemed to be having regular contractions. In fact, I had felt the contractions in my sleep, and incorporated them into my dreams. I was drowsy and out of it, but figured that my contractions were approximately five minutes apart. I woke Michael up and told him that I thought I was in labor. I told him I was going to get in the shower, handed him the hospital bag packing list (which I hadn't intended to use until the following week), and took a five minute shower. Once I got out, I called the on-call doctor to find out if I should head to the hospital.

While I was drying off, my water broke. A minute later, the on-call called me and directed me to head to labor and delivery. I got dressed, and started trying to reach my dear friend, Nicole so that she could take Adam while we headed to the hospital. It took about 15 minutes of calling before I managed to wake her. We dropped Adam at her house, and embarked on the 25 minute drive to the hospital. By this point, my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart.

15 minutes later, we were in Draper, and still about 10 minutes from the hospital. I had called my dear friend, Rhea, to meet us at the hospital. She's an MA and and EMT, and was so amazing to have present during the birth. She's so calming and reassuring. But, I digress. So we were in Draper, and we hit a red light and I was in a decent amount of pain. I made Michael run that red light (of course I looked first to make sure we weren't putting anyone in danger). By the next red light, eight minutes later, my contractions were 1-2 minutes apart. We ran that one too (still making sure no cars were coming). I called the hospital and asked them to meet me with a wheelchair. By the time I got into my room and the nurses checked my labor status (maybe ten minutes max), I was dilated to a 7 and in the end stages of labor. And I was in pain. Big pain. Begging for the epidural pain.

Hours or decades later (actually more like ten minutes), the anesthesiologist appeared with his magical bag of medicine. I love that man. Truly, dearly love that man. I can't remember his name, and I barely recall what he looks like but my feelings run deep. After a couple of strong contractions (I sort of cried from pain), the epidural was placed and my body surrendered to sweet relief. It was approximately 7 am at this point.

At 8 am, my OB (Hooray for Dr. England) showed up and pushing commenced. At 8:21 am, Thomas made his debut. I got to hold him briefly, but he was struggling to breathe. He had to be put on oxygen, and thankfully he stabilized quickly. He was taken to the nursery, and I waited for my epidural to wear off so I could go see him.

He ended up staying in the nursery for 8 days, and the nurses took great care of him. Those eight days were some of the most painful of my life. All three of my children were in different places geographically, and I couldn't fully be there for any of them. It was very difficult for me to feel so divided, and so unable to to fully meet all of their needs.

As a side note, we also had to delay Frankie's first home visit since she was due to arrive the day after Thomas was born. This was very hard for all of us, but we're looking forward to her rescheduled home visit, which is coming up shortly. I can't wait to have all my children under one roof.

Thankfully, things have evened out. The house is a wreck, our bodies are weary, but all is well. Thomas is here, healthy, off of oxygen, and at the moment crying vigorously (music to my ears) because Daddy is changing him. However, if you want to send a maid over, I wouldn't say no.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a couple of pictures of our sweet little Thomas...

We'll try to post some awake pictures as soon as we get them. Until next time...

There's no place like home...

This has truly been one of the longest weeks of my life. Between daily trips to the hospital (1/2 hour each way), spending time in the hospital with Thomas, trying to make sure that Adam got enough attention, trying to help Frankie through a tough time, and breast pumping every three hours for 1/2 hour, it's a wonder I'm even awake enough to write this (though truth be told, I barely am).

Michael has been amazing - so supportive, so kind and helpful. I am absolutely blessed to call him my husband. We're coming up on our 16th anniversary in a couple of weeks, and although life hasn't always been easy, I think we are so fortunate to have found each other.

The best news going right now though is that we have finally gotten to bring our little Thomas home!!! He's on oxygen, but doctors are hopeful that he'll be off in a week or so. Oh that little boy has captured my heart. He has a head full of dark brown hair (less than at birth - he actually has a natural little fauxhawk going). He has my chin, my lips, and I think Michael's nose. He has his Grandpa John's (my dad) dark olive complexion. He makes the sweetest little newborn noises, and almost always gets hiccups when he's full. He's a lazy eater, prone to falling dead asleep halfway through eating, but at least he doesn't spit up with the voracity his older brother did at this young age. The nurses at the hospital stated that Thomas has a great disposition, and they called him "a pile of pudding." He is a very snuggly and cuddly boy.

Adam is doing a great job as a big brother. He truly loves his little Thomas. The first or second time he saw him, he kissed him on the head and said "Thomas, I will always take care of you. If anyone tries to be mean or hurt you I will get in the way so they can't hurt you." I just love that kid - he's got such a sensitive and kind soul.

Frankie is very excited to meet her little brother, and plans are in the works for her to make a visit home in the near future. We greatly look forward to having our family all under one roof, even if it's only for a few days.

Molly, our dog doesn't know what to make of the baby - she's not really sure what species he is. He might be human, or a cat - she's not really sure. She's curious and gentle, and likes to lick his foot (something I'm discouraging). She thinks she wants to play with him, but she's not really sure. She gets concerned if he cries though. It'll be interesting to see how their relationship develops - it's obvious she's never been around a newborn before.

And just in case you're curious, the cats could care less. And why should they -- after all, they're cats.

My next post will be about the story of Thomas' birth, but it's time to go pump (seems like it's always time to go pump). Also, I'll add some recent pictures.

Until next time...

Imitatation is the sincerest form...

I liked this so much that I stole it from Bastians...

Mom and Dad
as described by Adam Hooten, age 6

1 What is something Mommy always says?
"I love you.”
2. What makes Mommy happy?
“When I’m great.”
3. What makes Mommy sad?
“When I’m not great.”
4. How does your Mom make you laugh?
“Being silly.”
5. What was your Mom like as a child?
“I don’t know. I guess doing little girl things.”
6. How old is your Mom?
“I don’t know that one either.”
7. How tall is your Mom?
“Can you stand up for a little so I can measure you? 15 length.”
8. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do?
“Do what she’s supposed to do.”
9. What does Mom do when you’re not around?
“Do grown up things.”
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
“American Idol.”
11. What is your Mom really good at?
“Super Mario World.”
12. What is your Mom not good at?
“Gulp. That’s a hard one. I think it’s playing Spiderman 2.”
13. What does Mom do for her job?
“Works at home.”
14. What is Mom's favorite food?
“Anything she’s in the mood for.”
15. What makes you proud of your Mom?
“When she beats a game”
16. If your Mom were a cartoon character who would she be?
“Princess Peach.”
17. What do you and your Mom do together?
“Sometimes play Super Mario Bros 3, sometimes playing Super Mario World.”
18. How are you and your Mom the same?
“Being happy.”
19. How are you and your Mom different?
“We like to do different things like she likes to do grownup things and I like to play video games.”
20. How do you know your Mom loves you?
“She tells me a lot.”
----------------------------------------------------
1.What is something Daddy always says?
“Yes. A lot he says yes.”
2. What makes Daddy happy?
“When I’m good.”
3. What makes Daddy sad?
“When I’m bad.”
4. How does your Dad make you laugh?
“(makes a silly face) Being silly.”
5. What was your Dad like as a child?
“I don’t know. I think it is doing what he likes to.”
6. How old is your Dad?
“Ummm…it’s gotta be one of the numbers that you are but higher. What? 59?”
7. How tall is your Dad?
“Daddy, can you stand up for just a second? 21.”
8. What is your Dad's favorite thing to do?
“Do what he likes to do, like play video games. I think that’s what he likes to do as a child. Well, now he likes to do grownup things since he’s a grown up from now on.”
9. What does Dad do when you’re not around?
“Be at work because that’s the only time he never ever sees me.”
10. If your Dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
“America’s Got Talent. He would do something he’s good at like being Mario.”
11. What is your Dad really good at?
“Gotta think (scratching forehead)…I think he’s good at work.”
12. What is your Dad not good at?
“Playing Super Mario Galaxy because he never ever plays it when he has a chance to play it because he plays Spiderman 2 instead. He likes that a lot. He likes it more than I like it.”
13. What does Dad do for his job?
“He works at 4Control (It’s really Control4) and I think he does not medical stuff.”
14. What is Dad's favorite food?
“Chowder soup.”
15. What makes you proud of your Dad?
“When I tell him to do what he likes to do and he can.”
16. If your Dad were a cartoon character who would he be?
“Blooper. Pink Blooper.”
17. What do you and your Dad do together?
“Play Spiderman 2.”
18. How are you and your Dad the same?
“We’re both boys.”
19. How are you and your Dad different?
“We like to do different stuff.”
20. How do you know your Dad loves you?
“Because he tells me a lot.”