Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Forever Ago

It seems forever ago that I sat here and thought and wrote. I started a post a few days ago, but it was interrupted by something or other, and the website page got closed with the computer. It looks like we have settled into a daily flow of some sort that is allowing me to get a nap, at least for the last couple of days. I know Jason appreciates it as some days when he gets home from work, I've met what feels like my end. Crazy hormones! Isaac really is a good baby. He only cries when hungry, dirty, and recently, lonely. I love how he is developing. So much has already changed in 3.5 weeks.

Breastfeeding is going swimmingly! I had such high hopes after only lasting 15 weeks with Camille. And, I must say, all hopes are being fulfilled. One of the ways to know the bfeeding is going well is having a good number of wet and poopy diapers. I can say, I never remember C having as many as little man does, and I have never been more excited to see so much poop! Only a bfeeding mom can appreciate it.

I know theories on raising kids cause controversy, misunderstandings, and to be honest, poor views from opposing theorists, so if you disagree with me, take what I say next with a grain of salt, and if you don't like it, just let it roll of your back and let it go. What works for one, doesn't work for the other. It has been so much better not scheduling Isaac. I've removed from my mind whatever I read in so many different books that caused me so much mental and physical agony with Camille. I never knew who to listen to as everyone said something different. I still remember Jason telling me, "How else are they going to sell books, unless they say something different from the next guy?" So, I decided to go with what God gave me in my mommy mind and just listen to us, our needs, my son, my daughter, pray an enormous amount and not try to meet any philosophy or match any book. It has been so much better. It's amazing what you learn by some of the simplest and most complex things in life. How simple and complex is having and rearing your children? I've finally, for the most part, can't say I'm perfect yet, quit caring what other people thought about me or what I do. I've enjoyed the freedom of enjoying the moment, holding him a little longer, grasping my chances with Camille to play and take our walks together as Isaac is strapped to me in one of the best baby carriers invented (thank you Mom and Karen!), understanding Camille's adjustment to her new opportunity to learn sharing of Mom's and Dad's time, and relaxing as we are all learning about each new day we are taking. I cannot say that it is perfect, but it is our family, and I love where we are going.

Speaking of our family, it feels totally and incredibly complete. I almost didn't get a chance to feel that way before with Camille because I struggled to know what I was doing, get a hold of my hormones, and then become pregnant again all too soon. But, now, now we are a more complete family. Complete before, absolutely, but whole now. Hard to explain, maybe you have felt the same with your own family?

I have a world to be thankful for including getting a really good amount of sleep the last two nights, so on we go!

1. Getting a good amount of sleep the last two nights, and naps the last three days!

2. Having movies to watch on DVR while I'm feeding instead of Three's Company and I Love Lucy reruns. They make the time go by so much faster.

3. Spending time with Becca and the boys and Brook and the kiddos on Monday. Camille loved it and I loved the break with some other rockin' moms!

4. Going on walks the last two mornings with Camille. I've missed them immensely, and have cherished every moment of them.

5. Knowing I'm normal as a mom when I am frustrated, make a mistake, and feel I can't quite get there on some days. I love my MOPs emails.

6. MOPs starts in 3 weeks.

7. Reading Becca's and Keri's blogs. Nice window into their lives.

8. Bfeeding success!

9. Getting my hair done on Friday. It's not the amazing Cristy doing it since she had her little boy on August 21, but it is getting done!

10. Our precious, precious children.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Just For a Moment

I can type just for a moment to let anyone who reads this know that Isaac Nathaniel arrived at 6:21pm on August 8 after 23 hours of labor. Yes, yes, you read correctly that number was 23. Thankfully, it was not encompassed in pain for the entire time although the epidural never quite worked right after having 6 new holes put in my back. Sheesh! I will say my recovery has been quick and exciting. Camille loves her baby brother and is very particular on who is holding him. She is constantly giving him "loves" which are hugs and kisses. To be honest with you, Isaac looks absolutely identical to his big sister. Baby pictures (although she still is a baby) of Camille and Isaac side by side are eerily similar in that you cannot tell them apart except for the obvious physical difference that makes girls girls and boys boys. Jason stayed home last week with us and has, as always, been amazing.

This morning little man slept and gave Camille and I the chance to go through our normal morning routine and even sit down to breakfast together.

My sister downloaded the pictures from Mom's camera onto snapfish. Hope you enjoy!

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=48874008/a=53078166_53078166/t_=53078166

I'll get back as soon as I can!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

So, so very close

Good news! Little man turned all on his own! We go into the hospital on Sunday evening at 7pm to guarantee a delivery by Dr. W, an important part to this whole labor and delivery shindig although most of the work seems to come from my end. Anywho, I'm pumped and look forward to as good of an experience as we had delivering Camille. I know one more night in the hospital is not what I was looking forward to as I can't stand the thought of not being home with my daughter overnight period, but it will all bring little Isaac here sooner. Hopefully, the stay in the hospital will be brief!

I'm not doing a thankful list today, although there are a million things I could mention. I just want to hang out with Camille. I wanted to make sure and get this out before life as we know it transitions beyond our recognition.

Have a great few days!