The Munsells

The Little Blue Truck

2012-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post this for like 2 months.....

Christmas Program

2012-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

So I missed my kiddo's Christmas program this year. I know, terrible right?! Unfortunately, I had a work thing in Dallas so I had to live with pictures and videos. Can you believe I missed this? Isn't it the most amazing picture ever! I think I love it because it reminds me that there is a little bit of me in ole Maddox. You know, the needs to be the center of attention part!

And in case you need a video of the cuteness, here you go! The beginning is pretty rough. Sorry about that. Blame Jeff.

Pumpkin Patch Pictures - a wee bit late

2011-11-21T20:08:00.001-08:00

I loved it when I saw Kat chronicle the years of Nate at the pumpkin patch like this and I like to copy her even if it's a wee bit past pumpkin patch time. I'm trying to get back on the freakin blog train so I'm having to pool from some old pics okay people! I know I did this last year but I'm doing it again because it makes me happy. I love looking at how much he's grown over the past couple years...

2009

2010

2011

We went to the same pumpkin patch as we did last year and he was equally as impressed with the lawn mower this year. Good to know some things don't change.

2010

2011

ADDICTION

2011-11-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

So this is the little side compartment in my car door....
It's full of the Starbuck's stir things.

Jeesh, I really need to try and curb the addiction. I'm sorry I really do love my Keurig but NOTHING competes okay and the red cups are adorable.

3rd Quarter Update

2011-11-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

So it's been over 4 months since I've even attempted to do a post. Yikes! So much has happened since July so I thought I'd do a little 3rd Quarter Munsell Update. Here are a couple of things that have happened...

Got a call from a recruiter about completely randomly about a job opportunity.
Went through a long interview process and ended up taking the job. I started August 1st and since then I have been crazy busy and have been traveling a lot as well. It's hard to be away from Maddox and I think I'm working harder then I ever have, but I'm also loving it!
We put our house on the market the beginning of July. We sold it and moved into our dream house on September 23rd. I can't even express how happy I am in this new house. I LOVE the neighborhood. It has a park, splash park and a neighborhood pool. We have tons of kids in the neighborhood and it is just so family oriented. The house is everything I have ever wanted. We came really close to tripling our square feet so I feel like I have so much room. Cooking in the new kitchen is one of my favorite things. It is so open and I can watch Maddox running around or watch a tv show with Jeff while I'm baking. It's a new construction that was the builders model home so I'm loving how new and clean it feels, especially with all the renovations we did on the old house. Here's a less then great pic of the house but I promise to do a picture post soon with better ones.

Maddox did so well with the move and he has told us so many times that he loves his new house. As far as an update on him, I don't even know where to begin. It can pretty much be summed up by saying he's the smartest most beautiful boy in the world. I am constantly amazed by him. I've said it a billion times but I just can't believe it gets better. He makes Jeff and I laugh every day and I really need to do a post just dedicated to some of the hilariuos things he has said recently. For now I'm just trying to get back on the old blogging saddle. My goal is to try and do one a week. Wish me luck!

Cute Videos Of Maddox Moo

2011-07-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Maddox has been singing his ABCs for a long time but this is one of the first times he did it with the ending as well. This is from a couple weeks ago.

Here he is reading Brown Bear Brown Bear. We don't have this book at out house but he randomly started saying it in the bathtub the other night so we borrowed it from Grandma who has been reading it to him at her house. I especially enjoy the lemonade break halfway through the reading.

Finally, here is a cute video from this past weekend at Kat, Karl and Nate's house. The boys are so adorable together and they play so well with each other. This was one of his first times in a big pool. We went a couple times last year but this was the first time this year and once he got used to it he LOVED it. I like how my 2 year old needs to know the word "gun" clearly and also that he didn't realize he can't just go under the water and get it himself. Kat laughing at Maddox in the background is also pretty comical.

My Big 2 Year Old

2011-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

On May 21st my sweet boy turned two! I can't believe how fast the last 2 years have flown by and how much he has changed my life. There is nothing better in life then being Maddox's mommy. I love that little man so much.

Here are some pictures of his construction party or struction party as Maddox called it. Since he started talking Maddox has loved all things construction. For real, Excavator was one of his first 50 words. When we see a digger, a dump truck, a cement mixer, etc. well lets just say it's a pretty big deal. Sometimes when I'm driving around without Maddox in the car I see a piece of construction equipment and get all excited and start to say "BACKHO! BACKHO!" just to remember that Maddox isn't in the car and there's no need to yell and point it out to my boss. So with that being said I knew about 6 months before his Birthday that I wanted to do a Construction theme. I started talking to Maddox about his construction party a couple weeks before we actually had it which was okay for the most part. There were a couple times he got a little cranky that his struction wasn't going to be happening immediatly. He spent several weeks saying, "please come to my party.....diggers, backhos. You know like he was giving you reasons why it was gonna be super cool. I mean HELLO people what's cooler than diggers? The party itself was great and he had SO MUCH FUN! I know some people thing I go overboard on the parties but I cherish every second of them. I loved watching him smile when everybody sang Happy Birthday to him. It was a perfect 2nd Birthday! I have a ton of pictures so sorry if it's a bit much. The entrance....

Jeff made this barricade and then we painted it together. I love how it turned out!

Last year a friend of mine sent Maddox an adorable Happy Birthday banner and I really loved making my own this year. I am slowing starting to become more confident with the sewing machine.

Maddox has this book called Dazzling Diggers that he loves and we had all the guests sign it.

I made these paper mobiles and they turned out really cute. I wish it hadn't been so windy but they were still cute.
The kiddos got hats that only stayed here for like 5 seconds because it was so windy and they were just all over the yard. Oh well cute picture, yes???

The tables....

I also made these cute table runners. Aren't the stickers on the cups below cute? Ashley made them for me as well as a bunch of other stuff!
I couldn't resist these adorable traffic cone cups for the kiddos.

Kat designed these adorable signs for the sandwiches as well as the ones for all the toppings on the ice cream sundae station below. I loved them.

I really like hanging up a bunch of pictures of Maddox from the year. It's something I did for his first Birthday and I hope to do it again next year.

The Sundae Construction Zone was one of my favorite parts of the party. On another note we had a lot left over and we have been eating ice cream sundaes pretty much every night. ooops.
Ashley made these adorable cupcake toppers that went into her DELICIOUS cupcakes. Seriously people they are amazing.
The goodie buckets....Jeff made this great sand box and the kiddos loved it. Maddox has been playing in it so much!
Some serious work was done with diggers and the big sand pile....There was water fun....

When we talked about his party Maddox would always get this huge smile on his face when he told me that we were gonna sing Happy Birthday to Maddox. He adored it.
All of us with our darling boys

Trying to get a picture of the kiddos....So lucky to have such amazing friends to help me with all the planning and prep and for coming and spending a great afternoon celebrating our big 2 year old!!!

It's been a long, long time.

2011-02-22T19:01:00.001-08:00

It's been so long since I've blogged I don't even know what to say. I think that's one of my problems with blogging. The longer it's been since I've posted last the more and more I feel like how will I even begin to say everything I want to say. Then I get all overwhelmed and instead just don't do it at all. The thing is I really like blogging when I actually do it. I like looking over my old posts and having all those memories and thoughts chronicled in one place. I often go and look at my old posts from my pregnancy and right after Maddox was born. I love those posts so much. So with that being said please excuse my ramblings.

I have a ton of friends who hate the month of February for various reasons. Its' never really bothered me until this year. The snow was really fun at first. I love the idea of being snowed in (as long as we have electricity and lots of HEAT) with my boys and tons of chili and roast and cookies and brownies and movies. It was really fun the first day but not so much the third day. Additionally I'm pretty sure I gained like 5 pounds due to my constant need to bake while snowed in. It just felt like the right thing to do, ya know? It was soooo cold those couple days after we got all the snow that I didn't even want to take Maddox outside because it was just miserable. The sun finally came out at one point and it warmed up enough that we got to break in his snow boots. I insisted upon getting Maddox these adorable snow boots the weekend before the snow storm. I mean a pair of $45 boots that he will wear all of 3 times is perfectly reasonable, yes? Thank god we were able to get outside and play in the snow because let me tell you there was a lot of work to be done. We used our trusty dump truck and digger to get a start on clearing the snow.

And then there's how the snow affected work. Did I mention I'm paid on commission? So yeah snow days are whole lot more fun when they don't directly affect your paycheck. Also I had to deal with some very unhappy customers and that's never fun. Of course by the time the weather did get better it was Valentine's Day weekend and all my restaurants were swamped so it was insane. I was just plain worn out by the end of it.

I'm super thankful I got a treadmill from a friend and was able to run a little even with the bad weather. I'm trying to stay in half marathon condition and so far that has been somewhat manageable. I ran 12 miles this weekend and it went really well. I'm heading to Little Rock to see Kat and run the Little Rock Half Marathon in less then 2 weeks!

Random note, I also got rear ended the Friday before the snow storm and am currently driving a rental while my car is repaired. This morning Jeff's truck was broken into so that's lovely. I hate my neighborhood and wish I could move immediatly. In case you were unaware midtown Tulsa is now da hood. I mean seriously when did that happen?

On a happier note there's Maddox and how do I possibly put down in a post how much he his changing each and every day. He is such a quick learner and he also enjoys learning so much. It makes me so happy to watch him discover the world around him. He is so proud of himself and adores pointing out what color things are or noticing letters all over the place. The other day we were at Walgreens and he got so excited and started pointing at the red Pharmacy sign and screaming, "P, P, P!!" He knows all of his letters and the sound that most of them make. He can tell the difference between a dump truck, a digger, a back hoe and an excavater. If you ask him what M, A, D, D, O, X, spells, he throws his hands up in the hair and yells MADDOX! We went to a new doctor when he was 18 1/2 months old and they asked how many words he had and I had no idea. My mom and I had just discussed the same thing. At some point we lost track. When do you stop counting? I can't even begin to think about how many words he knows now. Everyday he says tons of new words and Jeff and I will look at each other and say, "when did he learn that?" I'm enjoying this stage so very much. It is the coolest thing in the whole world.

Maddox is such a sweet and loving child. Every morning when he wakes up Jeff goes and gets him out of bed, changes his diaper and then they come to find me. I'm always hiding under the covers and Maddox says, "Mommy hiding, Mommy hiding. Big hug, Big hug Mommy." Then he pulls down the covers, finds me and proceeds to give me big hugs. His hugs are better than anything in the whole world and they come with a "Mmmmm" in his sweet little voice. He also loves family hugs and if Jeff and I are hugging Maddox will always run to join us and say, "fammy hug, fammy hug." He tells me all the time all the people that he loves. I say, "I love you, Maddox" and he says, "I love Mommy. I love Daddy. I love Papa. I love Grandma. I love Bryan. " Lately, he also likes to say "I love Maddox," so I'm glad we have the whole self confidence thing going on.

He is a great eater in terms of what he eats, but he just doesn't normally eat a ton. (At his 18 1/2 month appointment he was only 21 pounds which is below the 3rd percentile and in the 5th percentile for height. From his huge Buddha belly you wouldn't think he is on the lower end of the chart but I guess because he's also short he looks well proportioned. Last week someone asked me if he was around 12 months old. HA! I used to freak out so much about his stats but I'm slowly learning to relax about it. I think my biggest concern right now is that he will be little and that he will be embarrased by it). He LOVES fruits and veggies. If he has brocoli, squash or anything green it will almost always be what he eats first. He is still what most people consider a less then perfect sleeper. He goes to bed without any problem around 7:45 or 8:00 and wakes up around 6-6:30am. We went through a long phase of 5:30 wake up calls and then just recently went through three weeks of 7:30-8:00am wake up calls. Those few weeks were amazing. Once or twice a week he will wake up in the middle of the night and need some comforting to go back to bed. The comforting is getting easier. For a very long time he would wake up and think it was morning and would be wide awake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It was miserable. I have one friend who has a similiar less then perfect sleeper but it seems like most others have babies that sleep between 12-13 hours. Sometimes I kinda hate you guy :)

I still cannot believe that we are so blessed with this amazing little boy. The joy he brings to my life overwhelms me. And now I shall overwhelm you with pictures of my sweet boy.

And how about a cute video or two!

The Merriest Christmas

2011-01-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

I've been holding off with my Christmas post because I was waiting to get all the great pictures of Maddox from my dad who toke them all. My dad was nice enough to offer to take all of the pictures when Maddox came through the door so I didn't miss a second of his excitement. The only problem is I haven't gotten any of the pictures from my dad yet sooooo here are all the iphone ones. Watching Maddox this year was so amazing. We did everything at my parents house and when Maddox opened the door and saw the motorcycle he FREAKED OUT!!! He screamed CYCLE, CYCLE, CYCLE and then refused to get off of it for like 30 minutes. Jeff and I just kept smiling at each other throughout the day. It really was the Merriest Christmas ever.

Oh the Bed head. It's so cute. Notice the side car for transport of his stuffed animals. Very important.Maddox LOVES this train table my parents got him!Henry is positive this cute pillow my parents got for Maddox is actually his new bed.

26.2

2010-11-26T11:25:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday I ran my first marathon. I have no idea how to summarize how I feel about it. Happy, proud, disappointed, depressed, thankful....and on and on. I am happy and proud that I finished it. I'm a little disappointed with how bad the last 5 miles went. My sister in law, Miya, ran it with me. We had two goals. Our first was to finish it and our second was to do it in under 5 hours. Before the race

The nerves before the race were so crazy. There have only been a handful of times I've had that nervous excitement feeling that would top this (one being my wedding, one being the birth of sweet Maddox Moo). It was great to have Jeff, Maddox, my mom and Drew (Miya's boyfriend) there at the start. The first 7 miles are pretty hilly so that was a bit tough but we were doing well and having a lot of fun with the race atmosphere. At mile 6.5 or 7 we saw my Dad which was awesome because we weren't expecting to see him until the end. My sweet girls Ashley, Sarah, Jackie, and Brooke were right next to my Dad apparently, but I didn't see them. I feel really bad about it but I think I was so shocked to see my Dad and there was a turn right there and I just kinda spaced out. I don't know :( I'll touch more on those amazing ladies in a minute.

This is a picture Jackie took at around mile 6. Looks like I see her right??? Nope just looking at me dad. I feel real bad I didn't see them.

Jeff, Maddox and Drew saw us at mile 7 and again at miles 9.5 and 16.

Mile 7ish - Jeff's is replacing my water bottle!

Mile 16ish

We were rocking and rolling until the turn on Riverside at Mile 15. The weather was less than optimal for running. It was in the high 60s which is hot in running temps. They say for long runs you really don't want it over 60. It was also incredibly windy (read like 30 mile/hour winds that were blowing over the port-a-pottys). It didn't really affect us until we made the turn at 15 and then we were running straight into the wind from 15 to 21.

I was really struggling and then around mile 18 I saw the girls and wow I just can't even explain it. I kinda expected my hubby and parents to be there but these girls who have so much going on in their lives gave up their entire Sunday morning to support me. They totally had the best posters of the entire race and seeing them at that point meant everything to me. I cannot believe they came to 3 different places. They got up early and thanks to my slow ass stayed around late into the afternoon. I have the most amazing group of girls in the world. Thank you ladies! Mile 18ish - I am crying because I saw the girls and also because I want to die right about now.

At about mile 19 I felt absolutely terrible I was getting dizzy and shaky and felt nauseous. Miya was amazing and I'm really not sure I would have been able to finish if she hadn't been there. She hung with me until about 21.5 when I basically forced her to go on because I was stopping to walk every .5 to .75 miles and I knew she could go on. The last 3.5 miles were awful and there was some serious crying and times when I thought I was going to pass out. This happened to me once on a training run that was 20 miles. That was also a day that was warmer and I really think that has a lot to do with it. When I ran the Mock Marathon which was the actual course minus 4 miles I finished in 4:10 so I was expecting to be able to come in under 5. Uhhhh lets try a 5:23:00. YIKES!!! When I came around the corner with just about .25 miles to the finish there was my amazing husband. He ran along side me and cheered me on to the end. He is so amazing.

I crossed the finish line and hit the ground in tears for a second. My god sister was there waiting for me (she ran her 6th marathon!!!) and it was an amazing moment. My entire family and the girls were also there and there were hugs all around. It was really awesome getting to share the experience with everyone.

The first thing I thought when I crossed was thank god it's over and I never have to do that again. I am already trying to find another one to run though because I know I can do so much better. It's the running bug and once you catch it, well it's hard to get rid of. So overall I'm happy. I wish I had done better at the end but in the same respect I ran 26.2 miles people, 26.2. I turn 30 in less then a month and guess what. I'm a marathon runner.

Fall Pictures

2010-11-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

The other weekend when we were playing outside I took some pictures of this cutie playing in the leaves. We brought Henry outside because Maddox loves to walk him, which actually just ends up with Henry pulling Maddox around. Maddox thinks it's a real fun game. I love this sweater on him. We are having some professional pics taken next weekend and I think I might put him in it for some of them as well. I love the fall so much.

Halloween

2010-11-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

The first part of Halloween weekend was great and the second part was terrible due to poor Maddox's tummy bug. On Saturday we got up early and I ran the Tulsa Run. My hubby and a cute little zebra cheered for me around mile 2 1/2 and were also at the finish line. Jeff said he was very popular during the race. Shocking, right?

Saturday afternoon we met up with the girls and our troop of baby boys on Brookside for the parade. Ummm I don't think we'll be doing that one again. It was great to get a picture of all the boys together but I would have prefered just meeting at a park or something because it was a freaking zoo down there and the parade was not impressive (no pomping people!!!). I think the parade may have been my idea. Ooopps. This picture is real cute though right?!!!

Maddox was a pretty cute zebra!

After the parade we left and headed to Rogers, AR to hang out with Jeff's best friend Jayson and his wife Lisa. We got down there around 6pm, went out to dinner and headed back to the house. As I was getting ready to put Maddox to bed he started throwing up and I'm not gonna lie I freaked out. Dude, it was scary. He's never had a tummy bug before and this was like you know, grown up, real human vomit. You could tell he was so confused and scared. It's so sad because they have no idea what's going on. Poor kiddo. After I got him cleaned up he seemed fine and I wasn't sure if maybe it was something he ate so we decided to stay. Jeff went to Walmart to get some supplies (M did end up with some Razor back PJs so not a completely wasted trip). About an hour later I heard him coughing and ran in the room and he was getting sick again and so we decided to head home. We didn't have much of a choice since pretty much all his clothes and blankets, sheets etc were dirty. Poor Jayson and Lisa were great and I feel really bad for their laundry machine. They sent us home with some towels and we used them as we had to stop several times for him to get sick on the drive back. It was not a fun drive. We got home around 12:00am or so but didn't get to bed until around 1am because poor Maddox just kept getting sick. He was pretty pitiful yesterday and just laid around the house on one of our laps. I stayed home with him today and he was pretty tired and didn't have much of an appetite. I am planning on sending him to school tomorrow as long as he seems okay in the morning. Apparantly everyone in the world has this little tummy bug. He never ran a fever and as far as the vomiting at least it only lasted a short time. Sick kiddos are no fun. So now the major issue is what to do with all the Halloween candy. We turned off our lights and didn't do trick or treaters since M wasn't feeling well. I guess I'll just have to take one for the team.

He's a Real Boy

2010-10-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last year propped up against pumpkins with mommy close by in case I fall.

My big boy at the Pumpkin Patch this year!

When did that happen by the way? When did my sweet little baby turn into a little boy? As any mom knows it comes with such a mix of emotions. It's hard to let go of him being a baby even though I know he's still pretty young. He won't fall asleep on me anymore. Instead he points to his bed. Shhh don't tell anyone but the other day I put him in his crib for a nap and after he had been asleep for 15 minutes I went in and picked up him up and put him in bed with me so I could nap with him and cuddle him. We've been off bottles for quite awhile too. He'll give you a quick hug but then it's off to play. It's hard and wonderful all at the same time. I have a letter that my mother wrote me over 10 years ago and in it she describes how every stage of my life was her favorite. She says when I was a newborn she thought nothing could be better then this, this peaceful baby sleeping in my arms. Then when I was a toddler she thought nothing could be better then this, this adorable toddler discovering the world around her. As an older child watching them gain independence and being able to do so many fun activities with them, she thought nothing could be better then this. As and adult being friends and not just mother and daughter, surely that must be the best. I find her words to be so true with Maddox as well. Every stage of his life has been my favorite and I can honestly say that I feel so blessed to be exactly where I am in my life.

Last year with the mini pumpkin

This year with the mini pumpkin

Maddox is still such an easy baby. He is happy and laid back. I'm pretty sure the laid back part comes from Daddo (Maddox pronounces Daddy as Daddo). He has been walking since the day after he turned one and now it seems like he runs all over the place, while yelling RUN RUN RUN! He's talking up a storm . I have no idea how many words he has, but I'd guess between 150-200. The words he knows crack me up sometimes. For example of his first 50 words at least 20% of those were transportation vehicles. Car (caaaah. it's very jersey), truck (kuck), fire truck (ir uck), mail truck (ma uck), motorcycle (cickle), bus, boat (bop), bike, wagon (ah en), tractor (ack er ) not to be confused with cracker (cack er), He also knows screwdriver, hammer and saw. I remember being so nervous when we found out we were having a boy. I know how to play dress up and have tea parties but the boy things???? yikes! Let me tell you I am having more fun then I ever thought possible rolling monster trucks around the house and talking about motorcycles and tractors. I'm not sure how we got so lucky!

Driving the big truck at the park is super cool. Obviously.

Some Days

2010-09-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

you're just going along, pushing your laundry basket around the house when the unimaginable happens. Just picture it. Your laundry basket, the contents of which are one ball, one dinosaur and one Henry dog toy, gets stuck between the toilet and the door in the bathroom. It's a rough life people.

FROM TULSA TO LITTLE ROCK!!!!!

2010-08-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

Check, Check, Check!

I can officially say I have completed the Tulsa to Little Rock challenge that my dear friend Kat and I started last September. So I think it's pretty awesome that in the last 11 months I have run 268 miles! I went to the knee doctor yesterday and we are going to try some different things that will hopefully allow me to run the Route 66 Marathon in November! Anyways, that's all I got. Just wanted to celebrate the fact that I'm at Kat's house. Love Love

Track Pants, Matchy Match

2010-08-18T05:45:00.001-07:00

So several years ago a friend gave me these green pants that didn't fit her anymore. They have a matching jacket and it's basically like a workout suit or whatever you call them. The pants are big and super LOOOONG and I love them. Jeff hates them. He calls it my track suit (I only wear the pants). These particular pants have been the topic of several conversations in the Munsell household including some not so nice ones involving my hubby telling me that he didn't find them particularly, ahem, attractive to wear to the, ahem, bedroom. Anyways despite Jeff's loathing of the pants, they are soooooo comfortable and I can't give them up. So last night I'm lounging around in them when, for the 137th time this week, Maddox spills Henry's water bowl and gets water all over himself. I had a ton of Maddox's clothes in the laundry and couldn't find any clean pj pants. So I grab this pair of green pants that I have in the back of his closet that he has never worn . They are 12-18 months and are still too big for him. I put them on and Jeff makes the comment that Maddox and Mommy have patching pants and maybe we should put him in a gray shirt so he can completely match mommy, hahaha. So of course we did.

New Pictures

2010-07-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I fall a little more in love with him every day but I swear these are the best pictures yet!!!!

http://www.jenniferedwardsphotography.com/pics/

Scroll to the bottom and select Munsell 1 year and the username and password are both Maddox.

I heart them a whole bunch!

Bathroom Remodel

2010-07-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

So as you know we (and by we I mean Jeff) remodeled our hall bath back in April. Here are the lovely pictures I've been meaning to share ever since. I hate trying to get blogger to just get the pictures and text not to look stupid, but at this point I don't even care so here you go. Can someone please come give me a tutorial?

The Before - Isn't it lovely? You know because everyone knows that pink and blue are a beautiful color combination.

I think it's hard to see in this picture but I was attempting to show that even the ceiling was a complete disaster and had to be completely redone.

The demolition was kinda awesome and also freaked me out. Dust was EVERYWHERE!

Jeff took it down to 2x4s and even had to do a new subfloor, etc.

We have walls again!!
Jeff puts up the tile in the shower.

The AFTER - It's hard to get a great picture since it isn't a huge room but I LOVE how it turned out! My hubby is the greatest! He did so much work. My contribution was picking out paint color, towels and shower curtain. I didn't even put a bit of paint on the walls. I did, however, keep the little guy from getting in the paint so that counts right?

I'm THAT mom...

2010-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

you know the one that only blogs about her child. I keep thinking about how I need to do a bathroom remodel post. I promise to try and do that before the end of the week. I mean because you guys are all dying to see it, right? Until then here's a cute video of my cute kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUSx6SZkcSU

Weekend Recap/Splash Park

2010-07-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend! On Friday Grandpa came to hang out with Maddox and Jeff and I went to hang out with Jackie to celebrate her Birthday. Dinner was great (at Ciao) and as always it was nice to get out and be adults for an evening. On Saturday Jayson came in town so Jeff and him went to hang out at Kenny's. Maddox and I joined them for a bit. I may have participated in a couple of rounds of HORSE. I did not do well. On Sunday the boys went and golfed so Maddox and I went to the park and hung out all day. We didn't watch fire works because Maddox couldn't stay up that late. I had to work on Monday but in the evening Jeff and I took Maddox to the Splash Park. We go a couple times a week and he loves it.

In other Maddox news, he learned the words "diaper" and "no" over the weekend. Lovely, right? He also says "no" with a full on head shake. He now says the following words: mama, baba (daddy), cracker, car, go, clap, ball, book, uh oh, and of course the new ones I just mentioned. I'm sure I'm forgetting one or two others. It's crazy how fast he is learning new words. Cracker is my favorite word he says because he says it crack-ah and it's just real cute. I don't think I've mentioned it on the blog but Maddox has been walking since a couple of days after his birthday. Before that he would walk a couple of steps between Jeff and I, but it's like he turned 1 and decided to become all independent. He's all over the place and I love it (most of the time)! Here are some pictures from the splash park.

In memory of beautiful baby Cohen....

2010-07-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to hear Cohen's story.

Some Recent Pictures

2010-06-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

So until I get around to posting whats been going on the last month or so, how about some cute pictures of Maddox?

B is for Birthday

2010-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

and what an amazing Birthday it was! My dad called me on Sunday to say how much fun he had at the party and also to tell me he thought I had wonderful group of friends. I couldn't agree more! Thank you so much to all my amazing friends and family that made Maddox's 1st Birthday one I will never forget. You all helped make it so special!

Half Marathon

2010-04-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

So I did it. I ran the OKC half marathon today. My official time was 2:30:52 and I'm pretty darn happy with that for my first half marathon. It was super amazing and emotional and motivating and inspiring and all that jazz. If you have never been to watch a marathon, I strongly suggest you do. It's so hard to describe the sense of pride you feel after finishing a race, the adrenaline kick is insane. I'm all sappy I know, but it's because I have worked my tail off to do this. I have been training since December and it has taken a lot of time away from the family in order to be ready to complete this. I am so lucky Jeff has been so supportive because it is a huge time commitment for both of us since he is on Maddox duty every time I go run. Also much thanks to Karl and Kat who have answered about a thousand questions and who have been some of my biggest supporters. Thanks to everybody else for all the well wishes. They were very appreciated. So what next? The thought of doubling what I did today sounds completely
asinine but who knows?!!!

Before the race in the dark (the race started at 6:30 so we had to be up at 4:30am in order to get ready and get down there). Brrrrr it was cold and windy.

13.1 miles later it was hot and sunny and I am so happy and in awe that "HOLY COW I JUST RAN A HALF MARATHON!!!!"

Easter Weekend

2010-04-04T21:47:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful weekend it was. On Saturday Jeff and I took Maddox to Swan Lake and played in the sunshine for awhile. Saturday evening Maddox and I headed over to hang out with Sarah and Landen. The boys enjoyed some wagon time and Sarah and I enjoyed some Pacifico time.
On Easter morning Maddox went to see Grandpa at church.
And then did the obligatory Easter picture with tulips.

And on Sunday afternoon we took our first dip in the pool. It was totally awesome.

The End.

9 Months

2010-03-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Or 10 and 1/2, whatever.

Maddox is on the go, go, go. He is all over the place. It's awesome and a little scary as I am realizing how much baby proofing needs to be done. Also it's really hard to get a picture with him holding his little month paper. Oh well. How cute is he? His shirt has a picture of a robot on it and says, "I am the future." I love it so much.

Bye Bye

2010-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

He's such a BIG BOY!!!

Is it Spring Yet?

2010-03-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

we are so close right??!!! It was such a beautiful day today and even though it's supposed to get all gross and cold again this weekend, I'm trying to remain positive. My mom and I took Maddox to the park late this afternoon and it was so fun. He had so much fun staring at all the older children with this look on his face like, "wow look at that BIG boy! Look what he can do!" It was real cute. Isn't it funny how anything that YOUR kid does is real cute? Jeff and I laugh about that all the time. As parents you are proud of your child because they are your child. When they are so young you find things about them to brag to people and it's hilarious because in all honesty it's not like they have anything to do with their weight, height, sound of their voice, the curls in their hair, etc. And yet I'm always bragging about Maddox to someone. Ummmm hello people the other day he picked up a puff and PUT IT IN HIS MOUTH ALL BY HIMSELF! (I might mention every baby I know his age has been doing this for like 2 months), but HELLO PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION...... I SAID ALL BY HIMSELF!!!! I know I'm real proud of him for every little thing he does and I can't imagine that ever changing. It's real silly and also one of the most beautiful things about being a mother. So while we're talking about being proud of my little man, let me show you why.....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

AHEM! I know the answer.

Smiles
I need my first hair cut soon.
At the park

Jeff is also remodeling the entire bathroom by himself this week (and perhaps many more other weekends) and I have been taking tons of pictures so that I can devote an entire post to the process. You're on the edge of your seats aren't you.

Need a quick dose of cuteness?

2010-03-10T11:39:00.001-08:00

go here....

http://www.jenniferedwardsphotography.com/pics/

Username and password are both maddox.

8 Months

2010-02-27T03:51:00.000-08:00

So yeah, Maddox is totally 9 months old but I realized I never put up his 8 month pictures so here you go! I can't believe I forgot to put them up especially considering what an eventful month it was. Maddox said his first word, "mama" much to my delight and also got 2 teeth! We are getting closer and closer to launching off into a full crawl but aren't quite there yet. He wants to get into pretty much everything so I'm not sure how it's going to be when he is completely mobile. Overall he is still just a chill, happy little guy and just when I think he couldn't get any cuter........

Piering

2010-02-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Coming home to a messy house can stress me out. Coming home to this on the other hand, makes me want to get a prescription of Valium ASAP.

What a beautiful back yard you have.....

Why yes that is an enormous hole in my front porch. Be careful mailman.

Are you kidding me? (aka GET A STRUCTURAL INSPECTION BEFORE YOU PURCHASE REAL ESTATE PEOPLE)

MOMENTS

2010-02-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when you were in college and someone would tell you in this wistful (and what appeared at the time to seem maybe a tad patronizing) voice to

"Just really APPRECIATE this time. This is one of the best times of your life."

and so on and so on? Now you have a day where you think of college and you totally get what they were saying or even worse you are now the person telling all the college kids to just ENJOY it (yes, I've totally done it).

I was telling some of the girls when we went out the other night that I feel that way occasionally about being single or not having kids. I want to just pull them aside and be like,

"SLEEP, dammit, SLEEP now while you still can!"

Sometimes in the early morning (I'm a terrible morning person) after a rough night, when I know I have a packed day and I'm trying to figure out how to just fit it all in, I think how nice it would be to just do whatever the hell I wanted at the end of my work day. I could just come home and crawl into bed at 5:30 if I wanted to, ya know. Of course when I could do those things I was thinking about how I wanted to get married and have a baby. The grass can be greener on the other side kinda thing, right? Don't get me wrong my grass is real freakin green people and I'm happier than I have ever been, but that doesn't mean I don't occasionally miss not having a little more flexibility in the ole schedule.

Thinking about how you don't appreciate the full impact of the advice or words of wisdom until you actually experience it got me to thinking about some other moments lately. Brooke was the first close friend of mine to have a baby after I had Maddox and it was so different for me than it was with the friends who had gone before me. I was so happy for all my other friends of course, but with B it was like I truly understood this life changing, euphoric, all encompassing moment that was about to take place in her life. Now I feel that way when I watch Ashley, whether it's finding out the sex of the baby or looking at the nursery furniture. It's so wonderful to be a part of your friends lives and to get to be a part of all of their amazing moments. There's something to be said for watching your friends go through something you have already experienced and it just warms my little heart as cheesy as that is to say. In the same sense having friends go ahead of you is also awesome in that they are the ones you call when you have no idea what the hell is going on with this baby, or if you should switch jobs, or move, or if you will ever get over the boy who just broke your heart. You lean on the ones you know have experienced what you are going through, who have walked the path before you and can now give you advice and comfort. I love that side of friendships so much.

I've been noticing lately that it seems like a lot of my friends are going through some really life changing events and I have to say being a part of those moments with them makes my heart feel all warm and tingly and I get all mushy and I want to have 2 alcoholic beverages and then tell everyone I love them and have a big group hug (maybe hump a fire hydrant but I don't know if will have enough time), jeeeeeesh!

I hear the excitement in my Miss Peggy Sue Haney's voice when she talks about this next step in her life in L.A. and I just remember those feelings. I mean I moved from Tulsa to OKC which is like a good hour and a half drive, so it's pretty much the exact same thing. Okay, maybe not the moving part but the whole taking it to the next level with a hot dude thing (and okay the love of your life, blah blah).

I talk to Jackie about looking for a house and about her career and her relationship with Eric and it seems like she is so happy (and that the pink fuzzy guy could be coming her way soon???).

It's just all these little snapshots or moments I've had lately that have made me stop and think how wonderful my friends are and how much I have to be thankful for. It's having a heartfelt talk, reconnecting, and knowing that you both love each other so much that makes you even better friends. It's hearing another mom cry on the phone because she's soooooooo tired and she just doesn't understand why he won't take a nap that makes you feel a little less crazy for feeling the EXACT same way 5 hours before. It's the fact that although we are all in different places in our lives we have these MOMENTS that we share in each others joys and can lend an ear when we just need someone to listen to how shitty our day was (perhaps corn was involved?).

I'm all off track and kinda all over the place but you get my point, yes? No matter where you are in your life, I'm just real glad I get to be a part of your MOMENTS.

Sleep tight friends. I love you and I'm real thankful for each and every one of you.

RUN RUN RUN

2010-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hey did you notice my little runner girl down on the right? Yeep, it's up to 51 miles now! I added 4 today because I ran 4 miles today! 4 MILES PEOPLE!

I'm just a little excited about it.

Kat and I are running a 10K in March on the morning of Peg's going away party. There isn't ACTUALLY a 10k race in Little Rock that weekend soooooo it'll just be Kat and I in our awesome 10k race. If you're going to be in LR that weekend though you can totally ask us about it and we MAY let you race. It just depends, you know, it being an INVITATIONAL race and all.

7 Months

2010-01-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

(actually 8 months on Thursday...shhhh mommy has had a busy month).

I feel like this month has been crazy in terms of development for the little dude. Here are a couple of things we did this past month....

He's all talkative with his bahbabahbahabas. He basically sounds like sheep and it's real adorable.
Maddox sleeps in his crib now!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how much more sleep I am getting without an infant in the bed. That's not to say I don't miss him sometimes and thats why when he woke up at 5:30 this morning I brought him into bed and we snoozed for another hour. Baby snuggles really are the best.
We are eating a little better. On a really good day he will eat a serving of baby food in the morning and one in the evening. He still hates all table food even if it's tiny and mushy. If you put anything with any sort of texture other than pureed in his mouth he starts gagging and turns red and then I freak out. So uh maybe we'll make progress on that next month.
He loves to sit down facing you and then grab your fingers and pull himself up. It's his new favorite game.
He is into everything. He either rolls to get to what he wants or does a little tummy crawl/scoot thing or just reaches and opens his mouth and goes "ahahahaha" (kinda sounds like a dog panting really hard) until you give him what he wants.
He knows who Mommy and Daddy are. If you ask, "Where's Daddy???" he will look all around until he spots Jeff and then break out in a big smile. It melts my heart every time.
He's getting his first tooth which is in no way adorable or cute and basically just sucks. It hasn't popped through yet but I can feel it and he's not to happy about it.
As of last week he's 17.4lbs. BOOSH!

Hello? Anyone there?

2010-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been a little absent from the blogging world lately. I'm sure it has caused each and every one of you major bouts of depression and for that I am very sorry. It has been CRAZY at work. The holidays are the busiest time in the liquor biz and then with the weather, having family in town and traveling for New Years I've just been lazy about blogging. It makes me a little sad because I am just now putting up Christmas pictures and it doesn't feel nearly as exciting (insert please go out of your way to comment on how AMAZING they are). Although it was several weeks ago, I can promise you it was the best Christmas ever. We had so much fun with Maddox and with Miya being in town. It was one of those days where I kept thinking how very lucky we are. I have never been happier. Here are some amazing pictures Aunt Miya took.....

Look what Santa brought me!!!!

I'm in love with these PJ's he wore.

My Zebra Grandma and Grandpa got me.

I want some of your mimosa, Grandpa!

Best Sister in Law EVER!

Adorable!

HOLY HALF A YEAR (aka 6 Months)

2009-12-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this little man is 6 months old, actually like 6 and half but as always I'm late putting these up (shhhh don't tell). It's shocking to me how fast the last 6 months have flown by. They have truly been the most amazing of my life. I have always been one of those people looking towards the next goal. When I go to college. When I get my first job. When I get engaged. When I get married. When I get pregnant. When I have a baby. For the first time I feel like I'm not looking towards the next "thing." Having Maddox made us a family and everything feels so complete to me now. It's hard to explain, but I guess I just feel like this is what I've been searching for my whole life. I have everything I could ever want and I've never been happier.

Maddox has been doing so much lately. He will sit up by himself for a little while. Not in the I can walk away stage, oh no! He tips over pretty easily still, but man does he look like such a big boy when he sits up and plays with a toy. I love it. He is the only child I know that pretty much hates all solid food, although he has made huge strides this week. Today he actually ate an entire ounce of food for the very first time. Normally he has one bite and then does this really tight fishy lips "there is no way you are getting any more of those ( insert peas, bananas, applesauce, carrots, pears, peaches, green beans or sweet potatoes) into my mouth." See I swear I was trying different things! He just wasn't ready I guess, but I think that is changing.

Maddox is such a happy baby (perhaps I shouldn't risk having another ever???). He loves to play and giggle and talk to us. Pretty much all of his talking is just high pitched squeeks and sometimes I think his father may actually be part bird. He does this very sweet cooing/talking thing when he is sleepy that Jeff and I call his sweet voice. It could melt your heart it is so adorable, although some days every thing he does seems to melt my heart. And the other days, well let's not talk about the other days (errrrr, just kidding). Okay I'm gonna stop blubbering on and on about my baby.

Here are his monthly pictures.

Here is a cute proof from his 6 month photo shoot. I can't show you my absolute favorites because I haven't decided what I'm putting on Christmas cards. Heaven forbid you see the picture on my blog that is also going on the Christmas card!

And in the spirit of the season here is the AMAZING stocking my mom needle pointed for Maddox.

It's even more amazing up close. All the little berries on the wreaths are beads. Santa's beard is all fluffy and the tops of the hats are all puffy. The back is red courdoroy. It's totally awesome!

THE BEST THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR IS

2009-11-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

a new baby....

Welcome Parker Damron Knight! We love you so much!

Happy Baby

2009-11-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

I swear Maddox is the happiest baby in the world. He smiles and laughs all the time and no matter what kind of day you're having it is impossible not to be happy when you see this.

We're trying solid foods. Maddox is not impressed.

5 Months

2009-11-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

This is a little late (as always). I can't believe that Maddox is gonna be half a year old soon. It's weird how truly fast the time goes. Soooooo what has the little man been up to?? Hmmm what has he not been up to is more like it. This month we started trying some solid foods. He hates everything so we have put that on hold for now. He rolls all over the place now. He discovered his feet a couple of weeks ago much to my relief. It seems like every person I know has a child that did this at like 3 months. I was becoming a little worried Maddox would never realize he had them. No worries he now enjoys a good toe sucking at least once a day. It's actually quite nice how he grabs each foot with each hand and sticks his little bum up in the air while I'm changing him. Very convenient, ya know. Additionally, how come little baby butts are the cutest thing ever?! I'm sure there are a million other things I should be documenting but I forget to. Ahh well, I guess he'll forgive me if I don't remember the exact date and time of his first everything,right? And now for your viewing pleasure......

Ch Ch Ch Ch Chaanges

2009-11-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

So the last couple of weeks have a been a little crazy and I have a lot to tell you guys about. First of all, a couple of weeks ago I was sitting on my computer doing paperwork when I got a phone call about an amazing job opportunity. Within the week, I interviewed and was offered the position. It is in the same industry and it's a company I have worked with for years. They are a wonderful family owned business and I couldn't be happier. I started this week and so far it's great.

Last week my grandfather was put into hospice care. Maddox and I left very early Tuesday morning to fly to Grand Junction. We got the opportunity to say our goodbyes and I am very thankful for that. He passed away early Sunday morning. My parents were with him and he went very peacefully.

On the way home from our trip Maddox and I got stuck in the Denver airport overnight. Most of you that read this know the story already, but lets just say it was traumatic for me. I mean for real it was terrible. It was freezing in the airport and I am exclusively pumping so I was huddled up in this bathroom (it was warmer) holding Maddox and pumping every so often. I was so exhausted I was afraid to fall asleep holding him for the fear I might drop him. So I literally just held him and watched him sleep all night. It was very Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happiness." Awful, I tell you. However, I would do it all again in order to say goodbye to my Grandpa.

After the not so happy week I was thrilled that Kat was coming in town and that we were going to hang with everybody. Some of you know Kat and I have been gearing up to run a 5K. Let me just say I have never really run before. I think a mile was the very most I had ever run before we started this. It has certainly been worth it. I let myself get a little pudgy (ahem, insert 25 pound weight gain) post college and was worried about losing all the baby weight. I am thrilled to say I currently weigh 15 pounds LESS than I was before I got pregnant. I owe a lot of it to Kat who helped keep me motivated to run this race. I have never run a race and was a little nervous but Kat was the perfect running partner. We had a really good race, despite the huge hill towards the end of the race and finished in 33:00 minutes! WOOT! WOOT!

After the race we headed out to TU for Homecoming. We tailgated for a whopping 1 hour before the game and then headed back to the house so the babies could nap. It's an exciting world as a parent I'm telling you. The hubbies went to the game and had a good time (as evident by the empty Wild Turkey and Crown bottles they had in their pockets). Here is a pick of my adorable duck and his daddy at the tailgate.So yes, Maddox was a duck. It was the very first baby clothing item I bought. I purchased it 3 years ago (Kat said 4 but I promise it was 3) before Jeff and I were even engaged. Jeff thought I was bananas at the time. I can't believe it was the perfect size for him. His first Halloween was a success!

I'm so glad we also got to hang out with the soon to be Mommy! She looks wonderful and I can't believe little Parker will be here in a couple of weeks! I love my weekends with my girlfriends. Additionally, Nate hid our remote control and all of us searched the place high and low (very low) but he is better at hiding things then you would think. I find it pretty awesome!

So there you go. Sorry it has been so long since I've posted! Love Love

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2009-10-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

are not as easy to capture as one might think.

First, Mommy won't look at the camera...

Then, Maddox won't look at the camera....

Here we go. But no smiles from the little guy. He's taking it all very seriously....

Can't forget Daddy....

Shocked by the mini pumpkin??

But this one makes it all worth it.

Henry + Maddox =

2009-10-10T19:53:00.001-07:00

Best Friends Forever! Well during sleepy time anyways. When awake Maddox isn't the biggest fan of Henry's rotten meat breath and Henry isn't the biggest fan of Maddox's death grip.

Additionally, we have been having some sleep problems in the Munsell household. Everything was going as planned until about a month ago. Maddox was sleeping in his bassinet right next to our bed and our plan was to move him into his room and crib around 6 months. For some reason all of sudden he wouldn't sleep unless he was in my arms. This in turn makes for a mommy that isn't getting very good sleep. We've been doing some experimenting and it seems he just wants something around him (hence the boppy in the pictures above - yes I'm aware it says no sleep right on the tag). Jeff and I talked tonight and decided maybe we should just put Henry in the crib with him. I mean maybe he just wants some company, right?

Of course now I have to point out that we're obviously joking and although I am putting my child in something that clearly says not to let your child sleep on it, I would not in fact put our dog in his crib no matter how tempting. I actually think Henry would cry more about it than Maddox. So until something on the sleep front changes let me just say I'm glad we have a king size bed.

Way Back Wednesday

2009-10-07T10:37:00.001-07:00

If this picture of my brother and me doesn't make your day, well than I'm pretty sure nothing will.

4 Months

2009-10-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

These are just a tad bit (ahem, 2 weeks) late. I've been a bad blogger lately and I'm sorry. I have all these brilliant posts in my head but I just never have the time to do them. Actually I have the time I just choose to spend it doing other things. Sorry, pet peeve of mine. People always saying they don't have time, yet they know what happened on Grey's Anatomy. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that (I also know what happened on Grey's Anatomy), just that you know we're all busy people and it seems like we use the no time excuse a lot for silly things.

Anyways on to much more important things. Maddox is 4 months old!

He had a recent trip to the pedi with the following results:

Length: 50th percentile

Weight: 35th percentile

Noggin: 90th percentile

So yes, he still resembles an olive on a toothpick. I swear 4 months might be the funniest age yet. I feel all confident and like I have this mommy thing figured out (most days). He is doing so much. He rolls over, he loves to play with us (peek-a-boo with mommy being his favorite, naturally), he giggles and laughs and is for the most part just a happy easy going little guy. We had a fun weekend with lots of firsts for the little man but I'm gonna leave that for the next post (i'll try not to wait 3 weeks before I do it).

Counting down the days until Homecoming and seeing everyone again!

I'm the crazy mom

2009-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

that is terrified her baby is going to die of the swine flu. Jeff and I had a conversation this morning that went like this -

Me: "I'm really scared Maddox is going to die of the swine flu."

Jeff: (very serious) "Me too Jenny, me too."

Me: (loud panicky voice) Really? You're scared too? (now I'm REALLY REALLY scared, since Jeff is concerned. I may be hyperventilating)

Jeff: (looking at me like I'm 4) Um no Jenny, I'm not. I just thought you might feel comforted if you thought we were the same.

So there's that folks.

What A Difference A Year Makes

2009-09-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I found out I was pregnant. It was one of the happiest moments in my life. I had come to the point where I was pretty sure I would never see a positive pregnancy test and we were preparing to do an IUI the following month. We returned from vacation (where I had been nauseous the entire time) and I tested. I remember going into the office with tears streaming down my face and telling Jeff that we were going to have a baby. We hugged for about 5 minutes. We were so happy.

Today we are even happier. Maddox is everything I thought a baby would be and so very much more. What a difference a year makes? When I cry lately, it's usually when I stare at Maddox and am so overwhelmed with love for him. I look at him and think, "How can you be so perfect? How can I be so lucky? What did I do to deserve this perfect little boy?" There is no way my life could be any better than it is right now.

Big Boy

2009-09-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Um, yes I am all grown up as you can clearly see in the pictures below.

B's Baby Shower

2009-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

So I am pretty much the last person to blog about B's shower but I wanted to post a couple pics as well. It was awesome and so exciting to find out the name. I love Parker by the way, it's a wonderful name! I don't have much to say that everyone else didn't already say in there blogs except for this people. Listen up!!! I played an intricate part in the whole cupcake creation alright. Several times I put my wine glass down and cheered Ashley on and one ENTIRE lion's mane was put on all by myself (although Ashley did supervise). Okay I'm totally kidding, but I gotta say I loved making cupcakes with Ashley (she may have brought a bunch for us to eat while we were decorating them!!) and if you could see this book she has you would freak out because there are some awesome cupcake creations people. Ummm let's see what else??? This weekend was so wonderful that it kinda makes me sad that it's over and I wish I could do it all over again (ummm I might have one less drink on Saturday night if I get a do over). Oh oh oh I forget to mention the cake (which I thought turned out awesome) was from Icing on the Top and was ridiculously reasonable. So google them because they have a huge gallery of awesome cakes to look at.

3 Month Professional Pictures

2009-09-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Maddox's 3 months pics are up on the website....

http://www.jenniferedwardsphotography.com/pics/

Scroll down to Munsell 3 Month

Username and password are both Maddox

They are pretty adorable!

Two Tips

2009-08-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

So this week I remembered that I have been meaning to blog a beauty tip I learned in college from my good friend Megan Wadley. Did you know that if you get deoderant on your shirt the best way to get it out is to use the underneath of that same shirt and just rub it until it comes out. Something about it being the exact same fabric? Anyways I use this little tip all the time and it works so well that I thought I should pass it along for those of you that didn't know.

And for tip number two, uhhhh please prepare yourself to be grossed out. My parents just told me about a study and it's DISGUSTING. Apparantly one of the number one objects to carry/transport bacteria is the bottom of a woman's purse. Not the inside, but the bottom of it. Think of all the places you set your purse down. Women set their purses down on restaurant floors and sometimes even on bathroom floors if there isn't a hook and then come home and set them on the kitchen counter or table. Apparantly the study showed fecal matter, e coli, etc on tables that got there from the purses. Disgusting right???? So please think the next time you set your purse down somewhere. I don't even want to think about the places I've set down Maddox's diaper bag (definitely some bathroom floors)!!! Of course I then come home and put it on the kitchen table....gross!

3 Months

2009-08-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wait where did the last 3 months go? They have been the best months of my life thanks to this little guy, who doesn't seem quite so little anymore. I have so much more to say but instead I am going to go watch in amazement as my son blows slober bubbles.

Salsa Anyone????

2009-08-19T13:08:00.001-07:00

Today while unloading groceries I did this....

Just Because

2009-08-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

it has been a while since I posted some Maddox pictures. He is getting so big! I love how every week he is doing new things. It is so much fun to watch this little man smile and giggle and kick and squirm and sit up in his Bumbo chair. We fall more in love each day.

Back to Work

2009-08-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of my maternity leave and I'm just trying to figure out how 12 weeks have flown by. I'm heartbroken and there's not much I can do about that. I want to stay home with Maddox but right now it's just not a feasable option for us. Now, let me stop and say I'm not looking for anyone to feel sorry for me. We have a wonderful life and I am so lucky that Maddox will be in my mom's care a lot of the time and only in daycare a couple of hours 3 -4 days a week. I'm gonna miss my little man so, so much. Okay I'm tearing up and I just can't write more about it because I have to go and buy mass quantities of kleenex to get throught the next couple of days.

P.S. I kindof envision me chaining myself to Maddox and some stationary object in the house and refusing to go to work tomorrow morning. Thoughts??

2 Month Check Up

2009-08-10T11:38:00.001-07:00

Maddox went to the doctor on Friday for his first shots and a check up. He is getting so big, which because of him having problems putting on weight the first few weeks is just a huge relief. He is currently in the 50th percentile for height and weight (11 pounds 15 ounces, 23 inches long) and his head is still huge and is in the 95th percentile. It's because he's so smart of course. So about the shots. Eeeek! Okay it wasn't really that bad and I'm sure that's all due to the topical numbing cream. No clue what I'm talking about? Okay here goes....

Sooooooo I was reading online about babies getting their first shots and how it hurts them and things you can do to distract them (feed them, pacifier, etc.) and it said you can try a topical numbing cream. So the last time we were at the pediatrician I asked him about it. He looked at me like I was nuts but I held my ground and told him I would really like to try it and he gave me a prescription, all the while wishing I would take my neurotic self and child to another doctor I'm sure. (Note: Do you think when I call his office on the weekends and it says press 1 if you have a medical emergency and I do and they page him and he calls me back and I say, "ummmm Maddox is congested and has a little cough" he envisions killing me? Yeah, I thought so.) So I read online that this cream is only like $3 a treatment which is why I was like why not try it. I mean if it makes it hurt less right? Ummmm well I'm sure it is $3 a treatment, but when you get a large tube of it it's $50, Yeep $50 for a topical numbing cream for my babies vacinations. Jeff may or may not have looked at me like I was crazy too. Needless to say on Friday I lathered his little legs up with the stuff before his appointment. The nurse stuck the needle in his leg and he burst into tears and screamed for about 30 seconds and then was fine. Just imagine what it would have been like WITHOUT the topical numbing cream. Errrrrr???

Colorado Trip

2009-08-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

I need to post pics. We are back from Colorado which was a good trip. A little stressful with the little man. He was great on the plane but got a bit cranky with the drive from Denver to Grand Junction there (it took us 6 hours). I don't blame him as I was also cranky by the end of the drive. I'm glad we went though and I'm so happy that Maddox got to meet his Great Grandfather, who for the record called him Matlock on several occasions. He's 86 years old so needless to say I did not correct him. Bahahaha Matlock. I'm not gonna lie it's kindof becomming a nickname. Poor kid.

2 Months

2009-07-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am in complete disbelief that Maddox has been here for 2 months now. How is that possible? How is it possible that sometimes I can't imagine what it was like before he was here and sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that I was at the hospital having him. I am filled with so many thoughts and so many emotions (crazy right since I'm NEVER emotional) as we mark these little milestones in his life. I have a hard time trying to put order to my ramblings but here goes.

I always knew that I would be that woman in the movies that falls in love the instant they lay eyes on their child, and I was in every way. I cried as soon as I heard him cry and I will never be able to describe the sheer happiness I felt when I held him for the first time. Now I realize that was only the beginning and that just when I think it would be impossible to love him anymore, he smiles at me just so and I feel like I could explode because I just love him so very much. I still look at him and cry because I am in such awe. He is so beautiful.

I never realized that loving somebody the way you love a child is also one of the hardest things to come to terms with, at least for me. I was not prepared for how much I would worry about him. I never realized how some nights I would be gripped with fear because I realized that I'm not sure I could live in a world without my son in it. That may sound crazy to some. I am a worrier by nature and becoming a mother? WOW is all I can say. I never realized that I would have to look at the SIDS website a million times just to make sure we were doing everything right, or that I would in fact call my friends to ask them about the color of my child's bowel movements. I never realized that every tiny noise he makes will wake me up and that I will constantly be putting my hand on his chest to make sure he is breathing. Then I realized that it will never go away. That I will indeed worry about him for the rest of my life, even though the worries themselves will be different.

I never realized how much pressure I would feel to be a good mother. In the end, as important as the other roles in my life (daughter, wife, friend, etc) are to me, I feel like I will judge myself the most for the kind of mother I am to Maddox. I am responsible, in a large way, for how this person turns out and that my friends is a lot of pressure.

I never realized how much my friends would help me navigate my way through this whole new mommy thing. I am so grateful for their advice and kind words and funny stories and gross poopie blow out diaper stories. It makes me feel just a little less crazy.

I never realized how I now look at my own mother in a whole new light. I can only now comprehend the kind of love she feels for me. It is a kind of love you simply cannot understand until you have a child of your own. I also appreciate her so much more because come on this is the hardest job ever!

I never realized how much having a child would change the way I look at my husband. It adds another dimension to your relationship and it is a pretty wonderful thing. Watching my son curled up in his daddy's arms as they both sleep? Yeah, it's heartwarming.

I never realized how quickly he would change. It scares me. What if I forget what it was like when he curled up in my arms and melted into my body. Now he doesn't always need to be in my arms to be content. He's happy laying on his play mat, talking to the animals above him. Yes, it's adorable to watch him talk to them and smile at them, and it is nice to be able to do a load of laundry, buuutttt it shows me how quickly he is growing up already. Some days I feel like I shouldn't blink or I might miss something. I know that as he gets older we will have so many more amazing experiences, but it's hard to watch him grow up too.

I feel like I am coming into my own as a mother, as Maddox's mother. I am terrified of going back to work but at one point I was also terrified of giving him a bath and we've overcome that right? (okay sometimes I do think he's still very slippery and worry about dropping him, but I mean I've come a long way, so bug off!). I wouldn't trade where I am at in my life for anything. Maddox has made me a better person, being his mommy has made me a better person and I know that just when I think it couldn't get any better than this, it will.

Outstanding! Professional!

2009-07-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Why are overalls

2009-07-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

the cutest thing in the entire world? Additionally Maddox went to the doctor today for a check up and is weighing in at a whopping 10 pounds people. It kinda shocks me that he is 6 1/2 weeks old and some people give birth to babies weighing what he does now. It's crazeeee. This week is also the first week where I have less time remaining off from work than I have already taken, if that makes sense. I get 12 weeks and I am starting week number 7. The thought of putting him in daycare still makes me cry so I am just trying not to think about it for now. I know it will be good for me to go back and be around adults but it's still hard to trust your child to someone else. Okay I am off to cook dinner. Grandma is coming back in town after being away for over 2 weeks and is pretty excited about seeing her grandson! Love love people.

6 Weeks

2009-07-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Does this picture say I have a present for you in my pants or what? I promise one day to post something other than Maddox pictures. Maybe.

5 weeks

2009-06-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

Maddox turned 5 weeks old on Thursday and I forgot to take a picture until today. He's not happy about it as I'm sure you can tell. He thinks these weekly pictures are stupid but I kinda heart them so tough luck kiddo. We are off to Little Rock for Nate's 1st Birthday Party now! So excited! Have a great weekend everyone!

Father's Day

2009-06-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great Father's Day. I have to say watching Jeff as a father and not just my husband, is one of the greatest things and it makes me love him even more! Here is a picture of Maddox in his "I'm Grandpa's #1" shirt. It was pretty big on him, but still cute for hanging out with Grandpa. Also how much do you love his little athletic socks? They were a gift from his Aunt Jackie and make me happy! Hope you guys also had a lovely day. Also a belated Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend Sarah Gray. She's the coolest in case you didn't know. Love you Sarah!

Maddox's Newborn Pics

2009-06-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you go to the link below and scroll to the bottom you will see Munsell newborn pictures. Select that and the username and password are both "baby"

We think there are plenty of good ones to choose from!!

http://www.jenniferedwardsphotography.com/pics/

I'm 4 weeks old

2009-06-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

and taking my pacifier out of my mouth to capture that on camera is unacceptable.

Maddox - Week 3 and 4 Pics

2009-06-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

So Maddox will be 4 weeks old on Thursday. I have no idea how that is possible. The time really does seem to fly by. We are all wonderful. Jeff has been on vacation all last week and this week, which has been great. I get a nap during the day and we get lots of family time. Maddox went to the doc on Monday and weighs a whopping 8lbs and 8.5oz which is awesome! Here are some pics from the last week or so.

3 Weeks

2009-06-11T21:33:00.001-07:00

Instead of taking a cute week 3 picture I am gonna throw you some gang signs. Peace out hommies -

Maddox

The Super Late Birth Story

2009-06-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

The c section was scheduled for 9am on Thursday, May 21st and Jeff and I were told to get there at 7am. We got to sleep finally around 12:00 on Wednesday night (er Thursday morning, whatever). Man it is hard to go to sleep when you know you are going to meet your baby the next day! Jeff’s phone rang around 4:30am (seriously it was one of the drivers from work) and there was no way I was going back to sleep after that. I got up, showered (figured it might be a couple days before I could do this again) and finished packing the last minute essentials. We left around 6:15 or so and headed to McDonalds for Jeff to get some breakfast. He got this enormous coke and it seriously looked like the most delicious thing I had ever seen. Since I got pregnant I would normally drink 2 large glasses of water throughout the night. I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything from midnight on, so you can see why the coke looked amazing. I begged Jeff just to give me a little sip but he refused. I told him I found this very rude and that they only reason they tell you not to drink anything is the off chance that you have to go under general anesthetic and they intubate you. That way if you start to vomit you won’t have anything in your system. Now obviously the chances of this aren’t very high, but Jeff said no so I was just stuck being thirsty. Awesome.

We got to the hospital and Jeff said I’m not going to park in the labor spot since there is an empty one right next to it. I told him I wanted to park in the labor spot! I took a lovely picture of how annoyed I am he didn’t park there. We went to the check in desk at L & D and they lead us directly into a room. They got me changed into a hospital gown. While I was changing Jeff took lots of important pictures.

We have a picture of the pain scale and of course one of the crucifix in the room.

They got the monitors for the baby and my IV started. I was worried about the IV because they had such a hard time with it when they did my version, but it actually went very well. They started loading me up on the fluids, which meant I had to pee every 15 minutes. This meant Jeff had to help me unhook everything and drag my IV to the bathroom every time. I had this terrible fear that since they give you the spinal and then the catheter, I was going to pee on someone without knowing it. The nurse told us that she spoke with the anesthesiologist and that they were trying to get me in early, probably around 8am instead of 9am. It was so surreal. I am looking at the clock thinking, “but wait it’s 7:15?? You mean we’re going to have a baby in 45 minutes?” Of course this didn’t happen because my doctor (Dr. Ribaudo) was assisting another doctor in a surgery. I felt like the clock was crawling. I kept telling Jeff that everything was taking soooo long. Yes, this is another wonderful example of my patience. Jeff got all suited up around 5 till 9am. Dr. Ribaudo came by around 9am and said we were just waiting for the anesthesiologist and then we would be all set. She left to go get ready.

Around 9:15am the nurse said “Okay we’re ready”. It really is so odd. You just stand up and walk down the hall to the OR. They had Jeff sit outside until they got my spinal in and had me lying down and all set to start the surgery. This actually took about 15 minutes because the anesthesiologist wasn’t there yet. I just remember thinking that the room was freezing and that the operating table was tiny. I mean it’s really skinny. I just sat on the table watching the nurses get set with my entire ass and back hanging out freezing until the anesthesiologist finally came in. He walks in and it goes like this,

Him: “Hey I’m Dr. So-and-So. Sorry I thought you guys were going to call me when you were ready. I’ve just been sitting in the cafeteria eating chocolate chip cookies.”
Me: “Did you seriously just say that to the pregnant chic that hasn’t been able to eat anything since midnight?”
Him: “They were really good”

Everyone laughed and it relaxed me a bit. I immediately felt comfortable with him. They took a couple minutes to get stuff ready for him and then they had me lean over my belly (this is really hard to do when you’re huge). I remember wishing Jeff was there. I asked the anesthesiologist if it was going to hurt. His response was, “well have you ever had a tooth pulled without any anesthetics?” Yes this guy had a lovely sense of humor!!! Of course he followed it up with, “No this will be the worst part. It will sting a little” and he put in the local. It did sting for a minute but didn’t hurt any worse that the sting from getting an IV. Then they did the spinal which I couldn’t feel. Whats weird is it is so quick and then they started to lay me down on the table. My legs started feeling all tingly, but I could still feel them and I started getting really nervous that it wasn’t gonna take and they were gonna cut into me and I was going to feel it. The nurse said, “I’m gonna put your catheter in now.” I was sure it was gong to hurt because I could feel here touch my leg but it didn’t. It’s odd because I could still feel touch but it’s just not the same. The sensation continued to get stronger and to move up my body. They let Jeff in and he sat down in a stool next to my head to my left. The doctors came in and things went really fast. I remember they said, “Let’s test now.” And they asked me if I could feel this. I couldn’t feel anything. I told Jeff I was scared. He of course just smiled at me, told me I was doing great and said, “Are you ready to meet our baby?” Of course I said yes.

They placed the sterile barrier over my body and then it went up and hung above us so that we couldn’t see. Dr. Beal came in (he was assisting Dr. Ribuado) and then they started.

Jeff keep standing up and looking over the sheet and I kept telling him to sit down because I was so afraid he would pass out. The anesthesiologist told Jeff he WOULD NOT catch him he started to go down. The doctors and nurses were having this conversation about the lion at the zoo.

Dr. R: “Did you hear the lion at the zoo had a baby via cesarean section?”
Nurse: “Oh I didn’t know it was a c section.”
Dr. B: “Did you know cats are really hard to intubate?”
Dr. R: “Oh really?”
Dr. B: “Yeah you really only get one chance because after that their airway collapses”

It is so bizarre that they are just like us at work, chit chatting with co workers as they go about cutting me open. For me it was a good thing because it kept my mind off things.

At some point I asked Jeff if they had cut me open yet. He looked at me kinda surprised that I was asking (hey I can’t see or feel anything!) and was like “uh yeah honey, you’re open.” Dr. Ribaudo asked me when we were going to tell everyone the name. I said, “Well I guess when he comes out.”

Jeff just kept standing up and giving me the play by play. I remember him telling me that they broke my water. At some point Dr. Ribaudo said, “Not much longer now.”

Then Jeff said, “I see his feet. I see his butt”

Dr. Ribaudo said, “Come on baby” and I could feel pressure from Dr. Beal pushing down on where I assumed was the baby’s head. Jeff said Dr. Ribaudo was kinda pulling while Dr. Beal pushed. Weird huh?

Then Dr. Ribaudo said, “He’s here” and Maddox let out 2 enormous cries. It sounded so beautiful. I asked Jeff if he had hair and he said yes. Dr. Ribaudo said, “He looks like his daddy!” Dr. Ribaudo asked one of the nurses to show him to us before they took him over to the neonatalagist. They brought him over to show us briefly. I remember thinking he was so beautiful and perfect. I asked Jeff to go be with him. I remember telling the room that his name was Maddox. He was screaming his little head off and I was thrilled to hear it. It’s hard because I couldn’t see him, so hearing him at least brought me some comfort. This part was hard for me. I knew Jeff was with him and they were only several feet away but I couldn’t see them. They just warmed him and suctioned out his mouth and nose and wrapped him. The neonatal nurse checked him then came by and told me he was great and that there was no need for her. I asked someone if he had been weighed yet. They said no not yet and then they brought in a scale and put it were I could see it. They brought him over and weighed him so I could see him in all his 7lbs and 9oz of glory (it was actually 7lbs 8.8oz but they round up).

Then the nurse said, “Okay dad let’s go down to recovery and mom can meet us there.”
Dr. Ribaudo all busy sewing me back up, stopped and said, “Hey can you just let them sit with him for a minute before you take him back.” I love her for that. So Jeff came and held the little man next to my face and I kissed him. He couldn’t have been more perfect.

Jeff eventually left with Maddox and the nurse to go back to our room, while they finished up on me. I think it was probably only another 15 to 20 minutes that they worked on me. This was the hardest part for me because I just wanted to be with my baby and I was so very happy but didn’t have Jeff or Maddox with me to share it. I’m glad it went by quickly. Once the doctors finished and had said congrats a thousand times, they left. Then the nurses leaned me over on each side and cleaned up underneath me. This was so weird because you feel like you are going to fall off the table. Then they all picked me up and put me in my bed. I was completely naked from the chest down and I remember the anesthesiologist telling the nurses jokingly to cover me up before they headed down the hall with me. They did of course. Then they slowly wheeled me down to my room, where Jeff and Maddox were waiting for me.

They put him in my arms and we were able to just stare at each other. I loved on Maddox for a minute and then I breastfeed for the first time with the nurse’s help. The nurse and Jeff were yak yak yakking. I know Jeff was asking her a bunch of questions. I remember kinda blocking them both out and just staring at my son. After feeding him we had a couple moments with just our new little family and then Jeff went and got my parents. It was so cool introducing Maddox to his grandparents. I remember saying, “you won’t believe this!” and taking of his hat to show them his crazy dark hair.

It’s so odd to look back on, only 2 and ½ weeks later. It feels so surreal. I’m not sure how there could ever be a more exciting and wonderful day. It is just the most intense and emotional day. It was also so very intimate for Jeff and me as a couple. To meet this little being that you have created, well there are just no words. The day Maddox was born was truly the very best day of our lives.

2 Weeks Old (2 days late - sorry!)

2009-06-06T19:34:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Maddox at 2 weeks!

oops I kinda fell over.

Ughh leave me alone dad!

Okay, but seriously I am the cutest baby ever!

Maddox - Week 2 Recap

2009-06-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Soooo it's been a long week to say the least. Here are your lovely pictures. The first is from last night. Can you tell he is happy to be home?

On Monday we went and had pictures taken of Maddox. I think they are gonna be adorable. Here is a picture of Maddox's first photo shoot!

On Tuesday we went and had Maddox weighed and he had only gained 2 oz in a week. It should have been closer to 8 oz so they were slightly concerned and wanted me to start breastfeeding for 10 minutes and then pump and give him more food. From the pedi we went to my 1st post-partum appointment. Let me just say I was already upset about the info at the pediatricians office and the stupid ass questions the nurse asked me at my doctor's office almost made me snap. Here are the 3 questions she asked me:

"Have you had a period?" - Ummmm I had a baby 12 days ago stupid.

"Have you had any bleeding?" - WTF? Ummm yeah just a bit dumbass, because again I had a baby 12 days ago.

"What contraceptive are you currently using?" Okay come on lady. LOOK AT THE CHART! I HAD A BABY 12 DAYS AGO. Obviously my husband and I do not currently have a need for contraceptives and ummm it's the freakin doctor that clears you for intercourse at 6 weeks so why the hell are they asking me this less than 2 weeks after I had a baby. Morons I tell you.

Tuesday in the early evening I called the pediatrician because Maddox had only been awake about 45 minutes out of the last 24 hours and that combined with the low weight gain in the morning was just to alarming to me. The doctor agreed and sent us directly to pediatrics at the hospital. When we arrived they wanted to get a bunch of blood work done stat to make sure nothing major was going on. Okay watching them put a tourniquet on my itty bitty son's arm and try to find a vein sent me to the bathroom in tears. I hate watching him be hurt. They finally had to get someone from PICU to come and get the blood since his veins are so small. My doctor called wondering what the blood results were, found out that they were taking so long and sent us to the ICU. It wasn't that we NEEDED to be in the ICU really, it's just that my doctor felt he would get better care from the nurses there than on the regular pediatrics floor. I think his thoughts were if they have to get someone from PICU to draw blood then why don't we just move him to PICU where he will get the best care. They wanted to know exactly how much he was eating so I have been strictly pumping since we got to the hospital. I thought breastfeeding wsa hard. Hahahaha. Pumping exclusively is way harder, but dammit I want this kid to have breast milk so for now we are just working as hard as we possibly can to make that happen. He was weighed after 24 hours in the hospital and had gained around 2 oz, which was as much as he had gained the entire week before. Anyways he's doing much better and we have a follow up appointment on Monday where we will discuss how to start nursing again. Jeff is on vacation for the next 2 weeks so somehow we are gonna get this feeding thing figured out. I will say I couldn't have done any of this without him.

oh and pictures from the hospital...

My Bed.

Mid evil torture device - otherwise known as the breast pump.

WE ARE HOME

2009-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

from the hospital and man does it feel like we had been there a lot longer than 2 nights. The shower I just took may have been in the top 10 of my life. Pictures and more info to follow. For now our little guy is gaining weight and we have a follow up appointment on Monday with the pediatrician.

maddox update

2009-06-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

hey all - it's kat. maddox is still in the picu tonight, but there are high hopes they are going home tomorrow. they got there yesterday and did a bunch of blood tests. everything is wonderful and he is perfect and gaining weight and having more alert periods. (jaundice = sleepy baby!) that is all. he is still perfect.

Hahaha Silly Mommy

2009-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

No sooner did I push publish post on my last entry and little Maddox went crazy. Last night he ate at 10 at 11 at 12 at 1 and at 2:30, oh and again at 6. Mind you each of these feedings was between 20 and 40 minutes which means by the time I got him burped and his diaper changed, I had just enough time for a 10-20 minute nap. This combination equals tired mommy with very sore boobies. I'm just sayin. He has slept a lot today which I'm sure means I am in for another awesome night!! And despite all that he is still the most perfect thing ever.

See, see I have proof!

1st Weekend at home

2009-05-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our fist weekend at home with the little guy is going extremely well. He is such a little angel. He's been going to bed around 11 or 12 and sleeping until 3 or 4. Then he wakes up for a quick feeding and goes right back to bed until 7 or 8, which means I am actually getting a couple hours of sleep here and there. I am sure it won't last long. They say jaundice babies are often times more sleepy than other babies.

What a crazy weekend of new people for the little guy to meet. It was awesome. He met Kat, Karl and Nate, Sarah and Lucia, and Andrew and Landen (he already met Sarah at the hospital). Brooke and Paul also came by and gave him more love. I am so excited Brooke is having a boy by the way!!!

I am a little nervous about the week ahead as I will be all by myself with the little man. aghhh scary. I have my post partum appointment with my doctor on Tuesday so I'm looking forward to getting clearance to drive, etc. Here are pics for you!!

1 week old

2009-05-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

How can my sweet boy already be a week old? He had a busy day of meeting new people. He meet his Unlce Thomas who got in town today with his girlfriend Casey. They brought all kinds of wonderful goodies. Thanks guys. He also meet Henry. So far smooth sailing on the Henry front. Tomorrow he gets to meet his godparents Karl and Kat and sometime this week Aunt Sarah. He is very excited!

So to wrap up the week, here are pictures from today.
We couldn't love anything more. Happy 1 week Birthday Maddox. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much (not to mention how much everyone else loves you).

Another Day in the Life of Maddox

2009-05-27T20:55:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures from today. How impressed are you that I am actually finding time to put pictures up everyday. I am thinking of it as a baby journal. Which by the way, remember when I lost my blog?? How do I back this one up so if something ever happens I don't lose all of this?? Ummm and dare I risk you all making fun of me by saying that Maddox is growing up a little to fast for his mommy. I do realize that as of today he isn't even a week old, but when I look at pictures from his first day or two I realize he has already changed so much. Just when I think I can't love something any more, it seems my heart opens even a little more. He truely is the most amazing and wonderful thing that has ever happened to us.

Busy Busy Boy

2009-05-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

What a busy day our little man had today. I think it's so funny that most parents bring their baby home from the hospital and then don't venture out with them again until a week later when they have to go to the pediatrician. We brought Maddox home late yesterday afternoon and today he had a jam packed day. We headed back to the hospital around 9:00am to get his bilirubin levels tested again. Poor Maddox, getting pricked in the heel AGAIN. The lab tech took off his sock and said, "oh he already has a prick on this heel. Let's do the other foot." Jeff and I were like "nope he has some on the other foot too." So sad. He was not happy to get his blood taken for the 19 millionth time. Hopefully that will be it for awhile. We headed home and had a very busy day eating, pooping, peeing on everyone, pooping on mom, eating some more. Oh and sleep, sleep, sleep. He is the sweetest, happiest baby. He rarely ever fusses. Ummm this can't last much longer right? With Jeff and I as parents, we feel like we are bound to have some paybacks, but for now we are enjoying having a little angel. At 2:oopm we were off to the pediatrician. Maddox weighed 7lbs 0.5oz, which was great since he was 6lbs 14oz when we left the hospital. He's putting the weight back on. They also measured him and he was only 19 inches. No, he didn't shrink 1/2 inch, but the nurses who measured him after birth said it was really just a "best guess" because it was so hard to get him to lay straight since he was a breech baby and his legs had been folded up so long. Maddox also got his head measured. They measured it at 15 1/2 inches. So he is in the 25th percentile for his height and his weight and is in the 100th percentile for his head. HAHAHAHA! What a noggin? "It's a virtual planetoid. It's got it's own weather systems." Man I love me Some So I married an Axe Murderer." His pediatrician got his bilirubin levels and said we no longer have to worry about jaundice and gave him a clean bill of health!!! I had an interesting and disgusting medical problem this afternoon which I shall not discuss on the blog. Please email me if you feel the need to be grossed out. And this evening Maddox got his first bath at home. Ummm this is scary to do for the first time. I am so glad my mom was there to help. I was so nervous he would scream the whole time, but in typical Maddox fashion he was pretty much fine with it. He's a cool cucumber. Sorry that this blog is now only all things Maddox. But I mean come on, right now my life is only all things Maddox. On a side note thank you thank you thank you to all our visitors and well wishers. My mom deserves a freakin medal. I will have an entire post related to that soon. Brooke brought us the most amazing casserole for dinner tonight. Thanks B! Hope I am not boring everyone!

Welcome Home Maddox!!!!

2009-05-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today we brought our beautiful son home!! It was soooo emotional for both of us. We were both bawling by the time we got through the door. We just stood in the mud room hugging and staring at our son. We then walked into the living room and sat down for a little bit and finally we went and showed him his room. Neither one of us could stop crying. It was a moment I will never forget. I think being in the hospital for pretty much 5 full days made coming home even more emotional and amazing. Today was emotional to begin with. Around 4am they tested his billirrubin levels and they were down from 15.2 to 12.8. This level wasn't low enough to stop the light treatments so he continued those between every feeding. I missed my baby so much. They would bring him to me to eat and then he had to go right back to the nursery so I barely got any time with him. The nurses thought that with those levels we would probably be able to go home in the afternoon though so we knew it was almost over. Then as they were getting to bring him to us around 10am his body temp got low and the nurse thought his muscle tone wasn't very good. She said she needed to let his pediatrician know in case Maddox had an infection. This is where I started freaking out. They said if he did have an infection he would have to stay in the hospital and get an IV. The thought of his tiny little body having to get poked and prodded anymore than he already had was awful. The pediatrician ordered a CBC (so of course he did have to get his little foot pricked again) and I was so nervous for him. Luckily it came back fine so she said we could head home. We got home around 3:45. We have to go back to the hospital early tomorrow morning t0 have his billirubin tested again and he has to go to the pediatrician tomorrow as well. We are just so happy to have him home. Here are pictures from today. Thanks for checking on us!

One Tear

2009-05-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

This was taken right after I saw him for the 1st time. If you look close you will notice a little tear drop falling. I was so very happy and Maddox was the most beautiful thing, even all covered in cheese (thats what jeff calls it). They just cannot explain the overwhelming love you feel for them. It's wonderful and scary all at the same time.

This afternoon we were cleared to go home. We had everything packed and I was feeding Maddox before we left. Then we got a call that his billiruban levels were high and he needed to be treated for jaundice. We had the option of going home and treating him there. Someone would deliver a blanket with lights in it that helped the jaundice and then someone would come in the morning to take his blood again. Or they said we could stay another night at the hospital and they could put him under their lights here. We were just going to take him home and do it there but Jeff asked if there was a difference in the lights and the blanket and there was. We were told that the lights at the hospital are brand new and it would take much less time to be effective than the blanket. Jeff and I would love to be at home but it's better for Maddox if we stay, so we are gonna try this whole going home thing again tomorrow. There were definetly more than just one tear when we heard about the jaundice. We know it's super common, but of course it scares you when their levels are high enough that they need treatment even though it's routine. The poor little guy has to be stripped down to just a diaper and sit under these lights with little shades on. It's sooooo pathetic. He seems fine with it. Luckilly, my milk came in which means he is getting a nice full belly and then being put under the lights. He's mostly just been sleeping and then when he wakes up hungry they bring him to me, I feed him and he immediatly goes back under the lights. We know he will be fine, but we miss having him with us. Jeff and I have sat with him while he's under the lights and have walked down to the nursery to check on him a lot, which is why I am now restricted to bed. I may have overdone it a wee bit and my incision is not happy about it. Anyways sorry if you are bored with all this info. Wanna see the sadest (and yet somehow the cutest) picture in the whole world??? Yeah I thought so.

Maddox Mania

2009-05-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

More pictures.... because that's all you really want, right???

Yes thats a pacifier and we DID talk to the lactation consultants about it and it is totally fine. I swore no pacifier until several weeks old since all the books say not to in order to start a helathy breastfeeding relationship. You know what I've learned in the last few days? Books can only take you so far. Then you just have to do what is best for your baby. He already has an amazing latch and the WANT to suck all the time. After 3 hours of hysteria yesterday the pacifier seems like an idol I should worship. This kid loves it and still loves eating too.

Iwill try tp post information, birth story and all that jazz sometime when we get home. I will say that Maddox is doing so well. We've had some problems breastfeeding. He just gets a little frustrated because he likes to chow down and he gets in a hurry and he's wishing my milk was in already. With the help of some wonderful lactation consultants we are working them out. Pause

And we're back after a wonderful 40 minute feeding session!! He's doing so well. Brooke , Paul and Jackie stopped by and got to see first hand how hard breastfeeding can be....hahaha. As Jeff said each feeding feels like a huge victory. Also it's 100% percent a team sport for us. With my incision it is so hard to do a lot so Jeff has become quite the breastfeeder even though I'm the one with the boobs. Haha Okay enough of that.

He will get weighed again tonight (he was 7lbs 2 oz last night) and if all is well tomorrow when the pedi sees him, we will be going home. We can't wait to get him all settled in at home.

Thank you to everyone that stopped by, called, emailed etc. We feel so loved.

New Maddox Pictures

2009-05-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

We couldn't be more in love with the little man. He's pretty much perfect, which I'm sure you have already realized. Just in case you needed some convincing, here is more proof. Love you all!

look at all that HAIR

2009-05-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Jenny said I could post these this evening and surely 4:29 counts as "evening" right?!?!?

Here is little man getting his bath and hair did.

(ahem, one combover, please.)

(oh, wait, maybe a fohawk.)

Please watch the video below (if you haven't already) and send baby Maddox some loving!

(i think he looks like jeff!)

Introducing our beautiful son.....

2009-05-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

22 on 21.

2009-05-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is Kat!

22 is safely here.

Just got text from Mom and Dad: "He is here and he is perfect. 7 lbs, 9 oz."

Jenny will announce his name and additional info on the blog this afternoon.

STAY TUNED.

(i know, mean of her, RIGHT?)

Today's the DAY!!!

2009-05-21T03:43:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to do because I am showered, packed, ready to go and don't need to leave for another 45 minutes. I'm shocked I got any sleep at all, but I did actually fall asleep around 12:30 and just got up around 4:30. In my defense I tried to go back to sleep, but I am soooooooo thirsty and since I can't drink anything I just got up and got ready. Anyways we love you guys and can't wait to introduce you all to our son! Kat will update later when she knows something.

aghhhhhhhhhhh can't believe this is really happening!!!!

1 DAY

2009-05-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours!!!!!

So my one day post topic was so easy for me and I have known this is what I wanted to blog about the day before the birth since I started this lovely countdown.

I have pretty much mentioned everything I can think of pregnancy related on here. I have told you about struggling to get pregnant, to being pregnant, belly pics, updates, and all the things that I am excited about. There is one thing I haven't mentioned very much so that is what I am dedicating today's post to.

As soon as we got married Jeff and I started trying to get pregnant. As you know it didn't happen as quickly as I would have expected and most of you certainly know how hard that was on me. However, there is one person who got the brunt of my frustration and that was my husband. By nature he is a much more patient person than I am (this is not hard to do since I may be the least patient person ever!) and he kept telling me it would happen. I can't count how many times he held me when I cried because there was another negative test. I also can't imagine how hard it was on him that I was so unhappy that it wasn't happening, instead of enjoying our time as newlyweds. No matter how much I obsessed over it or cried over it, he always told me it would all work out. He was always there to comfort me and to love me and to be my very best friend.

Fast forward to September 2008. I get pregnant and what does Jeff get??? An even MORE emotional and hormonal wife (i'm sure he thought this was impossible). From my month of terrible morning sickness to just being a hormonal mess, Jeff took amazing care of me. He cooks for me all the time. He spent hours upon hours creating the exact nursery I wanted. He has also listened to me talk about nothing but this little guy for the last 9 months.

Jeff is my rock. I have always known I wanted to be a mother. I have always dreamed of holding my perfect little baby. In every one of those dreams I had a perfect husband beside me to be a perfect daddy to this perfect little baby. I'm not saying Jeff is perfect, but I am saying that he is the perfect man for me. That I know without any reservation what an amazing father he will be. I know that everything will be okay tomorrow because Jeff will be next to me the whole time. I know that I can do anything because Jeff will be there to support me. There is nothing greater than that.

So with 1 day left before the birth of our son, I can only think of the 1 person who I adore with all my heart, my amazing and wonderful husband. There is no one else I would want go on this crazy ride with. I love you more than you will ever know!

2 Days

2009-05-19T06:38:00.001-07:00

Thats right 2 DAYS. As in 48 hours....aghhhhh!!!!

Okay so for today 2 pieces of important information about the plans for Thursday!!!

1. The c section is scheduled for 9am. Jeff and I have to get there at 7am for all the prep stuff. The only people we are having at the hospital are my parents. Originally the plan was not to have anyone. We weren't going to tell anyone when I went into labor. In fact I didn't want to call anyone unitl after the baby was born and the 3 of us had a little new family time. Buuuuttt since things didn't go as planned and everyone knows the exact time we are having a baby things have changed a bit. My parents are gonna be in the waiting room which I am happy about. I am having major surgery. Even though it's very routine it makes me feel better knowing they are there. The doc said I should be in the operating room for around an hour from start to finish. Soooo if they actually start on time at 9, I should be back in recovery around 10. At this time we are planning to have our family bonding time, just Jeff and baby and me. I want to try and breastfeed and just have some special time as a new family. Then my parents will obvioulsy come meet their grandson!!! Jeff will send a text message at some point to Kat or Sarah or whoever he has in his phone letting you guys know that we are all swell. Perhaps I will give Kat my blog info so she can post when the baby has been born??? HOWEVER, NO NAME ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AT THIS TIME!!!! BAHAHAHAHA. I promise you will find out the name on Thursday, at soem point. Once things have died down a little Jeff will post a picture with his name on the blog. No name until you have a picture to go with it. I insist!!!

2. Visitors. Of course I want to see everyone and show off the cuteness of 22!!! I also want to make sure that we get to experience a lot of intimate time just the 3 of us. Hope that makes sense? Anyways I was thinking I should be up for visitors on Saturday so I know some of you have mentioned stopping by the hospital. Please do. I'm sure we will talk on Friday and can make plans to see everyone.

There. 2 things for day 2. I am running out of lists.......but I am all set for tomorrows 1 day post!!! Thanks for everyone's support! Love you all!

3 Days

2009-05-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

3 DAYS..............

Okay so Jeff and I had a wonderful weekend. A VERY busy weekend, but a great one. Here are just 3 of the many things that made my weekend wonderful......

1. Ashley stopped by with Mary yesterday and brought me and the little guy the cutest little onesie and shirt and the most adorable (and delicious) monkey cupcakes I have ever seen. How awesome is it that she made these for me. Soooooo thoughtful!!! Thanks Ashley, you rock!

2. Every year for the past several years my mom has bought me flowers and helped me plant them as my Easter gift. Isn't that a great gift?! Well it has been so rainy and gross that we just did it yesterday (and by "we" I mean my mom). We went and bought another hosta ( I have a bunch that are HUGE from previous years) and some brightly colored little flowers. We bought a hanging plant that I love. It looks very tropical, like it should live at the villa. Then of course a bunch of mulch which makes everything look so much better. So everything is pretty low maintenance since I figure I won't be doing a ton of gardening in the near future. I wish I had a picture....it's so pretty.
3. Brooke came out on her blog!!!! I can't tell you how very happy I am that my dear friend has such an adorable little baby on the way. I know 22 and her will be the best of friends. I wish I could say they might date but 22 has already been promised to Landen. Congrats Brooke!!!! I love you!

Only 4

2009-05-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

of these silly posts left to annoy you all.

So here are 4 things that I am a little worried about going into Thursday's c section.

1. Breastfeeding - Everything says you should try to breastfeed as soon as possible after the baby is born. Due to the c section it will be around 30-45 minutes before we can attempt it, which in itself is fine. However, the fact that I will have to be flat on my back will make things a little more tricky I do believe. Now I am sure for all of you seasoned mommies you have no problem breastfeeding in every position under the sun, but for the first time I think it might just makes things a little more difficult. I know I will have a lactation consultant right after the surgery that will help so I'm sure it will be fine. Just something that worries me a bit.

2. The gas. I have heard some horror stories about the gas that gets trapped in your body after a surgery like this. You know they open you up and well gas gets in your body. I had never really thought of it before, but it makes sense. Apparantly it really bothers some people and it's not just gas in the belly like a a bunch of farts. It can get trapped in your back, neck, etc. Ouch. While at the grocery store today we bought some Gas X strips. I threw one box in the cart. Jeff immediatly picked up a second box, threw it in the cart, and proclaimed, "I think you are gonna need 2!" Apparantly my husband thinks hey she's pretty gassy everyday so god knows what she's gonna be like after the surgery. Nice and romantic.

3. Jeff fainting. Now let me say my husband is not the type to be squemish around blood at all. Nothing like that ever bothers him. For some reason we have not been able to determine, he has been getting very light headed as of late. When I told him I lost my mucus plug (sorry for the t.m.i.) he got light headed and at the hospital when they were having problems with my IV he also got a little light headed. I'm not sure if it's the whole baby being a part of it that is bothering him or what but yeah I am a little worried my hubs might hit the floor in the operating room.

4. Finally, so I have this thought that causes a bit of a panic when it comes. What if I get to the hospital on Thursday morning and he's turned head down. Now yes that would be great in a ton of ways. I would avoid a c section and get to have the natural birth I wanted buuuutttttttt my whole mindset for that is out the window. I mean I have really had to get my head wrapped around this whole c section thing and I feel like I'm ready for it. If he has turned head down then I have to throw that out the window and get in the game for doing this naturally. The most upsetting thing for me would be that I would go to the hospital expecting to meet my son in a couple hours and they would send my enormous ass home. Ughhhh I can't lie I would be so devastated that I was going to have to wait god knows how much longer to meet him. Okay I am being dramatic. If he turns that is fine and great and wonderful and obviously I would be meeting him relatively quickly, but you know what I mean about going to the hospital with the expectation of having him right??? I am just so excited that I get to meet him Thursday and I will be a little let down if that doesn't happen. Plus how annoyed will you guys be if you have to get even more obnoxious list and I have to start another countdown!!!

Per a Sarah Gray request here is my enormous belly at 36 weeks.

5 Days until we have a BABY!!!

2009-05-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

5 is also the number of years it will be before my house is ever this clean again (if it ever is).

Seriously Jeff and I started cleaning at 11 this morning and its 5:30 now and we still have a couple things left. Jeez. We got so much done though. This was some serious deep cleaning people. Jeff took down all the wood blinds and cleaned them, all the windows were cleaned, entire house dusted, floors swept and mopped, etc. It's insane I tell you. Although I am pretty much exhausted, I feel so much better about coming home from the hospital to my clean house. That is if I can keep it this way until Thursday. Haha

Also how's this for Jeff and I finally getting some motivation since we are bringing a baby home. We FINALLY (it's seriously been over 2 years) bought new blinds for the mud room. Some of you may remember that Abby ate the previous ones. So I'm sure the neighbors will be glad they no longer have to see my enormous naked ass walking by in the mornings.

Until tomorrow then. I must think of a new list.......? Any requests?

6 days

2009-05-15T16:49:00.001-07:00

I don't have a list today. Just wanted to point out that it's only 6 days!

6 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

last weekend without a baby = holy cow I can't believe this is actually happening!

7 Days

2009-05-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

7 Things I will NOT miss about being pregnant....

1. Heartburn. Someone at the Tums corporate office is shaking there head and wondering why their sales numbers have skyrocketed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Your welcome Tums, your welcome.
2. My bladder capacity, or lack there of.
3. All the aches and pains. My back hurts, my legs hurt, my knees and ankles hurt. My pelvis hurts. Pretty much everything hurts.
4. The swelling. I want to wear my wedding ring again!!!!
5. The unsolicited advice. The second I got pregnant everyone felt the need to give me advice about everything pregnancy and child rearing. "It's terrible that you aren't telling the name." "You aren't supposed to name the baby before it's born." "You should never attempt childbirth without an epidural." "You shouldn't get an epidural." Jeez people. I know they mean the best, but trust me if I want the advice I will ask. Thank you.
6. All the virgin cocktails. I'm ready for the real thing.
7. The waiting. I feel like I have been waiting for sooooooo long. And I know once I have my beautiful boy in my arms I will NOT miss waiting to have him there.

8 Days

2009-05-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today people were talking about Memorial Day like it was right around the corner. You know why? BECAUSE IT IS!!!! And you know what???? On Memorial Day I will be home with my sweet boy. Until then I am going to continue to annoy everyone around me because all I think about or talk about is my sweet little boy. Uggggghhhhhhhhhhh how am I going to make it 8 more days??????

9 Days

2009-05-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

9 Things I will miss about being pregnant.....

1. Guilt free ice cream feasts.
2. Never having to suck it in for pictures (if anything you are pushing it out)!!!!!
3. All the lose fitting comfy maternity clothes.
4. How fast my hair and nails grow.
5. The way strangers look at you. They smile and open doors and just seem so happy when they see you.
6. Not having to lift anything heavy. I don't like lifting heavy things and have thouroughly enjoyed having my pregnancy to excuse me from doing it!!
7. The anticipation - it is so fun! I love laying in bed talking to Jeff and just trying to imagine what our son will look like, will he have hair, how much he will weigh, etc.
8. Feeling those wonderful little kicks and jabs.
9. Having him all to myself. It may sound silly but for the last 9 months I have had him inside of me, all to myself. Sometimes I think I'm gonna miss having him by my side at all times.

These are just some things I have thought I might miss. Trust me though, I am so ready to meet this little guy. When I think about seeing his face for the first time I am filled with so much happiness. I cannot wait. 9 DAYS 9 DAYS 9 DAYS!!!!! aggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Counting Down

2009-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

So I have realized that I keep doing this weird counting down thing. I fed the dogs this morning and made a mental note that Jeff and I need to get dog food some time this week. Then all of a sudden I realized, "holy cow this is the last time I will buy dog food before the baby gets here." I have realized I am doing it with everything. Filling up the dishwasher now makes me realize I will still be on the SAME thing of dish soap when the baby is here. I won't have to buy new toothpaste before the baby gets her. I will still be on the same thing of shampoo. Only one more grocery store trip, one more loaf of bread, one more car payment, the list goes on and on. It's just all these things I do day to day and then I realize baby will be here in NO TIME. Holy Cow! I know it's ridiculous and I am sorry that I have nothing else to blog about, but I am just so excitied. 10 DAYS PEOPLE...............10 DAYS until I meet my son.

HOLY Full Term Baby

2009-05-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am exactly 37 weeks today, which means I have a FULL TERM BABY! I couldn't be happier. I want to say thanks for all the well wishes regarding the c section. I feel like someone turned up my already crazy hormones into overdrive and if I could make it through a day without crying that would be great! I am fine with the c section (I mean I don't really have a choice) but am seriously the biggest cry baby ever lately. I think it's the fact that I have an actual date now and I think that is a little overwhelming for me. I think it is going to be the longest 11 days of my life. I am just so ready to meet this baby that we have wanted for so long.

Oh, I had a couple people that asked if they ever do vaginal deliveries of breech babies so I thought I would kinda let you know why we can't have one. First of all very few doctors will attempt a vaginal delivery of a breech baby anymore because of the risk to the baby. The head is normally the largest part of the baby so if it doesn't come out first than you run the risk of it getting stuck. This poses so many risk - loss of oxygen supply, brain damage, etc.. Yes there are risks in a c section but they are actually more for the mother than the baby. Of the doctors that will attempt them (ours won't) there are several qualifications I don't meet. First it can't be your first baby. They want to make sure you have a large enough pelvis and that you can in fact deliver a baby vaginally. Second, your baby has to be frank breech which is the most common breech position. Of course our little guy is not in the frank breech postion. He is what they call complete breech and they won't try to delivery these vaginally because their little feet can come out first and create all kinds of issues. Below are pictures of the breech positions. I feel 100% confident with our decision. Now if it could just be here already......come on!!!! Haha yes my patience is getting better by the second.

And last but certaintly not least, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mommies out there. I can't wait to join you! Hope you have a great day!

And the winner is.....

2009-05-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

KAT!!!!!

for the Baby Munsell's Due Date Predictor! She had the first date on the calculator on the 22nd so even if I go into labor before our scheduled c section on the 21st , she wins!!! Congrats. I'm not sure what you win???? Everyone's respect?

Okay my next question is this. What do YOU guys think little baby Munsell's name is? I know some of you have your suspicion so please share. It will make me happy.

Love love.

Stubborn Little Bug

2009-05-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

So everything went fine today. Jeff and I got to the hospital around 9:30. They got me set up with the contraction and heartbeat monitors. It then took 2 nurses and 4 attempts to get an IV started for me. Jeez. My hands hurt worse than my belly right now. Haha. The monitored him for about 30 minutes just to make sure he was doing well. Then I got a shot of terbulatine which relaxes your uterus and makes you feel like your heart is going a million beats a minute. I also got some morphine (jeff is sad he didn't get any.) The doc came and they tried to turn the little guy for about 15-20 minutes. Yes it is pretty painful but only when they are doing it. It is fine now. The little guy just wasn't having it. I have read a lot of stories and it seems like when they turn it is quick, like under 5 minutes. We tried to turn him both ways and it just wouldn't work.
The doc basically just said sorry he isn't budging. We stayed for another hour to monitor both of us. He was fine (i mean he didn't even move an inch so why would he be upset...stinker!)

I am disappointed. I have spent a lot of time and energy preparing to have this guy naturally. Well guess there is no question about getting an epidural now hahaha. I am sad about a lot of things. I never imagined not being able to hold my baby immediatly after he was born. I always envisioned us skin to skin and me being able to just stare at him. It's hard to let that go, buuuuttttt all that being said what really matters is that I am having a baby in 14 DAYS!!!! Holy Cow! If he is healthy then I am happy and in the long run all that matters is that my sweet baby boy will be in my arms soon. Thanks for all the well wishes! Here are some lovely pics that Jeff took to entertain you. My poor hands.......

Happy Version Day

2009-05-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I are heading to the hospital in about in 30 minutes to try and get this little guy to turn. The procedure is scheduled for 10am but I know they have to do a lot of monitoring, ultrasounds, maybe a non stress test, etc before they even try to turn him and then after they turn him (fingers crossed) they have to repeat all the monitoring. So we expect to be there for awhile. I will try to send a text or call someone so you guys know whats going on. I'm not sure how I will react to the medicine (i've heard some lovely stories) that they give you to prevent contractions or how I will be feeling afterwards (again if one more person tells me how painful it is I may choke them), but I will try to make sure Jeff or someone updates you guys. Keep your fingers crossed that this works. I mean hey we got a 50/50 chance! Love you guys!

Breech Baby Munsell

2009-05-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

So we found out today that our little guy is breech which I actually kinda expected due to where I felt his movements. My doc said we basically have 2 options. The first is to try a procedure called External Cephalic Version, where they attempt to move the baby from the outside into the head down position or we can just schedule a c section. The version success rate is about 50% and if it doesn't work we will be scheduling a c section. So we are gonna try it, because I would really like to try to have this little guy the old fashioned way. We go into the hospital Thursday morning for the procedure. There are some small risks to the procedures (as there are with a c section) so it is done in the hospital in Labor and Delivery in case they have to do an emergency c section. I'm sure all will be fine and hopefully we will be able to get this little guy to turn. Wish us luck!!!

Happy Anniversary to the Parentals and Happy Birthday Kat!!!

2009-05-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people in the whole wide world! I can be terrible remembering Birthdays and I always insist Kat's is on the 3rd which is my parents Anniversary. This year makes 34 years together! Jeff and I took them to brunch yesterday and now they are out of town celebrating with a romantic getaway. Crazy to think they have been married that long and maybe even crazier that they still seem so happy together. Awesome!

Anyways back to the Birthday girl. I hope you have a wonderful Birthday and first day as a stay at home mom! I love you! You are gonna rock at it! Love you!