Noel said, "We look like rockstars."
I just adore my two little rockstars...
I just adore my two little rockstars...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
I Like To Steal Ideas, but Only Ones That Are Brilliant
My friend Amy is posting something she's calling "Today's Happiness". I'm going to join her, because it's just a darn good idea. And you know, I might call my version "Yesterday's Happiness", because these were actually taken yesterday. In fact, I think one was taken two days ago...so I may not even be stealing anyone's ideas at all...
Anyway...
Yesterday, Noel read a book to me. One that he'd never seen before. He picked it up, and read it to me. I helped him with maybe 4 words. Happiness? Big time.
And he's just so silly. He makes me smile and laugh a million times a day.
Anyway...
Yesterday, Noel read a book to me. One that he'd never seen before. He picked it up, and read it to me. I helped him with maybe 4 words. Happiness? Big time.
And he's just so silly. He makes me smile and laugh a million times a day.What are you happy about today?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Celebrating Noel
Five years ago, I was itchy, and uncomfortable, and felt horrible.
I'll be honest, I had no pregnant glow...in fact, when I was gearing up for my next visit, I was planning to ask the doctor when she thought we could talk about induction, even though I was only 35 weeks pregnant.
The day of my appointment, I saw the dip stick turn GREEN, and I knew something wasn't right. The doctor came back in, and told me to head to the hospital, where she hoped to see my liver serum tests turn around, and if they didn't, we'd be having a baby, for my safety...and we would worry about the baby when he arrived. Not the words you want to hear, even though I was so ready not to be pregnant. I immediately felt panicked and started to cry, not for me, but because I thought when Noel was born, he'd be whisked away to the NICU. A million thoughts raced through my head and I was nervous and scared. My wonderful doctor said she was pretty sure we'd see my numbers go down with a day of rest and some IV fluids, and I'd be sent home on Friday.
The numbers went up.
I was napping in my hospital bed, alone, when the nurse came in to tell me the news that they would start inducing me that afternoon. I felt so calm. I started making calls. First, to Elliott, who I told to come back to the hospital, then to my parents, who wanted to be there when the baby was born, but were 8 hours away. They got in the car and left within the hour.
The greatest team of people were with me for the next 26 hours. The nurse who started the Pitocin explained everything to me in detail, and had also been a NICU nurse. She was the most comforting person, and although I can't remember her name, I will never forget her. She just had this way about her that made us feel so good about everything. She kept saying that when Noel was born, she'd do everything in her power to make sure he didn't have to go to the NICU, and if he did, she'd see to it that she, personally, was his nurse.
That is the kind of patient care everyone should receive.
My doctor was off that weekend and her colleague was with me as I labored over the next 26 hours. She, too, made me feel incredibly secure in a situation where I normally would have been scared out of my mind.
My husband was a rock. He was calm and reassuring. We excitedly watched our son's heart beating on the monitor...We talked about our life together, and what our future would be like. He transformed that day from a husband into a dad.
After a long, long day of seeing family and friends and laboring, Noel was ready to make his entry into the world. Once he was ready, he quickly showed his adorable, tiny self...and he CRIED-the sound we hoped to hear from him. As the doctor showed him to us for the first time, I thought, "I can't believe he has blonde hair."
He was so tiny: only 4 lbs. 9 oz., but he was strong and healthy in every way. He never cried. He slept a lot. He ate a LOT. He loved to be held. He was an angel.
He grew, and grew, and grew...into the wise, wonderful, silly, fun, crazy, goofy, cool FIVE year old that we celebrate today.
I'll be honest, I had no pregnant glow...in fact, when I was gearing up for my next visit, I was planning to ask the doctor when she thought we could talk about induction, even though I was only 35 weeks pregnant.
The day of my appointment, I saw the dip stick turn GREEN, and I knew something wasn't right. The doctor came back in, and told me to head to the hospital, where she hoped to see my liver serum tests turn around, and if they didn't, we'd be having a baby, for my safety...and we would worry about the baby when he arrived. Not the words you want to hear, even though I was so ready not to be pregnant. I immediately felt panicked and started to cry, not for me, but because I thought when Noel was born, he'd be whisked away to the NICU. A million thoughts raced through my head and I was nervous and scared. My wonderful doctor said she was pretty sure we'd see my numbers go down with a day of rest and some IV fluids, and I'd be sent home on Friday.
The numbers went up.
I was napping in my hospital bed, alone, when the nurse came in to tell me the news that they would start inducing me that afternoon. I felt so calm. I started making calls. First, to Elliott, who I told to come back to the hospital, then to my parents, who wanted to be there when the baby was born, but were 8 hours away. They got in the car and left within the hour.
The greatest team of people were with me for the next 26 hours. The nurse who started the Pitocin explained everything to me in detail, and had also been a NICU nurse. She was the most comforting person, and although I can't remember her name, I will never forget her. She just had this way about her that made us feel so good about everything. She kept saying that when Noel was born, she'd do everything in her power to make sure he didn't have to go to the NICU, and if he did, she'd see to it that she, personally, was his nurse.
That is the kind of patient care everyone should receive.
My doctor was off that weekend and her colleague was with me as I labored over the next 26 hours. She, too, made me feel incredibly secure in a situation where I normally would have been scared out of my mind.
My husband was a rock. He was calm and reassuring. We excitedly watched our son's heart beating on the monitor...We talked about our life together, and what our future would be like. He transformed that day from a husband into a dad.
After a long, long day of seeing family and friends and laboring, Noel was ready to make his entry into the world. Once he was ready, he quickly showed his adorable, tiny self...and he CRIED-the sound we hoped to hear from him. As the doctor showed him to us for the first time, I thought, "I can't believe he has blonde hair."
He was so tiny: only 4 lbs. 9 oz., but he was strong and healthy in every way. He never cried. He slept a lot. He ate a LOT. He loved to be held. He was an angel.
He grew, and grew, and grew...into the wise, wonderful, silly, fun, crazy, goofy, cool FIVE year old that we celebrate today.
Noel, YOU are simply a gem. Thank you for being you.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Date!
Sorry to leave that sad post up for so long and leave it hanging there...
Tomorrow we're taking the boys to my parents for a sleepover at my parents' house and heading to Lawrence to see one of our all time favorite bands, the Old 97's. We've been going to Old 97's shows for years and years. I actually introduced Elliott to this band, which is a rarity in our relationship.
I think Rhett & Co. are bringing a little taste of Texas with them. It's a whole 43 degrees today, and it's going to stay that way through Sunday. It's sunny & I can see patches of grass. I know it's 70 or something in Texas, but 40 is not 0, so...whatever.
I've got the creepy-crawlies in my nose and head, so it better go away before tomorrow. If not, I will resort to DayQuil, and I take no responsibility for my actions.
Tomorrow we're taking the boys to my parents for a sleepover at my parents' house and heading to Lawrence to see one of our all time favorite bands, the Old 97's. We've been going to Old 97's shows for years and years. I actually introduced Elliott to this band, which is a rarity in our relationship.
I think Rhett & Co. are bringing a little taste of Texas with them. It's a whole 43 degrees today, and it's going to stay that way through Sunday. It's sunny & I can see patches of grass. I know it's 70 or something in Texas, but 40 is not 0, so...whatever.
I've got the creepy-crawlies in my nose and head, so it better go away before tomorrow. If not, I will resort to DayQuil, and I take no responsibility for my actions.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Missing
I should go visit my grandparents' gravesides.
I've never even been to my grandmother's. It's sort of like, maybe I'm a little bit in denial still, even though it's been almost 5 years. If I go, and see the marker, it will make it all real and I'll totally lose it.
She is everywhere here. And I wish like hell that she was really here.
The other day, I had the fleeting thought to pick up the phone and call her. I haven't had one of those moments in a long, long time.
Will I ever get over this?
Being home. It's wonderful. And there's there teeny weeny little part that feels completely empty without her here too.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Clone Wars
There are times when it is really really extra hard to be gracious and grateful for what you have, like just being a parent. This job is not always easy. It's not all wine and roses, not all fun and games. Some days there is whining and shouting and "I don't want to!" from everyone. There are so many times when I wish they would just. be. quiet. for 30 seconds. Just 30 seconds!!!
Then, there are those times when I'm putting them to bed, and it's just the three of us, because Elliott gets a rare night out. I still have work I need to do, and it's already 8:30, so that means it's going to be a late night (again). But, we're laying there, and they're finally settling down, and Lennon puts his arm around me and says, "You're cute. Can I hug you?" (Are you crazy? Of course you can hug me, you insanely adorable little guy.) Noel keeps asking for lotion, so I tell him that when Lennon's asleep, I'll get him some. Finally, Lennon's asleep, and I get the lotion. Noel tells me that I'm mean for not getting him the lotion sooner. I let it roll off. I say, "Am I meaner than Oscar the Grouch?" "Yes," he replies. "You're meaner than a saber tooth tiger," I tell him. And he giggles. "You're meaner than a T. Rex."
And it goes on like this, until we can think of no more mean things, and we're quietly giggling...
"You're meaner than Luke Skywalker," I say. "Hey!" he laughs. "That's because you're not mean. You're sweet and nice and I love you."
"You're meaner than C3PO."
And we say goodnight, and say that we love each other.
I go back a few minutes later to give him an extra kiss. "Goodnight Storm Trooper."
"Goodnight Clone Trooper."
And even though I still haven't started that work, this seemed more important.
Then, there are those times when I'm putting them to bed, and it's just the three of us, because Elliott gets a rare night out. I still have work I need to do, and it's already 8:30, so that means it's going to be a late night (again). But, we're laying there, and they're finally settling down, and Lennon puts his arm around me and says, "You're cute. Can I hug you?" (Are you crazy? Of course you can hug me, you insanely adorable little guy.) Noel keeps asking for lotion, so I tell him that when Lennon's asleep, I'll get him some. Finally, Lennon's asleep, and I get the lotion. Noel tells me that I'm mean for not getting him the lotion sooner. I let it roll off. I say, "Am I meaner than Oscar the Grouch?" "Yes," he replies. "You're meaner than a saber tooth tiger," I tell him. And he giggles. "You're meaner than a T. Rex."
And it goes on like this, until we can think of no more mean things, and we're quietly giggling...
"You're meaner than Luke Skywalker," I say. "Hey!" he laughs. "That's because you're not mean. You're sweet and nice and I love you."
"You're meaner than C3PO."
And we say goodnight, and say that we love each other.
I go back a few minutes later to give him an extra kiss. "Goodnight Storm Trooper."
"Goodnight Clone Trooper."
And even though I still haven't started that work, this seemed more important.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The 2011 Bandwagon
What are your hopes for 2011? Here are mine:
- Work less. Spend more time with my family. Working from home doesn't equate to being able to spend more time with the ones you love. It also means maximizing work time so that it's all done in the most timely fashion. So, less navel-gazing while working & more working = more time with the dudes. Simple enough, right?
- More time reading & writing. I figure the more I read, the better writer I become. I want to write less "OMG"s and "LOL"s and more things that are meaningful. Once again, simple enough...
- Cook more meals at home.
- Buy from the farmer's market as much as possible.
- Go on walks. We live 1 block from a sweet walking trail. It's so easy...
- More time with real folks, less time engaged in cyber-space. I want "My Two Sons" to flourish this year, but I need to spend less time on Facebook. Don't we all? Time suck. Now that we're closer to family & friends, this shouldn't be hard to do. I may need some accountability. I deleted my Twitter last year, but I want to keep Facebook. Perhaps check it once a day? When I post my link to my new blog post?
- Be a great wife & mom. My patience and kindness took a major hit in 2010. I don't like it. I want to be different. I also think this is related to #6.
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