Sometimes I wonder where my child gets his energy...and then I look at my husband and I stop wondering.
I've been married to him 4 years today.
It hasn't been boring.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Running the bases
Sometimes I wonder where my child gets his energy...and then I look at my husband and I stop wondering.
I've been married to him 4 years today.
It hasn't been boring.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Jackson's birth
On Saturday evening, as we were perusing the patio furniture at Sears, I thought I might be in labor. Of course, I had been having contractions for two weeks, so it was equally possible that I wasn't. So I kept it to myself.
We came home, I made an ice cream birthday cake for Brady, took a bath, and headed to bed to try to get some sleep. I told Eric I thought I was in labor. But of course, I might not be.
I slept two hours and woke at 1:30 with contractions. I knew this was the real deal, so I got up, knowing there would be no more sleeping that evening. Since there was a house showing scheduled for the next evening, I cleaned the guest bathroom and our bathroom, something I can honestly say I've never done at that hour of the night. I finished packing the hospital bag, ate my last meal (cereal), put on makeup, and painted my toenails. Proof that vanity does not go out the window when you're in labor.
Eric woke up about 3:30 and I told him that today was the day! My goal was to make it to waking hours before needing to leave for the hospital, so we didn't have wake anyone from their slumber (to come watch Brady). Brady woke up at 5:30, and about that time my contractions were getting stronger and I was having a hard time talking through them. Since it was Sunday morning and Eric's dad was preaching, we knew they wouldn't be able to come until after church, so we called our backup, Angie, around 7 to come hang out with Brady.
We were thrilled to find our friend and nurse Carolyn was on duty - she was fantastic when she helped deliver Brady and I was glad she'd be there to deliver this one. I got into my hospital room around 8:15 and they checked my progress around 9:15. I was in a good amount of pain and when they told me how dilated I was, I was hoping for a big number. 2 centimeters dilated was not quite the big number I was looking for. Dreams of a fast delivery seemed to be fading. Eric and I took a lap around the hospital. I shuffled around in my hospital gown (two actually, one in front, one in back), and if it weren't for the bulging stomach, I felt like I may be mistaken for a psych patient. I didn't make it far or long, and spent the rest of labor in my bed.
My phone rang at 9:30 and Eric answered it. It was the showing agency...someone wanted to see our house at 11:30. Our house selling issues followed me even in to the delivery room. With two showings on the docket, I had visions of selling our house and having a baby in the same day. One of those things happened.
My water broke and things got real very quickly. Unfortunately, the baby was following in his brother's footsteps, even in the womb, and the baby had taken his first poop inside of me. I knew the drill...a crew would be assembled in my room and the baby would be taken to them and they'd make sure he didn't ingest any of the meconium.
My contractions got very strong and the baby wasn't reacting well to them...meaning his heart rate was dropping too much. They turned me on my side and tried to adjust the baby...and did some other stuff I can't remember because I was focusing on not dying of pain. I exaggerate...a little. My midwife put an internal monitor on the baby to get a better read of his heart rate. This is how I found out he had a head full of hair like his brother. The monitor which was placed on his head would not stay, so this uncomfortable process was extended thanks to his luscious locks.
The baby started doing better through the contractions...I got worse. I'm not sure what to compare the pain to...I think childbirth stands on its own. Let's just say if we ever have a 3rd child, I'll need to do some serious thinking about whether I want to be an idiot and decline drugs.
Here's what the Bible has to say about childbirth:
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." - John 16:21
After Jackson was born, I didn't exactly forget the anguish, but he sure made it worth it. After only a few pushes, Jackson David Hoots made his presence known (very loudly) at 11:47. He joined us in the world before lunchtime, so I didn't even have to skip a meal.
We came home, I made an ice cream birthday cake for Brady, took a bath, and headed to bed to try to get some sleep. I told Eric I thought I was in labor. But of course, I might not be.
I slept two hours and woke at 1:30 with contractions. I knew this was the real deal, so I got up, knowing there would be no more sleeping that evening. Since there was a house showing scheduled for the next evening, I cleaned the guest bathroom and our bathroom, something I can honestly say I've never done at that hour of the night. I finished packing the hospital bag, ate my last meal (cereal), put on makeup, and painted my toenails. Proof that vanity does not go out the window when you're in labor.
Eric woke up about 3:30 and I told him that today was the day! My goal was to make it to waking hours before needing to leave for the hospital, so we didn't have wake anyone from their slumber (to come watch Brady). Brady woke up at 5:30, and about that time my contractions were getting stronger and I was having a hard time talking through them. Since it was Sunday morning and Eric's dad was preaching, we knew they wouldn't be able to come until after church, so we called our backup, Angie, around 7 to come hang out with Brady.
We were thrilled to find our friend and nurse Carolyn was on duty - she was fantastic when she helped deliver Brady and I was glad she'd be there to deliver this one. I got into my hospital room around 8:15 and they checked my progress around 9:15. I was in a good amount of pain and when they told me how dilated I was, I was hoping for a big number. 2 centimeters dilated was not quite the big number I was looking for. Dreams of a fast delivery seemed to be fading. Eric and I took a lap around the hospital. I shuffled around in my hospital gown (two actually, one in front, one in back), and if it weren't for the bulging stomach, I felt like I may be mistaken for a psych patient. I didn't make it far or long, and spent the rest of labor in my bed.
My phone rang at 9:30 and Eric answered it. It was the showing agency...someone wanted to see our house at 11:30. Our house selling issues followed me even in to the delivery room. With two showings on the docket, I had visions of selling our house and having a baby in the same day. One of those things happened.
My water broke and things got real very quickly. Unfortunately, the baby was following in his brother's footsteps, even in the womb, and the baby had taken his first poop inside of me. I knew the drill...a crew would be assembled in my room and the baby would be taken to them and they'd make sure he didn't ingest any of the meconium.
My contractions got very strong and the baby wasn't reacting well to them...meaning his heart rate was dropping too much. They turned me on my side and tried to adjust the baby...and did some other stuff I can't remember because I was focusing on not dying of pain. I exaggerate...a little. My midwife put an internal monitor on the baby to get a better read of his heart rate. This is how I found out he had a head full of hair like his brother. The monitor which was placed on his head would not stay, so this uncomfortable process was extended thanks to his luscious locks.
The baby started doing better through the contractions...I got worse. I'm not sure what to compare the pain to...I think childbirth stands on its own. Let's just say if we ever have a 3rd child, I'll need to do some serious thinking about whether I want to be an idiot and decline drugs.
Here's what the Bible has to say about childbirth:
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." - John 16:21
After Jackson was born, I didn't exactly forget the anguish, but he sure made it worth it. After only a few pushes, Jackson David Hoots made his presence known (very loudly) at 11:47. He joined us in the world before lunchtime, so I didn't even have to skip a meal.
We got to see Brady later that afternoon. He seemed to have morphed into a giant in a few short hours. Although his attention span was short, he seemed to take a liking to "Naxon," giving him kisses and trying to throw him his ball. The only thing cooler than baby Jackson was the controls to move my bed up and down.
Jackson got to meet some other family members.
He's lucky to already have so many people who love him.
And I'm one lucky mom.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Letters to Brady: 2 years
Dear Brady,
It's hard to believe you are 2 years old today! Not every little boy gets a baby brother delivered to his house on his birthday. Please don't expect it every year.
I remember bringing you home from the hospital 2 years ago. Admittedly, we didn't know what we were getting into and didn't really know what we were doing. But we knew we loved you and as you have grown, so has our love for you.
There is another creature in our house to love now. The brief time you've spent with your new brother has left me no doubt that you will love him fiercely...even though it may mean hating him fiercely at times.
Like any healthy two-year old, you are a handful. I credit you for keeping me in good shape during my second pregnancy. You are the perfect combination of energy and snuggles. You manage to be exceedingly outgoing, willing to walk away with a stranger, yet a mama's boy through and through. I think last time we were in the grocery store, you said "hi" about 12 times to each person we saw, including people who were on the other side of the store. While I absolutely love the moments when it's just me and you (and my hair), the most joy I've had as a mother is watching you interact with other people. Socializing is a skill some adults have never mastered, but you seen to really "get" it. I'll credit your father for providing that skill. You like an audience...also credit to your dad.
When Jackson came out and your dad told me it was a boy, I was ecstatic. I know your little brother will grow up wanting to be just like his big brother and truly, I can't think of a better gift than having another little boy as wonderful as you are. You've blessed our life beyond words and I'm proud to say I am Brady's mom.
Love,
Mom
It's hard to believe you are 2 years old today! Not every little boy gets a baby brother delivered to his house on his birthday. Please don't expect it every year.
There is another creature in our house to love now. The brief time you've spent with your new brother has left me no doubt that you will love him fiercely...even though it may mean hating him fiercely at times.
When Jackson came out and your dad told me it was a boy, I was ecstatic. I know your little brother will grow up wanting to be just like his big brother and truly, I can't think of a better gift than having another little boy as wonderful as you are. You've blessed our life beyond words and I'm proud to say I am Brady's mom.
Mom
Monday, May 20, 2013
Welcome to the world!
Jackson David Hoots was born yesterday at 11:46 am. With his late arrival, pooping in utero, and head full of dark hair, Jackson is already following in the footsteps of his big brother. He is wonderful and perfect and even though its only been a day, its hard to imagine our family without him.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Recipe for a nap
This picture of Brady at nap time today pretty much sums up our life right now...it definitely sums up our morning.
Combine an outdoor museum, a hot morning, an overdue pregnant woman, a willful toddler, and a bout of diarrhea (by half-way potty-trained toddler), and you have a recipe for an eventful morning.
I have a deadline for an article coming up and I emailed my "boss" last night with a question. After answering, he commented that he was impressed I was working on it. Lounged back in the recliner writing an article....that was the easiest thing I'd done all day.
Don't get me wrong, Brady and I have fun! FUN! Fun all day. Here is a brief glimpse inside Brady's head: RUNNING! Baseball!! Woof. Oh man! Eat. Eat. Pleeease. Ball. Want it. Up. Hi!
This picture is from Brady's favorite exhibit at the museum, the mist! Brady is attempting to tackle an older girl. This happens basically everywhere we go. It's how Brady makes friends. Right now, it has about a 65% success rate. 25% of the time kids are indifferent, and about 10% of the time, kids get mad. Thankfully, he only goes for the older ones so I figure they can generally fend for themselves.
I'm hoping I'm not the mom that sits and watches her kid do something "cute" (and photographs it) while the other moms huddle together and talk about the mom who can't control her child. Ha...they haven't seen anything yet...just wait til I have two!
And yes, I'm still pregnant. My predictions of an early or on time arrival were incorrect. The airlines are not the only ones that make mistakes. My new prediction is a double birthday on the 21st. I'm thinking baby #2 is going to teach big brother Brady what sharing is all about!
 |
| I have no idea about the Frisbee. It didn't start in the crib, but I guess Brady's toy box is within reach. And love that the monkey totally has Rameses pinned. |
I have a deadline for an article coming up and I emailed my "boss" last night with a question. After answering, he commented that he was impressed I was working on it. Lounged back in the recliner writing an article....that was the easiest thing I'd done all day.
Don't get me wrong, Brady and I have fun! FUN! Fun all day. Here is a brief glimpse inside Brady's head: RUNNING! Baseball!! Woof. Oh man! Eat. Eat. Pleeease. Ball. Want it. Up. Hi!
This picture is from Brady's favorite exhibit at the museum, the mist! Brady is attempting to tackle an older girl. This happens basically everywhere we go. It's how Brady makes friends. Right now, it has about a 65% success rate. 25% of the time kids are indifferent, and about 10% of the time, kids get mad. Thankfully, he only goes for the older ones so I figure they can generally fend for themselves.
I'm hoping I'm not the mom that sits and watches her kid do something "cute" (and photographs it) while the other moms huddle together and talk about the mom who can't control her child. Ha...they haven't seen anything yet...just wait til I have two!
And yes, I'm still pregnant. My predictions of an early or on time arrival were incorrect. The airlines are not the only ones that make mistakes. My new prediction is a double birthday on the 21st. I'm thinking baby #2 is going to teach big brother Brady what sharing is all about!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Not yet
Not resorting to such measures yet...but if this baby tries to be 11 days late like his/her brother, we're going to have a serious talk.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The adventures of home selling
Last Monday, we had a showing scheduled from 1:30-2 (naptime, of course). I went out for a late lunch with a friend and Brady fell asleep on the way home. Normally, he'll transition to the crib but on this particular day, it was pouring down rain when we got out of the car, which woke him up. I put Brady, now fully awake, in the crib, hoping he'd fall back asleep. He played in the crib for about 20 minutes and right before I was about to make a phone call, I noticed he had taken his pants off (thank you, video monitor), he seemed to be concerned with his diaper, and I thought I heard him say "poop."
My suspicions were correct - he had pooped and decided to go on a little excavation. Thankfully, I caught it early and he had only managed to get poop on his hand and rub a little on his arm. A few more minutes and who knows what I would have found. So, I changed him, cleaned him up, and took him downstairs with me, since a nap seemed out of the question. I had a phone interview with Marvin Williams scheduled for an upcoming article, so I made my call while Brady played. My call waiting beeped in soon after the interview started and I ignored the unknown number. I happened to look outside and saw a car idling in front of our house. I then realized that the unknown number was the showing agency. Luckily, my interview wasn't long and after I hung up, I called the number and realized the same agent that showed our house that morning wanted to show it again. So, I went outside (still raining) and told the people they were welcome to come in. Meanwhile, my child had wandered outside behind me with his socks on (now soaking wet) and of course, he was still pantless. And there I am, 9 months pregnant. If nothing else, maybe these people will buy out of pity?
I sprinted upstairs and Febreezed Brady's room which smelled like poop. Thankfully, he didn't fling it around his room. I didn't bother to pick up the 34 toys he managed to get out in the 10 minutes I was on the phone - I figure they had already seen my house clean once, and that was enough.
We went down to the garage while they looked around. After 15 minutes or so, the agent came downstairs to ask me a few questions (including when would we be wanting to close) and let me know they were done. Brady and I followed her up the stairs and ran into the interested couple before they left. The guy who was holding a 5 month old baby said, "I'd feel bad if I left and didn't tell you this...but I actually know your husband."
Since there is rarely a place we go that Eric doesn't know someone, this actually didn't shock me. However, when he said that he went to high school with Eric and was actually in his class, I was surprised. Eric went to a high school 2 hours from here with a graduating class of 150 people.
I wish I had a better ending to the story. Like you know, THEY BOUGHT OUR HOUSE! But no. We were one of the final two choices and they went with two. I told Eric he should have been nicer to him in high school.
So the house selling saga continues. If showing a house with a toddler isn't exciting enough, I can't wait until we have a newborn! Seriously banking on a sympathetic buyer.
My suspicions were correct - he had pooped and decided to go on a little excavation. Thankfully, I caught it early and he had only managed to get poop on his hand and rub a little on his arm. A few more minutes and who knows what I would have found. So, I changed him, cleaned him up, and took him downstairs with me, since a nap seemed out of the question. I had a phone interview with Marvin Williams scheduled for an upcoming article, so I made my call while Brady played. My call waiting beeped in soon after the interview started and I ignored the unknown number. I happened to look outside and saw a car idling in front of our house. I then realized that the unknown number was the showing agency. Luckily, my interview wasn't long and after I hung up, I called the number and realized the same agent that showed our house that morning wanted to show it again. So, I went outside (still raining) and told the people they were welcome to come in. Meanwhile, my child had wandered outside behind me with his socks on (now soaking wet) and of course, he was still pantless. And there I am, 9 months pregnant. If nothing else, maybe these people will buy out of pity?
I sprinted upstairs and Febreezed Brady's room which smelled like poop. Thankfully, he didn't fling it around his room. I didn't bother to pick up the 34 toys he managed to get out in the 10 minutes I was on the phone - I figure they had already seen my house clean once, and that was enough.
We went down to the garage while they looked around. After 15 minutes or so, the agent came downstairs to ask me a few questions (including when would we be wanting to close) and let me know they were done. Brady and I followed her up the stairs and ran into the interested couple before they left. The guy who was holding a 5 month old baby said, "I'd feel bad if I left and didn't tell you this...but I actually know your husband."
Since there is rarely a place we go that Eric doesn't know someone, this actually didn't shock me. However, when he said that he went to high school with Eric and was actually in his class, I was surprised. Eric went to a high school 2 hours from here with a graduating class of 150 people.
I wish I had a better ending to the story. Like you know, THEY BOUGHT OUR HOUSE! But no. We were one of the final two choices and they went with two. I told Eric he should have been nicer to him in high school.
So the house selling saga continues. If showing a house with a toddler isn't exciting enough, I can't wait until we have a newborn! Seriously banking on a sympathetic buyer.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Sorry, I'm new at this
My contractions started on Thursday night. Coach Guthridge was getting inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame and Eric and I were at the dinner. I began having contractions over a mediocre piece of salmon and steak, and they were coming about 5 minutes apart. They weren't long or painful, but after almost an hour, we decided to make an early exit (Eric was already going to have difficulty focusing on the 10 speeches to come, so there was no hope of his attention if he thought his wife was in labor). I convinced him to wait until after dessert and just my luck, they announced that dessert would be served after the speeches concluded.
On the ride home, we went in to planning mode, and decided that we needed to get serious on this choosing a name thing which we had made little progress on. We relieved the baby sitter and got focused on finding the baby stuff. Eric climbed into the attic to pull down a few things. I scrounged around for nursing bras and nursing tops and threw a few things into a bag for the hospital. Then we went into the garage and tried to find some baby clothes, at least enough so the baby wouldn't have to be naked the first week or so. Thankfully, I was semi-organized when storing Brady's clothes so this proved not too difficult. Meanwhile, Eric looked everywhere for the infant car seat insert and eventually in our disaster of a garage, we came up with it. That, as well a huge Christmas bin I didn't know existed that included an unopened Mickey Mouse Christmas Tree topper that Eric actually tried to convince me to save "in case Brady wants it for his tree one day." Can you see why moving (ie getting rid of stuff) will be a challenging task in our family?
Meanwhile, the contractions didn't get any stronger, but they were still coming and since this was how it all when down with Brady, I was convinced I'd have the baby the next day at some point. So we called Eric's parents and they made the trip from Hickory.
Whoops.
So this is what they call false labor. I hope Brant and Kay enjoyed spending the next day with their (until further notice) only grandchild, because the contractions stopped when I went to bed. Thanks to them for taking it in stride. We'll make sure its the real thing next time.
The good news is I am now more prepared for the baby, both mentally and from a gear standpoint. I was neither on Thursday night, but after a few hours of convincing myself that the baby was coming, we actually got excited! Let's just say with Brady, the excitement was built in and with this one, some other things have overshadowed it.
Side note: my procedure to get the baby flipped was successful last week so praise God, no c-section had to be scheduled! Very thankful that the baby will be able to pick his or her own birthday. May 3rd is not it.
On the ride home, we went in to planning mode, and decided that we needed to get serious on this choosing a name thing which we had made little progress on. We relieved the baby sitter and got focused on finding the baby stuff. Eric climbed into the attic to pull down a few things. I scrounged around for nursing bras and nursing tops and threw a few things into a bag for the hospital. Then we went into the garage and tried to find some baby clothes, at least enough so the baby wouldn't have to be naked the first week or so. Thankfully, I was semi-organized when storing Brady's clothes so this proved not too difficult. Meanwhile, Eric looked everywhere for the infant car seat insert and eventually in our disaster of a garage, we came up with it. That, as well a huge Christmas bin I didn't know existed that included an unopened Mickey Mouse Christmas Tree topper that Eric actually tried to convince me to save "in case Brady wants it for his tree one day." Can you see why moving (ie getting rid of stuff) will be a challenging task in our family?
Meanwhile, the contractions didn't get any stronger, but they were still coming and since this was how it all when down with Brady, I was convinced I'd have the baby the next day at some point. So we called Eric's parents and they made the trip from Hickory.
Whoops.
So this is what they call false labor. I hope Brant and Kay enjoyed spending the next day with their (until further notice) only grandchild, because the contractions stopped when I went to bed. Thanks to them for taking it in stride. We'll make sure its the real thing next time.
The good news is I am now more prepared for the baby, both mentally and from a gear standpoint. I was neither on Thursday night, but after a few hours of convincing myself that the baby was coming, we actually got excited! Let's just say with Brady, the excitement was built in and with this one, some other things have overshadowed it.
Side note: my procedure to get the baby flipped was successful last week so praise God, no c-section had to be scheduled! Very thankful that the baby will be able to pick his or her own birthday. May 3rd is not it.
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