Abby's First Bottle!

We've been talking about how Abby can help with Baby Sam for weeks.  She consistently offered to help with holding him, changing his diaper, feeding him a bottle, giving him a bath, and of course snuggling.

Just a few days ago, she had the opportunity to give him a bottle and she was ecstatic!  She sat in a chair, got all ready to feed baby Sam and she lit up like a Christmas tree!  After just a minute or two she claimed she was all done.  If only it was that quick.  :-)

Abby has been a fantastic big sister!  So far she's been patient and introduces her baby brother to everyone she meets.  She's very proud of him!  Even though she follows up with, "he cries a lot" we've been talking about why he's crying. We try to include her in all Sam happenings as much as possible.  We also try to spend lots of one on one time with her as well.  "It's just you and me, Mom!" One night, she and I made a quick trip to CVS and she was so excited!  Just this morning she and Tim assembled a book case together. 

Sam's Nursery

I love how it came out!  Gray on the walls with a few pieces on the walls.  Shelving is next as I can't decide what I want to do.  Maybe a corner unit, a few floating shelves, or boxes like Abby's room.

Crib and quilt my Mom made

Lots of navy blue and red as accent colors.  Very messy on picture day, but I'm sure you'll forgive me. Still some organizing to do.  Especially since this little guy only spent 2 days in newborn clothes.  We're moving onto 0-3 months!  We are fortunate to have very generous family, friends, and colleagues to contribute to the wardrobe.  Our friends (Chris and Katie) in Vermont are kindly letting us borrow their one-year-old's entire wardrobe!  

2012 Christmas Wrap Up

Since Sam was born on Tuesday night I had just enough time to recover before the onslaught of holiday gatherings.  We debated whether or not to go and let how I was feeling and how Sam was doing determine if we'd be able to make it.

We were able to make appearances at close to home gatherings, but had to miss celebrating with the Proctor family.  We are anxious for everyone to meet Sam, so the guest room is ready!!

Abby's New Doll House

Santa made a mess!  and left a note......

Can you tell that she's excited!?

This is about all that Sam did while opening gifts

Santa was very good to us all and we enjoyed the morning to ourselves.  We cooked a small turkey dinner for my parents later in the afternoon.  Overall, a nice low-key day. 

Of course, it's always important to remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.  We missed attending church services, but made sure to read, "The Story of Christmas" and talk about our nativity.  The Proctors hope each of you enjoyed your Christmas Day and celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. 

Going Home Abby vs Sam

Abigail Jean 11/23/09

Samuel James 12/20/12

They do look a lot alike, huh?  :-)  I made sure to have Abby's hat with us for going home as it has a bit of sentimental meaning. I had trouble getting Sam's sleeper on because he was still so stiff from being scrunched in the womb.  I wasn't sure if we were going to make it home with a clothed kid!  

While Tim and I were certainly a bit more anxious leaving the hospital with Miss Abby, it's like old hat with Mr. Sam.  The transition home has been fabulous.  Abby was in day care for a couple of days to allow us to get a bit adjusted and in a routine.  And, we were fortunate to have the holiday to give us time to spend as a family of four.

9 days Old

Lot of things happening in the past nine days.  It still seems a bit surreal that we have a nine day old.  Here are a few pictures!

TROUBLE with a capital T

Mimi love

In the past nine days Mr. Samuel has had his first bath, lost his umbilical cord, gone through dozens of cloth diapers, had his first Christmas, been loved by his big sister, and spent lots of time snuggling with his Momma and Dada.   And, he's put himself on a nice routine - eating every three to four hours.  We're getting great sleep because I have the best husband and partner in the world and he takes the 11-12am feeding so I get a solid 5-6 hours of sleep and a few cat naps.

Mostly I am...

...grateful Sam arrived in enough time for us to spend the holidays with family.  (Tim's family is on the docket!)
...thankful for the well-wishes of our family and friends.
...excited that Abby is at day care today. :-)
...ecstatic that I've had a speedy recovery.  
...mesmerized by the tiniest new addition to the family.
...loving our family of four.

Abby Meets Sam!

Oh, how sweet they are already. Tim picked Abby up from daycare and made their way to the hospital. She has been so excited to give Sam his birthday gift since we bought it at the craft fair in November.

She timidly made her way into the room and was quickly enamored with the baby.  She gave him her gift and imagine her surprise when Sam gave her a gift, too!

Sam gave Abby a Dora Big Sister book!

Abby gave Sam a wooden toy car...vroom vroom!

Abby quickly got over her shyness and ruled the room in just a few minutes.

First family of four picture

We are quickly getting settled at home and into a routine.  Abby loves giving her baby brother kisses, bringing him toys, and reading him books.  Let's hope this keeps up!

Introducing....

The Proctors are pleased to introduce to you our newest addition, Mr. Samuel James.

He arrived on Tuesday evening, December 18th at 10:07pm.  Weighing in at an even 8lbs and measuring 21" in length, he is beautiful and doing very well.


Birth Story:

Like with Abby, I want to jot this down before details are forgotten.  Actually, there's not much to it as he made his appearance pretty quickly.

The story actually starts Friday 12/14.  I had my 39 week appointment and actually started having contractions around 1pm.  Unfortunately, they fizzled out by 3am so our hopes were dashed.  By our official due date, I knew we'd be able to induce on Wednesday at our post date ultrasound, so at least there was a date in mind. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait that long.  On Tuesday 12/18 at around 1pm, the contractions began again.  By 6pm, I shared with Tim that we might want to have my Mom stay the night, "just in case" we had to scoot on out.  Thankfully we did because if we had to wait for her we may have had to deliver on the side of the road.

At 9pm, I had Tim call the on-call doctor to determine if we needed to go in as the contractions were between 5-10 minutes apart and I was leaking a bit of fluid.  At 9:15pm I heard a "pop" and my realized my water broke - which hadn't happened with Abby.  Thirty seconds later Tim received a call back from the doctor and we began to make our way into the hospital.  We arrive at about 9:45 and as I walked from the parking garage through the barren halls to the Labor & Delivery floor, my contractions were quite intense.  Because I had an epidural with Abby, I wasn't exactly sure what they felt like from 5-10 centimeters.  L&D sent us to triage and before I got there they decided by my reactions to redirect me right to Delivery.  With only seconds between contractions, I made it to the delivery room and realized with the next oncoming contraction that I felt the need to push. I stood by the bed, fully dressed, boots still on, and purse still on my shoulder.

The nurse quickly got me situated and checked my cervix.  She claimed, "9+ cm" and then politely barked several orders out to the half dozen people in my room. I realized at this moment and asked, "Does this mean it is too late for drugs?"  She chuckled and shared that I'd have a new baby in just minutes.

I was hooked up to the monitor at 9:53 and they made me breath through a couple of contractions so they could actually get me and the room ready for delivery.  After three good contractions and between 5-10 pushes, Sam was born at 10:07.  We barely made it.... :-)

The worst part of the process was the next 45 - 60 minutes as the nurses and doctors tried to stop by uterus from bleeding.  Apparently, and they were good to not let on, it was pretty serious. By 2am we were up on the Mother and baby floor ready to begin recovery.

We are getting discharged today (Thursday) and will be able to begin the return to reality and settling into a family of four.  What a blessed Christmas present we have!

Christmas PJ's

Doesn't everyone love a new pair of pj's?  Abby sure does!  She's showing off her new pair AND her new Christmas Tree backpack.  Boy did she feel all grown up without the footies and having to button the top. 

Treats for the Nurses (recipe inside!)

On Friday night I was busy in the kitchen preparing treats for the nurses since I **thought** we'd be heading in.  After making more peanut butter blossoms I made this delicious popcorn goodness that was to die for.  Popcorn Peppermint Bark.

Super easy.....like crazy easy.

photo credit Katelyn Olson because I was too lazy to take my own picture

Pop a bunch of popcorn, drizzle some dark chocolate over it, shake a bit of salt on it, and sprinkle some crunched up candy canes.  Delightful.

Here it is in more detail (from my friend Katelyn):

Pop 1/2 a cup of popcorn and spread it on 2 wax papered (or parchment, whatever) covered sheets. Pick out the unpopped kernels. Melt 1 C of dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the popcorn. Sprinkle with salt and 1/3 C crushed candy canes.  

First Snow of 2012!

As part of bedtime Sunday night, we peered outside the window at the falling snow and Abby claimed that she wanted to go out an play!  We encouraged bed time and hoped that rain would stay at bay so she'd get her wish in the morning.  A bit of a delay while we (Daddy) shoveled and cleaned off cars, Abby got her wish!  I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of the bundled up pair. 

The "tantrum" of the morning was getting Abby to wear her new blue jacket instead of her pink one.  Doesn't she just look too cute!? 

40 Weeks 0 Days (Eviction Notice!)

Dear Baby P,

I hereby serve to you:

In case you can't read it:


I, the Landlord (Mommy), am issuing a notice for EVICTION. Tenant (Baby) will have to comply and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until authorization for removal by physician. After which, she will be removed from the property by induction.

The Tenant (Baby) is being evicted due to breach of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back and sides of the house were also made without approval from the Landlord (Mommy).

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. Due to the damage by the Tenant (Baby), the foundation has been compromised, and the structural integrity of the house is questionable. The Landlord (Mommy) has also received numerous complaints about frequent nightly disturbances.

If the Tenant (Baby) doesn’t comply with the notice it will result in an immediate and forceful removal at the discretion of a physician and the Landlord (Mommy)

Tragedy in CT

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  As the school prepares to open today, I sat in tears watching the Today Show remember those who lost their lives.  May each family find peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.  May the rest of us remember to love each other as God intended. 

Baby #2 Update

Well, after my 39 week appointment on Friday morning, there was significant hope we'd be the proud parents of two kiddos by the time this goes to print.  The doctor gave a clean bill of health all around and stripped my membranes to get this labor going.  By 3pm contractions had commenced to the point where I started tracking them.  About 30 seconds to one minute in duration and 15 minutes apart.  Not strong enough to be super excited, but certainly was anxious that things had progressed. 

Plans went into action.  Mimi was called to spend the night in the event we had to make a middle of the night trip to the hospital and texts were sent to immediate family.  By 3am all excitement came to a stall.  After lots of sleep and wonder if the contractions would get stronger - nada.  At least we got some extra sleep!

The good news is that we did talk through a plan with the doctor for induction.  I told her, "I don't want to be in the hospital for Christmas, and neither did she." After a chuckle, we agreed that at the post date ultrasound, I could elect to induce that afternoon if all was in good standing.  So, the way I look at this - we have until Wednesday tops.  I'll hope for natural progress, but at least I have a date for my type-A personality. 

Still feeling well.  I'm technically working from home still, but under the circumstances I'll most likely start my leave next week.  So, what else to keep my busy for the next few days?  Maybe a Christmas pageant, a birthday party, baking, preparing some frozen meals, wrapping, light housework, shopping.....having a baby?  The latter would be pretty awesome.  :-)

Holiday Baking

This weekend we spent lots of time on holiday baking and crafting.  Abby was the perfect assistant!  She helped mix and roll peanut butter cookies for "blossoms", unwrap candy canes for a new treat, and stir cereal for Chex Mix. 

Yummy!

I cut and she unwrapped

these are not ours,  but they came out close! 

The candy cane treats I plan on giving away to my staff and colleagues.  They were fun to make and fairly quick.  The picture was all over facebook and I just figured out how to whip them up.  Wouldn't they be perfect in a cup of hot chocolate????

Sticking Close to Home

Well, our little guy isn't making things easy around here...or maybe he is :-)  After significant more swelling in the lower extremities over the weekend I called the doc for advice.  They wanted to see me and determined that the feet needed to be elevated above the heart as much as possible for the duration of the pregnancy.  The good news is that my blood pressure, protein levels, pulse, baby's heart rate, etc all look excellent.  Even the blood work came back with fabulous ratings.  All organs functioning properly.  Their concern at this time is the 7 lb weight gain in five days (WHAT?!!!???).  Clearly there is some retention of fluid happening.....(yes, I'm drinking water and not eating a lot of sodium). So, to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia or toxemia they are recommending me remain home, feet up. I'll be in the office one more day to wrap up a few things and then wait out the rest days at home. 

The good news is that I can still work part time, so at least I'll have something to do.  There's only so much reading or TV watching this mama can do. 


Baby P: 39 weeks today
Abby: 3 years 1 1/2 months

Rudolph

We're certainly getting into the Christmas spirit around here!!  Mimi took Abby out for a holiday gathering sponsored by her employer.  They made lots of crafts, decorated cookies, and I think went on a little shopping trip as she came home with lots of goodies. 

One of those goodies is a new Rudolph book!  She had to wear her slippers while reading of course....

We're taking in all the Christmas shows....Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty, Rudolph, Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life....ahhhh, the holidays!

38 Weeks 4 days (picture added!)

That would be today.  I'm scheduling this post for a couple of days, so I'm hoping I've jinxed myself and maybe, just maybe we'll be at the hospital?  Maybe? Pretty please??

This is the time in every pregnancy that you're done. D.O.N.E.  Put a fork in me done.  The discomfort has set in, sleep ceases to exist, the pressure of baby is mounting, and waddling is oh so evident.  This is the time when your colleagues ask, "are you still here?" every.single.day. The time when you have to pee a teaspoon every hour and wish you had a catheter, or at least a bathroom 5 feet from your desk.

Miss Abigail arrived 5 days early.  Will her brother?  Will he be like his Daddy and take his time?  Many of you recall Tim not being so punctual as a result of this phenomenon called Timmy Time.  Abby's delivery was quite text book (cover your eyes and skip to the next paragraph if you get grossed about by bodily functions) in nature.  We had an internal at our 38 week appt, lost the mucus plug two days later, and went into labor two days after that.  Will Baby P decide to do the same or stay nice an cozy for two additional weeks?

It's also the time when you are anxious to really meet your new bundle of joy.  The anticipation of learning if he will be a red head or brunette (or blonde?!) with blue eyes or brown.  Will he be a good sleeper or not-so good?  It's the time you realize the newborn stage goes by in a blink and you want to soak it all up before going back to work.

For now, let's hope I've jixed myself and will be in labor in about a week.  Please.   

The Holiday Spirit

It's hard to say "yes" to all the holiday gatherings and festivities when you know you're about to add a new member to your family.  You're so close, the anxiousness of not knowing when (or how) he's going to make his grand entrance is at its height.  So, you say, "maybe" and hope for the best.  You know the holiday spirit will shine on no matter what. 

We might be missing out on a few things - work holiday parties, gatherings with friends, or fun-filled community events, but we are saying yes to time spent at home.  Time spent taking care of colds turned into ear infections (Abby), achy feet and backs (Mommy), last minute cramming for work (Daddy) and of course getting ready for a new little one.  Gazing at the sparkly lights and ornaments on the tree because you convinced your spouse that 5 weeks before Christmas is an appropriate time to put up the tree certainly adds a bit of holiday spirit.  Even if its needles are gone two weeks before Santa's visit.

Sometimes the time spent at home is just what the doctor ordered without the prescription.  With Abby being sick, it gave me an excuse to implement a bit of a transition plan with work.  I'd stay home with her in the morning while Tim took over in the afternoon.  It was wonderful to spend time with her, even though sick, and sending a few emails with her snuggled next to me watching Christmas shows (or Lion King or Polar Express or Lady and the Tramp).   Now, this is the holiday spirit!

And the spirit shines on when Eddie the Elf is the first thing she looks for when rising in the morning or when Santa (yes, SANTA!) calls to check in.  We're all in the holiday spirit - saying yes to what we can and maybe when we need to pause.  Waiting anxiously for our very, very, very special holiday gift. 

Soon to be a Family of Four

As we anxiously await meeting our newest addition, we took the opportunity to snap a few shots in front of the tree. 

Teddy had to get into the action, too!

The Big Sister

As we approach D-Day (you know delivery day), we've been talking to Abby about being a big sister.  She's going to be awesome. She already knows that she's going to help with changing him, feeding him, holding him, kissing him, giving him raspberries, reading to him, sharing his toys, and of course loving him and welcoming him into our family.

She's ecstatic!  Abby has learned a lot about being a big sister already by taking care of a few of the babies at her day care.  We talk about her BBF (Mari) having a little sister (Lily) and how they have to share, etc.  She's already shown so much interest and love in her little brother it's overwhelming.  I hope it continues and they become best of friends and never fight, ever.  Ever.

In fact, as we all reflect on our little family, we've all had moments of overwhelming love.  Just this past weekend, Abby was having a tough Sunday.  She was a bit (okay, a lot) constipated and just couldn't get out of her own way.  I woke up cranky and had little patience for much of anything.  And Tim, well, Tim was just being his awesome, laid back self  (good thing there's more testosterone joining the family).

Abby had spilled her cup of water all over the coffee table after I had asked her to not take off the cover of her cup.  I certainly didn't yell, but asked her to get a towel to help pick it up.  She obliged, but still knew she did something wrong.

Later, Abby became very upset and scared of the narrator from Polar Express - a CD we thought she'd like played for her bed time reading.  In both cases, she sweetly apologized, even though no apology was needed.  It made both of us melt into a puddle and realize how incredibly amazing this big sister will be and how lucky we truly are.

I'm a bit sad that we'll have to "share" our time with her, and will look forward to mother/daughter time when we can snag it.  Don't get me wrong, I'm truly excited to meet this little guy, but Abby is a true gem. She's going to be an AWESOME big sister. 

36 W 3 D

That would be 36 weeks and 3 Days.... oh yes, this Turkey is cooking away!

Baby P (excuse the hair - hadn't finished getting ready for work yet)

Abby

Still feeling okay....We are now scheduled for weekly appointments.  On Tuesday, the doctors were concerned with the swelling in my lower legs and feet.  After being sent for an ultra sound, blood clots are ruled out.  They suggested more leg elevation, massage, and even offered a prescription for compression socks.  Oooo, fun!  Since Abby has been sleeping well (knocking on every piece of wood in sight!), we've been sleeping well.  I get up a couple of times a night to hit the ladies room, but otherwise mostly comfortable.  I plan on working right up until delivery, but will let the medical opinions dictate. 

Happy Third Birthday Abby!

Okay, so we're a couple (4) days early, but we certainly celebrated in style.  We wish we had the opportunity to invite all of Abby's little friends (aka my friends with kids her age), but 1) our house is not big enough and 2) she's still too young for a friend AND family party. We stuck with just family and "family" this year and still had over 30 guests.  This by far has been the most fun birthday for Abby!  She totally got everything about it - the presents, the anticipation, the celebration, the presents, the cake, the fun, the presents, the thank you's, and of course the presents!

We set up a canopy in her room and had a dozen or so (mostly small trinkets or cutesy stuff) presents wrapped in comic paper waiting for her this the morning.  She managed to wrangle herself into our bed around 5:30 and since I was NOT getting up that early she stayed to snuggle.  After decorating for her party Saturday night, I was surprised she was not rip-roaring ready to go! 

Papa, Gwen, and Auntie Erin joined us earlier in the weekend to maximize time spent with Abby and all were incredibly (Tim included) helpful in tidying up and adding the finishing touches to the party of the season!  The birthday girl had a BLAST playing with everyone, skipping nap, opening presents, meeting Curious George, eating cake, and passing out at 6:45.  Let's hope she stays asleep all night!!

Uncle Rob in the only George costume I could find....

The balloons that George brought!

A little shy during the official singing

Saying thank you to everyone - blowing kisses and waving before the canvasing the room

one final cupcake before bed

About 15 minutes later after bath

Abby hasn't been to bed this early since - I have no idea....Let's hope she stays asleep all night!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Abby - officially in four days!!!