Ready Or Not

We just got a thumbs up from the pediatrician, so we're headed home later this morning. Grandma and Grandpa have been holding down the fort since we left and deserve gold medals for keeping Sam standing. I just checked in and they were headed out the door to music class -- definitely fodder for the Grandparents of the year award.

Here's hoping the transition home goes well. Of course I'm super nervous, but hopeful that it will go better than expected. We'll see.

Easy Does It

It’s absolutely true what they say: it’s much easier the second time around. My delivery with Sam was horrendous – after pushing for three hours he was delivered with help from a pair of forceps, which required two docs to maneuver. There was a team of pediatricians waiting for him in the wings because he’d been in so much distress, and even though Sam was just fine and I eventually recovered, the experience was seared into my memory (and not in a good way!)

Needless to say, I had some anxiety about going through labor and delivery again. It kept me up at night and became painfully clear when I burst into tears after learning our induction time was moved up by five hours.

Well all my worry was for not. Elliott’s delivery was smooth sailing all the way. I loved my nurses, really loved my epidural, and in spite of some nervousness, pushing was pretty easy too. Elliott came roaring into the world after just 15 minutes!

Now we’re resting and relaxing in room 1164. Between the nurse call button and four hours of uninterrupted sleep last night I feel like I’m at a five-star resort. The only downside is how terribly I miss little Sam. Given H1N1 concerns, they aren’t letting anyone under the age of 18 in the hospital, so Sam’s at home with Grandma and Grandpa. It will be so great to see him tomorrow and introduce him to baby Elliott.

Our last night with the bump:

My first glimpse of Elliott:

Proud Papa:

Big yawn...

Gobble Gobble

Our Thanksgiving celebration kicked off last night when Sam helped me cook up the pumpkin pie. He wasn't a big fan of the mixer (too loud!), but he LOVED the pie filling! Today was quiet, but nice. Sam and I napped while Steve slaved over our Thanksgiving feast, which was really delicious. Sam was pretty pumped about the spread, but refused to taste any of it with the exception of the ice cream that was served with the pie.

We went around the table so everyone could share what they are most thankful for this year:
Me: "Daddy, Sam, and being at the end of my pregnancy instead of the beginning."
Steve: "A healthy, happy family and a football team that's 9-1"
Sam: "Santa Claus"

Hope your day was delicious and fun.

T Minus Seven Days

With just a week to go until my scheduled induction, we are officially in the homestretch. I haven't written a lot about my pregnancy, mostly because I haven't had a whole lot of time to really focus on it. Like most second-time moms, the books I poured over the first time around have mostly sat idle on my nightstand and many of the weekly emails I received from babycenter.com went unread. Don't get me wrong, I still find the process incredibly amazing and intriguing, there's just only so much I can do in any given day!


At this point, I'm feeling pretty terrible and looking forward to crossing the finish line. I don't mean to complain -- complianing about being pregnant is like winning an Olympic medal and complaining about the training. Pregnancy is certainly a privelage and a blessing, but I've had enough! At this point - given the sleepless nights, back aches, leg cramps and uncomfortable clothes, I'm ready to get the show on the road!

Here are a few snapshots that document my growing belly. The first is from June. I remember feeling prematurely huge. Ha - I'd kill to look like that again!

September:

November:

Turning Two - Part Two

Saturday brought more nice weather, so we actually celebrated Sam's special day outside on the patio. A real rarity this time of year, which made it even more special.

The guest list for Sam's party was small, but distinguished -- Grandma and Grandpa Boylan, Kristine, Meghan, Shriner, Karen and Mom and Dad.

At Sam's last birthday party, he wasn't very interested in his cake, but this year was a whole different story. He was all too eager to blow out the candles and dig right in to the icing. Never mind the cake -- the icing was pure sugar, something Sam has come to LOVE. I figured you only turn two once, so I looked the other way and hoped that the sugar buzz would fade in time for Sam's nap (it did!)

Turning Two - Part One

Sam really lived it up for his second birthday. The weekend started with a bang when Aunt Kristine and Cousin Meghan rolled into town on Thursday night. Friday was warm and sunny, so we took in the zoo, the park and RJ Grunts for lunch. After carrying Sam from the Primate House all the way to Grunts, I thought I was going into early labor. No such luck, but needless to say, I was ready for bed by 9 p.m. that night.

Bust a Move

Sam busted out a new little dance about a week ago. He was in the bathtub the first time he did it and it had me in hysterics. He just stood up and started to groove -- never mind that there wasn't any music on. Now it happens a couple of times a day and the best part about it is his expression while it's happening. He flashes a huge grin and opens his mouth. Sometimes he'll add in some screaming at the end. We get his happy dance anytime he does something noteworthy, like using the potty, and when he's really excited. Case in point: we spent a sunny morning at the zoo and after a quick snack break, he busted a move before checking out a few more animals.