We survived our first 2 weeks!

So, for those of you that were wondering... yes, we are still alive.

Ramiro went back to work on Tuesday and left me with 3 kids. I do admit that I was a bit frightened, much like I was that first time that he left me with Gaby. So, doing what I do best I jumped in with both feet and both eyes shut!

I couldn't justify staying in yet anther day, so we went out to the library. The girls more than cooperated. They did a great job listening and staying close by. I don't know what I would have done had one of them had a meltdown. I did have to feed Alex at the library (I have never done that in public before) but as with all things.... there is a first time for everything. It went as well as could be expected. I did get advice from another mom as to how to use my infant sling. Another thing that's a first for me. I never used one for the girls but seeing as I only have 2 hands, I have to find a way to keep all 3 children close. That turned out to be fantastic! I sling him at least once a day now (twice today) and he and I love it! He feels cradled and secure and I have 2 free hands to do what I need to do.

My sister came to help yesterday and stayed through today. She made enough food for a small army (which I think we are now), cleaned the kitchen and did our laundry. Not something that was going to get done any time soon! God Bless her! We now have enough food for the next winter :>)

Tomorrow, Grandpa is taking Gaby and Bella. They will drop Gaby at school and spend some time together. I for one will try and rest... One can hope!

So, we are adjusting to our new family and we will wait and see what week 3 brings. As Ramiro and I have commented: we cannot believe that Alex is already 2 weeks old, and at the same time we have no idea what our lives were like 15 days ago. We do not know how we ever lived without him.

Mississippi & Sunshine

So my 2 lovely daughters have new favorite songs that "we must hear" in the car. Gaby's favorite song is "Sunshine and Summertime" by Faith Hill (which she knows all the words to and sings at the top of her lungs). Bella's song is Mississippi Girl by Faith Hill and she also knows all the words. She asks where Mississippi is and if it's far away. I'm just glad I get a break from the Sesame Street CD for a while! I love my Ipod!

Alex has arrived.... Finally!

So, Alex made his grand debut on Friday at 6:25am. He had to be different and enter the world differently than his sisters. At 2am, my water broke and we were off to the hospital. The epidural came at 3:30am and I was more than glad. No complications during the birth... thank God. I did need a bit of Pitocin since the contractions did become a bit irregular, but according the nurse "just a drop". At about 5:30am, Alex's heart rate dropped and I needed oxygen. But according to the nurse "nothing to worry about".

My husband? Fine thank you. He slept at the hospital while I labored. No worries! He woke up as the doctor was telling me to push at 6:15am. He claims "Hey, I was awake when he was born" I suppose that is technically true. But don't worry about him... he slept that same night from 8:30pm till 6am. My husband that is. Alex and I were up every hour from 2am till 8am. Yeah... he owes me a few. He's lucky his son is cute!

Alex is beyond great! He is beyond handsome as you can see. He has already survived his first full day at home with his sisters screaming and going on with their day. Stay tuned for our new adventures.... I have no idea what we are in for!

He lives by his own set of rules!

So, Alex is not coming out... not ever. I am going to have to go to college again because he is not coming out! The dr's appt was beyond disappointing when she said I am no where near delivering. I went in very hopefull, as I was having contractions 5-7 min apart. Although, I knew they were not strong enough yet, I was sure that the end was near. We spent 3 hours with the doctor monitoring my contractions, and his heartrate. The problem is that he is extremely high. She then ordered an ultrasound to ensure that he wasn't too big and stuck somewhere. Of course not. He's a perfect size, currently weighing 7lbs. 5 oz. She called this morning with the results of the ultrasound affirming that he is perfect and just not ready to come out. She pretty much guarantees that he will not be out before next week.

Of course we are ecstatic that he is healthy and we did get a very clear picture of his face. Of course he immediately covered his face! We did see his chubby cheeks and little nose. He's lucky that he appears to be cute at this point.

So, he is his father's son and will show up when he is good and ready and not before.
And so we wait............

Where were you today?

Dinner Conversation on Monday:

Mommy: "Gaby how was your day today?"
Gaby: "Good."
Mommy: "What did you do?"
Gaby: " I went to school today."
Mommy: "And how was that?"
Gaby: "Good."
Mommy (thinking): Okay.......

Mommy: "Bella. How was your day today?"
Bella: "Good."
Mommy: "What did you do today?"
Bella: "You know.... you were there!"
Mommy (thinking): Okay........

These Last Days

So no baby yet and I'm getting the same old tired question... "How are you feeling?" My blanket answer? "Oh, Ok, I guess" Another comment I frequently hear is "How can she keep going with the girls and getting other things done?" It's not easy, but I can't keep the girls locked up. I'm about to rock their world and I have to keep it as "normal" as possible at least for a little while longer. I get a lot of pity looks of what I hear as "My goodness is she big and uncomfortable." The truth is they're right. It's with a very heavy heart that I say that. I really went into this pregnancy with a more than enthusiastic attitude. It is my last pregnancy and I feel guilty for wishing it over. I wish my reason for wishing it over were simply that I can't wait to hold that baby boy but mostly my reason is wanting to put on my own shoes without the help of a 4 and 2 year old. It's a sad day when a 2 year old has to help me put on socks!!! Don't get me wrong, I thank God for Bella who is always more than happy to help but I am the adult after all, who should be helping her!

I'm averaging 4 hours of sleep a night and can't help but wish for the 2 hour feeding schedule to begin. At least I would be guaranteed several naps in the daytime! The baby is most active at 11pm and 4 am, which of course wakes me then I can't fall back asleep till about 6am. I spend those 2 hours making lists in my head, trying not to wake the rest of the family, and of course wishing for sleep. If he can keep up that schedule once he's out here, you won't hear me complain.

I pray this baby comes this week. I am at the end of my rope here and keeping up appearances has become more than difficult. But again, I must do what I must do. In no way should the girls be put out. Lord knows that will happen soon enough.
Well, here's to another week!

Gaby back at school

So Gaby survived her first week at school. Wednesday was her first day, which Daddy took her to since it was my last day of work. It was a short day (1 hour) and it apparently went well. There are 3 teachers total, since the child to teacher ratio must be 7:1. One of her teachers from last year is now teaching the 4 yr old class and Gaby was very excited to see Ms. Denise. It had never occured to me that they might do that for continuity. Great idea, it obviously works.
Today was Gaby's second day, a full-day (2.5 hrs) and again it went well. Bella wanted to get there early to pick up Gaby. She kept asking if it was time to go get her... i guess she missed her. Mostly, I think, Bella wanted to go and play in the schoolyard. So Gaby gets out at 11:30 and we were the first ones there at 11:15. Yes, of course, we were the last ones to leave at 11:40 since neither one of them wanted to go. Gaby already brought home her first masterpiece. I will have to redecorate the kitchen!!!!!