I Saucy Daddy

So, Todd got home late tonight because a recruit was in from Georgia.  Mama was about 2.2 seconds away from losing it (I'm blaming it on crazy hormones and NOT my devil angelic 22 month old).  Here's a run down of the day...starting with the night before...
-Ty coughed ALL night again and we heard it ALL night via the video monitor (poor kid...not his fault, but OH-SO-ANNOYING)
-Todd snored
-Ace cuddled (only woke up 2 times to eat from midnight - 8:30 am)
-Mama's arms kept falling asleep and I was half in/half out of it in between listening to Ty's coughs to listen for projectile vomiting and sleeping oh, so carefully with Ace (I know, I know I shouldn't do it but a little 6.10oz. baby boy is simply irresistable.
-Ty woke up at 6am and brought his ridiculously loud wonderful Handy Manny toolbox to greet me in my bed with Ace. He also brought me the newspaper.  And, his milsh (that's milk, duh). 
-What to do today...hmmm...the car wash.  The bank.  ANYTHING to get out of the house with 2 where I don't have to get 2 kids in and out, in and out.  I've decided that Ace is easier than Ty.  Mama isn't supposed to be lifting anything heavier than Ace until Saturday.  I'm pretty sure that eliminates my 41 lb. Ty Baby.  But, desperate times call for desperate measures.  ( I just hope the lovely stiches I have agree with me)
-Getting out the door was kind of like a nightmare.  Each kiddo was dressed in a new diaper and then they pooped (yes, they're already ganging up on Mom).  Of course, when Ace gets changed, he decides he needs to eat something.  Ty becomes bored VERY quickly, so we then need something for him to do.  Hmmmm...yeah, there goes the LAUNDRY I JUST FOLDED AND NEATLY PLACED IN THE BASKET LAST NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT. 
-We get in the car and for the love of GOD if we don't go see Daddy then we're going to have WW3 in my house between Ty and I...Daddy makes it all better, so off to do our 2 errands we go. 
-These errands were done in the midst of making an appt. for Ty to the Dr. (seems to be our favorite place these days) because he cannot. quit. coughing.  His coughing leads to vomiting.  It's not good. 
-Ty falls asleep, I lug him up stairs (he's deadweight) for a 3.5 hour nap (guess that's what happens when you you can't sleep at night) and I have to wake him up for his Dr.'s appt.  We had to take Ace to Nana and Pop's so I could take Ty to the Dr.  He did excellent, and for now we're upping the an-ti on breathing treatments (stupid nebulizer).  Mr. "I'm in charge" is sure getting some bribery to sit still for these treatments. 
-Mama then goes to get the new med's, runs home to wash yet another load of clothes the builder sent for "touch up's" who was supposed to use plastic to cover clothes/shoes/other closet goods and DID NOT.  Oh, how I hate him now.  I got one clean load neatly hung, go to swap another load, and Ty had puked AGAIN in my closet floor (yes, it's carpeted).  UGH.  Crying baby.  Ty's got puke all over him.
-OMG where's the freakin' wine? 

But then there was laughter.  For some reason, Ty ran over to Todd.  He hugged his legs and bit him.  In the butt.  And, left major teeth marks.  It was hilarious.  I mean, for me it was hilarious.  I had to leave the room so Todd could discipline him. (to our knowledge he has not bitten anyone and from the look of fear on his face I highly doubt he'll ever bite again)
And, cute little Ty Baby hugged Todd and said, "I saucy (sorry) Daddy". 
That pretty much made my crappy day get better. 
Dr. in the AM and then we don't go back for either kiddo until Tuesday.  Hallelujah...these last 2 weeks I feel like that's all we have done!

Park Day

Yesterday, we got to visit the park.  During the day.  A weekday...

The pic above is Steph, Brayden, myself, and Ty Baby.  It was hotter than Haiti yesterday, but very, very fun! 
Check out Ty swinging...

I look forward to many weekday playdates ahead.  Thank GOD for maternity leave :)

Ace Edward Lillpop-1 week

Ace Man...you're 1 week old today.  WOW!  That just flew right on by!  We went shopping in Evansville today and SO many people asked how old you were.  It was so fun telling them "he's 1 week old".  Of course they wanted to just take you home and cover you in kisses.  You behaved excellent and your feedings worked out perfectly.  You and Ty got to use the double stoller for the first time...you had no clue but Ty LOVED that you were riding with him.  I wish I would have taken a picture, but I guess I was preoccupied!

*Ace (1 week)*

Your jaundice counts went back up today to 15.1 (from 14.9 yesterday) so we had to keep you in the window or outside (or in the blanket) "some".  We opted for outside because it was absolutely gorgeous today.  We have to go back for day 7 of the heel pricks in the morning and I'm praying the counts are low enough to where we can return the blanket and never look back!

This week we've had several visitors at home and we've loved it.  We're still getting used to the whole night-time/feeding/2 kids (and 1 of those little boogers has decided to wake up at 1am for NO REASON AT ALL and demand Daddy)/and now we have that same little kiddo getting sick all of the sudden.  Mommy is averaging about 3 hours of good sleep per night; it'll be interesting to see how long this lasts!
The "cool trick" you can do is roll over.  We thought it was a fluke the first time, but you have rolled over from your back to your belly at least 10 times (probably more). 
Your newborn clothes are fitting pretty good (a little loose) and your newborn diapers...well, your skinny little legs are allowing for some leaking unfortunately!  I know it's short lived so we'll deal. 
So, happy 1 week old birthday my man.  I look forward to the next weeks (and months, and years) ahead.  This is SO fun!

Big Day. Big, Big Day

Holy Moly, Ty pee-pee'd on the potty today!  Yes, we did the potty dance after AND he got a chocolate chip cookie.  Here's how it went down...

Lately Ty has been telling us when he has to go potty (both 1 and 2).  He grabs his diaper or squats usually; or he just flat out does so in the bathtub (luckily, only #1's!).  Today, Ty told us he had to go "pee-pee" as he was walking into our bathroom to get his frog potty.  We have one in our bathroom and also in his bathroom upstairs for convenience. 
He likes to sit on it these days as he always has, but now he wants his pants off! 
Todd stripped him down, Ty asked for a book, and he sat there for about 10 minutes.  He grunted a little and actually looked a little bored...until he jumped up and said "all done" and threw his hands up into the air.  We looked inside and while there may have only been a trickle, there was something.  I immediately started singing and dancing in circles, "pee-pee in the potty, pee-pee in the potty"...yeah, I totally embarrassed him.  He covered his eyes, ran over and leaned against the wall with his "I really want to smile, but I'm trying really hard not to smile face". 
So, tomorrow we're buying big boy undies.  And, pull up's.  And, getting out his Sesame Street potty chart the Easter Bunny brought him.  Maybe Mama's jumping the gun, but if he's the one initiating the potty training I'm rolling with it.  Even if it does make me sad my baby boy using his potty before he's 2!

Brothers...see the similarities?

*Ace Edward Lillpop 5.15.2010*

6lbs. 13oz.

18 3/4 inches

8:06am

*Ty Cannon Lillpop 7.9.2008*

6 lbs. 12 oz.

19 3/4 inches

1:16am

Mama Wants Some Bili

Bilirubin.  Haha, I'm kidding. 
I just need a little Bilirubin so I can get a little color on my pasty-white self.  My self tanning lotion is getting on my nerves with my orange spots on my hands!
After heel prick #4 we heading to Dr. Ray's and it was confirmed that Ace Man's counts were up.  Today it his bilirubin level was 16.9 which means phototherapy starts. 

That is was the "Bili Blanket" looks like.  He totally looks like a glo-worm.  He is to stay in the blanket at all times except for diaper changes and bathing.  The good news is he seems to like it..it's warm and cozy!  We'll go back to the hospital tomorrow for heel prick #5 (he's totally the girls favorite in the lab we go to...today they even let us cut line...no we didn't ask :).  HOPEFULLY Dr. Ray will call us to tell us the counts are down afterwards.  And, if they are we'll probably need to go for 1 more heel prick on Saturday morning just to make sure the counts don't go back up. 

So, now that we're tied to the house I'm starting to go stir crazy.  We had thought about drivng to Evansville to do some returning, shopping, and Build-a-Bear making for Ty Baby but that will probably have to wait until this weekend now.  If the sun was out, we could get him off the blanket and take him outside but the weather is damp and it's drizzling.

Meanwhile, Mama has 2 3 sleeping boys in her home and I hear silence.  I'm pretty sure it's naptime for me too :)

Ace Man Update...

Ahhh, this is so fun.
And, so exhausting.  It's a good exhausting though.
I have the "birth story" half-way complete.  I WILL finish that before he's 1.  I promise.
In the meantime, here's an update on Ace Man.

*on his way to get his 2nd heel prick with Daddy*

He's down to 6lbs. 5 oz. (normal), he goes for his 3rd heel prick today to test for jaundice (we go to the hospital for the heel prick just as we did with Ty). 
Both of these boys had rockin' tans that make Mommy super-jealous when they came into this world!  His bilirubin level was up to 14 yesterday and after visiting Dr. Ray (our pediatrition) she said we will start photo-therapy today if it goes up to 16-ish.  Photo-therapy is a little blanket that resembles a glow worm. 
His weight loss is normal, but if it gets lower we're going to start using a dropper to add some extra milk to his diet.  He's latched on (THANK GOD) but he wears himself out after eating for 15 minutes.  These last few feedings have lasted a bit longer so we're hoping that'll get his bowels moving and get that yucky ol' bilirubin out of his system.

*on the way home from Ace's Dr.s appt. (Ty was the Dr. for today and he got stickers)*

Other than that, we're making it.  I'm going to eat my words, but I thought it was going to be much harder.  Yeah, I said it.  Remind me that I said that in about 2 weeks please. 
We love the visitors, the calls, the messages, the texts, the grub (!!!), and the LOVE we have had from all of our family and friends.  We are so lucky to be surrounded by the people that we are.  These little boys keep us on our toes, but since Saturday Todd and I have looked at each other and said in sync about 10 times, "this is so fun". 

Yes, sports fans...life is good :)

So, what did you do this weekend?

Well, we had a baby! 
I left work a little after 5pm on Friday and ran some errands.  We ate supper, took a golf cart ride, chatted with the neighbors, and after a very uncomfortable nap from 9:30-midnight I woke up Todd. 
We arrived at the hospital at 1:15am on Saturday morning.
At 8:06am, Ace Edward Lillpop arrived.
At 6:15pm on Sunday night Mommy, Daddy, and Ace walked back into our home and we're all doing great. 

No, I will not be at work on Monday morning. 

(Birth Story and oodles of Pic's coming soon!)

Life. Is. Good.

Before Ty...
Todd and I referred to each other as "Todd" or "Audrey".  (Well, Todd tried (and still does try) to use cutesy names when he wants to go golfing or play cards but...).  Now, we call each other Mama/Mommy or Daddy.  As in, like all.the.time.  So, for example.  My text message this morning from Todd said , "is Mama having a good day?  contractions? " 

After work we would go to the gym, shop, to a restaurant with friends...there wasn't a "rush" to get home.  Now, we rush.  We (well ME for half the year) rush to pick Ty up and spend 2 good solid hours together before bed time.  I hate, hate, hate that I must work my days away but that's life as we know it, right? 

Anyhow, we try to mix up our plan of action each night.  We have park nights and movie nights.  We water the garden that Papaw planted for us...

We go on golf cart rides nearly every night.  (we take breaks on the golf cart to see what kind of animals are out for the evening...deer, cows, turkey, frogs, snakes (EEEEK), lizards, birds, squirrels, dogs, cats, turtles..and that's a regular occurence to see several of these a day)...

We mow the grass. 

We ride in cars that are soooooo last summer (because the new "this summer" car actually requires manual labor...fred flinstone-like feet action).   

And, we end the night with bathtime.  This is actually a bathtime picture with Ethan. 

Those 2 boys, Ethan and Ty, my goodness.  They are little "pistols" as my Dad said one time.  And, MY child caught on and repeated the "pis" part of that word 1,342 times before he finally realized time out wasn't a cool place to go.  

Todd and I say nearly every night, "what in the world did we do before Ty?".  I mean, how would we go to bed without Barney or Neno (Finding Nemo).  I laugh at work each morning because Ty is so obsessed with putting things in my purse...a hammer from his Handy Manny toolbox, cheerios, his toothbrush (???), his stupid zhu-zhu pet Nugget.  Yeah, you think you're good because your turn your cell phone on silent and then Nugget goes off and the wheels spin.  During a meeting.  With your boss, and their boss, and their boss...good times.  

But, those are my reminders of my little man at home.  Those and the pictures I surround my desk with.  Being a Mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  As Todd said to me immediatley after Ty was born, "if you can watch your child be born and not believe in God there is seriously, something wrong with you".  And, I couldn't agree more.    

 Thank you God for the gift of Motherhood.  Thank you for allowing us to be on the edge of our seats these last few days (or weeks) of my pregnancy with Ace.  We are so excited to be parents again.  Ace is so loved and we haven't even met him yet.  

More importantly, we're excited to have 2 little boys to rush home to each day...because these boys are our life now.  And Life...well, Life Is Good.

Still Cooking...

Well, Ace Man is still a bun in my oven. Thank goodness! I'll admit that when Todd and I were told we would have him by Friday afternoon we were excited. Kind of nervous (still considered pre-term), but excited to meet our little man. Ty was born sooner than 36 weeks and he was fine, so in my mind I guess I thought Ace would be okay too.

*the boys (Blakey, E, Ty Baby) wondering where in the world the "4th" partner in crime is*

However, after Todd and I talked we're still in agreement we think my due date was off with Ty a little bit. His allergies and asthma-like issues, we think, are related to him being a little early (and a tad bit hereditary from Daddy). We hope and pray now that Ace Man waits until at least Friday before making his grand entrance. That would be 37.1 weeks and much, much better than 36 weeks. In fact, when we left the Dr.'s office on Thursday (after being told it was up to us...either go to L & D right away or go home and come back after you get ready), they did have us make a 37 week appt. However, they kind of laughed and said, "well, if you don't show up we'll know why!".
My appt. was scheduled for next Thursday (37.0) at 1pm (I think...I just threw the card in my purse between the cramping and contracting). I've decided I'm going to call tomorrow morning and ask to come in either later (after work) on Thursday or Friday morning. Yes, I said work. If I can sit and home, I can sit at work. I will take it easy and follow Dr.'s orders. I swear.
Why do I want to move the appt. later? Well, that would be for several reasons. But the most important is I want my parents to be able to come down. Mom and Amy took off work Friday for no reason at all! I mean, when a girl is in pain what does she want...her Mama!  And, Amy was going to be able to be in the room this time (if Mom let her!). 
If they tell me I'm further than 2 cm. I'm not sure what she'll say. Pushing back the appt. may delay the progress and allow for a convenient Friday night after work delivery!  So will the castor-oil, eggplant, pedicure (achilles massage) and who knows what else I read about this week to increase my chances of a targeted due date.  Kidding.  Sort of...
Thursday night they said if I would have gone from 2-3 cm. I would have had Ace. I'm not sure what can happen in a week, but I'd say the bets are high that I'd do something. I am still having contractions...though, slightly sporadic and not in a pattern. That's a good thing!
I'm disappointed in my energy level. And, I'm annoyed at everything. I'm not a "sit and relax" type of girl unless I'm sitting on the beach with a cold beverage in my hand.
So, in the meantime my phone is busy, busy with alerts for emails, calls, voicemails, and texts. I'm SOOOOO lucky to have so many friends and family that care so much about our little bundle of joy that's about to sweep us off our feet. We cannot wait for the "real" day to arrive. But, we're praying for AFTER May 14th...please do the same!

L & D...36 weeks

This is for my memories.  Some of the terms are "official hospital terms" so there's the warning...

Yesterday, on May 6th (36 wees on the nose), I felt funny.  Funny as in, I didn't want to eat breakfast.  I was having hot flashes like CRAZY.  And, crampy.  I called my Mom on the way to work like I do everyday, and I told her "something isn't right."  I couldn't get comfortable.  To describe it as lady like as possible I'd say I felt like I have have "menstrual" cramps from hell you know where.  I just wanted to crawl into a ball.  I ate a cup of yogurt and a banana with a large glass of water thinking that may help.  Nope.  Hellllloooo contractions.  Like, strong contractions.  Like, every 2 minute contractions.  After asking several of my girlfriends, my sister, my Mom, and my co-workers, "when you went in to labor did you feel like this" questions, I called the nurse. 
She asks me 4,851 questions and some of them are very descriptive/uncooth/you need to close your office door type questions.  That's her job right?  I just kept repeating myself, "I really don't want to be THAT patient...I mean, I'm not sure what's going on, but can I just come in today instead of tomorrow morning because something is happening and I'm feeling terrible right now".  Well, she informed me that I was either seeing my Dr. soon or going to L&D she was just trying to see how much longer Dr. was still in surgery for. 
I was able to attend my early lunch meeting, and I did get a bite to eat at Cheddar's (with lots of water!).  Todd then picked me up back at work and off we went to see Dr. Smith. 
She killed checked me and said, "2 cm".  She did some other not so fun things, and then they hooked me up to the monitor.  There was evidence...contractions.  Very obvious mountain-like scribbles every 2 minutes.  I was supposed to hit this button every time I felt one come on.  After about 5 minutes they said, "yeah, you don't have to do that.  It's pretty obvious!". 
So, the plan of action was in place.  Dr. told me she thinks I could have to baby last night (Thursday), or probably by today for sure.  I could either go over to L & D (office is connected to the hospital), or we could go home and come back.  We opted to go home and come back (shower, vacuum, get all the items ready for my bag/Ace's bag,etc.).  Once we were home, I was actually in Ace's room folding up a blanket to put in his bag and I felt something "funny".  Come to find out it was my membranes (hey, it's medical terminology...the word grosses me out too).  I was slightly alarmed as I didn't know it would be that much.  I really kind of thought my water had broke because it was that much. 
Todd and I RACED to get showers.  We were at the hospital in about an hour.  They ask you another 3,000 questions, and then hook you up to all kinds of fun things.  Of course, we had also called my parents and sister (they drove down expecting a baby) and texted a ton of people to let them know what was going on...as we really did think "this is it" per Dr. 
They checked me, still 2 cm.  UGH.  Contractions?  STILL every 2 min's. 
Cramping?  HORRIBLE.
Water broke?  No, just the membranes (and they "extra" special test to check to see if my water did break...YOUCH!!!
So, we wait.  And, wait.  And, they check me again.  2cm. 
Plan of action? 
Brethin shots.  My cervix made no progress, contractions weren't going away...
3 shots over a 1.5 hour period.  Contractions were minimal.  Cramping was still there. 
The culprit?  After a fun straight cath (another YOUCH) we find out I'm severely dehydrated. 
Isn't that just grrrrrrreat! 
So, I'm back home now.  Mom, Dad, and Amy are here.  They took off work for this.  I feel terrible about that, but what do we do?  I'm supposed to take it easy today.  Hmmmm...
I guess I could go back to work on Monday.  I'd love to wait to have him AT LEAST until next Friday.  I go back to Dr. on Thursday of next week (37 weeks even).  Watch, after all of this, I'll make it do my induction date of May 27thish. 
I hate this feeling of uncertainty.  Todd and I weren't prepared with Ty and I totally think that's the best way to go.  And, after hearing what we did in the Dr.'s office yesterday, we thought we were having Ace today.  It's still too soon, but Ty was fine and he was even earlier. 
So...lets hope that's my only false alarm.  I've been picked and poked way too much in the last 24 hours for another false alarm to happen. 
On another note, maybe girls day WILL happen tomorrow.  Mom and Amy are here today, not working.  Dad may try to golf this AM...I think it'll be pretty.  But, I'm taking it easy. 

We Did It Ace Man

Well, we officially did it. We made it further along in this pregnancy than last time! My goal was to make it past my delivery date with Ty (water began to break we think at 35.3, ignored it, went to hospital on 35.5, delivered at 1:16am making it 35.6). Yes, I clarified all that last night!
Now the goal is no delivery until 37 weeks. That means no hospital visits until May 14th. That's 10 days. Piece of cake. Right?
Hmmm...not so much. Why? Because I feel like poo.
I'm not going to write about how pregnant I feel because being pregnant is a gift and I'm trying to embrace these last few days. However, I will say that I'm one anxious Mama.  I never made it to those "pants off" appointments last time and I'm totally scared that will throw me in to labor.  I'm nervous to find out if I'm dilated or thinned or whatever else they tell me. 
I went to the hospital on D-Day last time and I was 1 cm. all. freakin'. day.  And, that was with the medicine from hell pitocin.  I know, I know, I need to quit comparing to last time, but that's what I know.  Actually, what I really know is that pitocin and an epidural should go hand in hand.  I will not be "I'm to good for that" Audrey this time and wait 14 hours for an epidural if they decide pitocin is necessary.  I'm thinking as soon as I check-in I'm requesting it...drugs are there for a reason my friends.  Utilize your resources!
Anyhow, Ace Man, I can't wait until your here.  But, lets wait 10 days.  Each day we have all kinds of fun things planned.  Mommy's going to work each day and then come home and do all kinds of chores, organizing, errand running, list making,  Mommy has a girls day planned this Saturday and then Sunday is Mother's Day.  I need one good weekend of finalizing things and I'm good.  Deal?

If I were on "Bob-Bob"

So, Ty likes Spongebob Square Pants these days.  While there is a tiny bit of adult humor on the show, Bob-Bob is a smarty-pants and the other characters on the show have attitude problems..  It's only a matter of time before we nip that show in the bud.
Anyway, there's a character on the show and her name is very appropriate for the way I feel.  Her name is Crabby Patti.  Yes, I will admit it.  Calling me crabby these days is a huge understatement.  Everything, everybody, every-everything is getting on my nerves. 
Do I have a reason?  Well, yes, I am very pregnant.  And, if I have Ace when I had Ty my water would be breaking TOMORROW.  Lets hope that doesn't happen.  But, I am to the point where I am absolutely, 100% uncomfortable yet I know I need to cook this baby boy longer.  My ribs hurt, my pelvis REALLY hurts, my bladder is so freaking scarred by Ace's head it's not even funny, I'm exhausted because I can't sleep, my mind is spinning NON-STOP, shew....
I just hope Crabby Audrey goes away soon because I really don't like her.  I keep telling myself to be nice and smile and be happy and relax.  Yeah, that's not happening right now.  I'm ready.  I want Ace to be here so bad.  I wish I could just wish away the days until May 14th.  That's my delivery date goal.  If I can get there I will be doing anything and everything to get Ace Man here.
In the meantime, I will just continue to enjoy my Ty Baby while we do our best to prepare him for what Baby Ace really means.  Tonight he tried to feed Ace a grape via my belly button.  It was so sweet and innocent.  He knows Ace's room is his old room and that the swing and bouny seat we just got back out are for Ace. But, this whole Big Brother thing will be a new adventure for us all...and we cannot WAIT to introduce our boys.