Colin's birth

Colin was born 11/21 at 6:04am.  8 lbs 12 oz, 21.5 inches.

Here's the story...

On my eighth day "overdue", just after midnight I felt the first contraction.  Not painful, but it was different and I knew we were going to be close.  For the next 2 hours I laid in bed with my hands on my belly, relaxing and letting the contractions get closer together and stronger.  And they did.  I did enjoy the calmness of being in the moment as I excitedly was waiting to meet this baby.  

At about 2:00am things were picking up and I needed to be up moving around the house.  I would stop and lean over something during a contraction, mostly the dryer.  Then, around 3:00 I woke up Tony because it was getting intense and I needed some company!  Around 3:30 I told him to give our neighbor a 'head's up' that she would be needed to watch Evan soon.  Ten minutes later, he called her back because he were hopping in the car to head to Munson.  I remember how quiet and dark the night was.  It was a peaceful drive and arrival to the hospital.  I labored in the bathroom leaned over the railing while I got all checked in and then went into the tub.  My time in the tub was spent with Tony, Dana (doula in training), and Peg (midwife) alternating pushing as hard as they could on my back and hips... ahh, something that really got me through until that urge to push came and I got out of the tub, my water broke, and I pushed out a baby in a few minutes on my hands and knees.  Since I had my back to everyone, I learned that it was a boy from Tony and Peg and then was able to flip around and snuggle this little guy.  What an amazing feeling of joy, but those first few minutes I was just wiped out and was thankful for the relief!  And thankful he was perfect!  Lots to be thankful the next morning, which was Thanksgiving.  

 Id knees.  Since I had my back to everyone, I learned that it was a boy from Tony and Peg and then was able to flip around and snuggle this little guy.  What an amazing feeling of joy, but those first few minutes I was just wiped out and was thankful for the relief!  And thankful he was perfect!  Lots to be thankful the next morning, which was Thanksgiving.  

first family photo

first day home just me and the boys (4 days old)

5 days old

waiting

We have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this baby.  In a couple hours, I will be a week past my "due date".  And since I kinda thought it would come the week before my due date, it seems like the wait has been going on and on.  Tony's vacation time from work has come and gone.  While waiting we spent some time together enjoying life as a family of three.  We had some fun breakfasts out, short hikes (including this 70 degree day on Empire Bluffs), lots of playtime at home (always Evan's choice), new projects (art gallery and paper snowflake making), and a hot chocolate picnic at the Open Space. 

A few moments of fun before our family grows!

goodbye to fun-filled summer

Well, its definitely felt like fall here for several weeks.  Actually with all Halloween over and all the leaves down, it seems like winter in sneaking in.  It is always a little sad to see summer go.  There is just so much to love about long, hot days filled with sun, sand, water, and dirty feet!  But we have packed up the tent and the sand toys and are settling in to a warm house until those blissful summery adventures can be had again.  Here are a few snapshots of the summer of a happy 3 year old! 

Time to curl up with some a book and some hot cocoa! 

pumpkin time

My spider and baby at 38 weeks

trick or treat!

This kid loves the thrill of trick or treating.  Runs up to each house and then takes a few steps away from the door and shows his prize to us before running back! 

Austria

So many wonderful memories of this trip!  As I am updating this blog (after way too long), I am smiling just remembering our time here.  The three of us just hanging out, playing, sight-seeing, and adventuring!  The best part for me was really the chance to spend time with Tony and Evan in our own little world. We timed this trip perfectly as I just finished up school.  A celebration!  And we knew this was our opportunity to go to Europe, with a happy 3 year old (before adding another child to the our family).  Everything went perfectly!  So many people asked about the flights.  Really, not bad at all.  Evan slept when he needed to over those long flights, and somehow adjusted to the time change without an issue. 

 

Coffee house in Vienna

 

 

 

22 weeks 

love this! 

Evan and Froggy enjoying breakfast at a cafe in Vienna

hanging out in the square in Vienna

 

view from tower of St. Stephen's Catheral

 

Train station!  ...on our way to the mountains

 

 

Lake Halstatt from Obertraun

 



 

 



bike ride to Halstatt

 



arrived to Obertraun to some warm weather so Evan did a few jumps and slides down the slide into the water

 

Lake Halstatt

Halstatt

 

Salzburg

catch up

I've neglected updating this blog.  At first, cause I was busy finishing up school, then summer kept cruising by with activity after activity.  Then it got to a point that updating it seemed like a job, that I wasn't in the mood for.  But, I love going back and looking at our pictures and remembering some fun times.  So... I will briefly get us caught up today... since we have a looming baby deadline (12 or so days!). 

Evan update

• He is crazy about Berenstain Bears books, its the majority of what we are reading these days.  He knows exactly which ones of the back of the books that we have yet to read and has been searching them out at the library. 
• He is convinced our baby will be a girl.  And the name... "Buddy Girl".  Though, if it happens to be a boy his chosen name is "Toto".  His favorite question to ask is, "how big is the baby?"  He will sometimes realize that he has outgrown something (toy or clothes) and say "we'll save it for the baby".  I know he has no idea how life will change around here.  But he seems ready for a baby and I anticipate him being a good big brother and helping me out a little. 
• He still loves chase games.  Lately, he has also been into playing mail, jail, or putting out fires. 
• His baking skills are quite advanced for his age.  He can crack eggs and use a hand mixer.  Though, since we have been letting use the mixer we have broken two cheap ones. 
• His favorite coffee shop choice... vanillla steamer. 
• His favorite restaurant choice... grilled cheese.
• His favorite ice cream choice ... chocolate with spinkles.
• He just completed training for his first sport.  Swimming lessons.  Likes the water, just not on his face.