December Days

Ella's vocabulary has been bursting at the seams.  She is now almost 17 months and has a new word almost daily.  So far she has been saying: Thank you, baby, me, Jack, Mommy, Daddy, shoe, nose, snow and gotta go.  Not all of these words are clear, most of them sound the same.  But with her gestures, you can usually figure it out.  She is also beginning to climb on the couch.  She still need a little boost because her legs are so short.  Poor girl got my genes.

Jack was extacic this week with our snow fall.  He has always been an active child and I don't think his body feels cold.  Not with snow on the ground anyway.  We recieved more than 7 inches on Saturday and was begging to snow blow, scoop and sled all at the same time.  It was so cold though, but I kicked him outside on Saturday night to help Daddy move snow.  Then he went sledding on some piles by our house yesterday with the neighbor kids.

Will on the other hand, doesn't mind playing quietly inside.  He is happiest when he is left to his own creativity and Jack and Ella are busy with something else.  He has been telling these really funny stories latley.  Not about anything really, just talking alot.  Yesterday all the doors were locked to the children's rooms at Chrurch, so we were stuck roaming the halls.  Will was trying to get them unlocked and continued to tell a Nursery worker, whom he doesn't even know, that when he grew up and got bigger he'd make a key to open the rooms, and that he had already tried opening it with his finger nail, and it didn't work.  He can really make me laugh.

Curiosity and Vocabulary

The first snow of the year came just a few days ago.  Jack was so excited he managed to spend 3 hours in the measly inch.  He keeps asking if we have 3 inches.  For some reason he is just stuck on that number for some reason.  I think its because that is the amount we need for sledding.  Its just enough to cover the grass, but not too much to be a headache.  He is such an outdoors man, he is thrilled with the challenge of a new season.

Ella's vocabulary has burst the last few days.  The jabbering is turning into real words, and she knows it.  You can tell by the look on her face when we respond to a word.  This only encourages her to use it more, and I couldn't be happier.  Yesterday we found out she is saying thank you, in Ella speak its "ank oo", Quack is "cack", and go, is a pretty plain "go".  She copied me today when I said Daddy had to "GO", and she kept on saying it.  I love watching them learn and grow.

Will is still all about Christmas, today he even took a trip to my bedroom to explore the attic spaces to try to find his presents.  Thank goodness I've hidden them quite well, he won't be able to locate them.  He is just like his daddy.

Tid Bits from a Four Year Old

My son, Will, is unlike the other four year old boys I know.  He is completely wrapped up in Lightning McQueen and all things Toy Story.  For some time "Cars" has been his favorite movie.  And for a while he watched it every day.  It was my only escape after he stopped taking naps. 

When the movie begins playing before I can hit the menu button, it flashes "coming soon" and begins playing the list of movies soon to be released.  The first one is "Ratatouille".  Will usually sees a few seconds of the mouse and then its on to the menu and the main event. 

All of this preps you for a fun look into the mind of a four year old.  A while back my mom gave us the movie "Ratatouille".  As soon as the movie started Will announced, "its Coming Soon!"  As if that was the name of the movie.  What?  It took me a while to make the connection, and he still, months, maybe even a year later, still thinks that is the name of that movie.

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This Christmas we have tried hard to not let it be consumed with presents and "stuff".  I have a strong feeling this year that we really need to bring the focus back on the real reason.  Jesus, of course, and the love and gift he gave and continues to give.  So, I told the boys they wouldn't be getting as many gifts, but probably just one big one from Grandma and a few from mom and dad.  Well, as it turns out, it was harder to stick to then I thought.  They are getting more then I wanted, but at least they aren't all useless toys.  Anyway.  Back to my thought. 

As Will was trying to process all of this, he has talked about Christmas constantly for the last two months, he asked, "Can I have one big present the size of our house filled with little presents?"  Ah, good man, you are thinking!

October Update

Jack has finally taken a liking to reading.  Finally!  He as been in a program called reading recovery since the second week of school.  We are now able to read books with confidence and not with frustration, which used to end in books being thrown and lots of tears.

  I was able to catch a sweet brother moment.  There aren't very many of them in this house.  Jack us usually chasing Will around screaming at him and acting like he is going to punch him.  Poor Will runs for his life, crying for me.  The sigh of relief he gives when he finally gets to my arms is so sweet, and very unsettling.  It makes me sad he feels so much fear from his big brother.  Aren't big brothers supposed to be protectors? 

 

We have taken quite a few trips to the zoo this summer and fall.  My mom bought our family a pass for the kid's birthdays.  We will do this every year.  The boys love it, and Ella can't get enough of anything fuzzy.  Here are a few pictures of our last visit.  After a bout of the stomach flu, some fresh air was needed.



Every mom thinks their kids are the cutest.  But, sorry mom's, I really do have the cutest little girl in the whole wide world.  Just look at her, could you deny it?  I love the way she looks in her pig tails.  I'm so glad she is finally getting hair.  Lately her new thing is dancing.  She is so funny at it.  She tries to move her hips and doesn't just spin or bob her head.  She does those things too, but she is very artistic with it.  This may be in part because we dance quiet often in the kitchen.  And mostly to KJ-52. 

As I stated above, she loves all things fuzzy.  She adores all stuffed animals, and has had a blast chasing the busy squirrels.  She is beginning to figure out her animal noises.  Most of them just say mooo.  But you might get a pig and puppy sound on a good day.

So I had a picture of each of them trying this new game they have created.  But it got deleted from the post again.  And right now, I'm just so irritated with it, I'm not going to upload it again.  Anyway, this is a new game the boys, mostly Jack, have been playing.  They grab hold of the side of the swing, move back by the side of the tree, push off and let themselves fly in the air.  It has kept them busy for hours.  And we've only had a few run in's with the tree trunk. 

Hot Rods

Life has again taken over. Its amazing how I can feel so busy and completley bored at the same time. God has been showing me not to labor in vain, but to only do what is nessesary. So nice to know I don't have to do everything. So, I'm taking this naptime to do something I wanted.

Here is a shot of Will on his birthday. He recieved two automoblocks as his present from us. As you can tell, he was pretty happy, and very territorial over them. There were many fights over when he should start sharing them. That is the only reason I don't like birthdays. They always bring a storm.

Lewis has been busy working on his hot rod. The boys are getting really excited about it. Will loves helping daddy. Jack has even gotten in on the action but my camera wasn't around.

Ella has become more daring in her adventures and is finally eating less dirt! She still tries to sneak some here and there, but she is far more involved with the outside toys then she used to be. The black riding truck is her current favorite, I guess its her hot rod. She has also started climbing up the steps on the play yard outside. But the bruise on her head in this picture is just from tripping and falling head first on the concrete. Poor girl hit the same place within a 12 hour period.

Its been a while.... September 2010 update

It seems the business of life has again taken over and left me far from blogger land. A lot has been going on with the kids, but I have had no time to update my memories.

I guess we'll first start with Ella. She seems to be the one changing most these days. These early years are the funnest to watch. Everyday they pick up something new, their world is truly remarkable. Exploration is everywhere, including the backyard garden. Ella has taken a strong liking to our tomato plants. As soon as you let her outside the makes a b-line for the garden, climbs through the mud and finds the greenest tomato she can, and shoves it in her mouth. Thats right, the greenest. I dont' know why, but she refuses to eat any red one; but she will just suck on the green ones all day. There is usally a trail of them behind her, because she won't swallow them, just chew for a while, let the seeds run onto her shirt and spit out the skin. I must say, its much better than her eating dirt, which she also does quite often. I'm afraid she either has an iron defeciency and is actually craving the dirt, or she just really wants worms.



She has also been talking a lot more and using more and more signs for words. As of now, her new signs are for "milk, more, all done, help, " and we are working on eat. She has been so picky latley, I never know if she is still hungry because she eats so little. Her words as of today are "Dot (the little neighbor lady, she LOVES her), dog, Dad, and Jack. All of which sound like Da. She also has said apple, up.



The sweetest thing of late is her "nice touch". Every baby loves to poke eyes and pinch, so we would touch her gently and say "nice touch". The other day I was talking to Ella, and I said "nice girl", and she walked over to me and started gently petting my arm. This isn't a one time thing, its her new trick. And a nice one to have.



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Since Will's training wheels have been removed he has become much more daring on his bike. He jumps the ramps with enthusiasm, and will slide his tires and make skid marks at every opportunity. So much so that he actually wore a hole through his tire and tube. He wants nothing more than to be a BMX rider, like his big brother.



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Jack had his first sleepover with his buddy Dillon. I felt like I should give the boys this opportunity seeing that Dillon will be moving in a month and won't be in the same school anymore. They will still see eachother plenty at church, and we'll have play dates, but it was kind of a farewell buddy kind of thing. I remember as a kid the second day of a sleep over wasn't as much fun as the first. Spending too much time with a friend can begin to wear on you. These two were no different. Friday was fun! They played with their bikes all afternoon and watched a movie before bed, but when Saturday morning came, they were both a little grouchy with eathother. We took Dillon home by 9 and we enjoyed the rest of our weekend as a family.



For some reason, Jack is still rubbed the wrong way by him. I keep asking Jack why he is so irritated by Dillon. The story seems to change, "he calls me names at school, he's mad at me because I said I'm not his brother...." I had to remind Jack several times to "live by the spirit", and no matter how we "felt", we had to show the love of Jesus. It was a good exersize to stretch his compassion. On the way to school I had a little chat with the two of them, and I think things will be better today. Oh, the ups and downs of childhood friendships.



Lastly, Jack has joined cub scouts. This adventure was origanlly planned for daddy and son, but after the first meeting last week, Lewis was a little aprehensive about having to deal with the cult like following some cub scout parents bring to the organization. So I took Jack last night. They needed a leader for his age, the tigers. I gave 5 good reasons why I couldn't do it, then my last thought was "are these all just excuses?". I intended to just "help" with them, but before I knew it, I was signing all kinds of parent volunteer sheets. Sheesh! But thankfully another mom and I are doing it together, and there are only 5 boys. Thats managable, and I think we'll have fun, but I'm still not so sure about all the nature stuff. I'll leave the camping to dad.

Prayers

A few days ago Will and I were looking for his Lightning McQueen car, and I told him we should pray and ask God to show us where it was. We still can't find it, but I told him to listen to his heart and God will direct us to where it is.

Then yesterday, we were outside playing and Will took my car keys and was playing with them in the backyard. I was busy mowing the lawn so I just let him go. When I was done I asked him where they were. "I don't know" he said. I told him he needed to go out and find them. He went outside again when he returned he said "I told God to tell me where they are, when he lets me know I'll go get them". Then he tapped the temple of his head with his pointer finger and said "Do you know why I'm doing this? So I can hear God better".


Ella's girlyness is getting more evident, and I love it! Lately when she is excited or happy about something she has been spinning in circles, twirling I guess, lifting her arms in the air, and making a girly squeal. She is also saying ball, and here you go. Sometimes I just love my job! What a blessing these kids are.

Ella Bob?

Ella has started so many things the last few weeks. She just makes me smile. Unless she is teething. Ug! Its the worst. Monday night she screamed for an hour, and was up twice in the night. When I got her up Tuesday morning she had her 4th tooth. I'm so glad, because with one all alone on top, she looked a bit like a hillbilly from the Ozarks. No offence for any of you who are.

Earlier this week she began giving me things saying "he doe". I'm pretty sure that was "here you go". Then today she was saying ball as we played catch. Oh and she loves to run away from you, turn, smile, do a little sinister laugh and continue on her way. "I'm gonna get you!" we say, then she runs faster. Well, if you can call it a run. She has also started testing the limits a bit. We have been teaching her she can't go in the street. The last few days she would just keep going and we'd chase her down and say "no" in a stern, I mean it, voice. Well, tonight I'd say "no" and she would take 2 more steps, sit, and smile at me; just on the other side of the sidewalk. Not in the street, but farther than she should be. Oh man...

Weatherman or Superman?

So since Jack has been back in school, Will and I have had so much more time to just sit and chat. I love just talking with him. He is a highly entertaining child. This week has been a little cooler than normal, the mornings are nice a crisp and it warms again by afternoon. Will pays close attention to the weather and asked if there was a cool front. I said "yes, that is what made it colder out. But its supposed to get warmer this weekend". Will replied "So there is a hot back coming?" Well, I guess if its a cold front it would make sense to be a hot back.

Another bit on his weather fascination, he loves severe storms. He doesn't really like the thunder or lightning, but he adores the computerized weather anouncements they play over the TV. You know the ones where you can't hear the program but says "...the national weather service has issued...." Its so funny, if it looks dark out, "mom! Check if there is a storm coming, make the t.v. do that scary thing!"

Today Will decided he wanted a cape. He was trying to fly around the living room and said he was going to save people. It didn't take too long, after he realized he couldn't fly, before he was tired with it. But here are a few cute pics.

Adjustments

Jack is back to the ol' grind. School started Monday, August 16. A little too early in my book. When I was a kid, we would start the 20th at the earliest. Jack is creature of habit. He needs his schedule and routine. It always takes him a few days to get used to something different. I remember his first week last year. He came home and would just cry, he was a total wreck. And he was never really upset about anything in particular, just worn out and sad he didn't get as much time with me. This year is no exception. Monday and Tuesday were horrible! He is known for his fits, always has been, and he threw out some big ones both of those days.

Today, he came home fine. He went right in his room and said he needed to check something in his book bag and gave a sickened face. I knew something was wrong. I asked if anything had happened. He frowned like he does when he knows he has done something wrong and guilt washed over his face. "I got a discipline slip". Last year he would joke about getting them, because it seemed like he was untouchable. He did so good last year, and even earned 10 Character counts. (this is all a reward and discipline system) Well, you know what that means right? We discussed last year what would happen if he ever got one, no t.v. and to bed at 7 when Dad turns it on.

It took me a while to actually figure out what happened. Apparently he got bored waiting in line in the hallway and decided to get out and and mess around. Not a HUGE deal, but I still need to be consistent.

He has been in his room for 52 minutes now. It breaks my heart to hear him cry and have to serve his punishment, but I sat down and explained to him that if there was no discipline for what he did wrong, he would turn into a really rotten kid. He understood and said "I guess I learned my lesson".

Bumps, Bruises, and Bites

Its a good thing our family pictures were last week. While the boys were at grandma's Will ran into a piece of plywood which left a nice souvenir, Jack scratched his shoulder on something or other, and they both have various bug bites and miscellaneous scratches covering their legs.

While they were gone Ella gave herself a fat lip after falling while carrying a cup. They all seem to be mending nicley, but boy they sure look like they've been through the ringer.

The Birth of William Lewis

August 30, 2006

I had my 36 week appointment today. I'm 2 cm and 50%, I still had to wait at least a week before this baby could come out. I was totally ready to have a break from work.

August 31, 2006

I received a call from my mother in law, by this time in my pregnancy I was getting daily calls asking how I was doing; so this was nothing new. But this call was different. I was informed that at 94, Lewis Grandfather, Francis, had passed away. We knew it had to happen sometime, but we were really hoping he would be able to meet the newest McCarthy. He just couldn't hold out, he had lived a long, life full of happiness and family. We morned the loss of a great man. We waited a few days to find out when the funeral would be. Lewis' brother would have to make the trek up from Alabama and we were waiting for him to get here. But then there was the question as to when our baby would arrive. I had been having contractions on a regular basis every evening. And already being 2 cm, we knew he would be coming early.

They planned the funeral for September 7th. I had a wealth of emotions. My doctor said she would strip my membranes for me at my 37 week app. That was planned for the 6th! I knew after she did that this baby would be coming. I really wanted to have this baby, even with how good I had physically felt, the mental toll of having regular contractions every night was exhausting, always being on the edge of labor, but nothing consistent enough to really kick it off. But now my plans were thrown out the window. I'm a big planner, and doing this to a hormonal pregnant woman just wasn't nice. Even if it wasn't anyone's fault.

September 6, 2006

One last visit to help us decide if I would make the trip out west for the funeral, I was 2 cm and 50% effaced. My doctor thought I would be able to make the trip out west, but something in my body told me I shouldn't go. I didn't want to be stuck giving birth in Winner, SD, that is the middle of nowhere. Do they even have epidurals? Lewis and I decided I would stay home and take an extra shift at work. My doctor agreed to see me the next day at 1 pm and strip my membranes then.

After my appointment Jack and I stopped at Rotary Park one last time before his brother would arrive. I remember sitting with him under a big pine tree and just trying to soak in what it was like to have just one kid. I knew very soon, that everything would change for all of us.

Lewis left in the afternoon and took Jack along for one last daddy and son trip. They enjoyed the time with family and even got to go fishing with Grandpa Dean, and I went to work. Another 4-9 pm shift filled with contractions every 10-15 minutes. So much fun! Can you sense the sarcasm?

September 7, 2006

I spent the morning preparing the house for the arrival of William, it was quiet and peaceful. I soaked in as much as I could to prepare for what was to come.

At 1:00 I headed over to the clinic, she checked me and said I was 3, a whole cm since the day before. She stripped me, ouch hurt that time, and I was on my way. I went home and took my ceremonial walk down the 21st ST boulevard to Phillips Ave. Its about 1.5 miles of the prettiest houses in town. I went home and took one last quiet bath and had my friend Krystal come over. She was due in early November, we were both so excited to have our baby boys so close in age. She stayed for about an hour, then I headed to work.

I think I went in at 4 that day. Earlier then I normally do, but since I didn't have Jack, I was trying to pick up some extra hours. It wasn't long after I got there that the contractions started. It was about 4:30 when I noticed they were coming anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes apart. But like I said above, I had them all the time so I was used to it and I was still able to keep working. I was able to stick it out all night. Towards the end of shift is was harder to talk on the phone through the contractions. My coworkers kept telling me to go home. But I knew I'd just be alone and at least there I had my mind busy. I reminded them I wasn't going to drop that baby on the floor, I was fine.

When I got home at 9:30, I took some Castor oil, which is supposed to keep contractions going or increase the speed of labor. I was not going to go through another stalled labor! Lewis and Jack returned home around 11 and the contractions became stronger and closer, about every 10 minutes. I called my Mom and Dad and had them come up so they didn't have to drive at 3 am. They arrived around 1 am, and went to bed in the basement so we could leave whenever we needed to.

September 8, 2006

After everyone was settled, I tried to lay on the couch and sleep. I think I was in and out of it for about an hour. None of the contractions had been a regular 5 minutes apart. I'd have 3 of them 5 minutes apart, one 3 minutes apart, then wouldn't have another one for 15 minutes. I remember feeling so frustrated, none of the baby books tell you that is a possible labor rythym. They are all supposed to be 5 minutes apart give or take 30 seconds, not 30 minutes! At 3 am, I went outside to look at the full moon and enjoy the quiet, cool air. I prayed and asked God to keep my labor progressing. I rubbed my belly and had a little chat with Will, "please, be a good baby and come out soon".

When I came inside, my dad must have heard me pacing around upstairs, because he came up to join me. He was welcome company, it wasn't any fun laboring alone, knowing that everyone else was in a peaceful slumber, and I wouldn't get to enjoy that again for several months. I labored quite well and was able to tolerate the pain. I spent much of my time leaning against my kitchen counter or squatting with my back against our couch. At about 5 my dad volunteered to get some video tapes for the camera so we could tape Will's birth. My mom got up shortly after and kept me company.

My dad returned around 6 and I woke Lewis and told him we would have to leave soon. My contractions were around 5 minutes apart, still not at all "regular", but I was unable to carry a conversation through my contractions. Jack woke up at 6:30, we gave him kisses and hugs and we were out the door by 7.

Four blocks away, we pulled into the valet parking, I got out with my pillows, praying they weren't going to send me home. When we arrived upstairs at the L and D I remembered I had forgotten to call and let them know I was coming! I can't think of everything at a time like this! We were put in the triage room since there weren't ready for us and there weren't any open rooms. Bright lights and Good Morning LA was playing in the background. To this day every time I see Jillian Reynolds ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jillian_Reynolds)I I think of the day Will was born. I didn't even get a nurse for the first hour I was there. But I didn't really mind. The contractions were still quite manageable. Lewis rubbed my hands, I got on my hands and knees on the bed and rocked back and forth. I had a head massager that worked wonders! By the time someone came in I was 5 cm.

We moved to my room at 9, by this time the contractions were getting stronger, but I could still tolerate them. I was honestly surprised how much better it was from my experience with Jack. At 3 cm I thought I was dying, and this time I was much farther and doing fine. But still I asked the nurse when I could get the epidural, she told me just as soon as my IV bag was empty. The only reason I really wanted it was from the horror story Cindi Gilland told me about natural delivery. Every woman would want to be infertile after hearing that one.

At 9:30 we put in the request for my drugs. The anesthesiologist came in and gave me my epi around 10. A few minutes later the nurse came in, checked me and said I was 7 cm. "Wow! Why did I even get the drugs?" I remember thinking. They weren't even really working anyway. Within 10 minutes they broke my water and 5 minutes after that I was 10cm. At 10:25 I began pushing. I could still feel everything. My stomach was a little numb, which took the cramping out of my abdomen, but that wasnt where the REAL pain was! The on call doctor was in the room, and he did a fantastic job coaching until Dr. Broderson arrived.

I just remember feeling so cheated. I got the drugs I shouldn't feel this! The burning pain was a major surprise. I remember pushing and pushing for what seemed like forever. Each time I thought would be the last. Looking back, I can totally tell he was my biggest baby. It took me 35 minutes to push William Lewis into the world, 10 minutes longer than Jack, and 25 minutes longer than my smallest, Ella, she was speedy. He took his first breath and let out an ear piercing scream, Lewis and I looked over at each other and wondered where that came from? He was a boy, they aren't supposed to scream like that!

William Lewis
9-8-06
11:03 am
8lbs 8oz
20 inches


Mommies first moments with her chubby little baby. I remember just looking at how big his hands were and they still are.

Showing Jack his little brother was one of the funnest experiences ever. We gave him a brother. Jack asked "does he have a wiener?"

The first day home is always filled with mixed emotions. A new family dynamic is exciting and frightening all at the same time.

Jack Milo's Birth Story

After writing Ella's birth story, I decided to do one for each of the boys around their birthdays. I actually have some down time since the boys are at Grandma and Grandpa Berendsen's, so I thought I'd do it now.

August 16, 2003

We bought a new car! Well, new to us. My husband just couldn't think of bringing a baby into this world and hauling it around in a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlas Siera, which was well taken care of, but beginning to be a real pain in the butt. So there we are weeks from having a family, signing papers. Its so nice to know we will be able to drive to Alabama in the fall for Richard's(my brother in law) wedding and not break down along the way.

August 17, 2003

Today was the day I picked for Jack to arrive, but it looks like this day will too pass me by. We decided to take a drive down to Yankton to show our parents the new ride. It was a nice opportunity to spend some good quality driving time together and keep my mind of when the baby would arrive. Lewis and I have always loved to drive and talk. Some of our best conversations happen on the road. Who knew it would be so hard to do that once a baby comes.

August 18,2003

Three 10 hour days in a row!?! I'm 38 weeks pregnant, or 39, depending on who you ask. What was Tami, the gal who was making the schedule, thinking? I was NOT looking forward to taking care of 10 two year olds in the hot summer, with a huge protruding belly, at least, not for 30 hours in 3 days.

August 19, 2003

I had my Dr. app today. I was 1 cm, and 75% effaced or something like that. I asked her if she could strip my membranes so I could overt working another 10 hour day and completely killing myself. She did. She warned me that it may hurt, but I don't remember it being that big of a deal. It was more painful with Will, if I remember correctly.

I went home, took a long walk, about 1.5 miles and a nice relaxing bath before heading out to our mandatory clean up night at work. We were deep cleaning and organizing closets and getting ready for our fall kick off. I told the gals at work that my doctor stripped my membranes. Kim, a coworker, was all excited and said "you better tell the boss you won't be in tomorrow". Really? I didn't think getting your membranes stripped was such a big deal. "Does it work that fast?", I remember thinking. Apparently, I wasn't very educated in that area of pregnancy and delivery.

As I was cleaning I remember a wave of energy come over me. It was a indescribable feeling that I remember some women trying to explain. They said it was your body's entrance into labor, hormones or blood flow or something. But I remember trying to shrug if off, as to not get my hopes up.

August 20, 2003

1am: BOOM! Loud crash of thunder, and a tightening in my belly which wrapped around to my back. This wasn't always new to me, Braxton Hicks contractions had haunted me for months. But when these became somewhat painful and every 10 minutes I began to take notice. I got out of bed and went to the basement to time the contractions and watch some t.v. while I figure out what was going on. A week ago, it went like this and nothing come of it. So I wasn't sure if this was real or not.

My contractions were about 15 minutes apart, and I had noticed some of my mucus plug letting loose. I called my mom to let her know things were getting started. She said to call back if they got closer together and then she would come up. By 3 am they were to 7 minutes apart. I called my mom and sister to update them and they got up and were on their way. I took a shower and laid back on the couch for a while, I watched a move and some Birth Story shows that are on super early in the morning. The pain was managable and I didn't really even have to breath through them. It was just a very tight sensation. I like a really tight hug with a menstral cramp all around my waist and back.

At 5 am I decided I should eat something, so I opted for some toast and juice. I went and told Lewis that I was in labor. My mom and sister arrived shortly after. Then around 8 am it happened, the worst thing to mess with your mind. They stopped. They just plain old stopped. Nothing, no more contractions! I was still having the bloody show, but no more contractions. By this time Lewis had called his mom, she was on her way, I have an audience, but now performance. I was beyond frustrated.

Walking is supposed to help a stalled labor, but it was so hot, the only place to walk was the mall. So around 9:30 we headed over to the mall to do some laps, packed up with towels and extra clothes just in case my water broke. I remember feeling so helpless. All I wanted was to not feel all this pressure to perform and have this baby. If I could have only send them home, or not been in such a big hurry to call everyone in the first place. All I wanted was to have my husband comfort me, have the doctor give me some information. But for now, I felt alone, trying to give these people what they came for and I had absolutly no control.

We were only there long enough to buy a blanket I had wanted for Jack and make 2 rounds, then I became paranoid that my water was going to break there on the floor. When I got home I called over the the hospital to explain the situation. The nurse said if I wasn't having contractions there was no reason to come over, but I explained that I was still bleeding. She said I could come and get checked. So at noon, Lewis, my mom, and I went over. We left the things in the car just in case they were going to send me home.

When I arrived they checked me into our room and found I was 3 cm dilated. The nurses called over to my doctor who gave the go ahead to keep me since I had progressed 2 cm in just a day. The nurse broke my water at 1 and then I thought I was going to die! Seriously, no one told me it was going to hurt so bad so quickly. I was naive, and didn't know how to have a baby. I just laid in bed, on my back, with the monitors on me. Just waiting until I was 4 cm and could have my epidural. I didn't know how people could do this without drugs. I later learned that I was in the worst position I could have been in. Gee, thanks Labor and Delivery nurses for being so helpful!

For 3 hours I had been waiting for my drugs, and finally at 4:00 I got them. It was relief, I could sleep. I had been awake since 1 am, and it had been a long emotional journey to even get to this point. After I received the drugs, I was in and out of sleep. I remember my mom watching the Twins play baseball, my mother in law reading the paper, and my sister and my husband keeping themselves entertained with all kinds of strange antics. But other those few incidences, being checked, and a nurse exchange, it was all sleep. Which was nice, but I knew I didn't want that for my other births.

At 10:00 I woke up and was feeling pressure, no pain, but lots of pressure. I was still pretty sleepy, so I just laid there and waited for the nurse to come back in. I figured I'd just let them know when they came back in. At about 10:30 she came in and I told her how I was feeling, she checked me and he was right there. She called the doctor and I began pushing. Dr. Broderson was there within 10 minutes, my baby was not. I pushed for 25 minutes and at 10:52 little Jack Milo made his entrance. His cry was so low and horse, he was perfect and looked just like Lewis. I was a mommy, excited for this new adventure, and scared of the unknown.

Jack Milo McCarthy

August 20, 2003

10:52 pm

8lbs 1oz

20 1/2 inches

We are now a family, and not just a young married couple. You are only a day old and you can already see how exhausted we are.

This was our first day home. I remember just wanting to hold you all the time. I never wanted to let you go. You just melted into my chest, I wanted to freeze that moment in time and be able to come back to it everyday.

Will on 2 Wheels

It sounds like a Dr. Suess book, Will on Two Wheels. But he is! I took a walk with the kids this morning and Jack mentioned that Will didn't really even use his training wheels. He was right, with the exception of when Will begins wildly turning his bike to and fro. I asked Will if he would like to give it a try without the trainers. He had tried earlier this summer, but after two minutes decided it was too much work. He has a tendency of being a little less than enthusiastic about new things. I'm trying to nicely say he can be lazy. Do you remember potty training? And he is always complaining about going up hills on his bike.

To my surprise, he was on board, and excited too. I pumped him up and we were all really excited. We started at the bottom of the driveway in front of the house on our very flat sidewalk. Its a perfect place to learn to ride. I had to hold on to him for a while. But I'd say after 15 minutes he could go straight for the lenght of our sidewalk. He practiced off and on all morning, and by the time Lewis came home for lunch to check it out, he was starting off all by himself. He still needs to keep working on it but he has it. Despite the fact that he still sometimes asks for the training wheels back on, its just less work.

30 years of Lewis

What would the world do without Lewis McCarthy? I have no idea. He has blessed me with 3 of the most entertaining, busy, and beautiful children God ever created. I'm blessed God chose him to be my husband. So to celebrate those 30 years, and many, many more, I made him my first cheesecake. I was so intimidated by some of the recipes and steps in them that I never even bothered to buy enough cream cheese to make one. I figured 30 years was a big enough occasion to give it a whirl. Here is the recipe...

Crust

3 cups finely crushed Oreo

3 tbs butter

mix and pat in bottom of spring form pan

bake 350 5-7 minutes

Filling

6, yes 6 blocks of cream cheese
Whip until fluffy

1 cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla

Whip again until fluffy

4 eggs

add one at a time and mix until incorporated (do not over mix)

1 package of crushed Oreo cookies, yep, that's what I said

fold into cream cheese mixture, pour into 10 inch spring form pan

Add additional Oreo on top to make it pretty

Bake 350 45-60 minutes depending on oven

Take out when top is golden brown and center still jiggles (very technical hu?)

Jack the Naturalist

I love the sound of locust in the summer. Its such a soothing sound that takes me back to a simpler time. I remember finding the shells on the tree, but I honestly never knew what one looked like until Jack turned 3 and began hunting for bugs. I think that year we had 10 shells in a bucket, set aside for a collection. He is such a boy. Since that time, he has continued finding these lovely creatures. Just yesterday he found one just laying in the grass. We took the opportunity to take a photo with his new little buddy. He even showed it to Ella and let it crawl up her arm. Eww!!! She isn't girly enough yet to know that is disgusting.

Two years ago we found a praying mantis in our front landscaping. Jack had it crawling all over himself. I was surprised how hard it was to detach it. Those things have sticky grippes on their feet. We kept it in a jar for a few hours, but it was so big we didn't want it to die, so we let him go.

Then today, after our 7 inch rainfall (see pictures below), we were at the park checking out all the water and we found a little frog jumping through the wood chips on the playground. I had Jack catch him and put him in a paper bag. We went home and made a "habitat" for him. We discussed what that meant, and we even looked online to try to see what kind he is. From what I can tell he may be a chorus frog, but now that I look at the photos he may even be a little toad. I told Jack what he ate, and he went to work collecting bugs for him to eat. Good thing for the frog, Jack is an expert at this.

Here is a view of Falls Park. Simply amazing, and it was even higher then when this pictue was taken.

Here a few shots of one of our favorite parks, lovingly called "stinky park". But that is just by our family. That bridge usually leads to our city wide bike trail system. Its currently out of order. The tree above is usually about 5 1/2 feet off the ground, and about 15 feet from the waters' edge.

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

As Ella has gotten older, a whole 12 1/2 months, there are distinct differences from her and the boys at this age. She is talking a lot sooner then they did. She has been saying mama and dada for months and is getting really good at saying "uh Oh" and "puppy", which sounds more like bubu, but we know what she means.

The last week she has been practicing her "Oooh" sound. She will pick up her baby doll, hug and kiss it and say "Oooh". Its the cutest thing ever, she is already learning to be a mommy. I was honestly a little worried when we gave her her birthday baby doll and she threw it to the ground. But now she is feeding it with our pretend bottle, which happens to be a ketchup bottle. Her feeding it looks more like gentle beating, and maybe not even so gentle; but it is so much fun to see her maternal instincts kicking in at such a young age. I love my boys, but it is just something else to have a girl.

I'm officially done nursing. She was only nursing once a day, and she wasn't very interested and there was hardly anything left anyway. A little happy dance, and a little sadness all in one. I'm so glad to be able to wear whatever I want without having to worry about access to my boobs, but its also sad to know that that special connection to my daughter is gone. She also won't let me rock her before I lay her down for nap or bedtime. She just wiggles and squirms until I lay her down. Then she rolls over, snuggles her baby, sucks her fingers and off to dream land she goes. I mean its really easy and no fuss, but I don't even get to snuggle her and sing to her. I guess it all goes with growing up.

Celebrating Ella's First Birthday!

We started off the morning doing what else? Taking pictures. She is so full of life, I can't help but want to capture every moment and hide it away so I won't forget these precious days that are fleeing so quickly. This one below was taken bright and early on our front stoop. She was having a grand old time eating the flowers. I don't know why, but I think it is her daily goal to see how many things she can put in her mouth in a single day.
After her morning nap the kids and I rode our bikes to Rotary park where the boys played and Ella ate a snack while I took more pictures. Its a much better back drop there than the deteriorating neighborhood we live in. She is always so animated, she makes for a good subject.

She saw a dog on a nearby picnic table. Have I mentioned how much she LOVES dogs? Well she does. So much so that is where we took her after we ate her cake.

After her afternoon nap we went out to play in the slip and slide. Jack and Ella love it. Will could care less, but Ella gets right in there. Another priceless expression on the beautiful face.

She wasn't quite sure what to do with her cupcake until I took a bit of frosting on my finger and put it in her mouth. "oh!" It was like a moment of enlightenment. All the worlds problems were solved with one taste of whipped chocolate heaven.

After we were done we packed up and headed down to the dog park. Jack was less than thrilled, but we reminded him it was Ella's birthday not his, so we were doing something she enjoyed, watching dogs. She screams and makes the funnest faces. We stayed on the outside of the fence for safety. I'm not worried about the dogs, but like I mentioned before, she loves to put everything in her mouth. Dog poop looks a lot like a chocolate cupcake. I didn't want to confuse her.


The last shot of the day with her "old standard" baby and her new birthday baby. She will poke at the new one's eyes since they open and clothes, but then goes back to holding the pig tails of her baby Abby. She just loves that thing, it is defiantly a source of comfort.

The next day she woke up and I got her out of bed. She was really stinky so I was changing her diaper and she was trying to say "uh-Oh". It was more like "Uh-Eh", but she is trying. Then when we were done I told her "all done", and she said "a-dun". This is the first time I remember thinking "wow she just grew up overnight". But I guess she isn't a baby anymore.