Mom's Night Out

What do you get when 6 mommies take a baby break and go out on the town?...a great time! And that is exactly what we had on Friday night. It was titled "Spa and Sushi" night. Two of my favorite things! We started "Mom's Night Out" a month ago and are planning to make it a monthly ritual. Each month someone new plans the night out and it is open to any Mommies in need of a little girly time. This month was organized by Erin. Friday started with relaxing pedicures and wine. We tried to avoid baby conversation, but somehow it always comes back to that. What do you expect?...It does consume our days and nights. However, we managed to squeeze some grown up talk in there too. After massaged legs and painted toes we headed over to Aqua Blue. It is a great sushi and seafood restaurant in Roswell. Sushi is by far my number one food. I dont get to enjoy it as much as I use to now that we have a little one in tow...the lack of a kid's menu prevents us from going. So, needless to say it was quite a treat. Dinner and conversation were fabulous. We topped it off with two desserts...another treat! However, the night wasn't over there. We walked over to the local Taco Mac after dinner hours and had a drink. Boy, did we stand out! Hmmm...which one is not like the others? We did lots of (single) people watching, reminisced about the old days, and even threw in a dance or two (if you call it dancing). It was too fun, but also a great reminder of how wonderful family life is. So until next month, I definitely got my fill of night life to last me. No telling where the Mommies will end up next...it's Allison's turn to plan. Anyone needing a baby break, come join us...the more the merrier!

The Ultimate Playdate

East Cobb Park hosts "The Ultimate Playdate" every Wednesday afternoon during the warm months of the year. Families set up their blankets, listen to kid friendly music, and eat dinner while the little ones run around and enjoy the outdoors. Today Jack and I met Sophia & Cristina and Miller & Erica there. We are hoping this will be the beginning of a Wednesday afternoon ritual. We had a great time! Here is an abbreviated version of some of the events that took place. (please excuse my phrasing, I had to get a little creative on a few of these...vowels are hard!)

Taking turns sharing toys and books
Hat wearing to block the sun's rays
Extremely difficult diaper change

Upside down Sophia
Live musical entertainment
Talking mommies
Intellectual cup stacking by the tots
Missing camera lens cover
Active toddlers
Taking practice steps by Miller
Exchanging sippy cups

Pushing his own stroller through the crowd...performed by Jack
Lots of sunshine
A double coat of sunscreen
Yummy snacks
Dancing
A tired baby Jack on the ride home
Taking of several pictures
Eating out of a toy dump truck

Impromptu Vacation

Every spring Clay takes a "guy's weekend" down to Rosemary Beach. I used to look forward to the house to myself, no cooking, and no where to go. This year it was a little different. The weekend happened to fall right after Jack's birthday. That meant I went from a house full to a house empty, except for Jack, of course. I was looking forward to it at first. Maybe it would be nice for Jack and I to spend a weekend without company and the hub bub of a birthday party. But, by Wednesday when the house had cleared and Clay was at work, I decided Jack and I may get a little lonely going from all to nothing. So Wednesday evening, I packed my bags, Jack's bags, and Cosby's bags and we were on our way to Florida with Clay the next day. No, we didn't get invited to join in on the guy's weekend, but we had much more fun. We stayed at Grammy and Grampa's house which was only about an hour away from Daddy's destination. It is very unlike me to plan a trip so spontaneously, especially with Jack, but it turned out to be quite a delight! Before hitting the road on Thursday, we had one very important stop to make...Jack's 1 year well visit at the pediatrician. Two shots and three measurements later we hit the road. By the way, Jack now weighs 24 lbs (60th percentile) and is 32 inches long (90th percentile). My tall boy is a whole other blog in itself! I must note that I am very pleased. But, back to our trip. The ride down was rather uneventful (just perfect for me). Jack loved facing forward...he slept a lot, read books, snacked, and watched a little bit of Elmo. By the time we arrived at our destination, it was nearing his bed time. After dinner and some brief play with his grandparents, he was off to the tub and bed. He slept like a champ and woke at 7:30 am central time...got to love that! Friday was much busier for Jack and I. Grammy and Grampa had some previous plans throughout the day, but we still spent a lot of time with them. In the am, Jack played with Grammy and her plethora of toys, then took a 2 1/2 hour nap. When he finally woke, Grampa was home and Jack played outside with him and the dogs...it was beautiful weather. I then took Jack to a neighborhood park to swing and watch the big kids. He didn't know what to make of the sand and neither did I. I spent the next 3 days of our vacation trying to get it out of the car, his shoes, and our beds. I forgot what it was like to live with sand even though I grew up covered in it. By late afternoon, cousins Whit and Larkin came over after school. We were joined by the neighbor girl and her little white doggie. Not too long after, Uncle Mike came over to join in the fun. Jack had a great time watching him blow bubbles with his gum. Wow! Much more action than Jack would have had if would have stayed here in Georgia. They played the afternoon away inside and outside. Jack loved the action that 3 kids, 3 family members, and 3 dogs brought. After bathing the sand off of him and putting him to bed, I met my high school friend, Stephanie for dinner. How grown up we felt, getting to go out without babies! Saturday was full of more entertainment. Jack started the morning with a walk with Grammy and Grampa to McDonald's (Grampa's Saturday morning hang out). Jack got to see where Grampa goes to read his paper, do his crossword puzzles, and drink his coffee. Another beautiful day to be outside. When Jack woke from his 2 hour morning nap, he and I went to pick up Uncle Jim and we headed to the beach to my favorite lunch spot...Peg leg Pete's. I really wanted to eat outside, but the wait was forever, so we opted for a table inside. Regardless the food was still tasty. Jack started lunch with his usual medley of veggies and fruit until he spotted the saltine crackers. Being the sucker, Uncle Jim gave in and handed Jack one. It was all over from there. Jack double fisted saltines all through lunch while dining in Uncle Jim's lap. I think Jack had downed at least 7 crackers by the time the check came. He almost turned into a big carbohydrate right there at the table. After lunch, we walked over to the beach to show Jack the gulf for the first time. Not too sure what to make of it, the visit was short lived. After Jack got a splash of salt water, a fist full of sand, and the sun's glare in his eyes, and we were back to the car. Of course, we brought half of the beach with us. This time I took the car to have it vacuumed during Jack's afternoon nap. Jack woke up to more friendly visitors. Stephanie and Evan came over to play for about an hour. The boys parallel played outside and inside while Mommy took lots of pictures. The last time they saw one another they were only 5 months old...my, how they have grown. Before bed time, Jack and I met Grammy and Grampa, Aunt Catlin, and Whit and Larkin at Billy Bob's Barbecue for dinner. For once, Jack was more interested in his surroundings than his food. Whit wheeled Jack around the restaurant in his high chair, showed him Larkin riding the rocking pig, and fed him bread. More carbs for the Jackster! Maybe that is why he was sleeping so well?? After another restful night, Jack woke up Sunday morning and we headed to church for mass. It was the same church Clay and I grew up in, got married at, and had Jack baptised in. Lots of memories there. Jack was very well behaved, a little wiggly, but that was fine. Between Grammy, Grampa, me and Uncle Jim, he had plenty of arms to be passed off to. After his morning nap, he was greeted with the arrival of a tan and tired Daddy. After a little outdoor play with Daddy, it was time to head home. We hugged our family goodbye and we were on the road to our regular routine. The ride home wasn't as restful as the one there...Jack didn't want to miss a thing. But, again he was a trooper between books, Elmo, snacks, and toys. After finally arriving home, Jack dove into his bed with Lovey and we didn't hear from again until the next morning....7:30 am eastern time. (I must say he adjusted well to the time changes this trip.) He woke up today looking at me like...how are you going to beat that weekend? We had a great day today unpacking and getting back on schedule, not quite as eventful as our impromptu vacation, but a great day none the less.

Jack's Birth Story

One year ago today Jack Henry Cibula was born. Here is the story of how he came into the world...

It all started on his due date which was Friday, April 13th 2007. I woke up for the umpteenth time to go to the bathroom. It was becoming an hourly ritual at this point in the pregnancy. I dragged my HUGE belly down the hall (our master bathroom was still under renovation at the time) and took care of my business. Back to bed, or so I thought. As I walked back into our bedroom, I stood for a moment and stared at our bed. Clay was still snoozing happily away. But to me, that bed looked like an impossible mountain to climb. How could I go on like this. It took everything I had just to hoist myself in and out of there time and time again. I looked at the clock...5:31 am...too early to get up and start the day. So I stopped, and told God I just couldn't do it anymore...Jack was getting way too heavy. As I began to step up to try to get back in bed, God answered my prayers. My water broke right there in the bedroom at 5:32 am. And if anyone tries to tell you it's not "like the movies", they are lying. It was a never ending flood. Thank goodness I was at home! Looking back it was an amazing experience and the start to a wonderful blessing.

I gently woke Clay and told him the news. Being the nervous father to be, he flew out of bed, grabbed his stuff and hurried me on. I on the other hand wanted to take my time. I assured him we had a little while to get to the hospital and we could relax. Clay called Dr Taylor, who was on call, shared the news, and realized I was right about the time. I headed straight to the shower, knowing it could be my last for a while. After getting cleaned up and loading the car, we were ready to go. We packed Cosby and Lucy (she was still staying with us then) in the car and headed to Doggy Day School. We arrived to the school at 7:25 and I was still feeling fine...just minor contractions and a few nerves. I kissed the furry babies goodbye and reminded them of how much I loved them. Their whole world was about to change and they didn't even know it.

Finally off to the hospital! This soon to be Mommy was starving, so as gross as it is, I had Clay stop at McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin. I know, I know, I wasn't suppose to be eating so close to delivery. But, remember Jack was still in there and that meant I was still starving ALL THE TIME. Half way to the hospital I really started to feel the contractions. I tried to count, I tried to breathe, but all I could do was hold on to the bar above the car door window and squinch with pain. Of course, Clay took this as his free pass to drive like a maniac. In between contractions, I had to remind him to "take it easy".

Once arriving at the hospital, they immediately checked me in and sent me to a cozy room. Almost heaven, but not quite yet. The nurse examined me and I was dilated 3cm and still in major pain. One call to the anestician and one epidural later... I was in heaven. Clay made all of the necessary phone calls and by 12:45 my Mom and Grandma were there. When they came in I was in a complete state of relaxation...comfortable in my bed, no pain, 6cm dilated, and just waiting for my baby boy to show up. I was encouraged to rest, maybe take a snooze, but how was that possible? Luckily Dr. Carroll (my OBGYN) was now in for her shift, so she checked in on me regularly. Everything was going great.

By 5:20 pm, I was fully effaced and 10cm dilated. It was time for a baby! I followed all of Dr. Carroll's instructions and pushed my little heart out. I wanted this baby so badly. On every contraction I pushed and waited to hear the nurse and Dr. Carroll say we were making progress...but, nothing! Where is this baby, I thought? An hour later, Dr. Carroll instructed the nurse to stay by my side, have me push on every other contraction and she would be back in a few minutes to check the status. She then mentioned it may be time to go to Plan B. "Plan B?, What's that?" I asked. Please not the dreaded "C" word. But, yes, it was...she was referring to a C-Section. I begged to try for another hour, I reassured her I could get this baby out. She kept repeating, "this baby is too big and you are too little". Looking back I now know, she was only pacifying me by giving me some extra pushing time. Dr. Carroll knew Jack wasn't coming out without a fight. But, I had to keep trying in my own mind.

By 7:00pm, I had had enough. I was exhausted and in pain again...how could this be? The pain was so severe I felt tears welling up. The nurse tried to tell me it was just my exhaustion and the pressure. "No!", I repeated, "it really hurts!". Shortly after, Dr. Carroll arrived and we slowly made the transfer to the operating table. It was at that moment that she noticed my epidural had fallen out during the previous two hours of labor. See I knew I was in pain...a pain like none other. The entire way to the operating room, Dr. Carroll rubbed my head and gently soothed me. I feel so lucky to have had such a caring Dr by my side. I kept my eyes closed the whole way there and only opened them for a split second once entering the operating room. I remember seeing bright lights, metal everywhere, and lots of masked faces over me. The coziness of my delivery room was gone...I didn't open my eyes again until it was all over. After another epidural, we were finally ready to get Jack out. In what seemed like a split second, the c-section was over and my baby boy was finally in the same room as me as a separate person! I will never forget the sound of his cry. It was the most beautiful sound in the world. As I lay there with my eyes still closed, tears streamed down my face. At that moment, I knew my life would never be the same again.

I wanted to hold him, feel him, kiss him, but he had to be taken away to get checked out. I heard someone in the operating room say, "that's a big boy". Then I heard Dr.Carroll say, "7:47". That's all I knew, all that work and that's all the information I could get...he was big and he was born at 7:47 pm. They invited Clay to go with Jack to see his bath and measurements and I was wheeled away to a waiting room. The waiting seemed like an eternity. My Mom came back to see me and I drilled her with questions. She said he was beautiful, perfect, and with his Daddy. Finally, Clay arrived with our baby boy in his arms. The most amazingly perfect baby boy I had ever seen. I greeted him, kissed him, and then immediately nursed. And with no problem, he contently ate and snuggled with me. It was instant love...a love like no other. I excitingly asked Clay, "how much does he weigh?". I wanted to hear at least 7 1/2lbs....there had to be some reason I couldn't deliver him earlier. Then Clay, answered "8lbs 14.7oz". Oh what relief, it wasn't my fault after all. Dr Carroll was right all along...he was too big and I was too little. Wow, almost 9lbs...I couldn't believe it! A huge, happy , healthy baby-all I could think was Clay and I are so blessed!

So, here we are, exactly one year later and not too much has changed. Jack is still huge, healthy, and happy and the greatest blessing of our lives.

Happy Birthday sweet baby Jack!

Happy 1st Birthday Cowboy!

We had Jack's first birthday party on Saturday. With a cowboy theme and party decor to match we partied till the cows came home. I've been preparing for the celebration for 2 months now....buying & making decorations, ordering food & cakes, assembling goody bags, etc., etc. It was very exhausting, but well worth it! The weather forecast kept me on my toes too. One day they said it was going to be beautiful, then the next cold, then the next time windy and rainy. I finally just quit looking and decided no matter what the weather, it was still going to be Jack's big day. Luckily for us, it turned out to be a very nice afternoon. Not too cold, not too hot, and thankfully no rain. Most of the party took place inside...the playroom, the kitchen, and in Clay's new media room, however, we did hang out on the back deck too. It was great to have that as an option. Jack started the day with a great morning nap, which usually equals a great afternoon nap. But, with all of the party buzz his afternoon nap was not quit as restful as I had hoped. Instead he woke up on the wrong side of the crib. After getting him dressed for the festivities, GG took him for a short neighborhood walk to relax him. When they returned home it was party time. Guests began arriving and birthday greetings were bountiful. Jack warmed up to the idea of a party and the fun began....lots of eating, playing, and singing! With 9 babies, 18 parents, and 4 family members the house was packed. If I had to guess Jack's favorite part of the day, it would definitely be cake time. This was Jack's first sweet and boy was it worth the wait. He devoured his entire "baby smash cake" and whined for more. He even tried to eat the cardboard it was sitting on, not a crumb could be spared! After cake, Jack was on sugar high, laughing and loving all of the attention. Maybe I should have given him the cake first? As the party began to wind down, so did a tired Jack. He was off to bed early dreaming of icing and sugar. What a wonderful celebration of Jack's first year of life....thanks to all who helped to make it so special.

Here are a few pictures of the big day. Being so busy, I didn't get as many good shots as I had hoped for. Thankfully, HD Portraits (Heather Dahlby) was on site to get the good stuff. She gave me a little sneak a peek of what she got and I cant wait to see the rest. I'll share those when I get them! Until then...


We'll start with the decorations...here is the banner of all the months of Jack's life. Each month was represented with a picture, a boot, and a number on bandanna paper. It was on the banister to greet guests as they arrived. It was fantastic to see how much he has grown in one year!

This is the food table (before the food). It had little bales of hay, bandannas, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat to hold the plastic ware, and sheriffs badges spread around.

Baby cowboy boot centerpiece...look how tiny!
Plastic ware tied up with bandanna ribbon...I had to search high and low for that ribbon.

Goody bag table at the entry....filled with cowboy goodies for the little guests.

Side view of the cake table. It was complete with a bandanna framed picture of "Cowboy Jack" and a cowboy hat, more sheriffs badges, and the adult cake and the smash cake...yum!

The cake matched his invitations perfectly and tasted great.

Jack's smash cake...which he ate every crumb of!

Okay enough about the decorations, (although it was much cuter in person), but now on to the Birthday boy. Remember I didn't get great pictures, I was too busy celebrating with my little one. But, here are a few....

Okay, I couldn't WAIT to share a few of HD Portrait's pictures, so here are a handful from my peek...

Wow, is she good or what? Those few shots put my pictures to shame. I dont even know why I tried to have my camera out. I can't wait to see the rest!

New Wheels

Despite the gloomy weather and a baby Jack that was feeling a little under the weather, we had a great visit from Grammy and Grampa this weekend. They arrived just in time to help us celebrate Clay's birthday and Jack's early birthday. Both boys were thrilled to have the company for their special time of the year. Upon arriving, Grammy and Grampa showered Clay with his Birthday loot. It didn't take long for Jack to want in on the action, so he was was given one of his gifts too....a farm set complete with noise making animals. Later that evening, Grammy and Grampa were gracious enough to give Clay and I the night off for a little Daddy Birthday celebration. Saturday morning brought another Birthday present for Jack and, unfortunately, a fever too. In an effort to help the little guy feel better we put him inside of his new red wagon while Daddy and Grampa worked diligently to assemble it. Who new one wagon could have so many parts? They sure don't make things easy anymore. It was too bad that after completion, grey skies and rain prevented Jack from taking a cruise in his new set of wheels. It was probably all for the best anyway because he was still fighting a low grade fever. A whiny and tired Jack went to bed early in hopes of feeling better on Sunday morning. I'm sure he dreamed the night away thinking about cruising the neighborhood in his new red wagon. He even woke in the middle of night to tell us all about it or maybe it was to let us know he still wasn't feeling well! However, Sunday morning brought much better spirits and finally a ride in his Birthday present. I'm not fully convinced that he is feeling 100% again, but that ride sure did cheer him up. The whole family joined Jack in his neighborhood debut of his new wheels. He smiled, pointed, waved, and babbled on about how much he loved his new ride... much cooler than a stroller! He even let Cosby get in and take a spin. I have a feeling this is going to be Jack's number one mode of transportation from now on. Thank you Grammy and Grampa for a wonderful visit and Birthday celebration. Jack says he promises to feel better next time!

The Messy Gardener

Jack "helped" me plant spring flowers today. The weather was beautiful (whats up with that ?...the weather man said it was going to rain Tuesday through Saturday). Trust me, I'm not complaining, just pleasantly surprised. Jack and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous day, (just in case the forecast proves to be correct for the reminder of the week). We planted the afternoon away and enjoyed every minute of it. Jack's idea of help involved a little mess making, taste testing, and some cause & effect experimentation. Here is the story of how his stark white tee shirt quickly turned into a dingy brown one...

Hmmm...what's this? Looks like Mommy and I are about to do something really fun.

Oh wow, there is dirt in this...cool!

I wonder if Mommy will go get this pot for me if I push it off the deck for the 4th time.

Dirt in a beautiful flower pot...Yum!...I bet this will taste good.

Not too bad...I've had better though.

Mommy says, I'm too dirty to even go upstairs, so it looks like I get a bath in the kitchen sink tonight...which is okay by me, this faucet is pretty interesting.