Lucy's Hospital Story

You asked for it, so here you go.  This is the story of one of the most amazing days of my life and the few that followed it.

And if I haven't mentioned it yet, I really LOVE Lucy! {and those aren't just the hormones talking}

We arrived at the hospital close to 6:00 am.  We were supposed to be there at 5:30, but I just couldn't get going that morning.  I had spent the night before curled up in a ball on the floor pushing on, what I thought was Lucy's rear end, begging her to stop moving like that.  Well, it wasn't her rear, those were mild contractions.  How was I to know?  With Jack my water broke and I went from 0 to 60 flat with contractions.  With Maggie...absolutely nothing.  It had been a while.

After I got set up in the hospital and played the "waiting for my turn in the O.R." game, my contractions intensified.  Like a whole lot!  I was breathing through them, crumpled over in pain, and about to start cursing my husband {just like in the movies}.  It was not pretty.

But on the flip side, how excited was I that Lucy picked the same exact day that I did?  Kindred spirits I must say!

I began to feel suspicions that my water was about to break.  Once the nurses saw my contractions on the monitor they informed Dr C and all that waiting on blood work etc. was forgotten.  I was immediately taken to the O.R. room where my water broke right as  I was stepping up on the table.  One very quick epideral later and Lucy was born at 8:39 am.

First words out of the Drs mouth's were, "that's a good sized baby" and "she is definitely a Lucy".  {Dr C always knows how I question the gender until I see it for myself}.

Lucy was indeed a good sized baby...9lbs 1oz 20 inches.  She is my biggest as of date, actually ever {by 2oz, but my shortest}.  And boy did she scream...a lot.  More than the other two combined.  I can't lie when I say it made me a bit nervous.

Until...they placed her sweet cheek up against mine.  Instantly she stopped and all in both of our worlds was never the same.  She stole my heart in that moment.  Pure love...it is truly amazing and such a blessed gift.  I'll say it again...I really LOVE Lucy.

{and this is as big as this picture is going to get...my, my I had no clue how wrinkly I had gotten in my old age--and unfortunately, b&w doesn't hide the wrinkles either--I tried}

We spent the next five days in the hospital.  I was ready to go home after four.  But, Lucy needed to stay and be on the bililight.  She was slightly jaundiced.  I felt like my days of holding and snuggling my newborn without interruptions were robbed right out from underneath me.  So disappointing.  So I just stared at her {a lot} and spent many moments hovering over her with my hand on her chest.  I did sneak her out more than once {probably why the process was prolonged}.  But, I am happy to say, she is jaundice free and home and healthy.

Between bililight treatment, she met lots of family.  The most important being her new big sister and big brother.  Maggie was very unsure, but also very intrigued initially.  She wanted Jack to do the touching while she watched from a distance with her hands glued to her upper body.  Over time Maggie realized that Lucy wasn't going to bite and then fianally she wanted her turn for some little sister love.

Jack, on the other hand, was an immediate pro.  Big brother jumped into his role like he was born to play it {which i'm guessing he was}.  He cooed in Lucy's ear, introduced himself, told her how pretty she was, and oooohed an ahhhed over her.  He is seriously the most amazing big brother.

He even talked me into feeding Lucy her first bottle....of formula at that.  I couldn't resist his sweet request.  

Big Brother and big sister repeatedly asked for their "turn to hold Lucy".  Lucy was such a sport.  Not one complaint out of her.  Praying that she stays this easy going!

And just like that we were a Family of 5!  The Fab 5...Party of Five...Fivetastic!  Life has changed.

And speaking of five, we finally headed home on day 5.  Lucy wore her "going home" best.  And I, as an adrenaline rushed, totally enamored  Momma, could not quit loving all over her.

And Mommy and Daddy proudly walked out with the newest addition to our family.  This is the calm before the storm. {and in no way am I implying anything with Lucy herself, it's a family affair:}

Thanks for sharing in our big hospital stay and the beautiful birth of lovely Lucy.  We feel absolutely blessed beyond words {and sooooo tired}.  Be patient with our updates.  They will come...

Welcoming Lucy

We welcome with immense love our newest addition...

Lucille "Lucy" Elizabeth Cibula

August 23, 2012 8:39 am

9lbs 1oz

20 inches

Lots of sweet pink details coming when we get back on track around here.

Do I Look Ready?

Tomorrow is the day.  The big day we meet Lucy.  There were certainly moments in the last week or so that I thought she might have plans of her own.  But, so far baby girl has held out for her planned c-section date.  Virgo baby it is after all.

Before Maggie's birth I was filled with so many emotions.  I knew I wanted her, I knew I couldn't wait to meet her, but I was down right scared.  I would have stayed pregnant another year had I been given the choice.  Once she arrived, all that changed in an instance.  

This time, I couldn't feel more different.  I am soooooo ready to not be pregnant.  Goodbye swollen ankles,  goodbye ridiculously painful heartburn, goodbye insomnia, goodbye 30lb bowling ball under my shirt, and speaking of shirt...goodbye maternity clothes.  {note I didn't say goodbye stretchy waistband yoga pants}.

But the most substantial difference this time,  I'm not scared.  A little anxious, yes, and still wondering how I will mange THREE loves.  But, totally ready to meet this sweet bundle of pink joy.  I can't wait to have that overflow of motherly love that consumes you until exhaustion takes over.  I can't wait to spend days in the hospital just bonding with Lucy while she snuggles her little newborn head up under my chin.  I can't wait to smell her, count her fingers and toes, and swaddle her up in pink.  

Yes, I'm actually ready this time.  Most importantly mentally, but also technically.

My suitcase is packed {with lots of pjs and one, "I hope I can fit into this outfit" to go home}. 

Lucy's bags are ready to go {and so preciously girly}.

Lucy has "hello brother" and "hello sister" gifts ready to give her doting siblings at the hospital.

And seriously...do I look ready or what?  I don't think she could fit another ounce on her if she tried.

Welcoming baby Lucy tomorrow around 7:30 am...send us your prayers.

Happy Birthday Grandma

We celebrated Grandma's birthday this weekend.  All she really wanted was for Lucy to arrive on August 18th, instead she got a lake day.  Complete with grandchildren, homemade birthday cake and some really cute gifts.

Since the weather has cooled down a bit, my kids were slightly reluctant to take a dip.  Clay was able to coax Jack in with the idea of a raft and a paddle.  I still don't think Jack ever even got his hair wet!

Maggie on the other hand would not even consider it unless Mommy got in.  And well, Mommy is really pregnant.  So I decided a bathing suit and 39 weeks pregnant just don't mix {especially in public}.

Yes, I felt awful.  But, Maggie entertained herself nicely on the docked boat.  And it wasn't long before Jack joined her and they went "adventuring in their imaginations".  A couple stops included swimming with the dolphins {this is really Jack's thing right now}, an iceberg to play with penguins, a race to escape a giant walrus, and a swamp cruise.  Rarely do my kids get bored.  Overtired yes, bored, not really.

But the best part, and the whole reason we made the lake trip, was to celebrate Grandma.  It's been a looooong time since we have been able to do that in person.  It's usually a mailed gift and a phone call.  This was so much better.

We sang her Happy Birthday, had a great homemade lunch filled with salads-chicken, pasta, spinach, and potato, and Grandma opened her gifts {and yes, in that odd order}.  Maggie had a great time helping to pick out Grandma's goodies. They both love shiny and sparkly.

The favorite homemade part of lunch though was the cake.  Maggie and I baked it while Jack was at school on Friday.  Maggie was so super fascinated that when it went in the oven it was near white and when it came out it was tan {I really need to bake with her more often}.  But she had a blast using the mixer and breaking the eggs. {I warned everyone to watch out for egg shells}.  Everyone luckily survived.

In true Maggie fashion, she wanted pink icing.  Jack said Grandma's favorite color was green, so we compromised.

We saved the cake decorating for after school on Friday.  I drew an icing line down the middle and gave each kid a side to decorate.  And wouldn't you know...they did the same exact thing!  Now, if I hadn't drawn that line there would have been a battle.  Go figure.

So the finished product was all pink with green icing polka dots and strawberries.  The kids wanted sprinkles but I couldn't stand the thought so we opted for strawberries and it was delish!

Yum!  I'm pretty sure the kids agreed.  Happy Birthday Grandma!  Next up is Lucy's Birthday!

Maggie Too

This little darling had her first day of school this week too! 

She's still a Tuesday/Thursday kiddo, so she had the honors of following right after big brother on Tuesday.  Maggie is in the Two Year Old room at the same pre-school she and Jack attended last year.

But, wow, what  a difference a year makes.

My "fancy pants" {which is what I love to call her now because of her new signature move of placing her hands on her lower back, swaying her hips, all the while daintily walking} strutted into school like she owned the place.  If you know my Maggie, that is serious stuff.

I adore watching this girl's confidence build.  I always knew it was there.  From the first day in the hospital, nearly 3 years ago, I knew she had a little sassy to her.   Mmmmm...and how yummy is her sass?!

Day one went semi-well.  I was expecting this to be a breeze after the day before with Jack.  But, we all know that it doesn't always work like that.  I did, however, relish in the comfort of walking into our familiar home away from home.  So quaint, small, and inviting...I just love pre-school.  If I could keep all three of my kids there for a lifetime, I think I just might.

Okay, so the "semi-well" happened when we reached Maggie's actual classroom door.  All was well for our first day of school pictures on the porch, the car ride to school, and as Ms. Fancy Pants strutted down the hall with her giant bag in hand.  {I offered to help, but was rejected with an adamant "me do it myself".}

Once we reached those classroom doors, all Mags and I could hear was wailing...and lots of it.  And isn't it funny that it was all the Momma's boys crying out?  So, I'm assuming, in Maggie's sweet little mind, she was thinking, 'hmmm...must be something to cry about in there'.  Her reluctance started, then her little tears began to fall, and before I could let it elevate, I gave her a huge hug and at least fourteen kisses, reminded her "mommies always come back", and handed her over to Ms. Becky and Ms.Cheryl.  I knew she was in great hands and I knew she never doubts my love for her.

And then as any hovering loving Mommy would do, I waited outside her door for a full 24 minutes until I knew she was settled and happy.  Oh my, the emotional drain this week!

I am thrilled to report that I picked up a very bouncy-high spirited Magpie with a grin the size of her entire face planted across it.  And  the best part?  This girly of mine is FULL of details!  I am absolutely not used to that and am so LOVING it!  I see lots of girl talk in the future.

According to Maggie, she spent her first day...painting with Mia, playing baby dolls with Elise,  singing a bunny song, eating apples for snack, using the potty two times, rolling the ball to the teacher with her legs open to catch it, and reading books.  Oh, and she immediately told me, "I am hungry".  I imagine so after that busy day.

Mags came home, ate two sandwiches{!!} and hit her pillow hard.  Have I mentioned how tired we all are around here?  And it's only Tuesday.

Gotta love school!  Looking forward to a fabulous year {with lots of happy adjustments}.

Kindergarten Kid

Jack started Kindergarten today.

It was one of the most emotionally tough days of my life.  It certainly doesn't help that I am 81/2 months pregnant, but beyond that it was tough....I promise.

I cried sobbed on and off all day.  I thought about him nonstop and wondered if he was thinking about me. I hoped not, but definitely wondered.  The minutes on the clock ticked by sooooo slowly and I couldn't help but think on several occasions, "surely it's time to go get him now".

I missed his little voice {even the whiny one}.  I missed eating breakfast with him and Maggie.  I missed the way he zooms around the house ninety to nothing.  It was a quiet morning {and not the kind that you feel like you deserve every once in a while}.

I prayed that his teacher could see how special he was, how much he was loved, and treat him so, as best as she could, even though she just met him.  I wished that he made a friend, found someone to play with at recess, and a buddy to sit next to in the cafeteria.

I worried that he wouldn't be able to open his yogurt at lunch or tie his shoes on the playground.  I worried that he was exhausted and maybe he just wasn't ready.  And then I thought about how we have spent 5 years preparing for this day and maybe it was just me who selfishly wan't ready.

And then it was finally time to pick him up.

I left for the carpool line a whole 30 minutes early.  I wanted to see him so badly.  Be there waiting for him when he came out.  Instead I just spent an extra 30 minutes sitting in my car, but I tried.  {Lesson of a new Kindergarten Mommy learned.}

When he got in the car he smiled.  I don't know if it was because he saw me or because he saw that I had a juice box and a snack waiting for him.  Probably the latter, but I didn't care.  I was just so happy to see him.  And his sweet little grin.

And then he spoke.  The famous first words out of his mouth on this very first day of Kindergarten..."Mommy when I get home can I take a nap?".

So we did.  Jack came home and went straight to his bed.  All that waiting...all day long...and he left me for a nap.  Believe it or not, I didn't expect much different.

When he woke, he told me in Jack detail {which is very vague} about his day.  The just was...he liked it, he wanted to go back, he made a friend, his teacher was nice, he really wanted to go to the writing center soon, he had a TV in his room, the cafeteria was really big, at art he and two other boys got a table allllll to themselves, and he wasn't tired until he got in the car.

I was happy to see him happy.  Still emotionally drained {and exhausted from our new 6:30 a.m. wake up call}.  But wow, what a bold reminder that they grow up way too fast.

Enjoy every minute...I'm telling you and reminding myself.  And to quote one of my loveliest Mommy friends, "the days are long, but the years fly".

The First Day...

{And on a lighter note...we are still squaring away the logistics of our morning routine.  The most important being toothbrushing.  You will love this.  Jack had a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast {yes, awful I know, but it was the first day}.  Anyway, we brushed before breakfast so we wouldn't have to go back upstairs.  It took me until we arrived at his classroom door to realize every gap in his teeth were filled with chocolate!  I grabbed his water bottle, had him swish and run outside to spit.  And then I got home and looked at all of his first day pictures and cracked up through my teary eyes.  He looks nearly toothless!  I edited as best as I could, but some things just can't be fixed.  Needless to say, we now have a toothbrush in the downstairs bathroom.  We are brushing AFTER breakfast from here on out.  Oh, and no more chocolate chocolate chip muffins.}

Sneaking A Peek

The kids got a chance to sneak a peek of their new classrooms today.  It just so happened that both viewings were scheduled for the same morning....an hour apart...at two different schools...that are12 minutes apart.  To put it lightly it was an excitingly hectic morning.

First stop was Kindergarten.  I went in with a very heavy heart.  Jack went in with a pep in his step.  I'm not complaining, I think it's great, just absolutely not what I expected from him.  There are moments that I question, "hmmm...does he know exactly what is about to happen?".  But after today, I think he really does.  And he is legitimately excited.

So much so, that I'm pretty sure the PTO loves me and my checkbook.  He wanted an Eagle t-shirt first and foremost.  He picked out the blue tie-dye one and begged to change into it immediately upon leaving {with his madras shorts mind you}.  Somehow I was able to talk him in to waiting until after we left Maggie's teacher meeting.  But, he did adorn it to get his hair cut and lunch.  It was an interesting look.

He insisted we have an "eagle magnet" for the car {and that did go on immediately}.  I look very school spirited.  Then he wanted one for his magnet board in his bedroom.

He and Maggie both got stuffed Eagles that they have slept with every night.  Maggie wouldn't take my rationale that she, "wasn't exactly an Eagle".  No, if it was good enough for Jack it was good enough for her.

And finally they each had to have one of those rubber bracelet things.  For Jack, I'm sure it was the fact that it was blue and yellow and said, "Go Eagles".  And for Maggie, well, it was bracelet.  And that is all it takes for her.

Jack is literally beside himself to be a Kindergartener and an Eagle at that.  Life is good.

He also talked me into signing him up for Lego club after school one day a week.  I was so hesitant, and still am, because I know this kid is going to be exhausted.  But, a buddy in his class {and that lives on our street} is doing it, so how could I say no?  Wish me luck on that one.  I'm sure I will be kicking myself when he is having a meltdown every Tuesday night.

But, above anything, his classroom and his new teacher is what it was all about.  And he adored every minute of being a big kid.

We waited outside Jack's new school for the doors to be unlocked.  You wouldn't believe the crowd at the entry.  It looked like black Friday.  Serious anticipation.

Once inside, Ms.Watson greeted us at the door with a Scavenger Hunt List.  Jack loved the idea of an adventure in his new classroom.  First thing on our list was to find his cubby.  This boy was way excited to see he was the blue group...things were already falling into place.

Along the way, we had to find his table.  He sits at the blue table {if you know Jack this a HUGE deal}.There he had paperwork to fill out.

Other stops included finding centers, book bag hooks, and decorating his first day name tag.  The last stop was to find Ms. Watson and let her take a picture of her new student.  Then we turned the tables on her.  She was a trooper.  I think we are going to have a great Kindergarten year!

After our Kindergarten visit, we literally raced to the car and punched it to Maggie's school {which is how I think I convinced Jack to hold off on the blue tie-dye tee, "we're in a big hurry, but as soon as we are done with Maggie's teacher, I promise"}.  

We made it to Maggie's meet and greet {only 8 minutes late}.  Poor Mags.  But, her teachers fabulously let us stay an extra 8 minutes to make up for lost time.  I love pre-school.  

The rushing around put Maggie in a bit of a tail spin.  So I had to spend an additional few minutes outside her classroom door relaxing her {and myself}.  But, once that was done, she was a happy little camper again.  And she walked in that door like she owned the school.  Wow, what a difference a year makes.  Her new found confidence is awesome.

Maggie immediately greeted her new teacher, Ms.Becky, and...gave her a hug and a kiss.  That wasn't exactly what I was expecting...awesome, both of my kids pleasantly surprised me today!  Yay!  

As you can imagine, with a new baby coming, I've had a few concerns about all of the new transitions.  So far, so good {knock on wood-if you know me, you know I'm not naive, so counting my blessings while I can}.  And I forgot to mention, to make matters even BETTER, Ms.Becky's aide is the same aide Maggie had last year, Ms. Cheryl.  I love when things work out like that.  

After greeting her teachers, Maggie hopped from activity to activity checking out her new room.  First stop, the kitchen.

Then the book nook.  Which was a giant hit because of those super cool pillows.

But, she claimed the blocks were her favorite.  When I acted surprised by that choice, she responded, "because that is Jack's favorite".  Oh, gotcha.  That girl loves her brother.

And just because we did it {and all before 10:15 a.m} we took a very happy "Sneak A Peek" picture.  I think all three of us felt very accomplished and extremely excited.  

{and I PROMISE, I had no intentions of matching myself to the kids-I literally realized we looked as if we were on our way to have family portraits as we were racing to the car at 8:15 a.m....this pregnant Momma's wardrobe is very limited these final two weeks--cut me some slack --see how tired I am.}

Okay, so Monday is the big day for Jack and then Tuesday is Maggie's big day.  I think I'm going to make it.  I can't promise a tear free Monday, but I can promise that I know both kids are in great hands.

We are going to spend the weekend laying low, packing up backpacks, and adoring our time together!

Vroom Vroom, Lucas is 2!

Look who is two....our beloved Micca family's car loving boy.  Where did the time go?  It is nearly impossible for me to believe that Lucas is two.  I can only imagine how Cristina must feel.  Our August babies will surely be co-partying one day, just as our April babies have!

Until then, little Lucas  celebrated pit stop style with a fabulous race car party.  It was right up his alley race track.  I have truly never seen a boy so obsessed with "vroom vrooms" as this guy.  And as always, his Mommy pulled off another adorable celebration.  See why I like to co-party with her?

I have recently found myself loving this red and aqua color combo.  And when I saw Lucas's party, it went straight to the top of my color list.  Isn't it great?

How fun is this?  These are chocolate candies.  When the kids finally figured that out this tray was empty well before the checker flag was waved.

Jack really got in to the play on words with the labeled food.  He wanted to know what everything was called and exactly what it meant.  His favorite were the "spare tires" which were mini chocolate doughnuts {mine too...those things are dangerous}.

The pool party aspect of Lucas's day was touch and go with the stormy skies.  My kids were so bummed.  But, the Corvette car wash made up for that ten fold.  Lucas's Daddy is an avid car lover too, so when the kids got a chance to polish up his rides, I could hardly get them away.  Jack even asked if he could wash my car when we got home.  Now if I can just get him to take out the trash, cook dinner, do the laundry...

Look at this happy birthday boy!  Who said anything about terrible 2's?  I'm thinking he has a pretty terrific year ahead of him.

Did I say the car wash was my kid's favorite?  Okay, I must have forgotten about the cupcakes.  We all know that that always wins the race for these two.

Happy Birthday Lucas!  Celebrating with you was 1st place for us!

Jack Week

I debated titling this post "Jack Week" or "Last Week".  But since we so cleverly coined the term "Jack Week" for what you are about to see, I decided to go that route.  But, somehow I just can't get "last week" {sung to the tune of "last dance"} out of my head.  I'm hoping a few moments of writing will nip that in the bud.  Are you humming it yet?

So "Jack Week" was exhilarating, busy, nonstop fun, exhausting, and exactly what he asked for.  I gave this week to him.  It was like 5 days shoved into a box with a giant blue and yellow bow {because those are his favorite colors} on top.  He could do whatever he chose with his 5 days. And lucky for me, everything was within reason.  However, there was a moment there that he wanted to "swim with the dolphins".  I in turn, had a moment of panic.  I hated to be an Indian giver, but I thought I may have to take day 5 back. But then he traded that in for a bounce house...shew!

Maggie joined us for every day of "Jack Week".  It was completely against my better parenting judgement.  I knew it was too much for a two year old, but if I suggested she stay home and play with the nanny {whom she loves} she pleaded, "me want to go too".  I am such a sucker.  And by Thursday, Jack and I were paying for it.  Little Magpie was wiped.  

But..."Jack Week" continued on...and he relished every minute of it.  And me? I soaked in as much as I could knowing that my first born would be off to Kindergarten in 2 weeks.  And then I got reeaaallly tired {I can't lie}.

Day one was fabulous.  We went to Catch Air.  Jack deserved a gold medal for being the BEST big brother ever.  He protected, guided and played with Maggie and I got to sit back and watch.  It was seriously the sweetest thing to see.  Lucy is going to be one lucky little sis.

Please note how Maggie lined her "animals" up along the fence {more than once}.  Another Type A?

Day Two we hosted a pool and pizza playdate with all of Jack's pre-school buddies.  It was so bittersweet to see all of them and know that we are off to different schools.  {no camera, but trust me it was fun!}

Day Three we went to the Aquarium.  I was semi-dreading this one due to the logistics and the crowds.  But, it actually was an extremely pleasant visit.  We went to the Dolphin Show and followed that up by visiting "everything on the map".  It was Jack's day, so of course, he was the guide, map in hand.  Again, Jack and Maggie were the best of pals.  So far, so good on a great "Jack Week".

Day four was spent at The Purple Hippo.  Ever since Maggie's visit there a few weeks ago, Jack has really been wanting to go.  Apparently he built it up so much in his head that when he walked in, he declared, "this isn't what I thought" followed by, "where is the airbrush?".  Sorry buddy, this is it and unfortunately there is no airbrush, but next time we are in Panama CIty or any other tourist trap town, I'll lead you that way.

Eventually he warmed up to The Purple Hippo and made a very symmetrical picture {which is totally a Jack move}.  His favorite art supply?...the liquid glue.  

Maggie had another fabulous time, until lunch.  And from there her week went down hill.  Let's give her some credit though, she did make it to day 4 1/2 of Jack Week.

By Day Five, I was wiped, Maggie was wiped, but Jack kept on truckin'.  I think the 5th day at Monkey Joes may have been one of his favorite.  Although if you ask him he will say, "every day of Jack Week was my favorite".  

We were with the company of some friends at Monkey Joes.  The kids bounced from inflatable to inflatable while I consoled a very grumpy Maggie, so my picture taking was extremely limited.  But, Jack had a blast with Owen, Miller, Eliza Kate, Nate, Matthew, Ansley and Landon.  Close to departure Maggie finally decided to join in.  She had spent the majority of the morning clinging to me so she used her saved up energy to push Landon and Jack around in the red car.  It was quite a sight.

Then we went to Chic-fil-a with all of our friends for lunch {yes, we still support them}.

Now we are heading into one last week of laying pretty low and meeting new teachers and friends before the start of school.  It's hard to believe that this summer is coming to an end.  It was soooo busy.  Literally from construction to camps to anticipating Lucy's arrival, it's been kind of nuts.  A lovely kind of nuts though.  But, I can honestly say, I will welcome the routine that Fall will bring.  And whether Jack would admit it or not, he will to.

We went out with a bang though, don't you think?  {and now I am humming "jaaaaack week, jaaaaack week" to the tune of "last dance"}  Geez, will it ever stop...