John says we're running the audible (apparently this is a last minute change in football). It's the eleventh hour and all along we've been calling her Ellie. However, when we first thought of names for Luke we were dead set on Lauren Grace and Luke Thomas. Clearly we had Luke T. and thought if we were to have a girl someday that Luke and Lauren maybe didn't go together, two names with "L"? Too similar to Luke and Laura from General Hospital circa 1985?
I love the name Lauren. John agrees. Now were waffling on the little one's name and think we need to see her to decide. I thought we could do Lauren Elizabeth-Grace Stevens, but well her initials would be LEGS.
Any thoughts anyone? I keep asking Luke his opinion and all I get is a wide open mouthed glare.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Heading in the Right Direction
Ellie Grace has finally turned herself around and is no longer breech. Of course this doesn't change our c-section plans but gives the doctor a better indication of what is going on on the inside. I'm glad she's not THAT stubborn and figured out how to follow rank so to speak. We're scheduled to arrive at the hospital before 7:30am next Wednesday and if all goes well she should be out by 8am and I should be back in my room by 9:30/10am. This is an extreme contrast to Luke's birth which took longer than a day and a half and I barely saw him the first night he was born. Thank the Lord for modern medicine!
I am currently participating in the Extreme Nesting Challenge. A challenge that is self-inflicted. I'm out of work from this week through January 5 and of course I couldn't just sit and twiddle my thumbs with my feet up. As the old Italians say, "Idle hands are the work of the devil."
I've got beef stew in the crock (some for dinner tonight and the rest to freeze) and spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove to make and freeze a lasagne. The freezer is already stocked with a spinach quiche and chicken pot pie. My sister in law also supplied us with some creamy tomato and wild rice soup that is also nestled into a corner of the good ole ice box. The floors are mopped, I scrubbed them on my hands and knees, twice. I also swiffered and vaccuumed my way through our humble abode. All of the beds are stripped down to their mattresses, I flipped ours too, and the washer and dryer are in full force, washing everything from bed clothes to onesies. All I have left to do is pick up our bedroom so that the bassinette fits in there nicely, pack our bags for the hospital, and um put my feet up.
Ellie and I are headstrong this week, keeping busy in anticipation of whats to come!
I am currently participating in the Extreme Nesting Challenge. A challenge that is self-inflicted. I'm out of work from this week through January 5 and of course I couldn't just sit and twiddle my thumbs with my feet up. As the old Italians say, "Idle hands are the work of the devil."
I've got beef stew in the crock (some for dinner tonight and the rest to freeze) and spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove to make and freeze a lasagne. The freezer is already stocked with a spinach quiche and chicken pot pie. My sister in law also supplied us with some creamy tomato and wild rice soup that is also nestled into a corner of the good ole ice box. The floors are mopped, I scrubbed them on my hands and knees, twice. I also swiffered and vaccuumed my way through our humble abode. All of the beds are stripped down to their mattresses, I flipped ours too, and the washer and dryer are in full force, washing everything from bed clothes to onesies. All I have left to do is pick up our bedroom so that the bassinette fits in there nicely, pack our bags for the hospital, and um put my feet up.
Ellie and I are headstrong this week, keeping busy in anticipation of whats to come!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Showered in Pink
The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur between working full-time, weekly check-ups at the doctor, jury duty, and the everyday craziness of life topped off with some family "stuff" that makes me sad. All of a sudden we're in the last full week of being a family of three. The time has flown and I haven't really taken it all in, or relaxed enough to relish the fact that this just might be the last time I am ever pregnant. We've received some girly pink gifts here and there but all in all there hasn't really been the hoopla or build up of anticipation as there was with Luke. I know that's part of what happens when you have subsequent children, there just isn't as much time to "anticipate" when you're chasing a toddler.
Today, though, today I was pleasantly surprised. My lovely coworkers (www.designtramp.com why can't I create a link!! GRR!) threw us a shower in which John helped with the guest list. I was expecting to arrive at a Halloween kid party and as we walked in I saw my nephew sitting in his Elvis costume at a coffee table full of pink packages and ribbons galore. Mrs. Potter and my mom represented the East End well, I certainly didn't anticipate that they would be part of the afternoon. It was a great day with great friends and great food. I am so blessed to have these people in my life. When I left NYC in 2002 all of my coworkers at the time thought I was making a mistake, that clearly there was no creative life outside of Manhattan. They all questioned what I would do for work in Glens Falls? I am so proud to lead the life that I do and to be part of such a fantastic group of creative, and compassionate people.
I'm so excited to meet you Ellie Grace and let me tell you, you're going to be one stylin' little lady:)
Today, though, today I was pleasantly surprised. My lovely coworkers (www.designtramp.com why can't I create a link!! GRR!) threw us a shower in which John helped with the guest list. I was expecting to arrive at a Halloween kid party and as we walked in I saw my nephew sitting in his Elvis costume at a coffee table full of pink packages and ribbons galore. Mrs. Potter and my mom represented the East End well, I certainly didn't anticipate that they would be part of the afternoon. It was a great day with great friends and great food. I am so blessed to have these people in my life. When I left NYC in 2002 all of my coworkers at the time thought I was making a mistake, that clearly there was no creative life outside of Manhattan. They all questioned what I would do for work in Glens Falls? I am so proud to lead the life that I do and to be part of such a fantastic group of creative, and compassionate people.
I'm so excited to meet you Ellie Grace and let me tell you, you're going to be one stylin' little lady:)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Should I Be Worried?
He's got a love for poker chips and football, and comes complete with cute little devilish eyes and a shit-eating grin.
T Minus Three and a Half Weeks
It feels at times like the baby might just fall out, but the doc checked and laughed at me as there is no chance of any dilation happening in the near future.
I have an ear infection.
I'm doubting my abilities to handle two children under two and remain sane while doing so.
I want to wash my hardwood floors but then think, "what's the point, they're just going to be covered with oatmeal, apple chunks and cheese before they're even dry."
I can't wear my wedding rings or any sort of "cute" shoe anymore.
I'm kind of excited to be in the hospital and have someone take care of me, but know that I'll miss Luke and feel huge mama guilt for leaving him those three nights.
I'm trying not to get worried that Luke is 15 months old and still only walking (read: taking a few steps once or twice a day) when he feels like it. He'd rather keep on crawling.
We still need to get a mattress for Ellie's crib.
Um, I've started to waddle. Like really waddle.
And as the cheesy country song goes I know in a few years "You're (I'm) gonna miss this".
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The joke was on me
I made a joke a few weekends ago, not really thinking at all that it would come true and today that joke was in fact a reality.
John was asked by our very close friends to be the godfather for their second daughter, the baptism just so happened to be on the same day as my cousin's wedding which was also happening in the same church. We brought Luke with us to the baptism and then scooted him off to my brother's house to spend the day with his cousins. After getting him settled with my sister in law's parents we ran back to the baptism reception for half an hour before we were to head to the church again for the wedding. Everyone thought it was so funny that we had to attend a baptism and a wedding in the same church on the same day. I joked. I said that we were celebrating all of the sacraments at once. Then I realized a funeral is a sacrament, so I took it back and said, well we can skip the funeral thing, we only want to celebrate happy occasions.
Yesterday we had a funeral.
My father's sister passed away from brain cancer last Thursday night. She lived a short and tough life. I ache for her 13 year old son, he resembles my father at that age, the eyebrows, the lanky body. My father's picture lay by her side in the casket. It was a tiny Navy portrait, a young vibrant man full of promise and hope, determination and pride. After he passed away she was diagnosed and he became her guardian angel. She was always asking my mom for pictures of him to keep by her side and still he was there. Today I can only think that they are sitting down to cups of coffee with my grandparents, telling stories, remembering. It was a hard day as she was the first person in our immediate family to pass on after my father. The two youngest in their family are no longer here, that just doesn't seem to make sense to me.
I sat there, unable to look at Mark (her 13 year old son) wondering if my father was here what would he do? Would he take him out to lunch once a week and try to mentor him? Would he get him enrolled in Big Brothers/Big Sisters? I know he wouldn't be able to idly watch and not offer any help or support. I felt guilt for not having that in me. I feel like I do, but then I think of how little time I have for my own child. Is this selfish, should I buck up, should I do something, will it even be accepted if I try? He has ADHD and comes from a life I am so not familiar with, will I even know what to say?
Afterward we spent a few hours at my Aunt Phyllis's house. I listened to stories of their childhood, who was born at home, who was born in the hospital, how Aunt Pat always went into Aunt Phyllis's closet after she left for work and would rummage through her freshly starched clothes to pick out her outfit for the day and about the time she was caught doing so. Of course the conversation had to take a turn as the Center clan can never tell "clean" stories. All six kids have birthdays in November and December, I thought that was interesting, I didn't know that until yesterday. Aunt Phyllis piped up with, "well my father's birthday was in February! That was his present, once a year!" Oh my, I didn't need to know this about my grandparents! It was great comic relief though and so appropriate for the company.
Yesterday was another reminder that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. I left work to pick up Luke, driving there I had tears in my eyes feeling so happy and lucky to have all that I have. I composed myself, got out of the car and saw him and the babysitter waiting for me at the door. He teetered and tottered and took 5 steps to me, unassisted, squealing with delight. It was the perfect end to such a sad day. I melted at he fell into me and wrapped himself around me.
I'm continually learning that I have to keep the past in the present and keep moving forward but realize that everyday is precious.
Rest in peace Aunt Debbie.
John was asked by our very close friends to be the godfather for their second daughter, the baptism just so happened to be on the same day as my cousin's wedding which was also happening in the same church. We brought Luke with us to the baptism and then scooted him off to my brother's house to spend the day with his cousins. After getting him settled with my sister in law's parents we ran back to the baptism reception for half an hour before we were to head to the church again for the wedding. Everyone thought it was so funny that we had to attend a baptism and a wedding in the same church on the same day. I joked. I said that we were celebrating all of the sacraments at once. Then I realized a funeral is a sacrament, so I took it back and said, well we can skip the funeral thing, we only want to celebrate happy occasions.
Yesterday we had a funeral.
My father's sister passed away from brain cancer last Thursday night. She lived a short and tough life. I ache for her 13 year old son, he resembles my father at that age, the eyebrows, the lanky body. My father's picture lay by her side in the casket. It was a tiny Navy portrait, a young vibrant man full of promise and hope, determination and pride. After he passed away she was diagnosed and he became her guardian angel. She was always asking my mom for pictures of him to keep by her side and still he was there. Today I can only think that they are sitting down to cups of coffee with my grandparents, telling stories, remembering. It was a hard day as she was the first person in our immediate family to pass on after my father. The two youngest in their family are no longer here, that just doesn't seem to make sense to me.
I sat there, unable to look at Mark (her 13 year old son) wondering if my father was here what would he do? Would he take him out to lunch once a week and try to mentor him? Would he get him enrolled in Big Brothers/Big Sisters? I know he wouldn't be able to idly watch and not offer any help or support. I felt guilt for not having that in me. I feel like I do, but then I think of how little time I have for my own child. Is this selfish, should I buck up, should I do something, will it even be accepted if I try? He has ADHD and comes from a life I am so not familiar with, will I even know what to say?
Afterward we spent a few hours at my Aunt Phyllis's house. I listened to stories of their childhood, who was born at home, who was born in the hospital, how Aunt Pat always went into Aunt Phyllis's closet after she left for work and would rummage through her freshly starched clothes to pick out her outfit for the day and about the time she was caught doing so. Of course the conversation had to take a turn as the Center clan can never tell "clean" stories. All six kids have birthdays in November and December, I thought that was interesting, I didn't know that until yesterday. Aunt Phyllis piped up with, "well my father's birthday was in February! That was his present, once a year!" Oh my, I didn't need to know this about my grandparents! It was great comic relief though and so appropriate for the company.
Yesterday was another reminder that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. I left work to pick up Luke, driving there I had tears in my eyes feeling so happy and lucky to have all that I have. I composed myself, got out of the car and saw him and the babysitter waiting for me at the door. He teetered and tottered and took 5 steps to me, unassisted, squealing with delight. It was the perfect end to such a sad day. I melted at he fell into me and wrapped himself around me.
I'm continually learning that I have to keep the past in the present and keep moving forward but realize that everyday is precious.
Rest in peace Aunt Debbie.
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