HELLO new year!

I am going to blame the hormones again as I'm feeling quite sentimental today. It could also be the excitement and appreciation I have for my parents who offered to take Amélie for the evening so that Craig & I could have a "date night" on NYE! Yes, New Year's Eve! It's quite amazing and selfless of them - even after I warned them of Amélie's tendency to scream bloody murder at 4am requesting a bottle; they didn't seem to mind, go figure. This is just how grandparents act, I guess?! Well, it got me thinking back...

Picture this, approximately 20 years ago: Craig wearing his neon snow-pants (it was the late 80s/early 90s, folks) either out on the hill snowboarding or dreaming about snowboarding. It is highly likely I was sitting at my grandma & grandpa Taylor's house begging my grandma to give me a perm (it was the late 80s/early 90s, folks). I highly doubt either of us would have imagined ourselves as parents (to a dog, cat, and new baby girl) or even as a husband/wife.

Boy, being 10-years old sure seems easy... when your biggest worry is if you'll get to snowboard that day or if you'll get your hair to resemble a spiral-curled poodle. Today, even though we don't have much in the worry department as we have it pretty easy; Craig probably never thought he'd be changing a diaper instead of changing his boot straps and I never would have imagined my grandparents would have passed so early from my life, leaving me to miss them almost everyday. These thoughts are especially striking now when Craig & I are in the midst of building an amazing family of our own.

I mean, Indie is the best dog we could have ever ended up with and even Goomsie isn't too bad. However, it's this most amazing kid chilling next to me that gives me goosebumps. Today, as we say goodbye to 2007 and Craig & I move farther away from our childhood memories and as we start the new year - we will be adding brilliant new ones for Amélie. Many of the new memories will include our awesome family as both sets of grandparents have already shown us how amazing, helpful, supportive, caring, and genuinely obsessed they can be... even over the span of three, short weeks of life.

So, as we readily accept the offer from my parents to have a "date night" on such a special evening... we'll be sure to bring in 2008 both with anticipation of these awesome new memories and especially thankful for the old. Oh, and I will be drinking a beer (outside of my living room and not smelling like rotten milk) tonight - finally.

Happy New Year!

Oh, one more thing...

She is still the boo-boo baby.

Merry Christmas!

We've been MIA lately, I'm sorry. I take my two finals next week, so after Friday - I will be back in commission. I will probably even drink a beer to celebrate; I'm so pumped! I just hope they allow me to come back next semester...

Just so you know, everything is going well at the H-dub household. Amélie is still adorable and she is learning quickly. Last night she slept for about 6 hours without needing to chow, so that was a great night of sleep. Not only have I been studying and cramming for Contracts, I've learned that breastfeeding is difficult and never take as many laxatives as the doctor prescribes. Seriously, why do people need laxatives? I'm guessing my addiction to granola and oatmeal probably works to my benefit, eh?

I am a bit sad that Craig goes back to work tomorrow. I guess we'll have some bonding time, just the girls. That is, in between the studies.

I have to admit that I'm very proud of the Boo lover, she is a nice doggy to her new sister. Plus, she is a poopy diaper radar; if Amélie has anything going on down below - Indie is all about sniffing it out. It's a nice alert before Amélie starts crying out of discomfort. The picture below is proof of the careful eye that Indie keeps on the new baby. I couldn't have a cuter family.

The Daddy RoCKS!

This is a tribute to the best new Daddy ever born!

I've been begging Craig for days to change my banner. I think the new one is amazingly adorable. It totally shows off those delicate little fingers that are constantly being kissed. Craig has such a knack for being creative and fun. I blame it on his being left-handed. I hope Amélie gets his creativity.

Craig has also been waiting on me for the last week or so. In such a way that when I need a glass of water, he's already filling the glass before I ask. When I need my glasses that I left upstairs on the dresser, he's on his way to get them for me. When I realize that I cannot believe I have to take two finals within the next two weeks, he's right next to me comforting me and telling me that it'll work out. I hope Amélie gets his caring and genuine personality.

Amélie secretly told me this morning (when Craig took a couple hours to go snowboarding) that she was so happy to have a daddy that is teaching her how to smile, laugh, and be happy. I'm a bit stunned at how Craig has jumped into the role of daddy... immediately. As soon as the nurse placed her in the warming basket in the hospital, he was by her side helping to bathe her, swaddle her, and tell her stories about how the world works. I hope Amélie gets his positive and smart outlook on life.

When I first saw Craig change Amélie's diaper, I giggled at the care he took with each movement. He slowly unbuttoned her onesie, softly lifted her legs, delicately untaped the diaper, and carefully replaced it with a new one. Now, after I've come to watch him with Amélie over the last week - I realize that he is just that delicate in all respects. I've had a realization that this is Craig's nature; there is no haste or hurry. He is calm, respectful, and such a great role model. I hope Amélie and I inherit these most important values and traits.

I owe SO much to my baby's daddy. He is amazing and I love him more than I thought I ever could... Seriously, how did I get to be the luckiest girl? I have the nicest, sweetest, smartest, most caring, handsome, and creative beau... ALL in a package carrying such a fine toosh?! Not to repeat myself, but I hope Amélie gets his fine toosh too.

New look coming soon...

So, it's been three days and about 8 hours for little Miss Amélie. Isn't it crazy that you can measure someone's life by hours or days?!

The last 48 hours have been really rough on us all. It's not the typical newborn fussy baby syndrome but rather Amélie had a little eye infection. We set up an appointment at Children's Clinic and they ended up feeling her infection was concerning being she was only 48 hours old. Well, they admitted her in the NICU on Friday morning at Children's Hospital and here we sit. Apparently, all the labs and tests are turning out A-okay and she is on antibiotics. We can tell she is feeling much-much-much better. As long as the eye cultures remain the way they are, it seems we'll be bringing her home from the hospital (repeat big event!) tomorrow, Sunday.

PHEW, this hospital stuff has gotten old. It will have been more than a week in hospitals when Sunday arrives and we'll be thrilled to go home and be "normal" again. In the meantime, let's talk about good news. I noticed that many are asking how much she weighs, height, eye color, etc. Here are the det's:

When she was born: 7 lbs 6.8 oz, 21 inches, dark-dark blue eyes, very calm temperament, and perfect rosy skin.
Today: 7 lbs, 21 inches, lighter blue eyes, calm moving towards a more composed and mature temperament, and of course, perfect rosy skin.

In case you haven't seen this one yet, it's one of my favorites. We'll update you early next week on her adventures in the west side of St. Paul once we ditch these hospitals!

We Made a Human!?!

Amélie T-W made her first appearance last night at 3:42am and was warmly received by two happy parents and a team of doctors, nurses, and family. The parents are taking the day off to catch up on rest. More details to follow.

Click on the photo for more pictures..



Thanks for everyone's support!

Dec 11, 2007

Quick update again..



Jill's water finally broke! Actually, seeping is a more accurate word. She's really showing her mental toughness, as the most recent contractions have been the strongest yet. Seems like visualizing our dog running through the yard is finding her comfort.

At this point the doctors feel that the next course of action will completely depend on the events in the next several hours. Their decision can't come soon enough for Jill.

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

Craig here. I'm updating from the Maplewood McDonald's since it would seem that the rooms at St John's Hospital do not come equipped with wi-fi internet, nor quarter-pounders with cheese.

It's been nearly 24 hours since we first checked in and settled into our room in the maternity ward. Last night the nurses applied various gel treatments and other techniques in an effort to promote dilation and break our baby out of confinement and onto planet Earth. It wasn't a very comfortable night for any of us. I cocooned myself in a pair of sheets and claimed space on a short couch, while Jill struggled with the tangle of monitoring equipment and midnight bathroom breaks. The nurse was kind enough to comment on Jill's earrings, explaining that they closely resemble a freshly expelled placenta [not kidding].

This morning the doctors upped the regimen and implemented a hearty dose of Pitocin via Jill's first I.V. drip. So far, it appears to be encouraging contractions, though at this stage the strength of each cramp is decidedly weaker than we had hoped. There is talk about sending her home to sleep it off, with the possibility of returning Wednesday or Thursday for another try. Until a decision is made, my baby's mamma has buried herself in law books in anticipation of Saturday's final at school.

More to come.. most likely around lunch or dinnertime, and during McDonald's normal operating hours.

Who's in charge here?!

I've done it. It looks like little Bho is an independent thinker already. I guess my wish of having a strong girl who can make her own decisions is coming true! It is all starting with her desire to choose her birth day. Well, the doctor told me today that things are definitely progressing but she must really like it in there cause she needs to start the inducing procedure this Saturday.

Just so you know, I will be hanging out at St. John's Hospital all weekend. Lots of fun to see sick people complaining all around me, aRGh! I have three appt's scheduled over the two days and my doctor expects Bho to arrive on Monday, the 10th. So, whomever bet the 10th was the date - you're on the same wavelength as my OB.

Oh, and for those of you who know I am stressing about taking my law finals. I am going to get my Civil Pro exam over with on Friday at noon. I'm so pumped that they're allowing me to do it early. This is the delight of a small school, I suppose. It took a whole 30 min's to figure out the details. The other exams will just have to be delayed a bit. I'm happy because it just didn't feel right to study criminal behavior/law while feeling overly hormonal.

Speaking of hormonal, isn't this the cutest little baby otter? I bet Bho has a slight resemblance (minus the fur). I hope Indie likes water creature-looking babies.

Kewwwwt...

Thank you to the grandpas for putting the crib together! Thank you granny Williams (she wants to be called that folks...) for the beautiful bedding! Thank you Craig for putting the bookshelf together, wall decal on the wall, and blinds on the windows! Thank you Bwie for Rody!

Now, I sit and wait to thank Bho for giving me the easiest labor (aka, eruption) this week. Here is a preview of one side of the room. It's a bit bare - before we moved in the chair, lamp, books, and junk...
We don't plan on leaving Bho's daddy ear in the lower right corner. That was put there for pure effect.

Happy Friday!

Let the good times roll. Today is my first day of maternity leave. Unfortunately, it is quarter-end at work (sorry to my lovely coworkers) and my doctor thinks that stress will make my blood pressure boil overcooking the Bho. My opinion is if that means it will make Bho "erupt" then let's go for it! However, being that I have caught some funky virus (thank you Craig & the flu shot) along with feeling major preggers - I'm home with the Boo, enjoying her company... starting today!

I also had a dr. appt this morning; she said she did some sort of stripping, it wasn't good for me... but to each their own. She actually "stripped membranes," which I suppose helps to move things along. The rest was good news, she won't let me go over one week from the official due date of December 3rd (total BS, imo, since it was once 11/28 then 12/01) but she is the MD. I'm going back next Wednesday to have some lovely cream induction, if nothing has "erupted" yet. Too much information, I'm sure...

Anyways, today will consist of preparing for study group tomorrow and Sunday. Craig
is researching improper children's books - what a father figure! Here is a great one that we will teach Bho to read from the womb:

It's a full moon

Are you coming Bho?!

I once predicted tomorrow as the Bho's birth day, but as the day draws near, I have a feeling I might have been wishfully thinking and one week early. She will more than likely be a December baby and not a turkey-day baby. Oh well, sighhhhh... I might just make class next weekend after all, lucky me.

Today was Bwi's baby shower. We ate a TON of sweets and watched Bwi's mom open gifts. He got some awesome stuff, including a fancy Maclaren stroller! Bho is a bit jealous that she will be walking instead of riding since she doesn't have a stroller yet. Actually, Bho will probably just ride the Indie booboo baby around the westside of St. Paul. She might just fit in with all the Mexican cowboys, if she could just train Indie to gallop, naaaaaay, and flick flies with her tail.

I just hope that Indie treats her little sister nicer than her latest teddy, the infamous "legless teddy."

Happy T-day!

Although, I don't like this holiday - I do like the two days off work. I hope everyone has a pleasant & safe dinner tomorrow! No choking on the yams folks!

Oh, and I'm hoping to look as good as this turkey come New Years.

Not typical "Jho"

Have you been to my house lately? If so, feel free to close your browser.

If not, let me summarize... dog & cat fur - the size of baby bunnies - swoosh across the floors with any movement, law books & highlighters are piled two feet high on the coffee table, and diapers/gifts from the baby shower are spread across the arms of chairs displaying either their adorable small size or sweet baby-print. Ohhhhh, and I haven't dusted in months. Seriously.
Remember that long list of "to-do's" covering my duties through December? Well, apparently because I didn't list "keeping tidy" as a priority - I've ignored the completion of this chore. But just so you don't think I'm a slacker, the rest of the list is being checked off, I promise!

I'm totally willing to remain pregnant for another year (just kidding, Bwi's mom) if I can make it through those law exams, because so far, studying and preparing for them is kicking my ass. Although, I'm sure labor will be a piece of cake in comparison... a piece of cake.

Yummmm, a cake sounds so delicious!

Y-a-a-a-w-n

It's past my bedtime. Even though I should be staying up to study for classes (my last weekend of classes), I cannot do it. I'm just too sleepy. I do have enough energy to prove that not only do I have the cutest booboo baby (ehem, Indie)... but my sexy cat is proving her ability to be charming and adorable. I woke up this morning to find the little Goooooooms sleeping in the new Bho carseat.

Does it get any cuter than this?! Actually, it was much cuter when she wasn't giving me a look of disgust. I guess, we're all crabby when being awaken for a photo shoot.

One more exciting event to note; we finally have a sofa! If you haven't heard me complaining: the last two weeks we have sat on two chairs in our living room without a sofa. I felt like Craig & I were an old-married couple sleeping in separate twin beds. It was sadly very unromantic.



However, Craig's nice friend bought the sofa that was driving me insane. Sure, it was from Room & Board and felt really comfy, but my obsessive-compulsive personality just didn't mesh with the faded, black, full of Indie-hair look. I'm so much happier with my modern, tweedy-turquoise sofa. Hip-hip hooray!

The next piece object of adoration will be the crib, which is due to arrive any day. I've resorted to coaxing misc. delivery trucks as they pass me on the highway, "tell your crib-trucker friend to hurry into the Twin Cities with my Bho's crib!"

Newsflash!

Well, I've been major busy knocked-up girl. I have a paper due on Sunday morning, which makes me wonder: who would assign an icky paper due on the day of relaxation & worship?! Only an attorney would do that, I've realized...

Soooo, besides for getting smart I've been gaining weight, playing on facebook, and going to the doctor weekly. Yes, I joined facebook and that is an exciting event in my life. Wowsers, I know.

*Personal information alert!*
Today's doctor appt informed me that my belly finally measures "big enough" at 36 weeks and Bho's head is indeed "down." However, because my cervix is all crooked and in a weird spot (always has been, making gyno appt's suck) she couldn't tell me if I'm dilated. It worries me a bit considering I'm not sure how they're going to tell me if I'm dilated in the hospital either... but whatever, at least Bho is "down" and I'm getting closer to Dec 1st. She also said that it's GREAT NEWS that I have crotch pains when walking because that must mean my body is getting ready; "just stay away from having too much stress" she says. Ha!

Finally, just to show that I'm still keeping up on news. Did you all hear? Jlo confirmed she is indeed pregnant. There has always been a strong connection between Jlo & I (ehem, Jho) and since all my weight gain has gone straight to my ass, could it be any clearer?

No pushing Bho off the diving board!

This both creeps me out and makes me teary-eyed.

This only confirms the fact that Bho will be a swimmer from day one. Okay, probably day 60 or 70, but for realz, watch this video and you'll understand why...

Love connection!

Nothing like an entertaining pregnant-girl photo shoot with a naked "Mother and Child" by Gustav Klimt in the background.

Belly touching belly = love connection for Bho & Bwi.

Check, Check, four more to go

Okay, I'm working hard on checking off items from my countdown (see Oct 15th). The first two are done, four more to go...

Here is proof of #1: the thrilling baby shower. If you weren't there, you missed the spiked punch, strippers, and free money.

As a cover, Bho's granny took a few pics of the more innocent moments. If you want to see the "real action," shoot me a message and I'll forward you the other pics. *wink, wink*

Bho's first swimsuit. I imagine her posing like Cindy Crawford in this one...

Quilting action. If you notice, Shannon next to me had just finished doing about 5 shots and the limbo, so she was taking a break.

Here is proof of #2: baby classes are over! As you can see below, I look more intelligent (I know how to deliver a baby effortlessly, how NOT to shake a baby, and how to install about 50 varieties of carseats). Ohhhh, this picture also shows that I'm close to fulfilling the ever-important #5: producing Bho for the good of the world.

Damn, I'm getting to be a biggy while poor lil Bho looks to have a pinhead causing my belly to stick straight out. Better start preparing your lies, "ooooh, Bho is so errr, umm, unique" and "ooooh, she looks so smart."

Prediction: Hardcore Feminist Bho!

Is it because I know Bho is a girl that I've been "overly feminist" lately (whatever that means...)? Or is it because I'm selfish and feel the need to be treated equally? I'm guessing my parents would probably say it's the latter (newsflash: I am selfish). Hmmmm, but let's not go there - it really doesn't matter.

What does matter is that my little Bho has the chance to do whatever the hell she wants when she grows up. This has been of concern to me lately. If Bho ends up dating boys, she does not have to be stuck doing the laundry or vacuuming because Bwi, or any other similarly aged B's, is too busy watching a game or staying late at work "bringing home the bacon." When a home improvement project is needed like installing a ceiling fan, it'd be nice if she was capable of throwing it up in her spare time. Of course, after she gets back from winning Wimbledon, doctoring children in Africa, and walking down the catwalk in Paris.

Today, as I was perusing The Consumerist, I saw this article about a new spin-off of Home Depot called Her Depot. To me, this is the ultimate embarrassment. Why-oh-why, do we need a specific home improvement store geared towards women? Do they feel it that Home Depot stores are too "manly" or "construction-oriented?" Do women really find it difficult to pick out a nail size or light fixture without drinking an espresso or surrounded by floral-papered walls?

Image by Dean Terry.

I'm sorry, but who thought of this? If a lone female in Home Depot's Corporate Headquarters is getting rich off of an idea to put fabric softener and detergent next to the washing machines/dryers in this store... good for her, but our society is doomed. What a waste.

Personally, I like to feel dirty. I like to help with construction projects. I actually like to garden (not sissy gardening either, I like to dig holes and plant things). Bottomline, I like Menards. Although, as I write their name - it makes me think.