James' Birth Day Story

Thursday was to be the big day, but I don't think it was real to me. It felt really far away still when we went to Mass on Sunday. Everyone was very nice but they all had the same questions about how soon? and even though I would say "4 days" it still didn't sink in. I think I kind of knew that I wouldn't go then.

5AM on Tuesday Tommy's alarm clock went off. I usually only half hear it, but a pop woke me up. A trip to the bathroom confirmed that my water broke. I told Tommy "We are having a baby today!" and he said "okay" and sent an email to his boss. He was so calm about it, as was I, which was kind of weird. I can't believe how perfectly God timed my water breaking. Tommy didn't have to come home from work (an hour or more away!) AND my mother is always up at the crack of dawn or before, so when I called her after reaching the doctor, she was up and ready to come over. I even had time to shower, because the doctor told us to come in about 2 hours. I did have to pack my bag a bit more (I actually overpacked LOL). It was fun to tell the kids, especially Patrick. His first response was "it's not the 16th!" They were really excited, and I am sure they must have told people at school.

When we got to the hospital, Tommy dropped me off at the door while he went to park. As I am walking through the doors, a lady behind me wants to know if I am having the baby right now. Of course I responded yes, and she shifts into high gear: she's a nurse there and she is trying to get me into a wheelchair and giving orders to the people at the desk. I had to slow her down and tell her that I was coming for a c-section and all was okay, but she made sure to send someone into the restroom while I was in there to be sure I was okay. LOL I was pretty amazed when we got upstairs because we were prepped and brought to the OR within 20 minutes. I think we snuck in before the scheduled sections for the day. Another blessing? I spoke to one of the doctors from the OB office on the phone, and was a bit disappointed because this one is not my favorite. But when we got there? The doctor who was so sweet when I was in with all my kidney problems was the delivering doctor!

I have to admit that once I got to the prep/recovery room, my nerves were on edge. (well, they were going in the car too, because I fussed at poor Tommy on the drive to the hospital, including telling him which way to go) The nurse brought in the scrubs for Tommy, and the giggles to laughter to crying began. Can you see how tight that is across his chest? He couldn't sit down in the outfit they gave him! He could barely get the shoe coverings on his size 15s. The nurses told him to sit, I mean stand over here while I was getting my spinal. The last time he stood to watch the c-section because he wanted to see. This time he didn't have a choice! LOL It was such a relief to hear my little one come out crying that I was crying as hard as he was. It was so neat to look over at the warmer and see a familiar face. He looks so much like the other kids, and I was so happy that he was finally out. I loved it when the nurse put his little warm face up to mine, because I could hear him making these little noises, and he was so soft.
It was a great day, and we are happy to be home with all the kids.

Emma's Wish List

Click to enlarge (I think).

Baby Days

We are all here, and doing well. The baby is gaining weight, and I am losing sleep, as most newborn moms will say. This little man likes to be held, and is not too happy when he is put down, so it's really nice to have visitors who are willing to hold this little man. William is soo sweet with him, and calls him "Mommy's baby" or "your baby" when he talks to me. The big kids are adjusting to summer vacation and enjoying Daddy's staycation, but are so helpful and sweet.
James is 12 days old! We went to Mass as a family today, and we did okay. Well, unless you count that I forgot baby-sized diapers and had to put the baby in a William-sized diaper during Mass. LOL

I can't figure out who he looks like, but I do know he is one of my kids. :) Definitely.
James and James!
Papa, who was one of my longest hospital visitors.
Grandma Reynolds.
Mani, who always makes babies feel snuggly and warm. (Anthony is my mother's maiden name, and his feast day is Monday, June 13.)

I am happy to be holding this baby in my arms, and I think my body is happy to not be pregnant. I am in a LOT less pain, and ready for the last few issues to be resolved. The doctor found a large kidney stone that they are going to laser out this week. Unfortunately, I have to go under again, but I am hoping the stent as well as the stone will come out this week. Those are the last hurdles (I think) to getting me back to feeling better, and I am so excited to be almost there!

Last Week of School

Monday of the last week of school for my cuties. My Emma is growing like Daddy.

She had a special Luau on Tuesday which I had hoped to make, but was unable to because that was the day I had James. This photo is her tatoo, which they aren't allowed to have any other time at school.

Kindergarten graduation on Wednesday!

Principal on the left and our Pastor on the right. So proud of her!

Emma and her teachers. She worked really hard this year, and these ladies challenged her and she absolutely loved her first year. She is off to the First Grade!

My Patrick had a great year as well, and did fantastic on his report card. He got a special award for his effort and improvement in the the last 2 quarters. The class also had some special things that they voted on (nicest smile, most reliable, etc. - enough for everyone), and Patrick's award was the the one who is the best at following the rules. My mother's heart was so happy to see that! I know he worked REALLY hard this year, and I am so grateful that God opened this door for my kids. I don't know if these kids would have learned anything this year if I had homeschooled them. My Patrick and Emma are really smart kids, and I am super proud of how far they came in their studies this year.

He's Here!

On June 14, 2011 (2 days earlier than my scheduled surgery) we welcomed our 3rd little boy:

James Anthony Reynolds

9 pounds 8 ounces

20.5 inches long
And the most kissable cheeks ever!

We are over the moon with this new bundle, and soo grateful for all the prayers. God has been so good to us and I am overwhelmed with how much love and support we have received.

- The countdown is here. Thursday June 16 is our scheduled c-section for this baby. He is going to be a big one, say my FIRST stretch marks (yes, plural) and my ENORMOUS belly. Yes, it's very large. It's okay. I know it is. My guess is he will be bigger than 10 pounds. Easy. (I like this photo, but I have been told that it's not good because I am not smiling. As a pregnant person, I have a puffy face and smiling never really makes me feel any better.)

- I had an interesting situation today, and this is NOT the first time it has happened. A couple approached me at Mass with their daughters, asking me if I needed babysitters. They gave me their phone numbers, introduced themselves and just wanted to chat and offer their girls to sit for us. They are a big homeschooling family and it was very nice to chat with them, but I was curious about the whole situation. My first thought is that I must look really pitiful and could use a break, OR my kids are so cute and well-behaved that they want to enjoy them. Yeah, I think it's the latter too. :)

- Can I tell you that I am officially in freak out mode? Baby is coming soon. I am praying for a safe delivery and healthy baby, but I am really hoping that some of this constant pain is going to let up, a little. I have amazing doctors that are taking care of me, especially my OBGYN. I had an appointment last week, and he could just see that I was having some trouble. It was like he was telling me that I needed to let some of this stress out. I guess I have been holding it in a bit, and unfortunately I was a weepy mess the next few days since he gave me "permission" to de-stress. My mother says it massages my liver, so it must have been good for something.

- Here are some William-isms: Daddy to William: "Hey, big guy!" William: "Hey, little guy!"
To Mommy: "I love you, my soft Mommy."
"I want my sandwich cut like a crayon." I'm not sure where he got that, but apparently that means we have to cut it into 4 triangles.

- Emma is graduating from Kindergarten this week. This is our first experience with a "summer vacation. Emma's question about it? "What kind of uniform do I wear for the summer?"

- Patrick is officially a Bear Scout! There was a family camping trip this weekend and he had a blast. I asked him his favorite part and he said "everything." His last school day is the day after Emma, and I can't believe how big he is.

- I've been doing a lot of TV watching lately, and I have been enjoying some crazy infomercials lately. Have you seen any of these? This is the fun part of not being able to do too much walking around.

Pajama jeans

Dream look: instant eye lift!
And my personal favorite, Gray Away!

Aren't these just too funny??

- Speaking of modified bed rest, my Mom, MIL and husband have been amazing with all this going on. The laundry has NEVER been this caught up, the kids have never felt so spoiled and taken care of, and there have been NO complaints from my Tommy. I know how hard this has been, and I am feeling so blessed to have such an amazing husband and family.