I have been mighty quiet here, but there's not a whole lot of text to be had from my days. Like Henry and other newborns, I've been eating and sleeping. He and I have been spending a lot of quiet time together: staring at each other, cooing at each other, grasping on to fingers... He is a good baby. He cries when he needs something, and stops when he gets it. His - and my - favorite napping position is with his head wedged under my chin, his wispy near black hair brushing my lips.
This mom with one newborn experience is feeling much more confident and relaxed this time around.
He had a doctor's check-up today; he's gained an inch in length and 8 oz. He's molting right now, and his cord is just starting to show signs of jumping ship.
Jim is in love with his son.
Willa was reported to have lifted her shirt in order to feed one of the dolls at school today. We all knew that was coming, eh?
A final note for the day: I'm wearing jeans that I wore prepregnancy.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
just a moment
Jim was in the video store while I stayed in the car. I turned off the radio and shut my eyes. Serenity flooded me as I sat listening to the rhythm of my two children breathing while they napped.
walking on sunshine
There is much joy swirling about in the Sinki house these days. Today we welcomed another new member to the family: our washing machine. Last week (on Jim's birthday) ours decided to retire. On Friday afternoon I called Jim:
"Where are you?"
"I am driving from Lowes back to work. I found a great deal on a washing machine."
"We'll have to talk about that later. I need you to turn around. It's time to have a baby."
I'll be writing about the process of Henry's birth later this week. Right now, I think about it and get overwhelmed and teary (in a really good way).
So... the washing machine. Turns out the great deal machine (marked down because of a small ding on the side) sold while we were distracted with labor and delivery. But when Jim went back to find a new one, the deal had returned. He snapped it up (at an even better price!) and it was delivered the next day. Too good to be true? Yup - the machine was returned because it did not work and a paperwork error put it back on the sales floor. Jim worked with the sales guys there (he used to be a sales manager there, and sorta knew the guys, and really knew the system) and got a super duper deal on a machine that has just now been delivered and set up. And it works.
The manual is about as big as the encyclopedia set that used to sit in the shelves next to my parents fireplace. Jim's researching as I type.
Willa is at school in paisley pants and a t-shirt with a monkey wearing a grass skirt. I wondered out loud this morning about getting stickers printed that read, "I dressed myself today." Kind of a disclaimer for Jim and I.
Henry is sleeping. He has been kind to his family thus far. He eats and sleeps well. So far, I haven't hit the wall of exhaustion (leaving now to knock on every tree in the neighborhood) that comes with a newborn, though this post may suggest otherwise. On the other hand, I know I'm still on an adrenaline high.
A final note about our darling son: 2 nights ago while nursing him in the dim light, I burst out laughing. He makes faces that reminds me exactly of Ned from Three Amigos (thanks Martin Short).
Also:
Henry, mom hopes you continue this level of enthusiasm throughout your whole life.
"Where are you?"
"I am driving from Lowes back to work. I found a great deal on a washing machine."
"We'll have to talk about that later. I need you to turn around. It's time to have a baby."
I'll be writing about the process of Henry's birth later this week. Right now, I think about it and get overwhelmed and teary (in a really good way).
So... the washing machine. Turns out the great deal machine (marked down because of a small ding on the side) sold while we were distracted with labor and delivery. But when Jim went back to find a new one, the deal had returned. He snapped it up (at an even better price!) and it was delivered the next day. Too good to be true? Yup - the machine was returned because it did not work and a paperwork error put it back on the sales floor. Jim worked with the sales guys there (he used to be a sales manager there, and sorta knew the guys, and really knew the system) and got a super duper deal on a machine that has just now been delivered and set up. And it works.
The manual is about as big as the encyclopedia set that used to sit in the shelves next to my parents fireplace. Jim's researching as I type.
Willa is at school in paisley pants and a t-shirt with a monkey wearing a grass skirt. I wondered out loud this morning about getting stickers printed that read, "I dressed myself today." Kind of a disclaimer for Jim and I.
Henry is sleeping. He has been kind to his family thus far. He eats and sleeps well. So far, I haven't hit the wall of exhaustion (leaving now to knock on every tree in the neighborhood) that comes with a newborn, though this post may suggest otherwise. On the other hand, I know I'm still on an adrenaline high.
A final note about our darling son: 2 nights ago while nursing him in the dim light, I burst out laughing. He makes faces that reminds me exactly of Ned from Three Amigos (thanks Martin Short).
Also:
Henry, mom hopes you continue this level of enthusiasm throughout your whole life.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sinki update for Thursday
This is the Mr. posting. Mrs. DeSinki is sitting home with a small cloud above her head. She is irritated because she has all of this time on her hands due to bed rest, and today the internet connection is not working correctly. So she asked her marvelous, witty, and super hunky husband to post, so that no one would worry.
As far as the little sinklet goes, he is not choosing to show his head. Like the groundhog that his birth will honor, he is afraid to see his shadow. The reason for the groundhog metaphor (by the way) is that as near as we can figure, conception occcured around the time of groundhogs day last spring/winter. To further this metaphor, I walked out of the house to see a fat, well fed groundhog scurry under the neighbors fence yesterday, after snooping around the remains of the tomato patch from this summer.
Mrs. Sinki and I thought that it might be a sign that the groundhogs were keeping track of of the offspring of groundhogs day. As far as I am concerned, I feel that our son has a fairy groundhog's mother! And for those of you that think I may be leaving an obtuse clue to the boys name, it ISN"T Phil! (Is that an actual clue, number three? Four?)
This is the Mr. posting. Mrs. DeSinki is sitting home with a small cloud above her head. She is irritated because she has all of this time on her hands due to bed rest, and today the internet connection is not working correctly. So she asked her marvelous, witty, and super hunky husband to post, so that no one would worry.
As far as the little sinklet goes, he is not choosing to show his head. Like the groundhog that his birth will honor, he is afraid to see his shadow. The reason for the groundhog metaphor (by the way) is that as near as we can figure, conception occcured around the time of groundhogs day last spring/winter. To further this metaphor, I walked out of the house to see a fat, well fed groundhog scurry under the neighbors fence yesterday, after snooping around the remains of the tomato patch from this summer.
Mrs. Sinki and I thought that it might be a sign that the groundhogs were keeping track of of the offspring of groundhogs day. As far as I am concerned, I feel that our son has a fairy groundhog's mother! And for those of you that think I may be leaving an obtuse clue to the boys name, it ISN"T Phil! (Is that an actual clue, number three? Four?)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Update #284
My husband. Sigh. He's pretty wonderful. Last night I had a little freak out about, well, every little thing. As I was talking he said something like, "I wish I had a recording of this. You said almost the same things with your last pregnancy, I'm just remembering."
What was I worried about? Um... me dying.
Or him - in a car wreck on his way to Mt. Pleasant today for work.
But mostly me dying. A few years ago there was a terrible movie out where Jennifer Lopez was married to Ben Affleck and she died in childbirth. Only after Jim's words did I remember tears running down my face while blubbering "BUT WHAT IF I DIE LIKE J-LO?!"
I am not likely to die like J-Lo. I know. But this is the irrational portion of pregnancy.
So during this little freak out, Jim held me and calmed every fear. And mostly didn't laugh.
Willa's still singing "Three Little Birds." It's a reassuring mantra: "every little thing's gonna be all right."
As I type our son is shifting inside of my belly. I go to the doctor this afternoon, and we will have a pretty serious talk with possible actions to follow about keeping me and the little guy healthy while my blood pressure is still too high.
Today I've been thinking about the possibility of an induction vs. my wishes for a totally natural birth. I'm at peace with the fact that we'll do what's in the best interest for baby and I. Jim pointed out last night that while I may not have exactly the birth I've envisioned/wanted, we'll have the child that we have and do.
**************
It is now 9 pm, and it's been a roller coaster of a day. I wrote the above before my afternoon appointment.
My blood pressure is still very high. The doctor was ready to send me to get this show on the road. The concern here, by the way is that high blood pressure ages a placenta quicker, and we need the little guy to get all those final nutrients. Also, high blood pressure is not so healthy for me. So, she wanted to send me, and I wanted to go. But she wanted to check with a specialist. I went home to wait for the decision, but felt sure today was the day.
The specialist wants us all to wait. I go for a few tests tomorrow to make sure he's doing all right in there. If all looks good, but the blood pressure stays up, AND if the baby hasn't come on his own, we'll induce on Sunday.
So, I have a deadline. I'm now dilated between 4 and 5 cm, so I've definitely been doing my homework.
What was I worried about? Um... me dying.
Or him - in a car wreck on his way to Mt. Pleasant today for work.
But mostly me dying. A few years ago there was a terrible movie out where Jennifer Lopez was married to Ben Affleck and she died in childbirth. Only after Jim's words did I remember tears running down my face while blubbering "BUT WHAT IF I DIE LIKE J-LO?!"
I am not likely to die like J-Lo. I know. But this is the irrational portion of pregnancy.
So during this little freak out, Jim held me and calmed every fear. And mostly didn't laugh.
Willa's still singing "Three Little Birds." It's a reassuring mantra: "every little thing's gonna be all right."
As I type our son is shifting inside of my belly. I go to the doctor this afternoon, and we will have a pretty serious talk with possible actions to follow about keeping me and the little guy healthy while my blood pressure is still too high.
Today I've been thinking about the possibility of an induction vs. my wishes for a totally natural birth. I'm at peace with the fact that we'll do what's in the best interest for baby and I. Jim pointed out last night that while I may not have exactly the birth I've envisioned/wanted, we'll have the child that we have and do.
**************
It is now 9 pm, and it's been a roller coaster of a day. I wrote the above before my afternoon appointment.
My blood pressure is still very high. The doctor was ready to send me to get this show on the road. The concern here, by the way is that high blood pressure ages a placenta quicker, and we need the little guy to get all those final nutrients. Also, high blood pressure is not so healthy for me. So, she wanted to send me, and I wanted to go. But she wanted to check with a specialist. I went home to wait for the decision, but felt sure today was the day.
The specialist wants us all to wait. I go for a few tests tomorrow to make sure he's doing all right in there. If all looks good, but the blood pressure stays up, AND if the baby hasn't come on his own, we'll induce on Sunday.
So, I have a deadline. I'm now dilated between 4 and 5 cm, so I've definitely been doing my homework.
Monday, October 13, 2008
update
On Friday I started writing, and ended up deleting, a post about my envy of other pregnant animals.
The stresses of work have not helped me glide though the end of this pregnancy. Last week was very stressful.
On Friday I had a blood pressure check. It was high. I laid down for 30 minutes and they took it again. It was high. I was sent to triage of labor and delivery. It started coming down. Other lab work is coming back a little elevated, but still within normal ranges.
It looks like I might just have pregnancy induced hypertension. Same with pregnancy #1.
I also have an urinary tract infection. My first ever.
I was sent home after the attending dr. and the nurse laid out modified bed rest for me. That's my deal until I see my doctor tomorrow.
I got permission to go to the pumpkin patch over the weekend. We had a great time, and I'll post some photos when they're up.
So, for now, I am to act just like any other mammal. Lying in bed and getting up only to eat and visit the bathroom. I'm allowed to spend a little time out and about, but the nurse told me if she sees me at the mall, I'm in trouble.
The stresses of work have not helped me glide though the end of this pregnancy. Last week was very stressful.
On Friday I had a blood pressure check. It was high. I laid down for 30 minutes and they took it again. It was high. I was sent to triage of labor and delivery. It started coming down. Other lab work is coming back a little elevated, but still within normal ranges.
It looks like I might just have pregnancy induced hypertension. Same with pregnancy #1.
I also have an urinary tract infection. My first ever.
I was sent home after the attending dr. and the nurse laid out modified bed rest for me. That's my deal until I see my doctor tomorrow.
I got permission to go to the pumpkin patch over the weekend. We had a great time, and I'll post some photos when they're up.
So, for now, I am to act just like any other mammal. Lying in bed and getting up only to eat and visit the bathroom. I'm allowed to spend a little time out and about, but the nurse told me if she sees me at the mall, I'm in trouble.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Good stuff
I did not share here, but my cervix, that wonderful plug to the baby's swimming pool is starting to get itself ready. I am 3 and a half(ish) cm dilated. For those of you who aren't savvy in the birth process, you push when you get to 10. This means I'm 1/3 of the way there!
My evaluation was today; it was fair, I did well. I am relieved.
I am starting to come out of the triage state of "holy crap - this baby could come this week." I am headed for calmer pastures now that fear has forced me to get so much done at work and at home.
If I get through tomorrow at work, I'll be very happy. If I get through Saturday just hanging with Jim and Willa, I'll consider myself very lucky.
I know a lot of moms of more than one can relate and have written about this, but I'm getting sentimental about the time left as a family of 3. Last night I cried at Noodles and Company when I talked about wanting to get some more quality time in with the other 2/3 of the Sinkis.
Excessive swelling and emotional imbalance will be cured by birth.
My evaluation was today; it was fair, I did well. I am relieved.
I am starting to come out of the triage state of "holy crap - this baby could come this week." I am headed for calmer pastures now that fear has forced me to get so much done at work and at home.
If I get through tomorrow at work, I'll be very happy. If I get through Saturday just hanging with Jim and Willa, I'll consider myself very lucky.
I know a lot of moms of more than one can relate and have written about this, but I'm getting sentimental about the time left as a family of 3. Last night I cried at Noodles and Company when I talked about wanting to get some more quality time in with the other 2/3 of the Sinkis.
Excessive swelling and emotional imbalance will be cured by birth.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Holding pattern
I am at work right now taking a little break from the madness that happens when one goes to a routine appointment and gets sent directly to the hospital.
There's a heck of a lot to do here, and the truth is - no matter if baby comes in 2 minutes or 2 weeks - all of it is not going to get done.
Same for at home.
I have a call in to the doctors office to see if there's any kind of game plan, and haven't' heard from them yet.
Stay tuned folks.
And keep guessing 0n the names. Haven't seen it here yet, but a lot of your guesses were on our list.
There's a heck of a lot to do here, and the truth is - no matter if baby comes in 2 minutes or 2 weeks - all of it is not going to get done.
Same for at home.
I have a call in to the doctors office to see if there's any kind of game plan, and haven't' heard from them yet.
Stay tuned folks.
And keep guessing 0n the names. Haven't seen it here yet, but a lot of your guesses were on our list.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Not what I envisioned for the evening
Hey gang! So, it's been a wacky day...
I got a bunch done at work and then headed off for my 4 pm dr. appointment.
My blood pressure was up. There was protein in my urine. My doctor sent me off to the hospital for monitoring for pre-eclampsia.
But first - she gave me permission to go back to the office to get just a few more things done.
I came home at about 7 and the Sinki's ate Wendy's for dinner together. I packed a bag. We took photos. We brought Willa to our friends house and finally got to the hospital at 7:45.
-At this point, I'll remind you that Willa was born after I was in the hospital for pre-e monitoring and when I was being discharged, my water broke.-
I was nervous. We're ready, but not that ready for our son to arrive.
Good news: blood pressure went down. I have a large container to pee in for the next 24 hours. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated. I go for more lab work tomorrow.
So, we all sit tight for a while.
Name clue #2: baby's name is 5 letters long.
I got a bunch done at work and then headed off for my 4 pm dr. appointment.
My blood pressure was up. There was protein in my urine. My doctor sent me off to the hospital for monitoring for pre-eclampsia.
But first - she gave me permission to go back to the office to get just a few more things done.
I came home at about 7 and the Sinki's ate Wendy's for dinner together. I packed a bag. We took photos. We brought Willa to our friends house and finally got to the hospital at 7:45.
-At this point, I'll remind you that Willa was born after I was in the hospital for pre-e monitoring and when I was being discharged, my water broke.-
I was nervous. We're ready, but not that ready for our son to arrive.
Good news: blood pressure went down. I have a large container to pee in for the next 24 hours. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated. I go for more lab work tomorrow.
So, we all sit tight for a while.
Name clue #2: baby's name is 5 letters long.
She totally gets it, only she doesn't at all
"All three [Sinkis - no, I used our last name with her, just not here] are lying in bed snuggling."
"No, four [Sinkis], mama."
"Willa, did you know that when mama was a little girl she had a pet chicken?"
"Willa have a pet chicken too."
"She does?"
"Uh-huh..."
"Where is your pet chicken, Willa?"
"In da belly. Wit my little baby brudder."
Last night she was peeling her peas, in search of the little baby chicks.
"No, four [Sinkis], mama."
"Willa, did you know that when mama was a little girl she had a pet chicken?"
"Willa have a pet chicken too."
"She does?"
"Uh-huh..."
"Where is your pet chicken, Willa?"
"In da belly. Wit my little baby brudder."
Last night she was peeling her peas, in search of the little baby chicks.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Every day life on the weekend
What a wonderfully full weekend!
Friday we went to dine with Jenny, Joe and Julia. We enjoyed how Willa and Julia (6 month difference) played by themselves in Julia's room - they were laughing at each other's laughs. It was really nice to be able to sit with other grown ups and talk while the kids played in a different room.
Saturday morning I had a work program. It was a long morning and afternoon, but great to be there mostly as support and see a lot of friendly familiar faces. Here's a shot my coworker got of me and the belly. She was merciful in not including my feet in this photo; I look so great in my work clothes and sneakers. These shoes and I are spending too much time together, but they're all that fit right now.
Also? My nose? My nose is wide in normal life, but through the magic of pregnancy small ships can use my nasal passages for trade routes.
Onward.
Saturday afternoon I spent waiting for my mom and sister to arrive. They took the scenic route from Warren to GR and knocked on our door 6 hours after departure. The outlet mall and M21 wooed them. It seems that they had a good adventure. We all sat around the house and talked for a while. Willa showed both Grandma and Aunt Lisa her big girl room. We went out for dinner where Willa ordered ice cream for her meal (but strangely enough, that ice cream looked and probably tasted a lot like mac and cheese). We ended the evening with ice cream at home. Pregnant woman + family visitors + Jim's sweet tooth + a 2 year old adorably ordering ice cream = darn right there's gonna be ice cream!
Sunday Jim and I woke up* before Willa and enjoyed some quiet time. I finally had to go upstairs and bring her down after shouting upstairs, "Willa! Come down, lazybones!" brought the answer of "No thank you - I stay here." We cuddled in bed under the blankets and I remember feeling that the day was somehow charmed, not unlike Christmas morning. We went out for breakfast and ran some errands - there are newborn diapers in the house. Bring on the baby!
Last night I spent some feet up time on the couch while Jim got Willa ready for bed. I went upstairs during story time. Willa noticed me and patted the bed, "come here, sweetie," she said. I climbed up next to her, and then cried a little when she stroked my hair. Hormonal? Absolutely.
* I woke up way earlier, but stayed in bed thinking of things to do before the baby came. The oregano, for instance, needs to be torn out because my Arbor Day Foundation ornamental tree could show up soon, and I want to be prepared. And what if Jim has to plant it? Overplanning? Perhaps yes.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Three little birds...
Yesterday was a very bad day at work. Our 32 person staff was reduced by 6 people. My to-do list just got a little longer, and my region got a lot bigger. I'm overwhelmed, but so, so glad to still have a work to-do list.
Jim came home stressed from work too.
This little slice of perfection was just what we all needed:
Jim was getting Willa ready for bed. They were listening to an Elizabeth Mitchell cd and Bob Marley's song "Three Little Birds" came on. I peeked in and they were dancing. I joined in. Willa was radiating joy and yelling "three little birds" randomly.
Every little thing is gonna be all right.
Jim came home stressed from work too.
This little slice of perfection was just what we all needed:
Jim was getting Willa ready for bed. They were listening to an Elizabeth Mitchell cd and Bob Marley's song "Three Little Birds" came on. I peeked in and they were dancing. I joined in. Willa was radiating joy and yelling "three little birds" randomly.
Every little thing is gonna be all right.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
It's October
Well, here we are - at the start of hot apple cider and sweaters and crunchy leaves season.
I'm not sure what happened to September - I think I fiddled most of it away thinking, "I'll do that tomorrow, we've got time."
And now I'm having a baby. Well, not right now... this month. Holy moly - time flies when you're geniunely having fun. Even if that fun sometimes includes snickering at the wardrobe choices of your two year old and hanging up the 20 outfits that didn't make the cut for that hour.
Today Bill and Jackie have their ultrasound this afternoon. They've decided to find out the gender of their baby, but have said that they're not sharing for a while. We'll see. Someone(s) kind of has a reputation for not being able to keep good secrets.
I am kind of the same way. Jim and I agreed that I could start giving name hints via the Sinki. So... hint #1. This baby (oh my goodness - I just typed his name instead of "this baby" that would be some hint, eh?) will be the only Sinki (dogs included) to not have an "A" in his first name.
I'm not sure what happened to September - I think I fiddled most of it away thinking, "I'll do that tomorrow, we've got time."
And now I'm having a baby. Well, not right now... this month. Holy moly - time flies when you're geniunely having fun. Even if that fun sometimes includes snickering at the wardrobe choices of your two year old and hanging up the 20 outfits that didn't make the cut for that hour.
Today Bill and Jackie have their ultrasound this afternoon. They've decided to find out the gender of their baby, but have said that they're not sharing for a while. We'll see. Someone(s) kind of has a reputation for not being able to keep good secrets.
I am kind of the same way. Jim and I agreed that I could start giving name hints via the Sinki. So... hint #1. This baby (oh my goodness - I just typed his name instead of "this baby" that would be some hint, eh?) will be the only Sinki (dogs included) to not have an "A" in his first name.
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