Surprise 70th!

Today we all went to Michelle's for Jim's Dad's surprise 70th Birthday Party!

We had such a wonderful time and he was really surprised!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We went out for a nice dinner at The Melting Pot, so Emily & Jimmy got to stay with my parents!

They love going to my parents and always have so much fun when we visit!

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho to Pizza Hut we go.....

Today we went with Michelle and Laura to meet Snow White at Pizza Hut. Emily was SO excited to meet her...until we got there. Then she wanted NOTHING to do with her...until we left!

oh well....

Super Bowl Sunday!

My parents came over today to watch the Super Bowl with us.

My team (New England Patriots) were playing the Giants. Now, I KNEW how this game would turn out, but NOBODY believed me. Needless to say, I wasn't THAT upset when the Patriots lost to the Giants 17-14.....ending the Patriots undefeated season.

Jim's 40th Birthday Party!

Sort of!

Today we all went to the Olive Garden to Jim's 40th Birthday! Then, we all came back to our house for cake and coffee. We all had a wonderful time and Emily loved playing with her cousin Laura!

Jimmy's 2 Month Appointment!

Today we had to take baby Jimmy to the doctor for his 2 month appointment. He weighed in at 12lbs. 4oz and is 22 inches long, up from 9lbs. 15oz and 20.5 inches from birth. He had to get 4 shots and 1 oral vaccinations. He did pretty well, only cried a little.

Disney On Ice ~ Finding Nemo!

Last November, we took Emily to see her first Disney on Ice ~ Princess Wishes. She had so much fun that we decided to make it an annual thing for her. This year, it was Finding Nemo....which Emily just *LOVES*!

Since we had floor seats and it would be loud, we decided to leave Jimmy with my parents and give Emily some alone parent time.

Now, I hadn't seen the movie and I didn't know what to expect. Poor Coral! Overall, I liked it a lot! Emily loved it! She was dancing in her seat and waving at the "fish".

Can't wait to see what Disney on Ice will have next year!

Visit to Michelle's...

Today we went to visit Michelle and Laura. Its always fun to get together and the girls have such a wonderful time playing together.

Happy New Year!

We decided to just spend a quiet evening at home. We put on Dick Clark's Rockin New Year about 11:50 and watched the ball drop. Emily did manage to be awake at midnight, just barely!

Hope everyone has a wonderful new year!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Santa Claus came!

Emily was so excited to see all her wonderful toys that Santa brought her! She especially loved her new kitchen!

Both sets of parents came for dinner and we had a wonderful time.

A wonderful man is gone...

Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it. ~ Trey Parker

Today, on our way to meet Jim's parents at Applebee's for lunch, we got the call we were dreading. Tony passed away this afternoon.

If you could keep Michelle and Laura in your prayers, it would be appreciated.

The world has lost a wonderful man.

Christmas pictures taken...

So today, we got the kids dressed and headed to Kiddie Kandids for our Christmas card and Jimmy's announcement photos.

We got some adorable shots and Jimmy slept through the whole shoot!

Time to Go Home

As much as I'm looking forward to going home, I'm going to miss being waited on hand and foot! Jim actually woke me up by calling around 8:30am. I had a rough night of sleep. The nurse came in and told me I was going to be released this morning. I just had to wait for the pediatrician to come and release baby Jimmy.

People cannot believe I want to STAY in the hospital! But, believe me, Saint Clare's Hospital doesn't have typical hospital rooms.

They have cable tv, a vcr, dvd player and high speed wireless internet ALL complementary! Not to mention the rooms... They are gorgeous! They are completely private with hardwood floors and a pull out couch for Dad to sleep on overnight. They also have a private chef and you & Daddy can both eat free! Its not typical hospital fare either!

All the staff is excellent and they really go out of their way to make your stay special!

He's Here!

Finally!

I woke up around 3:00am on November 25th. I started to feel some contractions. I figured I would try to get some rest....while I still could!

Around 6:00am, they started to become more and more uncomfortable. So, I put a call into the doctor. I heard back from Dr. Fernandez around 7:00am. At that point, I decided to take a shower and pay a visit to the hospital.

We dropped Emily off at my parents house aroun 8am and got to the hospital by 8:30am. They got me all comfy, IV placed, gown on. I expressed to the nurse that I was going to try to labor and avoid the c-section. They checked me, I was about 2cm. Still a long way to go.

Dr. Fernandez came in around 11:30 and explained my options. They were going to let me labor, but if I didn't progress at least 1cm an hour; it was going to be a c-section for me. He recommended starting pitocin, breaking my water and starting the epidural. All of this was done by 12:30pm. Now, it was just a waiting game.

At 1:30pm, when they checked me, I was at 3cm. Yay! Some progress was good and kept me away from the c-section for now! At 2:30, I was almost 6cm. By 4:30, I was 9! Jim called my parents to let them know we would have a baby soon. I saw the doctor and he said he was going for dinner and would be back soon. At 4:40, the pain became unbearable and I told Jim to call the nurse. The nurse came in and we did some practice pushing. She told me to stop and called the doctor in NOW!

At 4:59pm on Sunday, November 25th, James Liam entered the world! He weighed in at 9lbs. 15oz. and was 20.5 inches long! And a c-section was not needed!

O Christmas Tree!

We decided to get a Christmas Tree early this year. With the baby coming (hopefully!), we figured it would be stupid to take him out in the cold. Instead, we just got one much earlier than planned. So we packed ourselves up and headed out on our ritual. We started going to this place the 2nd Christmas we were married. So, this will be our 5th trip to Max's!

Its funny when people ask me when I'm due and I say, last week. Although at this point I am H*U*G*E! Seriously, it seems like there is more than one baby in there!

Here is a picture of Emily & I....

See I'm HUGE!

Christmas Caverns

With the baby coming soon, we are getting in a lot of things that we wanted to do. So, we decided to take Emily to the Fountains of Wayne Caverns. She seemed to enjoy looking at all the displays.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I was just watching a Saved By the Bell marathon waiting for Jim and Emily to show up for visiting. I actually got some sleep last night, a big deal for being in the hospital. I know the nurses want to monitor the baby and I have to wait for the anesthesiologist to come and officially release me. It feels really weird being in the maternity ward without a baby!

Jim & Emily showed up around 9:30am, we ordered breakfast and watched Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Emily seemed to really enjoy it!

Finally, around 11:00, the anesthesiologist showed up and gave me the go ahead for release. We got home around noon and my parents brought up Thanksgiving dinner. Overall, it turned out to be a good day!

Birth Story....part 1!

We dropped Emily off at my parent's house at 5:50am. I told Emily we'd see her soon and told my parents Jim would call when there was a baby.

We got to the hospital at 6:00am. Went to the maternity ward, was put in a room and changed clothes. The nurses hooked me up to machines, started an IV and basically asked a ton of questions. I then asked them a ton of questions. The anesthesiologist came in and went over his procedure and asked a bunch of questions. He was great!

The room was empty and Jim & I looked at eachother. I explained my nervousness and that I was dying of thirst! Due to the anesthesia I couldn't eat or drink after midnight.

A nurse came in at that point and gave me some liquid that would help with the nausea (a side effect of the anesthesia). At this point I was so thirsty, I would have drank anything. Unfortunately, this stuff tasted like lemon antifreeze. Seriously, it was awful! She also gave Jim his space-age garb to be worn in the OR and gave me a funny hair covering. We looked great!

Dr. Shah came in about 7:50am and said we were on time and should be starting soon! We asked her a couple of questions and then she left. Less than 10 minutes later, the nurses came in to wheel me into the OR. They transferred me to this itty bitty OR table. The anesthesiologist then proceded to give me the spinal. He was great and I only felt a pinch. Very soon after, I started to not feel my legs. They laid me down on the table and put in the catheter. At this point, I could feel nothing. I was aware of things going on around me. My doctor and the assiting doctor came in. They brought the blue curtain up and I heard them say a moment later..."she's good".

And then it happened.....

I had a full blown panic attack! They had brought Jim in at this time and he tried to calm me down. I was having NONE of that. I told Dr. Shah that it just didn't feel right and there was no way I could go through with it.

She told me that I would just be back in a few days needing a c-section. I told her that was fine, I just needed to be in labor first. So, they started dismantling the OR and put me back on the regular bed. I had to stay in recovery until they got my blood pressure back up. At one point, it was as low as 60 because of the anesthesia. About 2 hours later, I was finally able to start moving my legs, that was a strange feeling. They started to rub the benzocaine off my stomach and that's when it happened....the nausea was overwhelming. The nurse also told me that I had a new c-section appointment set for November 27th at 10am.

They took me to maternity, where all the beautiful rooms were. Since the anesthesiologist had given me so much pain medication for after, I had to stay overnight for observation. I then made the phone calls. I told my parents that they could bring Emily up to visit, but there was no baby. I had to tell everyone the story. Jim & Emily stayed until around 7:30 and my parents left around 6:00.

I was able to get some rest even though nurses were coming in every few hours to do their checks. It was definately an eventful day!

40 weeks...and 1 Day!

Today we meet with Dr. Shah for my last OB appointment. We will also discuss the c-section that will be taking place tomorrow. Pretty soon we'll be holding a new baby!

The first snowfall...

If you remember last year's snow pictures, you know Emily doesn't like the snow! This year she did much better!

I also got my new camera, so I was trying it out. I didn't want the first time to be when the baby is born...just in case I was doing something wrong!

40 Weeks...and NO baby...

Today I am 40 weeks. I was really hoping that he would have been here before now. I guess he's all comfy in there, though he's got to be running out of room!

My 40 week doctor's appointment is tomorrow and it looks like the c-section will happen.

Caesarean Section is scheduled...

We discussed it and I reluctantly agreed that a c-section should be performed.

So, as of now, we are having a baby November 21st at 8am. This means that I will be in the hospital for Thanksgiving. I have to be at the hospital at 6am. All blood work and tests will be done via outpatient procedure the day before the section.

I am still hoping that I will go into labor and he will decide when he wants to come!

Keep your fingers crossed!

39 Week Appointment.....

We met with Dr. Shah today for, hopefully, our last appointment. She reviewed the results of the ultrasound and determined that the baby will be 10lbs. She advised on scheduling a c-section.

Next appointment (hopefully not!)....November 20th

Happy Anniversary!

You and me

We're invincible together

We can be oh so tragical, whatever

We're Sid and Nancy

Fred and Ginger

Clyde and Bonnie

Liz and Richard

Kurt and Courtney

Bacall and Bogie

Joltin' Joe and Ms. Monroe

Here's Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars

Today, Jim & I have been married for 6 years!

It seems just like yesterday. We've truely been through so much together. I can't imagine having anyone else by my side as I go through life. He really is my "better" half!

38 Week Doctor's Appointment....

Went to the doctor today for my weekly appointment.

Heartbeat was good, weight gain was good and no change. Talked to doctor about ultrasound and decided against inducing early.

So, we'll let this "little" guy come when he's ready!

Next appointment....November 15th

Visit with Michelle and Tony....

Today, my parents, Jim, Emily & I all went to visit Michelle, Tony & Laura.

We ordered pizza and all had a wonderful time. We sat around, talked and laughed. Tony again was looking well, but started to look tired towards the end.

When we were leaving, I went into the kitchen to extend the invitation for Christmas. Tony stayed in the dining room with my parents and Michelle told me the bad news. The doctors told her that Tony had at most a year left. At this point, Jim came into the kitchen and we told him the news as well. I think that sent us into a little state of shock. How could that even be possible?

We are so grateful that we were able to spend this day with him, little did we know it would be our last....

Ultrasound Results...

Well, Dr. Austin sent me for an ultrasound to determine size. She was right! We have a big boy in there.

According to the technician, everything she checked on the baby was measuring 40 weeks or more! I'm 37, almost 38! So, this baby can come whenever he's ready and the sooner, the better!

37 Week Doctor's Appointment...

Overall, everything went well. Heartbeat was good, weight gain was good....

Dr. Austin decided to send me for a ultrasound to determine size. She seems to think we have a very big baby in there! Since Emily was a difficult delivery, she wants to know what we're up against.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Next appointment...November 8th

Happy Halloween!

Jim left work early today and we took Emily to the Rockaway Mall to Trick or Treat.

After that, one of Jim's schools was having a Halloween party. They had a dj, food, candy and prizes. Emily had so much fun dancing with her Daddy. We all had such a good time.

Trick or Treating at Lafayette Village

Today we took Emily Trick or Treating at a local outdoor outlet mall. Emily got a lot of great candy. It was a little cold and the camera battery died, so we didn't stay long. But we managed to visit all the stores that were giving away candy!

36 Week Doctor Appointment

Today, I have my 36 week appointment. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going, but I guess that happens when you are chasing around a 2.5 year old!

Anyway, nothing new to report. Weight gain and baby's heartbeat were good.

My bags are now packed and we are starting to get really excited!

Next appointment...November 1st

Pumpkin Picking....again

Today we took Emily to Heaven Hill Farms for our annual pumpkin picking. It was a lot of fun. Emily got her face painted and we picked out a really nice pumpkin and decorations.

35 Week Doctor's Appointment

Today I start my weekly appointments! At this point in the game, there is really nothing new to report. I was tested for Group B Strep. No big deal.

Its funny, I'm actually more scared around this time. I guess maybe because I KNOW what to expect. Or maybe it has something to do with having to stay in the hospital by myself this time. I'm not really sure what it is. Of course, there is a lot of excitement thrown in!

Next appointment...October 24th

Birthday Dinner #2

We took Emily with us to meet my parents at the Black Forest to celebrate my birthday. I love the Black Forest and usually use my birthday as an excuse to get there!

As usual, the food was great and we all had a wonderful time!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Emily & I went to her Crocodile Rock class and then ran a few errands.

Tonight, we are dropping Emily off at my parents house and then Jim is taking me to dinner at my favorite restaurant...The Melting Pot.

Pumpkin Picking....

We took Emily to Fairfield Gardens to look at the decorations and the Halloween area. There is always fun activites to do there and this year was no exception!

33 Weeks...

I had my 33 week doctors appointment. Still nothing new to report. Weight gain good, heartbeat good, blood pressure good. Its surprising to have good blood pressure this pregnancy. With Emily it was always high, even up to the minute I delivered her!

Next appointment...October 18th

First sick appointment....

Today I had to take Emily to the pediatrician for her first ever sick appointment. Not bad for almost 28 months old.

Anyway, she has croup. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

Apple Picking!

Today we took Emily apple picking for the first time! Jim had been apple picking before, but I haven't. So it was an experience.

There was a storm a couple of days before, so some trees were destroyed. But we got a lot of nice yummy apples!

3D/4D Ultrasound

Since, I had been having the "It's a girl" dream, I wanted to have one final ultrasound to verify that this little guy is still, well...a boy.

We went to a great place called Visual Miracles. She really worked her best. The baby was sound asleep through the whole thing and he had either a hand or foot (or both) up near his face, but we got some really great shots. We got my parents and Jim's mom there to see their new grandbaby! Everyone was so glad to see the baby!

We were able to verify...it is a boy and he is not shy!

Straw-buh-buh-buh-berry Shortcake!

Okay, I've heard that theme one too many times!

We met Michelle & Laura at Pizza Hut for Strawberry Shortcake. Emily was all excited to meet her "idol"...until she got there. Then she didn't even want to go near her. Oh well, we were able to "trick" her into some pictures...

Rained Out...

Today we went to Edgewater with Emily to see another Strawberry Shortcake movie. This one was called Let's Dance. It wasn't one of my favorites but Jim & Emily seemed to enjoy it.


After the movie, we were supposed to go apple picking, but it was just too miserable. So, we decided to postpone that for another day.


We did manage to get out with Jim's parents. We went to Denville Seafood and had a wonderful meal.

Overall, it was a pretty good day!

31 Week Appointment

Today I met with Dr. Shah for my appointment. She was really pleased with how I was progressing in this pregnancy. Everything was good and I am measuring right on. My Mom got to come in again and hear the heartbeat. Its something that you NEVER tire of hearing!

Next appointment...October 3rd

Visit with Michelle and Tony....

Today we are going to visit Michelle, Tony and Laura. Between the radiation treatments & chemotherapy, we are so glad that we were able to spend a good day with them.

The girls played so well together! They are just too funny when they are around each other. They don't call each other by their first names, they call each other "Cousin". Its adorable to hear!

Michelle barbecued and we had a wonderful meal. Everyone was in good spirits and Tony was looking well. Towards the end, he started to look a little tired, but it was a long day.

Its nice to have this special time to visit with them.

Time to get head examined...

Well, its time for my bi-annual neurology appointment.

The irony is...they just moved into a new building. When actually, they moved into the exact office space that my family doctor just moved out of! It really is a small world after all!

Visit to Brooklyn...

Today, we all went out to visit Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Jack. Of course it was like 90 degrees. No easy feat for a 29 week pregnant woman with no air conditioning. I think I actually lost a few pounds!

Anyway, as usual, it is always wonderful to visit with them. They just adore Emily. We all had a really great time!

29 Week Appointment

We are in the biweekly appointments. Right now its nice because my Mom is still able to come in with me and hear the baby's heartbeat. Nothing unusual to report. Everything is still going well!

Dad is having surgery...

Today, my Dad went in for the surgery on his other hand.

He wasn't too concerned with this, seeing that he had the other hand done not too long ago. Overall, he said that things went well and he wasn't in too much pain. Hopefully he has a speedy recovery!

25 Week Appointment

I met with Dr. Shah. Things are progressing rather well with this pregnancy. Its quite different from Emily's.

Its time for the "real" glucose test, so I inquired about skipping the 1 hour and just doing the 3 hour. Dr. Shah gave the okay, so I'll just be going to the 3 hour.

Heartbeat and weight gain were good.

Next appointment....September 6th