To look back on later...

Wow - so I've gotten horrible about updating this blog. So many of the people I know follow along on Facebook, and it seems like double work. Then I decided that the information was still important to put on here - it's my record, if you will, of my childrens lives as they grow. I'm going to want a place to look back on when they're older :) So here it goes:

Keaton is now 6.5 months old. At his 6 month check up, he weighed in at 18lbs 6oz (75%), 28.5 inches long (97%), with a head measurement of 17.25 (50%). He eats his fruits and veggies like a starving man (this kid can EAT!) and we're getting ready to introduce the mixed foods shortly. He can pretty much sit by himself and he's almost crawling...he'll pull his knees up and pull himself across the floor (gotten pretty darn fast at it too). He's also started putting his forehead on the ground and pushing his legs up to a "standing" position - he basically looks like he's trying to touch his toes :) Once this little guy gets fully mobile, I'm going to be in BIG trouble!! No teeth yet, but he's drooling and chewing on everything so I'm sure they'll show up soon. We've introduced a sippy cup - but it's pretty much just another toy to bang right now. He loves playing with his sister - and watching everything she does. He is an extremely happy baby - always smiling and giggling. I'm so lucky to be his Mama...

Rya is getting ready to turn 3 at the end of February...gosh, the time has just zoomed by! She's fully potty trained now which is great. She can say her ABC's, count to 15, sing a TON of songs (Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee is her favorite), and always seems to say something new that makes Mama and Daddy laugh. She's FULL of personality and is a bit of a diva. She's super smart, and independent...we're in the "I do it by myself" phase right now...which is both a blessing and a curse. She loves to help cook, and is really into imaginative play right now. She likes to dress up and pretend to be a princess. When she "talks" on the phone, and you ask who she's talking to...she still says "Tom"...haha! Christmas should be fun this year...she understands who Santa is and what he does. She's excited about the Christmas tree and keeps asking for SNOW - which is a pretty hard thing to explain when you live in AZ. Might have to take a trip north after a snowfall...

So that's where we are at today. My kids are both healthy and happy and I am in complete and total love with being a Mommy. I'm not saying everything is perfect - anyone who has struggled through the terrible two's knows that life is far from it...but I wouldn't change a thing. I'll take the good with the bad and know that there will come a day when I'll long for it to be this way again.

Halloween

Here is a Halloween slide show. Everyone had a blast! :)

Happy 4 Month Birthday Keaton!

Keaton turned 4months yesterday...unbelievable really. His check-up was today and he's doing GREAT! He's 16 lbs 6 oz (79%) and 27.3 inches long (98%) - so not quite as heavy as I thought but definitely longer than expected. He grew a whole 3.3 inches in 2 months!! {In comparison - Rya at 4 months was 14lbs and 26.5 inches long}

He's rolling over front to back and back to front and already starting to "scoot" himself forward with his feet (just like his sister did). He is a happy baby who loves to smile and is extremely ticklish. He can also SCREAM like no other when he's unhappy and tends to be pretty impatient! Roy says he's a whiner just like his dad :) He's grasping for objects and bringing just about everything to his mouth. One of his favorite hobbies - watching his Big Sister play around the house.

His sleeping pattern is pretty eratic...he can go for awhile at 10 hours or so a night, then he's waking up every 8 then 6. Not sure if it coincides with growth spurts or what, but I'm hoping the 10 hour mark gets a little more consistent.

All in all he's growing and changing just about daily. He's healthy and happy and really that's all that matters :)

Quick update on Rya - we're going on 4 days ACCIDENT FREE! We've been in undies for over a week, and she's doing FABULOUSLY. She'll tell you know when she has to go and is staying dry through naps. We still put her in a pull up at night. She loves to sing and dance and is currently addicted to Little Einsteins. We're having a small issue with her being bossy at school (no idea where she gets THAT - HA!) so we'll have to work on being nice and listening to authority figures - but at the same time, I don't want to completely "break" her of that habit. Being bossy (at the appropriate times) is a good thing in my opinion ;)

A few updated pictures of the kids below - seems like I just can't get them up soon enough these days!!

2 month check up...

Keaton had his 2 month check up yesterday. He's a happy, healthy baby weighing in at 13lbs 7oz (87%) and is 24 inches long (86%). He's sleeping about 6-7 hours a night and eating 4-5oz a feeding. He's smiling and cooing and loves to watch his big sister Rya play around the house. He starts daycare on Monday (yes, I'm super sad about that)...and Rya will get to check-in on her little brother throughout the day.

Rya is doing great - talking up a storm. Man, does she come up with some killer lines. We're still working on the potty training, which I seriously think is the hardest part of Mommyhood so far. She has her good days and bad, but we're hoping that someday soon we can say Goodbye pull-ups :)

As you can see, I have my hands full these days...between my growing little boy and my intelligent little girl I find myself with very little down time. On the rare occasion I have a few minutes to myself, I can usually be found on Facebook or updating this blog.

Here are a few updated pictures for your viewing pleasure :)

Some updated pics...

Here are a few updated pictures of our little man. His 2 month check-up is on July 21st. As of June 18th he was already up to 11lbs 3oz...such a big boy :) He's a good baby - and has already started smiling. He LOVES his Big Sister Rya - he'll just sit and stare and grin at her. It's adorable!! How time flies...

2 week check-up

Keaton had his 2 week check-up this morning. He's now a whopping 9lbs 13oz (almost 2 lbs more than his birth weight) and 22.1 inches long. He's a healthy, happy baby. He just lost his umbilical cord last night (ewwww!) so we're ready to start normal baths.

Everything else is just as peachy...slowly adjusting to life as a family of 4...though it's hard with all the company we've had. The real test will start June 22nd when everyone has returned home and it's just us...is it weird that I'm excited about that? :)

Better late than never...

Keaton is 2 weeks old - which means I'm extremely late in getting this birth story posted. Better late than never, right? :)

So - the pregnancy had been text book - as previously mentioned. Then on Mother's Day I ended up catching a terrible cold/sinus infection. From there - my perfect pregnancy got a little chaotic.

MONDAY, MAY 11th: I had a doc appointment and they tested me for strep - which came back negative. I apparently had some sort of viral thing that antibiotics wouldn't touch. I had an ultrasound scheduled for the same day which showed that the baby's fluid level was extremely low. They sent me to the hospital immediately to receive "24 hours of hydration" with the hope that the fluid level would increase and we could keep the original scheduled date for the c-section (May 19th). Off to the hospital I went...totally unexpected and totally nervous. I was hooked up to an IV and was even ordered to spend time in the maternity "spa" - which was basically a big tub with luke warm water. Luckily, by the next morning a new ultrasound showed the fluid level had doubled - but my cold was also getting worse. The doc on call requested a test where they watched the baby for 8 different actions - in order to pass, you had to get a score of 8 out of 8. The last action was movement of the baby's diaphragm. With less than 30 seconds to go, the diaphragm finally started moving but wasn't moving long enough for him to pass the test. The doc requested the test be repeated in another 4 hours which he then passed and I was discharged. I was told to come to the docs office the next morning for blood work and to keep my last prenatal appointment on Thursday.

THURSDAY, MAY 14th: I arrived for my LAST prenatal appointment. I was STILL sick - coughing, sneezing, basically miserable. When the medical assistant went to take my blood pressure, I had a coughing fit which elevated my blood pressure (130 something over 80). They laid me on my side and retook my blood pressure which was then normal (117 over 70). When the doc came in (quick note - last appointment was with the doc that I'm not particularly fond of) she tried to tell me that when she looked at the "big picture", signs of preeclampsia were there (high blood pressure, blood work showing elevated levels, low fluid level, etc...) and she recommended that I deliver immediately. I tried to explain that I had coughed when the medical assistant took my blood pressure and that I was also taking Sudafed for my cold (which is known to elevate blood pressure). I continued to explain that the fluid level had also been low with my daughter and basically told the doc that I wanted the second opinion from Dr. Messer who was scheduled to deliver me on Tuesday. Unfortunately Dr. Messer agreed with the other doc and I was once again admitted to the hospital. I was set up for hourly blood pressure monitoring which came back normal every time. They drew new blood work which showed that my levels had remained the same and were not increasing like they would with preeclampsia. They also gave me antibiotics with hope that it would fight the sinus infection I was now dealing with. Dr. Messer decided to keep me over night for observation and would make a determination the next day.

FRIDAY, MAY 15th: Dr. Bullaro (the doc who delivered Rya) was now the doc on call. She said that ultimately, we could wait until the scheduled date to deliver the baby - though there was really no benefit of doing so. The baby was healthy and could be delivered at any time. She left the decision up to Roy and I whether we wanted to deliver or wait it out until Tuesday. After discussing it, both Roy and I decided that having the baby was the best solution - I was already in the hospital, hooked up to IV, I was tired and miserable (and STILL sick), and delivering on Friday would allow Roy to be there without having to take additional time off work (he had already missed most of the week due to my hospital visits). By now, it was about Noon and I was told that I would be in surgery by 2:30pm. After a couple of schedule changes, I was finally walked to the Operating Room (yes, I walked myself into the Operating Room) and Roy was given his scrubs and told to wait in the hall until they came to get him. Dr. Bullaro (who is the best Doctor EVER!!!) was with me while I was given my spinal and prepped for surgery - which I appreciated. With Rya, Roy was with me when I was given the epidural and without him there I was a little anxious. Roy was brought in, camera ready and before I knew it, the surgery had begun. Dr. Bullaro asked me how much of what she was doing did I want to know...I quickly answered "not much" - ha! :) I was more alert and aware of what was going on this time. I could feel pressure, but no pain. When it was time for the baby to come out, I started to feel a lot of pressure - and then all of a sudden a huge release with a "whoosh" sound. I hear the doc say "Whoa!" and everyone laugh a little - apparently the little guy just came bursting out like he couldn't wait to enter the world. He was a healthy 8lbs 1oz and 20.5 inches long (in other words, a big baby just like his sister - especially considering he was only 38wks 4days). They finished the rest of the surgery while Roy went with the baby. I was eventually wheeled into the recovery area where Roy and the baby were waiting. I was able to give him his first feeding - unlike Rya when I was completely knocked out after some complications during the surgery. We were then taken to the post-op room where Auntie Carlene and the grandparents showed up shortly after. Rya came up a few hours later and immediately took to her new role as Big Sis.

For the most part, recovery went well - because I was still recovering from my sinus infection and had a ton of drainage, I ended up getting sick Sunday which put my discharge on hold. They gave me some allergy meds and cough medicine and by Monday I was able to be discharged.

Which brings us to today. I'm amazed at how fast he's growing already. He's eating 4 ounces a feeding and sleeping about 2.5-3 hours at a time. He's a happy baby - at least until he poops...he HATES having a dirty diaper and will scream bloody murder until he's changed - LOL! Every day he looks more and more like his sister - who, by the way, is completely EXCITED about having a baby brother. She loves to help feed him and is always asking to "hold the baby". At his first doc appt, he was already back up to 7lbs 15 oz (he was 7lbs 13oz when we left the hospital) and was a whopping 21.5 inches long - nearly an inch longer. His 2 week follow up is Wednesday, and I'm interested to see just how big our Little Man has gotten :) So far, the biggest difference I've found between baby boys and baby girls - DIAPER CHANGES. You just never know what to expect...and yes...there have been a few "squirting" incidents. We've done a ton of laundry this first week :)

So, that's it - rather long and detailed, but really this is more for me to remember and so the kids will know how they were brought into the world. One day, they'll be able to look back at all these posts and see just how much love and care it took to help them get to where they are :)

Thanks for reading and as always...STAY TUNED!!!!

He has ARRIVED!!

Keaton Angelo McCormack has arrived!!

Born 05/15/09 @ 2:18pm
8lbs 1oz
20.5 inches long

Birth story to come. For now, enjoy the slideshow :)

Back pain, swollen feet, and contractions...OH MY!

4 weeks from today we will become a family of 4!! I've gotta admit that this pregnancy has definitely worn me out...I've been more tired, more uncomfortable, and generally more bitchy than I was the first time around. My back has been killing me for the last couple of days, my feet are swollen, and I've actually felt a couple of contractions (with Rya, I felt absolutely nothing until I was in full labor). On the bright side, this baby is healthy and apparently very happy since he seems to still enjoy stretching out and making himself at home whenever possible. I've seriously gotta catch his movements on video because it's something straight out of a Sci-Fi flick -even the doc is in awe of the way my belly gets distorted as little guy does his thang.

I had my last 2 week appointment today - the weeklies start next week - and all is as it should be. Blood pressure is good, weight is good, baby is good...again, text book. The doc did mention that there's every possibility that this kid reaches 9 pounds before delivery (Rya was 8lbs 10.6 oz.)...thank goodness for c-sections!! So say a prayer that I can keep my patience intact for at least the next 4 weeks...after that, it's all about dealing with a newborn AND a 2 year old...Heaven help me!!

As for another important issue that everyone has been asking about.......we've decided on a name.......or at least are as close to deciding as we probably ever will be. So - unless we come up with a miracle name in the next 4 weeks, this little boy will be known as......

Keaton Angelo McCormack

In case you're curious, the Angelo is after my grandfather who has been a huge influence in both my life, as well as Roy's. Keaton - well - its one of the few names both Roy and I can remotely agree upon...and that's still not 100%. One thing I've learned this time around - boys are just not as EASY...names, bedding, clothing...you name it and it's just NOT as simple. I have a feeling this will hold true even after Keaton is here :)

Anyways...that's it for now. This chick is tired and needs to go get her 2 year old ready for bed. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!!!

57 days to go...

It's been forever since an update, but everything has been pretty quiet. I'm 32 weeks tomorrow and everything is perfect. The doctor and nurse practitioners say that I am having a "text book" pregnancy...all levels, tests, weight, size, etc are exactly where they should be. Little Man is SUPER active and - according to the doc - likes to stretch his legs and arms STRAIGHT out, which feels VERY strange...let me tell you. This time around, I'm a little more uncomfortable as he's sitting really low. For those of you out there that have had children, it's reached the point where it feels like I'm sitting on the poor kids head anytime I sit down...not an enjoyable feeling. There are also moments where I can actually feel him pressing against my belly - and you can discern a body part. I definitely don't remember that with Rya - she was further back. I've got 2 more appointments before I start going every week.

Time sure has flown by. I'm on schedule for my c-section on May 19th...and man, am I ready to have my body back!! This pregnancy has gone by pretty fast - and pretty quietly - but these last couple of months are dragging. Can't wait to meet my little boy!! By the way...NO NAMES YET...but we're working on it :)

As for everything else...we moved from Mesa to Gilbert. I haven't taken any pictures yet (they're coming soon, promise) because I've been trying to get unpacked. It's happening slower than I had hoped, but don't fret, we're almost done.

Rya is doing FABULOUSLY! She's getting into potty training...will go on the potty when she first wakes up and before baths/bed. As for during the day, well, it's hit and miss. Daycare is working with her so we're hoping that the combination of home and "school" will help her understand. According to the director, we shouldn't get discouraged since she's still in what they call the "young 2's" since she just turned 2 and most kids aren't ready to potty train until 2.5 or 3 on average. Plus, there will probably be regression once the baby is here so we're just taking things slowly and letting her go at her own pace. No sense in pushing. Other than that, she loves to sing songs (alphabet, itsy bitsy spider, monkeys on a bed, twinkle twinkle, etc.) A couple weeks ago, she walked up to me and said - "the wolf mommy, he puffs and puffs and blows the house down". LOL! It was the funniest thing I had ever heard!! Some times I'm amazed at how fast she's growing up!!

I guess that's about it for now. There's a ton of other stuff to blog about, but I at least covered the major points. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Rya's Party

Just a quick slide show of pics from Rya's 2nd Birthday Party. ENJOY :)

Rya's 2 year Photos

3d/4d Ultrasound Pics...

Here they are...ENJOY :)


He's DEFINITELY a boy!!


He looks JUST like RYA!


Our Little Man

His hands were by his face the entire time

Already a thumb sucker!!

TOES :)

Just in case you are curious...

So - it's obvious that I have this ginormous belly. DUH! What people forget is that I was JUST AS BIG if not BIGGER with Rya. I've posted my 26wk 5 day Rya Belly photo here for comparison...

Rya is in the white - Baby Boy is in the red. BTW...still no name. We're working on it :)

Sleepy...

Thought I would post the latest belly shot and then head off to bed...I'm POOPED!!! Tomorrow we have our 3d/4d ultrasound, so stay tuned...

26 weeks 4 days

A moment for myself...

I've been asked lately if I've done any writing. The answer to that is simple - no. There is little time these days and way too much going on in my mind. While I find inspiration in every smile that crosses my daughter's beautiful little face, finding the time to sit and type it all out just never happens.

What am I doing right now then, you ask? Well...I've been blog inspired. Hence the reason I'm on here and not staring at an MS Word screen at the moment. Afterall, this blog is about Mommyhood and that includes the millions of thought bubbles swirling around in my mind. So, this will probably be a bunch of rambling nonsense...seemingly meaningless, but important nonetheless.

***In a few months, I will be a Mommy of two! Exciting and scary all at the same time. I often wonder how I can possibly manage to divide my time between these 2 little people who will both need me so very much. I know that I will have to make the extra effort to spend time with Rya so she doesn't feel like Baby Boy has taken over the world. I also know that once he's here, life will eventually fall into place...but it doesn't mean I worry about it any less.

***In a week, we will host Rya's 2 year Birthday Day party! Where has the time gone? This time around, it's an Elmo theme (shocker, I know) including a pull-string Elmo pinata...cool, huh?! Stay tuned for pictures.

***We have yet to decide on a name for this little boy flipping and kicking in my belly. Part of me feels like he should already have a name...the other part is just amazed at how hard it is to think of and decide on a suitable name. Maybe it's because we chose such a unique name for Rya, that we now feel Little Man's name has to be just as great. Good going McCormacks! ;)

***We're in the process of packing up our house. We will be moving into Chandler here shortly, which will put us closer to my sister-in-law and our friends. Funny thing is that we always seem to move when I'm pregnant and can't do much. On one hand, it's a "get off free" card. On the other, it's frustrating not being able to do as much as I would like. Shoot - one box packed and I'm exhausted :) I'll keep everyone posted and will send out our new address as soon as we have one. We're looking at more houses today so keep your fingers crossed.

***In this crazy time, I'm thankful that the hubby and I still have jobs and are keeping our family happy and healthy. I pray for those who are struggling and hope that something happens soon to right this terrible mess we're in.

***I'm sure this list could go on and on forever, but I think I will end it here for now. To put thought to screen is a very refreshing feeling. It helps me sort out the thoughts in my mind and let's you all see a side of me that you otherwise would not. Some will be boring, some will be exciting...but over all I hope you follow along on this journey I like to call Mommyhood. It's sure to be an interesting ride :)

Prego Pics

Here are a couple of a pics taken at 22 weeks 5 days:

Quick Update

Hello all! Baby boy and I are just chugging along - 4 months to go!! He's moving ALL the time and you can actually see my belly jump now. Roy's been able to feel him quite a few times - he's a strong little booger.

My c-section has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at 7:30am. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am to get ready and then Little Man will make his entrance into the world. Let's hope I don't go into labor beforehand - I have NO IDEA what will happen then!!

No names at this point - have a couple of ideas but nothing solid. As soon as a decision is made, we'll let you all know.

That's about it as of now. Things are fairly quiet which is a good thing :) Stay tuned as always...