The Hospital Experience

I admit it. I initially wanted to deliver Cooper where all his siblings were born - back in Peoria at OSF. Dr. Lee was there, it was familiar and ... well, tradition. I even had it all worked out in my head. Well, thankfully, calmer heads prevailed and I gradually warmed to the idea of a local doctor and hospital. Still, I wondered if my experience here could ever compare. I couldn't be happier with the end result.

Because both of my doctors ended up being really special to me, I'll do a little bit more on them later. We ended up at Lutheran Hospital - just down the road from our house. It is a large hospital and the Labor and Delivery Unit hasn't been as "updated" (decorating) as some of the other hospitals in the area. However, when I consulted with various nurses and docs in the area, an overwhelming majority was convinced it had the superior nursing care. It also has an amazing reputation for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and while I hoped we wouldn't need it (and didn't), I wanted it on campus. True, I didn't receive a complimentary Vera Bradley diaper bag, but my experiences there were so positive I could write a commercial on their behalf.

One very special thing they did was to throw a small "birthday party" for Cooper. They made a special point to invite the kids and sent up a tray - complete with a cake and "champaign." They even sent the cool plastic flutes. Claire still uses hers. To a 7, 5, and 3 year old kid, this was really living it up.

When our insurance stated it would pay for 96 hours post C-section, I decided that sounded like a vacation. With the room service, housekeeping, and free nursery care, it almost was. I could have done without the incision, catheter and IV, but hey - you can't have everything. The "pain pump" was pretty alright too - I could push that handy little button every 15 minutes. Never had that in Peoria. Definitely an upgrade.

I did miss home. When I glimpsed the NICU and all the little babies with all the issues surrounding their families, I was so aware of how blessed we were to have stayed only four days and going home with a happy, healthy little guy. A huge heartfelt "thank you" to Lutheran Hospital and all their staff. You've made a lasting impression on this family. God Bless.

Welcoming Cooper Thomas Savage

He's here. I still can't completely believe it. The kids are really in love with him and so are we.

I will admit to something here that I believe many moms goes through but might not verbally discuss. I wondered how he'd fit. Would I love him like I do the others? Is there room? What if I don't feel that connection? How will others react? Will it change our comfy family dynamic?

As only God can do - when the first cry was heard in the OR, everything changed. Only God can make your heart and head accomodate another member of the family so perfectly and instantly. I hadn't even seen him yet and loved him with every aspect of my being.

It all fits. There is plenty of room. I love him completely. The people in our lives that are closest to us have accepted him fully. Of course it has changed our dynamic. It won't always be easy but it will be us. Nothing has changed at the core - except that Cooper's birth has given me an unexpected gift. The gift of seeing my children witness the birth and acceptance of a sibling. You don't often get to see your children go through something like this. The joy and wonder (and sometimes fear) in their eyes has been priceless.

I promise when I get some good pictures taken I will get the blog updated. Emma has suggested that I wait until Cooper is not "so squishy." Sounds like a great idea. I think I may even know a few talented gals I could ask. Speaking of Rebecca and Sarah - I've been thinking about you girls alot this week and I just can't wait until your journey brings your children home.

First Day of School - Grayson and Emma

.... and I didn't even cry. Yet. I can't believe it is Grayson's first day of Kindergarten and he is riding the bus. He'll be gone all day. He's eating pizza and green beans in the "cafetorium." He put his shoes on the right feet -all by himself. How his day goes is not at all dependent on how my day goes. Which is great. It also means his memories of today won't include much of me. I guess, that's also great. If you aren't a hormonal new mom.

Emma treated this morning as if she has going to a 9-5 job her entire life. Been there - done that. I know this is the honeymoon period but she completed her entire routine with no reminders and no complaining. It was as if she could sense our need for her to step up. Proud of you Em!

Claire took it better than I anticipated. She was more than excited to go to the bus stop but was a little whiney coming home with no bigger sibs. Cooper had his first stroller ride and enjoyed meeting the neighborhood kids. I even resisted the urge to wipe his whole self down with hand sanitizer when I got home.

What I realized when I got home was this - we did it. The kids went to bed last night, we had our first night with Cooper here, the sun came up, and with lots of help from Monte, we got 50% of our new brood on the school bus. Life went on - pretty much as expected. He fits right in.

Addendum: In the interest of full disclosure, we DID forget to pack the first day of Kindergarten snacks so Monte took them to the school office. Didn't want you to get the illusion that it was too smooth to be true!

Chunk 'O Love!!!!

I would call him our little bundle of joy, but at 9lb 14oz and 20.5 in long............he's much more of a chunk than a bundle. Besides Chunk 'O Love, he'll be expected to answer to Cooper Thomas but Chunk is liable to last a while.

You'll notice he's a little ticked off, but he settled down pretty well after a first meal in his new world. Settled down might actually be an understatement as he ate and then took a 7 hour nap. Any of you who know Amy and her best friend, neurosis, will understand her issues with this extended slumber so shortly after being birthed. I was sent to consult the nursery attendants as to the likelihood that we needed a neuro consult and returned with one screaming boy ready for round two. After that, he was a little more peaceful (and so was Amy).

If you look closely, you'll see that Amy may have her shot at a brunette and it's got a little wave to it. His eyes haven't been open enough to tell the color yet..........but I'll let you know when I see them. By the time there's another blog entry, it's liable to be Amy adding her normal wit as I have my laptop and the hospital lobby has free wi-fi. She won't be able to stay away from all of you for long.

Here's a couple more shots shortly after the main event. For all the other Dad's out there, notice my scrubs are true, blue, 100% cotton official hospital scrubs. None of those disposable paper mesh scrubs like OSF here.

Me and the boy..........

Amy's first chance to see him outside the delivery room.

Thanks to all for the thoughts, wishes, and prayers that helped us get Coop into this world so healthy. And an extra thank you to all of those who have (and who will...wink wink) bring food over the coming weeks.

Group Hug

The Night Before His Birthday ...

.... and I'm thinking about how it all will change. Life as we know it - the routine, the dynamics, the relationships - all of it. It couldn't be more exciting or terrifying.

I'm thinking about our summer and how it all, amazingly, came together just how I'd hoped. We visited friends and family, strengthened friendships here, and took a vacation to Disney and several "staycations" here at home. We didn't focus on homework - but on the quality time spent together at the pool and neighborhood goings on.

I'm wondering if (and how much) the children will remember. I hope they had the time of their lives. I have.

I'm realizing that God may have sent this baby to give me this summer. My slightly type A self may not have spent the summer the same way without the knowledge I had. I'm thankful I stopped to listen.

I'm preparing ... because while I know that Emma, Grayson, and Claire will be losing a little in terms of one on one time - I also know what they will gain in having another sibling. It means more of everything - squabbling, arguing, and hurt feelings - and giggling at night, playmates when neighbors are gone, and someone to help you learn to ride the big bus to school.

I'm struggling ... because I can't find the words to tell them what this will mean. I want to put it into words ... to prepare them ... to ease the transition. Instead, I just tell them how proud I am of them - that they are such great kids and such inspirations to us that we wanted our family to grow ... and that God agreed. How blessed we are. I hope that's enough.

Progress!!!

We (meaning mostly Monte) have had several projects to complete the past few months - everything from preparing a nursery to adding a fifth bedroom to putting in a whole new front door. Not to mention painting the kids' rooms and creating/putting up window treatments. It is all coming together!!! The basement is functional (not done yet but the guest bed is down there and the doors are hung. The window treatments my friend Marni are making (yes - sewing) are complete in the kitchen and den and the big one is up in our big living room window. I love them and the treatment really makes the view onto the lake look really great. Thanks Marni!

The nursery is done and I'm starting to pack for the hospital. We finally opened the box of diapers in newborn size. Neither of us remembered them being that LITTLE. I've lit my favorite candle (Yankee Baby Powder) and rocked in the glider rocker just imagining what this new little life has in store for us.

A few more last minute details to conquer tomorrow including: Grayson's kindergarten screening, swim lessons, haircuts for all the kids, soccer practice, and Mah Jong at a friends' house. Oh - and my last day of work for a while. More on that tomorrow.

Time to watch the Olympics.

Camping Out ... In Style

The kids have been wanting to do this all summer and the timing and weather were finally right - for camping. We decided to do a little "staycation" (love that word) and do it in the backyard. That way - the potties and snacks would be close at hand and if it started to rain ... or if someone got scared ... their own beds were just yards away.

In case you are wondering, Monte was the only adult chaperone. Wrigley and I decided someone had to guard the house (and the Rocky Road ice cream) so we took one for the team and missed out on the fun.

They had a great time. Notice the extension cord .... apparently used to supply power to the DVD player. Hmmmm... I didn't know about that. They could really hear all the cool wildlife noises that close to the water.

Right now the tent sits (still fully assembled) in our living room. That doens't bode well for tonight's sleeping arrangements does it?

To Answer Your Questions ....

I know how bad I've been about not blogging lately... things have been just a bit nutty around here. I've decided to condense it a bit then try to answer some questions this way - because I may never get around to emailing and calling everyone privately (oh how I wish I could though).

I worked at Covington's registration today with my friend Jennifer. It was a three hour ordeal and it was at the Kindergarten table. That is special for a few reasons:

1. It is Covington's first year doing all day Kindergarten (voluntary and for a fee) so there are LOTS or new paperwork.
2. It is usually the only table where both parents come and often cry (first one off to school).
3. Maybe not the best place for a 9 month pregnancy lady to be (think easily confused and fairly emotional)....

Anyway - I wasn't much help to Jennifer but maybe I was funny to watch. After all - how many different reactions can I have to "Wow...when's the big day?"

I also had to register Emma and Grayson. Thankfully, I didn't have to pay the $1500 Kindergarten fee all at once. So with books, partial tuitions, etc., I only wrote out about $700 worth of checks. Yikes. That doesn't even include Claire's tuition.

We also had swimming lessons and a OB appt for me. We had to do some tentative measurements of the little guy today. My doctor tells me there aren't enough Diet Cokes and Marlboro Lights in the county to keep this baby under 9 lbs (He has a very dry sense of humor). When he realized I was only 37 weeks and 3 days, he looked a little more pale. His color returned when I reminded him it was a repeat C-section.

So - it is scheduled for 6:00 am on Friday August 15th. I hope to be home on Tuesday the 19th and Emma and Grayson go to their first day of school on the 20th. So many of you have called or emailed to ask how you can help. Prayers for a healthy baby and safe delivery would be great. Beyond that ... I just don't know yet.

Hospital visitors - I'd love it. Anytime after Friday. I might even let you hold the baby after you've washed your hands =). Especially if you bring chocolate, Chinese food, or something from Starbucks.

Monte will be home the week I come home but with all the chaos at GE he will be heading back soon and doing alot from home. He's the interim "cheese" until such time a new "cheese" appears. While you are sending up prayers, some prayers for him and some sleep would be great too.

Thanks again to my friends. You are all just the best.

Emma Gets Her Ears Pierced !!!

She's been claiming to "really want to do this really, really, REALLY bad" for a while now. I didn't think it would stick but it has. So ... for part of her special day - we took her to Claire's at the mall. I called first to make sure they had two techs on staff so she would have two at once. You moms know exactly why I did that don't you? Turns out - good decision on my part or it is entirely possible Emma would have only one earring.

She was a trooper until right before the piercing. Then I really thought she might bail out on us. But - I reminded her of the summer's theme for our family - "Try Something New" (another Jon and Kate idea - the theme thing) and she mustered up the courage. No tears or anything. I was really pretty proud of her.

She chose her birthstone (ours actually) for her studs and she has been great at cleaning and twisting them multiple times per day. It does take me back a bit.

It was such a great thing to do as a family too. Grayson was actually more nervous for her than we were. Monte had to walk him around the store to get his mind off of things .... He was so nervous it was going to hurt her. He can hurt her but no one else better try it. They really do love each other deep down I guess.

Claire was just wowed by the fact that the whole store was named just for her. I'd actually never thought of it until she pointed out her name above the door.

I think she looks pretty grown up. She's already asked me if she can wear different earrings to her wedding. One day at a time girl. But yes ... maybe I'll even lend you some of mine.

Two Weeks From Yesterday ...

When I went to the doctor this week we decided to push the delivery back one week to August 15th. The birthday won't have near the same ring to it as 08/08/08, but we both think the little guy will have more surfactant in his lungs and maybe do a bit better if he has another week inside. Plus - I realize that they are much more work on the "outside" so I am OK with it.

I realized I haven't posted anything in two weeks - Yikes. We've been pretty focused on making sure the kids have a fabulous summer (before their lives are ruined) and getting the school preparations done. There has been lots of progress made on the house ... more on that later.

Monte took the kids to visit their his parents for the weekend and Mom and I did some shopping. I should say - Power Shopping. At least now the kids will have a few short outfits to start school in that aren't chlorine faded and stained from summer activities.

A few weeks ago we learned we have had carpenter ant damage to the front door and consequently -the entire door and framing has to be replaced. Yep. A front door and all its glass components costs a whole LOT more than I thought it would. Combine that bill with the exterminator, preschool and Kindergarten tuitions, and school registration and we could have bought a small (and old) car. Timing is everything.

With less than two weeks left, I've decided to steal an idea from one of my favorite shows "Jon and Kate Plus 8" and do a "special day" with each one of the kids before this baby comes. I've given them carte blanche (well, almost) for their day as long as it doesn't involve permanent tattoing or a ridiculous amount of money. They are thinking about it today. I'll let you know what they come up with.

We took all of them to see the movie Prince Caspian last night. It is the follow up to Chronicles of Narnia - all based on the books by C.S Lewis. It was OK -not great. I am a huge fan of the books and think that, in true Hollywood style, there was too much violence and not enough message. But - Grayson and Emma really liked it. Claire fell asleep.

The front door is getting put in today and I have a hair coloring agenda to fill. And - Emma wants her ears pierced. I have to consult Monte on that one just in case he has an opinion.

Emma and Sam Go Overnighting

So ... Emma and Samantha have been attending Girl Scout Camp all week. They both did it last year (not the same camp) so they believe they are old pros. It is a loooong week for young 7 year olds. They have to be on the bus at 8:00 am and don't get off the bus until 5:00 pm. As the week draws to a close, they are tired girls. So, I was hesitant when they wanted to do the optional overnight tonight.

By all accounts, it really should be a blast for them. It involves a swimming hole (yep, no pool - a real swimming hole), campfire with cook your own fare, campfire songs, and spending the night in a platform tent. Oh - and no indoor plumbing. They have been using the "greenies" all week so they are used to them. Just not in the dark. This required some really careful prep work this morning before they left.

This may be routine talk for some more experienced camping moms but it really took a while to get it drilled into Emma's head. I had to break it down into a few steps before she got all the components.

Me - "OK - When you wake up in the middle of the night and have to go to the bathroom, what do you need to do?"

Emma - " Get my flashlight and my shoes, wake up Samantha and go down the trail to the greenie."

As you can see, they were all set to go bright and early this morning. The moms didn't look so certain. It is a looong time to be without Emma. For me anyway. I wish I could just call and see how things are going. But - I'll hold out - she warned me not to embarrass her anyway.

For Their Well-Being ....

I saw an interesting article in a magazine last week. I can't recall where exactly or I'd post the link. It was a REALLY good article about parenting. It has always driven me crazy when parents complain they don't get any help around the house from their spouse and/or children. WHAT? Who's running the show? Women really shouldn't do everything. It's not good for anyone to be the only clerk minding the store.

This article addresses that very issue. It suggested, among other things, dedicating a whole day to your children's well being. Here's the good part. It didn't go into building their self-esteem by catering to their every whim or buying them the lastest and most expensive gadget. Quite the opposite. It talked about giving them the tools that will BEST suit them in life - namely - responsibility, respect, and healthy habits (including diet and exercise).

Well, I seized the day. I figured out which issues I really wanted to tackle, made a list in my mind, and went for it. I prioritized what I felt were critical issues for our family and came up with spirituality, responsibility, and healthy habits. Then, I cleared the schedule and we dedicated the WHOLE day to this stuff.

First off - Emma and Grayson are attending vacation bible school for the third week. They are familiar with the church and many of their friends are there. They love it. I encourage it. Claire was not so sure so she and I are spending some great quality time together this week. But today, I decided that one of the healthy habits I wanted to target was sleep. So, we skipped VBS today and everyone slept until 9:00. All of us needed it and I really wanted good attitudes today.

Then we tackled chore day. I've been working on new chore charts - new responsibilities and monetary rewards - so we went over them then set them to work. I decided on one chore for each year with different rewards - all paid on the same day of the week. Then we went over how to do each chore. They actually really can do this stuff. In reality, they are capable of more but I really wanted to pare it all down and focus on one chore for each year. Emma and Grayson are asking for extra credit chores as they want more money each week. We'll have to see how the first month goes. There is the responsibility piece.

Throughout the day, we've talked about all the healthy choices for breakfast and lunch. We went over all the healthy habits that are already part of their day (brushing, bathing, etc) and how to incorporate healthy habits for the environment (someday, God willing - they will remember to turn off the lights) like recycling and donating toys/clothes.

Then, it is off to the library to address the community piece as well as reading as a responsible and healthy habit. This afternoon, Emma and Grayson have swim lessons. Claire and I do our own thing in the pool while we wait for them. That counts as exercise right?

The article sounded so interesting but a whole day sounded so daunting. Now that I've scheduled it in and made it fun for the kids (not to mention I need a few more new releases from a favorite author), it's actually pretty doable. The best part - it didn't cost a thing but time and energy. Which was the other part of the article. The best things for a family really are free.

Fourth of July Celebrations - Continued

Fourth of July Celebrations

Some friends of ours invited us to spend the evening at the local country club. There was lots of kid-friendly activities - including moon-bounces, rock wall climbing, face-painting, glowsticks, sparklers, and of course, fireworks. All five kids decided to get their faces painted with fireworks on them and each of them found at least one activity they really liked to do.

And, how many times can kids dig in the sandtraps on the golfcourse and NOT get into trouble?

For the grownups, it was a complete people-watching FEST. The plaid shorts, polo shirts and designer shoes were in abundance. The weather was perfect, the company was grand, and the kids were tired when we got home. They wouldn't even wash off the face paint.

Happy Birthday Nana!

My mom's birthday was actually June 27th but we wanted to sing and do the whole cake thing when she brought the kids back from a few days in Illinois. Of course, the kids' favorite part was blowing out the candles so they all got a turn - I think we relit the candles four times or so....

And ... the kids rearranged the candles ... I'm not saying how old she is ... just that she is NOT 46.

We are Home ....

Whew! We did it! Ten nights of vacation bible school, including both of our "home" churches - here in Indiana and in Illinois.

Once again, Whitney (and Mark) graciously hosted us so the kids could get together with their old friends and so could I. I fully realize we are a lot of work and that six kids can be difficult to navigate through the week with bathing, meals, and bedtime. Did I mention all four girls - ages 8,7,6 and 3 - slept in one room? And that the two boys are virtual twins at 5 years old?

Yet, it all went so smoothly. I guess that's just the way it goes when you feel like you're at home. Both at church and at their house, that's just the way it feels. What a complete blessing it is to have places and friends that make it feel as though you've never left.

A few people asked me where "home" is this week. That one is tough to answer. For us - it is not just one place. Milwaukee will always be homelike because of where we started. That is where we met, lived, and bought our first home. The city, food, and people are all pretty spectacular. I still get the chills driving toward the lake and seeing the skyline.

Morton, too, will always be home because of the kids. Three kids were born there and I have "sisters" there. Lifelong relations will continue with that town because of who is there.

Fort Wayne is home too. I didn't know if and when I would ever call it that, but I definitely can. Thanks to a handful of great neighbors, an active church, and two friends who have brought us into the fold, we are very plugged in. I missed it while we were gone.

In some good heart to heart chats with friends this week, I realized how several times, Monte and I have come through something difficult - only to make it to the other side - more fortunate for the experience. It has never been easy to leave a "home" - we have always shed tears and mourned the loss of our comfort zones. And ... at times we have envied those who live their entire lived in a single town. Yet - I can honestly say - we have been the better for each - each and every time. Home is where we happen to be - because as long as I have my husband, my kids, my cell phone, and a car with GPS that can get me to Illinois, Wisconsin, or Indiana - I'm happy.

Exploding Volcanos

It has been a great summer week - filled with trips to the pool, casual meals outside, lots of time spent with friends and a week of vacation bible school at our church. All the kids could go this year and enjoyed the science theme immensely. Tonight is ending ceremonies with a moon bounce, a crew from our local children's museum, pony rides, etc.

Today they took their volcanos and made them erupt with vinegar and baking soda. I am pretty sure they used all the ingredients in both containers but ... it was worth it to see them take a project and complete it - without any adult supervision (OK - so I watched through the window) or initiation.

We leave Sunday for ANOTHER week of VBS - this time in Morton at our "other" church. We are doing the same theme but are anxious to see how much fun we will have on our old turf with friends we haven't seen in a while.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Despite my occasional rantings, I am married to a really good guy. His strengths are many - but his greatest asset is the fact that he is such a good dad.

He is really hands on. He knows all the kids' teacher's names, shoe sizes, and birthday (even when I mix them up). He can tell you what percentile they are for height and weight, what their T-ball coaches' names are, and what to get them at Dunkin Donuts (no - they don't like the same thing). He willingly and regulary takes all three kids to any and all destinations without stress or complaint. I love that about him. Particularly because some of that information is lost on me - and many husbands that I know strategically plan to only take one or two at a time somewhere.

Today, the kids and I had the best intentions. We planned to do breakfast in bed then a day of relaxation. Well, so far - Claire has flooded the kitchen ceiling due to some "splashing" in our tub, the curtain rods need to be hung in two different rooms (which requires a stud finder and some fancy measuring) and of course, mudding and taping going on in the fifth bedroom downstairs.

No complaints from him though. He has THAT kind of personality. Proof that opposites do attract.

I do plan to take him to our friend's house for dinner though. No preparation or grilling required on his part. It won't make up for all the goings-on for the next crazy eight weeks, but hopefully it will remind him we are thankful for the type of Dad and husband he is.