The difference

I have realized a few things over the last 3 weeks. The difference between your first child and your fifth...with your first child, you lay around after the birth feeling so exhausted and almost sorry for yourself--as if you want the whole world to know how life-changing this has been and how you will never be a real person again! With the fifth, you just get over yourself --and very quickly--not only do you not worry about being a real person again, you have long forgotten what a real person really is! With the first, you spend hours looking at their tiny hands, feet, and just overall admire every little inch of them. With the fifth, you are so thankful to be nursing because if it wasn't for these precious moments with the baby, you are sure you wouldn't recognize them in a police line-up! With the first, you use Dreft laundry detergent, wash their clothes separately from everyone else, and fold each little article of clothing so specifically so it will stay cute and fresh in the drawer. The fifth probably will never even have their own dresser. With the first, you change their clothes numerous times to get them in each cute little outfit and you take their picture in each one. By the time you get to the fifth, you have such appreciation for those little gowns that make middle of the night diaper changes so easy, that you might even keep them in the same one for a few days! Our first child was sung to and read picture books, and taught the alphabet, got appropriate "tummy time", etc. Our fifth child is learning all about 1st and 2nd grade homework, could write a paper on World War II propaganda after attending my History Classes with me, and probably thinks "Dax-no!" is something that must be said to leave the house every day--hopefully he'll pick up his alphabet somewhere in there!
However, there are some things that stay the same with the first and the fifth. I have a picture of "Daddy and baby both sleeping on couch" for each one of my kids. There has never been a picture of "Mommy and baby both sleeping". This could be for a few reasons..1. Mommy takes all pictures because Daddy just forgets we have a camera. 2. Daddy never takes pictures because he secretly doesn't enjoy these early days and feels no need to remember them. 3. Mommy takes so long to get her body back and has traditionally had such a bad case of "post-partum camera distress" that in all of my children's photo albums it appears that they spent the first 3 months being raised by their father and a series of teddy bears. Finally, and probably most likely, Mommy NEVER sleeps! Another similarity between numbers 1 and 5 is that you still can't believe the gift you were given and the miracle each child is.
Today, a lady at church said, "Are you back to work yet?" I reminded her that Drake was only 3 weeks old. She acted surprised and said, well you just seem to be doing so well, I figured you were back to teaching. Back to work after 3 weeks???? Doesn't it take longer than that to cure a ham???? I really think, as a society, we expect way to much out of women! Ok--maybe I do still feel a teeny-tiny bit sorry for myself, maybe I'll reflect on that next time I have a minute or two to myself! Ha! Even in this "all work, no reward" stage--he is worth it, but I am hoping to see a smile soon!

Thanksgiving

We had a nice Thanksgiving with our families. The kids really enjoyed themselves and I even managed to get all of my CHristmas decorations out over the weekend. However, the real test begins tomorrow when Shawn goes back to work! The hardest part seems to be getting everyone where they need to be, especially since the doctor still hasn't said I could drive so we are relying on Aunt Emily and Aunt Cassie a lot. It is amazing to me how two weeks ago it seemed so odd to add another member to our family and calling this new person "Drake" seemed unnatural. Yet we already couldn't imagine life without him. It reminds me of a quote I once read that said, "Someone said that you can't love your fifth child as much as your first... but someone never had five children". So far, he seems to be a very easy-going baby. He reminds me a lot of Delaney's personality when she was a baby, but he looks a lot like Dawsyn. The kids are already Christmas Crazy!!!! So, the next few weeks are going to be constant commotion around here. I can't imagine what Christmas is like for people without kids. I bet it is a lot calmer, but probably not nearly as interesting. I am doing well, I just really start to crash around 8:00 every night. I try to stay up until around 10:00 to feed Drake and most nights he makes it to 3 or 4 before he needs to eat again, so I really can't complain. He still isn't back up to birth weight, which surprises me because he only goes two hours between feedings during the day. The good news is that the nursing is really helping me lose the weight, so hopefully that will continue. I also hope to totally get my personality back, I still feel a little out of it at times and my wit certainly isn't back to normal yet, I can't believe how many one-liners I've let get by lately, but I secretly think Shawn is enjoying that aspect of the recovery!

Home and adjusting

We are on our second full day at home. So far, we are doing well. Drake is still on the billirubin blanket for his jaundice. As of today, his levels were still going up, but it looks like he has quit losing weight. So, just like the four before him, hopefully the billi-blanket is on the way out! Dax has been having the most difficult time. He keeps coming over and asking mommy if her belly is sore and can she please have two more babies? (Shawn isn't happy about that!) He wants to help with the baby, but knows that he has to be careful and most of the time, he just looks very confused. One thing he isn't confused on is the pecking order of the house. The first night we were home, he announced, "I'm not the baby anymore! YAY!!!!" Delaney has gone from age 4 to 20 in a matter of days. She really wants to be the big girl--especially when the older two go to school. She wants to help in every possible way. However, she is still as coordinated as a four year old, and is constantly bumping into either mommy or the bassinet! Dawsyn spent the last few weeks before Drake was born saying that she didn't want a baby and this house didn't need a baby and she wasn't going to like this baby anyway and on and on and on... However, she must have forgotten all of this because she has spent the last few days holding Drake every free minute! She runs to him when she gets home from school, she insists on holding him every morning right up until it is time to leave for school and she keeps "smelling" him when she is gone and misses him. She is definitely the mom understudy in the house. Drew has taken to Drake just like all the others, he is very loving, tries to protect him, but acts like he is totally afraid that he is going to "break" him! Poor Drake has already had a baby-sitter. Drew had his 2nd grade music program last night at school. He even got to get up and read a poem. He did great and Mommy just didn't want to miss it, so Grandma Judy and Grandpa Carl babysat so Mommy could go to the program. It was the most uncomfortable hour in a hard metal chair, but the music teacher saved seats for us in the front row so I could get in and out easily. And, of course, it was certainly worth it! Tomorrow's challenge is the Lancaster Christmas parade. Dawsyn is riding her float and Delaney gets to march with her baton class. I am hoping to hobble to a spot long enough to watch the girls go by and then get back home! Thanks to everyone for the cards, emails, and all of the support. It means so much that number five is just as important to everyone as he is to us!

OUR TIE-BREAKER HAS ARRIVED

Drake Michael Edward Adams was born at 8:04 AM on Monday, November 16th. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 1/2 inches long. The surgery went well. I felt pretty good through the surgery and got to see Drake before they took him to the nursery. Once I got to the recovery room, however, I started to feel the oddest pain in my chest and back. The nurses weren't sure what was going on until I told them that I had a horrible metallic taste in my mouth. They then realized that the spinal had gone "up" and I was almost totally numb up to my shoulders. This was a little scary, but once they sat me up and started the pain meds, it slowly faded. I was able to nurse Drake in the recovery room and they soon brought him back to my room once the pediatrician cleared him (he was having trouble with a lot of grunting). At that point, they rolled my bed over to the window and I was able to hold Drake up to the window so the other kids could see him. This was both wonderful and horribly sad at the same time. The other kids are just devastated that they haven't been able to hold him. They cry on the phone to me everynight. We set up a webcam, so they have been able to see and talk to both of us every night, but I know they can't wait until we are home! I am really hoping to go home today. I've never gone home this early, but the doctor has already discharged me, so now we are just waiting on Drake.

Week 38!

So close...
Today is my last day teaching since my c-section is scheduled for Monday. I think we have everything ready. I know that the novelty has definitely worn off at this point! At my last appointment on Wednesday, the doctor did a quick ultrasound because he was a little worried about my fluid level, but there was plenty around the baby. Shawn and I both took Wednesday off so we could go to my last appointment, meet with the people at the hospital (which turned out to be a total disaster) and so I could get some other last minute stuff done. We picked the kids up from school and took them to a nice dinner to celebrate their amazing report cards and parent-teacher conferences. We got very good reports on them. So, now I am too the point that I am just tired, ready, and, of course, scared to death. That is just my personality. Last night I had my conferences for three hours and a lot of people kept telling me that since it was my 5th c-section, at least I knew what to expect. They are right, but that is also a curse because I know EXACTLY what to expect. Last night I even dreamed that I went into the surgery room and they asked me if I wanted a cookie and I ate one and then they told me I couldn't have the surgery because I was supposed to go 12 hours without food or water.
Even though, the kids can't be there at all, we are going to try to make the best of the situation for them. We have it planned so we can take polaroids and no one else will get to know what the baby is until Delaney announces it (at the McDonald's down the street instead of the hospital waiting room). We also have it all set up to do a webcam every day so the kids can see me and know that I am OK. So... we're doing everything we can, I just hope the hospital will cooperate in some small way. Although, based on our meeting Wednesday, I am not counting on anything. I just keep telling myself that this time next week, I should be home, recovering with our entire family, and hopefully a wonderful, healthy baby. Now would be the time to send some prayers our way!

Week 37!

Call Guinness!!!!
This has got to be some sort of record. At my doctor's appointment yesterday, he said I was 3 cm dilated and almost totally effaced, but right now the baby's head is resting on my tailbone so it hasn't engaged yet. Last night, I was up from about 2:30-4:30 with painful contractions off and on--but when I got up to take my shower and get ready for the day at 4:30, they suddenly stopped. As I was leaving yesterday, the doctor said, "I'll see you next Wednesday, if you're still pregnant and that is looking less and less likely!" Yeah right! I'll be there next Wednesday, still touting the huge belly and I'll show up the Monday after that for my scheduled c-section. BOO!!! I so wish I could just go into full labor and have the baby on my own, especially with the hospital saying no one can come visit because of H1N1--not even my other children. The thought of that just makes me nauseous!!!! I was cheered up quite a bit today by my coworkers. They threw a little shower for me and got me a bunch of diapers and wipes and had some really good food. I work with great people--who like to have reasons to celebrate! So, now we are just waiting. I have parent-teacher conferences tonight. After that, I will feel like I have all of the major things out of the way--now just to get baby off the tailbone!!!

Week 36!

Kickin' Faded Catholics
Yesterday, Drew came out of school with a huge smile on his face and a certificate that said he had been nominated as "Student of the Quarter" for his class. Well, I was so proud of him, so before piano practice I stopped at KFC to get him some popcorn chicken as a snack (his new favorite food!). While on the way to piano, Dawsyn looks at the box of KFC and says, "what exactly does that stand for, mom?--'Kickin' Faded Catholics?'" Where do these kids come up with this stuff? Dawsyn turned 7 on Sunday. I do not know what we are going to do with her when she turns 17. Our house rule has always been that you can do whatever you want on your birthday as long as you don't hurt yourself or anyone else. Well, of course, Dawsyn woke up prepared to take full advantage of that! She spent the day listening to Miley Cyrus and dancing, at one point Shawn again expressed his hope that this baby is a boy because he is very worried about how Dax knows all the words to the Miley Cyrus songs and he was dancing with Dawsyn and freezing in a pose that involved his butt sticking out and jazz hands! I even let Dawsyn call a friend on the phone for the first time, but I made her stay in the room with me and kept it to a ten minute conversation. Mostly, they just sang songs to each other. (Today, Delaney got in bed with me and said, "Mommy--the baby can come now!" I had been saying that all I need was to get through Dawsyn's birthday and then it didn't matter when the baby came--I guess she has been listening.) Dawsyn did go to church (little does she realize the 'birthday clause' does not include family functions like church) because it was All Saints Day and she got to dress up like her favorite saint and process into church. She chose Saint Elizabeth, Mary's cousin. Delaney was the Virgin Mary, and Drew was St. Andrew. The costumes I made turned out pretty good and the kids looked angelic as they walked into church. On the way home, Shawn and I discussed how innaccurate the whole event really was. I adore my kids, and know they are perfect for me, but saintly? In actuality, if Dawsyn had really been Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, and Delaney was the Mother of God, I can just imagine how that whole story in the Bible would be a little different--I can imagine the coversation: Elizabeth, "Are you pregnant too?" Mary-"Yes" Elizabeth, "This is supposed to be my time to have a baby, how come you had to go and have a baby to--you always copy me!" Mary: "Well, I can't help it--my baby is the son of God" Elizabeth-"yeah, right!" Mary- "no, really--an angel came and told me I was having God's son!" Elizabeth (stomping her feet and crossing her arms)- "How is that fair? How come you get to have the son of God? Why is my kid only a baptist?" This probably would have resulted in a slightly different version of the "Hail Mary" prayer.

Halloween!

Last night was Trick-or-Treat. The kids got too much candy and I was exhausted from walking around, but we had a good time. We went as the Scooby-Doo gang, although I personally thought Shawn looked more like someone who could be serving 8-10 for child endangerment instead of "Fred". I must say he was pretty excited about the ascot! I didn't have a character for the scooby-doo theme and I refused to be the "mystery machine" regardless of my current size. I ended up just saying that I was "Michelle Duggar--the early years" most people thought that was pretty good. The only rough spot of the evening was when Delaney fell causing her glasses to fly off and her knees to get skinned up. Shawn and I both wanted to pick her up right away, but Drew and Dawsyn thought she should crawl around for a few minutes saying, "My glasses, my glasses!". I had to admit, I thought this was very clever of them and sort of agreed--until she started to cry and my parenting instincts kicked in again!

We were listening to Halloween music on the way to school this morning and it reminded of the Halloween when Dawsyn was 3 years old and couldn't sleep because she was afraid of the "pizza wiener". At first, I was dumbfounded as to what she was referring to and she just kept saying that Daddy was singing about the "purple pizza wiener". My first thought was "what has Shawn been teaching them now?" until she said, "you know, the one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple pizza wiener". I began to tell her that it wasn't pizza-wiener, but decided that was actually a lot less scary than "people-eater" so I just let it go. We had a good laugh about that this morning!

Week 35 continued

Baby update!
Well, I had my 35 week appointment yesterday. The doctor says I am 2 cm. dialated and 80% effaced. He also says he really thinks I should be on bedrest to prevent early labor, but he knows I will not listen to him, so he just said, "Whatever". I have been cramping pretty bad this afternoon--hurting into my back, but I just keep teaching, and tonight, unless the baby decides to make their inevitable entrance, I will trapse up and down the street with my crew for trick-or-treat, because that is what us moms do, right? We all got our h1n1 vaccines yesterday to try to protect ourselves for new baby and in the hopes that the kids will be allowed to come see the baby at the hospital. I am just hoping we all stay healthy.

These are of Dax in the baby parade, Dawsyn and Snowball in the pet parade, and Dawsyn eating her pumpkin pie right before getting on the float! I am currently too tired to write more, but will add details later!

Week 35!

Wow! That really sounds like we are getting somewhere! I've included pictures from our week at Pumpkin Show. This week is Halloween and Dawsyn's 7th birthday. Once I get through those, I will feel like Little D can make his/her appearance whenever they are ready! The pictures are from our busy week--Dawsyn in the Little Miss Pumpkin Show parade--she got in the top 30 out of 150 girls, which I thought was great! Drew's Harry Potter Pumpkin took 3rd place, and his artwork took 2nd. I included a picture of Delaney and her Ballerina Pumpkin, and our "Hogwart's Castle" cake which won "student's favorite" at the Book Fair.

Week 34!

EVERYTHING AT ONCE:
I'll have to add pictures later, because we are still in the midst of getting them. This week started off with Dawsyn's parade at Fall Festival of Leaves on Sunday. Yesterday was the first day of Pumpkin Show and Dawsyn was in the Little Miss contest. There were 150 girls in the contest. Dawsyn made it into the top 30, so we were very proud of her. Today is Daxton's baby contest, and tomorrow Dawsyn and Snowball will be in the pet parade. The kids also entered art work and decorated pumpkins in the art contest. Drew's pumpkin (which was painted to look like Harry Potter) took 3rd place. His drawing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire took 2nd. Obviously, we are on a big Harry Potter kick, because the kids also wanted to enter a cake in their school's Family Cake Decorating Contest. So, of course, we did a Harry Potter cake by creating "Hogwart's Castle". Shawn was putting the finishing touches on it around midnight--this involved him using green food coloring on coconut and spreading it on the cake board to create the grounds of the castle. I just looked at him all hunched over, intense on his decorating and said, "Remember when you used to play guitar in a band?" Yeah--those days are over! Three more days of Pumpkin Show, End of Season Cheer party on Sunday, Halloween and Dawsyn's birthday next week, and then baby can come! Hopefully he or she will cooperate with our family schedule--they're going to need to get used to it! :)

Week 33!

PARTY ON!
We had Drew and Dawsyn's Birthday party yesterday at World of Bounce! The kids had a great time (except for Dax who was sick). There were about 30 kids running around and bouncing--even the parents and grandparents got in on the action! There was only a tiny moment when we feared for Dawsyn's life as Grandpa Chuck went down the big slide with her--but it made a great picture. The kids were definitely overwhelmed and came home totally exhausted and wore out. The presents were ridiculous too. It was like Christmas--they still didn't get eveything opened and out of boxes when it was time to go to bed last night. Delaney left the party feeling confused because her little friend Braden kissed her hand and she didn't understand how she was supposed to marry all of her boyfriends. Poor little Braden was upset too. He even went to Shawn and told him that he had kissed Delaney and she didn't even say thank you! Shawn just patted Braden and told him he was sorry. Shawn is going to have to get a lot tougher when it comes to his daughters and boys!!!! I feel like everything now is just one more thing off my list. Made it through birthday party--check! Next is Pumpkin Show, then Halloween, then Dawsyn's birthday on November 1st. Once November 2nd gets here, I'll be twidling my thumbs ready for baby to make his/her appearance!

Week 32!

Everyone's a Critic...
We have officially reached that stage with Drew where he thinks we are totally uncool, just about wrong in whatever we say or do, and know nothing about the world today. He's only 8!!! Yesterday, he was talking about a kid at school who was "Rapping". Halfway through his story, he turns to look at Shawn and I and says, "You know what rapping is, right?" Shawn was very put out by this and said that of course he knew what rapping was and did Drew think Shawn was that uncool? I decided to make the conversation a little easier by stating that of course his father and I knew what "wrapping" was. I mean, hadn't he seen us wrap gifts in decorative paper before? Drew just sighed and rolled his eyes and Shawn said, gee thanks for making that better! I realize that conversations like this are totally why it is my fault that Drew has such a witt and isn't afraid to use it. Yesterday afternoon, I told him and Dawsyn to stay in the van because I just had to run in and get Delaney very quickly from preschool. Well, of course I had to stop and talk to the teacher and then to a teacher Drew and Dawsyn had when they went there and a parent of a student I have this year, so it took a little longer than I had originally anticipated. When I got back out to the car, Dawsyn is in tears and says, "Mom, I was so worried, I thought something had happened to you, like maybe you were poisoned!" (Dawsyn is my dramatic one!). Drew just rolls his eyes and said, "I told her nothing was wrong and that the only thing you had probably been poisoned by was "Deep conversation!" I don't know where he gets it?!?
And My Delaney...
Yesterday was "D" day at school. All of the kids needed to bring in items that started with the letter D. Delaney takes great pride in finding odd or unusual things to take in every week. For A, she took an ant and I told her that was good, but then she pointed out that it had an antenna and that was why she was taking it. For C, she took scissors. This one took me a minute and I thought I was going to have to persuade her to take something else until she showed me that scissor "cut". She was pretty sure she was the only person who would have an "action" to share with the class. So, apparantly at her D presentation, Delaney pulled out a picture of her and her three siblings. She explained that they are Drew, Dawsyn, Delaney, and Dax which all start with D. The teacher asked her if her parents had picked out a name for the new baby yet and she told them that we hadn't, but she had a name she really liked. She preceded to tell them that she wanted to name the baby "Dam". Well, of course this led to snickering and gasps from the rest of the four year olds. Delaney got upset because she didn't understand what their problem was. As she explained to me later, she likes the name Dam because it rhymes with Ham and she REEEEAALLLY likes ham! The teacher tried to point out to the kids that a dam is just something that holds water, but a few kids protested and insisted that it is a bad word. The teacher told them is is only a bad word if you say it when you are angry. One child raised their hand at this point and said, "My parents say it when they are angry a lot!". (Glad that wasn't my kid!) . Needless to say, at the dinner table last night, Shawn and I tried to explain to Delaney that Dam was a bad word the way she meant it, but that it can be a bad word and it would just be best for her not to say it anymore. She left the table still insisting that she liked it and we should use it for the new baby. I can just imagine the announcements: Our children, Drew, Dawsyn, Delaney, Dax, and Dam!
Love My Dax!
You gotta love having a two year old! They certainly keep life interesting. Last night at Daxton's Kindermusik class, I am sitting on the floor as close to Indian-style as possible (believe me, it is much more Chief Wampanoag than Indian Princess at this point!) and leaning back on my arms since Little D is deciding to stick straight out in front these days. Little D starts "rolling" around in my belly and makes it look like a scene out of the movie, "Alien". Dax sees this and puts both hands on my belly and very excitedly yells, "Is it coming out now?!" When I tell him no, he pouts his little mouth up and says, "OH Darn it!". Of course, at this point, all of the other parents in Kindermusik are laughing and I force a smile and try to stand up so we can do the circle dance that ends class. I do love this stage with Dax. Only at this age can the child tell you a 5 minute long story about accidentally peeing on Grammy's pants in the porta-potty and use words like, "porta-potty", "actually", and "hand-sanitizer", one minute, and the next point to the refrigerator and demand "drinky"! He actually got on the phone with me the other day while I was at work and went through each family member asking where they were. When he got to himself, he starts laughing hysterically before I can answer and says, "Oh--I'm right here!". At least my children have a great sense of humor. How can you not in our family? Today is "Crazy day" for spirit week at school. I, of course, am not so into Spirit week this year and just wore normal clothes, if you can call pants that don't really have a belly normal. One of my students made a sign for me to wear on my belly that says, "this is number 5!" because, as she said, that is crazy! Needless to say, my coworkers got a kick out of it! Oh well, 6 more weeks and hopefully all of the attention will switch from me to the baby!

Week 31!

ANOTHER DAX???

We went for our 3D ultrasound on Friday. Everyone came--Grammy, Grandpa Chuck, Uncle CJ, Aunt Cassie, Josh, Grandma Judy, Grandpa Carl, Aunt Emily, Uncle Kyle, Caroline, and, of course, our 4. We all crammed into our the room, after waiting for an hour, and, of course, Little D wouldn't cooperate, as you can see in the picture where he/she is covering his/her face and looking disgusted with us for trying. After about 45 minutes and drinking water and getting up to walk around, we finally got some good images of the face. I think he/she looks just like Dax's face. Of course, that could be because Dax still has that little baby face! :) Everything looked good and the baby was 4 pounds already and measuring about a week ahead of schedule. It will be neat to compare pictures of the baby's face once it is actually here!

Week 30!

These are the moments...
Another busy week...Tuesday morning we woke up and the coffee pot wouldn't turn on. A definite sign that you need to get back in bed! Oh well, at least it gave me something to buy Shawn for his Birthday. Remember the days when I thought I would have a Soap Opera Love Story??? Who would have known that my life would ever seem more like a scene from "Escape to Witch Mountain??"
Dawsyn did a great job in her first parade on the float. You would have thought she was Miss America! In fact, we decided to have a talk with her about the real reason she is a Princess--and it has nothing to do with winning a pageant, but becase her Father is the King of Heaven and Earth! She seemed to get that--let's hope it sticks! We also found out that if she has to miss a parade, Delaney can fill in for her. This was great news to Delaney, but Dawsyn was less than enthusiastic. These girls are growing up so fast. Dawsyn has come home from First Grade almost every day talking about this boy or that boy. We tried to tell her that the only "boy" who really mattered in her life right now was her Daddy. She didn't really seem to buy that! Finally, last night when we were celebrating Shawn's birthday, between the presents and pieces of cake, and the third story of another boy who was chasing her on the playground, he looked over at her and said, "We've lost her, haven't we?" I just smiled and said, "well, we still have Delaney." We both turned to look lovingly at our daughter who we know would much prefer another piece of chocolate cake to any boy chasing her. She smiled up at us with frosting between her teeth, and I heard Shawn exhale in the relief that, at least for now, his baby girl was his.
Unfortunately, his relief didn't last long! This morning, when I got out of the car at preschool with Delaney, a little boy was walking by with his mother. I heard Delaney yell, "Hi Jayce!" and then the little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mom--there's my girlfriend I was telling you about--Delaney!" I just smiled at the mom, left Delaney with a kiss, got back in the car, picked up my cellphone and called Shawn. When he picked up the phone, I cried, "We've lost her too!". He just said, please let this new little one be a boy!!!!
We'll see.... We have a big 3-D ultrasound scheduled for Friday night. All of the Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles are coming, so hopefully it will go well and I can post pictures next week! Lots of prayers.

Week 29!

The Good, The Bad, and The "Find my kids a replacement mom because I am blowing it!"

So, lets start with the "good" this week. On Wednesday, Dawsyn was in the Little Miss pageant for our local festival. I'm sure many remember when I was the "Soy Bean Queen" back in 1996 (the dark ages according to my children). Anyway, Dawsyn was old enough and decided that she wanted to try out for the same festival in the Little Miss division. So, Wednesday, we got her all dressed up and she got on stage (horrible cold and all) and did a great job. Then, last night, she got to ride through the parade and get on stage again and found out that she was crowned "Little Miss 2nd attendant". She is so excited because she gets to ride on the float and be in parades and wear her sash and crown. We were very happy for her (well, ok, I was happy for her, Shawn was like--"what is this going to cost me?"). I included pics from the event.

The "bad"--well, it isn't really bad, it's more "sad". My baby boy turned 8 on Sunday! I just can't believe how fast it has gone. He doesn't have that little boy look at all anymore. In fact, he is losing all of that "chubbiness" and is even getting a little chiseled face! :( He had a great birthday except that I was very sick, but we still tried to make it special for him. Shawn took him to Perkin's Observatory to look through the giant telescope--he was so excited that he could see Jupiter. I took him to the Lego store and he picked out a "Star Wars" set. It was great! I included some pics of my little man too. I think his favorite present was the George Bush figure that says some of Bush's "best" quotes when you press the button. Such a little Republican! :)

Now--the horrible part of our week. It actually turned out fine, but was the scariest 15 minutes of my life! On Tuesday night, we were sending the kids to bed, Drew was finishing homework and Shawn was working on something in the laundry room. I watched the younger three walk upstairs, but then sat down to help Drew. Shawn yelled up to them to get in bed and we would be up in a minute. About two minutes later, Shawn goes upstairs and shortly after, I hear him yell down-"Jill, send Dax up". I yelled back up that Dax was already up there. I heard Shawn begin to walk around upstairs looking for Dax. So, I get up and start looking for him around the downstairs. This went on for about five minutes until all-out panic struck our entire family. The other kids then got out of bed and we are all running around the house and screaming, "DAX!" at the top of our lungs! It was horrible. The kids were crying at this point and saying, "Please Dax, we love you" and "we lost a kid!". We would all yell and then wait and there was nothing but silence. Shawn ran outside to look. I started looking in places like the washer and dryer. We just didn't know what to do, until finally we hear Delaney say, "I found him!" But there was still no noise, so Shawn and I both frantically run into Delaney's bedroom and pull back the little curtain that hangs from Dawsyn's bed and there, all curled up in a ball between Delaney's bed and the wall, and under Dawsyn's slide, was Dax. He just looked at us and said, "Boo!" Then, when he saw our faces, he started to cry too. I couldn't even be mad at him, I just hugged him and all the kids hugged him and we all decided that, even though it was a school night, it would be a good night for a camp-out in Mommy and Daddy's room! Ever since then, the kids have been watching Dax like a hawk. He isn't allowed to go upstairs unless he is holding one of their hands (Drew and Dawsyn created this rule!). So, overall, a very interesting week. It ends today with my 10 year wedding anniversary which is nothing compared to the roller coaster our every-day lives are!

Week 28!

Once you go "Mom" you never go back!
As if it isn't hard enough that my baby boy is turning 8 on Sunday, last night I got one of those, "step on your heart" moments. Growing up, I can remember my Grandma Kathy always saying, "When they are little, they step on your toes, when they are grown, they step on your heart". I always thought I knew what she meant and invisioned terrible teenagers who would talk back and storm off angry. I didn't realize those "step on your heart" moments could happen so soon and without the child intending to at all. I could tell Drew was bothered by something last night and he finally said, "Mom, can I talk to you about something?" I always laugh when he says this because I always have responded with, "Drew, you can always talk to me about anything". He then proceeded to prepare me for the blow by saying that he didn't really mind calling me "Mommy" and that I would always be his "Mommy", but could I please stop signing his lunch notes, "Mommy" and instead just write "Mom". He said that some of the other kids were making comments. My first thought was guilt because, to be honest, I had been thinking for some time now that I probably should just write "Mom", but somehow, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't want to force him to grow up, or didn't want to admit that he already had, whichever, it was probably selfish to keep writing it. I'm a teacher, I know how other kids are--they will tease about anything if given the opportunity. So, I just smiled at him and said sure and that I was sorry I hadn't done it sooner, and of course I should be writing "MOM" because he was getting so big. He gave me a hug and ran off to play, and I quietly packed his lunch, sighed to myself because, yet again, this was another sign of "the beginning of the end", and sadly signed "Mom" to his lunch note. I'm sure somewhere in the distance, I could hear that old wedding song, "Sunrise, Sunset...Is this the little boy I carried?" Gee, I really hate that song!


10 weeks left!
I have only been back to teaching for two weeks and have already managed to catch a cold. At least this one seems to be mainly in my throat. I just feel so tired. We had a great weekend. Drew's football team won 30 to 0. He was so excited. Dawsyn and Snowball entered the pet contest and took 3rd place. Delaney and Dax both entered the limbo contest--that was adorable! Drew got to ride in the parade with his football team and then we had a big cookout at mom and dad's with our friends. It was like a final stamp on Summer. I'm not too sad to see it go because that means we are closer to baby. I am in that stage where I waver back and forth between really wanting the baby here and not wanting it to go faster because I know I will miss it. Most of the time, I am just too busy to think about it.
Saturday was an interesting day--we thought we would finally have an afternoon and evening to relax and were looking forward to watching the Notre Dame game. I was sitting on the couch reading a book to Dax and Shawn was on the floor playing a board game with the older three when we heard a loud "plop" on the living room carpet, then another, and another. It took both of us a minute to realize that it was coming from the ceiling. We looked up and, sure enough, it was "raining" in the living room. Apparently, the kids had left he sink running upstairs and the drain had been emptying slowly and had overflowed unto the floor, down through the ceiling, around the can lighting and drip, drip, drip... unto the living room floor. Needless to say, the kids thought this was the coolest thing. Well, all the kids but Drew, he ran and got the phone to call my dad because he wasn't sure Daddy could handle "this type of thing". LOL! Ah well--just another day in paradise!

Week 27!

We are going full swing again. So far, it feels like every day is a little victory. Delaney started dance class and insisted on taking ballet this year. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen, but Delaney isn't exactly built like a ballerina. She came home after her first class and was so excited to show us "Happy Feet" which is what she learned --this consists of turning her feet outward at the toes while her heels are touching. She then said that she thought that was funny and she guesssed that most of the time she has "sad feet" because she is pigeon-toed. It was the sweetest thing. I hope she will always feels so comfortable with herself and who she is. She definitely did not inherit that from me! She also started preschool full-time yesterday. She was jumping at the door to get in when they opened. This is totally different from Drew and Dawsyn who always clung to my leg while we were waiting to get in in the morning. She gives me a quick hug and then runs off to play. She has informed me that she already has two boyfriends. I guess it is easier for each child to start something new because they see their older siblings do it. But, it isn't any easier on their mom. My guess is that by the time "Little D" starts school he or she will be driving themself! They probably won't even want me to walk them in!
Then, when I picked Dax up from his first full day at Miss Sharan's, he didn't want to leave. He was having fun playing outside. Well, at least I can tell myself they are well-adjusted! Drew and Dawsyn are adjusting and doing well, but we are all just so tired and not used to our new schedules yet. We are definitely looking forward to the long weekend!

Week 26!

Back to school

Well, we are off and running. It seems everyone is adjusting OK, but we are not used to our new schedules yet, so we are tired! Today was the first football game of our season. Drew's team lost, but Drew got some really good blocks in and is playing so much more confidently than in the past. I was really proud of him. Dawsyn did a great job cheering!

They also had their movie premier last week for their Drama class. They did a silent movie, "Cops and Robbers" this session. It was great. All 3 of my kids were robbers. It seemed a little too natural for them, in my opinion, but I tried not to think about it too much. :) Only about 11 weeks left until baby and I stil haven't decided on names or gone through our baby stuff to see what we still need to get. That is not at all like me. I guess something has to give. Next week dance and Kindermusik start, so the time gets even less. Is it too early to be ready for my maternity leave????

Week 25 & 26!

LAST DAY OF SUMMER

Most people get a little depressed on Sunday evenings when faced with the long work-week ahead, but for teachers, this is the most depressing Sunday of the year--the night before our first day back. At least the first two days are just meetings and organizing your room ( I always walk around the building those first two days and think about how much I love my job on days like that--when there are no students in the building!) :). The students don't start until Wednesday. This means my own children as well. Drew is the big second grader, Dawsyn is the big first grader, and Delaney starts Preschool. We have gotten our teacher assignments, picked out our "first day outfits" (Drew could really care less, but Dawyn and Delaney got into it!), and have all of our school supplies. This was surprisingly easy--even with three kids and three different lists. Drew is always practical--he looks at the prices and gets whatever is cheapest and makes the most sense, Dawsyn is so opinionated, that she quickly picks out EXACTLY what she wants, and all Delaney needed this year was a folder. I made a big deal out of this for her benefit. We walked up and down the aisle to choose just the right one for her to take to Preschool every day. She decided on a "Jonas Brothers" folder. It had a picture of the three Jonas Brother boys on the front. I was surprised by this choice, but fine with it since I wanted it to be her decision. I quickly went on to the next item on my list when I saw Drew grab the Jonas Brothers folder out of the cart and disgunstingly turn to Delaney and say, "Seriously, Delaney? I hardly think this folder is appropriate for Preschool". Delaney looked up at him with her big eyes and said, "But Dawsyn likes the Jonas Brothers". Drew replied that it made perfect sense for Dawsyn to like the Jonas Brothers as she was 6 years old and going into the first grade, however, he didn't feel it would make the best impression on Delaney's teachers if, as a four year old, she showed up with teenage boys on her folder. At this point, I directed my attention elsewhere, partly because I was busy, partly because I wanted to refrain from laughing, but mainly because I was having a difficult time resisting the urge to roll my eyes at my "going-on-50", seven-year old. Sometimes Drew makes it so easy to be a parent. He is so responsible and always thinking about what the right thing is--very mature. Then there are those times that he crosses the line and tells Shawn and I what we are doing wrong, and what we should be doing to make things better. I swear he has come close to using the words "not prudent" when discussing our parenting of his siblings.

We took Delaney to visit her Preschool class last week. I thought it would be easier since she is my third to transition to this next phase of her life, but somehow seeing all of the same fear and questions on a whole new child is just as hard as the first. The night before we went, she came to me all teary-eyed and said, "what if someone makes fun of me?" It broke my heart, especially because I know someone will. At some point in her school career, she will come home devastated and upset because someone tore her feelings to shreds. And--there isn't anything I can do to prevent it. I just hope that I can be there for her. She got really nervous as we were walking up the stairs to the school and looked up at me and said, "Mom--what if I forget to put my name on a worksheet?!?!" At this point, I realized that Delaney was going to be just fine since most four year olds wouldn't even recognize a worksheet or the need to put your name on it! During our visit, she just kept telling me it was horrible and terrible there, but she did this with a huge smile on her face!

And then there is Dax who is going to have a tough transition with me returning to work. He has gotten very close to me this Summer. The other day he said, "Mommy--I love you!" and I replied, "I love you too". Then he said, "I love you more than Jesus!" I know it is wrong, but I didn't have the heart to correct him. I will be sure to remind him of those words when he is the rebellious teenager! The other morning, he climbed up on my lap and asked, as he does every day, "can we take the baby out today?" (I am really beginning to think that he views me as some sort of kangaroo!) I explained, as usual, that the baby wasn't ready and it wasn't quite time. He seemed to accept this answer, but a few minutes later, he turned to me again, and with a very sly look out of the corner of his eyes, he took a hand and turned it sideways and began to rub it back and forth along my belly saying, "See-saw, See-saw". I knew immediatly what he thought he was doing and told him that he couldn't cut the baby out of mommy's belly. He said, "oh darn-it!", climbed off my lap, and continued on with his day. That reminds me... I need to make sure there are definitely no sharp objects within his reach!
So... this morning was our last morning to sleep in.... and the hectic back-to-school schedule begins. Shawn and I laid in bed a little longer then normal today because we sensed the impending doom of the hectic year ahead--but he did get to feel some good kicks when he put his hand on my stomach, and by tonight, everything will be layed out to get us off to a good start for the year--bookbags, outfits, forms filled out, and even Delaney will be ready to walk into that first day of preschool with her pink backpack and purple folder with two white kittens on the front (apparantly she thought Drew had a point).

Week 24!

OUR NEW ADDITION:

The other day, a woman at church made that comment that I must be "saintly". I just smiled politely and thought to myself that until that moment, I had never realized how the words "saintly" and "insanity" have a love of the same letters! So--I am huge pregnant with my fifth child, coaching cheerleading, in two weeks, I will be back to teaching 6th grade full-time, have a second grader, first grader, and preschooler, I will be running Drew and Dawsyn to piano lessons, Drew to football practice, Delaney and Dax to Kindermusik, the older 3 to Drama class, Dawsyn to baton and pom-pom, Delaney to ballet and gymnastics, throwing in Karate when we can, plus Sunday school starts and Drew will be having extra classes to prepare for First Communion. Soooo.... Just to insure there is no chance of boredom around here, I broke down and got Dawsyn her first puppy!!! See??? Total insanity? Apparently I am addicted to potty-training, because I finally have Dax all potty-trained and I get a puppy that now needs to be watched ever second! She is a little Bichon-poodle mix (no shedding was a major point with me!). She is snow white and Dawsyn thinks she looks just like the type of dog that a Disney princess, or Barbie would have. Dawsyn has named her "Snowball Elaine". That should be cute to hear her calling it when she's 20! She has been after us since Christmas to get a dog. She is the only one of my children who is so in love with animals. I actually think in the long run it will be good for her because she does best when she has something to be responsible for. So far, she has done well--now we're just waiting for the novelty to wear off. When we gave her the puppy, we had all of the kids line up on the couch and I told them that we got them a "back to school" gift. I started with Dax and gave him a gift bag. When he opened it, inside was a little stuffed puppy. He was very excited and loved it. Delaney went next and opened a little puppy webkinz, then Drew opened his Webkinz dog. Finally, we brought Dawsyn her bag, she looked inside and a little white puppy head popped out. At first, she jumped and wasn't sure what to think. But, as the pictures show--she was in love right away. Definitely one of those moments you won't forget--and try to force yourself to remember when puppy is whining at 3:00 in the morning! In reality, I only had about three more months to sleep through the night--might as well start adjusting again now!

Week 23!

We have a ...
...Lego Luke Skywalker!!!! Yes, I am the proud grandparent of a 2 inch, not-quite-an-ounce, blond-haired, plastic Luke Skywalker! He even came out with his lightsaber fully intact! Dax was very relieved that his delivery went well. There were complications however because Dawsyn and Delaney informed me that they had to perform a C-section. He even walked around with a band-aide on his stomach for half a day. He lovingly took care of his little lego baby for two whole hours, but has since informed me that he lost him somewhere and might need to get a new baby in his stomach. Luckily, they did think to celebrate the baby's birth with a full mass in our living room before the babe went missing. I was not really invited to the mass, as I was busy doing laundry, but I was informed that Dawsyn was "God" which to Delaney and Dax means that she was the priest. When I came around the corner, the scene was one-of-a-kind. Dawsyn was standing behind our coffee table which she had carefully covered with the finest kleenex tissues. She had a plastic bowl of fruit loops (the eucharist) and a "Dora" cup of apple juice was the wine. Drew was seated at the piano playing music, while Dax and Delaney were sitting on the couch singing the "Alleluia" at the top of their lungs. I pretended to be busy and not notice so as to not interrupt their service, but I did catch the end of a wonderful homily about forgiveness and not losing your temper (ironically, two things Dawsyn really struggles with!). Oh well, at least I know she has the right idea--But I still need to inform her that the leader isn't God, but the priest. These are the moments that I wish I had cameras installed in the house so I could turn them on and not miss a beat--I'll probably have the same wish when they are all teenagers, but my motives might be different!
As for our baby, everything seems to be going well. Shawn even got a little kick in the hand the other night! I wish I was doing so well. I currently have a pinched nerve in my hip and two pulled muscles. I look horrible when I am walking, but I still keep going. Today, the kids and I worked in my classroom, then went to Easton to see "G-Force". We have a great time, but I am definitely slower than my usual self! I'm not sure I can handle this pain and lack of mobility for 15 more weeks! I just keep telling myself that the end result will be well worth it.

Week 21 & 22!

Where does the time go? I missed a week again! It doesn't help that the last three weeks don't feel very much like Summer Break. We had a week of football/cheerleading camp, then a week of Franklin Park Conservatory Camp, and last week was COSI camp. Whew! Plus, Dawsyn's cheerleading started and I am coaching her. Thankfully, I have two wonderful moms, and Cassie who are helping so I am not having to do all of the jumping around. I had my last ultrasound on Monday. Everything looked good, but I was kind of sad that it was my last one. I enjoy seeing the baby and I know I am going to miss these days. The baby looks like it is going to be another big one! It already weighed 1 pound 3 ounces!!! From everything I've read, it will double it's weight in the next four weeks. That means that by 26 weeks of pregancy, the baby could already weigh 2 pounds, 6 ounces. I've heard of a lot of preemie babies being born at a weight like that. After that, it is said the baby could gain up to half a pound a week! No wonder I am having such sciatic pain! I have hardly been able to walk since last Thursday. I keep going, and I am still managing to get in my workouts everyday, but it is getting tough. I am hoping it is just the way the baby is lying, and when it moves I will get better! I also held it together and didn't find out what the baby was on Monday, although I was very tempted! The good news is Dax says the baby is almost ready to come out of his belly. He just says it needs to "grow up" a little bit more. He doesn't know it, but he is growing up so fast himself! He is even staying dry at night now, so I think it is safe to say that he is officially potty-trained!!!! They are all growing up. The control freak that I am makes it very difficult because I cannot control their rate of growth at all! Drew is getting so tall and so mature. I can't believe the conversations we can have, Dawsyn now wakes up in the morning before I do and has been getting breakfast for her siblings and setting out the schoolwork that I make them practice every day. Delaney has really done well this summer and is ready for Preschool. She is already at a first-grade reading level, so I am not worried about her academically. And now that Little D is over a pound, and there a times when I know his/her little kicks can be felt outside my stomach, it seems like we are really getting somewhere! I wanted to post this adorable picture from Fourth of July! Wouldn't it be nice if they always hugged and smiled at each other like that and not just when Mommy was prompting them for a picture? :)

Week 20!

Our Trip to the Zoo...aka...Why do we do this to ourselves???
We actually did have a great time, but we are so exhausted this evening. We went to a breakfast program at the Columbus Zoo. The kids liked it and we did get an awesome parking spot since we had to be there a half-hour before the zoo opened. We ate breakfast and the kids got to touch some animals (a snake, lizard, and some sort of chicken-looking thing--I was too busy trying to keep the orange juice from getting spilled in the midst of the kids' excitement to really pay attention). Then we went to see the bears and meet the keeper. The kids even had the opportunity to feed the bears some popsicles. All was going well until they told Drew that the bears' names were "Brutus" and "Buckeye". He suddenly was not interested in feeding "those particular bears" anymore. Then the kids rode the ponies. When Dax got off and we asked him how it was, he replied, "so cool". The kids definitely got a kick out of the petting zoo--especially Delaney who almost literally got a "kick" from the poor pregnant goat who she chased with the large comb swearing that it wanted her to comb its hair. When it became obvious that the kids were comparing the pregnant goat to their pregnant mom, and even more obvious that the goat was winning, we decided to move on. As we started to actually walk around the zoo, we realized that the problem of the day was going to be the statues of animals..aka "places for Dawsyn to pose". It wasn't as big of a deal if Dawsyn was in the mood to let her siblings pose with her, however this was all too rare, and even if she was alright with it, she rarely left room for anyone else to pose on the statue. After Shawn took a picture of Dawsyn sitting with her legs straight out in front of her, crossed at her ankles with her hands crossed on her knees and her shoulders cocked to one side, while Delaney stood behind her, bent at the waist with one hand on her butt and the other out in front of her in what was her best impression of "jazz hands", all the while not even realizing that they were posing on an endangered species, we got smart and started saying, "I think we already did that one" every time they asked to sit on another statue. We finally made it to the aquarium, only to hear all about the pregnant stingray. Apparantly many animals at the zoo are currently pregnant, the only species I was particularly impressed with was the seahorses because the males carry the babies in a pouch in their bellies until they are ready to separate and live on their own. Let me sum this up in a mathematical equation: male humans < male seahorses = what are we doing wrong and what can medical science do about it??? The highlight of my day came when we walked into the Wolverine's den and I had to explain to the kids that Daddy didn't want to come in because this was the mascot of Michigan who was Ohio State's biggest rival. Finally, Shawn did come in and started making some comment about how the wolverine was a dumb mascot and didn't look intimidating at all, to which Drew quickly replied, "Oh yes, Dad, this wolverine is much less scary than a nut!" Even the two people at the exhibit next to us who were both in OSU jerseys had a chuckle at that one! Shawn just whispered in my ear, "what have you done to that kid???" All the kids thought that the giant sliverback gorilla reminded them of Grandpa Chuck, but then they decided that it was really just the gray hair on its back. It threatened to rain off and on all day. The kids kept saying it would be alright because they could see the "Dutchboy's pants" (what Grammy Michelle calls a spot of blue sky in the middle of clouds which she swears means it isn't going to rain at all, but instead clear up and be sunny--I've heard this all through my own childhood and obviously she has continued this with my children--I could give more "Michelleisms", but that would require an entire blog of its own). As we were leaving, it started to pour down rain. Drew asked if we could take a picture of the storm. When I asked him why he said because he wanted to put it in his summer journal with the caption, "Grammy's idea of 'clearing up'!" By the time we got to the car, we were soaked, exhausted, and laughing about what a great day we had, plus Little D was squirming all over the place. Both Shawn and the kids can't wait until they can feel this on the outside of my belly. I truly don't mind, though, because all of these little nudges and squirming makes me so glad I'm not a seahorse! :)

OHHH..We're half-way there....definitely living on a prayer!
We also have a date! The baby will be here on Monday, November 16th, unless I would need to go sooner for some reason. This will put me somewhere between 37 and 38 weeks. I think that my doctor is worried because for Delaney and Dax I walked around at 3 cm and 80% effaced for 3 weeks before my c-section. It really makes it seem real to have a finish line. I am in no way ready to be done with this pregnancy, though. Despite the severe headaches, the exhaustion, heartburn and the fact that as I passed the full-length mirror today (quite by accident I assure you) and noticed that I am carrying this baby like a 50 year-old man who still drinks like he is in college (Only when you are pregnant can you officially miss doing crunches) I am trying to cherish this pregnancy and enjoy the little nudges and wiggles I am feeling. To be fair, I can't blame the headaches entirely on the pregnancy. Delaney has taken a recent interest in her version of opera, Dax's favorite word is "why", Dawsyn is suddenly obsessed with Michael Jackson and singing his songs at the top her lungs Dax continues to ask daily if we can "take the baby out today". Apparantly, he really wants to put the baby in the stroller. Note to self--I really need to watch him closely and never leave him alone in the room with the baby. Because we have a deadline, we really need to get going on plans for the baby. It just seems like we are so busy with the four we already have, we don't have a lot of time to make decisions. We are nowhere close to agreeing on names. We have some middle names we like. Shawn, and everyone else, keeps pointing out that it would be much easier if we would just find out what the baby is, but I have made it through 7 ultrasounds without finding out, and I only have 3 more to go. On Monday, the baby weighed 9 1/2 ounces. So, it is growing. It was even opening its mouth and swallowing. Amazing-- it really doesn't matter if it's your first, your fifth, or your tenth!

Week 19!

What is a nap?
This week has been crazy. I feel like a high school athlete during Summer two-a-days. Only this time, I am carrying along baby #5, and a potty-training 2-year old. Drew has had football camp every morning for three hours and Dawsyn had cheerleading camp every evening for three hours. Needless to say, by the third day of this, I was exhausted. On top of that, we also fit in story-time and a puppet show at the Library. So, yesterday between the two camps, after all of the laundry was done and put away and lunch was all cleaned up, I sat on the couch for a few minutes. Then, I decided to lay down. At this point in parenting, I have mastered the art of half-sleeping, half-listening for the kids. Of course, Drew totally freaked out at this. He started feeling my forehead and asking me if I was OK. I tried to reassure him that I was fine and just tired. Well, this was not a nearly good enough explanaition for him. Next thing I knew, he was calling Grammy. I heard him dial the phone and then say, "Grammy, something is wrong with Mommy, she says she is just tired, but I don't believe her". Of course, I knew my Mom would be concerned, so I asked Drew for the phone. I explained that I was just tired. She got back on the phone with Drew and I heard him ask what time 15 minutes would be and assure her that he would call her back if there were any problems. I then hear him tell the other kids that he is in charge and Mommy needs to sleep for 15 minutes to feel better and that Grammy told him when 15 minutes would be and he would wake me up then. Of course, the girls did not take this well and immediately started screeming that they should be in charge. Dax came over and layed his head on my face asking, rather loudly, if I was OK. This totally put Drew over the edge when I answered Dax and he screamed that now the 15 minutes had to start over. The problem was he didn't know what time 15 minutes would be now. So, he did the obvious thing, he came over and woke me up to ask when 15 minutes would be so he would know when to wake me up. This actually ended up being perfect timing because Dax decided to not quite make it to the potty on time at this precise moment. Never mind, Drew--15 minutes is up! :)

Week 18 !

Almost half-way there! It is hard to believe that I am this far along already. I am really starting to feel little nudges and movements. The last ultrasound went well. Baby is getting big (not nearly big enough to excuse my hugely-expanding belly, but about 6 ounces now). Today I did what every pregnant women has the inexplicable urge to do--I watched "A Baby Story". What is it that we find so irresistable about watching other women go through the pain that is inevitably in front of us??? Yet, we all cry when the mom cries and can't wait for our moment. The difference watching it this time was that I have four older children who were watching (in obvious horror, I might add) as the women gave birth. Needless to say, they had a million questions. It started with Drew saying, "I thought we came out of your belly". I explained that I have to have c-sections because Drew got stuck. This always upsets him when it is mentioned because he will say, "because of my big head" and then get very defensive about his "ginormous dome" as we lovingly call it. So then they wanted to know where I was cut, how the baby got out, could I see it happening?, how do they put me back together? etc, etc. I showed them where I would be cut. Drew looked horrified and said, "Mom isn't that awfully close to your 'private area'?" I explained that if a baby is born the normal way, they actually come out of the mother's private area. Drew was absolutely disgusted with this idea and after a few moments said, "Mom, that is so gross--I'm sure glad I had a big head!" Funny how his viewpoint changed once it was put in perspective. Delaney just said, "I see--they cut you like this (made a slicing motion across her lower abdomen), pull the baby out (made a motion like she was taking the thanksgiving turkey out of the oven), and then staple you back up (made a motion like she was stapling papers together, which quite frankly I could have done without)." I said she was right and she seemed happy with this and went on her merry way. Dawsyn had a meltdown saying that she remembered now--when mommy brings the baby home it is all about the baby, mommy can't do anything, and they would probably have to make all their own meals, and not get to leave the house for a month, and something about it not being the first time she's had to deal with all of that. As a side, the only baby she remembers is Dax and before Dax was even a week old, we were going to her dance class, Kindermusik, and the mall... and I seem to have vivid memories of dragging myself into the kitchen to somehow manage meals for the other children, but, once again--all in the perspective!
Dax is doing really well with potty-training. We are a week into it and he had a completely accident-free day and night last night and only two little accidents this afternoon while I was gone. It is hard to believe that we might actually be diaper free for a few months. That hasn't happened in almost 8 years! It will be short-lived, but still a small victory! You can have your awards and medals, your Nobel Peace Prize, Grammies, and Emmies, but I have potty-trained four children--take that!!!

Week 16 & 17!

Busy, Busy, Busy
I haven't been able to write in awhile. We were in Gatlinburg last week and I had a class all week this week. I am really hoping to begin Summer next week. We have been almost as busy as we were during the school year! We had a great time in Gatlinburg. We went horse-back riding, well not Dax and me, but everyone else. Dawsyn and Drew just jumped right on! I was really proud of them. Delaney rode with Grammy. All of the horses were named after states. Dad got "New Hampshire" which was ironic considering that the handlers had to go back to a dark end of the stable that looked like it was rarely used to get a horse big enough for my Dad. I swear the horse looked up at my Dad waiting on the "loading dock" and rolled it's eyes. This horse was huge and didn't look like it got much riding time. We went to Dollywood again. The kids had a great time. Drew was a little upset that he went on a roller-coaster that went upside down. He wasn't prepared for that. Dax loved the flying elephants! We also went to the Comedy Barn. Of all of the things we did, the kids' favorite was seeing "The Miracle". It was a musical about the creation of Satan and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I was amazed how much the kids got into it. Even Dax understood it. He immediately started saying, "I don't like that bad guy--he's yuck" every time "Satan" came on stage. They were so into it, they decided to reenact it when we got home. They even went so far as to put up a paper cross on the front of the fireplace with ropes where the arms and feet would be attached. I was impressed until I walked by it a little later and had to do a double-take at Dax who was now tied to the paper cross. He got a big smile on his face and probably would have waved had his hands not been tied down. He very excitedly yelled, "I Jesus!". Needless to say we had to have a little talk about crucifixion and whether or not I considered it an appropriate activity for my living room. Although they were slightly disappointed, they quickly moved onto "plan B" and were trying to figure out how to tie Dax up to ceiling fan so he could be a flying angel. Maybe I should have allowed the crucifixion--I mean at least they weren't using actual nails, right? I really wonder sometimes what they are going to do to "Little D" as they affectionately call the baby--I probably don't want to know.

Week 15!

SUMMER BREAK BEGINS
We've almost made it through our first week of Summer Break. We really have been enjoying our time together. Dawsyn got to have a friend spend the night. The poor thing is an only child and was totally overwhelmed by "Team Adams". She was great and got along so well with all of the kids. She is a very bright little girl, so it was fun to watch her and Drew have conversations. At one point, they were discussing what they thought John McCain's chances were for 2012. It was hilarious. The girl was also a great swimmer compared to my "cautious ones". She kept jumping in which made Drew very nervous. He finally yelled, "Quit making waves...I'm a republican!" I really think I should contact someone about that being their new motto! We've only been out of school for 3 days and already I'm exhausted. We've visited a historical farm, gone to story time, seen the "turtle lady", arts and crafts at the library, soccer camp for Drew, first tennis lesson (let's just say Venus Williams and Andy Roddick had to start somewhere--but I don't think it looked like that!), swimming at Grammy's, played on the playground, and caught fireflies! Whew! At least we leave Saturday for Gatlinburg. We are all really looking forward to that. There is nothing better than sleeping in a car. When I'm pregnant, I turn into a baby myself and fall asleep as soon as the car starts moving. :)
I had my doctor appointment today and he says everything is looking good. He is going to keep my due date at November 26th. But, since I am c-section, He says it will probably be about 2 weeks early and I will be home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. It seems like it is going so fast, I want it to slow down. I am definitely feeling movements now and this is the stage of pregnancy I love. Let's just keep it here for awhile.

Week 14!

LAST DAY!!!
After today, I have a second grader, first grader, and Delaney will be a preschooler!!! It continues to be hard to believe that they are growing up so much. I was painting Delaney's nails the other day and I slipped and got a little on her toe. She quickly said, "Getting a little hasty with the pasty aren't you, Mom?". Isn't it lovely? She got my thighs and my sarcasm--poor kid! They have decided that when the baby is born, Shawn will come out and whisper the gender to Drew, who will whisper it to Dawsyn, who will whisper it to Dax, who will whisper it to Delaney, who will tell everyone what it is. We decided to practice this. All went well until step two when Drew told Dawsyn and she stomped her foot, sighed very loudly and angrily, then turned to tell Dax. Gee??? Wonder what Drew told her??? We decided that since Drew announced Delaney's gender when she was born and Dawsyn announced Daxton's, it was Delaney's rightful turn. She was very proud to hear this and said she would then tell the baby what it was. I smiled and said, "Honey, I think the baby will know what it is". She just patted my hand, shook her head and said, "Mom--it's only a baby--there is no way it will know what it is!" Why do I get the feeling the poor kid will think it's a girl (what Delaney wants) no matter what? Add that to the list of "things we should have thought about before having our fifth". At my second ultrasound, everything looked good. It is amazing how quickly baby is growing (granted not at a large enough rate to explain the huge belly, but oh well). Mom went with me and just kept smiling and saying "it's a boy". I have to remind her that we aren't going to find out...but she has never been wrong before. I guess I need to go get the Notre Dame onesie for the baby picture.

ANOTHER TRIP UP NORTH
We went to Toledo for the weekend for my cousin Monica's graduation party. It is hard to believe that she graduated. This is partly due to the fact that I remember changing her diapers and feeding her baby food when I would babysit, but it is mainly because I noticed that she started school the year I graduated!!!! There's a reality check! My kids have gotten really good at the whole "trip to Toledo" thing. They recognize the major landmarks on our way (which is impressive considering that once you are north of Columbus, it is pretty much flat, straight farmland until Bowling Green). That isn't to say they particularly enjoy the trip, though. When we stopped at a rest area, Drew stated that he wasn't sure this "three hour car trip we do all the time" was very good for the environment. He was especially tired though, because he had spent the night at a friend's house the night before, much to Dawsyn's dismay. She didn't think it was very good parenting skills for us to let him run around and spend the night at friend's houses and, by the way, didn't we trust her??? Why didn't she get to spend the night anywhere??? It is always great to see the family and watch my kids play with my cousins' kids just like we all played together when we were little. My mom is one of eight and my dad is one of five, so we have pretty big families to visit. We even got to see my cousin, Lindsey, while she was in labor yesterday (yes, we are THAT type of family--we just walked right into the hospital room while she was in labor). Shawn's family is not at all like this! They all live within a ten-mile radius and we only see them at Thanksgiving, so he still thinks this is really odd. Katherine Rose was born at 11:54 last night and we hear she has red hair like her mommy! We are very excited for them. So, it was another busy weekend--but this is the last week of school!!!! I am really looking forward to summer and spending all day with my crew!

Week 13!

TECHNICALLY
Yesterday afternoon, I went to Drew and Dawsyn's school to volunteer in their classrooms like I do every Thursday. At the end of the day, when the kids were supposed to be leaving, the principal came across the speaker and asked that all teachers hold their students in their rooms until further notice. Of course, Drew was freaked out by this. We eventually found out that an "off-duty" police officer was in the parking lot with his gun visible and parents reported it, thus causing the confusion. Anyway, as we were getting ready to leave, we found out what the issue was and Drew stopped dead in his tracks and said, "Technically, I think we should have been under a lockdown, I mean I honestly don't feel that just keeping us in the building was the safest plan if someone had a gun, I don't care if he was a cop". The teacher and I just looked at him in disbelief, as he was very upset about this. I'm sure his teacher thought he was cute, but I just kept thinking about Barney Fife and "citizen's arrest, citizens arrest!!!" I love my little rainman!

UPDATE ON TIE-BREAKER
I had my first of the ten ultrasounds yesterday. The tech was wonderful and answered all of my questions. She said that so far, everything looked fine. The baby was measuring a few days ahead of schedule, putting my due date at November 26th. He/She was curled up in a little ball, but then would stretch out for a few seconds. At one point, the baby put it's little hand up by its mouth and you could count every finger! Amazing. She asked me if all five of my kids were planned and I said that none of them were. I explained that with my poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, my cycles are always off. She said that she sees women all the time for ultrasounds who have PCOS and that they are lucky to have one child. She said that most of them go through an awful lot of treatment and never have success. She couldn't believe it when I told her mine were all natural. She said, "you've never had help?" I just smiled and said, "Not unless you count my mom's Novenas and rosaries!"

IS IT JUNE YET??
After this weekend, I am definitely ready for Summer. We went to the drive-in, swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's and got our flower beds all done. We are sun-burned, wore out, and exhausted, but it was great.
Drew and Dawsyn learned to swim for the first time this weekend. Ok, so it wasn't actually swimming, neither of them are ready for the Olympics, or even a large bathtub, but they did get in the 5 foot pool with no water wings, floaters, life rings, life jackets, or any of the above (all of which Drew would try to wear at once last year to keep him extra safe, by the way). They got in, and realized they could reach the bottom and still keep their head above water, which was important so they could hear what was going on, as Dawsyn so astutely noted (yes, Dawsyn, and the whole breathing-thing might be a plus as well!). They even made it a few feet by doggy-paddling across the pool a little ways, so this was a huge accomplishment. Drew then proceeded to reread the safety warnings on the pool ladder just to insure that he hadn't broken any rules. He hadn't, but found at least 5 that he was sure Grandpa had.
My Dad turned 51 on Sunday, we had a great day, but then tested his age on Monday by having him come over and work in our yard. I don't know what it is about my dad, but he definitely set any other men in my life up for failure. The kids were playing around the yard and Shawn decided to fix our fence which had blown down two years ago. Mom was also very busy weeding, she has to be sore today! So, since I am pretty useless to any physical labor except growing a baby right now, I sat and watched the proceedings. It pretty much went like this: Shawn starts on fence, Dad plants the kids sunflower house. Shawn still on fence, Dad plants "Pumpkin Show" for Dax (they just planted pumpkin seeds, but Dax is convinced that "Pumpkin Show" is going to grow in our backyard--if any carnies start sprouting out of the ground, I am going to have issues). Shawn--fence, Dad is now fixing the swing-set. Shawn--still on same peice of fence and I think he is undoing whatever he spent the last hour doing, Dad is now "improving" the swingset (Tim the toolman Taylor anyone?). Shawn starts to put the fence back on for the second time, Dad is now setting up the water slide for the kids, then moves rocks, and puts lattice up around our front porch. At this point, I missed something because Shawn had at least moved onto the second piece of fencing. (Sigh). He may be 51, but he can work the 31 year old computer programmer into the ground. Don't get me wrong, Shawn is a wonderful man, and a really good provider. He would just rather sit at a computer and tell you what was missing in your code, then put a fence back together. In the end, we had a great day, a lot got done around the house, and Shawn even put the fence back together!!!

Week 12!

Now that we've made it to the second trimester, I guess it's OK to move onto maternity clothes. I'm really not sure how I was getting by without them to begin with! We did the race for the cure on Saturday in Columbus. It is always so touching and such a great thing to be a part of. Apparantly, we also made the news. My sister-in-law, Emily called to say she saw us. We also had the girls' recital this weekend. They did such a good job. It was a little crazy, but we made it through the weekend. The girls got a perfect attendance award at the recital. We have been so busy, I didn't even know they hadn't missed a class. I guess we just kept plugging along! At their football/cheering this weekend, they really got into the cheers, but, as you'll notice in the picture, so did Dax! Many people think Dax will be the great athlete in the family. He is really aggressive, and has no fear. He loves to get right into the sports, but he also loves to cheer right along with his sisters. So, at this point, it really could go either way. (Sigh) Oh well, I guess if it gets him a scholarship, we can live with our "athlete" being the top of the pyramid! Besides, "he don't mess around, he don't mess around, he don't mess around, he just gets down-Huh-uh!" (He really likes that cheer!)