We carved pumpkins and the kids enjoyed digging in the goo and getting dirty, while being shirtless:
Sunday, October 31, 2010
And the children loved getting dressed in costumes and going trick-or-treating around the neighborhood:
It was a great Halloween weekend! We hope you had a great one too!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Two Part
PART I: THE MOMMY
Since this is my blog and I need a bit of an outlet, this first part is going to be about me.
Point blank: I'm not doing very well. My expectations were high for my recovery because with Violette I felt good and wasn't in too much pain this many days later. In the hospital I did follow the adage with pleasure, "the more you move the better you feel". I think may have taken it too far when I came home thinking it would make things easier.
It's day six and I can't remember a time where I have been in more pain. I should be sore, but able to function about 80% of pre-surgery ability. I'm at about 40% and still in a large amount of pain. It is so frustrating and irritating. In general, I'm tough, I can handle pain well and fight through. I continue to try to do that, but find myself just drained from being hurt. I'm sure that a lot of it has to do with the fact this is my fourth c-section in four and a half years. That can't be easy on a body. Also, I push myself and getting out of the hospital a bit early was not the best decision on my part.
Tom has been remarkable, helping with every aspect of the house and children, while taking care of me too. I do know that he is ready to go back to work for the break! It will be rough when he goes back. I will be turning the TV to children's stations a good portion of the day. For a few weeks their TV watching will be greatly increased, but I'm sure they will suffer no ill effect from it and I will benefit!
PART II: THE BABE & FAMILY
Zane is doing wonderfully! He has a few nights where he is up more than I would like and some nights where I wake up wondering if he going to wake up soon. Typical newborn!
The children are doing great and loving their new little brother. Max still hasn't held him, but loves to sing to him when he gets fussy and give him gentle kisses on head. Violette adores Zane and wants to be near him all the time, no matter what. Noelle is a pro at this whole Big Sister thing and has been very helpful with me and Zane.
Since this is my blog and I need a bit of an outlet, this first part is going to be about me.
Point blank: I'm not doing very well. My expectations were high for my recovery because with Violette I felt good and wasn't in too much pain this many days later. In the hospital I did follow the adage with pleasure, "the more you move the better you feel". I think may have taken it too far when I came home thinking it would make things easier.
It's day six and I can't remember a time where I have been in more pain. I should be sore, but able to function about 80% of pre-surgery ability. I'm at about 40% and still in a large amount of pain. It is so frustrating and irritating. In general, I'm tough, I can handle pain well and fight through. I continue to try to do that, but find myself just drained from being hurt. I'm sure that a lot of it has to do with the fact this is my fourth c-section in four and a half years. That can't be easy on a body. Also, I push myself and getting out of the hospital a bit early was not the best decision on my part.
Tom has been remarkable, helping with every aspect of the house and children, while taking care of me too. I do know that he is ready to go back to work for the break! It will be rough when he goes back. I will be turning the TV to children's stations a good portion of the day. For a few weeks their TV watching will be greatly increased, but I'm sure they will suffer no ill effect from it and I will benefit!
PART II: THE BABE & FAMILY
Zane is doing wonderfully! He has a few nights where he is up more than I would like and some nights where I wake up wondering if he going to wake up soon. Typical newborn!
The children are doing great and loving their new little brother. Max still hasn't held him, but loves to sing to him when he gets fussy and give him gentle kisses on head. Violette adores Zane and wants to be near him all the time, no matter what. Noelle is a pro at this whole Big Sister thing and has been very helpful with me and Zane.
We had a very busy day on Saturday with some great visitors. First, Tom's sister stopped in for a bit. Aunt Liz and Uncle Larry not only brought with them two exceptionally adorable outfits for Zane, but also a Halloween bag full of books for the other three. Tom and I have been reading those books non-stop for the last few days. The kids are huge book worms and love all the Halloween books. It was just a short visit, but we loved showing off Zane and seeing family.
Later on that day my parents came for a bit. They were over in St. Clair and swung by to meet the newest addition and spend some time with us. They arrived around 6pm and stayed until 10:30pm. We let Noelle and Max stay up past their bedtime and they loved that. We were also able to watch Uncle Alex play hockey by hooking up an Internet broadcast game to the TV. That was really fun for the children when they heard his name announced after some points. Their faces lit up! 
We celebrated my birthday with some delicious cake and had a really wonderful time visiting. It's too bad they live so far away and hard to say goodbye.
Sunday, I turned 27. The kids colored a ton of pictures for me and wrapped up multiple gifts. It's so adorable how they get excited about doing little things for me. Even though I was still fighting pain, it was a great birthday and I loved celebrating my first birthday as a mother of 4 with my wonderful family.
I'm hoping the rest of the week continues on with each day lending itself to me feeling better.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Lots of Pictures
After a nice long talk with my doctor Thursday morning I convinced him that going home that day would be the best thing. With many contingencies, he decided to discharge me. It was the shortest stay of any of the four children. It was wonderful to be in my own house and bed. I missed the children and Tom very much.
Things are going great. Not much sleep, lots of typical tears, it's exactly what I had expected! Here are a bunch of pictures over the last few days. Enjoy
Things are going great. Not much sleep, lots of typical tears, it's exactly what I had expected! Here are a bunch of pictures over the last few days. Enjoy
The first time we took a picture in the OR:
Zane's first visitor Aunt Shaun!
Zane and Big Sister Noelle:
Zane, Violette, Aunt Ceecee, and Noelle:
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Baby Zane is in the House!
Tuesday at 2:01 pm Zane Michael arrived. He is a big boy by our family's standard, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches long. He has the lightest and least amount of hair for our newborns, and is sporting a cleft in his chin like Noelle (the nurses refer to Robert Mitchum and Charleton Heston, but most people our age don't quite know these actors). We are doing great, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Meaningful Funeral
The legato sounds of majestic bagpipes outside the church beckoned all to the Funeral of Nancy Ann Babcock. As I walked up the church steps, the unique harmonics of the bagpipes swept over me and I started to cry. Until this point my tears have been minimal. Having three children around me all the time keeps my emotions in check, as they get upset seeing their Mommy cry.
On this day, they were with a babysitter and I was able to properly mourn the passing of Grandma. The first, and probably hardest, embrace as I entered the church, was with my Mother. We hugged, gripping each other both grasping for comfort in one another. I gathered myself as best as I could and went on to greet all the family gathered in the rear of the church. Seeing my brother for the first time in months was great, hugging and consoling cousins, aunts, and uncles, was as it should be.
I made my way over to my Grandfather and encircled him with much love. Perhaps,for me, the most difficult thing to do. He hugged me tightly and I strive to remember exactly what he said. It was profound, and perfect, but it eludes my memory. I stepped away and stood by the casket, silently saying goodbye to my beloved Grandmother.
Tears flowed from all. In my heart I believe we all knew she was in heaven and we should be smiling and delighting in that fact. It is not something easily done, and for me this was a day that I could let it all out. No children around meant I was able to pray, mourn, and remember in peace. Something that I needed since Grandma's passing.
The service itself was a great testament to the closeness of the family Grandma and Grandpa have created, nurtured, and loved. We all were heavily and frequently involved during the service. A Splendid Babcock Overload. We are a large family, but exceptionally close. It was perfect. I can't explain how great it was for all of us to have a roll. She was a gigantic part in all of our lives and it was only fitting that we all participated.
The 18 grandchildren all wrote a little something for Grandma over the last week. My cousin Lindsay got up and conveyed perfectly to the crowd all the best parts. Her eulogy was eloquent, to say the least. As I listened to her words tears formed and didn't stop. Lindsay was strong and her words steadfast and spot on. She nailed it.
Next, the picture of sisterly love and support descended on the crowd as all six girls walked up to the microphone. My Aunt Shawn stepped forward and the remaining five girls stood behind her, hands gripping each other. The poem that my Aunt had written touched on the life story of my Grandma. Not a dry eye was seen as it was read. Giggles were heard at appropriated stanza's, sobs were heard during other's. The six girls were tired, worn out, and emotionally drained, but still beautiful up there. As they stood there hand in hand, strength and love resonated from their stance. They were not six individuals, but one entity, the ultimate representation of my Grandmother and her greatest accomplishment as a mother.
The funeral ended as the casket was pushed by the Grandson's and the rest of the family closely followed. All of us holding on to one another. Many embraces and condolences were exchanged by friends and family not seen in ages.
I collected myself and we went to retrieve the children that were being watch at my Aunt Judy's house. They did well and the babysitter was still standing. They have not had someone besides my sister watch them, well to be honest, Max and Violette have never had another person watch them.
A luncheon was held in Grandma's honor at a restaurant. It was grand and perfect as to be expected. Right on the St. Clair River, a gorgeous sight. Earlier Max had asked upon our arrival to St. Clair and as soon as he saw the river, "Is that Great Grandma's River?". I strongly replied, "Yes Max, it is Great Grandma's River".
When the children had reached their limit and we had eaten our share of delicious food we hugged and said our goodbye's. Goodbye to Alex, my little brother living so far away, it will be Christmas time before we see him again. It will be awhile before I see my parents again too, so during this time of sorrow, the goodbye was bitter sweet. Hardest yet again, was hugging my Grandpa goodbye.
The day was long, but the funeral was so meaningful that I believe we all walked away feeling a bit more at peace.
On this day, they were with a babysitter and I was able to properly mourn the passing of Grandma. The first, and probably hardest, embrace as I entered the church, was with my Mother. We hugged, gripping each other both grasping for comfort in one another. I gathered myself as best as I could and went on to greet all the family gathered in the rear of the church. Seeing my brother for the first time in months was great, hugging and consoling cousins, aunts, and uncles, was as it should be.
I made my way over to my Grandfather and encircled him with much love. Perhaps,for me, the most difficult thing to do. He hugged me tightly and I strive to remember exactly what he said. It was profound, and perfect, but it eludes my memory. I stepped away and stood by the casket, silently saying goodbye to my beloved Grandmother.
Tears flowed from all. In my heart I believe we all knew she was in heaven and we should be smiling and delighting in that fact. It is not something easily done, and for me this was a day that I could let it all out. No children around meant I was able to pray, mourn, and remember in peace. Something that I needed since Grandma's passing.
The service itself was a great testament to the closeness of the family Grandma and Grandpa have created, nurtured, and loved. We all were heavily and frequently involved during the service. A Splendid Babcock Overload. We are a large family, but exceptionally close. It was perfect. I can't explain how great it was for all of us to have a roll. She was a gigantic part in all of our lives and it was only fitting that we all participated.
The 18 grandchildren all wrote a little something for Grandma over the last week. My cousin Lindsay got up and conveyed perfectly to the crowd all the best parts. Her eulogy was eloquent, to say the least. As I listened to her words tears formed and didn't stop. Lindsay was strong and her words steadfast and spot on. She nailed it.
Next, the picture of sisterly love and support descended on the crowd as all six girls walked up to the microphone. My Aunt Shawn stepped forward and the remaining five girls stood behind her, hands gripping each other. The poem that my Aunt had written touched on the life story of my Grandma. Not a dry eye was seen as it was read. Giggles were heard at appropriated stanza's, sobs were heard during other's. The six girls were tired, worn out, and emotionally drained, but still beautiful up there. As they stood there hand in hand, strength and love resonated from their stance. They were not six individuals, but one entity, the ultimate representation of my Grandmother and her greatest accomplishment as a mother.
The funeral ended as the casket was pushed by the Grandson's and the rest of the family closely followed. All of us holding on to one another. Many embraces and condolences were exchanged by friends and family not seen in ages.
I collected myself and we went to retrieve the children that were being watch at my Aunt Judy's house. They did well and the babysitter was still standing. They have not had someone besides my sister watch them, well to be honest, Max and Violette have never had another person watch them.
A luncheon was held in Grandma's honor at a restaurant. It was grand and perfect as to be expected. Right on the St. Clair River, a gorgeous sight. Earlier Max had asked upon our arrival to St. Clair and as soon as he saw the river, "Is that Great Grandma's River?". I strongly replied, "Yes Max, it is Great Grandma's River".
When the children had reached their limit and we had eaten our share of delicious food we hugged and said our goodbye's. Goodbye to Alex, my little brother living so far away, it will be Christmas time before we see him again. It will be awhile before I see my parents again too, so during this time of sorrow, the goodbye was bitter sweet. Hardest yet again, was hugging my Grandpa goodbye.
The day was long, but the funeral was so meaningful that I believe we all walked away feeling a bit more at peace.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Celebration
It was a Celebration Of Life. A get together remembering, loving, and celebrating the life of Nancy Ann Babcock. A few tears were shed, of course, but mainly it was a wonderful time filled with joyous stories and endless amounts of love. In a time of grieving leaning on family seems to help and heal.
The Babcock clan gathered in St. Clair at my Aunt Cindy's house. Weather was beyond beautiful for October, we all could tell that Grandma was there with us. She was watching and marveling in the family she and my Grandpa created. How could she not? Six beautiful girls. Seriously, have you seen these six women? All in their forties or older and looking unbelievable, very Hot Mamas! (Picture taken in Feb. 2010)
18 spectacular grandchildren, and 3 9/10 adorable great grandchildren. Almost all of us gathered in one place smiling, reminiscing, and reveling in the beauty that was my Grandma's life.
Food was bountiful, a beautiful catered menu planned by my Grandma before her passing. She was a wonderful hostess, as soon as you walked in to her house she would want to make you something. Any get together had so much food, you could feed a small country. It is best to have too much than not enough, was her motto when it came to hosting.
We had a lovely, fun, gift exchange. Violette sat with Great Grandpa and even through all the loud chaos, fell asleep. "Children know when they are truly loved" my Grandpa said. It had to be my favorite moment of the day. Her innocence and beauty brought so much joy to my Grandfather, that tears welled up in my eyes. For a bit his mind was distracted by Violette, and she is a precious distraction.
The day was beautiful for all involved. Warm weather let everyone enjoy the outside. Kicking a ball around, touch football, swimming in the hot tub. Grandma was definitely watching over us all, smiling because we all were having a good time. That being said, she was never, ever far from our minds and a constant in every one's conversations.
My Aunt Judy had these awesome bottles of wine that everyone was able to have some of. They say:
Nancy Ann Mueller Babcock
July 22, 1933 - October 7, 2010
Friendship's the wine of life.
Let's drink of it and to it.
A Beautiful lady with a beautiful life
Cheers Nancy
I don't know if I can write it again, but I will anyways. It is an overuse of words, but to heck with grammar lessons! It WAS a beautiful day, celebrating a beautiful women. We all miss her, but know she is looking down upon us from Heaven.
The Babcock clan gathered in St. Clair at my Aunt Cindy's house. Weather was beyond beautiful for October, we all could tell that Grandma was there with us. She was watching and marveling in the family she and my Grandpa created. How could she not? Six beautiful girls. Seriously, have you seen these six women? All in their forties or older and looking unbelievable, very Hot Mamas! (Picture taken in Feb. 2010)
18 spectacular grandchildren, and 3 9/10 adorable great grandchildren. Almost all of us gathered in one place smiling, reminiscing, and reveling in the beauty that was my Grandma's life.Food was bountiful, a beautiful catered menu planned by my Grandma before her passing. She was a wonderful hostess, as soon as you walked in to her house she would want to make you something. Any get together had so much food, you could feed a small country. It is best to have too much than not enough, was her motto when it came to hosting.
We had a lovely, fun, gift exchange. Violette sat with Great Grandpa and even through all the loud chaos, fell asleep. "Children know when they are truly loved" my Grandpa said. It had to be my favorite moment of the day. Her innocence and beauty brought so much joy to my Grandfather, that tears welled up in my eyes. For a bit his mind was distracted by Violette, and she is a precious distraction.
The day was beautiful for all involved. Warm weather let everyone enjoy the outside. Kicking a ball around, touch football, swimming in the hot tub. Grandma was definitely watching over us all, smiling because we all were having a good time. That being said, she was never, ever far from our minds and a constant in every one's conversations.
My Aunt Judy had these awesome bottles of wine that everyone was able to have some of. They say:
Nancy Ann Mueller Babcock
July 22, 1933 - October 7, 2010
Friendship's the wine of life.
Let's drink of it and to it.
A Beautiful lady with a beautiful life
Cheers Nancy
I don't know if I can write it again, but I will anyways. It is an overuse of words, but to heck with grammar lessons! It WAS a beautiful day, celebrating a beautiful women. We all miss her, but know she is looking down upon us from Heaven.
Friday, October 8, 2010
In Heaven
Last night my beloved Grandmother passed away. May she rest in peace, without pain, in heaven!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 19th
I'm still pregnant and I have a date set for October 19th at 1pm to deliver this little man. My amniotic fluid levels are holding steady and I'm still at 5cm dilated so we'll see what happens between now and the 19th. I sincerely believe that the 19th will not be his birth date, but what do I know? That date just doesn't settle with me. It doesn't feel right. Again, what do I know?
I do know I am looking forward to holding this baby for the first time and seeing what he looks like. Also, watching the first moment that Noelle, Max, and Violette meet their little brother. That is going to be pure magic!
I do know I am looking forward to holding this baby for the first time and seeing what he looks like. Also, watching the first moment that Noelle, Max, and Violette meet their little brother. That is going to be pure magic!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)