Scott's story begins, ironically, with Jared. On Tuesday, September 6th, Jared woke up with a runny nose. This did not bode well for two reasons: being very pregnant, I did not want to get sick; and I did not want to drop a sick kid off at a friend's house in case I went into labor. Steve's parents had just left our house the day before; but my parents, being retired and at the ready for a new grandchild, were able to get down to our house on Tuesday afternoon. This was good, since my water broke Tuesday night. I am not a very religious person, but I really think that this was all going according to someone's master plan - everything fell into place just right.
Steve's parents drove down Tuesday night, so Jared got to have a fun "vacation" with all four Grandparents while his parents were in the hospital.
Steve and I had to go to the hospital right away, since I was GBS positive, and they had to give me antibiotics before the baby was born. We showed up at the hospital at 11:30 PM, where I was somewhat ignored by hospital staff. My water had broken, but labor hadn't started yet, so I guess I didn't seem like a very urgent case. I eventually was admitted, but my contractions were 10-15 minutes apart. By the next morning, it hadn't really improved, so they decided to get my labor moving along. Luckily, I was able to get the epidural before the pitocin, so I didn't feel all the contractions piling up. Scott was born at 10:42 am on Wednesday morning, after about 20 minutes of pushing. (I gave the OB about 15 minutes to pump, since she was a new Mom. :)
Scott weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 19 inches long. This was just what Jared was too, except that Scott was 10 days early, and Jared was 2 days past my due date.
We could tell right away how different Scott and Jared were. Scott is fair in color, had smaller eyes, and likes to sleep. Jared came out with dark hair, huge eyes, and did not go to sleep for 9 hours after he was born, since he just looked around at everything. Scott had very long fingernails, and we said that he was trying to claw his way out of me. Scott is very big into cuddling and being held, which Jared never was. Scott is happy is chew on his fingers, while Jared took any and all pacifiers.
Unfortunately, that's when my problems started. Sometime when I had the epidural, the needle punctured the sac that contained my spinal fluid, and it started leaking. This lead to incredibly bad headaches, since the pressure with my spinal fluid was off. They tried fixing it, but nothing worked for more than a day. My body has now healed the leak itself, and I'm just drinking copious amounts of Gatorade now to keep myself super hydrated.
Scott is a good eater, sleeper, and pooper, which is all that a Mom can hope for, right? :) Jared is a very concerned big brother who gets upset every time Scott cries. He is very nice to the baby, if a little rough. He likes to give Scott kisses and hugs. It's very sweet.
We have had so much support throughout all of this with parents and friends helping, especially when I was in bed with a headache most of the day. We are very blessed with the new addition to our family, as well as our incredible support system. Thanks to everyone for your concern and words of encouragement. I'm nervous about the day when it will just be me alone with both boys for the first time, but I'm sure I'll figure out new routines to help us through the days.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Pictures!
Pictures are up in the Sept. - Dec. 2011 link. The hospital had extremely limited internet, and I forgot my camera to computer transfer cable, so these are late in posting.
Lots to tell, but I thought the pictures would hold you over until I write up what happened.
Lots to tell, but I thought the pictures would hold you over until I write up what happened.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Scott James Briczinski
Scott was born on September 7, 2011 at 10:42 in the morning. He is 19 inches long, and weighed in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces, which is just what Jared weighed at birth. Everyone is doing well. Lots more to follow.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
No baby named Irene - thank goodness!
Hurricane Irene came to visit us last week, along with most of the other East Coast residents. Luckily, we sustained no damage to our house, just a bunch of leaves and branches fell. We did have one plant casualty, but you'll have to check that out in the pictures. :) Unfortunately, we did lose power for 3 1/2 days, which was not fun, but not nearly as bad as it sounds. We had many friends to help us out during the power outage. We put a lot of our freezer food into a friend's deep freeze; we did showers, laundry, and charging of electrical items at another friend's; and our neighbor (who we barely know) took some of our fridge food to their fridge, which they were running off a generator. Everyone was very supportive.
The weather was fantastic (and had been all of August) - the nights were in the upper 50s to cool the house down, and the days were sunny with highs were in the low 80s. I've never known the weather to be so good during a power outage. The dark nights were boring, though. Reading by flashlight isn't very fun.
The first night, when we lighted a candle, Jared came running over, yelled "Happy Birthday!", tried to blow out the candle, then asked for cake. It had been over 1 1/2 months since his birthday - his memory is really improving!
I also had a serious talk with the new baby, and said that this was not the weekend (during the storm) to come out to see the world. Luckily, the baby listened.
Speaking of storm babies, my friend Karin had her son on the Friday before Irene hit. (Saturday night - early Sunday morning was the worst of it here.) Welcome Bobby! They sent them back home to a house with no power, but luckily, they got it back a couple of hours later. (and they also had a generator, so that was good)
I don't know why, but I'm dragging my feet on this whole packing for the hospital thing. I don't know if it's denial or what, but I am determined to get most of it done by this weekend. The hospital gives you most of what you need anyway. I do have my packing list printed out though - does that count? ;)
We're down to two boy's names and we agreed on our girl's name. So at least we're almost done with that.
It's time to vote people! Look up and to the right, and you'll see my baby's gender poll. Just curious what your thoughts are. I also have one going on my Facebook page.
Jared has been cute and frustrating as always. Going down for naps continually gets harder. But he does love to get a "big hug" from people, then gives a contented "ah" when he's done.
He also surprised some of Steve's coworkers at a BBQ, when he correctly identified a backhoe piece in a puzzle. The kid knows his construction equipment.
Enjoy the new pictures. The side-by-side preggo pictures are interesting. I guess I look about the same this time as last time.
I'll try to keep you updated here and on Facebook with any labor news.
The weather was fantastic (and had been all of August) - the nights were in the upper 50s to cool the house down, and the days were sunny with highs were in the low 80s. I've never known the weather to be so good during a power outage. The dark nights were boring, though. Reading by flashlight isn't very fun.
The first night, when we lighted a candle, Jared came running over, yelled "Happy Birthday!", tried to blow out the candle, then asked for cake. It had been over 1 1/2 months since his birthday - his memory is really improving!
I also had a serious talk with the new baby, and said that this was not the weekend (during the storm) to come out to see the world. Luckily, the baby listened.
Speaking of storm babies, my friend Karin had her son on the Friday before Irene hit. (Saturday night - early Sunday morning was the worst of it here.) Welcome Bobby! They sent them back home to a house with no power, but luckily, they got it back a couple of hours later. (and they also had a generator, so that was good)
I don't know why, but I'm dragging my feet on this whole packing for the hospital thing. I don't know if it's denial or what, but I am determined to get most of it done by this weekend. The hospital gives you most of what you need anyway. I do have my packing list printed out though - does that count? ;)
We're down to two boy's names and we agreed on our girl's name. So at least we're almost done with that.
It's time to vote people! Look up and to the right, and you'll see my baby's gender poll. Just curious what your thoughts are. I also have one going on my Facebook page.
Jared has been cute and frustrating as always. Going down for naps continually gets harder. But he does love to get a "big hug" from people, then gives a contented "ah" when he's done.
He also surprised some of Steve's coworkers at a BBQ, when he correctly identified a backhoe piece in a puzzle. The kid knows his construction equipment.
Enjoy the new pictures. The side-by-side preggo pictures are interesting. I guess I look about the same this time as last time.
I'll try to keep you updated here and on Facebook with any labor news.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Getting ready for the baby
We have been getting the nursery ready for the new baby. My parents came down, and we put them to work! Thanks to Steve and my parents, the nursery has two coats of paint, and our yard is free of bug infested logs. (yeah!) We've now moved the crib and dresser into the nursery. Jared got a new (to him) dresser and changing table, since his dresser went into the nursery. He seemed to handle the furniture moves well.
I have also been getting ready for the baby by getting my pre-baby hair cut. I remember it was a long time before I could schedule an appointment to get it cut after Jared was born.
I am 36 weeks pregnant now, and so the baby is full term. The doctor measured me today, and the baby is very low. This is not surprising to me, since I've been having a lot of hip and pelvic pain. The doctor doesn't think that I'm going to go the full 40 weeks, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that. The doctor also guessed it was a girl, based on the size. I was guessing a boy, due to my belly shape. I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that too. :)
I was dreading the month of August this whole pregnancy, and I have been pleasantly surprised. Where July here was very hot and dry, August has been rainy and not quite so hot. I still wished I lived somewhere with less humidity, but I'll take what I can get.
Jared has been as cute as ever, and is getting to be really funny.
-He always asks for bacon for breakfast. I have no idea where this came from. He's only had bacon a couple of times ever.
-He loves all of his trains!
-He chooses his diaper and opens it up for me before we change him.
-He has decided that he can put on his shorts all by himself. The first day, he somehow managed to do it perfectly. Since then, he always puts his legs in the same leg hole. I chalk it up to beginner's luck.
-He is getting a very good memory. When we visited Steve's parents, he went into the garage, got out the folding chair, and told Grandma that he wanted to blow bubbles. This was exactly the way they did it last time. He also knows that when Mommy goes away, that I am going to yoga. This surprised me, since my class is only once a week.
-His baby doll now gives high 5's and does the hand motions for Itsy Bitsy Spider - so cute!
-He laughs at things now. One of his books has a knock-knock joke that he cracks up at every time, even though I'm pretty sure he doesn't understand it. He also thought that it was hilarious when I told him that he drinks cow's milk, but that the baby would drink milk out of my breast. Not only did he think that was funny, but he said "booby" for the next 20 minutes. What a boy thing to do!
-Last night, Steve asked Jared, "Can you ask me nicely for that?" meaning he should say please. Jared's response was "yes." When Steve repeated the question, Jared's answer was "ask nicely." I just lost it. :)
There are a few new pictures under the 24-26 month link - enjoy!
I have also been getting ready for the baby by getting my pre-baby hair cut. I remember it was a long time before I could schedule an appointment to get it cut after Jared was born.
I am 36 weeks pregnant now, and so the baby is full term. The doctor measured me today, and the baby is very low. This is not surprising to me, since I've been having a lot of hip and pelvic pain. The doctor doesn't think that I'm going to go the full 40 weeks, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that. The doctor also guessed it was a girl, based on the size. I was guessing a boy, due to my belly shape. I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that too. :)
I was dreading the month of August this whole pregnancy, and I have been pleasantly surprised. Where July here was very hot and dry, August has been rainy and not quite so hot. I still wished I lived somewhere with less humidity, but I'll take what I can get.
Jared has been as cute as ever, and is getting to be really funny.
-He always asks for bacon for breakfast. I have no idea where this came from. He's only had bacon a couple of times ever.
-He loves all of his trains!
-He chooses his diaper and opens it up for me before we change him.
-He has decided that he can put on his shorts all by himself. The first day, he somehow managed to do it perfectly. Since then, he always puts his legs in the same leg hole. I chalk it up to beginner's luck.
-He is getting a very good memory. When we visited Steve's parents, he went into the garage, got out the folding chair, and told Grandma that he wanted to blow bubbles. This was exactly the way they did it last time. He also knows that when Mommy goes away, that I am going to yoga. This surprised me, since my class is only once a week.
-His baby doll now gives high 5's and does the hand motions for Itsy Bitsy Spider - so cute!
-He laughs at things now. One of his books has a knock-knock joke that he cracks up at every time, even though I'm pretty sure he doesn't understand it. He also thought that it was hilarious when I told him that he drinks cow's milk, but that the baby would drink milk out of my breast. Not only did he think that was funny, but he said "booby" for the next 20 minutes. What a boy thing to do!
-Last night, Steve asked Jared, "Can you ask me nicely for that?" meaning he should say please. Jared's response was "yes." When Steve repeated the question, Jared's answer was "ask nicely." I just lost it. :)
There are a few new pictures under the 24-26 month link - enjoy!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nesting
It was brought to my attention that I forgot to blog about Jared's 2 year doctor's appointment. This was our first time at the new pediatrician, and I think that he's great! Jared also had a good visit - no shots! Jared now weighs in at 25 pounds (5 pounds more than at his 1 year visit - 25th percentile) and is 33 1/4 " tall (50th percentile). Then we went into the exam room to wait for the doctor. When I talked to the doctor before, I was in a room with animals painted on the walls, and a stuffed giraffe. This time we got the space room - they had stars and galaxies painted on the walls with glow in the dark paint. So we ended up waiting in the exam room for the doctor with all of the lights out, since Jared wouldn't let me turn them back on. :) At the end of our visit, the doctor even gave Jared a cookie. Jared politely asked for more when he was done, but I told him that it was time to leave.
Especially at the end of pregnancy, women are supposed to go crazy nesting - getting ready for the baby to arrive. While I think I have been doing that somewhat, I have built what Steve calls my actual nest. My hips/tailbone and back have been so sore lately, that I usually end up sleeping on the guest bed. I have pillows going down the length of me on both sides for support, and I sleep on a folded up quilt to cushion my hips. It does end up looking like a nest.
We have been planning to get the nursery in shape, since I only have six weeks left! We have been collecting furniture for Jared, and will move his old furniture in for the baby. We bought the paint for the room, and Steve and my parents will paint the nursery this weekend. I even bought some newborn diapers today. Then I'll have to start unpacking the tiny clothes once the room is set up. I'm not looking forward to all of the work and lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn, but I think we're all getting pretty ready to meet this new little person.
Jared has been getting more comfortable around water throughout the summer, so we thought he would enjoy going to the beach. Boy, did he ever! I think he would have stayed all day and passed out there if we would have let him. We went to Cape Henlopen state beach in Lewes, Delaware, with Steve's parents. We just went for the day, since it was only 2 hours away from their house. Jared liked the sand, but he couldn't get enough of the surf! It was a beautiful sunny day, but the surf was really rough. But he still loved getting in as far as we would let him (usually holding him up by the armpits.) Even when he got knocked down or got water on his face, he never got upset. I really think he could have stood there all day. Then he went on a really long walk down the beach, and the only way to get him to turn back around was to bribe him with food. He saw birds and boats, but missed the dolphins that were really close to the beach. After 3 1/2 hours we decided to leave, even though we were all having a good time. We just didn't want Jared to crash at the beach. We cleaned him up, and got him back in the car for the ride back, and he passed out in about 10 minutes. He had such a great time, I think we'll have to plan a longer beach trip next time.
Enjoy our new pictures under the 24 to 26 month picture link!
Especially at the end of pregnancy, women are supposed to go crazy nesting - getting ready for the baby to arrive. While I think I have been doing that somewhat, I have built what Steve calls my actual nest. My hips/tailbone and back have been so sore lately, that I usually end up sleeping on the guest bed. I have pillows going down the length of me on both sides for support, and I sleep on a folded up quilt to cushion my hips. It does end up looking like a nest.
We have been planning to get the nursery in shape, since I only have six weeks left! We have been collecting furniture for Jared, and will move his old furniture in for the baby. We bought the paint for the room, and Steve and my parents will paint the nursery this weekend. I even bought some newborn diapers today. Then I'll have to start unpacking the tiny clothes once the room is set up. I'm not looking forward to all of the work and lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn, but I think we're all getting pretty ready to meet this new little person.
Jared has been getting more comfortable around water throughout the summer, so we thought he would enjoy going to the beach. Boy, did he ever! I think he would have stayed all day and passed out there if we would have let him. We went to Cape Henlopen state beach in Lewes, Delaware, with Steve's parents. We just went for the day, since it was only 2 hours away from their house. Jared liked the sand, but he couldn't get enough of the surf! It was a beautiful sunny day, but the surf was really rough. But he still loved getting in as far as we would let him (usually holding him up by the armpits.) Even when he got knocked down or got water on his face, he never got upset. I really think he could have stood there all day. Then he went on a really long walk down the beach, and the only way to get him to turn back around was to bribe him with food. He saw birds and boats, but missed the dolphins that were really close to the beach. After 3 1/2 hours we decided to leave, even though we were all having a good time. We just didn't want Jared to crash at the beach. We cleaned him up, and got him back in the car for the ride back, and he passed out in about 10 minutes. He had such a great time, I think we'll have to plan a longer beach trip next time.
Enjoy our new pictures under the 24 to 26 month picture link!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Jared is 2 years old!
I can't believe my little guy is 2 years old already! We had a really nice birthday celebration with both sets of Grandparents. Jared definitely enjoyed having all of that attention! They gave Jared a tricycle and a wagon, which he really liked, but it was just work for the adults pushing him around in either one. Grammy made Jared a birthday cake that looked like a dump truck, which was really neat. Jared also loved playing with all of the helium balloons around the house. Steve put Jared into our backyard swing against his protests (he might even have been crying), but as soon as he was in it, he loved it again. I'm not sure why Jared was scared/unhappy with the swing, but I'm glad that's over!
Then we had a fun playdate at our house with some of Jared's friends. We normally just see these 3 girls (and one little brother) at the playground, so it was fun to have them over to our house. After playing inside and outside, and eating lunch, we ate the second dump truck birthday cake that Grammy made!
Jared likes going "fast." :) He is also likes jumping. At his party, Jared was so excited that his friends were here, that I think he jumped up and down for two solid minutes!
Jared has been really enjoying his baby doll. When we first got it for him, he carried it around and slept with it, but now Baby has come alive. :) Jared wants Baby to hold the books when they read, Baby participates in the Pat the Bunny book, and sometimes even dances around and gives high 5's to people! I'm not really sure where this is coming from, but I find it promising for the new sibling. I think Jared will be frustrated in the beginning when the new baby brother or sister isn't able to play with him.
We went over to a friend's pool the other day, and Jared actually got in and enjoyed himself! They had a blow up little boat that Jared floated around in, and a waterfall in the pool that he liked to stick his hands into. He seems to be coming around to enjoy these summer activities.
Jared has been doing well sleeping overnight in his big bed, but sometimes he gets a little too rambunctious to nap in his bed. I put him back in his crib a couple of days, just for napping, but that seemed to confuse him where he was supposed to sleep. We did catch him getting up and running around his room while he was supposed to be napping, but he was usually very sneaky, and climbed back into bed when he heard us coming up the stairs to check on him.
Steve has been busy this weekend. He installed and plumbed a utility sink in the basement for me. I think this will be really helpful to have, especially for soaking dirty kids clothes. He did a great job, although I felt really bad when he was outside cutting pipe (and later grilling our dinner) when it was 105 degrees outside!
I have been feeling fairly good lately. We try to take Jared outside very early in the day to burn off some energy so he can nap, then hide inside the rest of the day when it gets really hot. I've been having an ongoing hip/tailbone problem, but I got a massage the other day, which really seemed to improve things.
Enjoy all of the pictures! These will be the last pics under the 21-24 month link.
Then we had a fun playdate at our house with some of Jared's friends. We normally just see these 3 girls (and one little brother) at the playground, so it was fun to have them over to our house. After playing inside and outside, and eating lunch, we ate the second dump truck birthday cake that Grammy made!
Jared likes going "fast." :) He is also likes jumping. At his party, Jared was so excited that his friends were here, that I think he jumped up and down for two solid minutes!
Jared has been really enjoying his baby doll. When we first got it for him, he carried it around and slept with it, but now Baby has come alive. :) Jared wants Baby to hold the books when they read, Baby participates in the Pat the Bunny book, and sometimes even dances around and gives high 5's to people! I'm not really sure where this is coming from, but I find it promising for the new sibling. I think Jared will be frustrated in the beginning when the new baby brother or sister isn't able to play with him.
We went over to a friend's pool the other day, and Jared actually got in and enjoyed himself! They had a blow up little boat that Jared floated around in, and a waterfall in the pool that he liked to stick his hands into. He seems to be coming around to enjoy these summer activities.
Jared has been doing well sleeping overnight in his big bed, but sometimes he gets a little too rambunctious to nap in his bed. I put him back in his crib a couple of days, just for napping, but that seemed to confuse him where he was supposed to sleep. We did catch him getting up and running around his room while he was supposed to be napping, but he was usually very sneaky, and climbed back into bed when he heard us coming up the stairs to check on him.
Steve has been busy this weekend. He installed and plumbed a utility sink in the basement for me. I think this will be really helpful to have, especially for soaking dirty kids clothes. He did a great job, although I felt really bad when he was outside cutting pipe (and later grilling our dinner) when it was 105 degrees outside!
I have been feeling fairly good lately. We try to take Jared outside very early in the day to burn off some energy so he can nap, then hide inside the rest of the day when it gets really hot. I've been having an ongoing hip/tailbone problem, but I got a massage the other day, which really seemed to improve things.
Enjoy all of the pictures! These will be the last pics under the 21-24 month link.
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