Busy Momma! May 20, 2009

The alternate title is slacker mom!  It has been forever since I have updated this…oops.  But not to worry, all is well, just crazy busy.  The boys are doing awesome these days; all 3 are crawling and it terrifies me 😮 They are extremely curious and into everything.  It’s kinda like bringing home a really cute puppy and then it starts to grow up and chew on things and destroy things…yeah, that’s the phase we’re in right now!  I keep wondering where my small cuddly little babies went; now they rarely want to sit still.  So far their favorite place to cause trouble is with the dog’s water bowl; it has been dumped over many times by now.

We also finally have some teeth; both Rowan and Elliott have their 2 bottom teeth and poor Finn is still defenseless and waiting for his to come in.  But it seems like they are right below the surface.  The boys have also started to wrestle and tussle with each other; once again it makes me questions God’s wisdom in giving me 3 little boys but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.

Meanwhile, me and Ross are doing good; he is nearing the end of his intern year (cue the angels singing Hallelujah).  I’m also really happy being back at work; of course it makes things a little crazier around the house but we think it’s worth it.  Our nanny, Brooke, has been fabulous; she is so good with the boys and they get excited to see her every morning.  Although Roe starts waving bye-bye at her the minute she walks through the door 🙂  Ross and I also just got back from New Orleans; this was my first time away from the boys since they came home from the hospital.  It was so nice to just get a break from the everyday routine; we’re so thankful to Ross’ mom for keeping them so we could run away.

The other big news on the horizon is a birthday party; I can’t believe it is just around the corner.  The party is planned for Saturday, June 6th; if you are in the area, please feel free to drop in.  Because to be honest, it’s more than a party, it is truly a celebration of all 5 of us surviving this last year!  We would love to see everyone so let me know if you are interested in coming.

I hope things are going good for everybody; sometimes I’m so busy I don’t keep up with people like I should.  But know that I’m trying 🙂 We love y’all!

~R

Happy 9 Month Birthday Tots! March 8, 2009

 

It’s sounds so trite, but time is just flying by!  It feels like I’ve barely blinked since they were born and now they are 9 months old.  They are all doing great and are learning new tricks at a crazy rate.  A few weeks ago they went on a really big growth spurt; they love to eat their baby food and that has helped alot with weight gain.  They are pretty adventurous eaters and rarely turn anything down; must be a family trait 😉  And as a side note, while some of the pictures below look like they came from a scene of CSI, it is actually the boys enjoying a dinner of beets and yogurt.

Elliott has now learned how to roll from his back onto his belly and he is quite proud of himself; Rowan is right behind him and Finn will probably be a little longer.  They still can’t sit up or crawl, but they manage to scooch around when they really want something. They seem to go better in reverse than forward though 🙂  Their new favorite trick is to play the game “hide from momma” as you can see in the pictures below.  They think they are so funny when they crawl under the couch; I just know I’m going to come in the living room one day and they will all be under there together.

And the other milestone that is coming is teeth; I will be honest and say that 3 teething babies has tested my strength and the boundaries of our liquor cabinet this last week…Finn is in the lead and I expect the first one to pop through in the next day or so; Rowan and Elliott should follow shortly.  I told Ross the other day it was a good thing we didn’t live near a band of gypsies because either I was running away or the boys were.  As we say around here, it’s a darn good thing they’re so cute!

Other than that, life is good; of course Ross is working quite a bit during his intern year but he is doing great.  I’m now back at work part time and it’s a great break and a nice chance to use the other side of my brain.  The boys absolutely love Brooke, their nanny; she is great with them and it really give me comfort to leave them with her.  I hope things are good with everybody and would love to hear from y’all. 

Much love, R

Little E

Roe

Disappearing Roe

Peek-a-boo!

Rowan

Finn

Elliott

Scene of the crime

Finny

Happy 8 Month Birthday Tots! February 8, 2009

Finn

  

Elliott

 

Rowan

Hard to believe the boys are now 8 months old!  They are doing so good, it’s crazy; they laugh and smile all the time now.  They have all 3 shown a lot of progress in being able to play with toys and picking objects up; Rowan and Finn’s new favorite thing is the exersaucers they got for Christmas 🙂  It always puts a smile on their face and usually makes Finn start blowing raspberries at anyone who walks by; he is such a ham it’s unreal…definitely an attention hog!  Elliott has been showing some signs of wanting to crawl 😮 Just typing that puts fear in my heart!  Have I mentioned lately that nothing in my house is babyproofed and we have a few stairs in our home???  So for now, they are at a really fun stage; lots of laughs and giggles, and very little crying or fussing. 

And they also made me and Ross the happiest parents in the world this morning…they all held their own bottle for some of their meals today!  I know to some people that may not seem like a big deal, but trust me on this, IT IS!  Folks, I was actually able to read a magazine while the boys were eating their lunch; now that is a true luxury!  Now they will all be able to eat at the same time and no more fussing for the baby that had to wait for second shift feeding 🙂

The boys also had a busy week meeting lots of family and friends they have never seen before; my Papaw Lavelle passed away this past Tuesday and me, Ross, and the boys went out of town for the funeral on Thursday.  Papaw had been sick for a while and although we all knew it was coming, it still took me by surprise.  For those who don’t know, it is after this papaw and my daddy that Rowan’s middle name of Lavelle came from.   If Rowan and Finn learn half as much as the men they were named after, I know this world will be a better place 🙂 My papaw was kind and caring but in a gruff kind of way; he would do anything he could to help but he wasn’t much for showing emotion.  But he taught me many things including how to eat whole fried fish, how to get eggs without getting pecked by the hens, and how to shell peas and beans.  By many people’s standards him and my mamaw lived a very simple life, but they always had coffee on the stove and would welcome anyone into their home.  I hope I can be just as generous.

Elliott, Mamaw Marie, Rowan, Papaw Lavelle, and Finn

All Clear! January 22, 2009

As the title suggests, Rowan’s MRI came back clear; no signs of any problems.  So we can now put this behind us and just acknowledge that he has a big head like his daddy 😉 Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts, they really comforted us last week and while we were waiting on the results.

 

We had a great time this past weekend; the boys went on their first real roadtrip and overnight stay.  Ross’s mom, Debbie, had bought a new house a few months ago and we really wanted to go see it and get out and about in Dallas.  So we loaded up the boys on Friday and took off!  The boys did great, the slept good the whole weekend and showed off just how cute they really are.  Everyday we are amazed at how blessed we are by Rowan, Elliott, and Finn; and I know others in our families feel the same way too.  And while we were there, Nana P graciously offered to watch the boys so Ross and I could go play in the city.  It was nice to be out and about sans stroller and all the comments that brings. 

 

Yesterday the boys had their big developmental appointment in the NICU followup clinic at LSU; they all seem about on par for their adjusted age which is 4 1/2 months.  There are a few things we are going to keep an eye on and we will go back in 2 months for another follow up and see where things stand.  Overall, they are doing remarkably well for how little they started out; so to sum things up: things are pretty great in our world at the moment.  Hope everyone is doing good and that things are right in your world as well.

Much love,

R

A Bribe… January 15, 2009

Here’s how this bribe is going to work…I’ll show you some new cute pictures of the boys in exchange for some positive thoughts and prayers.  As some of you may remember, Rowan had to have a cranial ultrasound about a month ago; the report came back clear but inconclusive.  The radiologist said that he might benefit from a MRI or CT scan to get a clear answer.  Our pediatrician seemed ok holding off on this as long as his head stopped growing…well, what do you know.  We went for a check up last week and he’s had another growth spurt in head circumference.  So now we are scheduled for a MRI tomorrow; of course I’m being a little bit of a nervous Nellie about it.  Rowan just seems so small to be sedated and I just don’t like the thought of not being able to be with him during the procedure.  So I ask for ya’ll to think positive thoughts for an easy IV stick, quick sedation, and full cooperation from Rowan for the procedue.  A few thoughts for my sanity are also appreciated 🙂 I’m a little worried about him being a grumpy bear since he can’t eat in the morning and the scan doesn’t start until noon.  So here’ my end of the bargain and I trust that ya’ll will hold up yours as well…and if you don’t, I know where most of you live!!!

Much love,

R

Ross and Finn

Elliott

Me feeding all 3 in a desperate measure

Elliott

Ross and Elliott

Elliott jamming to Daddy’s tunes

Rowan and Elliott

Finny

The Day the Earth Tilted January 9, 2009

Exactly one year ago today this is what popped up on my ultrasound screen:

I cried on the table for the rest of the exam; I was so very scared, overwhelmed, excited and more.  I remember coming home and telling Ross; I don’t think either one of us spoke complete sentences for at least 2 days.  It was so hard to wrap your brain around that fact that there were three little babies swimming around in there.  That day began one of the best and hardest journeys I have been on.  Those who know me well also know that this has absolutely been the hardest year of my life; it has been filled with more ups and downs and twists and turns than the worst roller coaster at Six Flags.  But I can honestly say that I’m in a wonderful spot now; the boys are the biggest blessing I could ever have hoped for.  They make me laugh, they make me cry, and then they do something funny so I’ll smile again 🙂 They are learning new tricks all the time; just this week Elliott has learned to blow raspberries and he thinks it’s hilarious…he’ll blow some and then laugh at himself and smile and then blow some more.  Rowan has been playing with his toys a lot more; sometimes I swear you can see the wheels turning when he is trying to figure things out.  And Finn is still a little ham; when he smiles, his whole face lights up.  As Ross says, he smiles from his heart. 

Overall, the boys are doing great; we went to the doctor for a checkup today and current weights at 7 months are:  Rowan 12 lbs. 13 oz, Elliott 13 lbs 0 oz, and Finn 12 lbs 2 oz.  They also got the go ahead to move on from rice cereal and oatmeal so green beans and peas here we come.  Our next big appointment is on January 21st and that will be our developmental check; it will give us an idea of how the boys are doing with all their skills and see if they are lagging behind in any areas.  So overall, an enormous thumbs up; this is a testimony to the old phrase “what a difference a year makes!”

And to my tater tots: Momma may have went to hell and back to get you here, but I would do it a million times over just to spend one day with you.  You make my world go round…I love you to pieces.

The Boys First Christmas December 31, 2008

Sorry it’s been so long since an update…things have been busy around this place!  We are finally done with all of our Christmas visits and it was great; of course the boys got way to much stuff…you people must think we live in a really big house or something!  But they are enjoying their new toys; the winner so far is a ball made by Infantino that lights up and sings when you roll it.  Ross calls it the distracto-ball because it always makes them stop crying 🙂

Ross and I also got to go watch the Louisiana Tech Dawgs play in the Independence Bowl thanks to Nana P who came in town and watched the tots for us; it was soooo nice to get out of the house and catch up with old friends.  It didn’t hurt that the Dawgs won either 😉 

On a positive note, today is Ross’ last day on his internal medicine rotation; he will officially be halfway done with his intern year (do you hear the choir singing “Hallelujah” in the background???) Up next for him is pediatrics and then he will be back in the emergency department.  This makes for a much happier daddy 🙂

Things with me are good; I’m looking to go back to work part-time in January.  Of course, I’m having  a really hard time thinking about leaving the boys so any prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated.  We’ve lined up a sitter to come watch the boys here at the house; hopefully, it will work out good for all of us.  Hope all of you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a very Happy New Year!

Adventures in Eating December 16, 2008

Well, whoever equated feeding multiples to trying to herd cats was right!  We got the clearance to start trying some rice cereal for the boys and man is it tough; the first few times they were not interested at all.  When I put it in their mouth they looked at me like I had grown a second head!  But last night, they showed some interest and we had our best feeding yet.  However, it is quite tough to feed all three of them at once but I guess the upside is we are all learning patience, mom included 🙂

The boys have all had a cold this past week; when you walk in their room it sounds like a pen full of piggies from all their snorting.  So they’ve been grumpy and because I’ve been sick also, our house has not been the most cheerful place to be 😦  But we all seem to be getting better and just in time for all the Christmas festivities.  We can’t wait to enjoy our first Christmas with Rowan, Elliott,  and Finn and all of our family members.  I hope everyone has been doing well and are enjoying the holidays.  Ross has been doing well but he was been working way to many hours; on the bright side of things, at the end of this month he will be halfway done with his intern year!  It has gone by in a hurry; of course I’m not the one working the 80 hour weeks 😉  So hugs and kisses all around; we miss everybody and hope to see some of you soon.

Lots of love,

R

Happy 6 month birthday tots! December 8, 2008

Wow, it’s been 6 months since the boys were born!  Time is just flying by these days and we are all doing great.  All of the boys went for their 6 month check up and their weights are: Rowan – 11 lbs. 2 oz.; Elliott – 11 lbs. 6 oz.; and Finn – 10 lbs. 15 oz.  And Finn is exactly one inch shorter than both Rowan and Elliott.  Overall they are doing really good; of course they are still really small but I know they will catch up one day and I’ll be wondering where my little boys went.

Their personalities are all starting to come out and they are each very unique.  The new thing in the house is lots of jabbering and chatterboxing; Rowan does it the most but Finn and Elliott jump in when the mood is right.  It is so nice to finally see a response to all the crazy things I do and say to them 🙂  And they are all laughing and they love to dance.  I take them dancing around the room in my arms and Ross teaches them how to break dance on the floor; at this rate they will be a hit on the dance floor later in life.  Of course, we’re gearing up for Christmas and I’m planning on enjoying my last year of having a tree with breakable ornaments on it; I already have fears about when they all start walking!  My house is nowhere near baby-proof; heck, I’m not even sure I can babyproof this old house. 

And with the boys 6 month birthday today came a big event; for the first time since they all left the hospital, they aren’t all in the same bed.  Them all sleeping together has been one of my greatest joys since they have come home; it is the most incredible scene to walk in on them all snuggled up close.  But over the last few weeks, they have all become more active and it became apparent that Finn would like some space; or more appropriately he would like it if Elliott wouldn’t kick him in the head in the mornings 🙂  So we finally moved the second crib into the nursery and Rowan and Elliott are in one bed and Finn is in the other.  Rowan and Elliott still love to snuggle together so we will let them stay together as long as they are comfortable. 

And the only thing on the radar screen is Rowan will be having a cranial ultrasound to check out the growth of his head; he’s had 2 big growth spurts in his head circumference and our doc just wants to make sure everything is ok.  Personally, I think he was just lucky enough to be blessed with his daddy’s big noggin but we’ll see what the professionals say.  Other than that we are just rocking along and trying to get ready for Christmas; for some reason it’s taking me much longer to get stuff done this year, I don’t know why that could be…  I hope things are going great for everybody and hopefully you’ve been good all year so you can get some good presents from Santa!  If not, you can just join the rest of us in the lump of coal club!

Lots of love,

Renita

Things I’m Thankful for… November 27, 2008

Looking back over this past year, i have so many things to be thankful for.  That our beautiful boys have made it from the pictures above to the handsome little men down below.  That I still have my health after a very difficult pregnancy and delivery; that I still have some shred of mental sanity left after this journey (this may be debatable depending on who you ask 😉  I’m thankful for my husband, Ross, who has become the incredible father I always knew he was; he has been unfailingly giving and has helped me laugh through the tears of this journey. 

 

For my friends and family that have stood by me in what has arguably been the toughest year of my life; I woudn’t have made it through without each of you.  You’ve helped me laugh, helped me cry, and in the case of a few of my friends, have offered to hide the bodies of people I wanted killed!  Now that’s the test of a friendship. 

 

You know, I’m somewhat ashamed to admit that many times over this past year when things seemeds so difficult I didn’t think I could make it through, I thought, “Why me God?  Why did you choose this journey for me?”  however, now when I look at all of my blessings, I think the same thoughts.  Why me?  How did I get so lucky to be so blessed in my life right now.  Many times over this past year, people have reminded me that God will never give you more than you can handle…I usually responded that he had more faith in me than I had in myself!  But somehow I was chosen as the lucky one to endure so much pain and heartbreak, but now I have been chosen to enjoy so many blessings that I can’t count.  Thank you doesn’t begin to express what I feel for those that have supported me, Ross, Rowan, Elliott, and FInn on this incredible adventure.  So here’s to wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving that I hope is full of blessings, both big and small.

Much love,

Renita