I Didn't Know

I can't believe after 3 kids I did not know this. The last few weeks we have quite a few social engagements and I have made up for not having any cocktails for the last nine months. I am not a big drinker, but if we are out, I like to have a few drinks. I don't stop at one, so when I get home I usually pump and dump. I was under the impression that if I pumped and dumped, I got most of the alcohol out of the milk, and I was o.k. to feed Collin at the next feeding. NOT SO! As long as the alcohol is in your blood, it is in your milk. So pumping and dumping will not clear the alcohol out of your milk if you still have it in your bloodstream. Depending on how many drinks you have had depends on how long it will take to pass anywhere from 3-8 hours. So no more pumping and dumping! It just takes time to clear it out of your system. Make sense?

Here is a great new product they make for those nights when you need a drink:

They are test strips that test the amount of alcohol in your milk. This way you know when to safely feed your baby. However, they are hard to find! A lot of retailers are currently out of stock. Walgreen's is the only retailer in Jackson that I have seen sell it on the shelves and they are out of stock. Happy drinking!

Collin's Nursery

I had so much fun putting together Collin's nursery. Probably because there wasn't much that had to be done. It was already painted good ole traditional blue. I usually get tired of paint colors pretty fast, but this blue I am still in love with. It's called Steel Blue by Benjamin Moore if you are looking for a good blue color. Maybe farther down the line I will add some stripes or bead board just to change it up a little.

I have been in love with this Chase bedding from Pottery Barn since I was pregnant with Tyler.

I painted the room to match the bedding thinking it might go on clearance and I could get it for Tyler when he was in this room. It never went on clearance and still hasn't four years later. My sister found a cute set called Little Fishes from P.B. and I used that for Tyler instead.

Fast forward to Collin now and I still love the Chase bedding. I decided to see what was on E-Bay. David was skeptical about buying baby bedding off E-Bay, but my thinking was if someone had enough money to pay full price for Pottery Barn bedding, it's coming from a good home and is still in good condition. I found quite a few sets for sale at decent prices. I started bidding and it was THRILLING. I am new at E-Bay though, and I ended up losing the bid on 3 or 4 sets of bedding. That was DISAPPOINTING. Finally I got good at bidding and landed a set for $50.00 which included 2 sheets, the bumper, bed skirt and a pillow sham. It arrived in GREAT condition and even with a gift card for $10.00 to Pottery Barn. I got a great deal, and my favorite bedding. I was a happy girl. 

Then I started painting a dresser I found for the room off craigslist for $30.00.  

After that was finished, I just had to put the room together, and do some organinzing. Tyler started sleeping in Jake's room in March so the room had been the "play room" for a few months. It took some time finding a place for all the toys some where else. I had some major guilt kicking Tyler out of his room, but he slept better with Jake. Now we have to deal with them talking at bedtime, but I'm hoping that will stop once we get their bunkbeds.

I love the way the room turned out. The funny thing is now that Collin is home, I've slowly taken the room apart. After being home for a few days, I realized there was no way I was going up stairs everytime I needed to change him or get him dressed. So my mom and I did some re-arranging and I now have a dresser/changing table in my bedroom on the main floor. I also took the blue rocker and put it in my living room. I wasn't using it at all up stairs and it is the perfect chair for feeding him in. So for now, his room goes unused but one day he will enjoy it.

First Days

Well, we made it through the first week of school. Jake is an official first grader. He has never been one to get the first day jitters, so it was smooth sailing the first day. He wasn't even nervous, just excited. A few days before I had taken him school supply shopping and he thought that was really cool. He loved looking at all the stuff and organizing it in his pencil box. Remember when that's all it took to get you excitied? A few pencils and some scissors? He loved his school supplies so much, he tried to take them back home at the end of the first day, but his teacher reminded him they stay at school in his desk.

 Toward the end of last year, when Jake got off the bus, Ty picked him up in the Gator. It was so cute to see Ty out waiting for him, and Jake getting off the bus, getting a ride with his little brother driving. On Jake's first day, Ty said he didn't feel like picking him up, so we waited for him on the porch. When Jake got off, Ty ran out to greet him. He was so happy to have Jake home. They started talking and walking up to the house together. I was in tears it was so cute. I loved watching them carrying on their little conversations about the day. Ty looks up to Jake so much. I was so mad at myself for not having my camera ready, but I don't think I will ever forget them walking up to the house together or Ty running to greet him. The next day my mom asked Ty if he missed Jake. He said "no, but I still love him".

When I asked Jake about his first day, he said he liked writing and he was glad because he didn't have to read. It is so hard to get him to open up about his day. When I ask him, he tells me he doesn't remember. He'll only go into detail about gym, the playground, or lunch. Such a typical boy.

We made it to school on time all four days last week. I walked him in each day, which means I had to be dressed and ready each morning. Of course it helped that my mom and Bob were here for 2 of the mornings, so I had help with the kids. This past week, I have just let him out front of the school and he has walked in by himself. It is a strange feeling not having to be there for him and help him do things. It's hard to let go and not know what he is doing throughout the day. He told me today he likes walking in by himself. Granted it's a lot easier for me as well, not having to be ready, getting Ty and Collin out, and carrying Collin all the way through the school. Those damn Chicco carseats weigh 20 pounds without a baby in them.

Everything seems so easy with Jake. He seems to adjust well to new things and is ready for anything. I am grateful for this because I have enough on my plate with Tyler. His first day of preschool is a whole different story. I have been dreading it all summer and with good reason. My little mama's boy still doesn't make it through church Sunday school. A few weeks ago, he fell asleep, face on the floor, butt in the air. He probably got tired waiting, because he does not participate. The past week at S.School he stood by the door the entire hour and fifteen minute service. He only joined the group for snack, then made is way back to the door to wait.

So, Ty's first day was Tuesday.I'm usually good about finding books for whatever it is we have going on: new baby, going to the beach, seasons, ect. For some reason, I was not prepared with first day of preschool books. Not that it would have helped any. I remember getting them for Jake, who really wasn't nervous about preschool anyway. But, with Ty it slipped my mind. I also didn't really shop with him the way I did when it was Jake's turn at preschool. I remember taking him out picking out his cute little backpack and clothes. It seemed like whatever I did wouldn't have mattered anyway, he was not the least bit excited about going. We talked a lot about it with him, and it really helped having Jake tell him things that he remembered and enjoyed about preschool.

So the night before, he seems alright about going. I knew better. The next morning, he gets up and announces to me that it is his first day of school. I still know better. We drop Jake off and head home to get ready. He tells me now that he does not want to go. I'm thinking to myself here we go- let the fun begin.

I somehow managed to get him to eat breakfast and get him dressed, but the whole time he was repeating over and over "I don't want to go" along with some crying to really add some drama. The whole car ride is crying and some more "I don't want to go." Oh wait, I have to back up. I forgot about the phone call to David with me in tears saying "I don't want to take him." I was so frustrated, sad, and determined all at the same time. When we got to school, I opened the car door and he is screaming. Parents are looking and I don't know what to do. I peeled his fingers from the car- he was frantically looking for anything to grab onto. I start heading for the school and his teacher meets me in the parking lot. She asked me if I just wanted her to take him. I had visions of walking him in, but I knew it would just be worse if I went any farther. I am crying as she peels him off me. Other kids are calmly walking by with their moms and dads, I might add. At times like these, I wonder why David isn't here. When is a job more important? Mrs. W, his teacher tells me she will call me, and I ask her when do you throw in the towel and deem them not ready to attend preschool- it's 2 weeks.

So, I'm back in the van, wore right out. I'm not sure what to do now, so I head to where I know I will feel better: Target. Collin and I walked around for 2 hours. I felt so much better having him to snuggle and keep me company. $100 dollars later and I am ready to pick up Ty. When I got to the school, I got to watch him on the playground. He was running around and looked just like a normal preschooler. It was such a joy and relief to see him having fun. They told me he cried for about a 1/2 hour and then all of a sudden decided to play trucks. Just like a switch he was fine. He was so proud of himself when I picked him up. And this boy loves to talk. When I ask him about his day, he will give me an answer. He said is favorite part were the songs: bubble gum and hot potatoe. He also liked playing on the playground.

I had to take some after school pictures so they wouldn't all be of him crying. Look how happy! It was a long, stressful day and he passed out on the couch by 6:45. He couldn't even eat dinner. My little Ty really knows drama, but what would life be without it? Boring. Besides, how else is Target going to stay in business?

This Summer

This summer we:

1. Went to Michigan Adventure for Jake's Birthday.

2. Went to Binder Park Zoo.

3. Watched Jake play T-Ball.

4. Had a garage sale with my friend Keri.

5. Set up a lemonade stand for the boys (at the garage sale).

6. Did summer reading at the library.

7. Went to Lake Michigan (Jake and Tyler).

8. Went to the cabin with our friends for the weekend without the kids.

9. Picked raspberries.

10. Went up north with the boys for 1 1/2 weeks.

11. Went putt putt golfing.

12. Made a sandcastle.

13. Ate lots of ice cream.

14. Had a play date with my gal pals at the pool.

15. Ate fresh watermelon out of Grandpa Stans garden.
16. Went camping with Grandma Sherry (Jake & Tyler).

17. Went fishing at the cabin and Ty caught his first big one.

18. Went to Nixon park.

19. Went to the fair and ate a boy scout burger.

20. Took Jake to swim lessons for 2 weeks.

21. Jake played 9 holes of golf.

22. Grandpa Bob and Jake rode to Jackson on the bike trail.

23. Played in the sprinkler under the trampoline.

24. Watched fireworks on a boat in the middle of the lake.

25. Went to some garage sales.

26. Caught glow bugs.

27. Ate sweet corn. A lot.

28. Made homemade ice cream with Grandpa Stan.

29. Had a picnic by the river in Albion.

30. Had playdates with 2 friends I worked with at Gap.

31. Did sparklers.

32. Went to Chelsea Treehouse with Nana and Grandpa Bob.

33. Took a reptile class at Kids N' Stuff (Jake).

34. Celebrated our 5 year anniversary.

35. Made s'mores- they are great with Nutella.

36. Played in the garden and dug potatoes.

37. Got a swing for Tyler for the porch and he learned to pump.

38. Hosted game night and enjoyed a few cocktails for the first time since we started doing it in back in January. (It was hard being the only sober one.)

39. Had a bon fire.

40. Went to Cascades- Magical Falls is what the boys call it.

41. Camped in the back yard for half the night, until it started raining.

42. Jake built a pirate ship for Lego week at the library.

43. Took the boys to "Library Kids" and they got to paint their very own treasure box complete with chocolate gold coins.

44. Did "run and jump froggies" as the boys call it.

45. Made homemade bubbles and slime.

46. Did the mentos and diet cola science experiment.

47. Went to a lot of dentist and doctor appointments.

48. Ate lunch outside almost everyday.

49. Worked on the nursery.

50. Had a new baby!!

Collin- 1 month

 Mr. Collin spent most of his first month either sleeping or eating, which would explain his rapid weight gain. When I took him for his 1 week check up he went from 7# 3oz. when he was born, to 8# 8oz. The most impressive though was his 1 month check up when he weighed in at 11# 12oz. Goodbye size 1 diapers and goodbye 0-3 month clothes.

We spent the first few weeks adjusting to being a family of 5. David was at work a big, big chunk of time. My mom came down here and there from the cabin, but other than that it was me and the boys. The hardest part was keeping up on the bills, cleaning, and laundry. It's not the kids themselves that is work, it's everything else. Jake and Tyler did good playing and keeping themselves entertained because I felt like I had no time for anything. I felt a little guilty not being able to spend the last few weeks of summer spending time with Jake.

The good part about Collin sleeping so much was that he was so portable. We took him everywhere. The first week he went to Ann Arbor for my haircut, Cascade Falls, and Ikea. The second week we hauled him to the fair for a day, and then up north for his first vacation. The last few weeks I've taken him to my sisters, Chelsea Treehouse, Nixon park and a few trips to Target. I make note of these trips because it can be a bit intimidating taking three kids places. If we go anywhere it takes a lot of planning- we don't leave the house until 11:30 most days. It takes that long to get everything and everyone ready.

So far Collin has been a good baby. Really though, any baby seems like a good baby after having Tyler. He doesn't really cry but he does make a lot of noises. He only makes a fuss during diaper changes or when he is naked. He easily calms down which Tyler never did. The first few days he was home our family and friends kept asking us how he slept or if he cried a lot. They were all nervous and really so were we! He has consistenly gotten up 2 times a night to eat. I feed him at 11:00 and then go to bed, and then he gets up at 2:30 and 5 ish. We've had a few nights of no sleep, but not many. Maybe 2 or 3 fussy nights. During the day he eats every 3 hours like clock work.

1 week

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

 He has the cutest little peanut head covered in hair. When we are out and about, everyone comments on how much hair he has. His cheeks got so big and round in just a few short weeks.


Right now, the main source of entertainment is the ceiling fan, the big deer head on the wall, and the window grills. He stares intently at these.

I am so in love with this little guy. I forgot what it was like to have a little baby around. I love to watch him. I love his funny little faces he makes when he stretches. I love his smell. I love it when he sucks his thumb. I love to dress him and hold him. He loves to snuggle and I am happy to do so. I love giving him a bath and getting his jammies on. I wish he would stay this little forever.

1 month

Collins Birthday

I can not believe he is already almost 1 month old! Here is how his birthday began.
The weekend before he was born, I had a to-do list a mile long. I wanted everything done before he was born so I could just enjoy the little guy when we came home. David and I worked hard all weekend doing odds and ends like getting the trampoline net put up (2 months later), cleaning out Davids closet, and taking care of our weed patch, I mean garden. Tyler and I were out digging up potatoes in what was left of our garden. The weeds were 4 feet tall and I wanted David to get rid of those damn weeds. But first, we had to get the potatoes  Eight months and three weeks pregnant I am out digging damn potatoes. I should have been sitting on the couch eating ice cream.

Soon as I was done, I started having contractions. With Jake and Tyler, when I started having contractions, it took about 12 hours and then I went to L & D. So, I was expecting to go in by the morning. By morning the contractions had not got any stronger or closer together. I figured I just worked too hard the day before. My actual due date was a week away. Through out the day on Monday, I would get one here or there, but not anything major. I went about the day taking the kids to the store and the library. Danielle came over and announced she was pregnant again. I'm so excited our kids will be kind of close in age. My mom arrived around 5. I had called her the night before and told her she should probably drive down from up north. Finally at 7:30 they started coming frequently. We started keeping track but they were not close enough yet. I went to bed and tried to sleep. At 2:30am I started to get ready to go. I took a shower and packed the rest of my bag. By 3:30 I was ready to go. We got to the hospital at 4:00 am. The baby wasn't even here and I was already sleep deprived.

L & D had some repair work being done to the ceiling so it was pretty crazy when we got there. When I got checked I was dilated to 4. They got me settled in room 411. It was now 5 am and it was still dark out. Time was going by so slow! The good news was Charlotte, who was my nurse with Jake was now my nurse again, and she was so great. Although this was also when I started having flashbacks of giving birth to the other 2 boys and I started crying. I knew what was in store for me and I was freakin scared. Can ya tell?

Dr. P arrived at 7 am and broke my water. Up till this point, the contractions had been tolerable. Now they hurt. Bad. I didn't put much thought into pain medication. I knew I didn't want an epidural because I had heard a lot of stories about how it causes headaches. I already get migraines and didn't want to chance it. Charlotte talked to me about a few other choices, but she said a lot of them affect the baby. By now I was at 7 cm and I was in some major pain. My mom was crying to see me like that. Charlotte suggested getting on my hands and knees. I seriously felt like an animal, but I was willing to do anything. After a few contractions on my hands and knees and I was dilated to 9. I layed back in a normal position and Dr. P came in. I stared pleading with him to get me an epidural. His response was "that horse already left the barn." They told me to push if I had the urge. I never have really had the "urge" with any of my births. When I had my next contraction, they told me to push. I did a little, and then I told Dr. P he would have to pull the baby out because I was not going to push it out. He told me no, and to push again. I feel sorry for the other women who heard me, because I started getting a little hysterical. Dr. P some how managed to calm me down. For a few seconds, I sorta blacked out, it was almost like a moment right before you go into a state of shock. Hard to explain, but that is how I made it through the last push. And then I have never felt such relief in my life.

I was so happy. So happy to be done, happy to have a sweet little tiny baby, and happy that he was healthy. He was born at 8:33am. I didn't get to hold him right away because he had meconium. Those nurses had him for a whole half hour before I got to hold my sweet baby. And they were less than gentle with him. After having 2 babies already, I was going to ask that they wait to measure, weigh, stamp his feet, ect. I felt strongly that that sort of stuff can always be done later, and the baby had had enough trauma just being born. I wanted just to hold and bond the few minutes after he was born. But, that all went out the window with the meconium. It is dangerous if they don't take care of it right away.

Finally I got to hold him and see his face. He had a ton of hair and everyone commented on how much he had.

We got moved to the other wing mid-morning. I was looking forward to the boys meeting their new brother. I kind of compare having a baby to planning a wedding. You plan and plan for months waiting for the big day, and then it happens and when it is over, it's like now what? So having the boys come up was another part to look foward to. All the other visitors waited until 4 or 5 when they got out of work, which was exactly when I got really tired after being up since 2:30am. We had back to back visitors from 4 to 9pm. It was a long day.

I still can't believe we are now a family of 5.

Happy Birthday, Collin. We love you!

Shout out to the hubby

This past weekend we went back to the cabin again for a little more summer vacay. Actually, David and I don't like to call it vacay, it's called "still taking care of the kiddos in a different location." Anyway, I have to give my hubby a little shout out for this past weekend because he really spoiled us. He has been working long hours for the past three weeks because of the oil spill and needed a break. After getting in late Thursday night,  David took Jake to play 9 holes of golf at one of the courses near Gaylord on Friday morning. They had a great time, and David got some good bonding time with Mr. Jake. We bought Jake his own little golf bag of real clubs at a garage sale last summer and he practices quite a bit, so this was a lot of fun for him to play on a real course and drive a cart.

On Saturday, the hubs and I got to go out to lunch by ourseleves thanks to Nana and Grandpa Bob. Davids favorite thing to do is eat out, so he was excitied. Then we went clothes shopping for me. I was excitied, because it is not often I can get David to shop with me, especially for clothes. When we got back, he took the boys out in the canoe fishing. I'm telling ya, he gets dad and husband of the year!

Then on Sunday, I got to sleep in until 10:30! He took care of the baby and the boys all morning and let me sleep in peace. This was after he got up to help me with the baby every night, I might add. We spent the rest of Sunday at the beach and he took the boys swimming out to the raft and played tennis with Jake.

This is what I did all weekend:

The boys are lucky to have such a great dad as a role model. I'm kind of wondering if this is why I keep having boys! They are all going to have a lot of fun growing up and spending time with their dad doing all these "boy" things. Don't worry about me, I'll be shopping or home having cocktails.