The Story of Us

Derek @ Two Months

I can not believe my little baby boy is already two months. It is just insane how fast time is going. I feel like just yesterday we were on our way up to the hospital. He had his two month appointment yesterday. He is doing great, can hold his head up and turn it from side to side, and will lift his head all the way up while on his tummy. He loves to smile and is doing it often! He is sort of sleeping thru the night, I say sort of because he loves to grunt and move around a lot. But doesn't need to eat during the night anymore... I think we will be moving him into his crib shortly. I don't know, I don't want to let him go yet! Here are a few pics of my little guy at two months. 

 

11 lbs 1 oz - 23 inches - HANDSOME AS EVER!

 

Avah at two months...

 

11 lbs 13 oz - 23 3/4 inches - PRETTIEST GIRL EVER
 

I can't believe how much they look alike. It's amazing. I am just so in love...

 

 

Grandma Patti's Birthday!

My mom's birthday was the March 20, and we had a birthday dinner for her at our house. Avah loves having birthday parties, because it's an excuse to go out and buy balloons and party hats. It was a fun night, and what made it even perfect was all the grandkids/cousins were together!

 

Ethan, Avah and Jack

  
    

Jayme, Brayden, Daddy, Vin and Derek, Derek, Jayme and Sophie

  

 

 

Love having all of these kids together.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Derek @ One Week

More pics of Derek at one week. (I'm trying to catch up!)

 

One Week, can hold his head up and turn from side to side...

 

 

   

So in love with this boy!
 
 
 
 
 

 

My Kids!

 
 

 Avah Louize and Derek Dominick - Both at one week!

I can't believe I have two kids - TWO! It's much different than one! It's a little trying at times, but I am getting the hang of it. I love how much they look alike. It's so fun to see their similarities, but at the same time see how different they are as babies! Love being the mommy of these two adorable kids!

I thought I would catch up on some pics of the last few weeks...

 

Going home...

 

Proud new parents of a healthy beautiful boy!

 
 Meeting the cousins...

 

Uncle Max and D taking a nap! (GO YANKEES!)
 

 

Derek's Birth!

I realize that Derek is now 3.5 weeks old. So forgive me for being so late on updating my blog. No excuses, other than being a new mommy of two, keeping up with the house, laundry etc. So better late than never. 

On the morning of March 10, 2010, I went to see my doctor, hoping for some progress with this baby. I was MISERABLE! The effacement had stayed the same, but I went from 2 cm to 3 cm dilated in a week, so that was something. Dr. Kirkman stripped the membranes, and told me if I don't have the baby tonight or tomorrow, I would go until next week. So I left the doctor with some hope. I went home to my little Avah (who is home from day care on Wednesday's, and we did what we do... I was having uncomfortable contractions thru-out the day, but nothing that was consistent, so I just assumed it was from the doctor examining me. Later that evening Vin and I got Avah to bed, and started to watch The Hurt Locker, we couldn't even get through thirty seconds of it with out Vin having to pause it because I was having strong contractions that were coming closer together. So about 10:00 p.m. we decided to head to the hospital, because what was the worst they could do but send me back home. So we call my dad and he came over to be with Avah (my mom was in California for work...) and off we went.

We were admitted in the hospital, and getting all situated, and about 11:15 the nurse checked me and said I was 4 cm dilated, and I would not be going home. I WAS SO EXCITED... I was going to meet this little guy tonight, and more importantly I didn't have to be pregnant another day!! I had the best nursing staff. My main nurse was so great! I just loved her, she was so happy and chatted with Vin and I, and it was just what I needed. So the texting and calling began! Vin contacted everyone and anyone that we were staying at the hospital and having a baby...

I soon after got the epidural and things were going really well, at 12:30 a.m the doctor came in and broke my water, and then we tried to get some sleep. My sister was kind enough to go sit with Avah so my dad could come to the hospital. So the three of us (Vin, me and my dad) hung out slept as best we could, and waited. At about 2:45 or so, the nurse checked me again, and said, well I think we are there, no going back to sleep, and went to page Dr. Kirkman. I am not sure why my babies feel the need to come in the middle of the night... little stinkers! Dr. Kirkman should up and we started pushing, at 3:39 a.m on March 11, 2010 out came Derek! 7 lbs 4 oz 19.5 inches. I pushed for nine minutes! 

Vinny and I are so blessed to have such beautiful children. I am so in love with this boy, and more in love with Avah, she is honestly the best big sister, and just loves her little brother. It was a long nine months, but of course, WORTH EVERY SECOND!

 

mommy and baby

 

 Avah and her baby brother Derek

 

My sweet sweet girl and her little brother. 

 

Four More Weeks...

36.5 Weeks...

So ready for this baby to join us. I am the most uncomfortable I have ever been... I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I am 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced, so things are starting... slowly, but surely. 

 

Valentines Fondue Party!

Every year my mom has done fondue for the kids for Valentines... This year since valentines day fell on a Sunday, we all got to participate... Avah had so much fun!! Her favorite part was the dipping!! She had it down to a science, she would lean in, cover her piece of fruit with chocolate and then quickly bring it back to her mouth... she has a little trail on the table... It was so cute!! Everyone had so much fun!! My mom is the best, she does the cutest things for her grandkids, so happy we are close for her to enjoy Avah! I just love my mom!!

 

 

Of course we had to have an Avah and Sophie photo shoot

  (Jayme made matching headbands for the girls... so cute!) 

 
  

January and February 2010

It's been awhile, again... Geez, I really need to be better about blogging!! Just one of my many goals! It's Wednesday, and I am off on Wednesdays now!! It's been really nice to have a day to be with Avah, catch up on laundry, and do a midweek cleaning. I am trying hard to get ready for baby Derek's arrival... It's been a tough pregnancy for me. Very different from Avah! But none the less, we can't wait for our new addition. The next six weeks are going to be full of anxiety, anticipation, and excitement, to say the least! 

While I was in California, my mom bought Avah this adorable Minnie Mouse skirt, I bought her a minnie mouse purse... Avah just loves it... It was a perfect outfit for Valentines Day, but we had to wear it before then too!! She is just to cute...

  

Avah Louize - Jan. 2010

A few weeks ago Max and Jack came to visit! I just love my brother, and he is such a great dad! Jack just adores him, and he is just getting so big! Avah and Jack just love each other and want to play with each other all of the time. But they sure do know how to push each others buttons... They are so funny!! Just love these two!

  

 

 Cute Jack and Sophie (and Uncle Max)

Jack and Avah playing with Aunt Wendy on Super Bowl Sunday!

 

Super Bowl was so fun! We went to my Uncle Johnny's house, had amazing food and fun time with family! Jack and Avah might have had the most fun playing with Aunt Wendy!! So Cute...

Chocolate Fondue on Valentines Day next...

It's 2010!

I can't believe that it's already the year 2010. I think this year is going to bring a lot to myself and loved ones. Of course I anticipate many ups... and maybe not so many downs, but I am sure there will be. I look forward to the challenges that life will bring me, and hope I can change a few things about myself, my life, and my surroundings. I am striving to be a better human being, mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter, designer both professional and not so professional. I am going to strive for outlets to be more creative, more intellectual, more kind, more peaceful, more happy. I have a wonderful husband who I am so thankful everyday, even when he doesn't put his shoes away or pick up his dirty clothes off the bathroom floor. Vinny is my best friend. I will strive to be a better wife and friend to him. I will work harder at being that perfect person for him. I am thankful for my sweet beautiful daughter, whom I really in truly don't know what my life was like before she was in it. I love her to bits and pieces, even when she throws her tantrums or talks back. I love that about her, and I wouldn't change it. She is a firecracker, and I hope that she continues to be a little firecracker, she will go far in life. I anticipate with much anxiety but also much excitement in welcoming our second child into our house of three. I worry about how the dynamics of our home will change. I look forward to the challenge because I know it will make me a better person as a whole... So happy to start a fresh new year and look forward to all the challenges, and changes that come our way...

Some pics from the past month...

 

Avah, Jack and Ethan

 Vinny and his Yankee Blanket from my mom!

 

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

We got dumped on this last weekend, it literally did not stop snowing. It was absolutely beautiful!! Avah is loving it! Vin took her out on Saturday morning to play in the first big snow storm. She looked so cute!! Just love this girl!!