My First Week!

Hi Every- body! It's me . . . Emily! It finally feels good to let everyone know that I am a girl and I am so happy to join all my family and friends in this great big world! I have had one busy week. I thought I was busy in my Mom's tummy- but WOW! I guess when you are the fourth baby born into a family, you need to be ready for anything. The day I came into the world was just amazing. I took a long dark ride and before I knew it- I was on my Mommy's chest and loving listening to her voice and being held so tightly. Since that moment, we have been going non-stop and I am loving it! Before I forget how much fun I had, let me tell you about my first week.

My First Visitors

When I was born, I heard a lot of people screaming with excitement that were thrilled that I was a girl! I guess my sister Claire really wanted a sister but little did she know, I wanted her as my sister, too! I was so happy so many people were there when I was born! I was so happy that Nonna, E, Papa, Ali, Michael, Claire, and Matthew came to see me in the days following my birth. I am so lucky to have so many people love me. I am also excited to take a trip to Kirkland later this summer so I can meet my Mommy's family. I know they can't wait to smooch my chubby cheeks!

My First Car Ride

During my first few days, my Mom and Dad held me all day long. It was weird to be put into a car seat although I did a great job. I heard my parents laughing on the drive back to my new house when they looked back and saw me and my three siblings all belted into our car. Now there is only one extra seat in our minivan! We have a lot of people in our family now!

My First Week with My New Family

There was a lot of noise when I got home. My brothers and sister were really excited to play with the prizes my Mommy gave them. She wrapped presents for all of them to open on the morning after I was born. This way- they might not miss my Mom and Dad as much and got to feel special about being a new BIG brother or sister. Once we got home- my big brother Matthew really wanted to show me the whole house. He grabbed my Mom's hand and led me and my Mom room by room through the house and was really excited to show me the double stroller that we both will ride in. I love that I am a girl because now Mom can call me her Baby Girl and call Matthew her Baby Boy. This way- no one gets their feelings hurt. Michael and Claire are really happy that our family is fair (as they call it). Three boys and three girls. We truly are balanced!

My First Princess Experience

On my very first night at home, Mommy put me into bed with my sister. Claire seemed to be really happy to have me next to her and she called me her Little Princess. I have a feeling that I am really going to look up my sister because she is such a special person! There sure is a lot of pink in her room and I know that in a few years, I will want to be just like her! Claire has already talked to my Mom about going to the mall to buy me some cute pink girly clothes. I have a feeling she is going to want to dress me up all the time!

My First Feeds

My Mom has been working hard to make me lots of milk. I had a hard time the first few days with latching on- so she pumped for my first five days. I thought this was kind of cool because this way- my Dad, Nonna, Claire, and Michael were able to feed me a bottle before I switched to full-time breastfeeding by day six. Now I am a great eater and am eating every 2 1/2 hours. My brother Matthew thinks it is magic that I can get milk from my Mommy.

My First Walk

At my baby shower, my Uncle Mark and Aunt Jocelyn got me and my brother Matthew a new double stroller. It has been really fun to ride in it with Matthew. I did great on my first walk and seem to like getting out of house and breathing the fresh air. It has been really hot in my house so I like the cool breeze and all the sounds of nature around me. Now I go on at least one walk a day and my Mom loves that finally- she can walk without worrying about me in her belly. The last walk she took was around Halloween so she is so happy to be out and about! I have a feeling we will be walking a lot this summer.

My First Doctor's Visit

When I was five days old- I went to go and see Dr. Safir to see how I was doing. He told my Mom that I was a really healthy baby girl! I know she was really proud of me. My Mom was happy that Nonna was able to come to the appointment and see me get weighed and measured. I didn't like getting my first shot- but I quickly calmed down and loved when Mom held me and made me feel better.

My First Bath

Because I hadn't lost my umbilical cord yet- my Mom and Nonna gave me a sponge bath. I like the water but really didn't like getting cold. I screamed through much of the bathing process but quieted down once I was wrapped up and held. I was even happier after I lost my umbilical cord on day seven. I took a real bath then and like being submerged in the warm water. My Mom told me that she couldn't believe how fast I was growing up!

All in all, I had an amazing first week. I am so happy to be out of my Mom's tummy and home with my loving family. We all adjusted amazingly well and I am so lucky to have Michael, Claire, and Matthew in my life because all they want to do is love me and make sure I am taken care of. After a week like this- who knows what the next week will hold!

Hospital and Homecoming

After I gave birth to Emily (on Friday)- my doctor let me know that she wanted me to stay in the hospital until Sunday morning. Initially- I thought that was just too long of a stay but I decided to just test the waters and see how we did. I felt really good after giving birth. I was physically exhausted but I felt really really good. I was able to get out of bed pretty easily and just felt emotionally intact. Of course it helped to have my beautiful little girl beside me in bed! On Friday night, the nurses suggested that I send Emily to the nursery for a few hours so that I could get some sleep and so they could observe her and make sure her blood sugar levels were staying within normal bounds. I told them I was okay with this as long as they brought her back to me once she seemed hungry. Sure enough- two hours after they took her over to the nursery, they returned her to me because my little baby was hungry! I nursed her and we fell back to sleep together in my hospital bed. Obviously- I was really tired. I would get about thirty minutes of sleep and then someone would come in to check my vitals, then someone would come to give Emily a newborn screen, then the pediatrician came, then the OB came to check me, and so it went! While I was extremely appreciative of the wonderful care I got at Good Samaritan Hospital- I was growing increasingly tired and sleep deprived! I had to laugh early one morning when a nurse came in and woke me up to give me some Motrin. She said to me, "You know- you should sleep when your baby sleeps." Um, yeah. That was what I was doing before I got woken up!

On Day two, my Mom (who had stayed the night at my house with my kids) brought the kids to the hospital to see their Mommy, Daddy, and new baby sister! It was so wonderful to see my kids and watch them stare at Emily and try and figure her out! I particularly loved having Matthew crawl into bed with me and snuggle. I needed to see my baby boy and love on him! All three kids got the chance to hold Emily and they just instantly fell in love with her. We showed them the safest way to hold her and let them have some time with her and they enjoyed it so very much!

Michael loved holding Emily and just had this angelic smile on his face the whole time. I think he requested to hold her the most while I was in the hospital. He just could not get enough of her! I know that Michael is really sensitive and knew he would love her- but I really couldn't have predicted just how sweet he would have been with her. It really makes me feel good to know I have raised a loving and sweet big boy!

Claire was again in all her glory. She wore a girly outfit to the hospital and just couldn't wait to get her hands on Emily. Her smile was more sheepish than Michael's. She was holding her sister! It was as if she was looking at Emily and thinking to herself, I knew you were a girl all along. No one else believed me that I knew- but I knew!!! I got such a kick out of her.


Matthew, who had a really bad cold and was feeling miserable, did his very best to get ready to hold his new sister. He was again a little hesitant but you can tell by the look on his face in this picture that he feels really special. He did a great job holding her. We debated about whether or not to have him hold her since he was feeling sick- but opted to let him have this moment with his new baby. You only live once!

All in all, the hospital stay was a good one- however, I was more than ready to leave when the time came! On the last day, my Mom again brought all of the kids to the hospital as we prepared to take Emily home with us! We had two cars there so Damien loaded up all of the flowers and miscellaneous stuff into one car. When we got the discharge paperwork- we were outta there! I got the customary first-class wheelchair ride out to the car and I thought back to my pregnancy and remembered the countless wheelchair rides I took while pregnant. This would be my last hurrah on wheels. I was so looking forward returning my wheelchair and walking again!

Putting yet another child into my car was nothing short of comical. When I turned around from the passenger seat and saw my four, YES FOUR, kids all strapped in- I had to laugh. I grabbed Damien's hand and knew we had made it. We were returning to our home, to our new life, intact as a family of six. When we got home, it was a bit overwhelming. Everything looked so different as I walked down our hallways and into our rooms with a new baby in my arms. You know, when you leave your house for the hospital to give birth, you do not come back the same person. You've gone through a major life change and along with that change comes a new life. Were there moments during the first few days that were overwhelming? Yes. Did I ask myself a few (okay a million) times, Can I do this? Yes. I had my moments. I like to call them New Mommy Moments. It doesn't matter if you are having your first or your fourth child. Once you bring a new life into the world- you need to find your new rhythm. At night time when Emily is awake and when my eyes are burning because all I want to do is sleep- I try and remember how quickly this precious stage passes. I don't want to miss one of her sweet little yawns. I just love when she purses her lips into a little O shape like she is whistling. I love how slowly she blinks when she is looking at me or around the room. I love the feeling of her curled up on my chest. I love stroking her soft chubby cheeks and talking sweetly to her as she searches to find my face. I love this. I love her. I am so glad she is here. Welcome Home Sweet Emily. Now our family is truly complete.

Emily's Birth Story

When my doctor told me that she had scheduled my cerclage removal for June 12th, my mind started racing. What would that day hold? Would we meet our new baby that day or would I be sent home to wait for the onset of later which could take days or even weeks. In preparation, my Mom flew in from Washington to be here to help me in whatever way she could. It was hard not to know if the baby would come when she was here or if we would have to wait! In the days preceding the cerclage removal- I cleaned, organized, prepped, and got everything and anything I could ready for the possible birth of baby #4.

Before we knew it, June 12th was here and we were giddy with excitement to see what would happen that day! I called Labor and Delivery at 7:00 a.m. to see if my procedure was still on and much to my delight- it was! My Mom, Damien, and I headed to the hospital and started the beginning to a long and exciting day. When I get my cerclage removed, I have to have it done with anesthesia and in an operating room. I really wanted to go through natural labor if the baby were to come so I asked the anesthesiologist if it were possible for me to get an epidural instead of a spinal. That way- if they were to induce labor, the epidural could wear off and I could experience natural childbirth as I had wanted. He thought that was a great idea and I received my epidural and waited to be wheeled into the OR. I was nervous and excited at the same time. With Matthew- I dilated to 7cm immediately once the cerclage was removed. There was no guarantee this would happen again so we waited patiently to hear the play by play from the doctor.

We went to the OR and they started prepping me for the procedure. Upon removing the first of two stitches- I dilated immediately to 3 cm. When she went to remove the top stitch- she said that she couldn't really get a hold of it because it was embedded in my cervix (which isn't a concern because these particular stitches will just absorb into your body). You can only imagine how much pressure must have been on that one stitch as it held the whole pregnancy together! She looked over the blue curtain and said that because I was only 3 cm- she was going to send me home. I have to admit- I was sick to my stomach. Go home? That wasn't what I wanted to hear. Before she finished the procedure, she realized I was having a contraction and that with the contraction- I went to 4 cm. Then she tried again to get the stitch out by massaging it and I went to 5 cm, then 6 cm and she changed her mind and said it was baby time! Yes! I was so relieved that we were going to get the show on the road. As we were leaving the operating room, she came over and said to me, "Some studies have shown that there is no such thing as an incompetent cervix. Well, they haven't met you!" We shared a laugh and they wheeled me back to room #8 where I first started that morning.

Damien went and told my Mom (who was in the waiting room) that it was baby time. We were all so happy that today would be Daniel or Emily's birthday! Once back in the room, they immediately started pitocin and after an hour of light labor- my doctor came in and broke my water. At this point I had about 90% sensation back from the epidural. I could definitely feel the contractions but they weren't painful yet, just uncomfortable. Things quickly took a more painful turn as the contractions came more frequently. The nurse came in about every thirty minutes to turn up the pitocin and it certainly made a difference. In the room were a lot of family and friends. I was so happy that friends and family were going to be there to experience this baby's birth. In the room were Damien, my Mom, my friend Karen, my sister-in-laws Heather and Ali, and my Mother-in-law Marlene. It was a packed room but I got strength from each and every one of them. I was starting to get really uncomfortable contractions in bed so the nurse asked if I wanted to labor on a birthing ball. At first I was sure I wouldn't want to do it but I tried it and loved it. It freed up most of my body and allowed me to relax my back and joints with each painful contraction. Soon, the contractions were coming every two minutes- lasting about a minute each time and giving me one minute to rest.

My kids were waiting in the waiting room and I really wanted them to be able to come in while I was in labor so that they might feel like they were a part of the process. Damien didn't think it was a good idea but I insisted on it and he went and got them. They waiting outside the room until I finished a contraction and then for the next minute I let them come in, hug me, ask questions, and check things out. When I started having another contraction- I gave Damien the look and he distracted them for a minute and then they came back and talked with me.

Michael was so sweet. He was eager to know if the baby had come and had a lot of questions about the machines and the ball I was sitting on. Then he said to me, "Mom- you are doing a really good job." What a kid. He gave me a little extra strength and warmed my heart.

Claire could not hide how excited she was. She really didn't have a lot to say, she just smiled and rubbed my shoulder. The look in her eyes was beautiful. She understood the wonder of it all and knew that very soon she would have a new brother or sister.

Matthew, my sweet baby boy, was a little hesitant. He looked at my arm and didn't like the IV. He was wide eyed and tried to figure out what was going on. I put my arms out to hold him and he leaned over and let me squeeze and love him. I kept thinking that the next time I saw him; he wouldn't be my littlest baby anymore. We took some pictures and after three contractions with them in the room- I could barely fake anymore that I wasn't being crippled by the pain of contractions. They were whisked away to the waiting room again and I continued to labor towards delivery.

At this point- I had been in pretty hard labor for about three hours (contractions every two minutes) and I was getting discouraged as Matthew's entire labor was just under three hours and here I was- not making progress as quickly as I would've liked. I was 7 cm and I could feel this baby trying to descend but he/she just couldn't make the transition. When I labor, I am very quiet. In fact, I don't make a peep. I wouldn't have ever expected my labors to go this way but it is the best way I can deal with pain and stay in control. I breathe through the contractions and imagine the baby moving down. I feel that if I make noise- I might lose control and expose the pain I am feeling and then panic. I think that when you are in labor- you have to stay in control. The minute you start to lose control is when I think you could go crazy! I was bound and determined to deliver this baby naturally but the epidural catheter taped to my back tempted me to just get some pain relief because I felt like I was dying! Several times my nurse asked if I wanted some narcotics and I was so tempted to just get some but I knew I would be disappointed later on. I labored on and waited and waited to feel that sensation of the baby dropping. I was 9 cm and the baby was still at zero station. They suggested I stand up and labor standing and I tried that but it was the most painful and uncomfortable position I could imagine! After about ten minutes of this, they wanted me to try laboring in the bed again. It hurt so much to crawl into the bed and I believe it was at this point- I felt really scared. I rolled over onto the bed, grabbed the side bed rail and immediately felt the baby shoot down into the birth canal. Because I was out of my mind at this point, Damien had to piece together for me what happened in the next ten minutes. Apparently my doctor came just as the baby descended and they noticed the fetal heart rate plummet. This was a sign of head compression and they knew the baby was going to come out.

From what Damien said, they dropped the bottom of the bed and asked me to roll over and put my feet on the stirrups. I was in such intense pain, even this motion seemed impossible. The baby was so low and I just wanted it to be over! They told me to pull my legs back and hold onto the back of my knees but I couldn't grab my knees because it hurt so badly. Damien had one leg and my Mom had the other and they pushed my legs toward my chest as I tried to push my legs forward. Damien tried to encourage me as I pushed for the first time by saying he could see the head- but I thought he meant he could see just a small amount. With the second push of that contraction, her head came out. It was so fast. With the next contraction, and two pushes I delivered the rest of her and I was so surprised she came out so quickly. I think the entire pushing phase lasted just under six minutes. As the doctor pulled the baby out, she held it over me and said to Damien, "Dad- tell everyone what you have!" Just before Damien shouted the news, I saw the baby's private part and couldn't believe what I saw. "It's a Girl!" Damien shouted and everyone in the room went absolutely crazy. She laid her on my chest and I just put my arms around her and said, "Emily!"

This birthing moment was unbelievable. Emily's labor was not only the longest of all of my four labors, but also the most difficult. After six hours of intense labor- she was here. After I got all cleaned up- Damien went out and got the kids. They cautiously walked in and saw me lying in bed with the baby. They looked at me eagerly and I said to them, "Michael, Claire, and Matthew- you have a new baby . . . sister!" Claire smiled as big as I have ever seen her smile and covered her mouth with her hands. Michael gave me such a sweet grin and Matthew looked at me as confused as he did when he came to see me earlier. She was here. Emily was part if our family. We couldn't believe it. Almost immediately- they wanted to see her hands, her feet, and verify she was a girl! The nurse weighed Emily and she weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and she measured 19 1/2 inches long. At this moment- I was so happy she came 3 1/2 weeks early because she would have been a very big full term baby!

After a good 20 minutes on my chest- the nurses took Emily over to the examination table and noticed she was breathing a bit rapidly. They decided they were going to take her up to the NICU to observe her and I completely agreed with their decision. After all- Claire was my only baby to never set foot in a NICU so this was par for the course. Damien went up with her and my Mom stayed with me while I recovered. Emily's breathing eventually recovered but they then realized she had low blood sugar. They suggested giving her some formula and over the next hour- Damien fed her 30 cc of it and it did the trick! I was wheeled up to the NICU to see her and hold her and I was there when they told me we could take her back to our room! This news was fantastic and Damien and I spent the rest of the night gazing at our newborn baby girl.

While I avoided many scares over the last nine months- it was a long nine months full of intense emotion. I thank God so much for blessing me with the strength needed to get through everything, with blessing me with such a healthy pregnancy, with a healthy daughter, with supportive family and friends who gave me so much support, and with the most wonderful children who through it all- adjusted and made life as easy as possible for their Mommy. A special thank you to my husband who never ceases to amaze me with his strength, love, support, and patience. I couldn't have done it without him. We made it. Thank you God for Emily. She is truly our little angel.

It's A Girl!

Emily Is Here!

Born June 12th at 5:32 p.m.

8 lbs. 1 oz.

19.5 inches long

36.5 weeks gestation

We are so happy to have a new little girl in our family and she is just perfect! I will update later but am just overjoyed to have Emily in our life. She is so loved by her siblings and yes, Claire is just beside herself! More pictures to come!

June 12th. What Will It Hold?

Just a quick update. I was thrilled to learn that when I called into Labor and Delivery this morning that my cerclage removal surgery was still on! When I was pregnant with Matthew, my cerclage removal got bumped because all of the operating rooms were full (too many c-sections at the hospital). But not this time!!! It is 7:05 a.m. and I am waiting for my sister in laws to come over and watch the kids so Damien, my Mom, and I can go to the hospital and get the cerclage out! Will the baby come? I don't know. Do I want it to come? Oh, yes! But if nothing else- I do regain my freedom today which will do wonders for me mentally and physically. If the baby doesn't come- I am prepared to think in my head that every day he/she is in there- he/she is just getting stronger and healthier. My doctor previously said that when she takes the cerclage out I am at least 3 cm dilated- she will break my bag of water and get the show on the road. If not- well, we start the waiting game and I will come home and wait for labor to start (which usually does within three days of the cerclage removal). So- that's it. Will I meet Emily or Daniel today? I don't know. But I am so happy to be where I am today and at the very least- getting the cerclage out! Stay tuned! I will try and update a little later today!

Sitting on the Throne- for now.

A few Sundays ago, we went to mass on a beautiful day and I was feeling really good. I think at the time I was 34 weeks and we were headed into safer territory with Baby #4. As we reached the front of the church, the priest reached out and touched my belly and blessed him/her- then turned to Matthew and said, "Enjoy the throne right now. Because whether you know it or not you are about to be dethroned!" I laughed a little and gathered all of my kids and sat them together in a pew and enjoyed the liturgy. As I began some reflective prayer, I repeated over in my head what the priest had said to Matthew and got a little teary eyed. He wanted me to hold him in mass and I did just that. I looked at this pretty blue/green eyes, his long chubby fingers, I even caressed his soft cheek for a few minutes. Matthew- my baby. My sweet boy. Matthew has been attached to me since the moment he was born. I can honestly say he is a Mama's boy and he makes my heart so full and warm with love for him.

I am due to give birth any day now. In many ways I know what I am getting myself into. I know the beautiful chaos that will ensue once we bring this baby home. I realize my life will be flipped upside down for a while only to be flipped back over once I remember how to conduct life on little to no sleep. I have done this three times before and I can do this again. This I know. One thing that I have always had a hard time with is looking at my youngest child and feeling bad that another baby is coming into the family and is about to displace them as the one who might need the most attention. Logically I get that Matthew or any of my other babies will/would adjust to the change of having a new sibling- but something about getting so close to this change makes me so emotional. We have talked a lot about Baby Choo Choo. If you ask Matthew if he loves the baby he will say "Big Much"! If I ask him if he is going to hold the baby- he will hold out his chubby arms and then say, "Shhhh, shhhh, shhhh". I have prepared this little guy as much as I possibly can for the change that is going to happen and know that the only thing that is going to make it more real for him is to actually have the baby.

Last night, as I put Matthew to sleep (which at this point consists of me holding him on the couch and giving him a bottle) he kept looking at me, pretending to close his eyes, and then cracking a sweet smile behind the nipple of the bottle. I stroked his sweaty little head and examined every little part of his face. His mouth looked so small. His nose was so little and shiny. His ears barely poked out from the side of his head. He is my little baby. He's the littlest baby I currently have and I want to remember how small he seems because I know that with the birth of his soon to be sibling- he is going to seem so big next to the new little peanut. I have enjoyed watching Matthew grow over the past two years and four months. I think back to the hours I paced the floor in the middle of the night trying to get him to fall asleep. I think back to the many hours I spent breastfeeding him and cuddling him after he would nod off mid-feed. I know I have been there for him and have no regrets about my involvement in his life. He is my boy and I am his Mommy. This will never change.

A funny thing happens when you are about to give birth to a new life. You suddenly realize the change that is about to happen and want to take a mental snapshot of life before the new baby comes. When I gave birth to Claire- I cried in the hospital that night because it didn't feel good to be there with out Michael. When I gave birth to Matthew, I felt so bad when Michael and Claire left the hospital crying because they wanted to stay with Mom, Dad, and the new baby. Now I am preparing to deal with the same guilt I encountered with the three of them this time around. I have gifts wrapped for all of them hidden at home ("Big Brother/Big Sister Gifts" I call them). I have let them play with the new stroller, the change table, and the baby swing in the hope that they will feel at ease about the change that is coming. Yet no matter what I do to prepare them, only the birth of their sibling will make the change real.

I am so excited to meet this baby and I know that all of their lives will be richer by having another sibling. This baby is wonderful for us all. Will it rock the boat a little? Absolutely. However, I would have not taken this on if I didn't have full confidence that after a few days on rough seas- we will find peaceful waters and enjoy the ride. I am going to try and breathe in life with three kids as much as I can over the next few days/hours. And when I meet this new little one- I know it will feel right and I know that all of my children will be so lucky to have a new brother or a sister! Oh, a change is gonna come. But in the end- we will all be okay.

Claire's Kindergarten Graduation

Today was a fantastic day! My sweet Clairey graduated from Kindergarten! Where has the time gone? I swear- we were just here with Michael and in no time at all, we are watching Claire graduate! She has been so excited for this day. She has been marking off the days on her calendar just to make it to this very important day in her life. Everyday at school- she would come home and tell me how many days she had left of Kindergarten. She would say things like, "This is the last day I have to wear my jumper!" or "This is the last time we bring snack to school!" All of these 'lasts' led her to this day where she would say goodbye to half day Kindergarten and eventually bring her to full day First Grade this coming Fall!

The Kindergarten graduation is so sweet. It was pretty much the same as Michael's graduation last year, but it was just as special to see Claire and all of her classmates sing their sweet songs and process down the aisle of the church. A huge hit every year is the song "First Grade, First Grade" which is sung to the tune of "New York, New York". She looked so beautiful up there (she requested I curl her hair that morning) and beamed with confidence. She new all the moves to the songs, and I loved hearing her name called to get her diploma and how she turned around to see the audience with her big smile. Michael was able to get out of class to come to the church to watch his sister graduate which was special to both Michael and Claire. He wasn't able to go to the reception afterwards, but at least he was able be a part of it. E, Papa, Heather, Ali, Damien, Matthew, Michael and I waved as she processed out of the church and truly enjoyed seeing Claire so happy!

At the reception after the graduation, Claire wanted to take pictures with her teachers and with some of her close friends. What I loved is that she really wanted to take a picture with Matthew so she could show it to him when he got older and graduated from Kindergarten. She is such a little Mommy to him. It was a beautiful day and I was so happy that I was able to be there with her and see her graduate. Congratulations Claire! We love you very much!!!

Bye Bye Baseball!

This weekend brought Michael's first baseball season to a close and what a season it was! I was so happy with his experience during his first season of baseball. I think he got just the right balance of coaching, experience, and fun. His coach was really great. He definitely taught the boys the game of baseball, provided them with instruction- but also didn't put a lot of pressure on them or make them take things too seriously. Baseball is a sport that is very rule and situation based. Learning how to catch a ball or hit a ball is the first step- but once you get that down, you need to have your head in the game and know where and when to make a play. A lot of this knowledge is taught just by playing. When you field a grounder, you have to know where you are going to throw it. You need to know when to cover the bag or when to charge a ball. You need to figure out how to hit the ball to certain parts of the field and it is a lot to remember! I was so impressed with how one season of baseball really transformed Michael's knowledge of the game!

In the beginning, he liked baseball. However- by the end, he loved it! He is already looking forward to next Spring when he can play again! Michael developed a real love for the game. He was asking Damien almost nightly to go out in the backyard to play catch. Michael would ask him to stay after practice to hit some balls. It was really cute to watch and honestly hard for me to just watch because I really wanted to get out there with Michael and throw the ball around with him. Only a few more days and I can do that! I got a kick out of Claire who by the end of Michael's season decided that she too wanted to play next year. And Matthew- this kid really started to look up his big brother. If he started to see Michael get ready for a practice or a game he would start saying, "Michael go baseball?" and then follow it up with, "I go baseball. Dad- I go baseball!" Matthew would not be denied and Daddy was nice enough to take him most of the time.

I was really proud of my Michael. He always tried his best, developed a real confidence while playing, and stayed focused and had a great time out there. I loved watching him play and look forward to many more seasons out in a lawn chair watching my boy.

Michael's Free Write

Michael is really starting to be really funny. He has always been funny but now he is getting more creative with it (i.e. Damien in a chicken suit on his Father's Day card). He is understanding sarcasm and is doing a great job of using it. The first graders in his class had a free write assignment after reading a book (If you give a Mouse a Pancake) and this is what Michael came up with. Damien and I think it is hilarious mostly because of the thought of Michael thinking these ideas!

"If you give a Dog an apple, he's probably going to ask you for a hammer. Once you give him the hammer, he's going to ask you to hit it. Once you hit it, he's going to sell it. His sign will say, "Free Apple Sauce". Then, he'll ask you for some wood. Then he'll build a wooden apple. Once it's finished, he'll send it to his family. Chances are, if you give him the apple, he'll ask you for a hammer."

*Editorial note: I had to include this picture of Michael and Claire who insisted on taking their Nintendo DS to Starbucks. I just thought it was really cute!

Getting Ready For Baby!

We have been trying to do some fun projects before the baby comes to not only get the kids a little excited about the arrival of their new sibling but to also ward off some of the 'school is almost out and I can't focus at home' craziness. I have this cute kit where you can make your own bibs and knew that the kids would love it. All three kids took a different approach and I loved how they each made it their own and felt proud of their creation! It is hard to make a gender neutral bib because you have to keep the colors balanced and have to think of things to draw that both a boy and a girl would like! This little baby is so lucky to have these three kids as siblings because they are so loving and so ready to welcome a new little baby into our family!

Here is Michael's bib.


















Here is Claire's Bib.

And lastly- here is Matthew's Bib.

I love these and will cherish them for a long time.

Touchy Touchy

I know a lot of pregnant woman cringe at the thought of having someone touch their belly. This has never bugged me unless they touch it before week sixteen or so (when it is still a little too cushy). I know people are just curious and that they know that there is a miracle growing in there and that is why they wnat to touch. So what has been bothering me? Let me explain. I don't know the gender of this baby but it appears that the rest of the world does. I am really trying to stay in the neutral zone in terms of wanting a boy or a girl and feel pretty good about it. I like hanging out in this 'safe place' but everyone wants to tell me what I am having! It is especially bad when people talk about it in front of Claire (who is the only one in the house who has a clear preference on what she wants). The other day I was in a coffee shop and this woman knew for sure I was having a boy. Claire grimaced at this and told the woman that it was actually a girl. "God told me so," Claire confidently responded.

I know that a big pregnant belly is a sight and I get that fact that people are curious to know who is in there. But sometimes it gets a little crazy. Like the other day when these two woman asked me to lift up my hair so they could see the hairline on the nape of my neck. They inspected it for a few minutes and said that it looked like I was having a girl. Others want to know how Matthew is behaving because they believe that if he is calm and adjusting well to my belly- that there is a boy in my tummy. If he were resisting and acting worse than normal, it apparently would be a girl. I have had people look at my earlobes to see if one is bigger than the other, a few people wanted me to turn around 360 degrees before they made their guess, and I had one lady ask me if my ankles were swelling and because I told her they weren't- she said it was a boy. Another man in a mini mart said to me, "Sorry to tell you, but you are having a boy." I was offended that he was sorry for me because if I have another boy, I will love it. People's predictions and the way they go about predicting is just wild!! People tell me I am carrying high, or carrying all in front, or carrying all of the baby sideways, or that I haven't gained any weight in my face (which I try not an laugh hysterically at when they say this because they don't know what I look like when I am not pregnant). No matter their observation, they all predict different genders and sometimes I find myself clinging to what they are saying and believing for a minute that they might just know what I am having!

It is ridiculous. When I was pregnant with Matthew, I was sure he was a girl because all the views of his face in the ultrasounds looked so cute, so sweet. But it was really just him and he is just sweet looking. The same goes with this pregnancy. The baby looks sweet and precious in the ultrasounds which might make you think it is a girl but I am telling you, Matthew's face fooled me! I also did the Chinese Lunar Calendar when I was pregnant with Matthew and it said he was going to be a girl. I plugged Michael and Claire's info into it and it correctly predicted their genders so I thought maybe the Chinese had cracked the code on predicting gender with silly facts. Seriously- I don't feel any different than I have in any of my other pregnancies. I don't notice a difference in the way I am carrying this baby, I think that my face is just as blissfully chubby as it has gotten with all my babies, and I have absolutely no 'feeling' about the sex of my baby. The only similarity I can draw is that I have a hard time brushing my teeth (in terms of barfing) and this only happened with Claire's pregnancy. But that is nothing! This baby is who he/she is and me thinking about it won't change that. I have to say though that I am now ultra curious these days to see who is in there. Emily or Daniel??? We might only have to wait one more week to find out!

Father's Day Ice Cream Social

Lisa asked me (Damien) to be to be the guest blogger today:

Lisa recently had the chance to have a Mother's Day brunch with Michael. Last week, Michael gave me a very cute invitation to a Father's Day ice cream social at his school. He wanted to make sure that I put it on my calendar and could make it (I got a heads up a couple weeks earlier so that I could clear my calendar). When I arrived I was surprised to see so many dads there. It seemed as though all 60 dads were able to take time off in the middle of the afternoon, which was great. We were called in to the classroom and saw some of the kids' work displayed on the wall outside the classroom. The pages were all about the things the kids' dads were best at doing. I was looking for Michael's and saw that he made several nice sentences saying I was the best at playing basketball, cooking chicken, and finally saying I was the best at "wearing a chicken suit," which I have never done. I can only imagine Michael writing that several days earlier, thinking it would be hilarious knowing I was going to read that and it was going to be on the hallway where all the other kids could read it. When I got in to the classroom, with raised eyebrow said "Sooo, I'm the best at wearing a chicken suit, huh?" and Michael threw his head back and cackled like he does when he's trying to over-exaggerate his laugh. I loved it and gave him a hug and a kiss.

Michael then gave me another worksheet that had some more very flattering sentences about me (I'm a "great kicker" at soccer and I was "patient" when I took him to "get a haircut"). He also gave me a Father's Day card that had the signature line Love, Michael . . . your first son.

We both had ice cream sundaes (Michael had seconds) and had a great time talking with him and acting a little silly in his classroom, which apparently they aren't able to do very often. Since I'm not able to be in his classroom very often, it was very special for me as well. Not only was it special just to be in his classroom, but special because I was celebrated for being a dad. I was telling Lisa several months ago that Father's Day was my second favorite day, after Christmas, but more than even my birthday, only because I have to work at being a father. Birthdays come and go, and all you have to do is get through another year. Father's Day, on the other hand, is a celebration of everything I do every day, the quality I most pride myself on, and simultaneously the most difficult and satisfying job I could ever have. That's why I really enjoy these moments with my kids and especially enjoy celebrating Father's Day, because I know there's nothing I'd ever want to do more than be a father to these 3. . .and now 4 kids.

35 Weeks!!!

Well I made it to my last real goal. 35 weeks! That magical number where I know we have reached significant safety and health for our little one. It feels good. No, it feels great. My days are brighter, the hours gracefully pass by with little worry on my end and I am finally at peace. In the weeks and months leading up to now- I couldn't will time to pass fast enough. Now, it seems as though the days are flying by and we are getting closer to meeting this new baby! I had a great appointment today. After doing a digital exam, she said I was a bit more dilated (almost 2 cm) and the stitch is still holding. The baby was low and she was still able to touch the head again which made the baby jump around in my tummy. She looked closer at my belly and said, "My goodness- you have such big babies!" She then decided that she wanted to do an ultrasound to check the fetal weight. After measuring the head circumference, the length of the thigh bone, and the circumference of the baby's tummy, it showed a measurement of 7 lbs! I was so happy. She thinks the baby may even be bigger than that but at the very least- this baby will be big and chubby (which is how I like them). During the ultrasound we were able to see the baby making breathing movements which indicates good lung maturity so that was a good sign! My uterus and the baby are measuring two weeks ahead so we are definitely thriving. Other than this- my appointment was pretty uneventful. She went ahead and cancelled my appointment for next Tuesday and said that if I need to be seen- I need to just go to Labor and Delivery and not to the office. Right now my cerclage procedure is scheduled for next Friday (June 12th) and we'll see what happens then!

I am really really happy and I am in such a great place. My pregnancy has been going well, the baby looks healthy, and the school year is winding down for Michael and Claire. We are really busy here and our near future is full of wonderful celebrations. Claire graduates from Kindergarten next Tuesday, Michael's last day of 1st grade is next Thursday, and my Mom's arrives next Thurday, too. And who knows? We might meet this baby next Friday after my cerclage removal! We don't have any major plans this weekend except to get ready for baby. I swear if you walked in my house right now- you would have no idea there is a baby on the way! Maybe because it is my fourth and I am not panicked but whatever the reason- we need to start acting like we are going to have a baby! We need to get out the bassinet, the change table, and put together the stroller in preparation for Daniel/Emily. I need to pack a bag for the hospital and get things in order if the big event does happen!

My Doctor did tell me that I need to be prepared if I do go into labor which will most likely happen if my water breaks during one of my contractions- which I have all day long. I feel strong though and think I will make it to next Friday. This long journey which has taught me so much and reaffirmed my faith in God and my family is finally coming to a close. I am thankful for all of the blessings I have received along the way and will pray for a few more days of uneventful, albeit uncomfortable, pregnant life.