The Hawaiian ballerina & a fairly boring update

First off, here's a picture of Gracie, taken on Monday. She is a Hawaiian ballerina and loves the spotlight :)

Second of all, we thought we were destined for labor on Tuesday night. Steph didn't sleep at all, was incredibly uncomfortable and just ready to throw in the towel. She persevered, though, and we went to our regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Jan yesterday.

She said that Steph can just expect to be uncomfortable for the remainder of her pregnancy. :(

She won't induce her until 37 weeks at the earliest. She invited Steph back into the hospital, but Steph graciously declined. We will look into getting a massage therapist to come out to the house or even taking Steph on an outing one day. Her body is just uncomfortable and anything we can do to make it more comfortable is going to need to be explored.

I've added pictures to a couple of posts and we have officially taken this blog to another level. Videos are next.

33 weeks

33 weeks today. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

I'm taking the under on 1.5 weeks from right now. I just don't see them (and Steph) lasting that much longer.

I was going to take this elementary web 2.0 forum to the next level tonight by adding pictures to this post (and previous posts), but I am having problems with my thumb drive. I am not motivated enough to go to our home computer to do all of this. I'd rather sit in my chair with my laptop and write about it.

I will take it to the next level very soon.

The day of Saturday

Saturday was shower day.

It was also last-day-Nana's-in-town day and YiaYia-comes-back day.

It was clear out the nursery closet and organize its contents day. Also clean the aquarium and attic day. One took 5 minutes and one seemed like it took 5 hours. Laying flooring in the attic causes my-back-really-hurts-now days.

It was a busy day. 10 people in the house day. 4 kids, all screaming and running and fighting with each other day. Loud day.

It was a beautiful day. Full of sun and crisp air. It was a joyous day. Full of family and friends.

The Cearley house has had enough of this day, but it just keeps going. Soon enough, it will be a silent day. After this and a cup of coffee and Elizabeth The Golden Age.

When the lights go off, it was one more day that can be marked off the calendar. Saturday was one more day closer to full term, one more day of growth.

Home sweet home

STEPHANIE IS HOME!

Babies weigh 4.5 & 4.7.

Kids' bathroom is painted.

Shelves are stained.

I am tired.

Bye.

1 more

1 more day down. 1 more to go.

We all hope, short of Stephanie going into labor, that there isn't anything that would hold her back from getting released tomorrow.

The nursery is coming along nicely. The kids' bathroom is even getting a facelift.

I can't wait for the mother of the house to see everything.

10 things that have happened

Since I last wrote:

1. Exchanged Valentine's Day goodies with Steph
2. Bought mattress for crib #2, changing pad & cover, shelves for nursery, art project stuff for nursery
3. Set up crib #2 in nursery
4. Stained shelves for nursery
5. Ongoing organization
6. Learned about Stephanie's new talent - looming
7. Hung out with Stephanie, my mom and Gracie
8. Stephanie realized how much Gracie grows up in a matter of days
9. Mike realized how much Stephanie grows in a matter of days
10. Marked 1 more day off the calendar

Not so fast....

The last couple of days haven't been good days. Steph's had some contractions, more uncomfortable than she's felt up to this point. It all culminated into a very rough morning this morning. In addition to the contractions, which had subsided by then, she was just tired of being in the hospital. It is 3 weeks today that she was admitted.

Dr. Jan came by and spent about 40 minutes with Steph. Just talking. We are incredibly blessed to have found her. She is not only a good doctor, she has made both of us feel comfortable and well-informed. And her and Steph seem to have a little buddy thing going on.

Speaking of blessed, I have to extend our gratitude to everyone who has helped us out in the past 3 weeks. My dad. He dropped what he was doing 3 Fridays ago and came to stay with Gracie until 2 AM. He and Alanna have supported us in keeping Stephanie company at the hospital and picking Gracie up from Nanny B's all week this week. Nanny B - she has been flexible with her schedule, allowing Gracie to stay after the 'normal' time. My mom. My mom has been to Dallas it seems like every weekend, even before Stephanie was admitted into the hospital. She has been energizing and stabalizing for Gracie (and me). And I love having her around. Teddy left her caretaking duties in Houston for more caretaking duties here in Dallas. Without her the first couple of weeks, our house would have likely fallen apart. Miker and Roxy and Chloe - seeing their faces simply brighten our day. We want to see you guys more. Sarah Wise - your company and pedicure are still talked about today. Steph's teacher friends - the inside scoop is essential :)

The cooking, the cleaning, the painting, the running, the advising, the supporting. Everyone in our family and our friends have given something of themselves during this time and we are so incredibly thankful. Your selfless contribution has humbled us.

Count it down, Baby

It was confirmed today. 1 week from right now, if the boys stay in, Steph should be at home, sleeping in her bed. That's right, barring any setback, she'll be coming home next Wednesday. It will be 32 weeks.

Saw one of the boys today, too. Actually saw both of the boys. But saw one them close enough to see some chubby cheeks. Like, you could tell the boy had some CHUBBY cheeks. Steph said she had a good set of chubby cheeks on her when she was a baby. We joked that the boys would be identical and look like her. (You could see the Cearley nose on one of them. I don't know if it was the chubby-cheeked one or not?)

My time with Gracie has been a blessing. While limited during the week, it has been incredibly filling for both of us. And stabalizing. It's important that the two of us are in this together, as odd as that may sound.

We both can't wait for mommy to be home. T-minus 7 days.

Good day

Another good day. The doctor is convinced that Stephanie will make it to 32 weeks (we have it marked as Tuesday (2/19), the doctor has it marked as Friday (2/22) and be able to leave the hospital!

Yesterday was a good day too. Not only for Stephanie, but for daddy and daughter. We played and ran and hid and ran some more and made mommy a Valentine's Day build-a-bear. Ugh. What a concept - let a 2 1/2 year old loose in Build-a-Bear.

But mommy loved it. 'It' actually isn't an 'it' anymore. He has a heart and his name is Patch. Patch kept her company all night last night and all day today.

Stephanie is falling into her groove at the hospital. It's hard work doing nothing. :) No, she's doing a great job of doing nothing. And each day that passes, is another good day.

The show goes on

Saturday night.

The strategy to maximizing YOUR day with a 2 1/2 year old is to wear them out. Do whatever you can to run them ragged. And 2 1/2 year olds don't know they're getting worn down; they would really like to think they could go all day. They don't know. They're 2 1/2.

So, we started at McDonalds. Climbing after climbing. A bit of running. By the time we leave, she's no longer at full strength. Then, the hospital. Running. Coloring. Although more passive activities, the body's still moving. Then, a trip to Target, then back to the hospital. Constant movement. Never letting her rest.

Target produced a meltdown because I wouldn't get her the Dora cellphone she wanted. By the time we got back to the hospital, I knew she was getting close to low strength. When we left the hospital, I put Finding Nemo in the DVD player so she could watch it on the way home. That right there was 30 minutes of just cold chillin' for her. That low energy is just seeping out her toes at this point.

She ate a good lunch and around NOON, I read her stories, and put her down for a nap. She slept for 3 hours. See, that's the other part of the strategy. Keep them on a strict schedule. So, when it is time for nap or bedtime, they are exhausted and they sleep. That means quiet time to myself. And that is nice right about now.

This afternoon, I watched the 2 of the last 3 episodes of Friday Night Lights (Friday nights, 9 EST, NBC). That series has eclipsed 24 as my favorite. If anyone of you haven't seen it, I was the biggest doubter last year, when they premiered it. I just thought the story had been told in the movie (which I did like btw). How could they possibly make a compelling series about it? But they did. They know what they're doing. It's filmed in Austin which is the first positive, but way beyond that is the filmmaking, writing, story lines and most of all, acting. Every one of the cast is doing a great job. It's very honest. And the characters are that much richer with these actors. Anyhoo...

I was also able to get some work done, too, which was much needed. I cleaned a little too. Then...

3 PM - Gracie wakes up.
3:30 PM - we leave the house, Park or bust.
3:45 PM - arrive at Park. It's crowded. At least 70 degrees today. Gracie heads straight for the sandbox.
4:15 PM - Gracie leaves the sandbox, on to swings, slides and things to climb up and down.
4:45 PM - we leave the park. Solid 1 hour.

Needless to say, when we got home from grocery shopping afterward, all I needed to do was fill her belly, give her a bath, and keep her still with a couple of books and an episode of Diego. Two stories and two songs in bed later, she's out.

And here I am with my milk and cookies, typing away. It's a very nice time.

Hopefully, more of the same tomorrow.

Now...the Mike and Gracie show

Saturday morning

The moms have gone. Left this morning before 6 AM. They're both on their way to Austin where Andrea (Steph's sister) will pick up her mom. It's a nicer drive from Houston to Austin, plus it's an hour shorter. So now, I can't help but to think of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, where John Candy and Steve Martin set off on their nationwide adventure to get back home. Although not as extreme, and certainly the two moms are more amiable than those two, they are on their own adventure.

Just like me and Gracie.

We're here alone now. Just the two of us. My mom said she would take her back to Austin for the week, to give me a little time to myself, but I think this time with Gracie will be a very special one. It might be hard and it won't be as relaxing as if she were in Austin for the week, but both of those are relative. Hard and relaxing will pale in comparison to the quality time daddy and daughter will have together. My dad and Alanna are going to help out alot and it's good because they've wanted to. Our friends in the neighborhood are more than willing to help out, too. I might become a playdate dad very soon. Ha.

In any case, for now (at least until Thursday), it's the Mike and Gracie show. First thing's first...breakfast.

30.1, 3.5 + 3.4= 6.9

2day is a day of numb3rs.

30 weeks & 1 day today. 1 more day in the belly.

3.5 lbs = Baby A 2day.
3.4 lbs = Baby B 2day.
6.9 lbs = Total A & B 2day.

6.9 lbs also = Gr8cie's birthweight. Gr8cie was 10 days early. These boys...30 weeks, 1 day 2day. Keep cooking, boys.

The doctor said if they aren't here on 2/20 (32 weeks & 1 day), Stephanie can leave the lovely confines of Room 356 on the 3rd floor Antipardem Unit at 6200 W. Parker Rd, aka: Plano Presbyterian Hospital, Tower B. That is exactly 14 days from today. That means, 336 hours from right now (14 days x 24 hours), if the boys aren't here (keep cooking, boys), Stephanie will be sleeping in her own bed, in her own house (320 Highland Glen), next to her own husband.

Boys.....come on now. Help us out.

What a game!

NY - 17
NE - 14

What a game.

Miker and Roxy came by before the game. It was really good to see them and it was a nice time.

Steph and I watched the entire game together and ate Teddy's famous spaghetti sauce. Mmmm. And we had a really good time together.

Stephanie didn't have any contractions either! Considering where we were 1 week ago and where we are now, great, great, great.

Tomorrow is 30 weeks. :)

Superbowl Sunday

There aren't many more days throughout the year that I enjoy more than Superbowl Sunday. It is bittersweet this year because of our situation and the fact that the Cowboys dissapointed us and didn't make it BUT it is still a day of fan fair. Everything is geared around 'what are you going to do for the game.'

Well, I'm going to go to the hospital this afternoon to hang out with Steph before the game and then come game time, depending on how she feels, we might go up to the party floor of the hospital. The fourth floor has this area with a couple of flatscreens and couches and seems perfect for watching the Superbowl in a hospital. We're gonna get crazy.

I haven't called any of our friends, primarily Miker and Roxane to invite them to join in the festivities, but it is difficult. I don't know how Stephanie will feel before or during the game. I don't know what she'll want to do and I don't want to disappoint anyone because of anything that might or might not happen.

So, to all our friends out there, know that we both wish we could be together with you today and tonight. We are there in spirit. As I'm sure the Cowboys are too. God help us if they actually MAKE it there anytime soon.

Who am I kidding? Next year, they're going to win it.

Just another pregnant Saturday

Lots happened today. Both at home and at the hospital. The boys aren't here yet and really didn't tease us, but today was filled with activity.

I woke up here with a mission and that mission was applying First Anniversary to the 4 BIG walls in the nursery. But of course, I had to tape first. But before I could tape, I actually had to get the tape. Before I could actually get the tape, I had to get my mom and Gracie out of the house because....well, when a 2 1/2 year old knows that you are going to do anything to the walls, especially PAINT, in her baby brothers' room, it turns into a chaotic situation quickly. There is nothing productive to saying, 'Gracie, don't take that in there,' and following her into the other room(s) to get 'that' and bringing it back where it needs to go 15 times in the span of 5 minutes.

She just wanted to help and I love that - I want her to contribute in any way that she can - but at 8:30 this morning, my patience was misplaced. And I couldn't bring it back where it needed to go.

So, they left, Teddy started painting, I got the tape and then when I got back, we painted the room in a world-record time of 2 hours. Cutting in and everything. So what if there are some spots that need touch up. That goes with the territory. But I'm telling you, Mike and Teddy can go into business and make some serious scratch. Painting, landscaping, building - we are versatile. And efficient.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, my dad and Alanna started Steph's day off with a 2 hour visit. Apparently, it was a pleasant visit and just the thing Stephanie needed to start her Saturday. Then, her friend Sarah Wise came in from Houston just to give her a pedicure. She loves feet and will go to great lengths, 180 miles +, to give her friends pedicures :) JK. LoL. BRB. w00t. OMG. I think this is the most computer talk I've ever said. Or written. You would think with me working in Internet advertising for so many years, I would be down with this lingo. I think these letters are still valid communication, but I don't know what the kids are doing.

In any case, the pedicure happened, and apparently, it too was pleasant and just the thing that Stephanie needed in the middle of her Saturday.

She had a couple more visitors from the school today, which were also pleasant-type visits. By the end of it, though, she was exhausted. Not to mention, as the day went on, she grew more and more uncomfortable. Just being pregnant.

My mom and I went to the hospital tonight to see her and it was a great visit. I know for me, it was just the thing I needed to end my Saturday. I think she felt the same way.

One last thing of note, which is more heartbreaking than anything - last night before Gracie went to bed, Stephanie called home to wish her goodnight. She was fussy before that phone call, but when she heard her mommy's voice, it was all over. She started crying and saying, 'I want my mommy' and it was enough to cripple you. Even though Gracie can't communicate everything she wants or needs, she knows exactly what to say when she needs a little lovin. She misses seeing her mommy everyday. And Gracie baby, I can tell you, your mommy misses seeing you everyday.

Week 1 down

Today is 1 week in the hospital. It seems like much longer.

Steph didn't have as good of a day today as she's been having. She had regular contractions this afternoon, but none all that painful. Apparently, that is the key - how painful they are.

She's still dilated 2 cm, which is a good sign.

Gracie bit Kylee again today. We have to do something about that. Nothing that we've done up to this point has worked. We might give Barbara the authority to bite back. We've held out this long, but something has to be done.

I would say I'm glad it's the weekend, but the days all blend together. And there really is no 'off' day. It's all good though. We're 1 day closer to the Superbowl.

My pick - NE 38, NYG 35