Welcome Sophie!

I have been on terbutaline (a medication to prevent labor) and partial bedrest since 29 weeks. My doctor gave me permission to stop taking the medicine on Tuesday, May 27th. The morning of May 28th, I had a regular doctor's appointment. I knew that I was having contractions, but I didn't know was how close together they were and how I couldn't really feel them that much. So, at 2:49 that afternoon, Sophie Lauren Tuel joined our family. While waiting in triage for my c-section, Ben and I were starting from scratch on boy's names. But we decided if she were a girl, we would declare her Sophie right then and there.

My surgery went well and all the nurses involved were so excited that the sex of the baby was unknown. The whole thing was so much different and more calm than when Ted was born. Ben got to help cut the embellical cord and watch as the nurses did all the measurements and stuff. And I actually remember everything.

Sophie is beautiful with a full head of brown hair - with a little bit of blonde highlights. She was 7 pounds exactly and 19 1/2 inches long. She seems so petite and little. What a joy to have her join our family.

What a Weekend

I am beat - but we had the best weekend. Friday, we went to New Martinsville for Andy's wedding (Ben's brother). It has already been a to do because up until about Monday I wasn't going to go. But, having passed the 36 week mark in this pregnancy and still holding, my doctor gave me permission to go. Ted was throwing up Thursday evening with a fever. But I wasn't staying home with a whiny 2 year old or traveling with him by myself on Saturday (he's not known for being a good traveler). So, Friday morning we packed up and headed out in the rain. Andy and Courtney's wedding was set to be outside and they weren't budging on that even with the looming forecast. I'm so glad they didn't. The wedding was beautiful. The weather was perfect. Everyone had a great time. Ted wore a little black suit and was so excited to "be so handsome" with Uncle Andy and Daddy. It was a fun weekend hanging with friends and family. Welcome to the family, Courtney!

2 1/2 is my favorite

2 1/2 is definitely my favorite age so far. I always get nervous when moving into new ages and stages . . . will I still enjoy my kid as much? Will it be harder? What is going to be the big guessing game now? If only Ted were potty trained, I think I would keep him this age forever.

Six months ago, I was laying on the couch puking my guts out. Ted couldn't (or wouldn't) entertain himself. He wouldn't watch anything on TV. I still had to do so much for him. Six month makes a big difference. Now, he can entertain himself for long periods of time. He tells me what he wants. He gets diapers, wipes, the remote (he has some sort of remote radar), can get his own snacks, and watches stuff on TV. I can reason with him. He's a great sleeper - 11 hours at night and 2 hours during the day. He's a rather obedient and compliant child - we do have our days where he's in timeout more than his fair share. But those days seem to be fewer and further between. He is so clever and creative. He repeats everything - not always a good thing, especially for sporting events! He always loves a new adventure. The things he remembers are amazing. At any moment he will break into song . . . anything from "Who Let The Dog's Out", to "I Am a Friend of God", to "Ba, Ba Black Sheep." Maybe Ted is an exceptionally good kid. Maybe he's not. Maybe I'm in for it with #2 . . .

I have especially loved watching his relationship with Ben grow and develop. There's something about a boy with his dad. I'm sure it's so much easier on Ben now that he only has to take a sippy cup and a diaper and hit the road. No more girly diaper bags. But Ted loves sports and music - so they have a lot in common. Ted loves going to sporting events with Ben and can always give full details when he gets home. I love this special relationship that they are developing. I always said I could do all boys - but as I watch Ben and Ted, it makes me hope this baby is a girl. So, we can share that same sort of relationship.