Saturday, June 24, 2017

7QTs - All about Baby C

---1---


Clare Cecilia was born on Saturday afternoon after what seemed like a never ending start to the labor process. We got to the hospital at 5:45 - 5:30 was just way too early. They got all my info and pitocin was started at 7. The hospital policy is to not allow moms to walk when on pitocin because they have to be hooked up to the fetal heart rate monitor. Okay fine. So until my doctor broke my water at 10:30 or so I did get a few hours of standing up by the monitor time because those hospital beds are for the birds. 

Anyways so it seemed as if zero was happening and at noon at 4. I was pretty sure that I was going to have to have c-section because this was going no where and it was taking forever. I really thought I'd be snuggling a baby by lunch. So 1:30 rolls around and contractions are getting stronger so I hit the Stadol please button - even though I was really hoping to not go that route. 

Then of course things get a little hazy because well, that what Stadol does. The nurse asked if I wanted the full or half dose because it stays with you for about 2 hours and I told her I'd gotten 2 doses with the other kids so we were figuring at least 2-4 hours before baby was born. Well baby had other plans. The heart rate was dropping with each contraction and the nurse had me change positions a few times on the bed and finally I they gave me oxygen and put the bed in a recliner like position - fancy-shamancy-uncomfortable bed. 

I remember begging Lee to get the nurses because I was ready and he said they were coming and then the next thing I remember is the nurse saying - So I guess you aren't waiting for the doctor. Yeah no, I told her well before my pre-medicated state I was NOT WAITING so she took my words to heart and delivered the baby a minute or two before the doctor came. Lee swears it was only about 5 minutes in between the nurse paging him and birth. 

I remember them saying she was a girl and I ripped off that crazy oxygen mask. The other L&D nurse was there and the nursery nurse - at some point before she was born one nurse called that - there was a woman without an epidural having a baby and she needed some back up - I think that was probably L&D nurse #2 asking the postpartum nurses to come to L&D nurses station. The doctor came in just in time to see Clare weighed. I think he was more than a bit perturbed at not being there but not my problem : ) 

The room cleared out soon enough - Clare was not nearly as loud and scream-y as A was so that was pleasant relief. Now, if you were to ask Lee how all this played out he might have a different story and certainly a different perspective. Something about this labor and delivery was different and effected him in a much different way and maybe one day he'll be able to articulate it...


---2---

We headed to the postpartum room and soon everyone came to meet baby


So everyone found out that there was a new girl in the fam. There was no disappointment or tears that she wasn't a he. I really believe that A is an anomaly so he'll remain king of the castle for now. Speaking of which - he wouldn't sit with me or look at me or anything at the hospital - which kind of hurt my feelings a little bit but he likes me now that we are home. 

---3---

The rest of the hospital stay was generally uneventful... 


The food was the pits and the kitchen closes at like 4:45 on Saturday afternoons so graham crackers it was for my midnight snacks. I had to wait for what seemed like forever for my enormous IV needle to be taken out. I did have an endless supply of water and Coke after not getting one immediately after C was born... Next time, I'm going to have the L&D nurse set up a water bottle in the corner for me because seriously I was so freaking thirsty and this is the second delivery I have had to wait forever (10 minutes?) for some water. 

Lee and the kids took to church Sunday morning and C and I hung out at the hospital with a good friend and way-better-than-this-hospital food. Then Lee came to collect us and bring us home. 

---4---

Obviously none of this would have been possible without some serious help... my parents and Jibbe and Aunt Mary all came to our house and corralled the kids while we were at the hospital plus cleaned plus cooked. We are so grateful and very spoiled. 


And C's first week at home would not have been possible without family and friends checking in on us, bringing us dinner (and C scored some cute outfits), helping cart kids here, there and everywhere. 

THANK YOU!

Also this week our summer sitter started - which has been awesome. She's here in the mornings and not having to worry about entertaining the big kids has been most excellent. I got a morning nap in, C and I got to go to our nursing mother's group meeting (so much more I want to say about breastfeeding support but that's for another day), C went to the doctor twice - all sans big kids. And while I won't disclose when I'm going back to work - because I think it makes people nervous for me - the kids hit a home run with this sitter so they should have a pretty fantastic summer. 

---5---

Now, onto other particulars...


What's the deal with her name? 

There's no Clare's in our families - and probably the only connection that is worth mentioning is that Uncle Kev would have been Aunt Clare but he's not - thank the Lord. 

So she's just named after two saints. Just two saints. St. Clare of Assisi founded the religious order - the Poor Clares and was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and has a crazy story that is worth reading and was the first incorrupt saint. 

And now that we have a girl with a C name - for anyone interested - A would have been Catherine Clare had he been a she. 

---6---

C is a seemingly good sleeper and eater - though I am not 100% convinced that she won't need her tongue clipped like big brother. 


I think her most striking feature to me is that her feet seem enormous - even though they clearly aren't. 

---7---

The big siblings are still pretty indifferent about her and it surprises me they don't ask to hold her more or pick out her clothes. A likes to poke her head and is an excellent dirty diaper tosser... except Papa found one in the toilet this afternoon. 


And so after just over 168 hours of life in the ex-utero side of the world she's being absorbed into love, into the crazy, into the the everything that is our family. So little C, you're a keeper. We like you. We love you. We hope you feel the same way because there aren't any refunds

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Five Kibbe Kids

Clare Cecilia was born on Saturday afternoon



She is being welcomed into the madness of the general goings on of the house. She has been sleeping well (so far) and eating well. The big kids are excited to have her but not quick to ask to hold her. Though they are very quick to let me know when she's crying (as if I cannot hear her :  ) Prioritizing needs people!

A went from being small to being a giant (to me) overnight. I can barely pick him up and carrying around someone four times the size of the newest baby is crazy - so I don't unless its from the high chair to the sink to get his hands clean. I look at his fingers and last week I thought they were small and sweet and now they are massive and cute and chubby. 

How she came and her name and all that fun stuff later.. Tomorrow? Who knows... 

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Thoughts on Five Years In...

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. - Acts 6:3-6


Five years ago today this man was ordained to the diaconate. The bishop laid hands on him because he was found worthy to be a deacon. He had completed the several years of required coursework despite entering the program in 2008 with a little push from the Holy Spirit and maybe a little kick in the rear from me. 

Deacon Joseph and Bishop John 

I can begin to tell you how much I have witnessed the Holy Spirit work through him over the past five years? From bouncing off homily ideas to me and having to read his homilies in the van on the way to church and having to tweak them because I didn't follow him, to just having to do an outline of a homily to being able to get up and preach with no notes?!?!?!? No more nervously fumbling through homilies, he exudes so much confidence and passion now when he preaches - and his best homily to date probably is from M's baptism a few years back. 


He is so passionate about his continued studies and teachings. He pours hours and hours of his free time into preparing for his weekly adult Bible Study. This past school year he gave a class to the middle school students at our school - and I think he may have just figured them out at the last class; so next year should be even better. He gave a three-night Lenten retreat on Psalm 50. 

No question the Holy Spirit is at work - deacon work, pool work, family work. 


Gracious. 

Now five years to the date later and by the end of today this picture will include THREE more children. I cannot say its been an easy road for our family. There has been lots of hours of sacrifice on the part of our family. Getting to church early so Papa can set up. Missing him one night a week so he can lead Bible Study. Giving him (necessary!) time to go on retreats. Wielding the kids during church by myself is no small feat and I have heard the devil whisper in my ear more than once... Do you really think it's worth it? There are ebbs and flows of ease and difficulties with single parenting during church. Ask me in another five years if you think I'm any good at it. But all the trials and sacrifices are more than worth it. 


But you know what.... At the end of the day, there is so much validation that I have witnessed. Confirmations of - yes, yes this is exactly where he needs to be and where we need to be as a family. Whispers of the Holy Spirit saying that's why you were in that situation years ago. That's why, that's why, that's why. Pieces of the puzzle fitting together that at the time he and I didn't realize were even part of our puzzle, that in retrospect is pretty amazing and awesome. 

Friday, June 16, 2017

7QTs - Anticipated Father's Day, First Swim Meet and Lots of Bubbles

---1---

I would be remiss to go any further without saying that in less than 24 hours we'll be at the hospital getting ready to meet baby #5. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm ready - and really I'm not but that this point it doesn't matter. The bag is packed and the carseat is in the van and whether I want to go through L&D or not, well it doesn't matter because it is inevitable. 

So say some prayers for a quick, easy, safe delivery and that's about all I can ask : ) 

---2---

Last week wrapped up E and R going to camp... 


They report they had a good time 


And other than the 3 pm smack-dap in the middle of rest pick up, it was fine for me. Definitely more on the $$$ side for us but I didn't have any childcare options because our school got out a week before the public schools : ( 

This week has been way different. M and A have been in their normal spot. E and R have been farmed out with family and friends and playdates and swim practice and going to work with me... Fortunately we have some pretty awesome people who are able to swoop in and help at exactly the right time

---3---

Then we hit up the pool with 4 tired non-rested kids... 


I cannot say that was a barrel of monkeys but whatever it was Friday and my caring-o-meter was running on less than zero


So the first popsicles of summer were had and had to be documented because that just what I do. 

---4---

This kid thinks everytime we open the garage it is his cue to ride a car or get a broom or shovel out... 


Even though its really not but we will forgive him : ) 

---5---

Over the weekend we took Papa out for an early Father's Day dinner...


Everyone had pretty excellent behavior and manners and was patient enough waiting for food. I was pretty worried about A but even did pretty well chowing down on sweet potato fries : ) 


We got a double round of chocolate chip skillet cookie for dessert to top off an awesome dinner!

---6---

This guy has been in need of some outdoor summer footwear and I finally bit the bullet 


On some Yoda Crocs from Amazon... The price was cheap and while I don't love Crocs for little people because they are kind of clunky - they are $35 cheaper than sandals so.... 


He is kind of a bear to take to the pool because he in and out and in and out of the water (I did get him a WaveRunner ball to throw so maybe that will keep him in the water longer?) plus he scurries around and is not one to use 'walking feet!' 


So we took a break from the pool and hung out with the bubbles and sandboxes one afternoon


Those bubble machines are an excellent $10 investment and get a $5 jumbo bubbles to go with it and you are golden


R was hanging out with Grammy for a few days but there will be much more bubbles and afternoons outside I'm sure

---7---

Yesterday we had our first swim meet....


E swam fly, back and free


R is still swimming pup squad despite being passionately opposed and only wanting to swim 6 and under - I have never seen her this emotionally attached to doing something. Like tearful at the dinner table. When she does do 6 and under though she'll be the proud owner of a new racing bathing suit. Anyhow, she's still with Grammy so driving 2 hours for one lap of Pup Squad was not in the cards... Look for a sisters swim pic next week!


E swimming her favorite stroke! And she even dove off the blocks remarkably well which was a vast improvement from when I saw her practice on Tuesday


She's a younger swimmer in her age group this year so she' got some big girls to try and keep up with but she did great!


Aunt Mary hung out with A at home and M came to the meet with me. She snacked a lot. Got really really wet and proved to be an excellent cheering section. Next year, she's up : ) 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Here's to the end of school....

School's out for the summa!



Before the preschool program


And this was the first day of school


These 2 BFFs won't be at the same school next year : ( 


Sick Tiny Tim M before the program


And the first day


Smiling through it all


The two preschoolers


The sisters without the uncooperative brother 


The last day of school for E


And another because R looked way too big for words :  )


Eeeeeeeek the first day for E!


And the first day of preschool!


E's first day : ) 

Overall it was a great year. I just love doing first and last of school posts for comparison sake!

Sunday, June 11, 2017

The Problem with Honest Diapers...

Otherwise known as why you should never buy an Honest-Diaper-virgin Honest diapers...


I gave Honest diapers a whirl probably about 2 or 3 Black Fridays ago. They were 50% bundles (diapers and wipes) and it was Black Friday so I was in a trying and buying mood. There were six insanely cute prints I got to chose, they were delivered right to my door - no lugging around boxes of diapers and wipes at Sam's. 

Sweet. 

Well then we tried the diapers and wipes. 

And they were awesome. The diaper quality is so significantly better than Huggies or Pampers or our goto Sam's brand. They hold more pee and they lock in odor. The wipes are good too but the quality of the diaper is noticeable - even to the point that Mr. Quality Diaper Inspector himself talked about how much better they were. 

Then we ran out. 

And it was okay. I mean they are insanely expensive - which is why you shouldn't buy them because you kind of get hooked. Hooked on the cute print but more hooked on the quality of the diaper. 


Fortunately I have a $$$ saving coupon queen friend who got me a stash for bebe #5 when Target had Honest diapers on sale plus some other diaper-special-with-gift-card. So they were more in the reasonable diaper price range. So we'll be spoiled by most excellent diapers for more than a few months... whoop whoop!

I did get a BOGO deal on a bundle a few months ago to get A some diapers for the night. We put him in Honest at night because more pee + less smell = better mornings....

So in conclusion, if you are a penny pincher when it comes to diapers (which we are) steer clear of the clearance boxes of Honest diapers at Target....

A's nighttime diaper stash...

Panda, Thunderstorms, Dinos and Astronauts... Can you ask for anything cuter?

Friday, June 9, 2017

7QTs - Pools, Puddles, and the Start of Summer

---1---

The girls dove into a bunch of Fairy books I got on eBay for a steal. I have finally found my used book haven.


I got 45 fairy books and 18 Katie Kazoo books for less than $50 which I deemed an awesome success especially because they only had duplicates of a few of the fairies which have since been donated to the school library (because there wasn't a 'good selection' according to E). I also got a lot of Early Childhood American books for less than $2/book. E read the Clara Barton book and was sold. She's reading Sacagawea and Thomas Edison at the moment - a little reprieve from the fairies much to my happiness. 

---2---

Saturday we had one last game for E's soccer team...


And R's teeball team


Let's discuss who is the happiest that spring sports are OVER. O-V-E-R. 

Moi.

---3---

Monday involved two doctor appointments... Mine and A's. We have induction scheduled on June 17 and I'm crossing every bone in my body that baby will hold out until then. I have semi-packed a hospital bag so I'm feeling semi-more prepared. 

Then there was the moment of truth about A and tubes... and he is in the clear for now. Praise the Lord because I was sure he was going to need them. They aren't being ruled out 100% because if ear infections pop up again in a few months we are back to the drawing board.


A couldn't resist the puddle

---4---

Yes I parked right in the middle of the puddle...


In the hopes of keeping A out of it. And that worked up until the last moments of us leaving because you know what he walked straight through it right before we got in the van and he still hasn't been about to wear that pair of shoes. The kids needs some Crocs... I think I might order him a pair and get him these neat Wave Runner waterballs that we saw at the pool. 

---5---

Summer swim team has begun...


I'm bummed M cannot swim this year because 3 yr old have been nixed : ( even though R swam when she was 3. But whatever. R is convinced she is going to swim a lap by herself and she does NOT need help... I don't think she's quite there yet but I have put the offer on the table that she may pick out a blue racing bathing suit once she starts swimming 6 and under - and E can get one to match it. 

It drives me slightly crazy the team does not have a team pattern but I have bigger problems in my life and I know my OCDness needs to chill out. 

---6---

The big girls have been at Camp Invention all week which runs 8-3. I basically was out of ideas for childcare options and this was it. Problem is have to actually pick them up at 3 o'clock. 


Which of course is the same time regular school gets out BUT I don't pick up at school. E has gotten a ride home for the past 2 year and now I am seeing how insanely necessary that it. Waking little people up from rest to go pick up is the pits - aside from the fact I couldn't work like I do. Weeks like these certainly make me appreciate the people in our life who help make our world go around. 

Oh and M is not forced into resting in our room because we made that switch for A being in the nursery to him camping out with M. Should be an interesting few weeks of bedtime...

---7---

Also, this week I have realized that R gets clumped in with big girl activities she still needs a rest. Afternoons this week have been tough because she is not used to going 8-3. Thank goodness for rest time in Kindergarten. 

One day we were supposed to go to the pool but R had 2 meltdowns in 3 minutes over her bathing suit pattern sooooooooo...... to the room for her and sprinklers for everyone else. 


I mean I understand that she was exhausted so it was probably for the best... 


Another day we had unseasonably cool weather so the pool was closed so they hung out in the back and enjoyed the glories of all things sandbox.