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I hate Daylight Savings!

So it has been a while. My old laptop was just not letting me do my normal things. Now that I have received my speedy new computer I can continue with my posting.

We have had quite the past months. Almost all of us came down with what we assume was the lovely swine flu. Oliver was passed over thankfully. I was out of commission for about 2 weeks. It was so awful. I have never been that sick in my life. Fever of 105.5, all the Pepto Bismo symptoms, weakness and sooo tired. I don't wish it on anyone!!

Right before our lovely bout with the flu we got to go to the ocean to watch Jeremy and Jen get married. It was beautiful. Mia was a flower girl (1st time) and Ollie was a ring bearer. It was so cute. Cousin Jace pulled Ollie and Owen (Oliver's hetero-life mate) in a wagon down the aisle. Luckily it went off without too many problems. It was a wonderful time. And my pictures of the blessed union are beautiful as well. (I was the photographer).


Mia's 1st time as a flower girl!



Oliver and Owen in the wedding!


The family at the Wedding!!!

Halloween was great. I had two super cute kiddos. They were Tom and Jerry (Mia's Idea). Mia just loves that cartoon. But of course she wanted to be the Mouse and we had to make sure everyone new she was a girl. Mia had lots of fun trick or treating with her dad while mom stayed back with the Tom Cat.







Our little Tom and Jerry!


Mia has been doing wonderful in school! She loves Kindergarten. She is already reading and spelling. The teacher said she is ready for 1st grade already. We are so proud of our little girl. And grateful she is taking after mommy in her schooling.


Mia's 1st Fieldtrip!!

Mia has been playing soccer with an Under 6 soccer team from her school. She is so much fun to watch. Her favorite part with the treasure box after every practice. Of course! Oh and her daddy was Assistant Coach so if she has a side or tummy ache she could sit out of the game. (Oh did she play that card a time or two). But this was a great soccer season for us. We met some awesome families which we hope to keep in contact with. Also Mia got to be on the same team as cousin Mia. Boy was that fun.


Look at those moves!



Oliver has been changing so much. He sits up, waves, rolls all over the place, sticks his tongue out constantly, eats 1.5 meals a day of food, and is such a great baby! So even tempered, sleeps great, amuses himself, and loves his family. I am so happy to have my sweet little boy!

Mommy and Oliver at Jeremy and Jen's wedding. That Boy always is smiling!

I have gotten back into the swing of things with my photography. I was debating whether or not to continue, especially with 2 kids now tugging at me. But a new piece of land has inspired me to keep making memories with all the wonderful people that come to me for pictures. And I bought a lens that needs paid off!!


Part of My new inspiration!

Well.. it's 2 AM...I should sleep. Talk at you later.

Beach Bums for sure!

So we just got back from a wonderful escape to the beautiful beaches of Central California. We decided to get away before Mia starts Kindergarten and our weekday trips are few and far between.

We packed up our 5th wheel and took the family to Oceano first. A couple days to unwind with full hook ups was a good start. We spent a few nights at Pismo Sands RV Park. Mia loved the pirate ship playground that they had. While we were there we rode bikes, swam in the heated pool, watched people playing shuffleboard (Mia was fascinated by this) and walked in the cool misty air.

Because we had Joe join us for the first few nights we had to bring a 2nd car so he had transportation back home while we had plans with some friends that we thought he would feel a bit out of place at. So the night before we left we had to watch the UFC fights with our family. This is a new activity that we love indulge in. So much fun is had around Josh and Karri's TV on fight nights. So we left their house around 11pm and we head home to start packing to leave for our trip early the next morning. Packing is a job for me alone...My family would look so ridiculuous if I let Marc do any of the packing...and although he is a Eagle Scout..the slogan of "Be Prepared" is more a moma thing. My many detailed lists make sure that we have what we need in any situation.

I packed until about 2 am and then got cleaned up to sleep for a few hours before we head out. We left the next morning about 9...woke up at 7 (went to bed around 4). Mommy and Oliver took our SUV and Marc, Mia and Joe followed in the trailer. Oliver did great. He slept all the way to Paso Robles, even when mommy had to have an emergency stop at the Shandon rest stop...good times.

/We finally arrived at the ocean around noon. (Oliver's first trip to the ocean) It took me a while to find the RV park. I am used to Pismo Coast Village. Our digs were nice. We had our tv with cable, rented some DVD's...and the quiet lull of the ocean waves were very comforting. Not to mention flush toilets and showers.

When we left the RV park we met up with our friends the Garcia's, who are crazy and like to do day trips with four children. I don't know how they do it. We hung on the beach for a while and were introduced to driving on the beach with all your stuff and steeing up to play right outside your car. Wonderful not having to truck everything down. Especially with two kiddos.

A little bit later Josh, Karri, Maddy and Owen joined us. They were going to be spending a night with us on the dunes. This was going to be a new experience for all of us. We were going to camp on the dunes with our fire friends The Simmons' and Russ and Ashley. They were introducing us to the world of 4 wheeling at the beach. Marc also got on a surf board for the first time in his life. Mia loved having the beach outside of our front door. Sand was an excellent entertainer. Of course I toted along our wonderful swing for Oliver. I pretty much take it wherever I go.

The kiddos...

Daddy and Mia going to the dunes..

Mia pretending to surf..

Mia got the guys to help her build a sand castle.

Oliver LOVED the ocean..

The Bronco and Marc on the Quad.

We had an awesome time on the beach. I loved it and I want more. I could have done with Oliver being a little less grouchy from his teething troubles...but he really was good, despite that. I can't wait until our next trip.

Fathers Day at the Firestation

So I know it was a while ago...but I'm catching up.


For Father's Day we took a trip to the stations to see Daddy. Oliver was 2 months old then. Marc loved it. Mia made him a present of Hugs and Kisses. We gave him the candy Hersheys Kisses & Hugs. We took pictures of Mia's and Oliver's lips and put them in a card for daddy. The card was covered with lips that Mia had kissed all over with Mommy's lipsticks. Also there were tons of XOXO's on the card. We also made a paper of both Kids footprints for Marc. Homemade gifts are the best. And anytime Mia can do an art project she is happy. So the Hugs and Kisses theme was everywhere. We also left some extra candy for all the other firemen at the station.

11 weeks

Oliver at Lake Tahoe (2 months old)

So I figured I have been a little lacking in the blog department lately. Before our baby boy turns 3 months old I should probably update everyone.

Oliver is a wonderful baby. He sleeps well, eats well, doesn't cry much; a joy. We just had our 2nd Dr appointment and he is now 13 pounds and 8 ounces, and 24 1/2 inches long. Definitely above average. Oliver smiles, giggles, finds mommy in a room, coos, pulls things to his mouth, and doesn't complain much. He loves his carseat, his swing, his carrier, his sister, and his baths. It has been a wonderful first 2 1/2 months.

Here are some pictures of him until now.

Freshly hatched....

1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks

4 weeks 5 weeks

That's my update for now. I'll get the next pics posted soon. But as of right now.
Duty Calls!

Our Newest Addition

Nine Months

So I am 9 months pregnant now. I hope to not reach 10 months.

Last week I went to my doctor to have a check up. I had been contracting constantly for 4 days by the time my appointment came along. I was pretty miserable. They decided to check me to see if anything was happening. Much to my disappointment...I was not progressing. Then they pull out the handy measuring tape and proceed to measure my uterus. I measured 37. Mind you I was only 35 weeks at the time of the check up. I was very scared by this finding. A...the gestational diabetes helps babies to be bigger than usual...B...Marc's mom couldn't fit him through the birth canal, so she was emergency c-sectioned......C...My mom had huge boys. The first one even broke her tailbone and needed the use of forceps to be delivered. All of these things make me worry that Oliver may want to follow these horrifying trends. I'm not OK with that.

After my last appointment I have been tormented with the thought of delivering this huge baby growing inside me. So, today we had our next appointment. Happily I jump on the scale and I have lost 3 pounds in the last week (thank you diabetes). Then we go to the room and out comes the measuring tape. I was expecting something like 38 or 39 since last week was 37. Instead she measures me at 36. Yay!!! he isn't growing at a rapid freakish rate. I felt a wave of relief. Now to clear everything up we have an appointment in a couple days to have him measured via ultrasound. It will give us a good idea of what he is doing and if we need to induce sooner for my benefit.

So as of right now we are waiting for him to come naturally...which I feel may be never. I will forever be plagued with constant contractions. swelling and pressure. So much uncomfortableness. On Thursday we will get all the measurements back and go from there. My doctor gave me the impression that we would be induced at 38 weeks. That is around April 10. Until then we are walking, doing "other stuff", and being active. I hope to go into labor naturally. The excitemen t of not knowing when the time will come sounds fun...as long it doesn't interrupt my sleep. I need my sleep. Also I don't want to break my water in my bed. The last thing I want to do when I get home from the hospital is clean my bed.

We will keep everyone posted on when Oliver comes. We are ready. His carseat is even already installed in the car next to Mia's. She insisted.

Here are some pictures of us from last week. Warning: I look huge!

Contraction After Contraction

Well,

I have been contracting constantly. A little uncomfortable at times. Pretty nervous that Oliver might try to make his debut before I want him to. So I had an appointment today for my 35th week. While leaving my urine sample, I had an awful contraction. I got all overheated and tired. So when I get back to my room the nurse tells me that I will be checked since I am contracting so often.

The NP comes in and asks how I have been. I let it spill how "lovely" I have been feeling. She then measures my uterus and lets me know that I am measuring at 37 weeks. Usually when I come in I measure exactly on. So this threw up some red flags immediately. Especially since the diabetes factor came into play. The NP said that you can measure up to 2 weeks off before they start worrying. Never the less, she scheduled me for an appt the following week so she can keep a closer watch on this new development.

After all this great news she checks me. And with much relief, she lets me know that nothing is going on with my cervix yet. I am relieved because I get taken off pelvic rest next week, sorry it's been a while. So I can get back to normal. Just keep up on the water and don't overdue it and we will be fine.

There will probably be an ultrasound in about a week to make sure Oliver isn't getting too big for mama. I just want Oliver to stay in at least until 36 weeks...37 or 38 would be better. My doc said that she won't let me go past 38 weeks. So we will be keeping you all updated.

So after all the drama at week 28, we have settled down a bit and given the green light to not lay in bed for the rest of my pregnancy. Now we are at week 34 and ready for Oliver to come. Mia has really enjoyed this pregnancy. She loves my belly. I think she will really miss it once Oliver comes. I also think that he will be her little friend. She takes care of me so well. If I need anything she runs to get it. I am so glad I have her to help.

Valentines Day

So we had a pretty lovely Valentines Day. The day before, Mia had a Valentines Day party at her preschool. She put all the cards with candy together. She wants to do everything herself. After preparing all her Valentines she decided that she wanted curly hair for school the next day. So we wrapped up her hair in curlers and then she requested to have a Grandma Ropolo hat over her curlers (a turban). So we did and I had to take pictures...















And here she is the next morning ready for her Valentines Day celebration at preschool.













My sister Melanie and Sophia flew in from Kansas City on that day. While she was in town they had a prego party for me with my close family. Daddy went out and got Mia a special Big Sister outfit. Here we are in all our cuteness.















We had lots of time to spend with Melanie and Sophia. On one of her last nights we all got together and took some pictures. Uncle Marc was the hit of the night. The kids just couldn't get enough of him. Here are some of the pictures from the night.


Nicholas with William sleeping.










Mia holding a snail.









Marc with practically all the kiddos.

What's Next???

So today I had to rush myself to the hospital. After having horrible pain for about 2 hours..and much deliberation about that pain being either a) gas or b) constipation...I decided that is was way too painful to be so simple. I loaded myself and Mia in the only car left for me...and drove the short drive to Clovis Community. I was contracting while I was driving...(almost used the horn to get through intersections) but had to be safe because Mia was freaked out already. I pulled into the ER parking lot and while contracting (didn't lock car either)...and made my way to the ER. They immediately pushed me to Labor and Delivery Triage.
I was hurting at about a 6-7 at this time....about time for an epidural with normal labor. They put me in a bed and checked me immediately. I felt alot of pressure. I was definetly in labor. 12 contractions in an hour. Luckily I wasn't dilated to more than a finger. Still tight and high. (Can you say relieved?) They did need to stop the contractions though. They ended up giving me a slow muscle relaxer to stop the labor. The first injection did slow me down for a while. Then after about an hour I started up again, but not as painful....just annoying. They put in an IV (my worst IV experience to date...awful) and then gave me another injection to stop the contractions. I then slowed to about 3 contractions in an hour (Mind you are supposed to go to the hospital if you have more than 4 in an hour). When I got done with my IV...they discharged me.
I am now on bed rest at home. I am to keep my fluids up and call if anything changes. I am very glad that they were able to stop my labor today. I was very scared. I am in no way ready for this baby to come out now. He has a while still. I will be going in to see my OB hopefully tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted on my pregnancy.

New News

Well, after a big holiday season, we are finally settling down and starting to get back to day to day life.

Mia started preschool after New Years. She has been asking us constantly if it was time to go to school yet. She loves it so far. Here she is on her first day.

Mom got her ready and Dad took her. I didn't know if I could handle leaving her for the first time. Marc stepped up for me.

The night before school started we got a call from Josh, Karri and Maddy to come over and play. We jumped at the chance and had a great night. Mia and Maddy got tired in all the fun and fell asleep. We found them asleep and it was the cutest thing,

When we left our first day of school we had to take Mia to the Doctor to get her health questionnaire filled out for school. When we arrived we were notified of all the shots Mia will be needing before Kindergarten registration, which is usually in March. I have never loved shots/needles, so I wanted to just come back and get them done at a later time. But Marc and the Doctor thought we should get them all out of the way. I have never taken Mia to get a shot in her whole life. Marc always did it. I can't handle it.

So Mia knew what was happening, I took her to the bathroom for her urine sample and told her about the shots. She was brave and agreed to have them done. I was so proud of her. She toughened up and sat patiently on the table. In walked in 4 shots, a TB test and a finger pricker. Mia was a pro. Now she won't need another shot until Junior High.

Afterwards she received a ring pop from Nurse Carla and we headed to Yodiggity for some frozen yogurt. Here she is being a big girl at the Doctor.

Mia has been taking me to eat when I get a craving. We have been regulars at a local Mexican restaurant, Toledo's (awesome), Piazza del Pane in North Fresno, and Peachberry smoothies from our gym GB3 in Clovis. Here is a picture of Mia snuggling me (like she always does). She has to have her hand on Mommy and Oliver to go to sleep. (She sleeps with me when Daddy is at work.)


Mia has continued with her dance class this season. We thought it would be a good thing to keep her feeling special when baby brother comes. If any of you moms have 4 year olds that want to take dance class on Thursdays at 10am let us know. Her class could use a few more girls. Auntie Jen even got Mia a great new dance outfit. Mia never wants to take it off.


Well I am now 6 1/2 months along. Oliver is growing so much. None of this pregnancy seems to remind me of when I was Pregnant with Mia. Maybe I am older?
I don't know. Our due date is April 24th. We might be going 2 weeks earlier. It all depends. When I spoke with my doctor a month back she was the one who gave me the 38 week delivery date. If my diabetes test comes back positive, she will sure induce me early. Marc's mom couldn't fit him out so she had to have a c-section and Marc was huge. My mom broke her tailbone delivering her first boy, and all her boys were huge! I do not want to follow any of their patterns. And since my induction went so well with Mia...why not? As long as baby is big enough and healthy I am on board.
Maybe this month I'll put myself in front of the camera and get some pictures taken. I have been avoiding the camera.

The O's