Sick and tired of sick and tired!

If I were to go back one year ago, I would never guess all the changes that one little year could possibly bring. Most obviously, baby Maddox who joined us in April last year. He has completed our hearts with every smile/blow out diaper he delivers daily! Then of course, we moved in October. There was a lot to consider, but in the end we did it. I can't lie, it was not easy!! So much to think about; really the thing we were both concerned with is the kids and their transition. Dalton was oddly emotional before the move, Tatum was NOT. However they both did a 180 once we got here. She was very unsure for a couple months, and D seemed to completely roll with it all. Only in the last few weeks has she seemed to really settle in and it has helped with some new friends! The school here in Bentonville is a 'blue ribbon' school. Althought the school in Ozark, MO was wonderful, this school is farther along in its curriculum for the kids. They move faster, and expect more from the students. For the most part, this is all very good for the Tatum and Dalton.

We also have started them in some other activities. Tatum is taking horse riding lessons and LOVES it, Dalton is doing Tae Kwon Do, and likes it a lot too; more sports in the spring will follow. Our biggest obstacle has been sickness! Literally someone has been ill in this house just about every week since we moved. I had no idea I would be visiting the pediatrician as much as we have!

Dan loves his new job with Walmart; he is a privacy attorney and is daily fascinated with everything that goes into working for the biggest company in the world! I am home right now with baby...contemplating going back to work. It's never an easy choice, but whatever is best will be, I have to just keep telling myself this daily :)

Oh baby

I am almost certain I might be the only person who reads this blog; so I guess I don't have to be completely embarrassed that it has been 10, yes TEN months since I posted anything!!!!! More has happend in the past 10 months than I could have ever, EVER expected. Baby Maddox was born April 2, at appr. 12:22 a.m. Now that was a crazy weekend. Tatum was born a few weeks early, and Dalton was born at 38 weeks, so naturally I just assumed I would have M early too; I would drag myself to work those last few weeks and EVERYONE would say "you are still here??" One of the chapters of my book I will one day write and it will be hysterical will be "ridiculous comments made to pregnant women" And oh my friends, I had MANY people say some really wild things. Moving on, almost every Saturday I was pregnant was morning breakfast date with mommy and the bigs (I refer to Tatum and Dalton as the bigs--you know big kids), mostly they would choose Panera, and they would each have a ridiculously expensive power sandwich and an almost equally expensive pastry. Getting on with the story---I was 39 weeks on Friday, and felt so horrible, Dan and I both didn't go to work; we thought this was the day. I was LITERALLY dilated to a 4 for 4 weeks; yup; how? I have no idea......Saturday came, and I felt pretty good, so what did I do? I took Dalton for a hair cut then drove the kids to branson to shop. I am an idiot; we shopped for about an hour, ate, then I could tell I needed to get home. Saturday night came and went. Sunday the contractions were there, but not totally consistant. We walked the mall, Bass Pro, all over anywhere we could think to go. After dinner, I could not decide what to do. This is my 3rd baby for crying out LOUD! I delivery VERY fast from the past two births, and we lived in Ozark, so the Dr. said 'stay close' what the heck does that mean? (maybe she meant not to drive to Branson---oh ok).

We almost turned to go home and instead Dan said, let's just go see. We got to Cox hospital around 7:30 and Dan's parents met us there to take the bigs back to our house for the night, unless we came home. I got checked around 8:30 p.m. and the nurse asked if my contractions were getting stronger and harder; no they weren't but I had basically been in some kind of labor for 4 weeks, so you know, I was used to it by now. I lied and said THEY ARE COMING HARDER! She checked me and I was already a 6! STAYING!!!!! Called my mom; she was on her way. Called in laws to tell them baby on was his way. I was almost an 8 and it was 10:15 p.m. when I got my heavenly epidural; I almost kissed the anethesiologist!!!! The date was April 1st. I really hoped that this baby would not be an April Fool's baby!!! 11:30 p.m. dilated to 9; the clock struck midnight and at 12:10 my OB came in; 12:22 a.m. Maddox Daniel was born! He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz and was almots 22 inches long!  We have been in love with him ever since.

I have so much to catch up on here; moving to another city, staying home for the first time in my LIFE, etc. there is much more to come. I am writing that book by the way, Chelsea Handler watch out; I am going to kick you off the chart :)

Rainy March Monday

Sure, no one wants a flood, or to have their basement leak, etc. I know that, I get that. I remember growing up and our basement would flood, and there would be a mess and so NO, flooding would be bad. BUT, I do LOVE rain. I love the way it cleans the air and the way it sounds and how it makes all the plants and grass (in our case weeds) so green and alive, etc!!! The rain really calms me, and on this Monday, 37 weeks pregnant with baby boy, I welcome the change in weather! My status is that I have had many irregular contractions over that past few weeks, but they are fairly strong, some more than others, so I wasn't too surprised at my Dr. appt. this past Friday when she checked me and I was a solid 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. My having babies history is that they were both born a little early (37 weeks for T and 38 weeks at D), so where as many women are 'SO READY TO HAVE THIS KID NOW!' my entire pregnancy has been about making it to the safe finish line, safe for baby that is. According to all medical guidelines, babies are considered full-term at 37 weeks, however, I THINK, that the more time in there, the better off they are, unless there is something else going on, like hypertension, gestational diabetes, etc. So I was a little surprised when Dr. said we could go ahead and strip the membranes Tuesday and have that baby probably fairly quickly. Tuesday as in tomorrow. I am trying to re-schedule my appt. for Thursday or Friday. The downside is my Dr. will only be available through Friday, then she is gone next week, so that means I would just have to take whoever was on call over the weekend or next week. I would really like MY OB to deliver baby Rice, but... I think I am going to ask that we NOT do much right now, and let baby come when he is ready. I highly doubt with this being #3, and with all the contractions I have had, and the fact I am already dilated that I will go another full two weeks. Or one week...who knows. I am just praying for a healthy, baby boy and a healthy ME...! I will post again as soon as I know something :)

Counting Down.....

As I sit here, with a squirmy baby wiggling all over, I am attempting to take a deep breath. This is not easy when you have a 5-6 pound (at least) little renter who continues to take up more room and deplete your lung capacity! And I could not be happier that he is in there. I just hope he stays for at least a few more weeks. Everyone says this, but it really is true that in some ways you feel like you are pregnant FOREVER, and in others, I feel like it was truly just yesterday that the test turned bright blue... :) Every Friday my 'pregnancy' week changes, so like today I am officially 35 weeks pregnant. I look at this as a milestone, because I think it's one week longer that baby Rice has stayed put in his place and is continuing to grow and gain weight, strength and be even more prepared for the world. I am also pretty proud that I am still standing upright! Work has been even more demanding than ever, and since I already put a LOT of pressure on myself, I am happy to say I am still hanging in there. Baby's room is ready to go, I think (I hope) I have what we need for him when he gets here.

I will say that both Tatum and Dalton NEVER moved and wiggled nearly as much as this little one. He is all OVER the place! I think the thing that is most amazing is how he absolutely can hear us talk to him, and how he is already responding to our voices. I am in awe of what our bodies are capable of; growing a baby for almost a year!

Both Tatum and Dalton are excited to meet baby. I am so lucky to have such amazing little people like them. Every day I love them more if that is even possible. They are SO good. I know that this will be an adjustment for all of us, but I am hoping that we can work together and make it as easy as can be expected. I want both of them to know ALWAYS that they are so unique and special, and baby M will just be another wonderful addition to the Rice Family.

Work continues on, for now, I am FOR SURE taking as much time as I can and have accrued to be paid for, which is currently 10.5--almost 11 weeks. I am praying now that God will help me adjust to what is next up....because I KNOW myself well enough to know that I am not a stay at home mother, HOWEVER, I also am sick at my stomach thinking of taking my angel baby to daycare when he is so little. There is really no great solution. So I have tried to prepare in the best way I can and we will just see how it goes. Just take a deep breath...wait, I can't.

I am very lucky that I have THE VERY BEST FRIEND in the world always by my side going through this adventure with me, and for that I am so lucky. No one compares to Dan, and gag yourself right now if you want to, but he helps me with everything, THANK GOD for him.

So the deal is,,,I am going to have a BABY probably this month! And MOST likely unless I win the lottery and decide to adopt, this will be our last baby Rice, so I am enjoying the anticipation of it all. I am praying for a healthy little boy, and a healthy mama too. I also SERIOUSLY hope that epidural does EVERYTHING it's supposed to do. I have been trying to block out that part, but now that the weeks are becoming days, I am starting to ponder the labor, delivery and recovery.

Here is to NEW adventures around the corner with baby and family! And sushi,,,,,,and all those naughty cheeses.......and wine, and skinny-er? jeans, and normal bras, deep breaths, and holding and smelling that sweet baby. I'll keep you posted.

30 weeks!

I am officially into the 3rd trimester of this pregnancy with baby M and things are going well and I feel pretty good. Clearly, I haven't gained the weight I did with Tatum and Dalton and I know that has had much to do with it. Tomorrow I go for my 'glucola' test. This tests the sugar in my blood and is always done around this time of pregnancy. Also, the doctor is going to do another ultrasound to check on the position of the placenta. At our first ultrasound at around 18 weeks, it was pretty low, not a complete previa, but low enough that they want to take another look now. Most of the time, nature has a way of fixing itself. As the uterus grows, the placenta moves up. There is no way around the fact that baby must come first, not the placenta. In mid-December our friend Kristi did another ultrasound for us so we could see little man up close and she noted that the placenta looked like it had moved for sure, so here is hoping that this is an absolute tomorrow. So I drink the nasty glucola, have my ultrasound, a blood draw and then my appt. with the OB. I always get a little nervous--it's in my genetic make-up to worry.

The nurse got on to me for NOT gaining enough weight last time. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. As long as baby and I are healthy, than I think it is all good; and Dr. confirmed that. Monday night we had a 'refresher' baby class here at Cox. A friend did the class and it was good for both of us. Walking down the hall during the tour past the rooms where the babies were actually being born made it very real that labor will be here sooner than later.

Another great thing I learned from this class was to download some relaxation apps on my phone. WOW!!! I played one for the first time last night and Dan said I was out within a few minutes. I am going to continue to pursue the relaxation techniques I have read up on. This type A first born kid is again, by nature a little strung out so this should be a good thing for all! I have a busy day ahead of me now. More later.

Keeping Up with the Rices

I really hate myself for being such a piss poor blogger. I had wonderful intentions the first couple of years with this blog and did a 'fair' job I guess on updating it....the truth is, it's mostly for me, since no one else ever reads it---alas I have fallen short. Since my last post, there have been many developments in our lives. Most newsworth would be that we are expecting a little boy in early spring!!!! We are very blessed with this, and are all very excited. It's not our first rodeo so to speak, so we know what to expect, but even so many changes will be upon our family!

Baby Rice is by FAR the most active of all the rice babies---it's like he hasn't stopped moving, shaking, dancing, whatever it is he is doing--! since I felt him for the first time. If I am hungry, he is VERY active, I think he is getting us prepared for the FOOD NOW days. I am almost 25 weeks along, and up until just this week, haven't had much to report. However, it seems as though I have 'popped' as they say. The belly is very much out there, and simple things like putting socks and shoes on are a little more tricky.....and will be even more in a couple more months.

I gained a LOT of weight with both Tatum and Dalton. What is a lot? Try 86 pounds with her and 65 with him....yup, I gained a 7th and 5th grader respectively. This was NOT good. I have been more determined this time to make sure this isn't repeated. The first trimester had ups and downs; yes, I felt nauseous sometimes, and yes there was some rushing to the bathroom. So far the 2nd trimester has been better with the pukes.

I continue to be AMAZED when this little guy moves all over! It is such a miracle.

Tatum and Dalton are rocking along quite nicely. Doing wonderfully in school, and just all around great kids, we are very lucky (we do, have a part in this luck, since kids don't raise themselves, and let's face it, we all know MANY kids probably who are miserable to be around). They are both excited to see baby Rice in spring. They like to feel him move and talk to him.

Dan is, OF COURSE, wonderful. He is so supportive, and although it probably makes most women want to gag with a spoon, he does SO much all the time, without ever complaining. Yes, I know I am very lucky.

Work is still going strong. I am still at the CoxHealth Foundation. I have had full intentions of returning to work after the baby comes, but I have decided to not make any decisions 100% at this time. I am easily the most OCD control freak I know, and I want to have everything down to a T marked off my list and always be set and ready for every little curve life brings. I think after almost 10 years of running and gunning at an insane pace, without any time off of work EVER hardly, I might need to slow down and bit and smell the roses. With that said, I am not a stay at home mom 100% of the time. Ideally, I would love to work part-time. These are things I need to think about, pray about, and trust that the best for our family will happen in it's own good time. (Easier said then done for this OCD chick).

In the mean time, I am trying to peck away at my 'baby needs' list. Wow, I know everyone says it but you do forget that you need the essentials and I had long ago given away all my baby stuff. Where is that wealthy friend who just had a baby and wants to 'give' me stuff for free!!!!

That is all for now....and I am promising myself to get back to blogging more regularly!

Welcome back Kotter.....

It's been a long time since I have posted. I really don't have much of an excuse...I guess just an extremely busy summer, and frankly I got lazy on blogging. So much is going on. At press time, I really can't talk about the biggest things that are on our horizon, but I will say that it is exciting! One thing that is for sure is that we are staying in Springfield. Yes, this has been the big stressor the past few months. Dan was offered a really great position in KC, and after MUCH, and I mean much going back and forth, we have decided to stay put.

I know that there are many things in life, changes, decisions we make, etc. that are not easy and this was one of them. The idea of a new, fun city with more opportunities for our careers, shopping (eh hem), etc. was a huge draw for us. But like most things, there were some very strong pros and cons, and in the end, with other changes happening in our lives currently, we decided to stay put. The 'business' side of all of this, (that I won't get into), was really intense, so we are glad to have this major decision, well, decided and over. Sadly, Dan still needs to call and 'break up' with an amazing company that really really wanted him in KC!

A busy summer of work for Dan and I, and the kids had a BLAST in the crosstraining program this year for summer school. It is a religious based program through South Haven Baptist Church and both Tatum and Dalton had an amazing summer there. We did get to jet off to Florida just in time to catch 5 glorious days on the beach and not get one rain storm! (August is Florida's wettest month and just to roll the dice, it rained 3 days straight before we got there and then right after we left!) Back home, and ready to start 3rd grade and Kindergarten respectively.....!

Though I do not want to spill the beans quite yet on some of the fun stuff coming up for us, I will say in all good time we will share. In the mean time, enough of this hot hot summer and bring on some fall weather---I want to wear my new Hudson jeans and plant mums!!!!