Nana Left Today

I am very sad that Nana left today, but grateful for all of her help. Mason has worn her out and she might have to take more time off to re-cooperate from exhaustion, but her help was greatly appreciated and Mason had a great time with her. She asks to kiss his ears and he walks up to her and turns his head for the kiss. Very cute. We are hoping that Ellery looks like me; therefore she would look like Nana since I look like Nana. Rob and Mason are cute, but I want her to look like a mini Mandi.

Coming Home

We brought our precious baby girl home today! We dressed her up all girly and cute. Rob complained about the head bands, and asked if she is always going to have to wear such frilly stuff. I of course said yes. Not as nervous bringing the second one home as I was the first. I remember Rob driving Mason and I home and I wanted a huge sign flashing on our car that said baby on board. I am still concerned for Ellery’s safety, just not as paranoid. I don’t think the cat is phased by this baby, the dog is still crazy. He likes to nudge at her and attempts to lick her. We did take a stroll through the PICU for the proud daddy to show off his little girl. When we showed off Mason I was holding him of course, but I have learned to share and let Rob have the honors this time.

Mason Potties in Potty Chair

Nana called us at the hospital tonight to inform us that Mason pottied in his potty chair for the first time! Woo Hoooooo. She said they were getting ready for bed and she told him to go to the bathroom and potty. He went running in the bathroom as usual and sat on his chair, but his time he actually delivered. He is still a bit young and I am sure bringing Ellery home will change things, but it is a start!

Want a Cheerio?

Mason isn't sure what to do with his new baby sister, so he decided he would share his Cheerios with her. If you look closely you will see he tried to feed her one. He is starting to hit the non sharing phase, so sharing his Cheerios is huge.

Nana and Mason Visit

Nana brought Mason to the hospital this morning before daycare to meet his baby sister. He wasn’t really sure what to do with her and kept peeking onto the hospital bed where she was laying to get a better look. We are defiantly going to have to work on the words gentle and easy. He was interested in touching her and liked to touch her hair, then lost interest when he discovered the buttons on the hospital bed. Nana is a proud G-Ma. It was a blessing she was here last night to help out with Mason and she just beams when she holds Ellery. She was convinced that Mason was a girl and the only dream I had about babies when I was pregnant with Mason is when I delivered a boy and sent Rob to go check on my mom to make sure she was ok that it was a boy. No pressure to give her a grand-daughter or anything. She spoils Mason, but I think Ellery is going to be spoiled even more. Something about girl stuff being cuter than boy stuff.

Ellery Brooks Chaplin arrives

The deliver wasn't how I planned it, but well worth it for getting this precious little bundle. We got to the hospital and I walked to the unit, didn't realize how far a walk it was nor how long it took but having to stop to breath through contractions every 3-5min didn't help. I walked because I wanted to move things along; Rob was right beside me with a wheel chair just in case. Our nurse was Wendy, and I wasn't that impressed with her. Here is my version of 4 hours of labor. I got checked at 10pm and hadn't changed since my 1pm appointment. I was very disappointed. I was told they would check me again in 2 hours and I was a wee bit concerned about having these contractions every 3-5 min for 2 hours, but thought I would be a trooper. The resident came in at 10:15 telling me she could give me something for pain to help me sleep through the night and might even go home in the am. I tried to tell her I progressed very quickly with baby #1, but no one was listening. Rob was a great supported through my contractions; he rubbed my back and talked me through them. After losing my super and the pain increasing, we called the nurse at 10:30 and told her I needed something for pain. She checked me again and I had dilated to a 5 or 6. I kept telling her she waited too long and I wanted an epidural. I have no IV at this point, so she sticks me 4 times and finally on the 5th attempt I get some pain medicine. It took the edge off the smaller contractions, but I was hurting in pain again in 15 min. I then tell her I feel pressure and the next thing I know Dr. Lasser is in the room telling me if I push 2 times I will have this baby out. Well, I pushed 3 times and we got our precious Ellery. Not what I planned but worth it.

Ellery Brooks Chaplin
2/26/08
11:44pm
7lbs 13 oz
20 inches long

Going to the Hospital

I started having contractions around 8pm but they didn't hurt, felt like pressure. You must remember my water broke with Mason and I didn't have any contractions until we arrived at the hospital 2 hours later. I then had a few big contractions and got an epidural. This time I wasn't so lucky. I actually had some lower back pain with this pressure feeling and requested a back rub from Rob. We were cuddled up in bed having a nice conversation with my back rub when I said I think I am having contractions and might be in labor. Rob was scheduled to do a moonlighting shift starting at midnight but got out of that and off to the hospital we went. We left for the hospital at 9pm and I had to double over and say ouch and catch my breath every time I had a contraction. They were 8 min apart and up to 5 min apart when we headed out. Thank goodness Nana was here early and was able to stay behind with Mason.

39 Weeks

39 weeks today. I had my check up and just about the same. Dilated almost to a 4, 80% effaced, and 0 station. I did let the OB strip my membranes today. She said some people make it to the car and come back in labor and others it does nothing. I am obviously home, so I made it past the car, but keeping my fingers crossed for going into labor within 24 hours. This business of having the first child early and the second one not coming early is not ideal. I have these preconceived notions that I should have a baby right now, and it makes it difficult to get motivated or do anything other than think about having this baby!

Nana Visits

Nana has been here since Saturday in hope of Baby Girl Chaplin arriving early. It is a great relief to me to have her here. I feel at ease going into labor and having to be away from Mason with her here. The sad news is that she is going to leave this weekend, so I want to deliver soon. Mason is enjoying spending time with Nana. She loves to kiss his ears and he leans into her to let her or he turns his head for the kiss.
He also started putting his hands on his cheeks every time we mentioned fish. I couldn't figure out what he was doing. Nana is the smart one; she said he's trying to make fish lips. So now he likes to squish your cheeks to make fish lips, it is hilarious.

Anyone Need a Tissue

The living room is more like Mason's playroom. I can go into the kitchen or cook and leave him playing and he usually doesn’t find too much mischief. Yesterday was a different story; you know to go check on him when it is silent. He usually has the remote or the telephone. Today he however found the tissues and decided he needed to wipe his nose. He didn’t get one tissue; he pulled half the box out and carried around a huge handful wiping his nose. He can’t blow his nose himself yet, but he tries and least makes a noise with his mouth when you say blow. He also will find a few drops of water from his cup and go get a rag and attempt to wipe it up. A few other times when it was silent I found him on the dining room table. Didn’t want to snap a picture of that and reinforce the behavior. He can get up on the table just fine; it is the dismount that I am worried about. Mason does do the cutest thing when I tell him I will be right back and run upstairs for something. He can be playing or reading but when I say I’ll be right back and run up the stairs, he goes to the stairs and sits on the bottom step and waits for me to come back. I don’t know how I reinforced or taught him that, but it is nice. He also bolts for the phone when it rings and brings it to you. He is such a big helper, it should be interesting how he will help with the new baby once she decides to arrive.

Daddy Time

Mason really enjoys spending time with his dad. Rob is really good with him, and they make me laugh when they play. Daddy play seems to be different than mommy play and I might have to admit it could be more fun. Mason goes around saying Daddy when Rob is gone. I say, Daddy is at work and Mason tries to repeat it. It is quite precious. The dog pile is still an all time favorite for them and playing on our bed. Rob hides under the covers and Mason tries to find him. He laughs and signs and says more after he finds him and then it ends with Rob having to find Mason. They are quite the pair. They were playing catch the other day and Rob was trying to show Mason soccer moves already. Something about foot and hand work? It melts my heart watching Rob read and interact with him. I know how blessed and thankful I am to have Rob in my life and I sure hope our kids realize how lucky they are to have such a wonderful father. Well, I am done with my hormonal monologue on how much I love and appreciate my wonderful husband and his love for our growing family.

38 Weeks

I had my first 38 week check up. Mason came 2 weeks and one day early, so I didn't have to go to a 38 week check up. I am dilated to a big 3.5, but I am 80% effaced and -1 station. My measurements came in lower, so she has defiantly dropped. I hear there is a full moon on Friday, so we will see what happens. I am ready for a new little one, but I really struggle with having to leave Mason to go have this baby. It makes me tearful and stresses me out, I know he will be fine, but it is really really hard for me.
Mason had another stapled sheet to his normal sheet at daycare again today. Seems one of his friends shut his fingers in the refrigerator door and it left a red mark. I can’t find any evidence of it, but this new room is a rough one. I wonder how many other kids get stapled sheets because of Mason?

Feeling Better

Mason is feeling much better, although Sat. night was a long night, he did wake up Sunday morning very happy with no fever. He did take a morning nap rather than an afternoon nap yesterday, and I laid down when he did. I think it is a combo of a virus and possibly getting his back molars. I don’t like sticking my fingers in his mouth, but I tried last night and I think I can feel something trying to poke through.
Mason has learned who Elmo is. I turned Sesame Street on yesterday and when he saw Elmo, he blurted it out. Elmo has a fish too, and Mason is obsessed with his fish and any fish he sees, so that might help. It is really cute, he is still hard to understand, but if you ask him to say a word, he tries and you can somewhat understand it. So cute, at least everything isn’t nana anymore. He is also starting to use the word NO a lot. We were building a car ramp yesterday and I tried to take his car to put down the ramp and I got a big fat NO. At least when I said please, he finally let me have it.

At least someone Loves all this Snow

At least someone is enjoying all this snow. You can see where Hudson has packed down the snow for him to rest. The sun was out today and he was enjoying it. Doesn’t matter how cold it gets here, Hudson loves staying outside all day. We still have 12 inches plus on the ground and they are calling for more tomorrow. Eeeek!
Mason is having a rough evening. Mason isn't feeling very good and skipped dinner for the first time ever. He wouldn't even eat a banana; he has NEVER turned down a banana. He has a temperature of 100 degrees and is very snuggly. A bit of a guilty pleasure. Mason loves to give hugs and kisses, but he is not one to just sit on your lap and snuggle into you. He will sit and cuddle and read books, but not snuggle. He was all snuggly tonight before he went to bed, so I did take advantage of it and rock him for awhile. Of course Dr. Dad is on call tonight, so I have to give symptoms and talk to him over the phone. He has been very supportive and helpful to us.

Another Mark

In preparation for the newest arrival of our family, I decided to send Mason to daycare an extra day this week. Today was the day; I have to say I did get a lot done. I am now paying the price for it; I am an achy sore hormonal throbbing pregnant girl. Not to mention I have sausage fingers and toes. I know I over did it, but I was on a roll. Well, Mason also paid the price for going an extra day; he had another accident at daycare. They give you a daily sheet with what he ate, how long he slept, what they did, last diaper change, etc… but when it has a stapled sheet on it you can say one of Masons favorite saying of “Uh Oh” He was playing with his friends today and was pushed or fell, but knocked his head on a hard toy. They hard toy won leaving him with a bruise above his left eye. He is turning into quite the tough guy. Now when he hits or bonks his head on something he just says "Uh Ohh" and keeps on going. Occasionally he will come over to you for you to give it a kiss. When he hurts himself enough to cry, you can ask him where it hurts and he points and waits for you to kiss it. On most occasions it can stop the tears. The Power of a KISS!

37 Weeks

I had my 37 week check up today. I am still a 3 but my cervix is very soft. The softer the cervix the closer one gets. I still think I have another week or so in me. I still have so much to do that I don't want this one to come early. Not to mention it stresses me out that I will have to be away from Mason while I am in the hospital.

Rob is in Charleston, SC interviewing for a job. Let's hope it all works out. I still would prefer to be closer to home in the Midwest, but I have to make my man happy since I might retire for a while after this baby. If Charleston is our destination then everyone will enjoy visiting us and the beach! Our babies could possibly grow up knowing the beach and snow will be a foreign concept to them. Right now we wouldn’t mind that so much, we have received 69 inches of snow this winter. If we happen to stay in the Midwest where it snows I think Rob might require us to have a snow blower!

19 Months

Mason is growing up so fast. He is starting to talk more and attempts to say more words. The other night I caught him saying “Back” to the dog and motioning him out of the way like I do during meal times. I fear how Mason will mimic me with the dog; I don’t have a lot of patience with the dog. I finally treat him like a dog while Rob remains treating him like a child. Mason is such a big helper and funny to watch. It is kind of nice he likes to help; I don’t have to bend over as much with picking up toys and emptying the dishwasher. He even puts his shoes up for you. We were playing our music the other day and If You’re Happy and You Know it came on and he did all the motions and even put his fingers up to his cheeks when “Your Face will really show it”. It was precious. They must play it at daycare. His favorite is still Wheels on the Bus and The Ants Go Marching. He can make animal sounds and name all of his body parts. Still has trouble with shoulders, but we are working on it. The animal noises are the cutest. Such an inquisitive little man and fun to watch him figure things out and wonder what he could possibly be thinking.

Armadillo Sponsorship

Rob and I went to Wines and Beers of the World Zoo Benefit last night. Rob was excited because he had a DD for the night, so rather than dumping the good tasting wines he drank them. I had a few tastes of the good stuff as well. They did have food too, so that was a bonus for me! We were getting ready to leave and walked by the raffle booth and noticed Rob's name as a winner of an Armadillo Sponsorship. We were entered in the raffle for attending and Rob won. He was feeling pretty good and all excited over his big win. We got a pretty basket with our certificate and a stuffed armadillo.

Rob was still on a winning high this morning and showed Mason the stuffed armadillo, of course Mason loves it. We are going to put the sponsorship in Mason's name. His name will be on the donor board for year at the zoo. I think it is hilarious we are sponsoring an armadillo.

Let it Snow

It started snowing yesterday around 5pm and hasn't stopped yet. They are saying we are going to get up to 16 inches. Question of the day, is Rob on call? Should I have to ask that question? Of course Rob is on call; well actually he is post call. He left yesterday at 6am and isn't home yet. I have shoveled up to this point, but since I am progressing along and due in 4 weeks, I gave myself a cut off date for shoveling and that is today! Poor Rob will have to shovel tonight after he gets some sleep.

Mason and I didn't go out and play in the snow, but we did invite some friends over to play. Ruth and Kieran came over and had a grand time. The only time I can capture the three of them in one shot is during snack time. It was fun watching them, Kieran and Mason go for the trucks and Ruthie carries around the stuffed animals.

Thats going to leave a mark

I picked Mason up from daycare today and immediately noticed he had a red mark on his forehead. Daycare said he fell off the slide, and it looks much better than it did earlier. I guess his whole forehead was reddened at one time. They didn't witness the fall and didn't know he fell until they looked at him because he never cried. Tough little guy and I guess he was having fun playing and didn't want to stop. I have noticed when he does fall or bump himself he looks for how I am going to respond and then gives a proper response back based off my feedback and how tired he is. I have particularly noticed it with how he responds to the dog. Hudson doesn't understand how to be gentle and not plow everyone over when he is excited, hence he bumps Mason, I yell at the dog, and Mason cries if it hurts or doesn't hurt.
Onto a different subject. I see a bit of me in this picture of Mason. He still is a mini Rob, but a hint of seeing myself made me really happy with it! I hope this baby girl looks like me. Rob and Mason are handsome, but I want to contribute my looks. Not to mention Rob and I were laughing the other day and if Mason were ever lost and I tried to pick him up they would ask for ID, but if Rob walked up they would just hand him over without questions.

36 Weeks

Had my 36 week check up today and everything is still going well. I am however dilated to a 3, 50% effaced, and -2 Station. We must remember with Mason at 36 weeks I was dilated to a 4 and I delivered him 2 weeks early. So Baby Girl Chaplin could be here in 2 weeks. My OB told me I couldn't deliver because she is out of town from the 9th-16th, and Rob is interviewing in Charleston the 11-13th. I need to get busy and get some things done, poor Rob doesn't know what he has in store for him this weekend! We are going to be busy bees nesting at the Chaplin household with me on light duty work!

Potty Chair

Ok, so we bought the potty chair last week and it has been sitting in the bathroom. Mason will go get you a diaper when he is wet and stinky and request to be changed and he also is very interested in watching us in the bathroom. I wasn't going to press the issues with the new baby arriving and take the approach to let him lead this new course of potty training. I was told to just have it as a visual and around for him, but not push him. Well, he is leading the way. We had quite the milestone this am. We had a busy weekend so bath night kept getting pushed so we decided to make Monday morning shower time. While Rob was taking a shower I was reading Mason a picture book, and we came to the potty chair picture and he grabbed at his diaper. I thought maybe coincidence and didn't make a big deal. He took a shower with Rob and when I got him out and dried him off he was free to roam the bathroom, everything was "free". We call our bathroom the phone booth because it is so small, and sitting next to the tub are the toys and the potty chair. Mason had been playing earlier and placing his toys in the potty chair, not a big deal since he doesn't use it yet. Well, he squatted down and was empting the toys out of the potty chair when he had an accident on the floor, but once all the toys were out he sat on the chair. I was so impressed and praised the kid like crazy. He probably thinks he should pee on the floor now I was so happy for him.

GroundHog Day

Happy Groundhog Day. Mason does projects in his new daycare room. They made Groundhog Day hats, puppets, and colored a nice picture. He's very excited sporting his new hat, the paper bag puppet is in shreds and not too interested in his colored picture.
We had music class again today and Mason loves listening to Ms. Haley play the Cello. He gets all big eyed and sits and cuddles on your lap while she plays. I think he might be getting some rhythm from the class as well.
Mason can now give you thumbs up. Still will give you the thumbs up with his first finger sometimes, but he can make a fist and stick up his thumb. Pretty darn cute, we owe our thumbs up to our Hands Hands book. The one thumb drumming on the drum. It is in competition with Wheels on the Bus. Mason does all the motions for wheels on the bus, the cutest is he rubs his eyes like he is crying for babies on the bus go wah wah wah, and then puts his finger to his mouth to shhhhh for parents on the bus go shhh shhh shhh.