Nana Leaves Us

We can't thank Nana enough for all of her help this past week! She even took time to help potty train Ellery. No success with going #2, but she will go #1 and that is a big bonus. We had a great time with her and so did the kids. We are all just looking forward to getting to hold Bryson and not have to share him with baby hog Nana. We can't wait for her to come back and visit.

Welcome Home Bryson Brooks Chaplin

We brought our little man home today. Putting him in the car seat makes him look oh so tiny. His discharge weight was 7 lbs 7 oz.

We came home to signs on the garage door and in our yard. Our wonderful neighbor made them for us. I thought they were so sweet they made me cry, stinkin hormones.

Bryson was greeted by his siblings. This includes the dog, since Rob continues to treat him as a child rather than a dog. They were eager to rock him and comfort him.

We also had a beautiful flower arrangement and balloons to come home to from Papaw and Grandma Debbie. We are loved and it is a great feeling.

Hospital Photos

Hospital photos have come a long way in 2 years. I need to dig out Mason's hospital photo, he looks like a troll. It is the worst picture in the world and we had to pay money for it. It classifies as a bad paid for photo. Methodist Women's Hospital uses a company that brings in a back drop and does some fancy editing and for only $99, you get all the images on a cd and the rights to the pictures. It was a steal of a deal, when we bought Mason's bad photo the least expensive package was $35 and we didn't share the photo with anyone. This was a much better use of the well earned dollar! The pose above was our idea and Rob's arms. We think we are going to make the wall in the hospital. I think it turned out beautifully!
click on the link below and be amazed at what we were able to capture in 15 min.
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?eventthumbs?event=1RBR00YK
Password: Chaplin

Nana's Love

I would love to have my mom live closer, but then I would end up with spoiled children. Luckily Bryson is the 3rd and I am willing to share more, which it good because Nana wasn't really into sharing him. We are very thankful that she came up to help with the kids at home, they gave her a run for her money and wore her out, but it was a huge help to us. Thank you Nana for all your help, love, and support!

Man on Man Defense to Zone

Our tactics and parenting style is now changing. We were able to run a man to man defense, but are now switching over to zone. Look at these faces, it is going to be hard saying no to all three, thankfully I have a few years for them to realize it.

Happy Birthday Bryson Brooks Chaplin

Bryson Brooks Chaplin
7-27-2010
1:59 pm
7 lbs 13 oz
20 inches
Mason and Ellery are at home eating your birthday cake that Nana brought up for you.

Chaplin Party of 5

Our first family of 5 picture. Here is to being an odd number, getting the weird placed tables at restaurant's, someone having to ride amusement rides by themselves, never getting two hotel rooms someone just gets the uncomfortable cot, and lots of hand me downs, etc.... I have never experienced having a baby during the day so it was nice to get settled into our room, and then bring up the kids for a late afternoon visit. They are quite proud siblings and couldn't wait to hold and touch baby Bryson.

Spa Delivery Experience

I took the plunge and kept my appointment to be induced. I struggled with it not being natural, but it was so nice to have it planned and not have to worry about who was going to answer from our call list to help with the kids. My mom was able to come up the day before and we prepared her the best we could for what the kids would have in store for her. We woke up early and headed to the hospital for our 7 am induction. I of course was 5 minutes late due to waiting on Rob, it seems to be our pattern, but he is right it will all work out and be fine, but when I am late like that I sure don't feel that way in the moment. I was anxious to get going so I could meet our newest edition to the family.
I call the day my spa delivery experience. A much different experience from your water breaking and getting an epidural to natural child birth because you progressed from a 3 to a 10 in an hour. We went in got settled, got my iv on the first try rather than being poked 5 times for one or not having one at all. Had a wonderful experience with our nurse Kathy, if I was going to have another one I would schedule my induction around her schedule, but I am done so I won't get to experience Kathy again.
Dr. Carlson came in and broke my water at 8:45 and I was started on a pitocin drip. We walked the halls to try to get things a moving, I was able to sit on a birthing ball, watch tv leisurly, read a magazine, etc...I also learned later that I could have gotten in the spa tub even after breaking your water, so I missed out on the tub spa experience. Don't think I missed too much, not so sure I want to sit in water when you keep leaking amniotic fluid every so often when baby moves. You are also allowed to drink 7 oz of liquids every hour while in labor. What a treat to get something more than ice chips. I was starting to feel contractions regularly so I went ahead and opted for the epidural at 10:45. I didn't want to miss the window of getting one, but I didn't want the epidural to slow my progressing down. I decided one doesn't get anything special for natural delivery and went ahead and got the epidural. It of course worked like the epidural when I had Mason and took the edge off, but I could still feel contractions on my left and numb as can be on my right. Our wonderful nurse Kathy titrated the pitocin drip and kept checking me on a regular basis. My cervix was changing, but the baby's station wasn't dropping. She assured me that when baby dropped it would be quick and we would more than likely have a baby in 10 minutes or less when it happened. She talked me into turning around in bed and more or less getting on all 4's, but really sitting on my knees. She is good because it did the trick. While I was turned around in bed I started getting a wave of nausea. I stated I didn't feel so good and Rob states oh no she is doing it again and here comes the baby. I have gotten sick with all three kids right before I have them. I don't know what it is, I heave up everything and then feel great and push out my children. It is all so glamorous. I pushed 3 times and out came a beautiful baby boy. I was certain it was going to be a girl, so I was shocked when I spotted the boy parts.

Bryson Brooks Chaplin
7-27-2010 at 1:59 pm
7lbs 10 oz
20 inches

Dr. Carlson is my hero for offering to induce me at 39 weeks. I was just done being pregnant.
Proud Proud parents of a sweet baby boy. We chatted a bit longer over his name, but finally decided upon Bryson. We both were convinced he was a girl we concentrated on girl names more.

He came out wide eyed and ready to greet the world.

Proud Daddy

Ecstatic mommy after finally meeting her little peanut.

38 Weeks and 6 Days

It is the night before my spa delivery experience. Nana is here to help with the kids and we are excited to meet our newest edition tomorrow. Plus, I am ready to have this baby and be done with pregnancy. Good bye sausage fingers, frequent trips to the restroom, trouble bending over, etc...yet I'll miss the movement the most. I still think it is a girl but hope for a boy while Rob thinks it is a boy and hopes for another girl. We have no rhyme or reason behind our thoughts, just how we feel. We are still not sure on names, but working on them. Top girl names are Brynlee, Brielle, Tenley, and if Rob had his way Tiernan. Boy names are harder for us. We like Bryson, Cole, Logan, Issac, and Grady. Only time will tell on what we decide, we will have us another baby tomorrow, and we can't wait.

Slide and Slip

Rob has brought a new name to slip and slide, it is now called slide and slip. Leave it to a dad to make it even more fun, it wasn't good enough to just slip and slide, he souped it up with a slide to a slip. Mason and his friend Sam loved it! Loved it so much it made them thirsty. Rather than slow down enough to go inside for a drink they improvised and found a trough of water at the end of the slide.

VBS

Mason has spent his week nights at VBS this week and has had a great time. I volunteered two nights as well and taught in a classroom so Ellery was able to participate in a few activities too. She loves going into the sanctuary with all the kids and watching the skits and singing songs. Mason enjoyed himself as well, but he doesn't have the same rhythm and beat as Ellery does to the music. He also got to spend the week with his best friend Brielle. We haven't made it to bed before 9:30 this week because everyone comes home wired and excited, so we are a bit worn out, but having a great time.

We also have been car pooling with our neighbors next door. When Jill picked up Mason earlier this week, and started driving him home Mason informed her that his mom didn't go this way and he knew a better way, but then wasn't able to tell her the way. The conversation then continued on with Mason informing her that he lived in Omaha, NE and then he asked her if that is where she lived. He then was concerned if she knew how to get to his house. He ended the conversation with saying I know where you live, you live next door, but he was still concerned and wanted to know if she knew where he lived. She said it was a hysterical conversation. He made it home it home safely, but I think he was a bit worried on the ride home. She also said he asked multiple times why his mom wasn't picking him up. He is growing up and he doesn't sound ready for it and I know I am struggling with it!

Children's Museum with Daddy

Rob took the morning off and went to the Children's Museum with us. The kids loved having him around, loved it so much that they requested to ride the carousel. In the past when I have suggested riding the carousel it would end in tears and scared frightening cries of terror. Not today, they blew me kisses while riding in circles and waved with big happy smiles.

They also have the Clifford exhibit at the museum. We met a few friends and let the kids run wild. Ellery found the corner with Clifford books and took every book off the shelf, set them next to her in a pile, and then read though each one all by herself. That makes a parents heart smile. She might not talk a lot or clearly, but her love for books should help us out in this department in the future.

4 Year Check-up

Mason had his 4 year check up today and everything checked up good, except for the wart he has on this thumb. Dr. Walenz got out her histofreezer and froze it off for him. He was brave at first, but the tears followed, and then he was thrilled to show you his band aid from where he had a wart froze off. Rob told Mason he had a wart as a child too, so he also liked sharing he had something done to him that daddy did too. He is growing up because he had to put on a gown for his examination. He told me it was silly because it didn't stay on well and was opened in the back. He couldn't grasp why he needed it, but once I said I would have to wear a gown when I have the baby he accepted it.

His stats come in at:

Weight: 41 lbs (88%)

Height: 44 1/2 inch (99%)

Pulse: 100 bpm

Blood Pressure: 98/56

He is growing up so fast. He still says mommy 50,000 times a day and it is always followed by questions of why's and how's. What would happen if ....... Today he wanted to know what would happen if we got stuck in a tree or what would happen if we drove on the dirt construction road. On and on with his inquisitive questions. What an imagination he is getting. I find him playing with his Buzz and Woody toys and they interact and he talks to them and they all have scripts now with distinct rolls, on most days he is directing Ellery as well.

38 Weeks

Went for the 38 week check up and my Dr. said I was dilated to a 2-3. I told him we'll call it a 3 and I am 75% effaced. It doesn't look like #3 wants to come out and meet the family, and I have heard so many stories of people having their third child and it being late. I am contemplating being induced next Tues. morning. I call it a spa birthing experience. I go in, get an epidural, they break my water, maybe start pitocin if needed, but might not be needed, and waaa laaa we have Baby Chaplin #3. I am just excited to hold a tiny little peanut. I am starting to swell a bit more in this heat, I don't wear my wedding ring at all. I used to put it on for outings, but I don't even attempt that now. I still have ankles, but I do slow down towards the end of the day. I also sneak naps when I can and they are so refreshing! Mason and Ellery are excited to meet baby and Mason has all sorts of funny questions he asks. Will the baby have shoes on? Can I hold it all by myself? Where does the baby come out, your belly button? What are we going to do with the baby? Can he play with me? What will he say to us? on and on and on with the questions. I think he was so young he doesn't remember life without Ellery or anything about us bringing her home. They love to give my belly hugs and kisses and have discovered capillary refill. Mason loves to put his ear on my belly to "hear the baby and feel it kick" and his ear leaves an imprint for a second and he is thrilled. Come out Come out Baby Chaplin, we are all very excited to meet you!

Bowling

If you haven't discovered kidsbowlfree.com, I highly recommend it. It is officially hot here and I prefer indoor outings these days since I am almost due and feel like I am going to melt when I am outside without a water source for very long. We went bowling for the first time and the kids loved it. I even bowled a game hoping it would put me in labor.

37 Weeks

Another depressing week at the Dr.s office. I am only a whopping 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I feel I am in for another week of pregnancy. I do love feeling the baby move and kick and you can really push against little feet, at least what I think should be a foot. My Dr. is convinced this is going to be a small baby because I don't carry big. I assured him this is how I carried all the others and they were 7 and 8lbs and I think I am a bit larger than in the past!

Happy Birthday Mason

Then and Now

I think it is safe to say Mason had a Happy Birthday!

Tadpoles

When Papaw came to visit a few weeks ago he brought us 30 tadpoles. I used to catch tadpoles when I was growing up and thought it would be fun for the kids to watch them grow legs and turn into frogs. We gave a few away to some friends, but we still had a lot of tadpoles we were caring for. Mason and Ellery really enjoyed them and I have to admit the pretty glass bowl full of tadpoles was our table center piece. I am sad to report that all the tadpoles have passed away. We didn't have any floaters until they started getting legs and then they just didn't make it. We will have to try again next year, but the kids enjoyed it while it lasted.

Mason's Birthday Party

Mason had his first official birthday party. We rented out Bounce-U and 8 of his friends joined him for bouncing fun. It was a lot of fun and I can't believe we are about to have a 4 year old son. Mason was thrilled to have a party and was in awe when he realized he got to open all the presents let alone eat cake. Everyone had a great time including Ellery. They had a gigantic slide she insisted upon going down all by herself. She is going to be 4 before we know it.

Operation Nesting

I have been digging out burp clothes, receiving blankets, gender neutral onsies, etc and getting ready for this baby. It made me week and want to find out the sex of this baby, but Rob once again has helped me keep strong. I also had a few helpers in going through baby items. I pulled out the Valco baby stroller and came around the corner and found these two had positioned themselves for a ride.

Ellery Riding in Style

Our neighbors were cleaning out their garage and found this tiny bike and dropped it off for Ellery. We have had it a few weeks, but it didn't have training wheels, yet Ellery requested to ride it everyday. We finally got her some training wheels and she LOVES riding her bike. She has good control and can stop on command. We go for long bike rides around the circle and she does great. We would never have bought her a bike this summer because we thought she was too young and tiny, but we were wrong. She is our fearless rider. We might have some BMX bike tricksters?

36 Weeks

I had my 36 week check up today and I am behind schedule. I am only dilated to a 1. Here is my blog post with Ellery, it was before I used the handy dandy labels that blogger has to offer for each post.

http://chaplinclan.blogspot.com/2008/02/36-weeks.html
Needless to say I am a bit bummed, but he did say my cervix was very soft.
I had always asked my friend how they knew when you were done and they would give me vague answers of "you just know". Well, I understand what they are saying. I am done being pregnant and I don't ever want to be pregnant again. I just know I am done. I never felt this way while being pregnant with Ellery or Mason, but I am done this time. I am exhausted, more than I ever was with the other two. I am more uncomfortable and don't recall being this uncomfortable. I cringe every time I drop something because it is such an effort to bend over for it. Thank goodness my kids love to help and assist me when I do drop items or need something picked up off the floor. The other day Mason stood on his bed to give me a hug and kiss and stated on his own "see mommy, you don't have to bend over to hug and kiss me." He is such a thoughtful little boy. I am ready as I'll ever be to have this baby, at least I'll have something to show for the exhaustion!

White Sox

Here is the trading card for T-Balls White Sox Player:

Mason Chaplin
DOB: 7-12-2006
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: Toy Story
Favorite Color: Blue
Hobbies: Fishing, reading, riding bikes, trains, and playing with cars.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!!!!
A great day for celebration!

I found coordinating outfits for the 4th and fell in love. Once this baby comes I want to find everyone matching pj's, that is my absolute favorite. For some reason I find it adorable to be in matching pjs.

Fireworks

We invited a few friends over to light off some fireworks for the 4th a day early because it is supposed to rain tomorrow. Everyone had a lot of fun. The big bangs didn't send my kids running for the house this year, but Mason requested ear plugs. Rob came out with his shooting ear protection and Mason was in heaven. He helped light a few fireworks and really loved the roman candles. Ellery was still a bit leery, but she enjoyed watching them sitting on my lap.

Sparklers were a big hit.

Our friend Anne made home made ice cream and popsicles for the kids. The ice cream was phenomenal and the kids loved the popsicles. Ellery really enjoyed hers, I was at least smart enough to strip her down, but she still made a bigger mess than I anticipated.

The Falls

While we were in Sioux Falls we spent some good quality time with Tom and Laurie. The kids light up when they see them and really enjoy the time. I was up in our bedroom packing for our trip, and I hear a horn honk and think that sounds like it is coming from my garage. I went to investigate and sure enough my kids are in the car. I was informed by Mason that he was just packing up his double and blankie for our trip and Ellery was our horn honking culprit.

We actually went to The Falls for the first time, well the kids had visited them prior to with Uncle Tom, but this was our first visit. No doubt it is where the town got it's name, but it was a beautiful sight and peaceful to watch.

Baby Seth

Here is a preview of what we will look like in less than a month. Chaplin Party of 5 your table is almost ready.

We think Ellery might have a jealousy issue with a new baby. She wants to crawl up in my lap or be held whenever I am holding baby Seth. On the flip side of her jealousy she will be very helpful. She is very intent on watching the baby and anticipating any needs she thinks the baby will need. Hugs, kisses, blankies, toys, etc... Mason does ok, more like oh a baby and give it a bit of attention and then off to his next quest. They both do like to pet baby Seth on top of his head like an animal. If our baby has any hair I am afraid our kids will pet it so much they will rub it all off. A big thanks to TJ and Melissa for allowing our kids to pet their first born and intently inspect him.

BTW-We had to head to Sioux Falls for my last follow up appt on my cataract eye and new lens and I am happy to report all is well. They said see you when and if your left eye cataract changes. I am still a frequent flier to the eye dr here in town due to my retinal tear, but at least the new lens is looking good.