Thank Goodness for Mom

My mom's here! Blogging might be slow. Already she's been a huge help. Playing with Tyler and Audrey. She brought new art supplies, board games, and pirate toys to keep them busy. Holding Cole. Helping straighten up, grocery shop. Nothing's better than when mom comes after a new baby is born. It's just nice to have her here, too, to chat and spend time with. Tomorrow we will drop the big kids at school and head to Target. Another one of my friends dropped off a delicious meal today - out of the blue. I am so, so grateful for all the help we've had since Cole arrived. Can't wait to come out of the baby fog and pay it forward. Here's to a fun week ahead with my mom --- the last of the help, and then I'm ready to face three kids on my own.

Black Friday

Are you shopping today? We might head out to the mall - we're feeling brave. Hit Old Navy, or Macy's. We also need a new laptop, but seeing that we're also trying to decide if we should rent a house we recently applied for, the laptop purchase might have to wait a bit. Speaking of Macy's, here's my favorite Black Friday commercial (at least of the ones I've seen). Super funny.

Happy Shopping!

Super Thankful

This Thanksgiving I'm not cooking much, thanks to little Cole. But we are bringing our favorite cranberry sauce to Grandma Tait's for Thanksgiving dinner. Mmmmm. I don't know why, but it's soooo good. And I might have to con my mom into making some of my Grandma's Currie's sweet potato souffle, or pecan pie when she comes to visit. Doesn't feel like the holidays without those favorites. And plenty of turkey leftovers so Adam can make a couple turkey pot pies. Again, so good - especially with extra cranberry sauce.

So much to be thankful for right now. Adding Cole to the family makes our blessings even more abundant. He's so perfect. We're so grateful - for him, Tyler, Audrey. Our little family. We are healthy and happy. Of course there are things we want to improve upon. Parts of the future seem uncertain - but today (and most days) I want the goal to be focusing on our blessings. All of them. There are many, and we are grateful. We truly have so much, and each day together is the biggest blessing of all. Happy for a day that celebrates gratitude. Ready to spend the day with family, watching the parade in our favorite New York City, football, kids playing with cousins, cuddling babies, getting out Christmas decorations, knee deep in thankfulness.

Quite Possibly the Best Thing About A Newborn

Cuddling and nap time on mommy's chest. It will be short-lived, so I'm taking all the naps with little one I can get these days.Cole and I ventured to the doctor's office today for a check-up. He's eating well and is already 7 lbs. (25th percentile for weight). A little longer, at 19 3/4 inches (50th percentile for height). Doc says Cole looks great.

Letters to Santa

Last night the kids wrote letters to Santa. We're putting them in envelopes today, sticking them in the mail tomorrow. (Might seem a little early for a Christmas post, but with the new baby, if writing Santa makes my older two happy, we're doin' it. They're adjusting well, maybe a little more emotional than usual. More tears and picking on each other). Here's Tyler's letter:

He's asking Santa for:
Edward the train.
Stephenson the spy train. (Big Cars 2 obsession over here).
A Playmobil Pirate Ship. (Pirates are another big obsession).
And "A thing that makes transportation", which is something he saw at Ralph's that makes pirate ships and cars?? I have no clue, I told him to show me next time we're there.

Here is Audrey's letter. It's nearly impossible to see, but of course I had to scan it in, too. She colored only in pink. Her newest obsession is anything pink or purple. Even her clothes - she only wants to wear pink or purple.
Audrey is asking Santa for:
"A shiny car" - her own words. (Santa got this one, and these guys, because clearly the shiny car needs passengers).
A purple teddy bear.
A Mulan dress. (This one is random. I think it's because we just watched the movie, and she loooves dress up clothes).

Baby Cole is asking for diapers, wipes, and pacifiers.

Mommy and Daddy are asking for a new laptop, and a new house. Good times. Oh - and pilates classes for mommy.

Good ideas gathered for Santa, mom and dad, or grandparents. And even though I've vowed to make Christmas very simple this year, holiday shopping is the best. Santa hat is on.

Maternity Leave?

I got to spend the morning alone with this little guy. He even kept his eyes open long enough for a few good shots. And the baby feet? Stop.And seriously, with the grandpa face and little arm bend? I think he's inviting you over to his crib for milk.

I hesitate to say I'm going on blogging maternity leave, because maybe I'll say that then still post a ton of photos. But - let's just say these days I'm not stressing if the blog doesn't get updated as often as usual. Days with baby Cole have been great. He's sleeping, eating. We're tired. Kids aren't abnormally cranky. Trying not to have high expectations for my days besides feeding my children and putting clean clothes on them. This morning I wanted to wash and blow dry my hair while the big kids were at school, and it happened! Wahoo! Post-baby showers are the best. Sure did forget how often newborns poop. Seriously last night he must've pooped once an hour, which didn't make for a good night's sleep. We have been spoiled by friends bringing us delicious dinners, and other friends stopping by to hang with Cole while I pick up the big kids from school. So grateful. My body's still healing and I've needed the help, especially these days while Adam's at work. I think I have about 100 thank you notes to write. They're at the top of my to-do list. Right now, taking naps with Cole is my favorite thing in the world. Movie nights with Tyler and Audrey, or playing at home. Looking forward to Thanksgiving next week, putting up our Christmas tree, and spending time with family.

Home

We came home from the hospital last night with Baby Cole. A day early, but I don't think I could've slept one more night in that hospital bed. Grandma and Grandpa Tait (and Chloe and Mikey) took such good care of Tyler and Audrey. I came home to the cleanest house and a homemade lasagna in the fridge. Amazing! We are settling in. Trying to rest and take it easy. And there's nothing like showering at home post-hospital. The best shower!

Cole has that sleepy grandpa look down pat. So far he's eating great, sleeping great, and trying to dodge Audrey as best he can.

He's Here

Cole Ryan Tait
Born Friday 11/11/11 at 3:07 pm.
6 lbs. 13 oz, 19 1/4 inches long.
Great delivery. All of us are doing well.
He has the sweetest cry, an awesome grumpy face, and already seems a bit serious and contemplative.
He has his own look, but I see a little Tyler in him. Full head of brown hair, and chubby cheeks.

Audrey and Tyler meeting little brother for the first time - with Aunt Chloe.

Time for Baby

Sigh... if only it were this easy - baby could be dropped on my doorstep. Heading to the hospital late tonight. I'm anxious. Excited. A little nervous. Any "good luck", super-uplifting, or make-me-laugh-despite-the-contractions, hilarious texts welcomed day or night. Hoping for a speedy, safe delivery, and that we'll be holding this baby boy in our arms soon. See ya on the flip side.

Something Blue

A few more things are in order, so baby boy can come now. Like blue toenails (just for you, Emily).Deeeelish pumpkin pie baked with kids last night. Tyler and Audrey were so into baking this pie. I was the coolest mom ever because of pumpkin pie. Who knew?

Fridge, freezer, pantry stocked. Seriously?? The world is not ending, I'm just having a baby - but you should see how much food I have. And toilet paper. Ridiculous.

My friends Rachel and Mandie invited Audrey over to bake cookies with their kids this afternoon so I could have some alone time. So nice! Again, I have the most wonderful friends.

Going out to dinner tonight - the four of us.

Hoping baby stays in place until Thursday night because I'd love to make my hair appointment.

Oh, and today as I parked the car in front of Audrey's preschool she said, "You stay here mommy. I want to go inside all by myself". Whaaaat!? Nope. Sorry Audrey, you are independent in many ways, but I'm not willing to let go of my little three year old girl - not yet. I told her I had to come in because I had to sign her in. She said, "I can sign myself in". Knife in the heart. I said, "Well, mommies and daddies have to sign the kids in, but I'll sign you in and then you can walk into your classroom all by yourself". Seriously, this girl is killing me. The new baby is coming at the perfect time - I might need a new little one who needs me, now that my baby girl is getting bigger and bigger everyday. Again, feeling the need to freeze my kids in time. Five and three is perfect.

What Would You Do?

What would you do if you knew you were going to have a baby this week? In five days (or less)! And I mean, within reason. I won't be heading to Laguna for the day, or spending the day at the spa (unfortunately). But here I am, with four full days before heading to the hospital. I still have school drop-offs, pick-ups, Audrey's dance and music classes, and pretty much Audrey with me most days, but I'm wondering how to best spend my time before this new little one shows up and I become his food source. Here are a few things on the list:

Nap! (I'm not always good at doing this, but I need to this week).
Date night, or order a movie on TV with Adam.
Cleaning lady coming today. Yay!
Some to-dos, like get my car washed, laundry, and stocking the fridge.
Manicure, pedicure with an extra massage and salt scrub. Yes, please!
Maybe a hair trim?
Not worry about dinner. I'll have Adam bring home Chick-fil-A tonight, but I am baking a pumpkin pie (been craving one, and Tyler and Audrey like it, too).
Head to the mall with Audrey. Maybe some early Christmas shopping, or a Sephora stop for me.

These are ideas I'm throwing around. Not all will happen, but definitely a few. And of course little guy could decide to come on his own at any moment - so some might not happen at all. I'm gonna relax on the exercising a bit, and enjoy a week with by body in tact - resting, hanging with my little fam, and enjoying my time alone when both kids are in school. How about you? What would you do before baby comes, and life changes in a big way?

Rain!

Rain is so lovely in LA. Truly the only place I've lived so far where rain is welcomed, and exciting. Makes it feel like Fall. Audrey wanted to play in the rain this morning:

At 38 weeks pregnant, these days when Adam works late are kinda breaking me. Since Halloween, my body feels done. Done with pregnancy, the extra weight. I'm sore and feel everything. My body was so strong for so long, I think it's finally pooping out on me - trying to make sure I rest before baby comes perhaps? I'm bad at making myself stop, and rest. I can tell the end is here. Lucky Adam lives with a crazy-emotional lady. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Over nothing. I mean ugly cry. Totally out of the blue, although the reason for the emotional roller coaster is quite clear. After a seriously emotional evening last night (stayed up too late, overly tired from a busy Thursday), our day went something like this: Adam went to work a little late so he could drop off Tyler (this saved my morning - I have the best husband). Audrey and I went to music class, got her bangs trimmed, grocery run, apartment manager stuff, played, lunch, nap time. My sweet friend Emily offered to come over and stay with Audrey while she napped, so I didn't have to wake her to pick up Tyler. Amazing again! I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends. Another generous deed that saved me this afternoon. I'm grateful the sun came out briefly for Tyler's pick up, as all our umbrellas were in the trunk of Adam's car. Tyler and I stayed nice and dry. Adam works late tonight. Hopefully the kids and I will get some much-needed quiet time, and enjoy our evening together. Making butternut squash soup for dinner, snacking on pumpkin seeds (highly recommend roasting them with cinnamon, sugar, and salt), bath night, and Cars 2. Looking forward to the weekend and Adam being around more. Seems this will be our last weekend as a family of four. Gotta enjoy this time. Change is right around the corner.

Food I Wanna Make

Any of these fall favorites, especially Butternut Squash Soup and Stuffed Acorn Squash. Roast Chicken with Roast Winter Vegetables. Mmmmmm.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki, but I wanna add a ton of Asian veggies.Cooking Light Mac-n-Cheese.Crock Pot Pizza Soup.Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts.

Maple Pumpkin Pie.Still on my "to make" list (recipes saved in my inbox):
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Maple Syrup Muffins
Brown Rice Pudding

With baby coming sometime this next week, we'll see if any of this actually gets made soon. But still - they're on the meal plan. What are you cooking these days? I'd love to know, especially if it's easy.

Today's Appointment

Baby boy is a little small. A sign he's a true Tait baby! He's weighing in at 6 lbs. and I almost thought my doctor might send me in to have him tonight - but no such luck, (sorry Lauren - my sister whose birthday is tomorrow). He dropped from 38% to a little over 15% in weight, but I guess they don't start worrying unless a baby drops below 10%. He didn't lose weight (gained several ounces), just changed percentile. I'm just supposed to monitor his movements, and if I notice he's not moving much - call doc., and she'll check me and/or send me to the hospital to have him. No more appointments at the office. My next appointment is next Thursday night - induction! I guess there's no point in having another ultrasound before next Thursday because, according to my doctor, they wouldn't be able to see much change in weight in less than a week (at this point in my pregnancy). My doc was completely unphased by the drop in percentile, and I trust her, so monitoring movements it is! And he seems to be doing fine there. He's a mover and shaker. Especially at night after Tyler and Audrey go to bed. I think he knows it's finally his turn to get some attention. I've had so many ultrasounds with this guy - sometimes it feels like getting too much information. Tyler and Audrey could've had the same issues, but I only had two ultrasounds a piece with them - at a lab - so I was none the wiser. Looks like this baby won't be my biggest after all. He'll probably end up close to 6 lbs. and a few ounces - bigger than Audrey, smaller than Tyler. Maybe I should eat a couple steaks this week to fatten him up?

I am dead tired. My body is starting to feel broken. I'm ready to get this little one here. I'm also emotional about it being the 'end of an era' - our family of four. I know before long we will be a family of five, and that's how it will always be - the five of us, but it's still a little sad to me. We've done good - the four of us. Big change is coming. Adam and I still can't decide on a name. It's almost as though we've given up until we see this little guy. I'm most curious about what we will name him. Could be one of our front runners, but could also be a surprise, last minute contender.

Here's hoping everything goes 'according to plan' and we have our 11/11/11 baby. (He's also Adam's parents' 11th grandchild. Crazy!). But babies don't always like to do things according to plan, so I'm staying alert, and wondering how this will all play out. Feeling extremely blessed, and grateful - hoping that we will meet him and cuddle him soon.

Picture Day

Kindergarten 2011Having been someone who never took a school picture I liked, I think this one of Tyler came out pretty good (or maybe I just think that because I'm his mom). Adorable! Love this boy more than words.

November Arrives

November is here! You know when you're pregnant and focused on your due date (since February), it's kinda crazy when the month finally gets here. Baby boy will be here in 11 days or less. We are ready! I even packed a hospital bag (with hardly anything in it, now that I'm having my 3rd I know you really don't need much in your bag but mouthwash and a nursing bra). Halloween was so, so fun, but I'm glad it's over. Four parties, the majority of which I wrangled Tyler and Audrey on my own - 9 months pregnant, in 80 degree heat (why must schools hold parties at the hottest time of day, on the black top?). Trick-or-treating all over Toluca Lake. I'm surprised the baby didn't fall out because there were sure moments I felt like he might. I have a mountain of laundry. The kids have a mountain of candy. Jen left this morning. Proof that she was here:

Ready to trick-or-treat.

Tyler and Audrey at the first house of the evening. They were adorable trick-or-treating. Audrey was amazed every time someone put more candy in her pumpkin. She would fish the candy out, hold it up, and say, "Now look how much candy I have". Seriously, can I freeze them at five and three. Please.

Off to conquer laundry, vacuuming, apartment manager duties, homework, and dinner. After a quick nap (if my kids will let me grab one). Hello November, we are very happy you're here.