My baby boy's 3!!!!!

Beckett Adam Routson
December 17th, 2009
1:05 a.m.
8 lbs. 2 oz.
21 inches long
St. Mary's Hospital

It's crazy how that information is my whole life, my whole world. It all started with that.  Well it really all started at 5 am on December 16th. My alarm went off at 5 am to get up and get ready for school.  I had my 39 week appointment that day and it was my Kindergarten class's holiday party that day.  I only had 1 more day to go until Winter Break!
But, when I woke up I knew something wasn't right. I just felt different.  I was having contractions but didn't know it at the time.  So, I called Dianna and Melissa to let them know that I thought I was in labor.  They were both so excited and I was just in shock.  My sister was staying with us at the time so she was talking me through the whole process. But for me step number one was shower, hair, make up.  If I was going to meet the man of my dreams at some point I wanted to look somewhat put together! So, I got all that done and went in to my appointment at 2:00.  All I had eaten that day was a nutri grain bar - huge mistake - and I was wearing a velour track suit and rainbows on my fat feet.  I honestly didn't think I was going to have Beckett that night. I don't know what I was thinking but Neal was definitely caught off guard.  When I saw my Dr. she affirmed that yes I was in labor and if I wanted to walk over to labor and delivery that she would break my water and get things rolling.  Thank God Kay was there to help me make that decision!  We decided - why not? Might as well get the ball rolling!
So, I walked over there, got hooked up, called Neal (!!!) and had my water broke!  The IV hurt like a bia!  Once the contractions got worse I had an epidural put it in and was able to nap for a couple hours. Around 11:00 pm I woke up and was fully dilated and ready to start pushing.  By that point the epidural had worn off and it was too late to get another one - yikes.  If y'all know me then you know that nothing about me is "natural" so I had no desire to do THAT all natural! But, I started pushing, and 2 hours later - a terrified husband and supportive sister - I pushed that kid out at 1:05 am!!!!!

I will never forget that rush of emotions and everything leading up to that moment of seeing him for the first time.  He had the cord wrapped around his neck twice so the nurses took him at first and got him situated before I could hold him.  While he was getting cleaned up mommy got stitched up - holy geez that was almost worse than the labor to me!!! But kissing his perfectly round head for the first time was the best moment of my life.

That first day was a blur between the nurses, dr.s, photographer, pediatrician etc.  He had jaundice so had to be kept under the lights, which was torture for me, and when they took him to have his circumcision I thought my heart was going to break in half!  Obviously he is fine now but I did not want to let him go!! While we were in the hospital it started to snow, and snow, and snow.  We watched from our windows in the ante-partum wing (post partum was full...full moon) so we were the only people in ante-partum with a baby!  Needless to say we were STUCK in the hospital until the 20th with pretty much nothing - no food (cafeteria was closed) no clothes and no one could get in or out the ice was so bad.  Definitely a 5 days to remember :)

3 years later I can honestly say that Beckett, my buddy, my muffin, my amazing son is the absolute most hysterical part to ALL of my days, the biggest smile that comes to my face, the best hugs I could have ever imagined receiving. We dance, sing, and play every day.  You are my "helper too" and my favorite words that you say to me are "mommy hold you." I will always hold you, baby.

Beckett - you are the funniest, smartest, most creative, loving little boy I have ever known and I am honored to be your mommy.  Thank you for making my life, my heart and my soul completely happy and full.  Happy 3rd Birthday B!!!

"Son, what's your hurry boy, slow it down. Taste the wild honey. Listen to the sounds of the wind that's blowing through the trees. Rivers flow in to the seas. Yeah they're all headin' home just like you and me. Life's for livin' child can't you see that these are the days we will remember. These are the times that won't come again. The highest of flames becomes an ember and you've gotta live 'em while you can. So, take 'em by the hand, they're yours and mine."

All About Beckett at Age 3 ~ 12.17.12 ~ 

Favorite Song: Jingle Bells

Favorite Show: Max and Ruby

Favorite Food: Cookies

Favorite Toy: Thomas the Tank Engine

Favorite Pretend Game: Playing Chef

Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Book: Things That Go

Bed Time: 8:00

Proudest Accomplishment: Peeing and Pooping in the potty - high five!

The woes of holiday shopping...

I can do this. I can take 2 kids shopping. How difficult can that be? I just need to get a few things - in and out. No problem.

WRONG.  What freaking planet did I think I was living on?

Stop 1 - World Market for K cups - the first debacle there was that you could not push a cart up and down the aisles because they were all blocked by boxes.  Seriously.  So after running into about 10 displays and no luck finding K cups after rude customer service we checked out.  I did get Neal some wasabi almonds for his stocking because he loves them.   At the checkout the lady tells me my total is 34 dollars - I'm sorry for almonds?? Oh no, no that would include a firefighter whistle, chocolate coins, a pez dispenser and a jingle bell.  I'm sorry HOW IN THE HECK did Beckett sneak all that past me and hand it to the check out lady without me noticing?!?! Maybe I missed it because I had to stop and pick Emerson's shoes up off the floor every 30 seconds because she kept kicking them off?  So after I bought all of that crap we were on to stop 2. (I realize I shouldn't have bought all that but there was a line behind me and I just wanted to get out at that point.)

Stop 2 - Bed Bath and Beyond for K cups - first of all let me just say this is the most dangerous store in the entire world.  Why are there 17 foot tall displays of everything that could be made out of glass? Who thought that was a good idea?  After getting something else for Neal (he is so done now) and my mom we found the K cups with the HELP of an associate - they were actually friendly to me - maybe a little too friendly since the guy ran into the wall while trying to help me and stumble/tripped over a ladder. Who knew I still had it?  So we get to the check out with our gifts and Emerson is trying to stand up in the cart - the buckle is broken so I can't buckle her in - and the lady behind us is loudly saying "OH SIT DOWN - YOU ARE MAKING ME NERVOUS - WHY AREN'T YOU BUCKLED IN?!" Lady - you obviously don't have children and my 13 month old can't respond to you yet.  The only thing making me nervous is you freaking out that she is going to fall...so I tell Emerson to sit on her butt and she does and we leave.

Stop 3 - Steinmart for 2 things.  As soon as we get in the door Beckett takes off towards the back.  They don't have carts so I had Emerson in the stroller and was praying to the Holy Trinity that Beckett would stay beside me.  Nope.  He made his way to the Christmas decorations and proceeded to touch everything breakable.  I took his hand and very lovingly led him to the front of the store grabbed 2 pair of earrings after he spun the jewelry stands like we were on the Wheel of Fortune show, grabbed the first scarf I saw and checked out pretty quickly there - no lines. Phew.

Last Stop 4 - AC Moore for tissue paper and a couple secretary gifts.  The first thing to the left when you walk in are Christmas pens/pencils etc.  So, Beckett grabs a 12 inch blue Santa pen and stabs me in the leg with it and starts laughing hysterically.  Since the pen broke my skin we had to buy it.  I reminded Beckett that was not nice and I was expecting him to be a good listener because this was our last stop.  So, we got the tissue and gifts and got in the check out line.  2 people in front of us and Emerson starts screaming for no reason at all and proceeded to do so for 5 minutes until it was our turn. Beckett exclaimed he was tired and LAID DOWN in the aisle, closed his eyes and said he was going to sleep.  Emerson is still screaming, I am smiling and the check out lady decides to have a conversation with Emerson about her crying and telling her "I know this is taking so long and you are ready to go aren't you? Oh don't rub your face that will make it red and you don't want to ruin that cute face!" LADY IF YOU WOULD SHUT UP AND CHECK ME OUT WE COULD GET OUT OF HERE FASTER.  Why do people try to talk to someone who CAN'T TALK BACK?!? Drives me nutssss.  So, she checked me out and it took everything in me not to drag Beckett out of there by his foot because he would not get up.  I had to bribe him with the blue pen he stabbed me with while carrying him out of the store under my arm horizontally across the parking lot.  

We are home. They are both napping.  Thank you Jesus for getting me through this morning. I am never going shopping again and I need some Aleve. 

My BFF

So, before I had kids, I used to have a lot more time to hang out with Kim.  We do still hang out but not as often as I'd like since we don't teach at the same school anymore, and I usually have to bring one or more child/children with me when we do.  We got some awesome bonding time over pedicures on Saturday (thank God because her toes were going to scare the nurses in L&D) and I just seriously can't believe how fast the time is going.  We have been best friends for over 10 years and it seems like just yesterday we met in Seminar living in Curry...

I don't know if it's the fact that we share a birthday, or that our baby boys EDD's are 1 day apart but we have always been in sync and I am just SO over the moon that she is having a baby boy too that I cry whenever I think about it.  I have my babysitter on speed dial to get over here as soon as Kim goes into "real" labor!!! I can't wait to hold Jack - I have been wishing kids on the Wilsons since 2009 when I got pregnant.  I'll never forget calling Kim in April 2009 - I was sitting on my deck and I had just found out I was pregnant. She was the first person I called. The sun was shining on that Saturday and it was early but she answered and I just could not help but thinking how lucky I was to be pregnant and able to share all of the ups and downs with her as we have since we met. Fast forward 3 and 1/2 years later you are a constant positive person in both of my kid's lives and they love you dearly, Aunt Timmie.

Now that she is going to be a mom too I am sure I have given her MORE advice than she ever cares to know or hear but I just can't help it! There's so many things that no one tells you THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! (like it's ok to poop on the table and stitches are going to hurt like a mother) But the most important thing is just how much your life is about to change for the better Kimmie, I am so happy for you and Curtis.  Jack is going to be so loved (more so by me than anyone) and I can't wait to have play dates and for our kids to be best friends forever, too.

So, come on Jack - I am ready for you and please come out before I go to Florida or I will cry some more.   I am ready to come have a sleep over with you so your mom and dad can get some shut eye. We can stay up til 2 am and cuddle on the couch because I am pretty sure you are going to be a knock out in the looks department.

Anyways, before we get all wrapped up in Jack being here I do want to tell you this, Kim...

One of the things that makes Christmas complete is having special people in our lives. And no one is more special to me than you are - you're the closest friend I have in all the world. Ours is a friendship that's grown through all we've been through together - all the high points, low points and changes in between.  You've consoled me, encouraged me and shared a lot of laughter with me.  It's no wonder you're my best friend - and one of my happiest reasons for celebrating at Christmas and our birthday :)

Love you Kimmie and welcome to Mommywood :)

"UPDATE yours"

Is what I got in an e-mail from my bff yesterday....I know I have been slacking on the blog and today it feels like I am slacking on life in general :)

I am sitting in the kitchen looking out the window at the 2 neighbors behind me and they are:
1. showered/dressed/hair fixed
2. hanging laundry out on the lines
3. having a conversation

Hit those brakes people.  It is 9:35 - I am in my pj's with mouth guard still intact, have not spoken more than 5 words in two hours and am avoiding the overflowing hampers in my laundry room like the plague.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! Why can't I get up and get ready and do laundry and have conversations?

I am just not a morning person on my days off.  I intend to clean the house today and do all the laundry and shower at some point if one or both of my kids take a nap but I am just in slow mo.....

I actually have no excuse for being tired today.  Beckett was with Grandma Helen this weekend and Neal and I slept for 9 hours Friday and Saturday night....it was GLORIOUS.  We got to go out to eat and finish our meal IN THE RESTAURANT, go to Target without buying a toy car,  have some alone time and I got to hang out with Kimmie 2 days in a row!  Thank you Emerson for being a champion sleeper and thank you Grandma Helen for giving us a break!

I did stay up to watch the Walking Dead and finish grading some papers Sunday night though so I'll blame it on that :)

I am so excited for December.  JACK will be born, Beckett's 3rd birthday, Neal and I's 13th anniversary, and our trip to Florida!!!  Just 8 work days stand between winter break and I!!!!!

Better stop gawking at the neighbors and do something :(  Here's some photos from Thanksgiving weekend to catch up :)

                                        Transitioning to CUPS with milk - no more bottles :(

And this last one was out to dinner Saturday night :) She was givin' someone the sassy eye!

What's new pussycat?

Whoa, whoa, whoa - as done by Steve Martin in a tuxedo. I love that movie. I love it so much my heart feels full just thinking about it.

What a big day! Voting day! The line was only about 20 minutes long and I enjoyed a nice little break from my kids :) I was excited to actually be registered and able to vote this year!!! I am so glad my mom was able to watch the kids so I could go alone! Thanks mom!

Lots of things going on recently which is why I did not blog in October at all!! Neal's birthday, Emerson's 1st birthday, 2 super fun weddings, Halloween, Kim's baby shower...you know the drill. :)

I am thankful for the new month and every day that gets closer to Christmas because it means one day closer to going to visit my sister in Florida!  I wish we were neighbors.  It also means that baby Jack's arrival is nearing! I cannot wait to meet that little boy!!

My brain feels like mush lately! My kids have not been sleeping - who knows why - the time change has really screwed us up.  Teaching is exhausting as well.  Not the act of teaching but everything that comes along with it!  My mind is constantly thinking about what I should do next year... work full time, not work at all, do something totally different??? I just don't know.  I want to do what is best for my family.  I am really fortunate that I have been able to do this job share for the 2nd year now.  Last night on the couch I couldn't help but think about all of the different things I wanted to be when I grew up including the following:

Opthalmologist, back up dancer for Kid Rock, supermodel, country singer, TV News anchor/Weather Woman, anything with fashion.....my mind changed as the did the seasons (obviously).  Somehow teaching incorporates all of those things now that I think about it :) I dance, sing, do weather reports in the morning, check eyes....hahaha.

I guess I am just at a crossroads again and I want to stay home with my babies and get every single second of quality family loving time that I can with them before they start school and I only see them on weekends and holidays. Boo.

Lots to think about :) In the meantime, I'll go check the kitchen for any more tomato seeds since Beckett thought it would be a great idea to throw them from the counter to the floor and smash them while doing an evil little laugh. Who does that?

Voting sticker and Firetruck...all the important things :)

~xo
Libby

Focus on the good

Well I was going to blog today about how I blessed out some kids at CMOR who were acting a fool up in there...and how I almost vomited while lifting weights at AmFam because of a sweaty hairy full moon that plopped on the machine in front of me....and how I spent 2 hours cleaning up diarrhea off my living room carpet after Beckett said "I peepee big mess" and pointed to his butt.  Instead....I am going to focus on the good. 

Sunday, Neal and I went to church! My mom watched Beckett so we got to go. We took Emerson because she fell asleep in her carseat. I really do love going to church.  Father R. had a very touching homily as he usually does.  He reflected on September 11th - about a wife who lost her husband and how all she wanted was for God to please let her hear his voice one more time.  After the funeral she was clearing out voicemails and after the fourth one she came to one of her husband reminding her to pay the car insurance so it wouldn't be late. And she wept. 

So of course I started crying.  And as I started crying Emerson woke up and started crying so she and I left in the middle of the homily crying....

Luckily we were the only ones in the bathroom so we dried up our tears and did a lap around the commons before heading back in to mass. 

The rest of the hour and 15 minutes I spent cuddled up to Neal and thinking about what would I do if I lost him.  When we got in the car I said I just could not imagine losing him and I would be such a mess I don't think I would ever get over it and move on.  

He told me, Libby - you would have to. You could not be a nut job in front of our kids.  You would have to suck it up for them.

I get it. And I really would try so hard. But I am sooooooo emotional I just don't know if I could!!!! Thank (you) God I haven't had to find that out yet and hope I neverrrr will.

So, I am just taking a moment tonight to pray for all of those who suffered from that tragic day and to give thanks for all of the blessings in my life.  I am thankful for all of the men and women who serve our country and fight for our freedom.  I am humbled by the spouses who lost their significant others and continue to get up out of bed and smile for their children.

Neal, Beckett and Emerson ~ I love, love, love all three of you so much my heart feels like it could rip open and a million confetti hearts would fly out of it and I am beyond grateful to be here with you each and every single day. 


                                                                                     <3

Septembrrrrrr

Agh! September! The THIRD already - this is cray.  Having 2 kids and working part time has made the last month literally zoom by. Blogging for school also means less time on here!

We have been trying to get in the gym as much as possible recently...if you've read one of my earlier posts then you know I am not hiding the fact that I still have 12 lbs. to lose.  Yep...stilllll have 12 lbs. to lose....and Emerson's first birthday is next month.  I can't even blame this stagnant weight on being pregnant. Darn!

My kids hate the KidZone at AmFam. Hate it.  I feel SO guilty dropping Beckett off there....the ladies ooh and aah over Emerson's cute self but my poor B just looks like a fish lost at sea.  He's so quiet in there. Why is he so quiet in there? He is deafening in our house.  I was hoping that him being around other kids a few hours a week at the gym would be a fun interaction!  Starting to doubt keeping him out of preschool this year, as well.  I selfishly kept him home.  I just want to keep the kid as close as humanly possible while I still can!

Our new sitter is working out great. She is young and peppy and bubbly and skinny and she only drinks water. She also empties all the trashcans and washes the dishes. (I always ask Neal when he gets home if he has done these tasks KNOWING it was Miss Heather - haha)  The kids are always happy when I get home and they do art and take walks.  Knock on wood - no one has been sick yet this year which was one of the main reasons for us hiring a sitter.  Thank goodness!!!  Now if she wasn't making my salary it would be perfect :) I know you can't put a price on the happiness and safety of your children but I just can't get over how much sitters run these days!!

We had a great Labor Day weekend - I got to go to Charlottesville on Saturday and had a BLAST wine tasting.  As usual, when alcohol is involved, I tend to get a lil excited and happy and say wayyyyy too many personal things to people I have just met.  I also remembered that Jagged Edge's Let's Get Married is one of my all time favorite songs. Aside from that it really was amazing. The scenery is just gorgeous.   

Took the kids to Kangaroo Jac's Sunday - thank God I wasn't hungover - and did some shopping....Halloween costumes (!!!) and 1st birthday Tutus (SOB) - I cried the whole time.

I made a list of restaurants that I want to try in the Richmond area today - we have lived here for 6 years and have barely ventured out of the Short Pump bubble - travesty I know.  So - we are open to recommendations if you have any!!! Neal's birthday is coming up and I want to take him somewhere delicioussss.  We got some BBQ at Buz and Ned's today and it was actually really good and the kids loved the place and had a great time dancing to the music and attracting attention to our table.

We drove by some dream homes in my 10 year plan after we got ice cream at Bruster's and had an early bath time.

Just feeling very blessed for my 2 beautiful babies - they are the most amazing gifts in the universe and I simply cannot imagine my life without their sweet hugs and contagious smiles.  Happy 4 day week :)

~xo Libby

Final Friday of 2012 Summer!!

I can't believe school starts Monday.  We say/hear it all the time but seriously-where did summer go?!

Technically school doesn't start for me until Wednesday - lucky job sharing ;) but I was a little emotional today about it being our last day of summer together.   The kids and I all have a cold and just hung out, cooking and watching movies, painting, playing.  Beckett only went to time out once so I'd say that was a good day.  

After I cleaned up my tears I realized that in fact my summer is not ending- oh no the fun is just beginning....I still get to be home with my amazing kiddos every Monday and Tuesday for at least the next 12 months and every other Wednesday for at least the next 12 months! Yay for trips and CMoR and germy places!!!

and pause here because someone is screaming from their room...

I am so fortunate to have a husband and parents who support me (just enough) to stay home and work.  

I was feeling guilty around bedtime...my fuse was just short and I'll say it again for the thousandth time but I am just SO tired....I was being snappy with Neal about ridiculous things like remotes and not saying bless you when I sneezed.  I just tried to brush it off, be quiet and not say anything.  Better to keep my mouth shut than open and running. ;) 

After Neal put Beckett to sleep and I put Emerson to sleep he came down to the kitchen with tears in his eyes and said...I really love you and I'm so glad we have stayed together for so long. I wouldn't be here without you and you are everything to me.  To which I responded back with tears and I'm so sorry I am a brat I am just so tired and I have to take out my frustrations on you! Ha. Poor Nealy...I am trying to be more positive and say kinder words.  Key word-trying ;)  But, I love my Nealy and really couldn't ask for a better husband and father to our kids. 

On another note...this is for you B.  You made me laugh today A TON but these 2 things stood out. 

*You took Gracie's dog toy from her mouth and said NO NO NO I do it Gacie and you attempted to reenact her playing with her toy including growling, slobbering and head shaking. Then you gave it back to her after you showed her the proper way to play with her toy. 

*Daddy came home and you were glued to my hip for the moment and said NO NO NO Get away Daddy this Mommy's house. Daddy too big.  This mommy's house.  My mommy. That's right buddy. 1-mommy 0-daddy. 

You also made me smile by hugging your sister many times today which is a vast improvement from yesterday when you hit her in the face with a golf club and busted her lip open. :)  

Ohhhhh boyyyy :) 

We are off to the pool tomorrow! Time for wine and rest :) 

Happy last weekend for my teacher friends! 

xo,
~Libby 

Mortified? Embarrassed? Tired? All of the above...

Our terrific Tuesday started at midnight when I woke Emerson up for a bottle.  Beckett and her both had tubes put in this morning so no food after midnight...hence the force feeding.  


My alarm went off at 5 am to get in the shower - I snoozed it twice, obviously...it's summer!


We headed to the Virginia Eye Institute at 6:40 a.m. for the kids' procedures. 


We actually did not have to wait that long, which was a blessing.  We were shown to our pre-op rooms pretty quickly and got vitals.  After Emerson was called a "he" 10 times and our last name was butchered as Roujon (think Moulin Rouge) we were shown to the toy waiting room. 


Emmason was up first and was gone for maybe 5 minutes.  They came and got Beckett (kicking and screaming) and we went to the post-op room to get screaming baby number 1. She was flailing around and bright red...I knew what to expect from Beckett's previous surgery so I was fine. But, they did not let us wait in that room with her and made us go BACK to the toy waiting room until Beckett was finished......so here we go and enter the toy waiting room with 6 sets of eyes on us and our screaming, red, flailing baby. No one could watch finding Nemo, no one could play, and no one got her freaking gender right.  Am I crazy? Does she not look like a precious angel baby girl? Especially in zebra jammies?  Anyways the longest 5 minutes of screaming, people staring at me ensued and finally we got Beckett.  According to the nurse he was as, "mad as a hornet." Super. 


Emerson calmed down in the car and was an angel the rest of the afternoon.  Beckett continued to be mad as a hornet for 4 HOURSSSS until we had cookies and he settled down. 


I *thought* they were going to being tired from the anesthesia and nap for me when we got home so I could clean before Comcast came.....


....and my mom and Comcast rolled in/up the driveway at 2 oclock!  This is a monumental day for us. Mon.u.men.tal.


We have lived in our house for FIVE years without cable....FIVE yearssss and today all that changed. Not like we will be able to enjoy it because Beckett dominates the TV when it's on but I am still very excited and this is a huge deal for my smart, money saving Nealy.  Thank you Neal. I can't wait to indulge in some E! and Bravo. 


Well, as soon as the Comcast guy came in the door Beckett was his shadow and play mate. If he sat, Beckett sat. If he knelt, Beckett knelt. If he went outside to fix wires, Beckett sprayed him with the hose.  If he tried to come in the front door, Beckett slammed it in his face and locked it running away laughing hysterically. I am not even kidding.  Thank God he had a good sense of humor!!!  He was here for 2 hours hooking everything up....I felt really bad he got eaten alive by mosquitos in the back yard - at least I offered bug spray.


As he was wrapping up he said I hope you don't mind my buddy is coming over....what? buddy?  Oh another Comcast guy - phew.  So, they were looking upstairs at Neal's set up that he mounted on the wall with all the routers and modems and crazy stuff.  Pretty impressive.  I had to answer "because my husband is a computer nerd" to every question they had regarding why we have so many routers and cords and crap.  Oh geez - I just don't get it.  I just want a tv. No cords. I hate cords. I especially hate when they had to pull the tv back to add more cords to discover a small pantry had accumulated under the tv consisting of goldfish, crackers, peanut butter, what appeared to be dried sweet potatoes and fruit snacks. 


Even though I felt mortified and embarrassed by my kiddos today they are still the two cutest boys I have ever seen ;) 


I am a lucky momma and can't wait to laugh about this with B one day!  


Have a glass of wine tired mommies! 


~xo Libby  

Reality Check!

Well our week was supposed to go like this....after 3 weeks of blissful vacation *minus the WV end of the world scare* 


Monday ~ Gym, Tuesday ~ CMOR, Wednesday ~ Gym, Thursday ~ CMOR, Friday ~ Gym.


I was SO looking forward to finally using the kids' gym membership that I got Neal for Father's Day and hitting the gym this week.  Well, my kids had other plans that went like this...

Emerson was sick with ear infections and high fevers (104.8) Sunday-Wednesday. Pediatrician and CVS Monday. Nothing Tuesday except trying to pump a baby with the world's WORST gag reflex with Tylenol/Motrin and Antibiotics. I just hold her over the sink now in fear of the upchuck.  My only saving grace was Kimmie coming to take B out of my hair. 

We had our ENT consult Wednesday and both kids need tubes AND the Dr. recommended Beckett have his adenoids removed -  I think we are going to say no to that one. I am not ready for the after effects and risks of surgery without him understanding why he is feeling unwell.  

So, tubes it is but that means at least another year with no antibiotics and proper drainage for both kids. 

Thursday ~ Emerson was on the mend and Beckett slept on the couch for 2 hours - you know what that means....sick.  101.3 fever and yep you guessed it one more kid to puke on me - not just anywhere - this particular incident occurred on the entire left side of my face.  While trying to hose him off in the bathroom I find Gracie trying to eat the puke off the floor and Emerson playing his B's dirty pull up.  Super fun times. Beckett took 3 naps, in turn resulting in a 4:36 AM bed time.  Needless to say, I am beyond exhausted after 6 nights of round the clock care for these 2 kiddos...

I <3 being a mom. Can you tell? 

To top off our week I went to the dentist - I was freaking out because my gums are receding and the sensitivity is getting worse. I know I grind my teeth at night so mouthguard it is for me - expensive but it beats surgery right now. We don't want 3 Routsons having surgery in August!!!

I am ready for a break - to go out, get out, get ready, and just have 5 minutes alone without someone crying "Momma hold you".   

Here's hoping to a better weekend!  

Oh, on to the positive for the week - I read the first two Fifty Shades - life changing I tell ya!  I am excited to see who they cast for the movies - I am sure they will pale in comparison to the books but a mommy can hope!!!

~xo Libby 

Making cookies Monday

Super sick on Thursday

Somethin' bout a truck

Can you believe she has a fever here? Always smiling-my sunshine!

Summatime is flyin' by!

Wow! Where do I start? Summer is just flying by and I am so not ready for school to start again in August. 


The kids and I have been gone for 3 weeks with Neal joining us for 1. We are truly soaking up all of this family time together.  It has been a lot of fun!


We went to Yorktown for a week and stayed with Grandma Helen.  I love visiting the YC.  My mother-in-law spoiled us rotten and I was reluctant to leave!  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served everyday and she was a huge help with potty training Beckett!


I also got to see some gfs from high school, which was so great to catch up.  I still can't believe we graduated TEN yearsssss ago.  I had 5 mojitos too many and was paying for it the next morning but my m-i-l came through with coffee, water and aspirin. :) 


After our Yorktown trip we headed home and unpacked/repacked for OHIO. (My favorite state to sing in the 50 states song - if you don't know it I will sing it for you.) 


Neal's dad lives in Cambridge and we really wanted to take Emerson up there to meet the family.  We left on a Wednesday and stopped halfway in West Virginia (Lewisburg).  Trying to book a hotel room was no easy feat - they were all booked.  We finally got a room at the classy Fairfield Inn and I think I slept about 3 hours because I was terrified that bedbugs were going to eat my legs alive.  Thank you sister for making me feel so much better about them.....


We finished our trip Thursday and were happy to be welcomed with open arms (and 4 bottles of Riesling) and just relax.  This was the first vacation Neal had taken since our honeymoon so that was nice for him!  


We practiced saying family member names in the car with Beckett - a lot - we had tons of time to do it with so here is what we have:


Grandma Helen, PopPop (Kim), YaYa, Grandpa (Ralph), Granddad (Gary), Grandma Jennifer, Unc Unc Jason, Aunt Ancy (Nancy), Maddie, Ayden, Uncle Richard (he got that one pretty good)  and Aunt Alexis (still working on it :) 


Friday in Ohio there was a terrible storm - like I have never seen before.   We had just gotten to the Mexican restaurant to celebrate Jason's birthday and the AC wasn't working.  The wind outside was blowing sideways but we were just enjoying the food.  Nancy and Ayden said they heard sirens going off....meh.  No one paid attention.  The restaurant cleared out but apparently we didn't notice and just kept on eating and singing happy birthday!  


The drive home we saw some damage.  I checked my phone that was in the diaper bag and I had a severe weather alert saying TORNADO TAKE SHELTER NOW.  Awesome. I felt like a horrible mother for not having done the proper action during the storm!  


Almost all of Cambridge lost power - EXCEPT for Gary - thank goodness!  We drove through town and saw a TON more damage and it was really devastating. We had already bought tickets to see Magic Mike and HAD to go so we went despite the storm. We only hit a little bitty tree on the way - I have never laughed so hard. 


The rest of our Ohio trip was spent swimming in the pool, eating lots of yummy food, making smores, playing pool and just hanging out. 


When we left Ohio Sunday we had NO CLUE that other states had gotten bad storm damage.  So, our trip through West Virginia was VERY scary.  It took us 5 exits to find gas. NOWHERE had power. When we finally found a gas station with gas we got in the line of 539834 cars and pumped 11 gallons when the pump shut off and ran out of gas. Luckily it was enough to get us to Virginia but every rest area and everything was closed. I just prayed for us to get through that freakin state and I never want to go back again.  


We got home after a 10 hour drive - only a few meltdowns by all 4 family members in the car - and slept like babies. 


Monday morning we packed the truck and headed south for Nags Head. We made a pit stop at the border station for bottle/diaper time.  Beckett was doing such a great job peeing in the potty.  This particular potty though was brown. Ew I know, gross. So the whole time we are in the rest area Beckett is shouting (because he is 2 and can't talk any other way) MOMMY POOPED MOMMY POOPED.  Super fun times. 


We had a great time at the beach - it was the first time all 6 of us (Routson boys and significant others) were together since Richard's wedding!  Emerson loved the sand and Beckett had fun with Grandma and PopPop. We were probably the whitest people leaving the island since we only went the the beach in the mornings - it was so hot and the kids napped in the afternoons.  But, we enjoyed eating out and visiting the aquarium in Manteo.  B wasn't a fan of the fireworks so good thing we only watched them from the deck :)


We came home Saturday and were treated to the Discover Dinosaurs exhibit from my mom.  Beckett LOVED the dinosaurs! 


Today was cleaning, laundry and turn the dining room into a playroom day!!!  Miss Emmason started walking with a push toy - very exciting!!  




We are very fortunate to have these memories with so many of our family members over the last 3 weeks!  We couldn't be more blessed. Love you all <3


~xo Libby

Piece of Work

"You know some mornings you really are a piece of work." - My adoring husband. 


No freaking way. I can't even begin to imagine why....but I sure can try to fill you in. Before you read, please know that I haven't slept more than 4 hours total, per day, since last Tuesday :) 


Friday, June 1st, 2012. Last day of school!!! So bittersweet - I always cry on the last day of school because I am saying goodbye to "my" babies. I have watched them grow and learn all year then we have to let them go.  We had such a sweet class this year and they will be missed, for sure. 


I was excited to get home that afternoon because Neal was bringing home Beckett's big boy bed!!!  We got him a full size bed because the twin already looked too small.  So, I picked up the kids and we headed home to get B's room ready.


I was getting Emerson into the swing and Beckett let me know he had to go peepee. Super! I told him to go ahead. About 2 minutes later B walks into the living room with only a shirt on saying "eeeewwwwwuuuhhh".  Oh. Dear. Lord. 


So, I asked him if he went peepee in the potty to which he responded no.  Next I ask if he went poop in the potty to which he responded "poohoooooooop." 


He turns around to head back to the bathroom and I see skid marks all down the backs of his legs which makes me scream something that would resemble a horror film scenario to stay put and do not even think about moving.  


I don't really know what was going through my head but I thought - FIRST I will run upstairs and get a pull-up and wipes.  So, I did.  But, when I came back downstairs - my good listener had moved.


I followed the trail of....let's call them chocolate bread crumbs from the living room, into the kitchen, into the bathroom to discover what appeared to be the aftermath of a Monster Truck Mud Show.  


There was shit everywhere. There really is no other way to say it.  Skid marks all over every single surface in that room.  


I proceeded to get B into the sink and rinsed off, threw the carpet in the washer, cleaned the floor, cleaned the toilet, potty seat etc.  


45 minutes later my mom shows up with a bottle of wine, spic n span and paper towel. God love her. 


I slept with B that night (well not really slept but rubbed his back and sang him songs for 7 hours while he dozed).  Neal left Saturday morning for DC to hang out with his brother so it was a long weekend without him home. 


Fast forward to Monday night around 11:30 p.m.


After watching the Bachelorette I laid my head down to rest at 10:00.  I was looking forward to a good night's sleep after a week of none.  Beckett went to sleep in his big bed for the first time by himself since Friday and I can usually count on Emerson to sleep from 8-7 - uninterrupted. 


However, around 11:30 p.m. I hear her start screaming (!!!) So, I run in her room, grab her and bring her back to my room before she wakes up B so I can assess the situation. 


She was coughing & snotty, but to be expected with her 2 teeth coming in and I would later find out she has double ear infections.  I tried to rock her, changed her diaper but she wouldn't go back to sleep so I went and made her a bottle around 12:30.


We laid down in my bed so I could feed her and fingers crossed she would fall back asleep. 


About half way through her bottle she started coughing. Mother freaker.  She has the worst gag reflex ever.  So I sat her up on my leg but it was too late - vomit - everywhere.  All over my bed - Neal was snoring.  She puked one more time and this time it happened to fall in my lap.  


No big deal right? My lap has been puked on before.  But, last night I went to sleep in a nightgown - with no underwear (TMI I know).  So as E and I were sitting on the bed her puke ran DOWN, down, down and RIGHT.INTO.MY.HOOHAH. 


Seriously I am not even joking the.most.disgusting.feeling/thing.ever.of.all.time. 


I had to waddle to the bathroom with a puke covered baby, meanwhile puke was dripping down my legs - got both of us cleaned up and it only took a box of baby wipes. 


Tried to wake Neal up to get the sheets off but he was out so I rolled the sheets back on my side so puke wouldn't go through on the mattress.  


New jammies for E and I, rocking chair, an hour later she fell asleep - laid her down in her crib around 2:30.


Trudged back to my puke smelling room and didn't even give a crap that there was no sheets on it - face planted on the bed only to be woken up by MOMMAAAAAA and B standing in the doorway.  


So, I went and laid with him from 2:30-5:30 - at least his sheets were clean.  We sang songs and dozed in and out until he was ready to start his day- at which time I was not - but that's what moms do.


So, yes, I am a piece of work.  A poohoopy, pukey, smelly, singing, exhausted,
 loving mother piece of work.

Bubble

I am a mother. First and foremost - it's what I do. It's who I am. I carried these 2 babies in my body for a combined total of 18 months.  I nursed them for a combined total of 11 months.  Since I teach 2nd grade I know that 18 + 11 = 29.  Beckett will be 29 months old Thursday. I am on my way to being 29 years old.  I should know what the heck I am doing here...right?  With all of these months of experience under my belt? Nope...not so much. 


It was so, so easy having the babies live in a little bubble in my belly.  For 9 months I ate right(minus the few crazy cravings), took my vitamins, followed all the do's and don'ts of being pregnant and repeated again.  I loved being pregnant and feeling them move, knowing they were safe in that little bubble. I nursed both of my babies to keep them healthy. Found them great pediatric doctors for their well visits.  I do/did everything and more that I am supposed to do for them. 


When both babies came out perfect I just couldn't have imagined them ever getting sick. They were the epitome of health. 


Now, I realize that my children's illnesses of pink eye and viruses pale in comparison to some serious and incurable diseases but I HATE this feeling of helplessness when they are sick.  (And fevers scare me.) 


My poor, poor Emerson (Emma-emma-emmason as I call her) woke up with a 102.2 fever yesterday.  It went up and down from 103.7 to 100 all day. 


We went to the pediatrician after following orders of motrin/tylenol every 3 hours.  Constant temperature check, keep with the fluids etc. 
Dr. did a strep test - negative, white blood count was elevated, ears were pussy, red throat.  Could be hand, foot, mouth - we didn't really know at that point. So, she got a shot of of antibiotics in her leg to give whatever she is battling a kick start to heal.  
(We were both crying in the lab - the lab tech was dabbing both of our tears. It was a mess.)


We came home and I continued to give her tylenol/motrin and monitored her fever til about 1 am.  Finally, her fever broke and I laid her in her crib.  Neal woke up at 5:30 and said she felt warm.  Stupid me, I thought I set my alarm for 5 to check her temp. again but I must have slept through it :/ 


Back up to 103.7, more tylenol.  Back to the dr.  Her ears looked fine, another white blood count showed the numbers lowered and he decided to give her 1 more shot of antibiotics as opposed to 10 days on oral and maybe this could be Roseola.  


Luckily, I didn't cry today with Emerson - just the baby did.  Ok, I lied I saved it for the car. 


Like I said earlier I just feel so helpless.  I asked Dr. H - What can I do? Seriously WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY BABIES OUT OF YOUR OFFICE EVERY WEEK!!! 


He looked at me and said - Well, you can keep them in a bubble or you can let them play with other kids.


Ok Dr. H that is not fair!  I liked when they were in that bubble in my body and I didn't have to worry about them being sick all of the time and could protect them from everything and wasn't exhausted from never sleeping. They were so comfy and precious and perfect in there. :(  


Now - you're telling me because I work part time and let my kids play with other kids and go out and do fun things that they are going to be sick 24/7?  


Ah - just can't take much more.  Emerson and I are wussies when it comes to shots, and fevers, and pain.  


Think we'll just stay in our little bubble that is my bed for the rest of the day and watch the Food Network. 


On the positive - baby E is 18.8 lbs. and 27 1/2 inches long - 95th percentile for height and weight.   Here are some pics from her visit today...off to our bubble we go.   


~xo Libby