NonaJane's turn in the spotlight

We received an email from Hoffman yesterday informing us that NonaJane's picture is being featured on a mail flyer for Hallmark Baby! Our little girl will be going out to mailboxes all over!  Now I just have to figure out how to get my hands on some of them.  Couldn't be more excited and proud of our beautiful little girl :)

Baby Matthew

A few hours old

Matthew is two weeks old.  ALREADY.  I received my weekly email from baby center yesterday... reminding me that I am now 39 weeks pregnant with only 1 week to go!  I know I could go online and update my account to let them know I already had Matthew, but instead I find great joy each week in being reminded that I COULD still be pregnant. Instead I am thoroughly enjoying having baby Matt here in my arms.  Is it possibly that I could have guilted my unborn child into coming out early?  There is a small part of me (though irrational) that believes perhaps I did.

First nap with Dad

Matthew's birth started much the same as Jack and NonaJane's.  I started have frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, that gradually became more painful, intense, and hard to ignore.  Looking back, I'm pretty sure I was in early labor starting on Thursday night.. which progressed slowly thru Saturday night when we headed into the hospital.  Because of my history of false labor (three failed runs to the hospital with NonaJane)  Adam wasn't exactly believing me that Matthew was really coming.  I asked him if he wanted to put anything in the hospital bag... he nonchalantly replied that he could grab some stuff later IF we ended up staying.
Luckily my parents had decided to bring their new camper down to Hillsdale lake for a 'test-run' over the weekend (a mere 3 miles from our house).  They were planning on a quite weekend, and perhaps some time at our house visiting and helping out with things pre-baby.  Instead, they got a wake up call at about 1:30 in the morning requesting they come sit with NonaJane.  Jack was sleeping in the camper with them, and was very disappointed that he had to come back home to be with his sister.  Poor kid.. we had to drag him out of a camper when I went to the hospital with NonaJane too. What are the odds??

The kids and Papa meeting Matthew for the first time

Adam and I got to the hospital around 2:30 AM and by 3:30 they informed us that Matthew would be born within the hour.  I think Adam and I were both in shock, as we were more or less preparing ourselves for being sent back home (prepare for the worst and hope for the best right??).  I sent out texts to some of my close family and friends stating "I'm having a BABY!"

Matthew looking worried in NonaJane's arms

At 4:13 AM, a 7 pound 3 ounce screaming baby boy was born (via c-section).  Nothing about him looked like a 3 week early baby. He was big, strong, and loud.  Adam and I both looked at each other in shock listening to our little man scream. We couldn't help but think "oh Lord,  what have we done... this kid is LOUD."  But perhaps Matthew sensed our fear, because we have not heard that same cry again.  In fact, Matthew is the most content, cuddly, sweet, calm, and patient baby of all three. (A very close comparison to Jack as an infant, except Jack fed much more frequently due to his small size of 5 pounds).  So far Matthew sleeps the longest stretches, feeds with the most consistent schedule, and uses sweet goat noises and rooting at his hand to notify us of his hunger.  He seems to be truly polite, as if he is well aware that he is the third child and Mom and Dad might lose it if he gets too demanding :) I've started my positive parenting approaches early by frequently telling him what a "good baby" he is!

Relaxing at home

The past two weeks have been beautiful.  So far being the mother of three has made me feel confident and accomplished.  BUT.. the past two weeks have not been a true test of reality.  Adam was home from work the first week, and my Mom came down and helped me the second week.  Thus this week is my FIRST real week at being a mother of three.  I'm crossing my fingers, and my toes, that everything stays smooth.  I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...  :)

Snuggles with big brother

Morning milk coma

Jack looking proud

Daddy of 3

Two wheeling it

Adam and Jack spray painted the old bike for a new look
(and gave Jack red hands for a few days)

He DID it. Jack learned how to ride his bike without training wheels- and is killing it.
 Last summer we never really got the opportunity to work on it. We were attempting to settle into our new home, and with a gravel driveway we didn't have the optimal location for bike riding.  His bike sat most of the summer untouched other than a few family bike rides that we took down at the trails of Paola's fairgrounds.
I hadn't really put much thought towards teaching him, assuming/hoping that next summer we would find the time.  But Bella Black changed these plans :)  Bella's Mom babysits Jack and NonaJane during the week. Nona is there about 9 hours a week, and Jack is there for about 4.  Well Bella learned how to ride her bicycle without training wheels when she was 3- and rides like a pro!  Jack was getting upset that he couldn't keep up with Bella- we told him that until he lost the training wheels that he would never be able to turn as sharp or ride as fast as Bella.  It only took about 5 minutes for that comment to sink in- he was asking Meagan to take the training wheels off their spare bike.  Bless Meagan as she didn't even hesitate.  She took Jack right out into their street (on a tiny pink bicycle), holding onto his seat and running beside him (as my 9 month pregnant body watched lazily from the drive).  It seemed it only took a few runs and Jack was off.  He was hooked too.  Everyday this week he insisted on practicing at Bella's house (where they have a nice quiet and flat street for riding).  We bundled up with hats and gloves- again NO hesitation from Meagan and Bella to take part.  Bella rode along side Jack cheering all the way.  Meagan kept Jack calm and would advise him "don't think- just GO!"  In 4 short days he is already riding with confidence.  Making sharp turns thru the street, and even taking his bike "off-roading" thru small hills. Bella is excited to have a friend that can ride bikes with her, and I'm excited for family bike rides this summer! Nona LOVES riding in the seat on my bike. So we will either get another one for Matthew (on Adam's bike) or we will find a bike trailer for them to ride in.

Adam hooking up the 'train cars' to the mower to give the kids a ride.

Jack is pretty darn proud of himself as well- he likes to inform NonaJane that he only has TWO wheels now.  But NonaJane accomplished her own feat this week! She figured out how to pedal her tricycle and is zooming around the driveway and garage. She informs us "I ride my bike ALL BY MYSELF".  Heaven forbid she get stuck on a hill or a crack in the drive though.  She detests asking for help and instead prefers to get unreasonably angry :)   I know what everyone is thinking- she obviously gets this trait from me.  But can you blame the girl for wanting to be independent? If you have to push her than she doesn't feel like she did it ALL BY HERSELF!
Either way, the kids are thoroughly entertained with their new skills and we have been getting plenty of fresh air.  A win-win situation.

on the extremely RARE occasion that I can get NJ to nap... it goes best if I offer her Big Brother's Bed :)

Cherishing the calm

Sharing my feelings of impatience at the Dr's office after 9 months of pregnancy

The kids trying to figure out diapering... more challenging than one might think!

Nona's new headboard and footboard for her bed

I updated my calendar today. It's a dry erase board that hangs in the kitchen foreshadowing the next 5 weeks of our life.  Matthew's birthday is officially in the forecast. 3 weeks to be exact.  With this visual reminder a new crop of emotions has arisen.  There is the obvious relief as I see the light at the end of a long pregnancy tunnel. The excitement to finally meet our little boy, the final addition to our family.  The fear and anticipation that arises as we await what we hope to be a healthy birth and healthy baby. The realization that I will in fact survive my third pregnancy despite all my complaining.



This final month is the time when I should be nesting. With Jack and NonaJane I ensured their nurseries were perfected, their clothes were washed and hung in their closets.  My hospital bag was packed and the house was spotless.

Matthew's 'nook'

This time around I did prepare a 'nook' of our room for Matthew. I guess after 3 kids I realize this is all he really needs.  Poor kid doesn't get his own decorated nursery, no closet devoted to his little onesies.  Our house only has three rooms, and I see no need to kick Jack or NonaJane out of their own spaces just yet.  In fact, I'm trying to keep Jack and Nona's lives as normal as possible.  Rather than nesting for Matthew, I have found myself painting 4 coats of white paint onto a new headboard and footboard for Nona's bed.  I rearranged Jack's closet (finally removing the skis and snowboards that somehow landed in there when we moved in), I've sorted thru Jack and NonaJane's clothes ensuring to hang only those that actually fit.  I even found myself sorting and organizing their toys.  I think deep down I have some fear about the 'growing pains' we are all about to feel.  I remember how hard it was for Jack and I when Nona was born. I realize it was only a phase, but that does not take away the memories of how difficult it was.  Because of my c-section (and the complications with it NOT healing) I couldn't really carry or hold Jack.  It felt that I was continually nursing NonaJane whenever he was needing me, and eventually it felt as if Jack gave up on me completely. Turning to Adam for all his needs, I remember him crying each day when Adam left for work... which had never been an issue before.

NonaJane singing the itsy bitsy spider before bed

Tonight I laid in bed with NonaJane, listening to her ramble on about the day, letting her hug my head and daydreaming together about what tomorrow will bring.  Fearing that in a few weeks I may struggle to find this time with her.  Fearing that everything will be different, for her, and for me. Nona will no longer be the baby, but will be a middle child.  A little sister and a big sister. I know these fears probably seems crazy, when obviously everything WILL be different.
So perhaps I can focus these worries, and turn it into something positive.  Spending the next few weeks cherishing the calm.  Focusing some positive energy and love on both Jack and Nona.  Preparing them for their little brother, and praying for a smooth transition.  Because we all know that in the end, having a brother is going to be great beyond measure.

my sweet little girl... cherishing her little cheeks and last few weeks of being the "baby"

A note about how everyone is nicer than me!

Paola is pretty darn awesome.  The longer we live here, the more amazed I am.  It has also been a bit humbling… I majorly need to 'up my game' when it comes to being a friend. Don't get me wrong, I have always cared deeply about others, and I try to be a good friend.  But I kinda suck compared to everyone we have met since moving here! We have simply been floored by the generosity and thoughtfulness that we have felt.  There's been way too many instances to list them all… but I'll give some recent examples.

What this cookie needs… is MORE sprinkles

Last week the kids and I were invited over to the Black's house to decorate cookies.  Meagan had prepared the cookie dough, had icing of every color, and a plethora or cookie cutters and decorating paraphernalia. I brought a few jars of sprinkles. Red, Green, and yellow (for good measure) and it's not like I went out of my way.  I already had the sprinkles sitting in my cabinet. Course Meagan already had about 5 jars of waaaay better sprinkles.  Ones shaped like Christmas lights and multi-colored shakers.  Anyways, she opened her home (not to mention fed us dinner) and then proceeded to let her daughter as well as my 5 and 2 year old roll, cut, bake, and decorate sugar cookies.  As you can imagine the process was very clean, there was no mess at all.  Then at the end of the evening, Meagan sent us home with a tupperware full of cookies (and told us to keep the decorative tupperware) and THANKED US for coming.  What?? Why are YOU thanking ME? Did we not just crash your home, eat your food and then make out like bandits with your delicious cookies? I mean really, have I ever been this nice to anyone??

NonaJane, Jack, and Bella working on the cookies

I was proud of these… so much so that I needed to take a picture

Last night we were invited over to the Richter's house for dinner.  I thought I would up my game, so I brought two little gifts that I had seen on Facebook.  I cleverly placed a can of pop in a canning jar, then with twine I tied on a miniature bottle of liquor. "Enjoy a drink on us! Merry Christmas from the Schwatken's".  I also made a delicious dessert to share after the meal.  I was feeling pretty confident that we weren't going to be bummer dinner guests.  Upon arriving there was a spread of appetizers on the table, drinks were offered (I admit I had half of a hard apple cider and it was delicious. Sorry Matthew for being baby #3.)  The meal was delicious- smothered pork chops, green beans and mashed potatoes.  After dinner, they said "kids.. do you want to open some presents??"  They had wrapped special gifts for Jack, NonaJane, AND MATTHEW!!! All we had brought was some lousy liquor.. and in miniature bottles! What good is that?  Her kids may never forgive us.  Luckily Grace's birthday is around the corner so we can attempt to redeem ourselves.

NonaJane, Jack, Grace and Bella

We also went with the Black's to see the Christmas train ( I did take Grace along with us.. so I suppose that was nice…).  I volunteered to drive since I now have a vehicle that seats 7! ( look at me.. doubly nice right?? yeah, well then Meagan went and bought all the kids bags of kettle corn. See what I mean? Super generous)  The Christmas train is the same one that goes to Union Station, but we were able to see it down here in Drexel.  BEST THING EVER. There was NO line.  We literally walked thru the train twice without waiting.  Then we went and sat on Santa's lap (after waiting for about 2 minutes in line).  This experience was a million times more enjoyable than going to Union Station during Christmas time.  Every year we have tried the Union Station thing. I have had some delusion that it would be like a Christmas movie, but it turns out to be a crowded hell hole.  We get nowhere near Santa, we squeeze thru crowds, and leave bitter and hungry.  Well NO MORE! Thank you small town, thank you very much.

Grace and Jack with Santa (Jack is anti-sit on Santa's lap)

I have also started to find that everyone is really connected to someone else in this town. Someone is so and so's cousin, or brother in law, or best friend.  Everywhere we go I am starting to have people smile and say hi to me. (Sometimes this is bad because my brain can't keep up with all the new names and faces. Did I meet them at church? Work, Jack's school…. ahhh!)  I even had a stranger at church tell me she already knew who I was, and knew the kids' names because she had heard about us!  (that sounds creepy now.. but I think it was a good thing really).    Either way, she offered coloring books to my kids and that was a blessing.  We even got a handwritten card from someone (whom we don't know) in the church saying how "wonderful it was to see our young family at service".  What is the proper response to this.. do I send a card back? Do I hunt them down at church and thank them? Or do I just take the kind words and let it make my day?
Anyhoo.. I think the moral of the story is that everyone is nicer than me. I'm not exactly sure why they even invite us over!  BUT, perhaps in time these qualities will rub off on me and I too will be the type of friend and neighbor that welcomes people to the community. Just let it be known, if you are reading this and a friend of mine… that I appreciate you.  I appreciate the thoughtfulness, the words, and the actions of others.  Hopefully in time, they will feel it all reciprocated back!

Jack, Grace, and Wesley. The "three amigos" of Sonshine Pre-school

Sweet Moments with NonaJane

Family Pictures 2014

We had our pictures taken in late October. We were lucky to get them in with how RAINY it was all month. On the good side, our pond filled up. On the bad side, we had to cancel our pictures three times before finally getting them done. But the result was well worth it!! I was 23 weeks along with Matthew T in these pictures. NonaJane was a complete doll thru out the photo session… we shared these with Hoffman (Jack's agency) and are thinking if NonaJane shows interest we may sign her up when she turns 4 as well.

Thank you little car!

Our new (and pleasantly used) 2008 Acadia!!

Well the $1,000 dollar car has given us a great year. Can you believe it?? We drove it for a full year! Admit it, you all thought I was crazy last year when I sold my car and bought this.  Well, it may have squeaked over every bump, and squealed around the turns, but this car was GOOD to us. Technically we still have it, and Adam has been driving it to work and back to save miles off the truck. It doesn't have carseats in it anymore so it doesn't get used for daily stuff.  We can all thank Baby Matthew for the purchase of the Acadia. I came to the realization a month or more ago that three carseats were NOT going to safely fit across the backseat of the oldsmobile.  They do sell special 'narrow' carseats.  But I worried about Jack going into a booster, and then his head being right up next to his siblings plastic carseat… then we realized that the seat belts in the back were stretched from having held in carseats for so long.. that they lacked the spring reaction to tighten up on their own when used for a booster.  It was kind of the final straw for me… just couldn't risk having my kids not be safe.
Nona and I will have fond memories of the time the giant spider made a web INSIDE the car and I got to fearfully whack it out of the car with a folder (only to then accidentally roll it up IN the window effectively squishing and smearing the spider remains across the window). NonaJane had the unpleasant honor of sitting by that window… and pointing out the "spider" each time we got in.  I know, I should have just washed it… but you couldn't really run the car thru a car wash because the doors didn't properly seal. I wasn't about to hand wash it (blame the pregnancy).
I also have new found appreciation for heated seats, and doors that actually seal. We no longer need to pile under blankets for a car ride.

But, we absolutely can NOT complain. We had the Oldsmobile for a year, Adam replaced the brakes, and we had the oil changed and tires rotated.  We drove over 13,000 miles, and didn't have a single mechanical problem.  Not many cars that you can say that about with 212,000 miles on them!
So here is hoping that the Acadia will treat us well. That it will keep our family safe, and provide us with the ability to give rides to our little friends as well!

Giving our friend, Grace, a ride home from Kingdom Kids. (And NonaJane with full blown pink eye…)