Busy at Home

This past week since I've come home with Renee has been busy but great. We've had a whirlwind of visitors all coming to see the new baby and Pat Pat. (That's how Patrick now refers to himself) I really appreciate all of the visits, food, presents, and helpers I've had over the past week.

Both Patrick and Renee are doing great. Renee has had a few visits to the dr. because of an infected cord, but she's now doing wonderfully. At her visit today she was already up to 7lbs 14oz. Pat Pat is also doing well. He's adjusting great to being a big brother. He loves to give his sister kisses and pick out her clothes every day. According to him she is only allowed to wear pink. Good thing we've got lots of that! As a treat for being such a great big brother, I took my first solo trip with both the kids. I took Patrick to Kidz Wurld so he could burn off some energy. Check out the video of my graceful (not) child.

Big Buddies

Little buddies

Daddy's little helper

Checking out this amazing world

Walking with Gamma

Pat Pat and Grampy

How Cute

What a graceful child

At the Hospital

Patrick came to visit me and his new sister while we were in the hospital. It was so cute. He was really excited to see his new little sister. He kept asking Daddy to come and see Mama and Bebe.

Taking baby sister for a walk

I am a BIG brother

Daddy and Baby Renee

1st Few Days Part 1

Renee was born last Thursday night. We've been home since Sunday, but have been very busy settling in. Life is busy with a newborn and a toddler, and I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post in the next few weeks. Here are pictures taken just after delivery.

Introducing Renee Emeline Johnson. Born at 10:31pm April 15, 2010. 7lbs 8oz and 20 inches

Mama and Baby

Mama, Dada, and Renee

The arrival of a turtle

Renee Emeline Johnson was born last night at 10:31pm. She weighed in at a tiny 7lb 8oz, and is 20 inches long. For any who wish to read her birth story see below.



Birth Story. (Warning LONG)
I woke up yesterday morning and felt no worse than usual. I was a bit annoyed that I had 20 parent/teacher conferences scheduled for the day before my due date, but resigned myself to going to work. Once I got there I started feeling a bit crampy and crappy. Around 11 I had had a few minor contractions and decided it was time to go home.
I played with Patrick and dragged Kenny around the block several times. I was still having contractions but they were between 10-15 minutes apart.
Around 5 we decided to send Patrick to my Mom's even though we all thought it would be long time before we would have to go to the hospital. Thank goodness we did.
I finally started timing contractions during Bones at 8, and they were down to between 8-10 minutes. At about 8:50 I had one that was only 4 minutes away from the previous one. At that point I thought hmmm maybe time for a shower and then call the dr. I don't know what they put in the shower water in Attleboro, but the contractions started coming about 1-2 minutes apart. So I told Kenny we need to go to the hospital NOW! Kenny being Kenny slow poked along right behind me. I'm so glad we only live a few blocks from the hospital.
10:00pm. We arrived at Sturdy and got checked in. The nurse did a quick check on me and said, "yup, you're a keeper, you are already at 7." My reply was something like oh crap, I shouldn't have taken that shower. Now it will probably be to late for an epidural. They quickly whisked me off to my room and tried to start an iv so I could get an epidural. The poor nurses, after the fourth try, (my hands are now all puffy and black and blue), I told them if I wasn't going to be able to get an epidural then please stop poking me. They rechecked me and I was at a nine. They then told me Dr. DeJesus is on her way and she's running. She was there within a minute or two and already suiting up. She told me okay let's have this baby now, broke my water and had me start pushing. Worst pain ever. (kudos to everyone who did this pre-epidural time, and to all those who choose to go without one...... YOU'RE CRAZY!)Thank God it was fast. I started pushing at 10:25 and Miss Renee was born at 10:31. Even though it was torture going through delivery with no pain meds, I do have to admit recovery was so much faster. I was alert and feeling pretty good within a few minutes.

She's been having a bit of trouble keeping her body temp up, so they keep putting her under the hot lamps in the nursery. She then totally stretches out and looks like a turtle on a rock. So for now at least her nickname is turtle. (poor kid).

Easter Part 2

This Easter was a great, but tiring one. Patrick started the day by checking out his Easter basket. He was very excited to get some new gardening tools, and some new toys for his sandbox. After breakfast we went over to my mom's where we all enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and warm temps. Patrick worked in my mom's garden, then played with Dada's motorcycle.

Today I am a gardener

Hanging with the corgi

Does it fit?

After a great dinner and dessert we geared up for this year's Easter egg hunt. I thought Patrick would quickly lose interest in hunting for eggs, so I sent a message to the Easter bunny not to hide too many eggs this year. Well, Patrick loved looking for eggs. He had to check out each one to make sure that there was a treat inside. Once the egg hunt was over the boys checked out all of the loot.

Resting up before the big egg hunt

Me and Cedric are the bestest egg hunters

Checking out the loot

Don't you dare steal my stuff!

After the egg hunt we headed for home and Kenny's parents were able to come by for a visit. It was great to get to see so much family today. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. And as I type this post, Kenny is trying to get a very overtired Patrick to bed. Hehe better him than me. :)

Easter Part 1

It's April. We've got Kenny back at home! Today was an absolutely beautiful day. After Kenny finished landscaping for the day, and Patrick took his nap, we had some family time. We took Patrick to the playground, and had a nice quiet supper. Then, we decided to dye some Easter eggs. Patrick being Patrick made it an extreme sport. He used his hands instead of a spoon, and thought the eggs would be best if they were every color, and some would be better with no shells at all. It was lots of fun, but next year I will cover the entire table with plastic rather than just a small section of it.

Kersplash!

I am an artist

This one will look better with no shell

Our beautiful eggs for our centerpiece