Family ~ Teenagers!

May 23rd - 29th 2011

I am so proud of Brenden!  He received the following from the solo judge that he performed for this past Saturday.

So.....I came home from work today, slaved in the hot kitchen making mine & Brenden's dinner and when he brought his plate to the kitchen and said he was finished I looked at it and the conversation went like this.......

Me ~ Why didn't you eat your pork chops?
Brenden ~ Because I didn't like them?
Me ~ Why you ate them the last time & said you liked them.
Brenden ~ Well, I must have been lying when I said that!

Really!  Aren't teenagers great!  UGH!  I love Brenden so much but, some days I don't like him because I know he is becoming a teenager..... What happened to my sweet baby boy?

Family ~ Good Times

May 16th - 22nd 2011

Brenden is going to orchestra camp this summer @ Sam Houston State University from June 26th - 30th.  He will be staying in the dorms....First time away from home without ME.  I am a little nevous but, when I ask him about it he says he is not nervous at all.  My baby is growing up & I don't like it.

Did I ever mention that my son Brenden is ADD??  He gets something in his head and won't give up on the idea until it comes to fruition.....this week it is a new guitar that he is wanting BUT, it costs about $500.00.

So, he has decided he wants to sell all of his WII games back to Game Stop and I agreed that he could do that but, just not right this minute.  So, every day from the day that we agreed to sell the games he has asked me to take him to Game Stop.  UGH!  He is so persistent.  I finally told him we would go to Game Stop after guitar lessons on Wednesday.

I got home from work on Wednesday and he had all of the games together that he wants to sell so, we went to guitar lessons and then to Game Stop.  Brenden had 16 games that he sold and got $69.00 in cash and FINALLY he was happy!  Archie said that he owed Brenden about $80.00 for the work he has done at the property so his savings is quickly rising. 

YAY, it's Wednesday and American Idol night.....Mom brought over some delicious chinese food and Mom, Lisa and I gathered around the table for our weekly dinner & chat. After dinner Brenden was practicing his Viola as he has a solo contest on Saturday.  Now, usually I don't mind him practicing but, for some reason on this day it was scraping my last nerve & I couldn't take it anymore so, I asked him to put it up.

I love our AI nights because it is a time for all of us to get together and talk about whatever is going on in our lives.  Now, Brenden usually doesn't engage too much in our conversations but, on this day he was chattin it up with us and we loved it! 
After dinner and a couple of glasses of wine we decided to watch American Idol.  Brenden asked us if we wanted some cookies and Mom said yes she would like 3 cookies, Lisa wanted 1 and I wanted 3 as well and Brenden response was "THAT MANY?"  LOL.... We thought that usually you cook at least 1 dozen but, not Brenden.  He usually cookies only 3 or 4 cookies at a time.  Brenden made us our cookies but, he wanted to charge $1.00 for icing and .50 cents for sprinkles.  Ha, ha....that boy knows how to make a buck!
We all denied the add ons and ate the cookies for free.  By the end of the night Brenden was sitting in the middle of Mom & Lisa and was even hugging on Lisa!

                                                                      Good Times! 
When Mom was ready to leave Brenden & I walked her out and Brenden said to Mom "you know a boy needs some walking around money"  LOL....he is still trying to add to his guitar fund.  Of course Mom couldn't deny that and Brenden was $10.00 richer.

I took a day of PTO from work on Friday so, I was planning on spending the day with Brittany & Jace so Brittany could get some much needed rest.  As it turned out John was working in Dallas on Thursday and wasn't going to be home until late that night so Brittany asked if I wanted to spend the night.  Of course I do! I took Brenden to the La Porte house where Archie was and he spent the night with him and they took him to school the next morning.
I picked up dinner for Brittany & I at Olive Garden and went to their house.  We ate dinner then I fed Jace while Brittany made bottles....never ending job!  I held Jace forever it seemed and was loving every minute of it.

 We cleaned up the house then sat down to watch some recorded TV.  It was so nice just visiting with the two of them.  We stayed up until about midnight which is WAY past my bedtime but, I didn't mind a bit.  I love my time with them.
The next morning John came home around 7:30 am with donuts.  We ate some breakfast, John fed Jace and he went to bed.  Brittany wasn't far behind him as she needed some sleep!  Now, it's bonding time.....I sat on the couch and held Jace for a long time then put him in his cradle.  I pulled the cradle over next to the couch so I could cat nap while Jace was sleeping.  I dozed but, never fell a sleep because I kept checking on Jace.

Finally it's feeding time and he is waking up with his little squeaks....he hardly ever cries.  I fed him then changed his clothes and he was awake for about 1 1/2 hrs.  It's picture time!

I went home that afternoon so I would be there when Brenden got home from school.  I got us dinner, showered and then relaxed...it's hard work taking care of a baby but, I love every minute of it.

Saturday morning I got up cleaned house and Brenden practiced his viola a little bit as he has a solo in front of a judge @ Baker Jr. High @ 1:24 pm.  Brittany was supposed to be at the house with Jace about 12:00 pm so Archie could finally meet Jace but, didn't get there until about 12:40 pm because as she was getting Jace ready he peed all over his outfit. 

Today is Jaces first outing and we are going to Jessica's baby shower.  Brittany said it's hard work getting me, Jace and everything he needs ready!  Welcome to motherhood......

Brenden & I left and went to his school & Archie & Mom met us there.  Brenden warmed up a bit and he was ready.....We all went into a room and there was 1 judge and Brenden's private lesson teacher who played the piano while Brenden played his viola.  Brenden introduced himself to the judge and told her what song he was playing and she said "Oh one of my favorite songs."  When Brenden was finished the judge said that she was very impressed that he had done a great job!  She asked him if he took private lessons and he said yes by Mrs. Leon.  The judge also asked what school he was going to next year and said that they would be lucky to be having him and that she knew that he would be in regionals next year and probably would end up in San Antonio for state competition.  She gave him so many compliments and then finally said "All I can say is WOW!"  Mom & I had tears in our eyes.....  I knew Brenden was good but, since I never hear anyone else play it is hard to know what level he is on.  That was 1 of my proudest Mom moments!  We were all beaming as we walked out of the room and Brenden being humble didn't really say much.  He knows he's good!  I am so proud of him!
We went to Jessica's shower and had a great afternoon.  She received so many nice gifts.  I can't believe how her tummy has grown since I saw her last at Brittany's shower a couple of months ago.  We are going to have another baby boy in our family....
After the shower Brittany, Jace & I met Mom at her house for more bonding time....I enjoyed the evening so much!

Jace

Tuesday May 17th 2011
Brittany needed some insurance paperwork that I printed out for her so, I told her that "I could bring it by"....of course I had an ulterior motive.  I got there and cranky pants needed his diaper changed and was HUNGRY!  That pacifer wasn't doing the trick.  I got to change him & feed him for the first time.   He snuggled up on my chest while I tried to burp him but, he wasn't gonna do it....he eventually fell right to sleep.  Everytime I see him all I want to do is hold him and it is sooo hard to leave.  :(  Brittany's sister Melanie and her sister came to visit Jace while I was there.  I am so glad that Brittany & Melanie keep in touch.  I hope that she got lots of pictures.
Brittany sent me a text this morning saying Good Morning and this picture was attached.

                                                                   Love that boy!

Jace is finally here....

Monday May 9th
Mid morning the specialist saw Brittany and did an ultrasound to find that Jace's fluid level is low but, his heart beat is strong and he is healthy so they have finally decided to induce.  Thank God!  I don't think I could take it if she was sent home for the third time!  Dr. Taylor came in and checked her and said that she felt Jace's head and that it will be easy once she breaks her water.  YAY!  They inserted the cervidil so her cervix could thin out which will take about 12 hrs.  Mom could not stand it any longer and decided to leave work about 1:30 - 2:00 pm so she went home ate lunch, stopped by the Hallmark store then finally text Brittany to see if it was ok for her to go to the hospital.  Of course Brittany said yes and Mom said good because I am in the parking lot.  Brittany said well, it's a good thing I didn't say no.  I came up to the hospital about 3:30 pm and Lisa wasn't far behind.  We stayed till about 6:00 pm and left so Brittany could rest as she was going to have a long day tomorrow.  The 3 of us went to Carrabas's for a delicious dinner and a couple of glasses of wine.  We all needed a little unwinding before the BIG day!  About 10:30 pm  they will take the cervidil out, give her an enema and then she will take a sauna bath for about 30 minutes.  After the bath they will break her water, start the pitocin and give her a Ambien to sleep for awhile.  Dr. Taylor said she would probably have Jace about 2:00 or 3:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon.

I am so excited...can't believe I will be a Grandma or whatever I will be called!  I have never really given much thought to that as Brittany has always said she didn't like kids and Brenden is 12 yrs. younger than Brittany so, it would be a long time before he had kids.  I can't wait to hold Jace in my arms, to babysit him when it is just me & him and to spoil him!  We are going to make so many memories.....
Just can't wait for tomorrow!

It Tuesday and we are going to have a baby! 
I got Brenden off to school and had my couple of cups of coffee waiting to hear from Brittany.  She called about 7:45 am and they had taken the cervidil out, given her the enema and she was able to take a shower before they started the pitocin.  Once the pitocin was started they gave her 2 Ambien and she said she was able to get a good nights sleep.
The nurses came in about 6:00 am to check on her and she was having mild contractions.  She didn't want anyone coming to the hospital until after she had the epidural.....Really?  We had to wait that long?  I spoke to Mom and decided to go ahead and get dressed and head over to her house as Lisa was already there.  I got there and we sat outside under the palapa waiting...............seemed like forever!  We decided to have a couple of Mimosa's instead of the beer that Mom offered us as it was only 10:00 am! 

We waited around until close to noon and decided to have some lunch and then head over to the hospital because we couldn't stand it any longer.  We got to the hospital and her contractions were closer together and more intense.  We stayed in the room with her although we were not allowed to talk or touch her.  She was in PAIN!  John did a great job, he was right by her side the whole time.
The nurse checked her later that day and said that Jace was not positioning himself in the birth canal and that his face was turned to the side.  Before Dr. Taylor came in and checked her she received more pain meds. for the epidural as it was wearing off.  Dr. Taylor mentioned that if he did not turn it was a possibility that she may have a C-section.  Brittany has said all through her pregnancy that she did not want to have a C-section so, of course we were concerned.   Since Jace was not turning on his own the nurses decided to put Brittany in several different positions on the bed as they said that in the past when they try this the baby turns.  All we could think of is PLEASE let him turn as we didn't want to think about a C-section!  Now the estimated time of delivery is between 9:00 pm - midnight.  It's going to be a longer day than all expected.

Brenden has a orchestra concert at 6:00 pm and a parent meeting at Lomax Jr. High at 6:00 pm.  I was planning on going to the parent meeting and Mom and Archie were going to go to the concert but, since the delivery time had changed Mom & I knew we weren't going to make either thing.  I called Archie to tell him of the change in delivery and told him that he would have to get Brenden to the concert and take him home with him as I didn't have any idea what time I would be home.  When Brenden got home from school I told him that we were still at the hospital and I could not go to the parent meeting.  He asked "can't G come to my concert?"  I told him no because the hospital wasn't close enough for her to leave and come back as we didn't know when Brittany would have Jace.  He sounded sooooo disappointed!  It broke my heart.  I felt so bad as this was his last concert of the year and he wanted everyone there.  I told Mom and she was teary eyed and said that maybe she go ahead and go and come back but, Lisa and I told her that there was no way she could leave at this point.  :( 
Lisa was looking at her faceboook as we were talking about Brenden and his concert and he had posted
" :( Only my Dad can come to my concert bc everyone is at the hospital with Brittany waiting for her to have her baby" 

OMG!  We all looked at each other and were so sad..............  We started thinking what can we do?  Lisa called Lauren to see if her & Tyler had plans for the evening and they said no so, she asked if they could go to the concert and so they did.  Brenden really looks up to Tyler and I am so happy that they went.  Lisa sent Brenden a FB message saying that Tyler and Lauren would be there and Brenden asked "are they staying for both performances"  LOL  Lisa told him that she didn't know.......  Tyler and Lauren went to the concert and did stay for both performances!  That meant so much to me and I know that it meant a lot to Brenden as well.
Now that we had that taken care of we decided to go get something to eat as it was now around 6:00 pm and we knew it was going to be a long night.  We went to Pappacitos and had some nachos but, couldn't really relax as we were nervous/excited about the new arrival.  We got back to the hospital and found Courtney in the waiting room.  She said that she had been in the room but, they were moving Brittany around so she decided to wait in the waiting room.  I took John his dinner and Brittany said "I don't want anyone coming in here" and I told her ok "I was just bringing John his food", she laughed as she wasn't very pleasant when she said it.



Waiting for the BIG arrival!



 I went back into the waiting room and about 7:30 pm John sent me a text.... "She is dilated 9 cm and only two people can be in the room, me & You"  I said ok, just let me know when then about 15 or so minutes later he said it would be about 15 minutes and then they would have her start pushing.  I asked him if I should come now and he said no, it would be a few more minutes.  Then FINALLY about 8:00 pm he sent me a text and said "Lets go".  So many emotions/thoughts were running through my mind.  I felt like I flew through the halls to get to her room.  Once I reached her room there was Brittany, John on one side of her and her nurse.  Now, I thought I was going to stand in the corner and look pretty BUT, oh no I had a job to do!  The nurse asked me if I was a leg holder and of course I said YES!  I stood on the other side of Brittany and as she had a contraction John & I held her legs back while she pushed.  Then she would rest a few minutes and push again.  The nurse was great!  She had such a calm soothing voice and coached Brittany right through each contraction.  As Brittany was pushing I kept looking for a head.  The nurse said that the hardest part was to push his head through her cervix.  Finally, we had a peek at Jace's head!  So exciting because we knew it would not be long for that baby boy to be born.  Brittany pushed a few more times and his head was crowning......but, the doctor was not here yet.  Brittany kept saying that she needed to push but, the nurse said that she was going to have to breath through the next few contractions so the doctor could deliver him.  The nurse said that she could deliver him but, then she would have a lot of paperwork to fill out so, it would be better to wait for the doctor.  At this point Brittany is getting upset and asked "where is the doctor?"  The nurse said that she was in the parking lot and in no time she was entering the door to her room.  The doctor came in put on her scrubs, had Brittany push a couple of more times and let Brittany feel his head with her fingers and in no time Jace was born! 

So emotional!  He is so cute and we are so happy that he is a healthy 7 lbs 7 oz, 20.5 inches long baby boy!  After they clamped off the cord they put Jace on Brittany's chest for her to see him.    Then they took him to the other side of the room and I went over there to take all the pictures I can.  I sent everyone a text saying "He is born"......  At that time I knew Brittany was ok because she had the doctor and all of the nurses to finish their business with her.  They got Jace all cleaned up then gave him to Brittany.....He is so beautiful.  I can't believe that my daughter has had a baby of her own.  I then went out to the waiting room so Mom, Lisa, Casey & Courtney could come in to see Jace.  After they saw him and took some pictures Casey & Courtney left so I went back in for a few more minutes.  We unwrapped Jace to look at him and he is so cute.  He looks just like Brittany and even has a shy toe.

 So crazy!  We are all soooo tired and it was time for Brittany, John and Jace to be together so we left about 10:00 pm and went back to Moms as we had all ridden together to the hospital.  I got home about 10:45 pm took a Valium and passed out.  What a day!

I took off of work on Wednesday and got Brenden off to school and got my shower and went up to the hospital about 11:00 am as John had gone home to shower.  Lisa was there and Brittany was able to take her shower.  All I want to do is hold him and look into his beautiful face!  I still can't believe he is finally here.  Krista, Kelley, Kerbi and Casey came by to visit.  I stayed until about 3:30 pm and went home so Brittany could get some rest.  Oh, and she is doing a great job breast feeding.......forgot about that!

Now it is Thursday and Jace gets his circumcision and gets to go home.  I talked to Brittany earlier in the morning and all they were waiting on was for Jace to be released. 

                                                           Ready to go HOME!

They got home a little after noon and was able to spend the day together.  I talked to her a couple of times during the day and all was good!  That is until the night time and all Jace wanted to do was cluster feed which means he wanted to be close to her breast but, not really breast feeding.....needless to say she gave him a bottle @ 5:00 am so all of them could get some sleep.  Brittany said she tried breast feeding and was OVER it!  Been there, done that but, it just wasn't working out for her or Jace.  Good for her for trying as she got that experience.

Finally Friday!  I worked all day and talked to Brittany a couple of times on the phone and she asked if I wanted to come over after work to see Jace.  Of course I do!  I went straight to their house after work and cleaned up a little for them and Brittany & I gave Jace a sponge bath.

First bath......

  He was so good, didn't really cry at all although he didn't like all the pictures I was taking while Brittany was getting him dressed.  All I want to do is hold him and stare into his face.  His eyes were open and he was so alert.  I know, I know that's because he is already so advanced!  Love that boy already! 
Oh, and of course I had to get a picture of the two of us because Brittany was busy...

Saturday morning I wake up to a text from Brittany saying that she would take me up on my offer to get her the cabbage & ace bandage so she could start the process of drying up her milk.  I got dressed, went to the store got the goods and was on my way.....Oh, I also took the cradle that Brenden slept in when he was born as it is smaller and I think it will be easier to maneuver around their apartment.  We got Brittany all wrapped up in her ace bandage and she said that she already felt better.  Then it was my Jace time before I had to go to my nail appt.  I left and went to my appt. and she sent me a couple of more pics of Jace.  I told her earlier in the week that if she didn't send me lots of pics I would INVADE them! 
Later that day I went to Moms as Tyler was going to prom with Lauren that evening and him and a bunch of his friends met at Moms for prom pictures.  I can't believe that Tyler is already graduating as it doesn't seem long that Brittany & Casey were doing the same thing.  Lisa and Casey went to the beach house that Tyler & Lauren were staying at that evening to chaperon.  Can't wait for the details on that evening!

So it's Sunday evening and I have logged onto Brenden's facebook to check it out.  In reading all of the posts I found one that I thought was funny from a girl that Brenden is friends with....it goes like this.
"There aren't enough days in the weekend.  Stupid school, I really hope you pay off one day!"  Thoughts from a 6th grader....Love that!

Family - Mothers Day Weekend

May 2nd - 8th 2011
So, I get a phone call from Brenden's teacher saying that he has a hole in his pants and she wanted to know if I could bring him another pair of pants.  Luckily Brittany & I had just gone to lunch and she was on her way to the house.  Brittany got Brenden another pair of pants and had her speech for the school all ready as we figured that the hole could not have been that big since it was already 1:00 pm and he had been at school since 8:00 am that morning.  As Brittany walked into the office there was Brenden standing there with a huge hole in the knee of his pants....
Brittany ~ Really Brenden?
Brenden ~ Really Brittany?
I can hear both of them now.......damn kids!

Today is Wednesday & Brittany went to the doctor is hopes in good news but, she was not dilated and her blood pressure was elevated.  Dr. Taylor sent her over to the hospital for observation and to check the level of protein in her urine.  She was checked in and as she spent the afternoon in the hospital her blood pressure went down.  G & Lisa visited her at lunch and Brittany was in a good mood as Dr. Taylor had come to see her and told her that by law she could not induce her because she was not at the 39 week mark but, she could call her office the next morning and schedule the induction.  She has been having headaches so Dr. Taylor had a neurologist see her and told her that he didn't want to do a scan on her because of the radiation and the only thing she could do was take Excedrin and he recommended her drinking a coke.  After the neurologist saw her she was discharged and was able to go home.

First thing Thursday morning Brittany called Dr. Taylors office and left a message for the nurse to schedule the induction.  That afternoon the nurse called her back but, they are all booked up next week and they could not put her on the schedule.  Brittany is so upset because in her words, she is MISERABLE!  The only hope is for one of the women scheduled will go in labor this weekend and then she can be scheduled for the induction.  The nurse said that they would call her Monday morning if that happens.... Let's all cross our fingers as we want that baby boy to be born!

It's Friday afternoon, my cell phone is ringing & I see it's the school's phone number...... My first thought? Crap, here we go again but, no it's Brenden on the other line saying that he had mis-behaved in Mrs. Horelka's math class while they had a substitute and was in trouble.  UGH!  I hate these phone calls.  I asked him why he was in trouble and his typical answer was "I don't know".  Really Brenden?  Now I have to talk to the teacher and she explained that he & a couple of other boys were mis-behaving with the sub. and she said that if he did that again he would have ISS.   I am so glad that there is less than a month to go in this school year....I am tired!  I call Archie and ask him what he wants to do about it and he said there must be something in the air as he has had employee problems today.  Whatever!  So frustrating.... because I am mad.....Mad that my 12 year old kid can not behave in school.  Brenden is so smart and makes straight A's and it is frustrating that he can't behave like he is supposed to.  So, I get home and of course have to have "the talk"...I hate doing that too.  I told him if he gets any more conduct marks then he will not be able to go to orchestra camp this summer.  I hate being the bad guy but, I guess that's my job.  I am so looking forward to the summer when both of us can relax & will have no worries!

It's Mothers day....Brenden & I got up and he wanted me to go get donuts but, it's mothers day and my turn to be treated to breakfast so, Brenden cooked me scrambled eggs & bisuits for breakfast!  I have not had breakfast cooked for me since Brittany was living here.  Brittany came to visit us early in the morning and we all enjoyed laying around...it was just like old times.  I enjoyed both of them being with me on mothers day.  Later that afternoon we went to Moms and Lisa, Tyler, Casey & Neill were there and it was a nice relaxing afternoon chilling under the palapas.  We cooked beer can chicken, corn on the cob & potatoes.  Great food for a great day!  After dinner Brittany was not feeling good because she had a headache & a pain in the top of her stomach so, she called Dr. Taylor.  Dr. Taylor said that she could either go to the hospital that evening or wait until in the morning.  Brittany mentioned that she still had a headache so Dr. Taylor wanted her to go to the hospital that evening so, Brittany left Moms and John met her at the hospital.  They did some blood work, a urine test and checked her blood pressure which was a little elevated and decided to keep her for observation overnight and wanted her to see the specialist in the morning and the neurologists for her headadches.  Dr. Taylor checked on Brittany at 12:00 am and mentioned that they may induce her in the morning.  Once the morning came Dr. Taylor saw her again but, then said that depending on all of her test results they may send her home and see her on Wednesday for her normal doctor appointment.  Brittany was not only disappointed but, also pissed as she just wants to be induced!