Auld Lang Syne

2009 has been an amazing year. Kate turned into a happy-going school girl with ease. Erin transitioned from a toddler to this amazing, chatty little kid. Annie went from a (fussy!) baby to this sweet little toddler who delights us every day. Dan received his doctorate of cardiology and started a demanding electrophysiology fellowship....his easygoing attitude amazes me, always, as he inserts pacemakers during the day and then comes home to deal with diapers and baths and tantrums! I completed my first half-marathon with Dan by my side and was happy to announce that it was completed, and that I was pregnant! Finally, we were able to end the year by welcoming our sweet Tess to our family. I'd like to think that 2010 might be a bit quieter, and a bit calmer, but who knows what a new year will bring. We will greet it, though, feeling happy and lucky and blessed to be here...with lots of love, lots of laughter, and our four beautiful girls. Happy New Year, friends. May you all have peace and happiness in 2010.

glowbaby

We've watched Tess's color change this week from pink (albeit bruised!) to an alarming shade of yellow. Yesterday we went to the pediatrician and then to Children's Hospital to have labwork done and her bilirubin levels were up to 18.2. She is now on a bili blanket...a phototheraphy device that will help her break up all that excess bilirubin and return her to a more normal color! It's an exhausting process....the bili light has to be on as much as possible, so she is tethered in one place. It's hard to not be mobile with her. Labs and office visits again this afternoon, and tomorrow, and possibly the day after, too. I am tired! On a brighter note....overheard in the living room this morning as Kate and Erin and Annie tried to console a fussy baby: "Don't cry, baby Tess. There are no monsters or dragons or witches or any scary stuff in the living room. Besides, we are all here to keep you safe."

welcome, tess

I woke up at 2:30 AM Sunday morning to escort Erin back to bed and in the process started contracting. We had a quiet morning at home getting ready and waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive and finally went to the hospital around 11:30. They admitted us to a room and I continued to do very little the whole afternoon....pitocin was finally started, my epidural was placed....At 8:15 the doctor broke my water and said I was 3 cm and hinted I had a ways to go....and at 8:41 I delivered! It was fast and furious at the end. Poor Tess came out with a cord wrapped tightly around her neck and a bruised and swollen face. It took her quite a while to actually be able to open both eyes. She was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. She is doing well now and we are thrilled to have her home. Kate is enraptured....once she gets Tess in her arms, it is very hard to persuade her to give her up. Erin and Annie are for the most part unphased. We are heading to the doctor this afternoon to have her jaundice checked out....hopefully no interventions that will undoubtedly make me cry will be necessary! Tess is a sweet, calm baby...and I can't say it enough....we are so, so very lucky to have her in our family. Welcome, little one---we are going to love you like crazy!

tess caroline

More to come soon, I promise, but for now....our sweet little babe, Tess. We are so happy to have her home.

a very merry little christmas

It was a whirlwind Christmas this year.....a crazy 24 hours of presents and rain and festivities and family. By Christmas morning we had three pretty tired (cranky!) toddlers, but all in all a wonderful holiday. I can say without a doubt the girls got everything their little hearts ever could have wished for. Looking forward to a quiet weekend....although we would throw in a birth if we could!

festivus

We traveled to Madison on Saturday and had a great time celebrating Christmas with my parents and Carrie and her family. Once again, my pictures are lacking. Next year!

scary

Just in time for the holidays, and a new baby........Annie has learned that she can push her chair up to any counter and climb on up. Kitchen cabinets are a whole new world. She climbs onto the table and helps herself to the cookies in the middle. And the candles. She tried to remove the grates from the stove. She goes into the bathroom and turns on the water in the sink....and then leaves it running. She grabs toys from her sisters and runs away yelling "MINE!" Ahhh......Annie.

blessed

Blessed.....to have had, in my life, four big bellies.....four squirming and kicking babies inside....and three beautiful girls waiting to meet this new wonderful baby.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

We traveled to Chicago yesterday to celebrate our nephew Ryan's 2nd birthday. As always, a loud and crazy good time!