She would have walked into the kitchen this morning with her sleep-tousled hair, rubbing her eyes as she mumbled, "....'morning mommy".  I would have let her climb onto my lap, smoothed down her hair and kissed her as I wished her a happy birthday, "You're 5 years old now!  A whole hand!"

After a cuddle, she would have asked for some breakfast.  As ( Read more... )

I just feel kind of....blah, today.

Jack and Charlotte helped me make cookies and a berry no-bake cheesecake today, and then I spent a good chunk of time working on some journal stuff for Charlotte's baby scrapbook.  In the other girls' baby scrapbooks, I briefly tell them how I found out I was pregnant, how I told their Dad, how my pregnancy went, ( Read more... )

One year ago from right now, I was in the bathtub, sweaty and laboring to bring Charlotte into the world.  I wasn't in the bathtub long before I knew I wanted to get out, and as soon as I stepped out of the tub and into the hallway, my water broke.  A couple more steps and I stood with my hands on my thighs and pushed Charlotte's head out.

As fast ( Read more... )

 I have an assignment for Technical Writing, to do a personal essay.  I chose the topic "Pregnancy after Loss" since it's something I know a lot about and figured I could easily write the paper and get it done.  As I was putting it together today I decided to go back in my journal and read about my pregnancy with Charlotte, to see if there was ( Read more... )

This afternoon Jack and I went for drive, just to get me out of the house for a few minutes.  We drove out to the cemetery and as soon as we stopped, I picked up the stiff little 'headstone' broom we keep in the van and I went over to brush off the headstone.  I swept away grass clippings and dust, wiped the face of her headstone with my hand and ( Read more... )

Thanks to my *brilliant* computer-techy SIL who suggested a card reader, a sleepy baby, and the willing arms of Jack and Kimberly, I give you The Birth of Charlotte!!!

Labour

( Read more... )

I likely have only a few minutes here before my tired eyes fail me and Charlotte wakes again, but just wanted to write that all is well.  We were home early this afternoon and got everyone settled.  Lots of nursing and diaper changes - Charlotte has pooped and peed like a champ - yay for poops ( Read more... )

She was born at 1:35 this morning, June 22nd, one year and two weeks after Abby was born.  She is pink, healthy, beautiful and breathing and we are all so very happy and relieved that she is with us.  She gave one tiny cry before she was even fully born, and just enough squeaks and squawks after that to assure us that she was fully here.  (Apgars ( Read more... )

With Julia and Abby, it was around noon or shortly after that I realized whether or not it was true labour.  I know that I am not in a regular pattern of labour at all right now, contractions are all over the place although the cramps and backache are almost constant.  None of it went away in the shower, but the contractions were much less intense ( Read more... )

Sporting a new pink skort and her crimped-from-braids hair, Julia was off to school this morning.  Kim and I ventured out into public late morning to attempt to find her a pair of shorts.  Clothes shopping here is slim pickin's at best, but shopping with a teenager??? Oy.

We picked up lunch at Subway and met Julia at her school to all have lunch ( Read more... )