Tab,
As Dad needed a 5 day school option and Diamanté Montessori here in Glen Ellyn was stil not able to give us that after the fall semester, we moved you to Wheaton Montessori in the Spring Semester of 2017. The first few days at the school were easy, but when you realized this new place was your new every day school, there were about two weeks of a rough time for you - crying on the way to school and getting upset at times at school. You have since really started to love the new school.
For a while and still now you will tell us that your pink snake can't find his friends or that you can't find Mary, Riley and Jack who were your best friends at the old school. Hayley said to let you talk through it, help guide and give you answers and that you are probably trying to figure it out.
That said, you still talk about Riley, Mary and JACK constantly who were your close friends at Diamanté. We have done a few play dates with Jack who you both say are one another's best friends. Jack is one year older, rambunctious, fun and smart. You two are inseparable when in the same room. We found out from Mrs Rogers at your new school that you have a new best friend Cameron, a 4 year old rambunctious and loud boy - a similar personality to Jack. Although no one can replace Jack, we are so happy you have found another close friend.
We are happy that you are happy and making friends. ;-)
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Tilly's Birth Story
So that you guys have this for posterity:
On Thursday Aug 25th, the day before I was to be induced, I got a mani/pedi at 1pm in downtown Glen Ellyn and then walked around Lake Ellyn afterwards for a long while. I fully intended to be induced the next day and had started my leave of absence that day. I came home from my long walk and then Steve's parents arrived. We all went to dinner at Shannon's Pub at 5pm and I started to get contractions at dinner but at the time I thought "these maternity jorts aren't for the post due date phase" and figured it was just pants too tight. ;-) Afterwards we picked up our CSA veggies/fruit (and like every other week we ended up using 1/3 of them - just the super familiar ones - while the others ultimately went bad) and I continued to have contractions but thought it was again, just a too tight waist on the maternity jorts. We got home around 7pm and the pain started to get stronger, longer and more frequent. I thought maybe it was contractions at this point. Steve's parents were helping Tab take a bath. I downloaded a contraction timer app and timed three contractions - the app flashed "STOP AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL!" I went from realizing it was contractions to 20 minutes later the app telling me that I had to go to hospital. He was a little weirded out that I let him know last minute and kept this all a secret, he told his parents we had to go while I panicked. We grabbed our bags and we said goodbye to Tab. Drove into city and checked into hospital around 9pm. At 10pm they checked cervix and said I was far from ready at 5cm or so. We were considering getting a hotel downtown and walking around for a while but my blood pressure started to get too high so they admitted me to delivery. At 12am they brought me upstairs to the delivery room and I asked for an epidural. The midwife wanted to confirm that was what I wanted and said "Do you want me to talk you out of it?" I definitely didn't. After the epidural at 1am or so I felt better but could definitely still feel pain, no one believed me that I still felt pain but I felt better than before and definitely not as much pain from the first baby sans epidural so I just tried to relax and snooze between contractions. They dimmed the lights in our room assuming I would labor slowly for a while and let me and Steve relax. But alas, my water broke probably 20 minutes later. They cleaned me up and I jammed my hands in my vag to check my cervix and I could feel Tilly's hairy head. ;-) I told the nurse that I checked my own cervix and could feel the her head. Sure enough, I was 10cm and I got in trouble for checking my cervix. The midwife was awesome - she had "executive presence" and totally had the situation under control. Steve held one of my legs and the nurse held the other. I pushed once and Tilly's vitals were starting to go down and her heart rate dropped below 90BPM. Tilly's head pushed through a little more and she was face up (posterior) which the midwife said explained why the epidural didn't cut all the pain. She also said she would give me one or two more opportunities to push and then she would do an episiotomy and get Tilly out since the heart rate was too low and she was face up. I started to get worried so I pushed super hard a few times and she popped out at 3:35am! They weighed her with Steve in attendance in the room, yammered about her red hair, sewed me up. Tilly then nursed for TWO HOURS in the delivery room while we tried to stay awake. :-) It was a totally different experience but awesome in its own way.
On Thursday Aug 25th, the day before I was to be induced, I got a mani/pedi at 1pm in downtown Glen Ellyn and then walked around Lake Ellyn afterwards for a long while. I fully intended to be induced the next day and had started my leave of absence that day. I came home from my long walk and then Steve's parents arrived. We all went to dinner at Shannon's Pub at 5pm and I started to get contractions at dinner but at the time I thought "these maternity jorts aren't for the post due date phase" and figured it was just pants too tight. ;-) Afterwards we picked up our CSA veggies/fruit (and like every other week we ended up using 1/3 of them - just the super familiar ones - while the others ultimately went bad) and I continued to have contractions but thought it was again, just a too tight waist on the maternity jorts. We got home around 7pm and the pain started to get stronger, longer and more frequent. I thought maybe it was contractions at this point. Steve's parents were helping Tab take a bath. I downloaded a contraction timer app and timed three contractions - the app flashed "STOP AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL!" I went from realizing it was contractions to 20 minutes later the app telling me that I had to go to hospital. He was a little weirded out that I let him know last minute and kept this all a secret, he told his parents we had to go while I panicked. We grabbed our bags and we said goodbye to Tab. Drove into city and checked into hospital around 9pm. At 10pm they checked cervix and said I was far from ready at 5cm or so. We were considering getting a hotel downtown and walking around for a while but my blood pressure started to get too high so they admitted me to delivery. At 12am they brought me upstairs to the delivery room and I asked for an epidural. The midwife wanted to confirm that was what I wanted and said "Do you want me to talk you out of it?" I definitely didn't. After the epidural at 1am or so I felt better but could definitely still feel pain, no one believed me that I still felt pain but I felt better than before and definitely not as much pain from the first baby sans epidural so I just tried to relax and snooze between contractions. They dimmed the lights in our room assuming I would labor slowly for a while and let me and Steve relax. But alas, my water broke probably 20 minutes later. They cleaned me up and I jammed my hands in my vag to check my cervix and I could feel Tilly's hairy head. ;-) I told the nurse that I checked my own cervix and could feel the her head. Sure enough, I was 10cm and I got in trouble for checking my cervix. The midwife was awesome - she had "executive presence" and totally had the situation under control. Steve held one of my legs and the nurse held the other. I pushed once and Tilly's vitals were starting to go down and her heart rate dropped below 90BPM. Tilly's head pushed through a little more and she was face up (posterior) which the midwife said explained why the epidural didn't cut all the pain. She also said she would give me one or two more opportunities to push and then she would do an episiotomy and get Tilly out since the heart rate was too low and she was face up. I started to get worried so I pushed super hard a few times and she popped out at 3:35am! They weighed her with Steve in attendance in the room, yammered about her red hair, sewed me up. Tilly then nursed for TWO HOURS in the delivery room while we tried to stay awake. :-) It was a totally different experience but awesome in its own way.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Watch the News...
This post is more for posterity:
A few weeks ago you Tab wouldn't go to sleep. You were finding every hundred reasons to stay awake. Your Dad and I had both tried to put you to sleep. Finally you asked for one last hug from Daddy and said "I'll watch the news with you." You have never once ever asked to watch the news. You always ALWAYS want to change it to Nature Cat, Canimals or anything else but the news. Your Dad brought it up again tonight and how heartwarming it was.
I was away on a work trip from very early Wednesday Jan 11 to late Friday Jan 13 2017. This was my first trip away from you Tilly. When I came home late Friday you were so happy and also started crying a little and immediately started nursing - it looked like love and pain altogether. Your Dad said you seeemed so confused and that you loved me.
You girls are wonderful. ;-)
A few weeks ago you Tab wouldn't go to sleep. You were finding every hundred reasons to stay awake. Your Dad and I had both tried to put you to sleep. Finally you asked for one last hug from Daddy and said "I'll watch the news with you." You have never once ever asked to watch the news. You always ALWAYS want to change it to Nature Cat, Canimals or anything else but the news. Your Dad brought it up again tonight and how heartwarming it was.
I was away on a work trip from very early Wednesday Jan 11 to late Friday Jan 13 2017. This was my first trip away from you Tilly. When I came home late Friday you were so happy and also started crying a little and immediately started nursing - it looked like love and pain altogether. Your Dad said you seeemed so confused and that you loved me.
You girls are wonderful. ;-)
Monday, December 5, 2016
Two gingers
Hello Girls!
A few new awesome things from Tab:
-Friday you told Dad "That was awesome!" when he kicked a ball against the wall and it popped up
-You asked "You guys eating mac and cheese over there?" to me and Dad last night
-So much of what you do is like your Dad. You love routine, you have a short lil fuse and you do not tolerate disorder. ;-)
-A few nights ago you teared up when I sang the "down will come baby, cradle in all" line. Months ago it made you cry and it mad you emotional again.
-You love being with your bigger cousins, especially Charlotte. You would follow her around all day if you could.
A few wonderful new things from Tilly:
-You are easily rolling from tummy to back
-Your teeth are starting to come in and man do you let us know when it hurts.
-Your smile is noticed by all.
-You are what they deem a "happy spitter". Spitting up after meals but with a smile.
We love you both very much and delight in the new things you teach us every day!
A few new awesome things from Tab:
-Friday you told Dad "That was awesome!" when he kicked a ball against the wall and it popped up
-You asked "You guys eating mac and cheese over there?" to me and Dad last night
-So much of what you do is like your Dad. You love routine, you have a short lil fuse and you do not tolerate disorder. ;-)
-A few nights ago you teared up when I sang the "down will come baby, cradle in all" line. Months ago it made you cry and it mad you emotional again.
-You love being with your bigger cousins, especially Charlotte. You would follow her around all day if you could.
A few wonderful new things from Tilly:
-You are easily rolling from tummy to back
-Your teeth are starting to come in and man do you let us know when it hurts.
-Your smile is noticed by all.
-You are what they deem a "happy spitter". Spitting up after meals but with a smile.
We love you both very much and delight in the new things you teach us every day!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
You two!
Tilly is now 12 weeks and some change. You Tilly, have been a delight. Sweet smiles and giggles that are almost ready to burst out! Tabby, you have been an amazing sister. You want to cuddle Tilly and coo to her - "Hooo. Hooo." is what you say when trying to speak her baby language. What a good girl - you want so hard to communicate with her that you speak her baby language. You are so good to her - the main concern is that you will hug her too hard and love on her too much. We are so fortunate to have both of you girls. ;-)
Lately Tabby you have been quite the Daddy's girl. Only Daddy can put on your shoes, change yourdiaper, get you out of the car seat etc. I miss being your favorite but I know it means a lot to Daddy to be varsity again. ;-)
Lately Tabby you have been quite the Daddy's girl. Only Daddy can put on your shoes, change yourdiaper, get you out of the car seat etc. I miss being your favorite but I know it means a lot to Daddy to be varsity again. ;-)
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Tilly!
Tab,
Because I can barely keep up with a journal for one, a second journal is out of the question. As with almost everything I will ask that you graciously share with your sister.
Your sister is 7 1/2 weeks old today! She can:
-Wiggle around
-Smile at us
-Nearly hold her head up
-Keep her legs straight with weight on them
-Giggle in her sleep
-Sleep from 10p-4a straight through
A baby class we took told us that babies arrive in a manner similar to their personality. Tilly waited until Grandma and Grandpa McKone were in town, started a slow and easy labor with no water breaking at dinner followed by stronger contractions while we were picking up our CSA veggie share and then during bath. I downloaded the contraction timer and after the first few were tracked it said "GO TO THE HOSPITAL". So we told Grandma and Grandpa that we were driving into the city and we left! The pain was pretty bad and the contractions started to get more irregular. I wasn't very dialated so they were going to let me leave but my blood pressure was too high. After being admitted upstairs and having an epidural, my water broke and after three pushes you arrived at 3:35am. It was a little scary for a moment because your heart rate dropped to 90 but we got you put quickly!
Tilly has been such a mellow and sleepy baby. Accommodating and thoughtful, as she was during her arrival. Tabby has been a great older sister - she hasn't been into holding the baby but she loves to kiss and hug goodbye to her and insists upon it! What a future with these two!
Because I can barely keep up with a journal for one, a second journal is out of the question. As with almost everything I will ask that you graciously share with your sister.
Your sister is 7 1/2 weeks old today! She can:
-Wiggle around
-Smile at us
-Nearly hold her head up
-Keep her legs straight with weight on them
-Giggle in her sleep
-Sleep from 10p-4a straight through
A baby class we took told us that babies arrive in a manner similar to their personality. Tilly waited until Grandma and Grandpa McKone were in town, started a slow and easy labor with no water breaking at dinner followed by stronger contractions while we were picking up our CSA veggie share and then during bath. I downloaded the contraction timer and after the first few were tracked it said "GO TO THE HOSPITAL". So we told Grandma and Grandpa that we were driving into the city and we left! The pain was pretty bad and the contractions started to get more irregular. I wasn't very dialated so they were going to let me leave but my blood pressure was too high. After being admitted upstairs and having an epidural, my water broke and after three pushes you arrived at 3:35am. It was a little scary for a moment because your heart rate dropped to 90 but we got you put quickly!
Tilly has been such a mellow and sleepy baby. Accommodating and thoughtful, as she was during her arrival. Tabby has been a great older sister - she hasn't been into holding the baby but she loves to kiss and hug goodbye to her and insists upon it! What a future with these two!
Sunday, October 16, 2016
2 1/2 with a baby sister!
Tabby,
Clearly we have been busy! The last post you had turned 1 and now you are 2 1/2 with a 7 week old sister! Your Dad and I left Chicago for Glen Ellyn in Nov 2015. The congestion and violence were getting to us (especially your Dad) so we headed for greener pastures.
You recently started preschool at Diamante Montessori in Glen Ellyn 3 days a week. You have a favorite friend named Jack but wow did you not like the first few weeks. You were especially mad at your Dad as he was the one to drop you off, therefore it seemed like he got the brunt of the blame. That was a lot of change at once - new baby, school and Mommy being home (because of the new baby). You have now settled down but you are considering giving up your afternoon nap.
Your vocabulary and speech are amazing. You constantly amaze with either fun or insightful sentences or by putting together words in your own way. Last night after we left the restaurant with Grandma and Grandpa McKone you were looking for the moon and were excited when you found it.
A few of your favorite things:
-Picking up leaves on walks
-Eating oranges
-My Little Ponies
-Your friend Jack at school (apparently you guys held hands a few days ago!)
-Sitting in Daddy'a lap during Chilly Willy after bath time and before bedtime
-Looking into the reading light in your room during night stories (horrible for your eyes!)
We are learning so much from you, Tab. I hope we can be the calm, loving, insightful parents that you deserve as you grow into the feisty, smart, independent lady you will be.
Love,
Mom
Clearly we have been busy! The last post you had turned 1 and now you are 2 1/2 with a 7 week old sister! Your Dad and I left Chicago for Glen Ellyn in Nov 2015. The congestion and violence were getting to us (especially your Dad) so we headed for greener pastures.
You recently started preschool at Diamante Montessori in Glen Ellyn 3 days a week. You have a favorite friend named Jack but wow did you not like the first few weeks. You were especially mad at your Dad as he was the one to drop you off, therefore it seemed like he got the brunt of the blame. That was a lot of change at once - new baby, school and Mommy being home (because of the new baby). You have now settled down but you are considering giving up your afternoon nap.
Your vocabulary and speech are amazing. You constantly amaze with either fun or insightful sentences or by putting together words in your own way. Last night after we left the restaurant with Grandma and Grandpa McKone you were looking for the moon and were excited when you found it.
A few of your favorite things:
-Picking up leaves on walks
-Eating oranges
-My Little Ponies
-Your friend Jack at school (apparently you guys held hands a few days ago!)
-Sitting in Daddy'a lap during Chilly Willy after bath time and before bedtime
-Looking into the reading light in your room during night stories (horrible for your eyes!)
We are learning so much from you, Tab. I hope we can be the calm, loving, insightful parents that you deserve as you grow into the feisty, smart, independent lady you will be.
Love,
Mom
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