Monday, December 29, 2014

10 months old

Hi, remember me?  Remember when I was confident & all, '2 kids, I got this'.....hahahaha.....feel free to join in laughing. 

I'm back, finally, to give this blog neglected second child an update. I seriously have no idea how my mom has any pictures of my little brother, the 4th child, in a time without camera phones.

Ok, Oliver.

10 months old & still growing at an alarming pace. His weight is 22 lbs and height was 30" last month at his checkup.  He dropped to 87% for weight & jumped to 97% for height.

We just transitioned to 18 month clothes & he's been in size 4 diapers for sometime.

This last month has been big on moving milestones. He crawls, pulls himself up, cruises furniture, jumps in his crib, and now stands for a few seconds on his own. His first steps aren't far behind.

He is still the happiest baby ever. He's all smiles & laughs, unless he's hungry.

He eats everything....except baby food from a spoon. He'll still take pouches of food, but mostly eats finger foods.  He likes all food. He has 3 meals & 1 snack.  He still takes 2 bottles & formula in a sipppy cup at breakfast. He also drinks water.

He is a terrible sleeper.  You can't have it all.  He's an excellent day napper & a terrible night sleeper.  He's been getting up for an hour or 2 at night. He gets super excited & wants to play at 2am.  He sleeps through the night just enough to know he can, he just chooses not to. 

Chomper has 3 teeth.  2 bottom & 1 i tooth on the top.  It looks like the other i tooth is coming in, so he'll look like vampire baby in no time.

The only thing he loves more than eating is his brother.  He now wants whatever toy Zach is playing with. He wants to be touching Zach at all times....this, as you can imagine, is a problem for the 3 year old. 

Ollie is just a cute happy guy. His hair keeps coming in blonder & his eyes keep getting bluer. 

He waves (usually 2 minutes too late), claps his hands, loves to pretend cough, & says mama, Dada & what sounds like hi.  He signs more, but we're pretty sure he has no idea what it means still. 

We're blessed beyond belief with these little guys....even if they give me all the gray hairs.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

First skate

It was a big day for Zach....well, as big as days can get for a 3 year old when it'd not Christmas or his birthday. 

Zach went ice skating for the first time last night and it was equal parts hilarious and weirdly emotional.  I mean my baby isn't a baby anymore. He was ice skating, without me, such a little man. It just seemed like such a big kid activity and I'm clearly feeling hormonal.

Don't fret, I was not feeling this lovey dovey towards my toddler as he was yelling and refusing to put his skates on.  I did what all defeated mom's do and I bribed the crap out of him.  If he put on his skates, then we could walk over and check out the race car game.....if he stood in the circle with everybody, then we can ride the toy car on the way out.....then swooped in an angel in ice skates. She was a peppy 20 year old who conveniently looked like queen Elsa from Frozen and has clearly taught classes of the uncooperative beasts known as toddlers.

To get him in the ice she let him color on it with special ice markers (who knew there was such a thing?) And then slowly had him up pushing a bucket around and walking on his skates.  There were a few tears, but when it was time to go I got, "no mommy I'm ice skating....I like skating ". 

Considering I didn't think I'd even get his skates on, it's a small miracle he took a few steps out on the ice by himself.  There were definitely a few moments I was really glad it was a free trial thing and I didn't waste money since it looked like we were going to leave screaming. 

Another fun fact, I don't know how to tie ice skates properly.

I doubt Zach will be the next (insert famous hockey player/inserts skater here) but we may have found something to wear him out during the winter.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Just call me Indiana Jones

Do you ever have moments when you're by yourself but stop for a second just to think, "it's a good thing no one can see me right now"?

I have many crazy, ridiculous moments like that...dance parties, singing all the Disney songs, the conversations/bargains that happen to get Zach to do anything....but by far one of the funniest things has to be watching someone try to set a baby down without waking the child up.

I firmly believe no one can do this gracefully, but everyone who has attempted has done so with the concentration as if they were handling a nuclear bomb....because, well, it's a fair comparison.

It is truly a feat that rivals Indian Jones moves in the Temple of Doom movie. You move carefully, not to make a misstep...then find something that can pass as your arm to put the baby against....slowly place the package (almost lose your balance)....keep one hand on the treasure to ensure success then back away slowly to do your victory dance....which wakes up the baby...DAMN!

I would like the putting down babies YouTube channel.  It would be like my very own America's Funniest Home videos, sad pathetic mom edition. 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

3 years old

My baby is 3.  And now I understand why my sister in law cries every year when her kids blow out their birthday candles.  I took turning 30 in stride (probably because I was drinking on the beaches of Mexico), but somehow my little guy turning preschool age has me all sorts of emotional.  Becoming a mom has made me weird, well weirder than I was.

Oh Zach. He is all boy. If there is dirt to dig or rocks to explore he will find it. His favorite things to do are go to the library and go hiking....this will be an interesting combination through the years I'm sure.  He asks almost everyday if it is time to harvest. Farming and tractors may always be his first love.

Currently trains, specifically Thomas the Train, are the bees knees. We have trains everywhere. Train bedding on his big boy twin bed, train movies, train toys, and as a special birthday surprise from Nana & Papa, we got to ride the real Thomas. 

The kid is hilarious. He never stops talking and has some gems come out if that loud mouth. He likes to ask (with a giant ornery smile), "Are you tricking me?!".  We have been also getting, "hey mommy/daddy.....I love you."  He lik3s to talk to strangers in restaurants.   He will just turn around and start yelling, 'hi, I'm zach, I'm eating pizza".  His favorite phrase is, "Oliver, you're ok buddy, I love you!", whenever Oliver cries.

Zach loves Oliver so hard.....literally,  so hard. There are some full contact hugs & kisses I have to supervise.  These brothers light up each others world. I know it won't always be like that, so I'm trying to savor it now.

He just got to move up to preschool at daycare. He still goes 2 days a week currently. He is smart.  He knows his shapes, colors, most letters & numbers, how to spell his name & normal 3 year old stuff. He already cries to go to school on the big bus like his niece & nephew. 

Turns out Zach grew a few inches over the summer & all of his pants are too short. He is in 3T shirts & 2T/3T pants. He is a skinny guy still, but getting better about trying foods. He tried broccoli the other day & the face he made, one would think we fed him dog poop covered in burnt hair. His favorite food is pizza.

3 has come with some attitude. 2 had its tantrums, but he was generally a lovey, happy guy. I saw someone else refer to their kid as a 'threenager' & I couldn't agree more. I get way more sass, eye rolls, and fights now.....those with real teenagers feel free to laugh at me & how much worse it's going to get.

Even with the new attitude,  I'm loving this age. His independence is growing, but he still will hold my hand & snuggle up. We have real talks about school & everything else. He does not forget or miss anything, I have to watch what I say always. We love this little spitfire so much & cannot believe it has been 3 years since he made us way more than we thought we could be, mommy & daddy. 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Zach loves the ladies

It's already mildly disturbing that Zach gravitates toward older girls. It never fails.  We'll pick him up from school and he'll be with 2 or 3 older girls.

Then he told us he wanted to dress as Izzy,  the girl pirate from a cartoon,  for Halloween.

I raised my eyebrows, but I'm all about not conforming and all that hippy goodness, so sure.  I asked him here and there over the next 2 days and sure enough he stuck with Izzy the pirate.

Finally I asked him why he wanted to be Izzy instead of Jake or Buddy?

"Because I really like girls mom"

I'm going to need Xanax when this kid hits high school.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

6 Months Old

Oh Oliver, I can't believe your already 6 months old, but I also can't remember our little family without you.

You are 19 lbs 15 oz and 28" long...confirming you are indeed one solid boy at 85% for both. And just as a comparison, Oliver is just 1 ounce & 2 inches off of where Zach was at his 1 year check up.

You are growing like a weed and are going to eat us out of house and home. You're in 6-9/9 month clothes and those are starting to get snug. Your size 3 diapers seem to be fitting still. You blow through clothe sizes at an alarming rate.

You love food. You take 4 bottles a day, each one 7 - 8oz for 28-32 oz a day.  We also do rice cereal in the morning and night and have added fruits and veggies to try. You hate peaches. That is the only food you have rejected. You love rice cereal and bananas.

Big guy is sitting up on his own. He sometimes tips, but he's doing great. If he tips he giggles the entire way down like it's a game.

We've got a decent little schedule down....or we did until the last 10 days when you decided sleep was over rated. It's hard to be too mad at your 2-3 am party sessions because you are so darn happy. You just want to be awake to laugh and smile at me. Usually you take 2 naps & 1 cat nap, go down at 7:30 & sleep until 5:30am at the earliest.

You are loud!  We think it's because you have to be to be heard over your brother. You get to squealing and making noises & don't worry, everyone can hear you. I swear I heard a mama in there, but it was probably wishful thinking.

Your favorite thing ever is your brother. You stare and laugh at Zach. It's a good thing Zach has decided he likes you too & always wants to hold your hand. Anytime you cry Zach is sure to come up to tell you it's ok, and then you start laughing. You boys love each other so much & it makes my heart burst with happiness.

You also like the jumper, but really you like everything. Oliver, the happiest baby ever. You smile at ladies in the store & make their day. You're such a happy round guy with those blue blue eyes and white blonde hair.

You have been sticking out your tongue and making fart noises all the time, much to the delight of your older brother.

Weird enough, you always giggle when you're getting a poop diaper cleaned up. I'm glad you think it's hilarious I have to wipe your butt.

You're gearing up to crawl and I'm slightly terrified.  You already wiggle and move around a little.  Tummy time is hit or miss since you just roll over.

We love you, our happy little guy.....even though the sound of the camera on my phone terrifies you...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

7am

I have fed the baby and got the little chubbers back to sleep, fed and let out the dog, paid bills and watched a movie all by 7am.

There are perks to being up by 4 am. I am way more productive in the morning when everyone else is asleep. Want to do some calculus or discuss the situation in the middle east?  Catch me at 6am. Want to do basic addition or small talk at 8pm?  Nope, not going to happen, I'm already shutting down for the day.  The best you'll get from me are some fart jokes.

It always boggles my mind what a morning person I've become out of necessity. I was the girl skipping doing my hair or any sort of make up,  or changing out of my pajamas really to get just 5 more minutes of shut eye before school.

Maybe someday I can learn to love exercise and stop having such a smart mouth.....nah, let's not go that far.

This happy guy is worth getting up for....

Friday, August 1, 2014

Breakfast Conversations

Some actual words spoken this morning...

Me: "please stop biting the table, we talked about this yesterday"

Zach: making fart noises
Me: "do not make fart noises at me please"
Zach: roooaaarrr
...I guess dinosaur roars are better than fart noises.

Zach with dirty hands: "my hands are dirty, mommy lick it"
Me: "no, I'm not licking your hands clean"
Zach: "why?"

Ollie fussing
Me: "I'm sorry Ollie I can feed you any faster"
....this one is going to eat us out of house and home.

Zach about 2,000 times since going to the local fair on Wednesday: "I want a cow mommy....we're going to get a cow, a dairy cow, I need a cow..."

It's only 8am.  Someone send a cow and a bloody Mary stat. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

So we meet again Thomas

Oh, you think Thomas is a random friend....you clearly do not have small children. If someone brings up the name Thomas in conversation I assume they're talking about Thomas the Train...don't mind me if you talk about your coworker Thomas and I ask if you work at Sodor Steamworks.  I would then laugh like crazy at my lame toddler cartoon joke.

Ahem, anyway, Zach has clearly revived his love for Thomas the train. We had a brief window of time where he was into other things, but it was short lived, much to my dismay.

I thought tractors had taken the top spot in Zachs heart until we picked out new sheets for his new big boy twin bed. I should have just gotten what I wanted and not given him a choice because now it's going to look like Thomas the train threw up in his room.

Zach also refused to put the sheet set in the cart and instead carried it through the store. It doesn't seem like much, but that's bulky and heavy for an almost 3 year old. He just kept saying "I do it" and hugging them closer and making train noises.

But the cherry on top of this ridiculous trip is when I heard him whisper to the sheets he was carrying, "I love you Thomas".  Well dang it Thomas, I guess I love you too for making my big guy so happy.....I still think I may have a seizure from all the train patterns in his room.

This picture has nothing to do with his bed or Thomas the Train, it's just hilarious. You don't play in the sandbox in your undies?

Monday, June 9, 2014

3 Months and 2 & 3/4 Years

*I'll add pictures tonight once I figure out how to get them off my new phone....I miss my iphone :)

I had grand plans of keeping up with monthly updates, which would have worked out perfectly for 2 months and 2 & 1/2 years for the boys.  Well life happens and we're still trying to figure out our routine around here, so here we are at 3 months and 2 &3/4 years.

Up first, the little guy....

Oh man Ollie is still one happy guy.  He wakes up smiling.  We're getting full out giggles and a lot of cooing and talking back at us.  He loves sticking out his tongue lately and chewing on everything.

He did roll over from his tummy to back for the first time today.

We think he is getting a tooth already.  He is a drool monster and slightly less happy than normal.  It is looking like the bottom left tooth is ready to cut through soon.

Size - still a big boy.  People ask how old he is and I follow up 3 months with 'he's just a big guy'.  He is in size 2 diapers and size 3-6 month and 6 month clothes.  It works out great since Zach was such a small guy and Oliver is such a big guy they should be able to wear a lot of the same clothes even though they were born in different seasons.

Stats - Not sure since we don't go back until 4 months for a check up, but at 3 months he was 14 pounds & 3 ounces, up an impressive 6+ pounds in 2 months.  He was 23 & 1/4" long, up just under 3" from birth.  His head is big, like his big brothers.  He was 90th + percentile for weight and head size, and 75+ for height.

He takes 5 bottles a day 5-6oz for 25-30oz of formula each day.  Luckily he does not have the stomach issues we faced with Zach and is on normal Similac Formula.

It is hard to tell what he really likes because he smiles at everything.  He likes tummy time ok, until he is over it and tries to eat the blanket or mat he is on.  He has little patience for books.  He is liking his bumbo seat and bouncer.

We usually get 1 long nap a day, timing depends on if Zach is home and how loud he is at that moment.  Night time sleeping has been great.  He sleeps 7-10 hours.  We swaddle him and go up for a final bottle in his room around  7:45pm and he is usually passed out cold in his crib by 8pm.  He gets up sometime between 3am and 6am usually.  We're getting more and more of the 6am and less 3 am wakings so that is awesome.

At his 2 month appt I mentioned he always looks right.  Turns out he had kinked neck muscles, probably from how he was in my belly and the starting of a flat spot since he was unable to turn his head all the way.  We've been turning his head and stretching out his neck muscles, as well as more tummy time and other things to hopefully help round out his flat spot.  We'll see how this pans out.  I freaked out, but Matt is ever the voice of reason and said if this is our biggest problem, we're very fortunate people.

Oliver has been such a blessing and a pretty easy baby so far.




On to the terror....I mean Zach.

Oh Zach, such a big boy these days.  Zach is all the way potty trained.  He even sleeps at night and at nap time with big boy undies.  We bribed him and it worked.  He likes to stand up and pee which is only a little gross and I clean the bathrooms a lot.  He also thinks it is acceptable to pee outside anywhere, like at daycare, outside on the playground.  We are getting good at catching him starting to pull down his pants and intercepting before he pees outside at inappropriate places.  With potty training his pooping issues have improved.  We still use miralax daily, but not nearly as much and could probably go without.

He calls me mom now instead of mommy.  I asked him why and he said that 'babies say mommy and big boys say mom'.  I may have cried a little.

He knows his ABC's, how to count to 20 with a little confusion between 16 and 20, he can count to 10 in spanish, and can almost spell his name.  He loves to have dance parties and play in the sand box.  He is such a smart little guy.  He can recite a few of his favorite books, and even some of his not so favorites.  I was surprised when they told me he recited Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? at school since we haven't read that one in awhile.

He was into Frozen for awhile, but is getting back into Thomas the Train hardcore again....I'm not super excited about this.

Zach is hilarious or super frustrating without much between.  He has decided the last week or 2 to give up nap time, which has been hard to me to accept.  We're working on a new plan around this no nap mentality.

His big thing lately is 'it's the same' and 'that sounds like a good idea'.  He'll ask for a popsicle for lunch and I'll tell him maybe after lunch, so his response is 'I have a popsicle before lunch and after lunch, it's the same mom!'.  Or 'let's play outside and have a popsicle, that sounds like a good idea!'

It is amazing what he picks up.  He has started asking us how our day was, which is super cute.

He is always always moving and talking.  If it is raining and we can't go outside he thinks I am torturing him.

He is hilarious and a joy to be around usually, but sees time out on a regular basis.

We've already decided Zach is going to be the fiesty smaller brother who counts on his easy going, giant little brother to back him up when his mouth gets him in trouble.  

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Life with 2

Why hello there.  My husband kindly pointed out I had not blogged in quite some time.  I kindly pointed out I was the one getting up with the baby in the night for the last 3 months and I would start blogging again when I'm not so f'ing tired all the time.....I didn't really say that.  He was super nice to me mothers day weekend and always, so I just said 'you're right'.

The one and only time Zach has asked to hold Oliver

The night he pointed out my blog vacation Oliver slept 8 hours.  Ok, I guess I can do this now that I know I have had enough sleep to form actual sentences.

Life with 2 kids has been a bit of a whirlwind.  Matt has been on extended work hours the entire time, so that has been interesting.  He actually started long hours about a month before Ollie was born and is just now wrapping them up....when Oliver is going to start sleeping through the night.....perfect timing.

In some ways it has been easier this time around.  One, this is a freaking happy baby.  Zach was a very trying, unhappy, baby with chronic stomach issues.  Oliver has no such issues and only cries when he has to burp or is hungry.  He is a chill baby, maybe because I'm more relaxed, but probably because his whole attitude is happy.  We already say Zach is going to be the crazy one with a mouth on him and Ollie is going to be the big quiet one who smiles a lot and backs his brother up when that mouth gets him in trouble.

I think we're starving this baby to death.....
It is easier this time because I know everything is a phase.  I know how fast it goes.  Sometimes it makes me sad my newborn has already been replaced by an infant so quickly, and other times it is my lifeline.....like when Oliver was getting up multiple times each night I would chant 'it goes fast, relax, enjoy, it's just a phase'.

It has been harder having 2 little men who always need something.  Especially since 1 is a crazy toddler who never stops moving or talking.


Such a little dude

There is at least one point in each day where both boys are crying at the same time.  Multiple times a day one is crying and will have to continue to cry for a minute or 2 while I wrap up what I'm doing.  That has been the hardest.  Someone always needs something and when those needs over lap I have to pick the most pressing to attend to first.  I'm always feeling guilty or like I'm failing one or both of them.

One day the only way either would sleep is if they were touching me....I was sweating like crazy 

It has been crazy, but these boys keep me on my toes.  I'm loving having these 2 boys and wouldn't trade a sleepless night.  Most days I function solely on caffeine, toddler hugs, and baby snuggles.  I usually look like a hot mess and am not nearly as productive as I once was.  If I have spit up on me please don't tell me.  Chances are I'm not going to change my clothes anyway.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Bipolar

The two days a week Zach goes to school are hit or miss. Sometimes he is thrilled to go and other times he hates it and cries. The ladies at school reassured me if he does cry, it's only or a minute or two....basically just to make me feel bad. He hid from me because he didn't want to come home last week. He's very bipolar about school.

As we're getting ready this morning...

Zach: "mommy I just want to stay here all day with you...."

I think: aww melt my heart, I bet he says to snuggle or play because he loves me.

"....to cry all day."

Moment passed get in the car and get in quick. I may just toss you out the door as we pass.



Thursday, April 10, 2014

Siblings Day

Apparently today is siblings day according to that reliable source Facebook.  In honor of this made up holiday I give you this gem.....


I'm clearly the awesome one, evident from the face I'm making and the fact I don't have a perm (yet....mine comes a few years after this).  I love you goobers.

P.S. way to rock the mint striped blazer grandma.....20+ years later and it is back in style.



Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Poop or dirt adult edition

We are in the throes of potty training.  This means Zach is often times running around without pants and undies.  He is doing great with #1 but kid hates to poop.  He hates to poop anywhere, especially the potty.

He was running around naked one day and was freaking out because he was farting, so naturally he came and sat on my lap.....

....your fart had a little friend named poop little buddy.

What is most sad is I was so wrapped up running him to the potty and trying to convince him good 'ole #2 is not scary I did not realize I had been hit.

It was awhile later I stopped and told myself it was dirt, not poop on my leg and went about my day.

Boys are gross.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Oliver at 1 Month Old

The littlest McClure is already a month old!  He is so much like Zach in some ways and so very different in other ways.

Little guy is growing like a weed.  He weighs in at 10 pounds and 4 ounces.  He gained almost 3 pounds in the 26 days between office visits.  I would say he is eating just fine.  He is 22 1/4" long, up 1 1/4 inches.

With all that eating he is already out of his newborn clothes and diapers.  He is in size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes.

He is smiling and cooing now.  He will have a funny little giggle, but only in his sleep.  Matt seems to always be able to make him smile.

Sleeping....he sleeps like a newborn.  We have the same 3-4 hour routine on repeat.  Eat, sleep, play, repeat.  He is having longer stretches of awake time and night time he will usually give us a 4 hour stretch between feedings.


Oliver has been a chill baby.  He has a bit of a fussy period in the evening for about an hour, but besides that he usually only cries if you're not getting food into him fast enough or if he has to burp.  He is a content little guy and we are over the moon happy with our little family.

I'm especially happy that Oliver is a snuggly baby.  He loves to be held close.  Zach did not like to be snuggled, he wouldn't even tolerate being swaddled.


We are adjusting as a family to our new dynamic.  I'm most impressed Zach has finally warmed up to Oliver.  We'll just say Zach was less than excited about having a baby brother once he realized he would have to share my attention during the day.  We worked through toddler melt downs and fake tears.  Now Zach will come home on Tuesday or Thursday from school and go right to Oliver and say "Hi little little guy, I missed you".  We have come a long way.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

First outing

I finally braved the outside world with both kids in tow last week. Our exciting adventure? The grocery store. It is only a few minutes from our house and if it started to go horribly wrong I figured I could just abandon my cart and get out of there. And if the gods were smiling down on me, I wouldn't even see anyone I knew.

I planned for this outing like one would plan for a battle. I went over scenarios, like if Oliver poops I think I can manage to keep Zach from running away and get the diaper changed. Most scenarios ended with me leaving the store. I had low expectations.

I wore Oliver in my hipster Boba baby carrier so Zach could ride in the cart. It was going great. Ollie slept the entire time and Zach talked to everyone at the store per usual.

We are checking out and it's a bit awkward with a baby strapped to the front of me. I struggle getting some stuff out of the cart, then the mom behind me steps up and says 'let me help you' and proceeds to help put my items on the belt.

Super nice lady. Super embarrassing since I only have cheese and a case of beer left in my cart. Yes, some stranger made sure I didn't leave the store without my beer.

I laugh awkwardly and say thank you for getting my beer....which just makes things worse since Zach then keeps saying 'beer, mmmm, beer, yum'.

The woman was an angel on earth and told me 'you need that, I have 4 kids the other 3 are at school....these ages are tough'. Then I kissed her and we both had a beer in Meijer to celebrate surviving being a mom....ok not really but that would be awesome. Really I just kept saying thank you and high tailed my alcoholic butt out of there.

First outing....we'll count that as a success.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Oliver's Birth Story


I debated sharing the Oliver's birth story, but when I was pregnant I would scour mom blogs for birth stories feeling it would prepare me for labor and delivery so I figured it is only fair for me to share mine.  Just to be clear, reading others birth stories will in no way prepare you for your own, only scare the bejesus out of you.  After birth you'll trade labor stories and gross details with other moms like war stories.

I was scheduled to be induced on Tuesday morning because of my autoimmune blood disorder - it has a weird name and I never remember it correctly and really can't spell correctly.  There is a very high risk of clotting in the fetus leading to miscarry or stillbirth and increased blood clotting risk in me.  The daily blood thinner shots reduce these risks and have helped me carry to 39 weeks with both pregnancies.  I can only be off the blood thinners for a certain amount of time to prior to labor to keep the baby safe and to keep me from bleeding too much during birth...it is a great balancing act.  Much like Zach, Oliver did not want to wait to be induced, and came the day before I was scheduled to go in for induction.

I had light contractions here and there starting Wednesday.  Sunday they started to gain some strength.  Sunday at 10pm I decided I better wake up Matt since they were 5 minutes apart for over an hour and getting worse....and I have a history of fast deliveries...I was not having this kid in the car.  I woke up Matt, called my parents to come over and stay with Zach and we were on the way to the hospital.


I think I was still in denial, I kept telling Matt they may send me home even though contractions were getting closer together the entire drive.  We arrived at the hospital around midnight and contractions were 2 minutes apart and I was 5cm dilated.  The nurse was surprised and so was I.

I am strep B positive so I needed to get antibiotics through my IV asap and needed to have them in my system for 4 hours to avoid increased risk of infection in the baby.  She told me to hang on until 5am and she would get me an epidural as quick as possible to slow things down.  Music to my ears, I'm all about the pain management m

I got my epidural and it was magical.  It took the guy 45 minutes and 3 tries and I would still do it again in a heart beat.  I did not have any medicine with Zach.  After going both routes I think you're crazy if you do not opt for the medicine.  After the epidural Matt and I slept until the nurse woke us up to tell us it was time....yes, slept right through labor....did I mention I think I'm in love with epidurals?

I couldn't feel anything still from the amazing unicorn magic that is the epidural, so once the doctor got there they told me when to push.  After about 4 pushes Oliver was here.  They immediately took out my epidural so I could get up and walk around faster.  I was tired since it was 5am, but overall I would say I wasn't more groggy than when I went the natural route.  The chord was wrapped once around Oliver's neck so Matt had to cut the chord before he was all the way out.  I made it just past the 4 hour goal and Oliver was born at 5:37am.


I do not know if I pooped on the table and Matt swears he does not know either.  I choose to believe no.  Why yes boys and girls this happens a lot.  They straight up told me 'push like you're having the biggest bowel movement of your life'.  There is so much going on I would have no idea either way so we're going with no.  There is way more poop, tearing, fluids, and general weird/grossness to the miracle of life, than I knew about before Zach came along.

I am very fortunate to have quick births.  This one would have been fast too if we had not been trying to slow it down because of the antibiotics.  Although I have uncomplicated births, never tell a woman she is so lucky to have an easy labor and delivery.  The only time that is possibly acceptable is if you have also pushed a kid out your lady parts.  If you have not experienced labor and delivery and make this comment on it being so easy, you are likely to get kicked in the baby making parts while I tell you 'don't worry, this will be an easy kick to the groin'.

We have been blessed with 2 healthy boys to make our little family of 4 and we could not be happier.  If you want me to go into gory details or list the pros and cons of natural birth feel free to ask.



Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Amen

Today I would like to take a moment to thank God for coffee and both boys napping at the same time. Amen.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Welcome to the world Oliver!

Oliver Allen McClure was born on Monday, February 24 at 5:37am. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Mom and baby are doing great and will get to head home tomorrow.

Everyone is already smitten with the little guy, including big brother Zach.



Monday, February 17, 2014

Cleaning melt down

Today Zach threw a fit because he wanted to clean the toilets. And then he was upset I made him wash his hands. And finally I may have freaked out when he tried to touch the toilet brush to his face.

It has been a weird day.

I also bought dill pickle potato chips, which is super weird for me....I never buy chips and rarely crave them. I blame it on the 38.5 weeks of pregnant belly. I have officially given up. Bring on all the junk food for the next week until this baby comes.

P.S. the chips are pretty good. They're like salt and vinegar chips without the vinegar.

So pregnant...and they sell make up for a reason, I should use it more often...



Saturday, February 15, 2014

Happy Valentines Day!

Usually we do not do anything for Valentines day. We make each other cards like the children we are.

This year Zach and I made cookies for daddy and some other family in the area. About 5 seconds into decorating cookies Zach dropped the sprinkle shaker and I decided I may not have the patience to do valentines crafts with a 2 year old. We started moving at warp speed. Zach got to decorate and we got finished in enough time that I got to keep a shred of my sanity for the rest of the day.

Matt also brought me home flowers. I was shocked. He's pretty awesome with the random surprises but we have a strict no valentines day policy. I figured it was because he's been working so many hours and missing me. At which point a less honest man would agree, "yes dear, that's exactly right". Oh but Matt is honest Abe and pointed out I made a big deal of not getting a card last year.....which was not correct....

I made a big deal of not getting a mothers day card. I'll happily take the flowers and you better believe I'll be pissy again if I don't get anything for mothers day since I'm a brat....and ready to push another kid out any day now.

Whatever the reason I'll take it & display my flowers proudly. I like that I complained about 1 holiday & will forever more get stuff for every small holiday. I think I won out on this & do have a pretty fantastic husband.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Full Term


I am 37 weeks so baby can come anytime! This has easily been the fastest 37 weeks of my life. Zach keeps telling me 'baby sister coming soon'. I keep telling him 'baby boy or girl can hang out where they are at for a few more weeks'. We're excited to meet the new little one, but know its going to be crazy so I'm not in a hurry and just enjoying these last few weeks.


The end of pregnancy fatigue has set in and it's often family nap time instead of just Zach's nap time. I also didn't realize how little I've been cooking until I was making dinner yesterday and Zach told me 'thank you for making dinner mommy'. It was super sweet and maybe even encouraged me to cook more and not just eat Cheerios.


Zach still wants to name baby excavator, but has added on to it...baby excavator truck tractor. I've decided at the final hour I don't like the girl name we picked out...Matt was really impressed.


It's been pretty low key around here. We just keep getting tons of snow, Matt is working crazy hours, and preparing for baby....and of course Zach has decided farts are the funniest thing ever...boys...

Friday, January 31, 2014

Prepare to be amazed

Prepare to be amazed by what I allowed to be hung in the living room of our brand new, beautifully built, new house.....

....a deer head. Specifically the head of the deer that Matt shot while hunting in Michigan this year.

I feel as if it's always staring at me and Zach named it Duckie.

As a bonus creepy feature of taxidermy hanging in our home, I can see it from the bed with our door open. Nothing says wake up like a toddler yelling 'I'm awake mommy' and a dead deer giving you the stink eye. Only 3-4 more weeks at max until I can drink again....

Monday, January 20, 2014

Lets Call it Spunk...

I was going to title this post WTF, but that seemed too negative....so lets call Zach's recent shenanigans "spunk".  Let it be known I did think to myself 'WTF' (which means what the f for those not familiar with text lingo....I'm not judging, I didn't know what YOLO was for a very long time and had to ask a teenager).

I was sitting on the couch and Zach ran along the back side of the couch and smacked me on the back of the head on his way by....just because apparently.  Go directly to time out, do not pass Go.  How spunky of you Zachary.

We were eating breakfast this morning and he got down off his chair, walked behind me, and wiped his nose on the back of my shirt and laughed....oh boys, so much spunk in them.

Apparently it is tough being 2 years old.  A little boy full of snips and snails and puppy dog tails....and sass and stubbornness and wrestling and noise.  I don't think I'll ever understand boys or men for that matter.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Mother of the year

I have once again claimed mother of the year. This award was received for accidentally harming my own child.

I was handing him a toy plow (it connects to his toy tractor so he can pretend farm inside....yes, he loves tractors that much) and poked him in the eye.

Yes, I poked my own child in the eye. He is fine and I felt guilty about it for a long time.

To make matters worse, he has a double ear infection so he is already so sad and pathetic. He finally wanted to do something besides sleep and watch the Little Mermaid and I blew it.

2 weeks into the new year and I already claimed mother of the year....this could be a new record.

Friday, January 10, 2014

The Divergent Series- A book review



Things are about to get nerdy up in here.  I read a lot....like probably an embarrassing amount of books.  My child cries to go to the library and then cries when we have to leave.  Zach is my little nerd in training.

I read a lot, but I'm horrible at remembering things like authors, titles, or really good books off the top of my head when people ask for recommendations.  I am also curious about how many books I actually read in a year, so I figured I would track it on here.  I'll label them book reviews, feel free to pass by these nerdy tid bits and just read our toddler horror stories and how much I love wine.

The first books I read this year are Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth.




It is a trilogy much like the Hunger Games trilogy.  It is set in the future about a society divided into 5 sections based on different virtues that forms after our current society implodes.  I love these kind of books.  I like when a society that is supposed to be better than the previous one runs into the same sort of issues, like the Hunger Games, Maze Runner or the movie V for Vendetta.


It follows a girl struggling to figure out her future and her place in this society.  I didn't realize you can find these books in the teen section, but it makes sense after reading them.  They are less blood and gore than hunger games, but with struggles about right and wrong and figuring out who you are that would relate well with teens.  It also simplifies concepts.  I would have liked the books to dig a little deeper, but I'm also 29 years old reading books out of the teen section so beggars can't be choosers.



I haven't been a teen in a long time, but I do like these books.  I liked the first one the best, and Insurgent was a close second, but the 3rd was my least favorite.  I feel like Allegiant was a little flat after the first 2 books were so good.  I would recommend them if you liked the Hunger Games.

*And a little bonus for anyone who actually read all that.....I read Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain just before the new year and it was excellent.  I highly recommend it.  It is about a poor family in the south in the 1960's and their case worker.

Books count in 2014: 3

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Why hello again...

 Some family was in and mentioned they were worried something was wrong here since I haven't posted anything in so long.....holy smokes people do read this!  Nothing drastic is happening here, just the normal holiday business and losing track of days.  So here is a random mish mash of what is going on...

Oh so many time outs.  Zach is either hilarious or crying because he can't have chocolate and mini marshmallows at every meal.  I think Christmas made him a diva.....well Christmas or all the family, treats, and late bedtimes...oops.  He has even started the classic toddler throw yourself on the floor trick.   He was acting like a lunatic when I was out running around with my mom and I asked her how in the world do you discipline in public?  If it is somewhere he wants to be I haul him out of there if he acts up, I am the mother smiling, carrying a screaming toddler out of the library.  At home we have time out.  On errands I'm at a loss.  They need to make a time out spot everywhere, moms of the world unite and petition for a time out chair in all public places.

He is like the hulk....looks so sweet, but you wouldn't like him angry.

Matt had another successful deer season and got his first buck up in Michigan.  I apologize to those the deer picture grosses out, it is common practice in good 'ole Northwest Ohio and as much as I complain about the husband being MIA for a week or 2 to sit in a tree and freeze his butt off, I do appreciate the meat it provides.  Matt is also gearing up for a work shut down.  This sounds fantastic, like he will get a lot of time off, but alas, no it is the opposite.  He'll start working 6 days a week, 12 hour shifts starting February 1....which is around 3 weeks before baby comes....whoa nelly it is going to get interesting around here.  If I tell you I don't need help at the end of February I'm lying, come and bring food and coffee.  Thanks.
Super serious deer business picture.
Baby McClure #2 is cooking away.  I just realized we have only 6 more weeks or less....oh hell.  I guess I should go through some baby stuff and get a changing table.  Currently baby's room is only used by Zach, to jump on the bed in there.  Still giving myself blood thinner shots everyday, but am teaching Matt how to give them to me in the arm for the last few weeks since bruising and what not has been worse this time around.  I am growing at a rapid pace and fear the pregnant waddle is coming soon (which means I already do it and everyone around me is too nice to point it out).
I recently learned Matt thinks it is hilarious to catch me napping and Zach wide awake on the couch....at like 6pm...

This is some of the randomness happening around here.  Why yes my mind does jump around like that all the time...this is even organized for your reading pleasure.  I'll backtrack and post about Christmas (I wrote down Zach's quotes Christmas morning because they were funny) and New Year's Resolutions....if I actually make any.

We've missed you.  And I haven't been out of the house in 3 days due to major snow and freezing temps so please send rations, preferably Cool Ranch Doritos, Oranges and Hot Chocolate.