Flowers....and kids too.

Look at those lashes!

One month old on the day these were taken.

Castle on a cloud

Dandelion Sunrise

This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. I feel better today. I am sharing some of my therapeutic photographs. =) All of these flowers were in my yard. Well, the dandelion Wyatt picked for me from our neighbors yard. I am not implying that our yard doesn't have weeds....it doesn't really even have grass anymore.

Family

Simone is four weeks old today. She looks so much bigger to me....still small though. We had another good week, feeding her is going a little better.

I am sorry for just posting more pictures. I *think* I am out of my photography rut now. =) Spring always does it for me, but this spring is special because of Simone. I can't help but take tons of pictures of her. We had a family photo session in between sessions of conference on Sunday. I can't believe how well Wyatt and Talia did for me. They were such good listeners, and we got a lot of really fun images.

Just pictures

We are still having blog troubles. (I am trying to post a few pictures.)

bless you

Three weeks old (tomorrow)

We have had a good week. Wyatt went back to school, Lincoln went back to work, and Natalia, Simone, and I had a good time at home.

Two people in my neighborhood knew I was pregnant. The rest on them are stopping me in the street on our way to or from the bus stop with their mouths hanging open. I guess my poofy coat hid my belly all winter! It is funny to talk to them, and try to convince them she mine!

5 POUNDS 4 OUNCES!

I stopped supplementing after two days. I couldn't stand it, and Simone couldn't either. She was so confused. It looks like it didn't matter!!! =) I am so happy.

Talia got strep throat the day after Simone came home. She has been asking to hold her for five days nonstop! She was very happy to finally be able to hold "your baby."

Sweet little kiss

I love a baby in a onesie!

I know she was doing this in my belly, and making this face! It was so painful! =) She would jam that little foot as far as it would possibly go into my right side. I don't miss it, but I am glad I got a picture of her doing it.

First photo session (s)

Welcome Home Simone!

Nine days in the NICU.

She got to come home today. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have her sleeping in her bassinet upstairs!



Today was the first time Wyatt got to see her. He had scarlet fever, and couldn't come into the NICU. The kids adore her. Wyatt is a little shy and doesn't want to hold her very long. He rubs her head and kisses it. Natalia wants to hold her ALL the time. She isn't very gentle with her, and I will have to keep a close eye on that big sister.

Simone kept having "desats" at the hospital. This means she would forget to breath while she was eating. One day she began to turn blue. This is why they kept her in the NICU as long as they did. I got to nurse her twice today, and she is doing so well. I am so surprised. We have to take her to her pediatrician in the morning to see if she is gaining weight. She lost a little yesterday, and they want to make sure she doesn't continue to do so.

Ahhh! To hold her with out wires and cords is DIVINE!

It was such a rainy day. For my photog friends- I was shooting at 1.4, because there was no light! Not good when there are three kids. I am planning a photo shoot tomorrow. I can't wait, and it had better be sunny! =)

Lincoln got me the cutest necklace ever. Yes, I picked it out, and added it to his favorites on his lap top.....but he did buy it after Simone was born. Here it is....I love it.

Simone-- 5 days old

Quick update on Simone.

(Everyone looks better in black and white when they have jaundice! =)

She is doing very well today. Her bilirubin count was at a 12, and she had to go under the lights for a day or so. It is now at 9.5, and they will take her out at 8:00 tonight. Then retest tomorrow, and see if the her number has gone back up.

Sunglasses!

Tiny sunbather?

She had a lot of trouble (because being so tired as a result of the jaundice) finishing her bottles. They had a tube down her nose, and had to use it several times to finish feedings. Lincoln is such a good dad, and is always able to make her finish her bottles. The tube was taken out of her nose last night! Hooray, she is doing so well. She can breath out her nose now too. =) I am determined to nurse her and hope that the transition isn't hard for her.

We are doing well at home. My Mom is here until Sunday. I am so thankful that she is here. I can't imagine how hard it would have been without her!! It is hard to be home without my baby though. It is so strange, and sometimes think I am still pregnant. I have been able to visit her a lot though, and it heavenly to hold her. She now weighs 2000 grams! (That is 4 lbs. 4 oz)

Simone Clara Tidwell

Monday, March 10, 2008

4 lbs. 10.8 oz

18 inches long

3:59 am

34 weeks, 6 weeks early

Those are the stats. We are so pleased that she is here.




My water broke on Sunday morning at 6:15 am. I was asleep. We got to the hospital, and they decided to wait and see what my body would do. Well, it did nothing. Lincoln had a nice enjoyable day at the hospital. In the evening Christie and Christina came and washed my hair in the sink, gave me a facial, and a hand massage. It was wonderful. My midwife and doctor decided it would be best to induce me the next morning. They put me on a SLOW pitocin drip at midnight. I KNEW when I saw that bag of pitocin that I would have her during the night...and I was right.


I started to have contractions at 1:15 am that kept waking me up. About 2:00 the contractions started to get annoying, and woke my labor coach (Lincoln). Around 2:30 am I was about 3 cm dialated and 70% effaced. This was disappointing news, because I was really starting to hurt and thought I would be much further along. My sweet coach and I kept at it, and at 3:40 am I was at 4 almost 5 cm. (This was actually a lie, my midwife couldn't bear to tell me I was still at 3 cm.) I really felt like I needed to push. Lincoln kept reminding me to breath, and NOT push. I had a few more contractions, my nurse was in the room for one of them. She also reminded me not to push. I said, "I can't wait until I hear the word PUSH!" Lincoln and my nurse laughed, and as she walked out of the room my nurse said," I'll come running in if I hear a baby cry." She was kidding, little did she know that is what she would be doing in a few minutes...



The hospital room was lit only by a computer screen monitor. Lincoln was by my side, and I was tucked in bed. I held his arm. I screamed "The baby is coming RIGHT NOW! SHE IS COMING!" Lincoln scrambled for the nurse call button, but never found it. Our baby girl arrived. Under the blankets. Every nurse on the floor heard me and was in the room seconds later. I scrambled to throw the blankets off me. My nurse got to her first, and she told me she was fine. This is when I started crying. I don't think I stopped for 30 minutes. My midwife ran into the room pulling at the waist band of her pants and tying them up. She said, "Can't I even pee in this hospital?" We all laughed. The baby was doing so well. Breathing beautifully, and screaming at the top of her lungs. I got to hold her for about five minutes and enjoyed every second. They took her to the NICU, and we got to go see her about an hour later.













Her first day was a hard day. She had low blood sugar, was not able to maintain her temperature, and spitting up entire feedings. She was moved to an isolette, and had a feeding tube put down her throat. Her second day was much better. She keep down all her meals (all bottle fed), and her blood sugar level is now steady. I got to hold her so much today. It is pure heaven to have her in my arms. She knows my voice, and will turn her head when I talk. I say things like "Put those scissors away.", "No you can't have a snack, I am making dinner.", and "Pick up your shoes.", so she knows that it is me.


She has the sweetest face. I will take a picture tomorrow of her that shows it a little better. She has long long fingers, skinny feet, lots of dark brown fuzzy hair, baby rosebud lips, and sweet eyelashes.

Bed Rest

I wanted to take a minute to blog about our latest adventure.

Our baby girl tried to come early! On Sunday, I went in to the hospital at 9:00 in the morning by myself. After being admitted and checked, I began having regular contractions. Every time the nurse or midwife came in the room they would bring me worse news. I really thought that I would be sent home after receiving the test results, but that was not the case. Preterm labor is not a familiar thing for me, and everything happened so quickly. I have 40 weekers, not 33 weekers. I was so afraid. The NICU was full, so if I threatened to deliver they would have had to transfer me to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Lincoln was able to come to the hospital at 12:00. (thanks for taking the kids Christie!) Luckily after two shots of Tributalene the contractions stopped (or slowed enough) so we could go home. I am on strict bed rest until my next appointment, which is now only 8 days away.

The list of things I can't do is crazy. I can't sit in a chair. I can't go up the stairs. I can only shower every other day, and it is located up stairs. I only have bathroom privileges. I do not have kitchen privileges. No, Lincoln can't carry me up the stairs (I asked!). Maybe they are being a little paranoid, but I don't care. I am going to sit on this couch for 8 days. If we can buy her two more weeks that would be wonderful.....more than that would be FABULOUS!

I forgot to mention that my Mom is here. She flew in yesterday. My heart could just burst, because I am so thankful for her help. I am so lucky, and my kids couldn't be more pleased.

Quick weekend update....

I am feeling better, but Talia has the stomach flu. Is there anything worse?! I knew it was coming, but hoped it would skip our family. She is feeling better tonight. I am supposed to watch a friend's children while she house hunts in Colorado. Don't worry Emily, if my kids are throwing up Melody is going to keep your girls! =)

Wyatt and I went to church today. He is my little buddy. It was ward conference, and Lincoln stayed home. I had too many things going on in primary so I couldn't miss. Primary went well...and the kids were wild but really reverent too! I was so happy!

On the way to church Wyatt was freezing. He only had on a sweater when we ran out the door. I told him next time he needed to wear his coat too, as he waited for the heater to warm up. He said, "just because you look handsome, doesn't mean you'll be warm!" I laughed so hard.

I had to stay after for a 15 minute meeting with the Stake Primary Presidency, it lasted about 50 minutes. I am not complaining, because it was a great meeting. Wyatt hung out in the room with us, did dot to dots, and ate a few M&M's. He never complained, and I was so proud of him. He did come over once to tell me he was starving......that is where the M&M's came in.

Here are a few funny things the kids have said in the last little while.....

Wyatt was acting dead. His tongue was hanging out of his mouth. I said, "Why does your tongue have to hang out when you die?"

Wyatt- "That is what your tongue does when you die."

"Why would you think that?"

Wyatt- (in the sassiest voice) "Ummm...Jabba the Hut!!!"

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I was brushing Talia's hair out her face while I was tucking her in. My fingers got stuck in her hair. "Oh, I have too many rectangles," she said in a frustrated voice.

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Talia and I painted our toes together. I only had a bottle of red polish, so that is what we both got. The next day she came up to me and said "RED.......is a loser!!" (sounded more like woser.)

"What?"

She lifted up her foot, pointed to her big toe and said ,"See! Red is a LOSER!"

"No, no, red is cute!" (Trying to save myself from repainting!)

"No, Red is a LOSER"

"What color isn't a loser?"

"I need SPARKLES."

Lol! crazy thing....she is entertaining.

Sick of being sick.

The day after we got home I got a head cold. Today is the first time I have taken something (had anything available) to help me breathe. I have a session tomorrow and I am trying to figure out if I will have to cancel. Being sick and pregnant is a horrible thing.

Just a picture of a flower and a water drop...What's a post without a picture.

I had a sono on Monday, to check on the little Avacado. She is doing just fine. 50% for everything which is very unlike my other two. The technician could even see HAIR on her little noggin! That will be a first for us, a tiny Tidwell with hair! We shall see. She was also poking her tongue out at us, and I hope that isn't a sign of things to come!

I have told just about everyone what we plan to name her. I am going to blog about it so the few that live far away can know as well.

The #1 name is Simone. It means "God is listening", and I love it. When she moves this is the first name that pops into my head, and I picture it on Christmas cards......Love, The Tidwells- Lincoln, Jeri, Wyatt, Natalia, and Simone. I also picture it in a girly bedroom shared by my two girls, "Natalia" written above one bed, and "Simone" written above the other.

The #2 name is Clara. This is my Great Grandmothers name. I have to admit that I also love it because of Clara in the Nutcracker too. If this isn't her first name, it may be her middle name.

We have a few other back up names. I just have to see this little face, and decide. She looked like she had round little cheeks, and STRAIGHT pinkies in the ultrasound. (My other two have very crooked pinkies, just like their Grandma Connie.) I can't wait to see her, and hold her. Less than 9 weeks left.

New York City

We are home, and we had the most wonderful time!

One bad thing....as soon as we got to the train station I realized I forgot my camera. I left it at home in the charger! I was so sad. That part in the post below about me posting lots of pictures is making me more sad. =(

Friday- We got to our hotel, and then Lincoln took me to get a slice of the BEST pizza in New York. One day he walked from Central Park back to Times Square (that is where the Marriott is). He would stop at every pizza place and get a slice of pizza, to see who REALLY made the best pizza in New York. I think he got nine or ten total, but didn't eat every bite. The winning pizza was across the street from his hotel! It was very good.

We went to MACY's and a few other stores. I found these red boots on sale, that I totally wanted. They couldn't find the other boot! I was so mad. Who took it?!! I was buying shoes to wear to the Broadway shows, and I ended up wearing my Nikes! Which really was fine, they don't look like "gym" shoes, and I am preggo. Then we stood in line to get tickets at TKTS. I wanted to see Wicked, Spamalot, or Chorus Line. The only one available was Spamalot, so we went to see that. It was a super funny show. Clay Aiken (from American Idol) was in the cast, and it was fun to see him. I don't know that I could recommend Spamalot to anyone, unless they were a Monte Python fan. I think if you didn't know what you were in for, you might be shocked! =)

We left the theater, and went to ROXY's deli, and shared the worlds largest ruben sandwich.

Saturday- I love sleeping in! We had a slow morning, and didn't leave the hotel until 10:30 or so. Then we took a taxi to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We had the most amazing time, and could have stayed for weeks. I was so sore though! I didn't plan on hurting so badly....and was thankful for my Nikes. (I have been having leg cramps at night, so my calves hurt. My hips also were a nightmare. Ouch.)

We both enjoyed the New Greek and Roman Galleries.

Lincoln loved arms and armor.

As I am looking for links to the museum's site, I am so sad to get a reminder of all that we missed. There was so much to see, we could have spent a month there.

We were going to go shopping, but changed our minds and took a carriage ride around Central Park. Jimmy (the horse) pulled us around, and we throughly enjoyed the ride. I think this may have been my favorite part of the trip.

We ate an early dinner at Plataforma Churrascaria a Brazilian restaurant, and headed back to the hotel for a small nap before the evening. We went to see The Lion King. It was so amazing. I truly loved it, it made me teary eyed. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Lion King. I did a wonderful dance to the "Circle of Life" in my last year at the Tueller School of Dance. On the last note the theater went black, and I was glad because then no one could see me bawling! It was such a good show. The costumes were out of this world! Oh, and the dancers.....AMAZING! I chose to cast myself as the dancer with the fireflies. (Even though she only comes on the stage with those little bugs once. Lincoln said I would look funny as the only pregnant dancer. ha ha =)

Then we went to a divine restaurant called Max Brenner. (Thanks Cassandra!) It is a CHOCOLATE restaurant. My goodness, everything on the menu sounded heavenly. We weren't really hungry though.....I got the chocolate soup, and Lincoln got mexican hot chocolate. I want to eat there everyday.

Today was a laid back day. We slept in. We missed breakfast. We ate lunch at Chevy's and sat at a window seat. We watched hundreds and hundreds of Kosovar people parade with flags and cheer from their cars in the streets. Today Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. They celebrated for hours. It made the streets crazy, but made them such a happy place to be. I told Lincoln if we were home, we wouldn't have even known it had happened!

Now we are home. It feels good to be back. Christie had our kids in bed, but I heard Wyatt walking upstairs a little while later. I ran up to say a quick hello. He said, "I missed you more than anything!" Awwww. I missed him too. I am so grateful to you Christie for watching them! We have talked about this trip for a few years, and it was nice to take it before the baby arrives.

Lincoln said "I am taking you on this trip so you never forget that you turned thirty.......................Wait that came out wrong."

It was too late, we were both laughing so hard. Who knows, I may actually forget that I turned thirty!

Thank you for a wonderful trip Sweetie! You are the light of my life, and I love you so much!

Happy Valentines Day!

I am having too much fun with my macro lens. I had to set a timer so I would stop!

I hope you all had a very happy Valentines Day. I will post lots of pictures when I get back from New York! =)

Surprise, Surprise!

Well, I was really dreading this birthday. Who wants to be thirty? The week prior I was in such a rotten mood, but today was such a good day. I had better start with Saturday though....

Lincoln took me out for my birthday on Saturday night. He had to leave Sunday at 4:30 in the morning, so we needed to celebrate early. He took me to a resturant called Captain James in Baltimore. (James is my maiden name.) After our delicious salads arrived he pulled out a large black envelope, and told me to read the blue card first. It was a cute card with a sweet message. Then I pulled out the pink envelope, and inside was a homemade (you have to see it, it was so well done!) brochure for a trip to New York City.....for THIS weekend! I was SO surprised, and I am so excited to go. He worked really hard organizing it all. I get to go shopping, and go to TWO Broadway shows of my choice. Basically, I get to do whatever I want! =) He is too good to me. Then we went to Barnes and Noble and I got some more books.


I took these pictures because I am 30 weeks along, and 30 years old on the same day! (Yes, these are the same pajamas you will see in a few of the pictures below! =)


I was in the middle of my "photo session" when Lincoln called. So -- this is a lovely maternity photograph of the two of us. I actually like this image even with its flaws. I think this photograph tells a small part of a long story.....we are apart too often. How I love when he calls!

Today, was a little busy. First, I got Wyatt off to school, and then I lay in bed until 10:30 reading. I was boycotting cleaning, and my kitchen was a disaster. I didn't care. I wanted to have a lazy day.
I realized I forgot to put Wyatt's lunch in his backpack! I felt so horrible. I held in the tears while I phoned the school, but as soon as I hung up I just cried and cried. The school fed him a hot lunch though. Then Talia and I got ready for a lunch date at Chuck E Cheese. Everyone should celebrate their 30th birthday at Chuck E Cheese!! Christie and I sat and talked, and the girls ran and played. They spent 100 tokens so quickly. I did play a few rounds of skee ball, but that game is meant for non-pregnant people. Too much bending over. =) Then we came home, Talia had a nap, I got Wyatt off the bus, and then we just hung out. I took them to dinner at Panera bread, and my kids ate every bit.

My kids don't say "Cheese".....they eat it. =)

It was so yummy. I had to buy milk, so we ran to Costco. Then it was home for a birthday treat for the kids and bedtime. I was so happy and sat down to blog about the day when I heard a familiar knock at my door. Christie's knock.......

I was in my pajamas and I ran up stairs to grab my robe. When I opened my front door I saw TONS of my friends holding balloons. I was so surprised, but the only thing I could think of is that I didn't have a bra on! (TMI) I said that out loud (oops!) and they all laughed. I think there were 14 people. They came in and set up a wonderful party, and I was embarrassed that I had boycotted cleaning!! Oh well. We had a great time. I felt so special, and I got a few of the sweetest birthday cards that said the kindest things. They sang Happy Birthday to me, and it made me want to cry.....it was so beautiful!! Thank you, Thank you so much for a wonderful party!

How can I complain about being thirty now? I can't! It was just a simply perfect birthday.

Look at everything they brought!!! Yum!!

Cute friends in a beige room! =)

Yes, that is Natalia....she couldn't stay in bed. Christie went up and tucked her so I could enjoy my party! What a sweetie.

More Friends!!

Proud

Lincoln was gone from Sunday to Thursday at midnight this past week. The week went well without him, but I am so So so glad to have him home. I wanted to blog about something that happened to him in Texas, since this blog is usually about me and kids.

This trip was a training for all the sales and pre-sales engineers for HP. Lots of learning. They had an awards night, where they recognized a few men who did exceptionally well in the last year. They had to be nominated, and then "HP" decided who they would give the award to. Out of 500 men they awarded FIVE people. LINCOLN was one of them, and he got $250. He was shocked when he heard his name, and all the federal guys went nuts for him. He was told time and time again that it was "very well deserved" by his coworkers.

I am so proud of him. He works so hard! I can easily overlook the fact that our Christmas lights and decorations are still hanging outside. =) (They are coming down today!)

Bag Tagged!

Annie bag tagged me, and I thought this looked like fun.


So here's what you need to do.........

1. take a picture of your bag
2. show a picture of ALL the contents in your bag
NO CLEANING OUT FIRST!!!!
3. "Bag Tag" five people



Here is my bag....raspberry ALDO purse.

Click on the picture to see my notes.

Now I will tag....
Christie, Emily, Stephanie, Kayelynn, and Christina.

The Red Dress

Grandma Tidwell gave Talia this red dress for Christmas. I have never seen her so in love with anything. We lay out our Sunday clothes each Saturday night, and she always (very enthusiastically) requests "my red dress". She will not take it off after church, and she asked if she could sleep in it tonight. She isn't sleeping in it, just in case you wondered.

She is now a sunbeam, and she LOVES going to class. She has two teachers, and if one of them isn't there she talks about it for a whole week. She tells me everything they do in class. One week they sang "Goin' on a bear hunt", and they didn't do it the following week. She was so upset in the car on the way home. "Mom, we forgot to do the BEAR HUNT!" I love Sunday nights, she always says "Let's talk about our day." She tells me every detail, and sometimes she'll sing. Love her!