Day 544 (July 13, 2012)

Ammy Time

Mamo Time

Meeting Kimmy

Spending Time with Auntie Shawna and Uncle Marc

At one week old, here I reminisce all the time Everett spent with the grandmas since his mommy needed lots of help after the c-section.  They were such a big help with one of them coming over each day to drive us around and to help around the house.

Also during that week, Everett had lots of visitors.  He is so loved!

Day 543 (July 12, 2012)

Happy 9th Anniversary

How times have changed since our wedding day 9 years ago...the BEST change!

For our anniversary we headed out to dinner while the grandparents watched Spark.  And, I had my first and only beer since Thanksgiving of 2011.  

Day 542 (July 11, 2012)

First Outing

We had our first pediatrician appointment which resulted in Everett needing a blood test for jaundice levels.  After, we topped at "The Cheesesteak Shoppe" for a special treat.

Day 541 (July 10, 2012)

All Dressed to Go Home 

Mama's Ready to Go Home After 4 Nights

Our Family of THREE! 

And Now...We Ride

While I had been nervous to go home, when the day came...it felt so good!  

Day 540 (July 9, 2012)

Auntie Felicia Went Back Home

Celebration Dinner

Cheers to Sparky

Our Lives Have Forever Changed

Everett and I had survived our first night together, but it was a rough one...at midnight they came to do a weight check and vitals on Everett.  We did not get back and settled back in the room until 12:45 and then just a few hours later in came the nurse to do blood work to check for jaundice.  We got little to no sleep that night!

But the next day brought more visitors and we had to say goodbye to Felicia.  That night, Chris, Everett and I had our celebration dinner given to us by the hospital.  The meal, like all the food that visit, was excellent.  We were given some gifts and had a wonderful time sitting back recalling the world wind events.  Chris and I couldn't stop staring at Baby Everett in amazement!

Day 539 (July 8, 2012)

A Sign Made By Daddy

Everett's Baby Shower 

Diaper Cake with a Champagne Bottle in the Middle :)

Cupcakes By Felicia

Baseball Signed Pillow

Favors 

Proud New Daddy

Me on Skype

Chris, the Guest of Honor

Since I had Baby Everett, I could not attend my Baby Shower.  So, instead of a canceling or re-scheduling Chris attended as the guest of honor.  

I "attended" via Skype.  Watching Chris open gifts nearly split my stitches because he was hilarious.  I think all the women were quite entertained by his comments and confusion about all the baby products.  

At the end of my Skype session, Everett was brought in to stay with me in my room, no more NICU...YAY!!!  Everyone was able to steal a glimpse of the wonderful baby boy.

The beautiful photos are compliment of Felicia.  (Felicia Perry Photography)

Day 538 (July 7, 2012)

Spending Time with Baby Everett

Lots of Love

The day after the c-section was no day in the park but I had some serious motivation to get up and get moving...I had to see my baby in the NICU.

The top picture is when I saw Everett again after he had been born the night before.  It seemed like forever before I was able to see him again.  

My mom and mother-in-law brought in the wonderful flowers.  The little train for Everett is from my mom and is now on his window sill in his room.  

Day 537 (July 6, 2012) The Most Amazing Day!

Meeting My Little Boy! 

Everett David Walker
7lbs, 2 oz
21.25 inches
AMAZING!

Proud Dad

Ecstatic Grandparents

It was a regular Friday.  I worked Summer School and then went to my OB appointment where I was told that Sparky was head down, I argued.  I then went for my non-stress test and all seemed normal.

I was waiting for my friend, Felicia, to get into town from LA to be a part of my Baby Shower that was to be held that upcoming Sunday.  I decided to go shopping.  

After a few hours out and feeling quite sore with some back cramps, I decided to stop for a snack and coffee at Starbucks.  I then headed home.  On the way in I saw Chris and Kona coming in from their run. 

When I walked in to the house Felicia was there and as I reached to give her a hug...a surge of liquid wet my pants and left a puddle at my feet.  MY WATER BROKE?!?!?!  

All I could say was, "Oh My God!"  I said that over and over again.  I was instantly worried because I was not due for 4 more weeks!  

Felicia calmly went outside to find Chris and I called the doctor.  We were going to have a baby!

I did not have a bag ready for the hospital so I just grabbed my purse and glasses.  I waddled to the car with a steady flow of my water breakage, it was quite a bit.  

Chris was wonderfully calm as we checked in to the hospital.  But once we were in the room and we realized this was going to happen, I worried that Chris needed to eat!  I needed Chris at his best so that he could be at my side.  

The nurses did their thing...checking my vitals and checking on the baby.  I was extremely stressed when it they had difficulty finding Sparky's heartbeat but he was just fine and ready to meet the world.

A c-section was needed because Sparky was transverse (sideways).  And, I threw a few wrenches at the doctors...I have a bicornuate uterus (heart shaped), I am allergic to a certain antibiotic and penicillin (which they wanted to use), my blood pressure was on the high side, and I was coughing (and am asthmatic).  Not to mention I had JUST eaten which was a major no-no before surgery.  

Meanwhile, we got some food ordered for Chris and he was yelled at by my nurse when he moaned in enjoyment as he took the first bite of food.  I didn't care but I sure wanted water!

The doctors and nurses were amazing and took every precaution to make sure Sparky and I were healthy and safe.  We all prepped for surgery.  The doctors got started and Chris was my rock by keeping me calm during the surgery.  

At 8:32 p.m. Everett David Walker changed our world forever when he was born!  His cry was music to my ears since I was so very worried with him being early.  

Before the c-section we were informed that he would get a ticket to the NICU since he was 4 weeks early and because they were taking precautions since my water broke without contractions (but I think I actually was having back labor looking back on that day).  I was first able to kiss my sweet boy and Chris cut his umbilical chord.  Then, Chris followed Everett while they checked him out and cleaned him up.  

Meanwhile, the doctors finished up with me and they were fascinated with my uterus, bringing all the doctors and nurses over to take a look.  Then, I was off to recovery.  

While I was recovering, there was a party in the NICU that night.  The rules are that a parent of the baby and one other guest may go into to visit a baby.  But, when the grandmas were battling it out to see the baby...the pediatrician graciously allowed both grandmas and grandpas in to meet Everett.  Later on, Auntie Shawna and Uncle Marc came by to meet their nephew.  

Chris and I have a favorite song by 311 called "Sunset in July".  This is now Everett's song since he came into our world during a July evening during the time of the sun setting.  He loves when I sing this song to him.  :)

What an amazing day!

Day 536 (July 5, 2012)

The Drunk Stork

I received a few emails from Chris today all showing the famous Drunk Stork.  He is so silly!  Chris, first of all, loves Looney Toons.  And, ever since we have learned of Sparky's arrival, he is especially loving the cartoons with the Drunk Stork.

If you haven't seen them ever or in a while it is worth a watch.  Too funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uO410iaJ7E

Day 535 (July 4, 2012)

Love the Fourth of July

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

- John Adams (Because the official adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence was two days later, the fourth of July rather than the second, became known as the US Independence Day.)

Day 534 (July 3, 2012)

Causing Trouble

One of the fun pregnancy side effects has been a horrible after taste in my mouth after eating.  Earlier on it would be paired with nausea but that part has gotten better.  So, to help with this I have had candies around.  The other day I purchased these fire jolly ranchers. 


Well, last night at the A's vs. Red Sox game I had finished a fabulous carnitas sandwich that Chris got for me and I popped in a jolly rancher.  Gulp!  The candy slid right down my throat without even tasting it.  I just looked at Chris in shock but still was able to talk.  So, I guess I wasn't choking!


But then my mind began to obsess about this whole jolly rancher and what trouble it could cause.  When I was going to bed I told Chris that my throat felt a little "on fire" from the candy.  His reply, "That candy is long gone, maybe just maybe, it was the dozen jalapenos that you ate!"  :)

Day 533 (July 2, 2012)

Summer School

So, it isn't quite like the movie!

But when I hear "Summer School" I always think of this flick.  I had to post about how I am spending four weeks of my summer (as long as Sparky doesn't arrive early).  Everyone thinks I am crazy for teaching summer school but I am there each and every day.  One week is down, three to go.  

I am teaching incoming fourth and fifth graders.  Half of the morning from 8:15 to 10:00 is all about math in the real world and from 10:20 to 12:05 it is writing time. 

Day 532 (July 1, 2012)

Yummy Dinner

For Jill's birthday we headed out to a new restaurant in San Ramon.  The New Orleans food and atmosphere was great.  I had the Shrimp Po Boy sandwich...it was delicious! 

Day 531 (June 30, 2012)

Kona Practicing as The Sparky Bodyguard

I walked by Sparky's room and saw Kona.  I think she will sure love the baby! 

Day 530 (June 29, 2012)

The 1948 Girls

Pig Races

Checking Out Our Pick

For our mom's birthdays we treated them to a day at the fair with horse racing.  

When we walked out of our first horse race we stumbled upon the 1948 sign...a perfect place for a picture for the birthday girls.  The fair was celebrating its 100th year and had different years placed around the grounds.

In between horse races we would check out our picks, look at the vendors' goods and we watched the pig races.  We had lots of fun but boy, oh, boy I was exhausted after our trip. 

Day 529 (June 28, 2012)

Elf Gift

Since I became pregnant I would visit the website The Bump.  There are different boards where pregnant ladies are able to connect.  I would frequent the August board where all moms with August due dates would post.  Well, this board created a closed Facebook page.  It was always hard for me to post often but I tried to keep up to date.  It has been helpful to connect with other women going through similar symptoms and feelings.

A few months ago, a member started a gift exchange.  I thought it sounded like fun so I jumped on board.  The criteria was to send onesies or whatever that did not go over $20.  There was an anonymous draw using a cool site called Elfster.  

I was able to say that we were having a boy and that I was hoping for a gift from wherever my elf lived.  I did include that we were avid sports fans.  My elf sent Sparky the above.  Chris was thrilled to see the Steelers jersey/onesie and the Dude beanie is too cute.

Today I finally sent off my elf package to an expectant mom in Littleton, CO.  The irony is that this town is not too far away from the Englewood, CO that I lived in as a child for a few years. 

Day 528 (June 27, 2012)

Sweep!

What a great conclusion to a shut out series against the Dodgers!  Woo hoo! Go Giants!

Day 527 (June 26, 2012)

Changing Table Assembled

Chris was so good to put the last piece of furniture together.  We are so thankful to Jill, Chris' mom, for getting Sparky this changing table.  Now, we are feeling more at ease that the room is ready.

Day 526 (June 25, 2012)

Yes, It Says "Baby Bolp"

Sparky's Original Onesie

My brother, Derek, and his family were up in the area for a short visit before taking off for Hawaii.  

While here, they gave Sparky some gifts since they won't be around for the shower.  Megan, my sister-in-law, is so creative...she surprised me with these onesies, amongst many other gifts.

The onesie that says "Baby Bolp" sure has a story.  When I was little Derek would call me Bolp.  Actually, who am I kidding?  He still calls me Bolp.  I have no clue how he came up with this name but I don't recall many times in which he has actually called me Kristin.  

The Sparky onesie is self explanatory since that is what we call the baby.  I am so excited for the baby to sport these outfits!

Day 525 (June 24, 2012)

I Can Still See My Feet!

This picture was taken during 34 weeks.  Sparky is lounging in a transverse position (sideways) and sure feels like a big boy.  But I still see toes!

Day 524 (June 23, 2012)

A's vs. Giants

What a fun night!  Great seats, great company and a great game.  

Chris and I went with his parents to the Oakland Coliseum.  The weather was just perfect and the Giants were hitting machines, the A's were masters of errors.  But when we decided to leave a little early the game took a crazy twist...the Giants' lead became a one run game.  In the end, SF pulled off the win. 

Day 523 (June 22, 2012)

Harley and His Pillow

How does he know that the pillow says, "What part of meow don't you understand?"  He loves to be on or by this pillow...too funny. 

Day 522 (June 21, 2012)

Sailboat Container

Still organizing the baby's room.  My mom found this storage container that goes great with his transportation theme.

Day 521 (June 20, 2012)

Cleaning, Folding, Putting Away Sparky's Clothes

Loving Sparky's Room

I know it is fun now to clean, fold and to put away baby clothes but I am sure it will become a chore soon enough.  I love looking at all the cute outfits and admiring how small everything is thinking how my baby boy will be in them soon enough.

And, as I walked into his room to put away the clothes I noticed this big, gray, furry thing on the rocking chair...Harley is taking over.  He may look like he is giving a nasty hiss but it was simply a lazy yawn!

Day 520 (June 19, 2012)

Home, Away From Home

I have been to Valley Care Medical Center tons lately...lots of doctor visits.  Good thing it is close to home.