Yep, I’m becoming one of those annoying bloggers who makes new blogs to replace old blogs.  I just needed a clean slate to share my incredible wittiness and insights with you (the few of you that may still have me on your blogroll.)  So here it is:  www.emmopops.blogspot.com Enjoy!

What could bring me back to the blogging world after a nearly two year hiatus?  Only free stuff of course!  That’s not entirely true.  Johnny Depp could bring me back.  And possibly donuts.  I am but a weak, weak person.

But about the free stuff….  Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards in exchange for a blog post about their products.  I have used Shutterfly for prints in the past and have always been very happy with the quality of the picture and speed in which I receive them.  I am a bit of a photography snob since I worked in a photo lab/studio for a few years and take countless pictures of my favorite subject, that being my 2 year-old, so I am not particularly easy to please when it comes to photos.  But honestly, Shutterfly has always done a great job.

I’ve always wanted to order Christmas cards through Shutterfly because they have a huge selection of adorable cards, but I never seem to get myself organized in time.  But I’m finally going to do it this year!  I played around with several different card layouts and photos today and found one that I think captures the spirit of our little family perfectly.

Adorable, huh?  I think so, but I may be a little biased.  The picture was taken at the pumpkin patch this year.  I just turned it black and white and added a santa hat on Picnik and walah!

To see all photo Christmas Cards Shutterfly has to offer, click here.  You will not be disappointed.  I also plan on making some desk calendars for family this year.  You can check those out here.  If you are interested in participating in this promotion, head on over to Shutterfly and check it out!

Do I have a lot of catching up to do or what?  I promise I’ll get better at this blogging thing once maternity leave is over in a few weeks.  I am much more inclined to piddle around on the computer when the alternative is doing work, rather than the alternative being watching tv or taking a nap.  With that said, let’s do a catch up post, shall we?  If it seems like I’m just sifting back through old pictures and commenting on them, well, then you caught me.  That’s exactly what I’m doing.  Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to.

Ok, we’ve actually been admiring little arms and legs and cheeks as well.  They’re not so little for long, you know. 

I started off with the mindset that I didn’t want to spoil him.  We needed to be able to lay him down without crying.  And then I read something in a book his pediatrician’s office gave me.  It said to not worry about spoiling them when they’re this little, and that every touch was stimulating their brain.  And that’s all it took.  That one little sentence, and I decided I would hold and cuddle and talk to him as much as I pleased cause one day before I knew it, I’ll wish he would still let me do that. 

Let’s see… we’ve also had lots of visitors, including Sam’s cousin, Ashton.  It’s hard to believe that little Buddha Baby was a preemie.

And then, of course, there was Thanksgiving.  Also known as my first opportunity to dress Sam up in embarrassing holiday garb.

Oh, and who could forget that 2008 held that fateful Thanksgiving morning when the brown sugar decided to take a suicide jump from the top of this cabinet?

And directly into the bowl of flour and eggs I was working on.

Yeah.  That was awesome.

After that debacle, we made it to Jon’s parents’ house for a lively game of race cars. 

And the classic game of tickle monster.  Phearson has no idea what’s about to hit him.

Then we headed to my parents’ house where Noah attacked Luca, as per usual. 

And then they both turned on Jon.

Ok, what else?  Oh yes, this.  Sam had his first bath.

He was not so sure about it. 

Oh!  And get this!  I went OUT.  Like out with friends… for drinks! 

So THIS is what it feels like to be out in this place…what do you call it?  Oh yes!  PUBLIC!

Next there was Christmas.  Also known as my second opportunity to dress Sam up in embarrassing holiday garb. 

Over at my parents’ house, we had a blast watching all the kids open their presents.  Care to play a little game of “Who can spot my nephew’s crack??”  Sigh….

I have no idea how my neice looks so calm.  At her age, I would be doing cartwheels if I was surrounded by a mound of presents like that. 

In fact, I may have done a cartwheel when I laid his eyes on our Christmas present from my parents.  There she is in all her high definition flat screen glory. (Who can name that show on the tv??)

So, anyways… we headed to Jon’s parent’s house, in which Jon received his second favorite present.  The quest to create another Viking’s fan has begun.  Oh jeez.

I don’t know about you, but I think this ball pit Jon’s nephew got  is awesome.  I’m wonderig if they make an adult sized version. 

Poor Sam slept through all the holiday excitement.  Well, at least he had his ninja turtle by his side.

The next day, we headed to Jon’s brother’s house to celebrate with their mom and step-dad, who were visiting from Ohio.  Note Sammy’s receding hairline.  Bless his little heart. 

Jon’s neice, Brayden, opening her presents.  I believe this may have been her fourth or fifth Christmas.  Now that’s just ridiculous.

Jon’s nephew with his new skateboards.  I didn’t know the kids were still into that these days.  Yes, I am officially 80 years old. 

Shew!  Almost caught up.  Now for a few recent pictures so you can see how big my little pumpkin has gotten. 

He’s definitely a thinker.  He always seems to be trying to solve a problem of some sort.  Hopefully the economy, we could use all the help we could get. 

Or, he can just lay there in his jammies and look cute.  Ok by me.

Bah Humbug!

Christmas stinks!

Wait a minute, what did you just say?

I get lots and lots of presents?

Well, in that case, Christmas doesn’t sound so bad…

I better get this on over to Grandma’s house!

See ya later!  Merry Christmas to you all!

New baby + holiday stuff + pure laziness = longest posting absence ever.  Sorry!

Ok, so…. the obligatory birth story.  Read it and weep, those who had tough labors.  Read it and pray for the same, those of you expecting soon.  I really couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  From the world’s best nurse to a total of about 5 real contractions, I am one lucky girl.  Oh… not to mention, the perfectly healthy, beautiful baby boy we got to take home.  So here goes, in timeline form.

November 13 (the day before scheduled induction)

I worked a full day (why, thank you, I agree that I am quite the trooper!)  I honestly was not even nervous.  Excited, yes.  Nervous, not so much.  Jon was home that day so I asked him to set out something light for dinner.  What did he go with, you ask?  Hamburger meat…for chili.  I won’t get into the whole “chili is NOT a light dinner!” debate we had when I returned home, but COME ON.  I guess I’ll give him a little leeway considering I have NEVER seen him that nervous.  He must have been all verklempt.  If you know my husband, you know he’s quite the talker.  He maybe said 10 words all night.  Seriously, he was a wreck.  (I was basically all “buddy, you don’t have to push this baby out your hoo-ha tomorrow, settle down!”)  Anyways, after eating a small bowl of chili for fear of later repercussions, we settled in for our usual Thursday night routine…Survivor and The Office.  I made sure everything was in order, bags were packed, and headed to bed around midnight, setting the alarm clock for 4:00 a.m.  It was my last day as a non-parent.  Ca-razy.

November 14 (The Big Day!)

4:00 a.m. – We woke up feeling surprisingly well rested and ready to get the show on the road.  Jon headed for the coffee maker, I headed for the shower.  I knew it would be my last chance for a while.  It was pitch dark on our way to the hospital.  The car ride was quiet, but you could feel the nervous energy.

5:05 a.m. – Yes, of course I was 5 minutes late…even for the birth of my first child.  The check-in lady informed me that I was lucky to get in.  They were busy, and the three other girls scheduled for induction that morning had been called and told to come in later when there were more rooms available.  That’s when I had a feeling that everything may just go smoothly for us after all.  They showed us to the labor and delivery room (Monitors, Medical Equipment, and a Baby Bed!  Oh my!) and left us to get settled in.  And just like that, the nerves kicked in.  Exhibit A below.

(Don’t mind the ZZ Top hair.  It was 5 in the morning, people.)

6:00 a.m. – The best nurse EVER walks in and introduces herself.  Nurse Cindy was seriously an angel sent from heaven.  Throughout the day, I would find out that she was sweet, totally knew what she was doing, didn’t make me feel stupid about anything, laughed at our stupid jokes, and really made us feel at ease.  We were in good hands (cue Allstate commercial.)  Right off the bat, she checked to see how far I was dilated.  I was at a 6.  Yep, a 6.  Nurse Cindy (yes, I will keep calling her that cause I like the way it sounds) couldn’t believe it.  In fact, she said, “How have you been walking around?!  Are you in any pain?!  You’re lucky you don’t need a good detailing job in your car from the ride over here!”  I took this as good news.  And, nope.  I wasn’t in any pain.  Nurse Cindy asked me a million medical history questions and I, in return, asked her a million neurotic questions.  So, when do you think the baby will be here?  Will I feel pain as soon as you start the Pitocin?  How long do contractions last?  How fast can we get the epidural going?  Yes, Nurse Cindy was a patient woman.

7:00 a.m. – Nurse Cindy starts the Pitocin through my IV.  I brace myself for the pain.  I keep telling myself I can totally handle it.  I keep waiting for a big, scary, painful contraction to hit.  Nothin.  I seriously don’t feel a thing.

8:00 a.m. – I’m starting to feel the contractions.  They are about 5 minutes apart, and feel like mild cramps.  But, really, no biggie.  Nurse Cindy checks me again.  I’m now at a 7.  Go me.

9:30 a.m. – Contractions are still very mild.  My doctor comes in and checks me.  She says I’m at an 8, and she breaks my water.  (This is the part of the story where internal conflict begins…do I stay true to my readers and let them know the details here or do I draw the line and avoid TMI?)  Well, I’d want to know, so here goes.  The actual breaking of the water is no big deal.  Yea, the doctor uses this big knitting needle looking device to break the water, but it doesn’t hurt AT ALL.  The part that’s a little disturbing comes AFTER the water’s been broken.  The fluid.  OH MY.  How do I put this?  Well, it is not a little drizzle.  The fluid…it comes GUSHING out.  TONS of it.  For several minutes.  All I can say is watch your socks, ladies.  Oh, and this.  NOW labor shall commence.  (The doctor had warned me that contractions would get much harder and closer together after she broke my water.  I told her, in that case, go ahead and order that epidural.  She did.  And for that, I love her.)

9:40 a.m. – Ohhhhh.  THIS is what a contraction feels like.  Within minutes, the contractions were only a couple minutes apart and MUCH more painful.  Wonderful Nurse Cindy told me how to breathe through the contractions.  Jon (aka birth coach of the year) let me squeeze his hand till it was blue.  The pain was pretty intense, but honestly not as bad as I thought it would be.  The contractions were totally bearable.  Not to mention, I only had to endure about 5 or 6 of them before relief walked through the door.

10:00 a.m. – Anesthesiologist arrives to give me the epidural.  Nurse Cindy kicked Jon out of the room for this part.  Apparently it’s some law.  No outsiders in the room for the epidural.  That kind of freaked me out.  Was this because it’s too scary to watch?!  Probably so,  but at least Nurse Cindy stayed with me and let me grab a hold of her waist.  I’m not gonna lie, getting the epidural was very unpleasant.  Not so much painful, but very uncomfortable.  It took 15 minutes or so, he had to do it twice for some reason, and I kept thinking he was going to accidentally paralyze me.  I was VERY glad when it was over, but let me tell you… once that sucker kicks in (it takes about 20 minutes or so to take full effect) I didn’t feel a thing.  Really, NO pain for the rest of the labor and delivery.

11:00 a.m. – Nurse Cindy checks me again.  I’m at a 9.  She tells me I am an over-acheiver.  She can’t believe it’s my first time having a baby, and says I have done remarkably well (well, thankyouverymuch.)  She predicts a baby between 1:00 and 2:00. 

12:00 p.m. – Suddenly I don’t feel so hot.  The mild heartburn I had been experiencing for a couple hours quickly turned to fire in my chest (freakin chili!)  I felt light headed and clammy.  Jon went to find Nurse Cindy.  She returned with a shot of medicine for the heartburn.  She said my blood pressure had dropped, and that’s why I was feeling dizzy.  I took the shot of medicine (which was bright green and tasted extremely bitter.)  Within seconds, I puked it back up.  After that, the heartburn was completely gone, my blood pressure returned to normal, and I felt fine.  Nurse Cindy decided maybe she should check me again.  I was fully dilated and effaced and ready to start pushing.  (Wait a minute, you mean start pushing the baby OUT?!  No.  Freakin.  Way.)

12:30 p.m. – Nurse Cindy gets me situated in the most precarious position EVER to start pushing.  (I know everyone says by this point you have no modesty and you won’t care.  But, I’m here to tell you… this part….is quite embarrassing.)  Anyways, Nurse Cindy tells me how to breathe through the contractions and how to push and all that (don’t bother with breathing classes, you can figure it out after about the second push.)  The pushing is harder than I thought.  It’s exhausting and I felt like I wasn’t making any progress.  Nurse Cindy assured me I was, but I just didn’t feel anything happening.  After about 15 minutes of pushing, Nurse Cindy said we were getting close and called the doctor.  By the time the doctor got there, I had actually had to stop pushing because he was RIGHT THERE.  At this point, I could feel him RIGHT THERE.  A few more pushes, and our lives would never be the same. 

1:06 p.m. – One more push and baby Sam makes his big entrance into the world.  There are no words to describe how I felt when I first saw him and the doctor laid him on my chest. 

At first it was disbelief.  I could not wrap my brain around the fact that this was OUR baby.  That he was actually HERE, laying in my arms.  Then the emotions set in.  Joy, elation, gratefulness, relief.  All I knew is I loved this baby right from the start and would always be there to make sure he was ok.  I quickly checked him out from head to toe.  Ten fingers, ten toes, the works.  He was perfect.  I was so grateful that he was healthy.  I said a little prayer right that second thanking God for that.  I looked over at Jon.  I could tell his mind was racing.  He had tears in his eyes. 

 The doctor asked him if he’d like to cut the cord.  He quickly shook his head no, as that sort of thing grosses him out.  She shoved the scissors in his hand and said, “Yes, you do.”  He dutifully cut the cord.  Did I mention that I love my doctor?

Samuel James was 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and 20 inches long.  Long and skinny.  And covered in wax.  I read he would have a waxy substance on his skin, and let me tell you, they’re not lying. 

He was a mama’s boy right from the start.  Man, I love this baby. 

P.S.  Since he’s already a month old and I haven’t posted for so long, you probably want a couple recent pictures, eh?  Your wish is granted. 

He is seriously SUCH a good baby.

Oh, how I love these chubby cheeks!

I have no idea what happens to the time when you have a new baby at home.  I may be taking the doctor’s instructions to take it easy, sleep, and forget about housework a little too seriously.  Should I be ashamed to admit I have showered once since I’ve been home and worn the same comfy pants every single day?  I’ve been doing nothing but snuggling with baby Sam, feeding him (this kid loves to eat!), changing diapers, and ok, watching a bunch of tv.  We are doing marvelous.  So far he is a little angel baby (crossing fingers) who rarely cries and is content with most everything.  Just wanted to say a quick hello and thanks for all the congrats.  I will write the obligatory birth story this week (for once, it’s NOT a scary one…all you preggos will appreciate that, I’m sure)  Till then… here’s a few pics.

Well, this is it, people.  The last day before the big day.  I’ve been doing a little research regarding alternative ways to pop this little baby out… ya know, like storks and things, but apparently these are all dirty, dirty lies.  This little baby’s gonna have to come out the hoo-ha.  No way around it, unless of course, I end up having a c-section, but I would still have to attempt to get this baby out via hoo-ha.  In fact, that is what I will be doing this time TOMORROW.  We’ll be getting up (not that we will actually manage to get any sleep I’d imagine) around 4 a.m. and heading into the darkness on our way to the land of no turning back.  The land of anxiety, pain (come onnnn, epidural!), excitement, parenthood, joy like we’ve never known, and more responsibility than anyone should ever trust us with (after all, I have been known to do things like lock myself out of my house twice in one week and fill the oil tank on a lawnmower full of gasoline.)  What can I say, this baby is in for an adventure.  Today is the first day the excitement is trumping the nervousness.  Basically, I can’t wait to meet this little guy.  I can’t wait to see his little face, smell his baby scent, touch his little tosies, and hold him in my arms for the first time.  I also can’t wait to see the look on his daddy’s face the first time he sees him because I know it’s something I will never forget.  You think I’m excited?  Try talking to the parent who doesn’t have the job of labor and delivery.  Let’s just put it this way.  Jon grabs my belly and pushes it down at least once a day, yelling “Come onnnnn, baby!  THAT way!”  So far, this baby has proven himself quite tricky and stubborn.  I mean, really.  I go and dilate 3 centimeters, have pains/contractions (??) several nights in a row, the baby wiggles and squirms like he is ready to get OUT, and still…. nothin.  Tonight’s his last chance (and it IS a full moon!) to make a surprise entrance, otherwise… it’s eviction for you, little buddy.

As for you, dear interneters, who have been so supportive and made me feel better about all my freak outs, I will not leave you hanging!  My bestest pal, Whitney, will give you an update tomorrow.  Depending on what time the baby makes his entrance, there may even be a picture.  Wish me luck!

What are you guys doing next Friday?  I’ll just be hanging out, ya know… having a baby.  No biggie. 

So it looks like I may just make it to that induction date after all.  Friday, November 14th at 5:00 am.  I wasn’t aware that the world operated at 5:00 am.  Apparently so.  The doctor said today that the baby is very low and she doesn’t know what’s stopping him, so there’s still a chance he could come sooner.  But I kind of doubt it.  I feel pretty much the same.  A few twinges of pain here and there, a couple short lasting back aches, but no contractions that I know of.  So, yep.  A week from today.  I have no words really.  Just anxiety and excitement out the wazoo.  I have to admit… the anxiety is trumping the excitement at this point.  Once I get through the labor and see he’s healthy and lovely and actually HERE, then I’ll be able to let the excitement take over. 

Ok, I gotta go have a panic attack now.

Want to hear something crazy?  If nothing happens sooner, I will have a child (outside of the womb, mind you) by NEXT WEEK.  Just typing that seriously makes me a little short of breath.  So this is my last full week (if nothing happens sooner) before motherhood officially begins.  I really can’t get over it.  It’s hard to put my feelings into words, as the emotions range from full blown jump out of my seat excitement to sheer terror.  The fear comes from not knowing what to expect as far as labor goes, as well as becoming an actual mother.  Babysitter?  Aunt?  I’m familiar with all that.  But being THE mother?  I’m not going to lie… I have these moments of complete panic, when my mind races with thoughts of total imcompetence…. I don’t even feel like an adult!  I can’t be in charge of another human being!  What have I done?!  These thoughts are all perfectly normal, right?  Right…anyone?

So anyways, my appointment on Friday was fine.  I am still dilated at 3 cm. (and getting checked was still as pleasant as squeezing lemons in a fresh papercut.)  They did have us freaked out for a moment when the nurse practitioner measured my belly and acted surprised/concerned to find that it was only 33 cm.  She ordered me another ultrasound to make sure that he was still growing.  He had gained 10 ozs. since the last ultrasound (which was a week and a half earlier) and his head and stomach and legs were growing, so the doctor said there was nothing to worry about.  She did say I would probably be having a small baby, which as long as he’s healthy, sounds like an easier delivery to me, so….bring it on.  I can’t help but have a nagging worry in the back of my mind over the lack of weight gain.  I have not gained a single pound in 2 months, making for a grand total weight gain of only 13 pounds.  I know maybe I should be happy about this, but still…. seems weird to me.  The doctor said I must be doing good with my diabetes diet and there’s nothing to worry about.  But…am I possibly doing TOO good?!  Annnnd, the parental worry has officially begun (and will be with me FOREVER from now on, huh?)

I feel like I’m rambling.  Forgive me, for I am slightly freaking out.  So.  Anyways.  This past weekend we tried to stay busy, as to not be swallowed whole by the anticipation.  We had the calmest (and most sober) Halloween in YEARS.  We ate beef stew and watched “In the Mouth of Madness.”  I was terrified to watch this movie, but thought I’d take one for the team in the spirit of Halloween (and was hoping just maybe I’d be scared into labor.)  Jon had me convinced I was gonna pee my pants (which, can I just say for the record… I will NOT miss having to suck everything in with all your might when sneezing, laughing, screaming, etc. while pregnant as to not have this happen.)  BUT… the movie didn’t really even phase me.  I’m kind of hard core like that. 

Saturday I got up early (ok, well 9:30, which I know isn’t THAT early, and will seem like sleeping in late here very soon) to catch my nephew’s last soccer game. 

As you can see, he is very concerned with keeping his eye on the ball. 

After the big win (I know they don’t keep score, but it’s hard not to notice when only one team makes any goals.)  My brother, aka “the coach,” and Noah.

I guess I should say something about how cute my neice and nephew look after the game or whatever, but  the only thing I can think about is how the poor lady in the background has no idea there is a picture of her ass on display for the world to see. 

After the game, Jon and I went to an apple orchard with my parents and grandma to have some lunch, listen to some good ol’ bluegrass music, and enjoy the gorgeous 70 degree weather.  It was quite a lovely day, despite the fact that I couldn’t eat any fried apple pie.  We did get to hang out with some goats and sheep, however!  Why that is exciting?  I have no idea.  But I do have proof.

See?  A goat.

Did I ever mention Jon is a goat whisperer?

Me?  Not so much.

And finally…. the sheep.  Baaaaaaaa.