Nicholas Michael... He was born last Thursday, January 13 and as I sit here, listening to his cute little hiccups, I can hardly believe that today he is one week old. The week has flown by, even through the lack of sleep, anxiety and depression that have all been coming and going. Don't get me wrong, I am happy beyond belief that Nicky is here. He is beautiful with a full head of dark hair and (for now) dark blue eyes. Time will tell if they become crystal blue like his sister's. He is the sweetest thing since Macy and I adore placing my lips and nose against his soft head and simultaneously kissing him and smelling all his newbornness. He came about like this...

Last Thursday I had my final doctor appointment. After checking me, I was informed that I was four centimeters dialated and 75% effaced. The doctor also stripped my membranes again and, at our request, scheduled an induction for the following Monday. He did mention as he was walking out of the room that he would be very surprised if I made it until then. Mike and I then lunched at Cox's diner and I went and walked around the mall for awhile until it was time to pick up Macy early for her two-year checkup. She checked up fine. She weighs 27.3 lbs and is 34 inches tall. The contractions started picking up while we drove home from her doctor. Once home, Macy went outside to play with Truman and I began timing the contractions. Sure enought, they were almost exactly 3-4 minutes apart and after an hour of this, I called Mike and he was on his way to pick me up and go to the hospital. He called our babysitter, Ashley, on the way and she arrived just in time and ready for an afternoon and evening with Macy. I called my mom in the car and she and John ended up leaving that night and arrived the next day around noon.

The check-in process went fairly smoothly at the hospital, but by the time I got to the room and into the lovely hospital gown, I was very uncomfortable and asking when I could have my epidural. The doctor said it was too soon and would come back in an hour to assess. That was a pretty long hour, but once she returned, she was convinced I was actually in labor and orderd the wonderful drug at my insistence. After that, all was perfect until I started to feel some heavy pressure and cramping when I was around 7 centimeters. I was scared that the epidural was wearing off, but was told that it wasn't, that the baby was just moving pretty fast. Before I knew it, I was being told it was time to push and, after pushing through only three contractions, Nicky was here! He looks just like me! Mike was wonderful, of course, making a video documentary as we progressed. He took a week off and today was his first day back. My mom stayed until Monday and after she left I immediately felt sad and homesick. Since then, I've been very emotional in the morniings, but usually by afternoon I'm okay. I was expecting some baby blues because I had them mildly with Macy. I know they'll pass but I must confess that I'm anxious about the transition. In the past I have depended on my immediate and extended family to help me through transitions, but now, being so far away, they're a little tougher to handle. I feel the same way now as I did when we moved. It all makes sense and I understand the reasons, but it's hard nonetheless.

So on with me to embracing the changes and loving the brand new gift I've been given. Nicky and Macy, and of course their wonderful daddy, trump all the negativity.

famous... Macy and I went to the park yesterday and were approached by a local news crew who asked if I would mind being interviewed for a story they were doing on winter allergies. I explained that although I do suffer from allergies, they haven't bothered me for a couple months now. They instead asked me how I felt about the "crazy" weather we've been having. I guess crazy weather, in this area, is 70's one day, 40's the next. Being from Nebraska I'm used to this and much worse, but I did give them some stupid answer. Afterwards they told me just to sit on the bench and watch Macy play so they could get some footage. Well, sure enough, we were on the news last night. Fortunately, they didn't use my interview, but they did get a close-up of Macy playing and running through the park. At one point, she ran up to me on the bench and I scooped her into my arms and she hugged me. It was so cute, I wish I would've thought to record it!

happy new year... I know I'm a bit late, but that's my life lately. I'm slow doing almost everything, including my resolutions which I hope to post in the near future. The only one I have in my mind now is to give birth. I'm still pregnant, a week before my due date and praying every night for a speedy delivery. It seems like I've been having contractions for months now and they don't make any sense. I'll have a "real" one and then a few braxton hicks and then a real one again. Otherwise, I'm feeling fine and really have nothing to complain about besides being uncomfortable, unable to bend or breathe. Oh, and there's the hemorrhoids. I had a dr. appt. last Thursday and I was 3 cm. dialated and 50% effaced and the dr. stretched my cervix to try to get things moving. Um, that kinda hurt. If we don't see a baby by next Thursday we'll get to pick a date to induce so the tunnel is getting lighter.

We just got back from a last minute surprise 40th birthday party for one of Mike's co-workers. We all met and ate mexican at Posados. I ate too much, but I'm taking advantage of my last days of pregnancy and the no-guilt overeating that goes along with it. One of the perks, I guess. Othewise, Mike spent the day working on the patio. It is all finished now with the completion of the mortaring. I took Macy to the mall for the final baby item we needed - a diaper bag. I was going to use Macy's (Yellow with a cute little bug on it) but Mike thought we may need something more boyish. So I got a blue striped bag with a cute little puppy riding a tractor. It is now all packed and ready to be taken to the hospital. I also packed my own bag today so we're all set. Maybe the next time I write I'll be a mommy of two.