Rocky is 3!

Of course, if you ask how old he is, he will tell you 4 and a half. The fun began the morning of his birthday (July 14th) when he awoke to find the hobby store train set that mom would drag him away kicking and screaming from every time we went grocery shopping (the hobby store was next door and the train set could be seen from the window). This could be one of the reasons I got so dizzy and faint every time I went grocery shopping towards the end of the pregnancy. Hmm. So to make a long story short, the hobby store went out of business and I used my Tijuana bartering skills to get a killer deal on the train set and table. No more train tantrums, and he's now distracted for longer intervals! Happy birthday to both of us! Now I can pay some attention to Jack Jack. Fortunately, we bought his present a few months in advance because sleep-deprived mom and dad, and anxiety-ridden mom (suffering from Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex ... don't ask...) were in no condition to shop nor plan a birthday bash, so our loving family here in Chico stepped in to help. That night Grandma Pam and Grandpa Rick had a little party for him at their house with hot dogs, swimming, presents and cake. Then the following evening, we went to Uncle Mort and Aunt Lacie's to celebrate Rocky and cousin Shane's birthday. After yummy home-made Cafe Rio pork burritos, we devoured a chocolate construction site cake. Of course, Rocky (and several of the big boys) had to drive the trucks all over the cake BEFORE we ate it. Luckily, it tasted better than it looked.

talking to Grandma on the phone & telling her all about his new train set

cake at Grandma Pam & Grandpa Rick's house

Rocky and Shane blowing out the candles

cake ... before the boys got into it

cake ... afterwards

Hungry Jack

We were inspired because the name fits. What a hungry little guy! He's already gained a full pound because he eats every TWO hours! My mom is desperately trying to stretch him to three. This is why I haven't called anyone yet or updated this blog... because I have been a walking percocet-filled zombie during the day ever since the delivery. How many days has it been? Then there was a painful bout of the stomach flu (poor timing considering the stomach wound I was already suffering from) that swept through all of us. I am now writing to say how grateful I am for grandmas. They are the best! I would not have survived this long without them, especially since I have no stomach muscles. As the Dr. on the Simpsons would say... I'm weak as a kitten. Grandma Coralie took care of me (and the little ones), cleaned our house and cooked for us the first week, Grandma Pam did it the second week, and now my mom is doing it for the third). They are awesome! My little sis Kayla is taking the next shift. I can't wait to see her. We always have a blast. Thanks guys! Jack is a good baby .. as long as he is fed.. and is extremely cute. He doesn't look at all like a wrinkled little man. The pics don't do him justice. So now we can officially say that Rich and I make cute kids. He favors laying on his tummy and has been caught sucking his thumb on occasion. Rocky is getting involved and (to my horror) even brought him to me once when he was crying. I'm looking forward to tonight because Grandma Kathi is going to feed him a bottle, so I can get some much needed rest! Woohoo!

Home at Last...

On Friday, the 13th (our lucky day) Momma C, Rob, Kari, Rich and Rocky accompanied Jack and I home. We made quite an exit from the hospital, with Rocky riding on my lap in the wheelchair. The whole experience went so much smoother than last time, what without the labor and all. The longest and toughest part seemed to be finding a vein for the IV. They stuck me so many times I started throwing up, which continued throughout the day. The actual surgery was incredibly quick, with a swift slice and yank of baby's feet and staple job lasting only 10 minutes total. It was amazing. I actually got to hold the baby afterwards this time, which was a great improvement and numbed the shock of what had just occurred. I was thinking that this was a piece of cake and that c-sections were the way to go until the next day when the spinal-administered morphine wore off, and I actually felt like my stomach had been sliced open. Ouch. Fortunately, I have lots of help. Momma C has been taking good care of us, and Rocky has been having a blast with Uncle Rob and Aunt Kari. He struggled in the "hosipal" as he called it, and just wanted to cuddle next to me in bed asking me concerned questions about all the tubes/IV. Every few minutes he would exclaim, "Baby came out of your tummy mommy." It wasn't until I came home from the hospital that Davey showed an interest in his little brother, comforting him when he cried by stroking his head gently and saying, "It's okay Jack. Brother right here." He kept bringing him toys and saying, "He's so cute." Today, out of nowhere he brought me a stack of diapers while I was feeding Jack and said, "Diapers for the baby." I think he's going to be a good helper. To celebrate Father's Day today, Rich has been cleaning, cooking, doing laundry and fixing our drains. Yep, all the toilets, tubs and sinks are backed up today from clogged underground roots. Figures. Happy Father's Day Rich! He appreciates his gift from me though, baby Jack, as it was really hard to make. Let's hope he wants something different next year.