First 48

Its true when "they" (whomever "they" are) say that every pregnancy is different, every child is different...... I feel like I have said this 1,776,789 times throughout Jack's life. It rings true yet again that my labor was NOTHING like Jack's. My pregnancy was NOTHING like Jack's. Baby Breck looks "very little" like Jack. :)

FRIDAY:
I was so crabby. If you were one of the many people to talk to me I apologize. I was in so much pain all day. I have been having crazy contractions ever since Wednesday evening and nothing was happening or being consistent. I was so miserable and thinking that it was going to go on like this for another week or possibly two. One of the joys of being pregnant is waiting, but not ever knowing how much wait is anticipated .  By 3pm I sent Kevin a message saying "Get your bag ready, I think we'll be going to the hospital". As much as we both wanted to believe this message I told him to stay at work and take his appointments and we would see what was happening when he got home. Well not much was happening when he arrived home from work, but we decided to head to the hospital around 8 and with it being early enough it wouldn't really interfere with Jack's bedtime if we were to be sent home. We called the hospital-they told us to wait an hour until contractions were 5 minutes apart for 1 hour and they HAD To last 60 + seconds. Okay at this point I almost screamed with  frustration. They were 5 min apart but they were lasting from 20-40 seconds. We live about 25 minutes from the hospital and we were planning on dropping Jack off at our very best friends house, so we would all just be hanging out for a while. And of course they are so sweet and treated me like a princess. Propped my legs up, offered me everything under sun, asked if I wanted different music, lights dimmed...They are just so good to me. But all I wanted was to make these contractions get a MOVE on. Unfortunately baby Brecken was not taking notes of the Koehlers kind ways and decided to make those contractions go back from 5 min  to 20 min apart. We went home and took Jack with us even though our sweet friends offered to have Jack spend the night just in case it happened later, but we objected and went home. Jack in bed by 10:30. Kevin and Krissy 10:35.

SATURDAY: 
I dozed until 11ish, then guess what....it was happening again. At this point I'm so annoyed, but I couldn't sleep because again they were so painful. I went downstairs and started timing. Kevin followed and helped me. At 1:30 we decided its time to head back, and I did not call this hospital this time. Got Jack up and headed back to the Koehlers. Halfway there I felt a LOT of pressure. I told Kevin he needed to move a little faster because I was worried I would not get to the hospital in time to get any pain management.  The K's met usan outside. Jack was happy. Off we went to the hospital.

Arrived about 3am. Kevin offered a wheelchair, but I said no. I should have taken it. It took me a while to make it to the elevator then to have the elevator not work. (Kevin said the next day he thought people may have gotten stuck in it. So glad we lucked out on that).  Went through triage and I was at 7 cm already. Baby Breck was coming very soon!! I have never seen nurses move so fast. They wanted me to get that epidural and fast.For which I am grateful they had my needs in mind.  I had to get fluids in me first, which seemed like forever. Then the anesthesiologist came it. I didn't know if I could "be still" so he could do this. I kept waiting for the pain to stop, and it never did. It just got more intense and lasting longer. They called the doctor in. He broke my water. The time it took after he broke my water until Baby Brecken was on my chest was exactly 8 minutes. This was at 4:46am.  I have a feeling Brecken will like water slides.

It was the most beautiful moment of my life. Seeing my sweet baby boy for the first time. Hearing his cry. Not feeling anymore pain. Kevin got to cut the umbilical cord (he never did with Jack). He also was a very big part of the labor, which was different then with Jack. They NEVER took him out of the room. He was there with us for the next 5 hours!! It was amazing. Kevin and I were so overwhelmed with happiness. I wish I could replay it over and over....but without the actual labor pains.

It would be my luck that the epidural did not work for labor, but it kicked in when they were finishing everything up after labor. My legs started to go numb. 4 hours after labor I thought I would be able to get out of bed. I laughed as I collapsed onto the floor. It was so unexpected. I guess I really need both legs fully working! I was able to walk 8 hours after labor and probably 12 hours after labor I was able to have all feeling back in both legs. I got all the disadvantages of this, and none of the advantages.

Brecken's little face was pretty bruised. The doctors said that when they come out so fast like that, that they hit every bone on the way out. They wanted to make sure that was only issue why he looked so "blue". Thankfully it was, and his bruising has almost gone away completely by the 48 hour mark. He has had NO problem eating. I think I might have another little chunk on my hands. I feel like such a pro when it comes to feeding as it seems like yesterday I was doing this with Jackson. My milk has already come in and Brecken can not be more pleased. I just want to watch him all day.

Everything has been so different. I knew I would love Brecken, as I already have for almost 10 months. But I'm overwhelmed with how much it is. A very best friend of mine told me once "When you have another baby, you grow another heart", as my fear was how in the world can I love another child as much as I love my sweet Jack.  This advice rings so true it gives me chills. Jackson was perfect and Brecken is perfect. My life is complete now that Team O'Hare is a family of 4. Now all I need is a minivan and maybe a parrot.

 First night home.

 Jack was so excited to hold Breck. He did NOT want me to take him.

 Kisses!!

 I think they are holding hands..

 Kevin is so happy. I love seeing the admiration on his face.

Love his little arm.

New Beginings

Some of you have met my father-in-law. He is one of the most loving, caring, genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. And how lucky am I to have such an amazing man as my father-in-law and the grandfather of my children.

Recently he was faced with the decision to potentially better his heart, his life, by going through a triple by-pass surgery. He was reluctant at first, but we were all pleased to hear that he was going to go ahead and do it. It was scheduled for the beginning of May.  Kevin's sister, Colleen was able to fly here to drive back to Ohio with Kevin. She also made it to Jack's birthday party and watched the Kentucky Derby with us.

Seeing Colleen again after several months was so good. I wish we would have had more time. The party day was crazy for me. I didn't get to really sit down and talk with her, however the morning after we did. She told me all about her trip to Vietnam and her stories were so interesting. She and her partner Jeana drove motorcylces across the entire country. So as you can imagine they had an adventure. One of the many stories that she told really made me love her even more. You see, Colleen is alot like her dad. She is funny, kind, and you just want to be around her. Kevin's uncle died in the Vietnam war and Colleen was determined to find any memorabilia of his. She said they had ALOT for sale in their gift shops such as dog tags, ect. She searched, and never stopped searching. She did not find anything of their uncle's, however they did pick up 3 dog tags that belonged to other soldiers. They have found their families and are going to write to them and send them these pieces of their history and loved ones. I found this so touching. I imagined being in one of the families shoes and having such a wonderful gift come back to me after all those years. It says alot about Colleen and Jeana to even think about doing such a nice gesture. I feel like I need to do more good in the world too to help others.

And on another good note, Kevin's dad is doing AMAZING. The surgery went very well without any complications at all. He was out of the hospital in 1 week, and now he is back at home doing what he loves best. Sleeping... :) They told him he could not drive any long distances for 8 weeks, so they have to postpone their trip down here for a little while when the baby arrives (which should be any day!), but we are so much looking forward to seeing them when they do arrive. I want to thank everyone who has called Kevin and I asking about his dad and praying for all of us. It means the world to us that you care and we never let that go unnoticed.

Cheers to new beginnings and helping make others hearts smile.

2 Much Fun For The 2 Year Old!

This year we decided to make Jack's keg party into an actual birthday party. Since Jack's birthday and baby Brecks projected arrival date are very close together we decided to take the birthday party somewhere else besides home, and what better place then the most awesome gym that Jack goes to (or used to until they closed down this past weekend).

It was a bit of a hectic morning for me. I had to work, HAD to go yard saling, make food for the partay, shower, and get Jack ready all by noon.  I tried my best to get the car loaded and out the door on time. Yes I did succeed, however I did not know that everyone else would be running late so there would have been NO rush to get out of the house like I did. Traffic was terrible, okay it was stopped, on the main highway so many guests had to re-route their travel. :(

Davis was the first to arrive and was a little shy to begin with. This is odd if you know who is mom and dad are. But he loosened up and he and Jack LOVED jumping in the bounce house and running around the gym. Caleb and Liam came second and it did not take long for Caleb to hang from the monkey bars with a permanent grin on his face. This just set the precedent for all the children. After an hour of play, we ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, snacks and sang happy birthday. But lets be honest, the kids could have cared less (except Davis) and were very pleased to get to go back into the gym. We ended the party by playing "Freeze Dance" and the most fun game of all "Snowball Fight". The game was a hit with all the kids, and the adults too. The kids left with a microphone and a smile.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 Look at how nicely they are all sitting

Our little English friends, Harry and Madison.

Carter!

Official Stats of the Jackster

Height: 34 inches

Weight 27 pounds

Attitude: Mostly good

Jack's actual birthday was Thursday May 12th. We woke up that morning and sang happy birthday and danced. We went to the strawberry patch with Molly and Baby B. We had a play date with Caleb and Teagan in the afternoon. When daddy got home we ate Papa Murphy's pizza, opened presents, and ate giant gourmet cupcakes or icing. We had such a good day. I wish we could rewind and replay it over, and over. I wish when I turned two it was like this.

Pick Me, Strawberry

Our first attempt at the strawberry patch took place several weeks ago with my then very pregnant side kick Leah. I picked her up at 9:30am sharp and off we went talking about what we were going to do with these strawberries once we got them home. Her: strawberry banana bread. Me: strawberry shortcakes.  The car ride there wasn't to bad except I had made the mistake of putting in a different DVD, Over the Hedge, and realized very quickly this was not going to be one for the car if anywhere.

It was extremely windy but warm, and there was hardly anyone else there. We picked up our containers and off we went.  Jack loved running up and down the rows and pointing at ladybugs. At one point he was crying, and when I raced over to see what in the world could be the matter, I came to the conclusion he had picked up a lady bug and tried to eat it. It must have scared him when he felt their little legs. He was pretty devastated. Once this happened, it was only a matter of seconds that I realized I would only be buying 4 strawberries, not exactly enough to make strawberry shortcake. He was done. I had to be done.

 My beautiful friend Leah!! She was only days away from delivering her baby boy!

Checking out those ladybugs before the vicious attack.



Luckily there were some children's activities so we could prolong our visit. Jack played in this massive water table, and not so accidentally drank some of that very very clean water. EEEKKK! We also saw some chickens, which I'm sure was his highlight. It was mine just watching his excitement and him laughing. My child loves him some animals, that is for sure.

I paid for our strawberries, a mere $1, and picked up a homemade strawberry slushy.  At least we got to sit down for a few minutes to drink it before the rain came!!

 I'm NOT posting this picture because I look good (obviously)....I just love the look at Jack's face!

I think Jack looks like my nephew Kordell here!



At our 2nd attempt going to the strawberry patch several weeks after our first, we were accompanied by our good friends Jackie, Molly, and baby B. Molly was suited up in proper attire wearing overalls and tennis shoes. She had told her mom earlier that they were not pretty shoes and she did not want to wear them. CUTE! We meet up around 10am and this time its a different ball game. From the crowds to the pick of the strawberries. Jackson is just enamoured by Molly. I'm afraid she has this affect on most children. He was just in heaven doing whatever see did. I got about as many strawberries as last time, but I'm afraid Jackson may have eaten some before we paid for them. He LOVED them! Super fun way to end the strawberry season.

 I love this picture. I think its sweet.

 This picture cracks me up. Molly is loving life, and Jack is picking strawberries to eat.

 WE SAID STAY OUT OF THE MUD!!

Strawberry guilt all over his face. They will never know he ate any strawberries.

My Oh My! My friends are making cute babies!

I am very lucky to have gone through both of my pregnancies with friends. And crazy enough, it has been different friends each time. I am in a playgroup that I joined back in September with some ladies that I met here in my neighborhood.  On my very first playdate Shanna, Michelle, and Linda were all pregnant! Shanna due in March, Michelle in April, and Linda in May! So exciting to have children whom are already the same age then to do it again with the 2nd set. It has been such a fun journey to see these women every week and see them grow these babies and not only begin friendships with our children, but with each other. Not to mention my sweet friend Leah who was also pregnant and due in April as well. Michelle and Leah's due dates were only 2 days apart and delivering at the same hospital! Also one of my best friends that I grew up with and have known since we were 9 years old, LeeAnne, is also pregnant and due the end of July! This is her first baby too.  Its just so exciting to go through all of this with everyone.

Shanna was the first.  I remember this like it was yesterday. She was blessed with baby Liam the end of March. He was/is perfect! Such a beautiful baby. Then Michelle only 5 weeks later was blessed with baby Isla. She was/is so beautiful and already looks like her big sister Teagan. Leah with baby big boy Landon 8 days, yes 8 days after her due date...Those of you who have gone over know how hard this was for a first time mommy! But we have a 10 pound very healthy and very sweet baby boy! He was even smiling in his newborn picture which was taken only minutes of being born. We are waiting on baby Eva (Linda) and of course baby Brecken, and then lastly LeeAnne's baby boy. I love babies, and these ladies have made some CUTE ones! So happy for all of you and I can't wait for our new generation of children to form bonds!

Of course I have NO pictures of Isla or Liam :( ...but I do have a few of baby boy Landon Andrew!

 What a beautiful family!! Leah is still glowing. Its so envious!!

Kevin is such a natural. 

Playdaze.....

The weeks are slipping by me quicker than I had ever thought they would. When I was a child (okay like 3 years  ago) they would seem to DRAG on forever. The school years would be slow, then the work weeks would be even slower, the only thing that seemed to be quick was your weekend!  Now that I have a family of my own and a household to take care of, my Monday's become Friday in what seems like seconds. My weeks become months, and months become years.  In my opinion, father time sure doesn't win any congeniality awards  in all of this I might add. I would hope that making my life flash by me like it does that I would hardly age at all. Unfortunately this is not the case. As I was shopping at our local grocery store the other day, a very pleasant, plump, gray haired man, possibly in his late 60's approached me and had mistaken me for his wife. He felt terrible, as I just smiled and said "No, that is fine"! But the kicker of the story is when I turned around to see what his actual wife looked like. ***NEWSFLASH***She looked like Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network. Not that I don't love Barefoot Contessa or think she looks terrible, but I'm pretty sure she has a few decades on me. There is nothing like an episode like this to make your self-esteem sky-rocket!

Although I can't seem to find my cell phone or the remote control (hidden in my shoe, thank you Jack it only took me 6 hours to find it and that is no exaggeration), or being so busy but then having nothing to show for it,  I still am managing to keep Jack as young as possible by being somewhat of his play date agent. We try to do something everyday, and have play dates with our friends throughout each week.  Lately, we have had super fun birthday parties back to back to back! Teagan had a bouncy castle cowgirl themed birthday party! Jack is fearless and just loved being in the bouncy castle. It was a little nerve racking for me because there were so many kids, but of course my professional jumper did just fine. We met some great kids and loved being a part of her special day.  A few weeks after we had Calebs 2nd birthday at a local park, which I have never been even though it is just seconds from our house. It was beautiful! There were horses and a lot of room to run around. Caleb had an Elmo themed party, which the kids loved and loved the cupcakes even more. Although Jack had a little accident (falling face first off the picnic table onto the concrete!!) he seemed to recover quicker then I did and STILL managed to run me ragged.

 Check out Teagans outfit!! She makes me want to have another baby in hopes its a girl!

I believe we are in mid-jump.

Teagan and Jack at Calebs Birthday!



Jack also has taken a liking to "playing in the car". Move over gym class, this has taken your place. He just loves to jump back and forth from the back seat to the front. He plays with every button, window, and knob he can find. Its a haven for him. However for me I am left with fingerprints all over my windows and rear view mirror...when I turn on the car, the wipers go crazy, the blinkers are on, but I can't help but let him do it because he is so happy when he is in there. Sometimes we stay in there for an hour because he is having so much fun.

There really is no better way to watch Toy Story 3 then sitting in the car.

Hi Daddy! Look at me!

Even if I'm looking 10 years older (or 40 years) then I am, being with these kids, and being able to be a kid with Jack makes me feel young. The innocence of them I cherish, the smiles and laughter of making a silly face I embrace. I could do without a few less dirty diapers, and zero temper tantrums....but I love them all and I love my job as a "play date agent". 

Jack and Kaden playing at the mall. Its free and its fun.

  Grayson was very proud of himself. I cannot say that I blame him.