AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Biting the bullet DATE: 2/13/2010 05:22:00 PM ----- BODY:

There is a point that is reached in blogging - a point of no return from whatever has been keeping you from writing. It is at this point where we turn to the cop out of all blogging techniques: bullets.

I am at this point of bullets.

Bird turned two. I have pictures and stories about his second birthday, but they aren't here yet. I'm working on it. He turned two just two days after Squeak was born. I can see it now - the little brother teasing the big brother that his birthday comes first. I'm considering just lying to them and telling them they were both born on the 25th. Split the difference.
Squeak had his two week appointment earlier this week. Not only has he regained up to his birth weight, but he has also put on a pound. He is a big tub of squishy baby love.
I don't feel well. I've had a low grade fever all week, have some sort of weird rash on my legs and back, my skin aches to the touch and itches, and some of my joints hurt. How weird is that? I'm almost embarrassed to call for an appointment because those symptoms are just lame. But dude, I really don't feel well.
Wednesday, at the grocery store, the nice lady handing out sushi samples asked how old Squeak was. When I told her that he was 2 weeks old, she exclaimed that I looked "great!". She followed that lovely compliment up with this, "I mean, you chubby, but you not 2 week old chubby. You like six month chubby," grinning the whole time. I could hardly stop myself from laughing out loud before I could get my sushi and get out of there. Or waddle my 6 month chubby self out of there, as the case may be.
I broke my new phone. Because I suck.
Our new urologist's name is Dr. Weiner. Because I am 12, I laughed and laughed before I realized the other people in the room were not laughing with me. Then I apologized for being 12.
I cannot stop eating Kara's homemade granola bars. Can. Not. Stop.
Need to insert my foot in mouth on this post, because my gut instincts were right. Some times people are just what they seem to be on the surface. Probably more times than not. But for whatever reason, Kevin and I both have the fatal flaw of assuming that people are good no matter how many clues they give us up until the time it completely bites us in the ass.
My stolen purse? Recovered in Fayetteville, which is about 90 minutes from here. Cards and phone are gone, but my license and keys were still there. We tried to go pick it up before Squeak came, but the evidence room was closed on MLK Day, which they neglected to mention to us when they said, "Come anytime between 8:00 and 5:00, Monday through Friday." The other postscript to that story is that Holly Aiken is amazing. She found that post and offered to remake the purse for me for free. Because she is amazing. I'm waiting to take her up on it until I see what condition the original purse is in. Maybe it's alright, or maybe they used it for an ashtray. I won't know until I can make it back to Fayetteville when the evidence room is actually open. I've been a little busy having a baby and all.
My husband is awesome, and has been doing so much to help out with Bird and Squeak and making sure dinner is on the table every night. He rocks.
After a holiday season of watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" waaaaaay too many times, Bird now calls all jazz, "Brown music," which I will no doubt have some explaining to do if he says that in certain situations.

I suppose that's enough for now. Life is crazy. I can't believe I'm the mom of two boys now. I can't believe we're done having kids. I can't believe my own life's checklist is getting back to finding some time to do my own recording. I can't believe I got to have the birth experience I so deeply desired. I can't believe I'm still rambling on when I could be using this time to actually bathe. I smell.

Pictures soon, I promise.

Labels: Bird, Butterbean, Family, My Life, Random Thoughts

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:50:00 PM EST If you don't want to take Holly Aiken up on her offer, I will! Those are some super cute bags! Which one do you have? I may have to do some splurging with our tax refund! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 9:35:00 PM EST Don't leave me hanging... I need to know more about the foot in mouth bit. Is that in regards to the person the post is about or is it in regards to the EE thing? I needs to know.

Anyway, bullets are perfectly fine and I CAN'T WAIT to see you all.

-Abby

PS- Holly Aiken is too sweet! I may have to buy another purse or diaper bag just because of that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy DATE:Monday, February 15, 2010 at 5:23:00 PM EST Brown music...that made me laugh! I love him and can't wait to see him!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

clifford DATE:Friday, February 19, 2010 at 8:06:00 PM EST Eighth bullet, with no pun intended: not a fatal flaw. Not a flaw at all. Hope it's a quality you maintain despite the 0-2 curves life throws you.

(...and hope you pull a few of them 375 ft over left center while you're at it) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

julie DATE:Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 2:51:00 PM EST OMG you had your baby and I didn't even know! CONGRATULATIONS! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

workout mommy DATE:Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 9:59:00 AM EST i'm late to the party---congrats on squeaks birth!

and your comment about Dr. Weiner made me laugh out loud, so I'm apparently 12 as well. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:17:00 AM EST www.ranktravel.com
I’ve always been interested in traveling. To see new places, to meet new people-what can be better? Yesterday I was searching on the internet and came across the ranktravel.com site. The site is a real treasury! There is information there about all the possible places worth visiting on all the 6 continents with the best hotels to stay there and ships to get there! I fell in love with those bright pictures and even chose something for myself! The next step is to find money to get there! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Squeak's water birth DATE: 2/01/2010 07:06:00 PM ----- BODY:

This is how I started Bird's birth story, and I think it still applies with some minor edits:

I'm reminded more and more that this space, though shared with many, is still first and foremost a personal journal. So as I begin this journey through becoming the mother of two, I'll most likely drone on and on. Don't feel badly to skip some posts, come back later, or even just skim. I'm going to just record it all for the record.

For the record, for my record, the very long birth story about about a not so long birth.

It was noon on a Saturday. The day before my due date. I realized that I had forgotten to get a baby book for Squeak, and I had library books to return (which are still in my car at this moment), so we loaded up the family and headed to Borders with plans to go by the library after that.

I'm walking through the bookstore, mumbling to myself that they are always moving things around when I became uncomfortably aware that my water had broken. A quick escape to the bathroom and a couple of curses at my unpreparedness confirmed it for me. I came out with a sheepish grin on my face, and Kevin didn't even have to ask.

"You're kidding me," he said.

He wanted to bolt and started rounding up Lovely and Bird. I wanted to buy the dang baby book I had come for, and I did. It's not the most wonderful baby book in the world, but at least he has one. Maybe he was just waiting on me to buy him one before he came.

We grabbed some lunch at a drive thru and headed for the house. I called the midwife and my doula to let them know that my water had broken, but that I didn't have any contractions. It was just like Bird's beginning except that I wasn't freaked out by it, and I didn't have a jackass OB telling me that it was a worst case scenario to have no contractions and have my water broken.

I made a list of things to encourage labor to get on with it. The midwife had suggestions and so did Julie, our doula. I sent Kevin to Whole Foods to get me some more raspberry leaf tea and a king cake. The king cake didn't have anything to do with labor, but it was awfully yummy. I sat on the birthing ball and bounced. I walked steps. We did some other things that are none of yo' beezwax.

By 7:00 or so, there was still nothing, and the midwife started talking castor oil. I really didn't want to go there, but I was willing. She gave me until the morning to do it because she wanted me to get a good night's sleep.

Julie paid lip service to the good night's sleep as well, but confided in us that she had taken a nap in preparation because she knew that as soon as I lay down to go to sleep, the contractions would start. She showed us some acupressure points, and told us to call her when contractions were coming 10 minutes apart for an hour.

From that point on, it was like whatever was suggested, my body took as a command. I went to bed around 10:30 and wasn't there 5 minutes before I had a contraction. By 12:30, we were calling the midwife to let her know they had been 10 minutes apart for a little over an hour. She said to call back when they were 5 minutes apart for an hour. The very next one came at five minutes, lasted for 2 minutes, and an hour after the first call, Kevin was making the second call while jumping into his blue jeans.

Meanwhile, I was changing the sheets for our neighbor, Cyndi, who was coming over to stay so we wouldn't have to wake the kids in the middle of the night. I did forget to leave out a clean towel for her, but I think I can get a pass on that.

I gathered up our meal for after labor, a Trader Joe's Moroccan chicken dinner, some juices, bananas, and the bags I had packed three weeks ago, and we hit the road.

Halfway to the Birth Center, the contractions had me gripping the door handle so hard I thought I might pull it off. They were way different than the ones at home. When we arrived, we parked in the back where I thought we were supposed to, and couldn't get in the building. After a phone call and a few more contractions, I finally just started beating on the door. Turns out, we could have just walked around to the front.

When we got inside, I tried laying down on the bed again to get some rest. Lee Ann, the midwife on call, checked me and declared (once again) that I had a lovely pelvis, which is nice to hear when you are aware that it is about to have to squeeze out a small watermelon. She also declared me to be pretty well effaced and about 3 cm. I was disappointed in the 3 cm, and assumed that we had a hella long road ahead of us. Lee Ann went to take a nap, because I think she assumed the same thing.

It was a little after 3:00 AM at this point.

By 3:27, I was standing up and having trouble focusing through contractions that were coming about 3 minutes apart and giving me just enough time to vomit in between them.

By 3:31, I was trying with all my might to subliminally will Kevin to put me in the car, take me to UNC and get me a freaking epidural.

It was best for me to quit watching the clock at this point. So I did.

The fear though, was that it was going to be like this for another 10 hours. I figured that 3 cm and my dang marathon labor with Bird were indicators that Squeak wasn't going to pop out for a good long time. I didn't think I could do what we were doing for much longer.

Julie kept saying to take it one contraction at a time. I heard her. I tried to heed it. I'm not sure how successful I was, but it was the only way to make it.

Some time before 5:00 AM, I asked to be checked again. Jewel, the midwife who was on nurse shift for the night, presented a brilliant diversion of the tub. I agreed to get in the tub. I needed to get off my feet, and I couldn't sit or lay down, so the tub seemed like a great plan to me. Much better than the plan I had concocted of getting checked, finding out I was only 4 cm, and running for my life towards the nearest medical intervention.

They started running the water in the tub, and it was like someone had put headphones over my ears and turned up the volume to eleven. It was so loud, and I couldn't keep to a low moan during contractions because I wanted to drown out that sound. I don't know why it was so awful, but it was. Finally, the tub was ready. I've seen women be all prepared and leave on their bras or a swim top or something. I just stripped completely naked and got in, trying to beat the next contraction.

As soon as I got in the water, my body gave me a five minute break. I slept soundly for five minutes. I only know it was five minutes because that's what they told me. It felt like an hour. That sleep was broken by a manageable contraction, which was then followed by the most freaked out I have ever been in my life.

I don't know how I came up with the scenario in my mind, but even though I knew I was going to be allowed to push naturally and with the rhythm within my own body, for some reason, I still thought that they were going to tell me when to start doing that.

Um, no.

The second tub contraction, I found myself pushing with all my might. The shadowing nurse jumped up and ran to get Lee Ann. She had just asked me if I was feeling some pressure, and I didn't answer her. I was trying to figure out what I was feeling when WHAM! Pushing.

All of the sudden I didn't feel the contractions anymore, but I knew when I should be pushing. I could feel his head almost immediately. Kevin grabbed one leg, giving me resistance to push against, while some of the other team members grabbed the other. I kept pushing and not getting him out until Lee Ann told me that there was a drop in his heart rate and I had to get it done.

At some point, Kevin thought it would be a good idea to document this water birth with a flashing camera. All he got was a blurry picture of me flipping him off and telling him to, "Cut it the f*** out!" Nice of me. I also remember screaming at anyone in earshot to "Take. Him. OUT!" because I was certain that there was plenty for them to grab and just pull. Crazy, I know.

Time was morphing. I thought for sure I was pushing forever, but really it was only about 15 minutes before I finally felt Squeak's head make it through. It was quickly followed by a chunky little body which before I could sigh with relief, was placed on my chest.

While the cord was pulsing, the team tried to get Squeak to cry. I'm not sure if there was tension or worry, because I was just soaking in the warmth and squishiness of my new son. But they kept at it until Squeak finally let out one good "WAH!" and then was quiet and content again.

After the placenta was delivered (which by the way, is really messy to do in the tub), I passed the little guy over to his daddy, who was ready for skin to skin (I love that man) with his new son.

I got out of the tub and dried off. Walked to the bed and sat down, watching my big man and little man bond. The midwife checked me out and declared me tear-free. Not a single stitch was needed, which amazed me since it felt like my vagina was turning inside out and being ripped apart.

We nursed. We rested a little bit. I got hungry, and NOT for Moroccan chicken. After all, it was morning. Kevin went out and got us breakfast.

The thing is, all of this post delivery stuff - I'm telling it like it's mundane. But it was the unknown bonus to Squeak's non-medicated entry into this world. I was knocked out from Bird's birth. Stayed in the hospital for two more nights and then took another week at home to be able to move around painlessly.

I was totally ready to go home about five hours after Squeak was born. It was awesome. Bird barely knew we were gone. He just had a lovely morning playdate with his BFF, Pippi, and then we were home with his baby brother.

I think the biggest difference in the whole experience is that I surrounded myself with people I trusted and put myself in an environment where I felt safe. I didn't go into the experience feeling like I would have to fight for simple things like being allowed to eat or drink if I was hungry. I was confident and had visualized the experience over and over again as positive and successful.

The whole thing was as close to perfect as I could have hoped for, except for the end result, which is far more perfect than I ever dreamed.

Welcome to the world, Little Squeak.

Labels: Butterbean, Family, My Life, On parenthood, Try Try Again, Warm Fuzzies

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 6:57:00 PM EST Beautiful and perfect! I'm so glad it was everything you hoped it would be. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy for you and your family and I can't wait to meet Squeak. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

nikki DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:30:00 PM EST Congratulations again, Marty, this was so great to read. I'm glad the birth center worked out for you -- it is such a positive, nurturing place. Sounds like you came through it all like a champ, and now you have your beautiful boy to show for it! So glad to hear your recovery has been easy this time around, too. Yet another benefit of natural birth! You are a WARRIOR and I'm so proud of you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 8:31:00 PM EST This is one of the best birth stories...and stories in general, I have ever heard!
I am so glad that you delivered your precious bundle in the best way for everyone involved!
And, my goodness, he is just gorgeous! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 9:10:00 PM EST Still can't believe you were up there changing the friggin sheets between contractions -- you are too much, my friend.

Have to tell you, I'm envious of your story, especially the beautiful post-birth part. But mostly, am just very, very happy for you and Squeak :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 9:26:00 PM EST Wow - what a ride - so glad everything was so perfect for you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel Ratliff DATE:Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 12:08:00 AM EST Beautiful story! He's perfect :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mrs Mommy DATE:Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 3:09:00 AM EST What an amazing story! I love everything about it and truly wish I would have been able to have babies naturally. Damn C sections. Welcome to the word sweet little baby boy. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy DATE:Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 10:36:00 AM EST Lovely, lovely story. You are such an amazing, strong woman. I'm so impressed by you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:53:00 PM EST What a wonderful birth story!!! I am so happy for you all. Congratulations! And he's beautiful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kelly DATE:Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:02:00 PM EST Such an amazing birth story! Welcome to the world little Squeak! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather, Queen of Shake Shake DATE:Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 5:19:00 PM EST Just catching up on the big news - congratulations! He is just beautiful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Monday, February 8, 2010 at 8:05:00 AM EST Nicely done! I'm so, so proud of you -- for everything! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kgirl DATE:Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 10:05:00 AM EST Wonderful, wonderful stories. And what a gorgeous result :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

clifford DATE:Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 7:36:00 PM EST Love ya and your luggage too, Marty...but there are some portions of some posts that guys just shouldn't read. Time to go curl up in the corner and suck my thumb now, yep. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10:13:00 AM EST Love it! I love birth stories - especially ones that are such a contrast to my own :) Congrats on the beautiful baby and the amazing route to his getting here! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:18:00 AM EST www.securejobs.info
I love my job very much but with all the existing crisis situation I did not feel very sure about my position. Yesterday I was looking something up in the Internet and came across the securejobs.info site. The information caught my eyes at once. I read it through unable even to turn my head and answer the questions of my home mates. The site contains the answers to all my questions and fears. Now I know how to behave in order not to lose my job. And I even found it in the list of the 8 Most Secure Jobs for 2010! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Squeak DATE: 2/01/2010 04:28:00 PM ----- BODY:

It's difficult to find time to write when nursing is a two handed - who are we kidding - a 4 to 6 handed adventure. By the time little one has nursed himself to sleep again, I can't bear to put him down. So either way, nursing or sleeping, my computer has sat dormant this week.

The update is that things are going fine. Nursing is far more successful this time, even though we've still got a latch issue on one side. I'm getting plenty of sleep at random times throughout the day and night, and Kevin is making sure that I'm eating and drinking. Bird is not so crazy about the adjustment in family structure, but he's digging the reappearance of overflowing na-na's. Did you know that even toddlers can have the yellow seedy breastmilk poop? Not that you needed or wanted to know that. You're welcome.

Butterbean needs a new blog name. Mainly because I'm too lazy to type Butterbean all the time, and good heavens, he's a big chunk of rolly love, so "bean" just doesn't cut it. Kevin has started calling him "Squeak" because most of the noises he makes are just that - little squeaks. He rarely cries, but even when he does, it's not much more than some over zealous squeaking. He's still a mellow little dude. Maybe we should be calling him The Tiny Lebowski. Or maybe not.

I have to admit. I am already sad about Squeak being "the last one." Things have been so different this time. As I keep running into things that I only needed for pregnancy or birth, I get these twinges of blue that I won't need those things again. This coming from me, a woman who declared that she really didn't like the newborn stage. I take that back. Apparently, on Zoloft, I like the newborn stage very much. Or, it could just be that second time around, I'm a little better at it, and of course, there is the factor of Squeak being a totally different baby than Bird.

While I might be a little blue about it, there is that nagging bit about having to be responsible for that other person for at least the next 18 years. That's keeping me grounded. That, and the fact that we are too stinking old to have any more. We old and tired and would like to have some time to ourselves before one of us turns 80. So, we stop here, and it's alright.

But I feel a shift in priorities. I feel that pull towards spending as much time with my boys as possible. I want to shed off the things in my life that might take my attention from them. I savor the moments on the couch or on the bed where I have a nursling on either side of me. I love that this is my life now.

And with that, before I even get to work on that birth story, Squeak calls. Maybe I'll make it back here before another week passes.

Labels: Baby Lust, Bird, Butterbean, Family, Feelers, Nursing, On parenthood

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Monday, February 1, 2010 at 9:21:00 PM EST Beautiful. Second-time motherhood is a totally different experience. And I love "Squeak" -- that's part of how we ended up with "Pippi" (she was a noisy little pipsqueak). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Adventuroo DATE:Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:20:00 PM EST Congrats again on little Squeak! Sounds like you're settling into it just fine though. I'm due in a few weeks and can't wait to get into the bliss of cuddling up with the two boys. Enjoy it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the new girl DATE:Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 12:11:00 PM EST Take your time. I am so happy for you all.
xo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 10:09:00 PM EST Things sound good with you - I'm glad. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 2:41:00 PM EST No rush. We're here. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:19:00 AM EST www.resumemine.com
I’m looking for a new job now. Yesterday I decided to write my resume-I know that it is a guarante of the successful search. So I decided make it according to the rules. I looked up at several sites and then came across the resumemine.com. There I found all the information I needed – from the definition of the CV up to the self-check. Having examined the existing types of resumes with examples and detailed recommendations how to write them I chose the most suitable one for me. All the work took me about half an hour and now I have the best resume that will surely lead me to that very job interview. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: He's beautiful DATE: 1/25/2010 10:31:00 PM ----- BODY:

He's here and he's beautiful. I'm working on his birth story, but I don't want to leave any little bit of it out. Any part of Colin Henry's birth.

I can tell you this much. I didn't expect for him to be born in the water, but he was. And it was wonderful.

Welcome to the world, Little Squeak. Your mama has fallen in love with you already.

Labels: Butterbean, On parenthood

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:09:00 PM EST So wonderful! Congratulations and So Many Blessings to ALL of you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lawyer Mama DATE:Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:22:00 PM EST Congratulations, Marty! He's just gorgeous. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 12:07:00 AM EST Congratulations!!! I can't wait to hear more about him! So beautiful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 12:07:00 AM EST I'm so happy to hear that all is well, and everyone is healthy :) Loving the pictures that I've seen so far... He's absolutely stunning!
*hugs* ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mrs Mommy DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 2:59:00 AM EST Congratulation sweet lady! You look so happy and content! Can't wait to here more about your little bug! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

T with Honey DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:14:00 AM EST Beautiful indeed. Congratulations!!!!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

6p0120a7d88abf970b DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:51:00 AM EST gorgeous. and ooh: water birth! sounds wonderful.
happy birthday little c. and happy birth day to you, mama ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jennifer, Playgroups Are No Place For Children DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 4:10:00 PM EST I love, love, love birth stories and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Congratulations, he's beautiful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Dalia (Generation X Mom) DATE:Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 8:52:00 PM EST Congratulations! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candygirlflies DATE:Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 6:33:00 AM EST How wonderful! Congratulations, all of you... xoxoxo CGF ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 6:44:00 AM EST Congratulations! He's so beautiful! Love the name! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

workout mommy DATE:Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 3:51:00 PM EST congratulations--he IS beautiful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bren DATE:Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 9:54:00 PM EST Congratulations! He's beautiful and that's a lovely picture of the two of you. Can't wait to hear more about him and what his big brother thinks. Best wishes to all of you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Tori DATE:Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 5:05:00 PM EST Congratulations! I can't wait to hear the birth story! You are my idol! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Issas Crazy World DATE:Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7:08:00 PM EST Oh he's so cute. YAY. Congrats. Love his name by the way. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the new girl DATE:Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 12:08:00 PM EST Oh, CONGRATS, Mama! I love a happy ending. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:20:00 AM EST www.payonlinecard.com
All my friends are talking about online payment services so I decided to sort the thing out with them. As usually I decided to look the information up in the Internet. The best site I found connected to this topic was payonlinecard.com. It contains all the necessary information – why it is better to pay online, the advantages and disadvantages of the system, how to choose the best system for you and even the survey of the main online payment services. As if I read an encyclopedia! Now I will easily make my choice! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: To the tune of Morning Has Broken DATE: 1/23/2010 03:22:00 PM ----- BODY:

So I'm not going to live blog this birth or anything, but I'll probably Tweet it. Or at least update my Facebook status. That's just how it rolls these days.

Apparently, I have a method to giving birth. A method which involves my water breaking before contractions actually start. Boo hiss. If you Google some stats on that, I'm in a low 8% of women who that happens to.

Of course, last time, we were under the care of an OB and hospital who told us that it was a "worst case scenario" and to have some Pitocin.

Meh. Maybe we'll end up at the hospital again, maybe not. This time, we are under the care of midwives and have several things that we are doing to get those contractions going. In fact, I'm bouncing on my birthing ball as I type. Go, me.

Funny story, or at least mildy amusing, we were in Border's today because I realized I hadn't bought my littlest a baby book yet. I'm wandering around, trying to find the parenting section, when my water breaks. I guess I really waited until the last possible minute to buy that baby book, didn't I?

I'm so predictable. My water broke with Little Bird the day before his due date, and he was born the day after his due date. Hopefully though, this little dude will show up tomorrow, right smack dab on his due date. I wouldn't mind being in that low percentage there.

Wish me luck. I'm going to walk the stairs now.

Water has broken
Like the first labor
I hate Pitocin
It's evil stuff
So I'll just bounce here
Drink tea and do squats
Stimulate nipples
And walk the stairs.

It's a new folk song hit, people. Just wait.

Labels: Baby Lust, Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 6:31:00 PM EST Yaaaaaay! I can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

pastormargaret DATE:Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 7:31:00 PM EST Leave it to my musician daughter to put the birth process to music! You never cease to amaze me.
Love you!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 7:46:00 PM EST i doubt you are checking your comments but you can do this- without pitocin- you CAN do this. no matter how simular the start... the end will be different. and amazing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 9:42:00 PM EST You know I'm not on Twitter, so you have to FB. Come on over if you need some different stairs to walk. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Whymommy DATE:Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 10:38:00 PM EST Rooting for you -- both! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ilina DATE:Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 7:49:00 AM EST Good luck! Can't wait to hear your new song on the radio. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate @ UpsideBackwards DATE:Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 4:43:00 PM EST Thinking of you and hoping all goes well! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Monday, January 25, 2010 at 3:43:00 PM EST Awesome song!! Congrats and welcome to Butterbean :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:21:00 AM EST www.specialbank.com
specialbank.com is a real encyclopedia on banking! The site helped me to find the type of institution I needed and much more relevant information. Several clicks, 15 minutes to read and now I may easily talk to the bank workers on equal terms! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Savoring DATE: 1/19/2010 10:30:00 AM ----- BODY:

The silence doesn't mean much. It's just me turning inward a little, focusing on the job I have to do in the next couple of weeks. Focusing on the tangible now.

There was drama on the interwebs, and I knew that my emotional state and my big mouth needed to take a break. Step away for a little bit so that I could not waste my energy on fighting a battle that would soon dissipate into thin air as people simply moved on from it.

Besides, I have a job to do.

Week 37 presented with contraction after contraction. My face broke out, my tummy was upset, and I felt ready. So ready that I almost said "yes, come on" to my heart friend who I would love to be here for the birth. I'm glad I didn't though, because my littlest is still tucked warmly inside my belly, waiting on just the right moment to appear.

Week 38 presented with hardly any contractions and the energy to get some things clean around here. Kevin helped me with the kitchen, even cleaning off the bookcase which until now was simultaneously displaying my favorite Gail Pittman pieces, his favorite power tools, and a pound or two of dust. I am so happy to have it back to being pretty.

Week 39 is here. My littlest is a little less active; he tends to squirm most when I'm trying to sleep of course. I am peaceful. He will get here, one way or another, and within the next three weeks. I'm comfortable with all of the midwives. I have my bags packed. I have wonderful friends who are standing by to help us.

I'm into savoring.

Savoring each nursing session with Little Bird, as I don't know when it will be his last time not to have to share me. Savoring each morning that I get to roll over and lay on Kevin's chest while we snuggle and listen to the chit chat over the baby monitor. Savoring each turn and stretch that I feel inside me as I remind myself that this is what life is about now. No matter what parts of me remain - musician, arts advocate, teacher - the parts I love most are wife and mother.

The last days as a family of four are precious to me. I'm savoring them as best I can because once we become that family of five, I know that it will immediately replace these days as the best days of my life.

Labels: Baby Lust, Bird, Breastfeeding, Butterbean, Family, Feelers, Guy and Me, Nursing, On parenthood, Try Try Again, Warm Fuzzies

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mama DATE:Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:34:00 PM EST the last days as the only boy, the youngest boy, the baby were the hardest for me. all i could think about was "what am i doing to him?!"
what i WAS doing was giving him the best present he'll ever get.
which is what you are doing, friend.
savor these last days. be peaceful. get centered.xo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 1:46:00 PM EST You are such a smart mama -- savor away! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 2:11:00 PM EST Savor every minute of it because it's easy to get caught up in the "ugly" stuff. Deep breaths and enjoy these last days being preggers. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 2:45:00 PM EST Savoring is good. Much luck in the next endeavor. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 10:11:00 PM EST Savor, savor.

It sounds delicious. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky DATE:Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 10:19:00 AM EST I admire you lady!! You are an amazing woman!! Praying for you and your little one. I can't wait to "meet" him. Love and hugs to you girly! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

myrelish DATE:Friday, January 22, 2010 at 6:45:00 AM EST Stunning post. Your enjoyment and anticipation is beautiful. Good luck with all the excitement that is headed your way. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:22:00 AM EST www.dentistsurgery.com
Looking up for the information for a paper on teeth diseases I came across dentistsurgery.com site. The information presented there is indispensable: 5 main teeth diseases described in each detail with pictures and advice how to prevent them! My paper was the best one in my group! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Starting DATE: 12/31/2009 07:52:00 PM ----- BODY:

Kevin has declared 2009 the year in which nothing was finished. My new shiny outlook gets to declare 2009 the year in which many things began.

Either way, we still have major construction going on at our house.

It's going to be lovely when it's done.

That's my mantra. I say it three times as I breath slowly and stare out the back into the mud and mess. Really, it's not that bad. It is going to be lovely, and Rob, our contractor, is an amazing miracle worker. Truly.

2010 will be the year for finishing a lot of thing though. The house will get finished. Our family will be complete. Kevin will finish up a lot of lingering projects at work. He's really looking forward to it.

I'm okay with not being finished though. I'm kind of looking forward to starting a bunch more new things in 2010. Here are a few that come to mind:

1. Becoming a mama of two boys.
2. Learning to live without the extreme highs and lows I've had.
3. Tandem nursing.
4. Writing and recording again finally.
5. Getting back in shape.

Lovely will be starting high school. Little Bird will be starting multiple days of preschool. And my littlest boy will be starting life.

So here's to never completely finishing and finding plenty of new things to start in 2010.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Labels: Bird, Butterbean, Family, Guy and Me, Holidays, House, Lovely, My Life, Renovations, Warm Fuzzies

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Friday, January 1, 2010 at 7:17:00 AM EST Happy New Year! I love your new outlook! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amo DATE:Friday, January 1, 2010 at 5:12:00 PM EST Yes, here's to having lots of projects and purpose this year! May it be peaceful and prosperous for us all! I can't wait to read about your little one! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Friday, January 1, 2010 at 8:54:00 PM EST Happy New Year! Here's to new beginnings!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 6:31:00 PM EST What a fantastic way to look at it. Happy New Year!!

I can't wait to hear about the tandem nursing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 10:37:00 PM EST I look forward to seeing what happens with your "new things" for 2010... especially since we share #1 and #5 together! Don't you just love the start of a new decade?! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:37:00 AM EST Happy New Year! Lots of good things and good beginnings to 2010! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Squirmy Wormy DATE: 11/30/2009 09:58:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Butterbean,

You are such a little squirmer. Your big brother earned the name Mr. Kicky while still in the womb, and has lived up to it ever since. You, on the other hand, are not so much a kicker as you are a squirmer.

My belly popped out a stretch mark immediately after you decided to do what felt like a full somersault last week. I can sit and stare down at this enormous belly you've helped me create and just watch you swim. Alien belly. I wonder how this will translate when you are here - outside.

I'm trying so hard not to wish away this pregnancy; this being my last pregnancy. I want to enjoy every moment that I have you completely to myself. It's hard though. I am so much bigger this time. I am so much more uncomfortable. Being sick twice has left me fighting to catch my breath even after just going up the stairs once. I've decided it's time to change my attitude.

You see, I certainly don't want you to come early. I want you to stay right where you are, baking away until you are good and ready for the world. So I'm changing my tune as of right now. Slowing down to enjoy this time with you scarf dancing in your little nest.

I have to admit though, that I'm getting really excited to meet you. I've been pulling out your clothes. They are so incredibly small. I've been thinking about where exactly you will fit into this family. We are ready for you. Your daddy, your big sister, your big brother, both big dogs, and me. We are all looking forward to meeting you.

Love,
Your Mama

Labels: Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 1:57:00 PM EST Definitely, savor it. You'll never have this much control over him again ;) And I may have to start rubbing your belly every time I see you -- although I'm definitely done having babies, I do sometimes wish I could be round and pregnant again. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Blink of an eye DATE: 11/23/2009 10:20:00 PM ----- BODY:

This morning, as Bird danced joyfully to Andy Williams on the Sirius Holiday channel in our living room, he looked like a little boy. Not a baby. A little boy.

I must say, it happened so fast.

While I was in the attic today getting out my giant stockpot (hello, turkey stock!), I found a bag of Bird's newborn clothes. I went ahead and tossed them down, knowing that I'll need them sooner rather than later at this point.

I must say, they are so very tiny.

At dinner tonight, Bird was talking in two word sentence structure. "Daddy eat," "Yogurt gone," and my favorite, "Love you." Hearing him develop vocabulary and start to use a rough subject-verb relationship is amazing.

I must say, I think he is incredibly smart.

These cliches keep swooping down upon me, and I hear them leaving my mouth before I can think of something more original to say.

*************************************************************************
The passing of time as a mother overwhelms me.

There are days that drag on so slowly, causing me to call Kevin at lunchtime and ask him when he might be coming home. The whining and tantrums make the minutes crawl by, tempting me to turn on Elmo and hit repeat.

But then there are days when I look at Bird, and I wonder how on earth we got from tiny baby to little boy so quickly. And my heart aches for the days to slow down; for him to fit more easily in my lap again as I rock him before bedtime.

Soon, we will have that baby when Butterbean arrives. In a matter of weeks, the tiny clothes will be washed and ready to outfit a brand new little boy. I'm nervous, remembering how hard the first few months with Bird were. I was so tired and so incredibly sensitive to the crying. It nearly undid me.

I keep telling Kevin that when it gets bad, or if I start to perceive it as unbearable - I'm asking him to remind me of how quickly the newborn will be gone. How quickly Butterbean will be a little boy. And how I will ache for him to fit in my lap more easily, and how I will mourn the dis-assemblage of the crib, and how I will miss nursing my boys.

It's a fair trade though. I know that the newborn stage is hard, and at the same time, I know that I will miss it when it's gone. But nothing in the world can replace having my Little Bird pop off my breast just before being put down for the night, reach up for my cheek, look in my eyes, and say, "Love you."

He's not even born yet, and I know Butterbean will be there all too soon.

Labels: Bird, Butterbean, Nursing, On parenthood

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11:08:00 PM EST It goes even faster with the second one, so brace yourself. And if you think Little Bird looks big now, just wait until you look at him over the head of Butterbean -- it will seem like he grew 6 inches while you were in labor.

Oh, and when the crying starts, please call or come on over. Goodness knows, I remember what that was like -- although there was a lot less crying with the Pip (for both of us). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 7:31:00 AM EST True, but looking at the Christmas tree pictures of him, I think he did grow an inch this month! Wow! What a KID he is now.

My favorite cliche is this one about parenthood: The years are short, but the days are long. :-) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Don't take that tone with me DATE: 11/04/2009 07:00:00 AM ----- BODY:

It was a look and tone I was used to getting at the OB's office. It was what initially turned me off on their idea of care in the first place. I was surprised to get it from a midwife yesterday.

It has occurred to me that it might be me. I know, big fat duh. I don't mean though, that it is all me. Just that I might be a little overly sensitive at times (insert the raucous laughter of my husband here). Even so, that look and tone irk me.

The head cocks to one side. The eyebrows raise. The back of the pallette raises and they start their next sentence with "You knoooooooow, you are going to have to . . ."

Dude. I really really hate that.

Yesterday it was in regards to tandem nursing and making sure that Little Bird knows that when the baby comes, Mama's milk is for him.

Fine. Valid point. But my issue is that I've ALREADY BEEN THINKING ABOUT THAT. I don't need the cock and eyebrow. I don't need the tone of "I'm sure you are a moron who hasn't done any of your own preparation." I don't need the assumption that because you are my healthcare provider, you are a deity and need to preach to me.

Sensitive? I suppose so. It just bugs me.

There could be a much better approach. The question could be posed, "Have you thought about how you will help Bird understand what the baby needs when he gets here?" or "Do you think you will have any issues with Bird's nursing once the baby is here?" Something along those lines would start the same conversation, and would also validate the fact that I'm not a dumb ass.

Did I say any of that though? No. I'm such a weakling in an exam room. I should have said something. Instead I just reminded her that Bird is not even two yet, but that yes, we were reading books about new babies and talking about how he will have to share the na-na's because the baby will need them.

It felt like this midwife was telling me not to tandem nurse though, and that really surprised me. Last month, the midwife I saw practically gave me a bear hug when she asked how long I had nursed Bird and I said, "You mean this morning? About 10 minutes." She was really supportive of tandem nursing.

In the end, I guess I just have to stop being so damn sensitive and stop caring what anyone else thinks. It's not that I mean to care - I get a few hours away from it and realize that I've been wasting a bunch of time caring. It's stupid.

I'm going to make decisions that my OB wouldn't have liked. I'm going to make decisions that the midwives won't like. I'm a middle of the road mama, what can I say?

But the head cocking, eyebrow raising, here comes a lecture? I can totally do without that from anyone.

Labels: Bird, Breastfeeding, Butterbean, Feelers, General Bitching, Stupid Me

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:23:00 AM EST keep after exactly what you want. don't let them get you down. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Red DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 4:04:00 PM EST It is brilliant that you have kept nursing for this long, even more so that you plan on tandem nursing.

You are not the first to tandem with a toddler, so I don't really see the point of the lecture. Women's bodies are designed to provide for two (or more if necessary) children nursing. We rock! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:13:00 PM EST Delurking to send you some support.

I have a 23 month old and a 6 day old and the tandem nursing is going great. My 23 month old is only nursed before bed but he has no issues with the newborn nursing all day long :) I've explained to him that his milk comes at night and that the baby only drinks milk. I was worried how it would all work out but the first night I was home with the baby I was putting my toddler to bed and he said 'my turn for milk'. They are so much smarter than people give them credit for. We have had no issues with jealousy at all, he loves his new brother so much. There is more than enough milk for the both of them, people nurse triplets and more! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:51:00 PM EST if you want to talk about tandem nursing let me know i nursed stella until she was 2 1/2 and at that point henry was 1. henry nurses here and there- i assume he will nurse more when the milk is back and his lil brother is here. infact i anticipate stella questioning why she is the only one not nursing...
and you must tell me which midwife said that! i am appalled! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:51:00 PM EST And today's comments? Remind me of why I love blogging. Thank you all so much. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Friday, November 6, 2009 at 10:02:00 AM EST I know plenty of folks who have done the tandem nursing thing and it has worked. Usually my friends who have done it have just let the newborn nurse first and the toddler waits. There WILL be enough milk. And besides, even if you were not planning on tandem nursing - this is not the time to wean and make such a big transition. You do what works for you - your OB and your midwife do not live in your house or nurse your children. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Friday, November 6, 2009 at 8:09:00 PM EST Agreed. I like that you know what you want, and you know what your children need. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: 27 Weeks DATE: 10/25/2009 11:12:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Butterbean,

Still no new blog name for you. I'm thinking you're just stuck with it. That will probably happen a lot - getting stuck with things. I apologize in advance.

There are some new things in your future. Clothes that are just yours. I didn't have very many warm clothes for your brother when he was itty bity. We just didn't go out much. You and I won't have the luxury of hiding out at home, so I've bought you some warm and cozy things. You'll be nicely dressed for all of your brother's activities which you will have to attend.

Just this morning, your daddy and I were talking about how you don't kick as much as your big brother did. I said that you didn't kick as often, but you kicked harder. And you do. Some nights you take my breath away with one single whack to my belly. You also squirm more. It's interesting how different you already are from Bird.

Then, in a great attempt to prove me wrong, you went to town in your cocoon this afternoon. You respond most to your brother. When he climbed in my lap this afternoon, you went nuts. I wish you could have seen his face when you started punching up near my rib cage. He felt it first and then looked down and saw it. Then he said, "Baby!"

I know he doesn't fully understand the fact that you are a little person and that you won't always be in my belly, but it's cool to see him making a connection in his own way. You are making a connection too. By whacking at him whenever he's near my belly. Which, by the way, is not so helpful while I'm trying to rock him to sleep.

You are taking up more and more room everyday. I'm getting heartburn from a glass of water. When I stand up, I immediately have to pee, even if I'm standing up from the toilet. It's bizarre. I'm absolutely starving, and then when I go to eat, I get full entirely too quickly. These are things I remember about the end of pregnancy.

It's not the end though. Today we are at 27 weeks. We have just gotten to that point where I'm keenly aware of you all of the time. I'm glad it's not the end. I'm enjoying having you all to myself, and knowing that this is my last pregnancy, I'm trying to savor it a little bit more.

You know, your brother may have been my first born, but you'll be my last, and that's making me love you in your own special way too. Not too much longer, little BB. I hope you're cozy in there.

Love,
Your Mama

Labels: Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Monday, October 26, 2009 at 12:09:00 AM EDT Sigh. Lovely. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Barry DATE:Monday, October 26, 2009 at 7:40:00 AM EDT Marty,

I love this.

Not only do I adore my four and Lisa's three, one of my favorite times as a pastor was baptisms. Looking at these little people God places into our care who bring us such delight and terror, I always had to really fight to keep from choking up. (I didn't always succeed.)

No wonder God revealed himself to us as Father and Mother, just so we can approximate His astounding love and care for us.

And, regardless of one's position on choice, we have lost something as a culture when every one of these little lives are not held in precious esteem, in and out of the womb.

Remember, God gives us kids so we can see how we look to him.

Love,

Barry ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 12:29:00 PM EDT Ah, the water heartburn -- must be a baby boy thing, because I had it so much with Juni and not so much with Pip.

Second babies get their own special everything -- just different than the first. Enjoy every minute, even the sleepless ones -- before you know it, you'll be chasing BB down the street. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: My boys DATE: 8/27/2009 10:05:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Little Bean,

I think you need a new name. I'm not sure what it's going to be yet, but Butterbean just doesn't fit you. You, the kicking, twisting, must be made known, you.

You actually do have a new name. As of today, we know what we will call you when you are born because we know that you are a boy. Oh boy, do we know you are a boy.

The ultrasound tech didn't have that wand on my tummy for more that 5 seconds when you mooned us, threw your legs open, and showed us all of your glory. She didn't have to tell us what you were; I started laughing and said, "Is that what I think it is?" And it was. My little exhibitionist.

I guess it's safe to say now how very much I wanted you to be a boy. There are both pragmatic and emotional reasons involved. The pragmatic is obvious: I already have all the clothes you need in the proper season. Score.

The emotional reasons are a little more complicated. One reason is that I didn't want for your big sister to feel like she was being replaced with a new little girl. Maybe she wouldn't have. She's pretty amazing, and I think - I hope - that she is secure in how much she is loved. But I'm glad for that reason.

Also, knowing that you are a little boy reassures me that I know what to do with you. While I know that you won't come out just a carbon copy of your big brother, I feel like I know how to love a little boy and take care of a little boy. That might never make sense to you, since you won't ever be somebody's mama, but it makes sense to me.

My heart melts when I think about "my boys" now. I love saying it. I love finding reasons to say it. I can't wait until you get here and I get to say, "Today, me and the boys . . . " which is of course terrible grammar, but I love the way it sounds.

My boys. My boys.

My heart.

I am so in for it.

Love,
Your Mama

Labels: Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 11:35:00 PM EDT Yay! Welcome to the moms of 2 boys club. :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jill DATE:Friday, August 28, 2009 at 12:16:00 AM EDT Oh lordy lordy lordy, I'm tearing up over this. I felt the same way when I found out my 2nd was a boy. I loved (and still love) the idea of "my boys." I was born to be the mom of boys, these two boys in particular and it sounds like you're a member of that club too! congrats! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kelly DATE:Friday, August 28, 2009 at 9:06:00 AM EDT That made me tear up too. Having 2 (or 4, lol) boys is so much fun!! Congrats again!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Daily Verses DATE:Friday, August 28, 2009 at 10:07:00 AM EDT How sweet! Your sensitivity for Lovely is so beautiful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lizzy DATE:Friday, August 28, 2009 at 10:46:00 AM EDT you are so outnumbered!

congratulations! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 12:18:00 AM EDT Oh, yeah.

My boys, indeed. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 9:54:00 PM EDT Hooray for boys!

I totally get the idea of "my boys." Was so sure Pippi was a boy -- when we found out otherwise, we didn't even tell our families for over a week. Really thought I was a boy mama. Guess she's going to prove me wrong -- glad you'll be close by to help me through it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 8:29:00 PM EDT Oh, it makes me perfect sense to me too :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the new girl DATE:Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:38:00 PM EDT Wow.

Awesome.

Does it feel like it's going fast, Marty? It seems like it's going faaaast to me... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 1:04:00 PM EDT my heart melts 'hearing' you say "My boys!" ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: To my dance partner DATE: 8/21/2009 01:46:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Butterbean,

Next week we find out if you are a boy or a girl. I'm very excited. If you are a boy, then I have a lot less work to do to get ready for you. If you are a girl, then we get to use the name that I love so much for you.

I will be happy either way.

Last night you kept me awake as I lay in bed next to your daddy. The little flutter dance you did was undoubtedly adorable, if not just slightly ill-timed. I was alright with it though, because I'm enjoying having you show me your presence.

One of your brother's favorite words is "baby." He has noticed my protruding belly, and likes to poke it. A lot. So, I taught him to say "baby" when he pokes it or when I ask him what is in my belly. It's much better than people just thinking that he's poking my beer gut.

Every night we pray for you and we pray for all the people we know who are expecting new babies. When Bird hears "Ms. Heather and Mr. Mike," or "Ms. Tara," he stops nursing just long enough to say "Baby!" I hope that his enthusiasm for babies continues after you get here.

You will have a lot of people love you when you come into this world. You know, you have a lot of people who love you already.

Keep dancing, little one.

Love,
Your Mama

Labels: Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Friday, August 21, 2009 at 3:26:00 PM EDT Oh, how I love that little dance -- the most amazing feeling! We're excited for the news next week -- Junius says he's hoping it's a girl. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Friday, August 21, 2009 at 3:30:00 PM EDT Marty,
I love your writing, always have. I can't wait to hear the news!! Your in my thoughts :)

Luanne ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Friday, August 21, 2009 at 5:12:00 PM EDT Keep dancing you two. Can't wait to meet you :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 9:36:00 PM EDT Aw, so sweet.

I have got to see that Little Bird again before he grows up. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Brandy DATE:Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 9:11:00 PM EDT Marty, I can't believe it's that time already! How exciting! Praying for a great ultrasound. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jill DATE:Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 10:54:00 PM EDT Mine always chose the middle of the night for their dances too. Both boys. Not sure if that says anything about your dance partner, but you know, for what it's worth ;-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Dear Butterbean,

You aren't even here yet, and I already feel like a failure as your mother. By this time in my pregnancy with Little Bird, he had dozens of posts about him. I thought of him constantly. I never felt alone. Even when he was still in my belly, I thought of "me and the baby."

I must confess, I don't think of you that way. Or at least I haven't started to yet. Sometimes, in my food and drink choices, I even forget for a moment that I'm pregnant. Then, as a second child myself, I replacing forgetting with an overwhelming guilt.

I think things are turning around though. Just a few days ago, I felt you move. Your big brother was climbing on me while we were having book time on the couch. He stepped on my belly, and you answered back with a little nudge.

It was the first time that I felt like the mother of two.

In about two weeks, we will find out if you are a boy or a girl. We already have names picked out for either case, and I will be happy no matter what. But I think of you in terms of a brother or a sister instead of my little boy or little girl.

I guess that's because your big brother is right here in front of me. You won't understand this for a long time, but he is still just a baby himself. He still wears diapers. He still eats with his fingers. He still sleeps in the crib that will become yours, and he still nurses from the same "nuh-nuh's" that will feed you.

He is still my baby.

But you will be my baby too. And I'm learning a little better every day how to love you both. In the meantime, keep nudging me. Every little flutter nudges my heart closer to you.

I can't wait to see you again at the end of August. I do love you.

Sincerely,
Your mama

Labels: Butterbean

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lizzy DATE:Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 4:16:00 PM EDT <3 <3 <3 ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 9:40:00 PM EDT As a firstborn, I worried a lot about how cheated my second one would feel. Then I realized, after watching her with her brother -- she's SO lucky because he's always been there, this other little person in the family to love her.

Plus, she gets the added benefit of a much more relaxed mommy. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amo DATE:Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 10:46:00 PM EDT I loved this letter. It is so true. I have often thought about what would happen when I have a second child and my first is no longer the only center of my universe. Can there be two centers to my universe? I hope we will find out soon...Anyway, great blog! This is my first visit! I added you to my blog list because I really enjoyed it! Thanks! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:37:00 AM EDT Sigh..... peaceful sigh.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mrs. Chicken DATE:Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 4:55:00 PM EDT You know how much I worried about this. And you know what? Today, The Poo went to school and I had The Babyman all to myself. And he is every inch my little boy.

It comes, I promise. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 9:37:00 PM EDT Awww...how very sweetly written :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jill DATE:Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 10:48:00 PM EDT I remember forgetting I was pregnant the second time around. With my first pregnancy not a waking moment went by that I didn't think about being pregnant and the baby to be. But with my second I would go long periods of time not thinking about being pregnant at all, then all the sudden it would hit me... dude! I'm pregnant! I thought I must really be losing it, but see you do it too, so it's not so bad!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:23:00 PM EDT I love this post. I almost makes me want to try for another one... almost, but nope not yet.

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 1:54:00 PM EDT What a touching letter to little BB. You are totally awesome. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: You have to cut that out DATE: 6/23/2009 05:04:00 PM ----- BODY:

Yesterday, we went in for our "nurse talk" where a patient history is taken and the nurse talks to you for about an hour about the rules. Nurse Kathy was nice about Little Bird tagging along with us. She wasn't so nice when she chuckled each time she said the word, "mature." Apparently referring to my age was the funniest thing she had done in a long time.

Little Bird climbed up in my lap near the end of our talking to and asked to nurse. Nurse Kathy asked how long he had nursed, and Kevin said that it wasn't a past tense thing. I said he still does, and she raised one eyebrow at me.

She said, "When are you going to cut that out?"

"When he's ready."

Then she put her professionally medical foot down and told me that I had to stop nursing my child. The doctor would tell me, and I needed to go ahead and do it now.

I just smiled.

The thing is, I had been sitting there thinking to myself that this could be easy. Just stay here at this OB practice and have a baby the way most of America has a baby. It's what I did last time, and Bird turned out just fine. Sure, some of the doctors and nurses annoy me, and it's complete overkill, but it would be the path of least resistance and familiarity.

Then I was shaken back into reality. That nurse, with her eyebrow raised in disapproval, was a good reminder of why I'm breaking up with my doctor. Maybe not at my next appointment, but soon.

After all, I'm a "mature" mother. I'm making informed parenting and birthing decisions. I'm done having doctors roll their eyes at me while I'm in labor. I'm done having nurses raise their eyebrows at me.

It's time for a change.

Labels: Baby Lust, Bird, Breastfeeding, Butterbean, Nursing, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Janice Le DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 5:04:00 PM EDT oh i just realized you have a blog! lol...maybe b/c i haven't read the entries leading up to this dr visit...but why is this nurse telling you not to bf?!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:52:00 PM EDT Cra-zee.

Yeah. Okay. So yeah.

That's totally unprofessional ... and uninformed. Plenty of women tandem nurse for years without harm to their babies. There's extra attention that needs to be paid, sure, but surely you're bright enough to figure that out?

Buh-bye, doctor's office. Hope you find a good birthing center or midwife or (gasp) other doctor soon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:57:00 PM EDT Janice, I wish I knew why. I should have asked, but I just wanted to make a graceful exit. I knew that if I got into a "discussion" about it with her, things would get heated.

I'm going to bring it up when I see my OB in a week or so. If she doesn't support me, then that will definitely be my last visit, whether I've found someone else by then or not. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 9:49:00 PM EDT Ugh. Wish I had a great OB that I could recommend without hesitation, but the one I loved best is in G'bro.

You're the mama. You trust yourself. The rest of them can go suck on it. Or not, as they prefer ;) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 10:32:00 PM EDT Yah. Sounds like you may need a new practice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:21:00 PM EDT This pisses me off every time I think of it!

Right now, you've got time and you've got options. Good luck finding what's best for you and the bean! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:26:00 PM EDT That's terrible. I am so sorry that you had that experience! Things like that make me so sad because people like that give such a bad name to the doctors and nurses that try to really respect family's choices!

I am so glad, though, that you're going your separate ways and doing this your way!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 1:40:00 PM EDT Yeah.. you do need to change. No way any doc or nurse should ever treat you that way. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 2:28:00 PM EDT Hey, the gyno nurse just told me today that IF I were to get pregnant, I'd have to cut out the BFing too. What's up with the U.S. being so squeamish about BFing. That's what they're for and the World Health Org RECOMMENDS BFing until 2 years. Ugh.

You are right to say good bye. Are you thinking about going the more alternative birthing center route?

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AcadeMama DATE:Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 1:19:00 PM EDT I totally heart your decision Marty. While pregnant with my third daughter, I broke up with my OB, who had previously done an okay job delivering my second daughter. But, after several rude remarks and a general sense of not giving a damn how much time I spent in the waiting room, or that I preferred not to have my cervix checked when there was no medical reason for doing so, I broke up with him. Women have been having babies without MDs, making their own decisions about nursing and birthing and all sorts of stuff for a long time. You'd think that one day they might just realize that we have a choice in our medical care, and it doesn't have to be them (whoever them happens to be for you).

Great move for following your instinct!! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Butterbean at 9 weeks DATE: 6/22/2009 11:49:00 PM ----- BODY:

I've been working on the post about our visit to the OB today, and I'm just too tired to wrap it up for now.

For now, I give you Butterbean at 9 weeks. So much more like a little baby this time. He was dancing his little bootie off in there, shaking his little fetal fins like pom poms. It was really cute.

Labels: Baby Lust, Butterbean, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12:17:00 AM EDT Well darn. If he's not the cutest little Butterbean ever...

Great ultrasound photo. Mine were never that good. Especially at 9 weeks! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12:26:00 AM EDT This is the cutest thing I've ever seen Marty! Thanks for sharing, I'm so excited for you guys :) Kicky is going to be a great big brother! Wait until you see the bond those two develop, it is another level of heart-melting.

Jen from ajourneyofhope ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

nikki DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:21:00 AM EDT So sweet! We only had the one u/s when I was pregnant, around 18 weeks? - and it was cool, but I think early u/s pics are also awesome because the wee ones are so adorable. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Issas Crazy World DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:54:00 AM EDT I am so happy for you. Congrats. I always love the first picture that looks like more than a pod. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12:14:00 PM EDT Awwww.. I'm so happy and excited for you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:53:00 PM EDT Aw! Butterbean is ADORABLE! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:21:00 PM EDT SO CUTE!
That is one of the cutest ultrasound pics ever!!

SO excited for you! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Meal planning and other rambling DATE: 6/14/2009 02:21:00 PM ----- BODY:

Oh, my heart. Almost daily, Bird does something that astounds me. Simple things that are so normal, but that to a first-time waited-so-long mama, are amazing.

I don't think this is necessarily fascinating reading material, but it's about all I think about some days. Between that and the overcoming nausea, I've been a little silent lately.

I do think that this pregnancy is going to end up with a healthy baby come the end of January, 2010. Today marks 8 weeks, and I am quite certain that things are progressing.

We've been spending our days biding time the past couple of weeks. There is lots of mommy-on-the-couch time with Bird climbing over me to reach the books that have been placed carefully within his reach. We read a lot. We watch too much TV. We try our very best to make it to the pool or the park after nap time when I feel better. We also infringe upon our neighbor probably way too much, but she is the type of person who meets you where you are, feeling good, bad, or ugly, so it's nice. I can be talkative or silently fighting off feeling like crap.

Summer is moving slowing, I'm afraid.

Meal plans have gone out the window. I've got to get back on that. At the beginning of the year, I took my dayplanner, which I always insist on having even though I have used it less and less since I left the non-profit world, and turned it into a meal planner. (Leave now if you are already bored, because it's about to get a lot more boring)

Each page has a week's calendar on the right and the left page is half blank and half full of lines. It's a planner that came in the infamous SVMoms swag bags last year at BlogHer, a BusyBody Book. At the beginning of the month, I go to Costco and buy meat for the month. I divide it up into portions of 2 or 3 and then freeze it. After listing what all in is the freezer on the blank section next to the first week of the month, I start filling in the days with meals, checking off the contents of the freezer as I go.

There are some constants. Tuesdays are swap meal days with Cyndi. Friday nights are breakfast for dinner nights. I also always buy 2 whole chickens every month so one night we have roast chicken, then the following night we'll have chicken enchiladas or some chicken casserole. Also, buying the whole chicken ensures that we always have chicken stock in the freezer.

Using the planner means that I can also incorporate Lovely's schedule into the planning, making sure I have lunch fixings on hand for her time with us as well. Or, if Kevin has a meeting or whatever, I can put it right in the same calendar where our meals are. The blank sections give me room to jot down a new recipe to try, and the lines for each week give me a place to make my grocery list right next to what meals we are going to have.

This was a fantastic system until I started getting really woozy when thinking about food. Planning meals is very difficult when just considering food makes you want to yak.

I have got to get back to it though, because I completely scored at the North Hills Farmer's Market yesterday. Thanks to Ilina, I was able to scoop up the full share of someone who wanted out of their committment to the very booked up Double-T Farm CSA for the rest of the season. Farmer Tom was looking for a "friend of a friend" to take it over, and Ilina was just that friend I needed to convince him to sell the share to me.

This means that every Saturday, we will have a whole mess of beautiful, tasty, organic, local produce to work into our meals for the week. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. This week we have lettuce, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, leeks, vidalia onions, zucchini, and zepher squash. The carrots taste exactly like I was standing with my grandfather in his garden. We would wash off the vegetables before we even got back in the house and munch on them in the backyard. I haven't had a carrot that tasted like that in years, until yesterday.

If I don't plan ahead, I'll be sure to forget what is in the fridge and let it go to waste. That would be awful, so I'm going to get back on it for sure this week.

It looks like I've written myself into a goal. I had better quit before I make any more promises to myself in public. Wish me luck.

Be sure to go over and enter the giveaway at Triangle Mamas. As of right now, it's been up for almost 48 hours and no one has entered. That is both embarrassing for me and great for you at the same time. It's for Animal Planet's Emergency Vets for the Nintendo DS. I don't even care if you have a DS. Just enter. It will make me feel better. Mercy buckets.

Labels: Baby Lust, Bird, Butterbean, Good Eatin', Stupid Me, Triangle Mamas, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:05:00 PM EDT he is totally adorable in that picture! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:10:00 PM EDT I am very pleased to see that the Butterbean on your sidebar has gone from the freaky tadpole stage to the fetal puppy stage! ;-) Definitely a wonderful sign!!

I have no advice on meal planning, alas. Hubby does all the cooking and gets very fed up with my answer when her asks me what I want for dinner: "Food" ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 8:24:00 PM EDT I cannot STAND how grown up he looks in that picture. Too much.

And assuming that you were talking about the neighbor across the street, you're not infringing so quit worrying about it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nita DATE:Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 9:56:00 PM EDT Inventory of what's in the freezer? Really? Color me impressed and in awe. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Monday, June 15, 2009 at 1:53:00 PM EDT Love my CSA - so glad that Ilina hooked you up with yours. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

pastormargaret DATE:Monday, June 15, 2009 at 8:37:00 PM EDT Are you turning into your mother? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 5:39:00 PM EDT Step away from the blogging world for a few weeks and little Kicky grows up into a preppy college student. Seriously, he looks old enough to date.

And I remember quite well that whole being obsessed with food but not able to think about food all at the same time. It's hard to plan ahead when you can only eat what you want to eat at the moment that you want it because you are pregnant and irrational when it comes to eating. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: I'm holding still, Bird is wiggling DATE: 6/09/2009 03:21:00 PM ----- BODY:

Forgive me. I'm exhausted and nauseous and every idea I have for writing gets sucked up by mommybrain.

In order not to go an entire week without posting anything, I give you Little Bird doing the Yo Gabba Gabba song about wiggling and holding still. It makes me laugh every single time.

Labels: Baby Lust, Bird, Butterbean, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 6:23:00 PM EDT I totally understand! He is too cute!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 8:03:00 AM EDT That is too damn cute!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 8:30:00 PM EDT OMG that is ADORABLE! I love how he has to cock his arms to the side when he holds still. So cute!! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Goodbye isn't so bad DATE: 6/03/2009 08:58:00 PM ----- BODY:

Yesterday and today, I said goodbye to three very important people in my life. Three students of mine have graduated. They are really an end of an era for me.

They have been in my studio for 10 years. I have watched them grow up, and they are not only my students, but my friends. One is going to music school, one to art school, and one to film school. Three very artistic and creative young people of whom I am so incredibly proud.

It was hardest saying goodbye to the artist. He and his family are moving back to Sweden. I most likely won't see him again. We had dinner with them this past weekend, and they gave Little Bird the Brio train set that belonged to their boys. Even better than the gift though was watching the two teenage boys and my one little baby boy play with the trains on the floor together. They were so sweet.

The director isn't going too far from home for now. She'll be at North Carolina School of the Arts. She could be going to the school of the arts for any of their disciplines really. She acts, sings, plays guitar, composes, is a visual artist, and isn't just dabbling in them all. She's really good at them all. Today she gave me a Muse CD/DVD as a goodbye present. I love that she gives me things that she loves.

The pianist is going into music therapy. She has been student teaching at a music school for children from low-income families for two years now. The beautiful thing is that twelve years ago, she started out as a student in that school. Her mother is amazing. They immigrated from Turkey and have built successful businesses. She has her mother's focus and an immense amount of talent to back it up. I know I'm not really saying goodbye to her. I just won't see her every week anymore.

I invest myself deeply in my students. There are a few students who I invested too much of myself in and who let me down, but for the most part, whatever I invested was returned much greater. Especially by these three.

I won't be taking on any new students for awhile. I've got things to create. Albums to record and most importantly, babies to grow.

Meet Butterbean. He's due January 26, 2010, on Little Bird's 2nd birthday. We got to meet him today. He said, "swish swish swish swish," which translates into, "I love you, Mama." At least, that's what I'm going with.

Labels: All work, Baby Lust, Butterbean, Music, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:21:00 AM EDT Goodbyes can have so many different layers to them!!

This one looks like it leads to something fabulous! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bethany DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 1:54:00 PM EDT Great to see the US pic! I don't know if I've had a chance to say congrats yet. Blocked at work, and no time at home. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 2:32:00 PM EDT What wonderful goodbyes though.

OOH! Butterbean! How cute! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 2:55:00 PM EDT Sending love for butterbean! May this be a super wonderful pregnancy with no complications. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Brandy DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 4:48:00 PM EDT Congrats again, Marty! Can't wait to see more pics of Butterbean. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

J from Ireland DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 7:36:00 PM EDT Congratulations, I am so happy for you. You sound like a dedicated teacher, good on ya. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

nikki DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 7:55:00 PM EDT Okay, that is SO COOL that #2's due date is the same day as your son's birthday! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 9:30:00 PM EDT That is a beautiful Butterbean! I never thought I would like Beans quite so much as I have the last few years. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Maggie, dammit DATE:Friday, June 5, 2009 at 8:47:00 AM EDT Congratulations, mama! Bittersweet, I imagine, as your students sound amazing, but still. Well done. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Friday, June 5, 2009 at 12:49:00 PM EDT Hello, Butterbean! So nice to see you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Friday, June 5, 2009 at 1:39:00 PM EDT Oh look at that! Continued good wishes to you and the bean. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth DATE:Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 5:20:00 PM EDT Congratulations Marty!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

KimmieRo DATE:Monday, July 27, 2009 at 10:40:00 AM EDT Congratulations Miss Marty! Sounds like your sweet babies will have similar birthdays to my monkeys. All 3 of them. ----- --------