Eli James

December 9. It began as a regular Sunday in December. Cold, grey and dark. I hulled myself outta bed, feeling like a giant whale, hoping and praying that this pregnancy wouldn't last too much longer.After church, I finished a few last minute touches on Cassidy's birthday cake and got ready a few things. With all of the family coming that evening to celebrate Cassidy's 2nd birthday, I decided to try squeeze a nap in before the chaos of 20 people squeeed into out small house.

Then the pain started. Small but sharp cramping. Hmm odd. With more than 2 weeks left until my due date, I put the feeling aside and tried to read. Again pain. Must be Braxton-Hicks. Then my cell rang. 

Karey. 

Me: Hello?

Karey: Are you in labour?

Me: No! Why!?!

Karey: I just suddenly had this feeling you are in labour.

Me: Umm I don't think so! Having some random pains but I don't think I am in labour. 

Karey: you better let me know if you are!

Most random phone call of my life but all I can say is I love my best friend and she gets these 'feelings'.

As the afternoon went on, I couldn't sleep and the pains kept coming. Both Brian and I didn't know what to do at this point, so when all else fails, call Mom. 

Me: Mom I think I am having contractions.

Mom: Nah, you're 2 weeks early, it can't be them.

Me: but they huuuurrrtttt (read whiny voice)

Me: can you come and be with me???

Mom: Ok, but it's probably nothing.

So my Mom came and helped me finish the rest of the party preparations while Brian and my Dad went to church. As the afternoon went on, the pain continued, convincing my mom that, yes, possibly I could be in labour. Brian told me to pack my hospital bag, another thing I had been putting off until last minute.

After church, everyone came over to celebrate Cassidy's birthday. I kept busy and tried not to think about the pain. It was nothing. Now is not a good time to go into labour- Cassidy's birthday is tomorrow. What are the chances of having 2 kids born on the same day 2 years apart? (Apparently good for me!)

After dinner and cake I was standing in the dining room talking. I had a wicked cough that had been driving me crazy for a number of days. I went into a violent coughing fit and suddenly felt a GUSH. I ran to the bathroom, passing Brian on the way. Brian just talked louder to everyone in the dining room, figuring that I was again puking up my dinner, a regular occurance with me and pregnancy.

After calling to him, he came 'what's up' he asked. 'ummmm I think my water broke'. ' Really? Want me to get your mom?' 

Seriously, what would I do without my mom.

So the party was over. Mom and Dad took Cassidy home, everyone cleaned up and we were left to have a baby. 

Except baby wasn't ready to have us. We end up in the hospital and my midwife checks me. I am not even dilated  But where did allllll this water come from!!

And so began the longest 24 hours of my life- labour, check, 1cm. Labour, check, 2cm. Labour, check, ummm maybe 3cm. 

I made it to 4 after 24 hours. Gah! The OB on call came for a visit. I was the only patient on labour and delivery- a big deal for McMaster! After a few checks and talking about a few scenarios, a decision was made to go ahead with a C-Section. Since it was quiet on the floor, I was on the operating table within 45 minutes and at 8:34 pm our baby BOY was born.

Seeing all 9.2lbs of him for the first time made me cry. no bawl. He was beautiful and he was mine!

                                                      Welcome Eli James!

So needless to say, December 10 is a very special day in this house. We have the privileged to celebrate the birthdays of 2 beautiful children God has entrusted into our care. Some days I get scared and overwhelmed of the job I have been given, to raise these tiny beings into full grown adults. But then I think of who is really raising them and I don't worry so much. I know that they have an awesome God taking care of them. Thankfully. 

I am BLESSED.

50 Dollar Case of Water

pardon me?
You must be kidding- who would spend $50 on a case of water???


Kidding yes.....and no.......

For me, its just another trip to Costco. Just in the area, just going to run in and grab a case or two of water (Costco does, by the way, have the best price of water around.)
And they intentionally put it in the farthest, darkest corner of the store. Just going to run in for a case of water. As you walk to that corner you pass by all the sale items, then meander too closely to the piles of clothing,  next through those great seasonal items- like Christmas decorations in August (it is coming you know!!) past, the smells from the fresh bakery, past all the fresh meats, through the take home meals and fresh flowers down to the aisle with water, perfectly located next to the bags of chips.Bingo. And water requires a buggy. A HUGE, fit the entire contents of your house into, buggy. Which makes one measly case of water look so small. Hmm, there is room for more stuff in here. I can't really come all the way to Costco for just water now can I? As you spin around there are the shelves of chips that are the size of hockey bags. And you have to get two bags for the price. Hmm, I'll get them for camping (even though camping isn't for another 4 weeks). As you turn back in the direction of the cash, my buggy slowly fills up with items I really didn't come for. Fresh buns, a new book, a new sweater (don't worry, it was on sale!) and a box of 4,593 freezies. I don't even like Freezies!!

But suddenly that silly case of water has turned into my downfall. Stores are smart. They know that everyone is just like me.
And they certainly turn an eyebrow to you when you come to the cash with just a case of water. "Really? That is all for today? Just a case of water?"


I wish.

She's cute right? Even with her little mosquito bites on her cheeks- or mochito bites as my husband calls them. She is so happy! She also has just puked on my bed. Again. Pictures like these help me get through flus, teething and fevers all at once. Hopefully!

:)