Introducing, the studly, Hogan Eric Clark

Hogan Eric Clark made his grand arrival on Sunday, December 4th at 12:55am, and what a grand arrival it was. Sunday marked 40 weeks and 5 days gestation. There isn't a lot to say other than breaking down the timeline of the day for you.

We had decided that we'd go to Columbia to do some Christmas shopping (about an hour and a half away from home). We took the hospital bag with us and hit the road with Sully, the girls were staying with Grandma Sonya. I had been having contractions all morning but they didn't hurt and were relatively inconsistant. I had thought to myself that perhaps we shouldn't go shopping so far from home, but then I thought "What the hell. There are hospitals along the way if we need one."

We made it as far as Macon, about 30 mins away, and my contractions had continued even though I was just riding in the car. I decided we should stop and shop at Macon Walmart to see if the contractions would continue or stop. As we walked they continued but remained inconsistant. I made the executive decision that we should probably head back home just to be safe.

By the time we got back home it was about 3pm and the boys were tired. They napped while I continued to time my contractions. They had ranged from 5-15 mins apart. I was getting sleepy and figured I'd take a nap too. If it was real labor it would wake me up. Well, I later woke up to nothing...bummer. Craig was rather disappointed too. We headed out to supper with Sully and then on to pick up the girls from Grandma's house. My contractions slowly returned but were no more powerful or consistant than they had been all day. We arrived at the in-laws to find that Scotland had the flu....great!

We got her home, I gave her a bath and the other kids went to bed. We kept Scotland downstairs in the family room so she wouldn't be around the other 2. In between her sleeping and puking I continued to time my contractions...while remaining skeptical that labor was close.

Finally, around 10:30 or 11pm I was getting more uncomfortable and the contractions were getting a little more close. I woke up Craig and we discussed whether or not to wake up our parents to have them come sit with the kids. Here's where it gets crazy!...

~at 11:36pm I texted my mom asking if she'd want to come in just in case it was labor

~at 12:00am mom arrived and I was circling the house rather uncomfortably

~at 12:10am Craig and I were leaving the house for the hospital, the contractions were coming every few minutes and I had 3 on our short drive across town to the hospital

~by 12:30am we were settled in the delivery room and they were checking my dilation and monitoring my contractions, I was at 8 cm!

~shortly after the nursed checked me they left the room to call the doctor (he was called at 12:44am), they also told me I could stand up if I wanted

~I stood up beside the bed and got hit with 2 strong contactions on top of each other, just after the 2nd one my water broke...all over my feet

~the nurses returned from calling the doc, saw that my water had broken, and told me I could get back in the bed if I wanted...I was pretty tired for the 2 contractions that came back to back and didn't really know what I wanted and/or needed

~I got back in the bed and BAM, 2 more contractions...at this point my eyes were shut as tight as I could shut them, the nurses were scrambling to get everything ready as I started exclaiming that Dr. Early was not going to make it in time and I had to push. My body was pushing whether I wanted to push or not. This was the scariest thing in the world as I had no time to even comprehend how fast everything was happening. I was not in control of anything going on at this point and after ~3 pushes Hogan was out and into the world at 12:55am!!! Only 25 mins after getting to our room!

The 3 wonderful nurses delivered him. He had the cord loosely around his neck and body but was healthy otherwise. Just beating Dr. Early into the room, 3 residents from the ER rushed in with eyes bulging as I sat there on the bed with a smile on my face. Pointing over to the warmer I laughed, "You missed it, he's over there!" Poor guys, I can only imagine the sight they saw being burned into their minds forever. Right behind them was Dr. Early, just in time to deliver the placenta. I felt so bad that he missed it. The nurses asked if I had tried to wait as long as possible before coming to the hospital...and that wasn't the case at all. I had simply waited all day to know that I was definitely in labor, I didn't want to go only to be sent back home to wait...we're just lucky this little guys wasn't born in the car on the way there!

Here are 2 of the 3 nurses who delivered Hogan

Here is the 3rd nurse

Proud big sis Paislee and big bro Sully holding Hogan for the first time

Scotland holding Hogan for the first time...she had to wait for us to come home since she had been sick and couldn't visit the hospital

Dad and Hogan taking a nap

I've made it to my due date, now what?

November 29, 2011 I made it! Now I'm not sure how to feel. The last month of this pregnancy, my last pregnancy, has been a roller coaster. I've felt good, I've been tired. I've been anxious, impatient and nervous. I never thought I'd see my due date while still being pregnant. I just new I would deliver early. This is my 4th baby...why wouldn't I go early just like the other 3???

As my due date has gotten closer and closer I've gotten more and more nervous for this natural childbirth that I've raved about for the last 20+ weeks. The last week I have been worn out and this has made me nervous that I wouldn't have the will power and stamina to stick to my guns and work through an unmedicated birth. Lucky for me, today I feel FANTASTIC! Let's go back to yesterday, shall we...

Yesterday I went ahead and started my maternity leave. I had my 40 week check up, was only a day away from my due date and didn't really have anything to lose. At my 40 week appointment, although I was only 39 weeks 6 days the doc could stretch me to 4 cm, also equal to the cracker a few pics below (meaning I wasn't fully dilated to 4 cm but by stretching my cervix while checking me I could reach 4 cm), and 80% effaced. He went ahead and stripped my membranes (meaning he stirred things up hoping I would progress a little faster). He did this without asking me if I wanted it done and I'm glad he did. I was wavering back and forth on whether I wanted to stir the pot or let it play out on its own. Then I headed to Walmart to shop/walk myself along. I should also mention that Sunday night I was up timing contractions until 2am. I got very little sleep which lead to a really crappy Monday evening. My back was aching, I was exhausted, and I was not feeling too positive that I would make it through an unmedicated childbirth if things had progressed like I just knew they would. I didn't have contractions the rest of the day Monday but was uncomfortable with back aches and fatigue. I lounged on the couch until I eventually fell asleep and the hubs woke me up to go to bed at 10:15pm. I assumed I would wake up in the middle of the night to time contractions again, and hoped that I would feel better when this all set in. Instead, I woke up when my alarm went off this morning...still pregnant!

I got the kids on the bus, the hubs left for work, I showered, started laundry and sulked while watching TV because I felt perfectly normal and fine...no contractions or back aches. After a couple of hours of being crabby and down for feeling normal my mood picked up. I now feel great, wonderful, cheery and all around pleasant. I'm rocking out to my playlist of favorites while updating my blog and eating hotdogs for lunch. Before long I'll head out to the wonderful world that is Walmart, to walk myself into labor, HOPEFULLY! If I can keep up this fantastic mood I'm in while successfully starting my labor I will be pumped to face unmedicated childbirth head-on!!! What do you think ladies, could this be the calm before the storm???

Here's to a wonderful due date!

P.S. I'd like to note that, so far, I've gained the least amount of weight with this pregnancy...~25lbs!

A day to be thankful for...

Although I am very thankful for many many things, my family, our health, our safety, and all the blessings God had provided us, I would be so extremely thankful to make the biggest spectacle I could at Thanksgiving dinner by having my water break or massive contractions set in right in the middle of it. I'm even setting myself up for such a challenge:

• I'm wearing un-natural looking green sparkly eyeliner for those "look I just had a baby" pics


• I'm leaving the house a disaster-dishes, clothes, toys everywhere, bed unmade


• I'm not taking the hospital bag with me


• And to put the icing on the cake I'm tempted to drive until the gas light comes on...there is nothing I hate more than the stress of "will I or won't I run out of gas?"

HERE GOES NOTHING!

Every pregnancy is different indeed

Here I sit, 39 weeks 1 day pregnant, never thinking I would have made it this far. I always thought each baby came earlier and faster...my babies have proven the opposite. My first was born at 38 weeks, my second at 38 weeks 1 day and my third at 38 weeks 3 days. Each labor and delivery was a tad bit longer than the previous too.

At this point I really have no idea when this baby will decide to make his appearance. After my check up Monday, when I found out he was finally engaged and I was at 2cm and 50% effaced, I really thought he was coming Tuesday or today (at the moment that only leaves 4 hours for him to arrive today still). Yesterday my hips and back hurt, so I of course thought that was the day. Today I've felt nothing. No inclination that this baby will ever come out.

I'm also convinced of 2 things: 1) I am a quite habitable environment and 2) He can hear the outside world around him and is terrified to join this crazy clan we call our family!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving...of course there's been a million and a half people say, "oh, you may have a Thanksgiving baby!" Yea, great, wonderful, I could care less. I don't care what his birthday is, as long as it comes soon!

Weekly Update

I'm still fat. I'm 38 weeks 1 day today. I've progressed only slightly in the way of my cervix thinning. I'm trying to remind myself that I have to thin before I can dilate. I was really hoping for more though. I was also shocked to find that I had lost 2 lbs since last week. The way I see it, that is less work I'll have to do after the baby arrives. Although, I ate A LOT of chocolate yesterday and very likely gained it right back.

Every day is a struggle to not be overly impatient. I'm an extremely impatient person in general. I like plans. I like to know when things are going to happen and how they are going to happen. This is driving me nuts! I am fully aware that Mr. Hogan will grace us with his presence when he is ready...and I'm trying to be ok with that. I really thought I would have had him by today...but who knows, perhaps today is the day!

Today is my Gpa Dub's birthday, tomorrow is our dear friend Josh's birthday, next Wednesday is my Uncle Monte's and Great-Uncle Jim's birthdays, next Thursday is my dear friend Kristin's birthday, then there's always Thanksgiving.

I don't even know what else I can say at this point. I'm due in 13 days. I assume I could go any day now. Sometimes the baby is very still and sometimes he is kicking a lot. Sometimes I am exhausted and sometimes I feel great. I nested this weekend and got my whole house clean and laundry caught back up. Yesterday my face kept getting hot...not like a hot flash but just a flushed feeling. One of the med students I work with said it was because I was vasodilating. He predicted the baby wasn't coming yesterday but soon. I just pray I don't go over...I don't think my sanity could take it...

Things to note today:

Yes, I'm not due for another 18 days, but my babies tend to arrive about 2 weeks early and they come out healthy and ready to take on the world...so I'm not really worried about my baby arriving early. Here are some interesting things to note on why today has already proven to be and will hopefully continue to be a fantastic day:

• Last night was a full moon


• 11-11-11, this would mean both my boys would share the 11th as their bdays and both my girls already share the 9th as their bdays (Scotland 1/9, Paislee 6/9, Sully 4/11, Hogan???)


• The hubs surprised me with a GIANT Hershey's Chocolate Bar in my purse this morning

• Work is having a baby shower for me today


• The med school applicant I am interviewing today is the first I've had to have such an interest in natural childbirth and has even shadowed a midwife


• I'm taking the stairs all day and avoiding elevators as much as I can

Coincidence? We'll just have to wait and see what the rest of the day has in store for this pregnant momma and baby!

Now it is a game of patience

Wow, a little bit of lip gloss would have gone a long way.

The game is on...can I keep my cool? We'll just have to wait and see. As soon as I know the wheels are in motion I get so anxious for labor and delivery. I know, I'm crazy. I just absolutely love it. So as soon as my doc tells me that I've started dilating and effacing I'm all about it. Of course, I wake up each morning and think, "maybe today is the day." Every time something happens I secretly think it could be the start of something. Luckily, I am able to keep the majority of these thoughts to myself so people don't think I've lost my mind. I've been fortunate enough to keep my cool long enough to know when the real deal is taking place. I've never ended up in L&D only to be sent home because I'm not in labor yet....keep your fingers crossed that I keep the streak alive! In all reality, I still have 3 more weeks til I'm due, so I'm not trying to rush him too much...Lord knows he'll come when he's ready. You know how on Sunday evenings you prep for the week ahead? I'm assuming I'm not the only one who does this. I try to make sure the house is picked up, I paint any finger/toe nails that need to be done, and any other task that I feel will help me be more prepared for the busy week getting ready to start. Well, now each Sunday evening I'm thinking about "what if the baby comes this week?" At this point I'm also trying to prep the launch pad for inspection each Monday (my weekly OB appt) and hoping that the coming couple of days will be THE DAY! At this point it is a challenge to keep the launch pad in tip-top shape. The hubs may have to start assisting before too long.

Monday was my last check-up, and as you can see in the pic (from the writing on the chalkboard-obviously you can't see my cervix in the pic, duh), I was 1-2 cm dilated and ~20% effaced. Hopefully when I go back Monday I'll be even further along. Or, maybe I'll have a plump, healthy baby boy before then...with family coming in town this weekend it might a good time to have a baby (after all the guys tag their champion bucks, of course!!)

I'm more dilated than a cheerio but not as much as a slice of banana

I just told my brother-in-law, Eric (who is coming in town with his family), that if he wanted his name used as the baby's middle name he would have to be my doula if I went into labor while they were visiting. His response was "what in the hell is a doula?" After I explained it was a birth coach he stated, "I got this!"...this could get interesting.

Only 4 more weeks...

Yep, those are Superman jammie pants...can't get much more white-trash than that! I do apologize, they are comfy.

4 weeks left, can you believe it?! I can't. This pregnancy has gone by so fast. I'm trying my best to soak it all in and enjoy it, but it is so hard to keep from getting overly anxious for Hogan's arrival. Last week was a rough week of fatigue and discomfort. This week has proven to be better. I caught myself nesting at work today...it was short lived and followed by exhaustion. At least my office is now slightly neater in case the baby were to come early.

It has been so long since I had a good post. I'll have to go back and check to see what I really talked about last. It seems like there's been a lot going on to talk about, I've just been lazy and only done the weekly pregnancy update (if that).

I'm really hoping for a productive weekend. Mom has committed to helping me finish some of my projects. I want to finish painting our family room (the room with the chalk board wall) and paint the hallway. I'm pretty stoked as I want to do 12-18 inch white and gray horizontal stripes in my hallway...the only problem is the stairs and slant of the wall...I'm hoping my mom can help me get them straight relatively easily, as I know my patience will wear thin rather quickly!!!

There are only 4 more weekends left until I'm due...and that doesn't factor in that I've gone 2 weeks early with each of the other 3 kids...we could only be talking about 2 weekends. I need to get my painting done, carpets shampooed and yard cleaned up! How I'll manage all of this I have no idea.

Here are some of the topics I have yet to post on (I believe):

• our week in Chicago


• a 7th anniversary, a 50th birthday, a half marathon, and a full marathon


• Halloween

You will hopefully be seeing posts on these soon...

The countdown is on...

35 weeks and feeling every bit of it! I apologize for the sloppy chalk writing. The green under the 35 are baseball players on a baseball field that Sully drew...at least that's what he tells me...and he refuses to let me erase them!

I'm now going to the doc weekly and tomorrow is the day for this week...I'm pretty excited! I still have 5 weeks until I'm due but I've gone 2 weeks early with each of the other 3 kiddos. That fact mixed with this being my 4th baby could mean an early arrival...we'll see. I don't want him too early but it is still always nice to hear that the processes have started. I was pretty uncomfortable last night and the hip joints definitely feel as though they've spread this morning...OUCH!

Fatigue is still here and I don't plan on it leaving. Every morning, getting out of bed and finding an outfit is a challenge. Pants are no longer staying up/fitting/looking right...

I still have a couple of projects on the to-do list. Hopefully I'll feel good this weekend and can tackle the rest of the family room painting and hall way painting. If I could suck it up and get those done I would feel SO MUCH BETTER! Considering I've repainted the kitchen and kitchen cabinets, living room, bathroom and bathroom cabinet I'm pretty happy with my progress.

Here's to health, wealth (HA!), and happiness! Have a terrific day!

Still here, still pregnant....just tired

Yes, I've neglected my blog for several weeks. I've been busy and TIRED. I'm ready for this tired stage to pass...but I'm guessing it will be here til the end. Baby is still doing great, growing and puting pressure on my hips. I'm not as comfortable as I once was...but it is so worth it.

We finally have some clothes for Hogan, I got to spend all last week in Chicago and the Cardinals are leading the NCLS...it doesn't get much better than this!

My honesty post...

I've seen other bloggers do this and it makes me feel so much better about my own house. I also think it is refreshing to "air your dirty laundry" from time to time. This is my post for that!

This is what my house looked like Friday night, all day Saturday (because we left the house at 6am and returned exhausted at 7pm), and Sunday morning until we hit it hard and got it cleaned up.

This pic was actually taken after we cleaned...and after Paislee smashed her Goldfish crackers to smithereens!

What.A.Mess!!

Oh, my Sully-boy...

You are such a sweet and smart little guy. My hope is that you'll turn out to be the genius that I think you have he potential to be. You are kind and loving. You whine and get your feelings hurt easily too. Sometimes you care too much...but that is what make you YOU!

You keep an eye on your younger, more ornery sister and you help out your older sister without skipping a beat. You are such a great brother, big and little. You make your mom and dad very proud/happy as we know great things are in store for you. You are aware of so much more than one would expect.

I don't know how but you just know to take care of and watch out for Scotland. You help her open things she can't. You hold her hand to help lead her where she needs to go. You get me whatever I might need for her whether it be a tissue or pull-up. If it is for Scotland you are more than willing to help.

You sometimes ask why she can't do the things you do and it is hard for me to explain it to you, but I do my best. You take it all in stride because deep down inside you just know. Our discussions about your older sister have always been straight and to the point so your 4 year old mind can grasp it...but either way, you get it.

The other day we saw a little girl with Down syndrome and I pointed her out and said, "Sully, isn't she cute?" You smiled and said, "Yes" then after a pause you said "She's like Scotti." It warmed my heart and I will never forget it. I guess you just saw the resemblance in her face and body language but I was surprised nonetheless. I'm glad you get it...even though I'm not sure how.

We love you Sully. You're a special little guy that we are blessed to have in our lives.

I'm going out on a limb...I'm being bold!

I admit it...there are times when I feel I am better than others. Today has been one of those days and this is why...

I'm not snobby, hoyty-toyty or uppity. I don't always feel that I am better than others. I don't openly boast about this feeling (except for right now). But, I'm feeling rather opinionated right now and let me just tell you about what I've witnessed today that convinces me that I am, in fact, better than these people.

• I am not walking outside of the hospital that I am admitted to in order to smoke...while also being PREGNANT!


• I do not yell, yes I mean YELL, empty threats at my kids in public while letting them run amok!


• I live a relatively healthy life and try to instill this into my kids.


• I teach my kids manners.


• I remove my kids from environments where they can not control themselves.

First point: Yes, I witnessed with my own 2 eyes, a pregnant woman wearing a hospital gown walking outside the hospital while smoking. Obviously she was walking to the designated smoking area since our local hospital is smoke free. To bad she couldn't also follow the rule of NOT SMOKING WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT. What goes through the minds of these people? I just don't understand. In my overly opinionated state I feel that they should be held accountable for child endangerment. Period!

Second point: While I wait for my 3 year old to enjoy her dance class I am left in the small hallway of a smelly old school building to fend for myself while some of the other moms allow their younger, bratty children to wreak havoc on my nerves. This havoc ranges from yelling to running to climbing to crying to spitting in the water fountain. Yes, spitting in the water fountain. I'm sure the mom was less than impressed when I looked at her and said, "I think he's spitting in the water fountain." She looked over at him, watched for a bit and replied, "he just keeps drinking it." Ah NO! He is spitting in the water fountain and that is disgusting. Please get your child under control or leave. He kept it up and she eventually got on to him for it; however, I'm sure his disgusting little germs had already spread all over the place. This same child yelled the whole time while mom yelled back empty threats. When she would actually spank him he would just grunt back at her. He also told her "No!"

Stuff like this infuriates me. How are people not embarrassed for others to see them smoking while pregnant or allowing their 2 year old to run the show? How has the world come to this? How is it that in the year 2011 people act and do whatever they want just because it is their God-given right (whether it is actually right or wrong, healthy or unhealthy)? This is a sad state we're in...

So you see, I don't think I'm better than others because of the material things I have, the way I look, my career or education level. I think I'm better than others because I've instilled the traits of respect (for one's self and others), manners, and common courtesy in my children. They will be good people if it kills me...I will not settle for less!

It is Thursday and Fall is in the air...

I know this because our whole house seems to be under-the-weather in some way or another. Poor Paislee has had a cough and runny nose (clear snot though) all week. Yesterday I felt a sore throat coming on and sure enough, I've felt like crap today. Craig also said he didn't feel hot yesterday. Sully was sent home from school today w/ a fever...this is why I'm blogging at 2:30pm on a Thursday! I can only imagine how Ms. Scotland will feel by the time she gets off the bus. This will make for an interesting day tomorrow, I'm sure.

Any way, it is Thursday and very Fall like out there. As the seasons change and my body expands each morning presents its own challenges. Today I was feeling rather creative with an impromptu outfit concoction. I sported Craig's XL purple men's dress shirt, my ladies medium cardi, black stretchy pants, a brown belt and brown knee-high boots. I felt as though this outfit was questionable in the sense of working in an office but hey, I wasn't sent home early to change and I even got a few nice comments. Don't we all have those days...when you're wearing something and you just can't tell what the reaction will be...some of us seem to run into this more than others ;)

In an effort to save myself some embarrassment I tried to crop as much out of the pic as possible. That is, in fact, my crammed and disorganized closet behind me and I apologize for the dirty mirror and blurry pic. A girl works with what she's got...and that's all I had as I got ready to leave for work.

For those of you who have checked out the blogs that I follow, jeez aren't they cute??!!, you might have noticed a lot of them do a "What I Wore Wednesday" (WIWW) post. I can only assume they do this on Wednesday because of the W's. Well, mine is a "Look What I Threw Together Today" (LWITTT) post. Perhaps I will make this a regular feature.

I've got to wrap up as I wait for the 3rd child to return home from school. Keep your fingers crossed that she's not sick...however, I suspect that it will be soon coming if she's not already. We may just medicate and sleep all evening...all of us!

I'm either all or nothing...

It seems I'm either changing my blog around multiple times a day or not doing anything at all with it...including posting.

After the Ruby Tuesday's ordeal we did in fact head to Nauvoo, IL for camping fun with the family. Of course there were good times and bad. We had a few melt downs but all in all it was nice to get away from home for a bit. The kids loved it and still have the mosquito bites to prove it...GROSS! Sully's legs were completely covered and Paislee even ended up with a few on her face.

The hubs, Scotland and I all headed home late Sunday night while the grandparents, Sully and Paislee headed to Mt. Pleasant, IA on Monday. Fun was had by all. I attacked our bathroom the majority of the day Monday and ALL DAY TUESDAY. I took pics of the work, and now that this post reminds me, I highly irritated that I've misplaced the memory card with those pictures! Wow, what a quick way to ruin my evening! Anyway, the bathroom is about 95% done, walls painted, vanity painted, new mirror hung. Now for the final few details...that will likely never get completed until it is time to sell the house and move. Besides working on the bathroom Monday and Tuesday I really can't remember the rest of the week...

Last Saturday was a total waste! We got up and went to Sully's first soccer game, which he absolutely hated. He stood on the field and cried as soon as the game started...and I don't mean cry, I mean WAIL AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS! I ended up dragging him off the field, like any mom-of-the-year would. I drug my chair away from the Grandmas and made him sit beside me until he was ready to go back in...which never really crossed his mind. We put him back in near the end of the game for him to stand in one spot while rubbing his eyes and attempting not to cry...the kid does not like soccer. Next Saturday should be a real treat. On the other hand, Paislee started dance and absolutely loves it. There was no sign of shyness at all. This girl is going to be an entertainer. I'm excited to see how she grows from it all.

After the exhaustion/frustration of the soccer game we all went home and lounged around watching TV until lunchtime. I admit that I dozed off a bit. Then we ate lunch and took naps. After naps Grandpa Mark came to pick up the star soccer player to go to the monster truck show. Then the hubs, girls and I ate some supper and continued to lounge around until bedtime. The girls' bedtime was followed up by more lounging until I fell asleep on the couch and Gpa and Sully returned home. The hubs put Sully to bed and I fell back asleep on the couch. I was literally in a horizontal position for ~20 hours on Saturday...what a sloth! I blame it on the baby!

Thank goodness Sunday morning rolled around and we managed to get the house cleaned before heading over the the in-laws to watch the air show. It was a long day but the kids had a blast playing with all the other kids who cames with their parents. I was surprised the bathtub wasn't clogged after baths Sunday evening...those kids were filthy.

There are no excuses, I am just off this week. I've been off on my days and dates, I keep mixing things up at work, and I know it will only get worse. I'm 29 weeks and I've hit a wall. It seems Mr. Hogan has grown quite a bit in the last week as he is kicking in all directions at all times. It is still fun and exciting though. Last night I finished my "Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Childbirth". I've gone back and ear-marked the chapters that I need to revisit. I'm still pretty stoked about the challenge before me. I just hope I can keep my composure and make it through. I've been watching TLC's A Baby Story on my lunch break for inspiration...today was a good one, but the rest have been stupid. About 90% of them have been c-sections and the other 10% have just been annoying people that have rubbed me the wrong way. Either way, today's was great. It was a natural water birth and this lady wailed about as loud Sully did on the soccer field.

Any who, I'm tired and that's enough catching up for now. I'm ready to snuggle in with my blanket and fall asleep....only to be woken up by the hubs and told to go to bed. Yes sir!

Oh Ruby Tuesdays, you suck so bad!...

Against my better judgement we took the girls out for dinner at Ruby Tuesdays (Sully went with Papa Mark to get the camper set up in Nauvoo, IL). We've had horrible service and bad food at Ruby Tuesdays multiple times and no better than to go there...but we had a coupon for a free kids meal. Scotland got the coupon at summer school...poor Scotland!

The horrid experience began with our seating. They had an area with 6 tables, 2 rows of 3 tables each. Instead of staggering the seating of these tables they had 1 row of 3 tables full while the other row of 3 was empty. They could have easily spaced out the 3 parties so that we wouldn't be bumping each other with our chairs. WHATEVER, I digress....Next came the worst part of the whole ordeal.

The waitress, who was overly cheery as they all are, while I was already crabby from realizing that we shouldn't have chosen there to eat, came and got our drink orders. Upon her return with our drinks she proceeded to hand them out, except my iced tea. She knocked my ice tea over on her tray, that she was holding over my 5 year old Scotland. The whole tray dumped, spilling iced tea and the glass itself all over Scotland. I'm not talking a spill in the lap. The tray was being held over Scotland's head. Her shoulder, which I can only assume was hit with the glass itself, her whole right side, tummy, right leg and even right shoe were drenched. I was infuriated!

Poor Scotland instantly started to pout, but she was such a big girl and kept it together...she did better than mom! I picked her up and took her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. She was cold and wet. I could have handled it if it had happened to Craig or myself, but a child...I was hot. So hot, in fact, my face literally felt hot. I was instantly ready to just leave. By the time we headed back to our table the manager gave me one of those pathetic "I'm sorry" faces and asked if we had ordered yet. I replied that we hadn't and she was nice enough to let us pick out an appetizer on her...really, you're ever so kind! (SARCASM!!!) Well, low and behold, they moved us to a different table...the one they should have seated us at to begin with.

The waitress apologized over and over again. I kinda felt bad for her because it could have happened to anyone and I realize she didn't do it on purpose...but I was still totally raging about it all. I pretty much just kept my mouth shut because I knew if I got started I would never shut up.

We finally collected our barrings and order our FREE APPETIZER and meals. We waited for our food, continue to be shocked at how 1 restaurant could suck so bad! They brought us our food and SHOCKER-my meal was messed up. I had ordered my mini-burgers without mayo, and here it was. Fantastic!

I cleared it off, lettuce, tomato and all and nicely laid it on the table next to my plate. We ate our meals and were then offered free cupcakes for either there or to take home. WE'LL TAKE THEM HOME PLEASE! I was SO ready to get out of there.

They brought our check and I was sure they would mess it up in some way. She pointed out the coupon we had brought in and the FREE APPETIZER we were awarded for letting our 5 year old have iced tea spilled all over her. We paid too much for our experience and I am mad I didn't complain more than I did...honestly, I was just so ready to get out of there that I just wanted to pay and go home. We ended up paying $35 for 2 adult meals, 1 kids meal, and Craig's beer. Keep in mind that 1 kids meal was going to be free either way and the appetizer and cupcakes were free. The appetizer and cupcakes were not worth the iced tea all over Scotland and my order being messed up.

LESSON LEARNED! THE CLARK FAMILY WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL RUBY TUESDAYS...WHETHER WE HAVE A COUPON, FREE MEAL, OR EVEN IF IT IS SOMEONE ELSE'S TREAT!

Again, I do feel bad for the waitress, who we later found out was still training, SURPRISE SURPRISE! And, Craig said his meal really was pretty good.

**I am curious though, have you ever had a meal/drink dumped on you or anyone else at your table?**

Did I say I was going to give the class another shot...

Well, I didn't. Long story short, a facebook friend request came in and then I paniced that my blog either would be found or had been found. Keep in mind, I didn't talk badly about anyone in the class or the class itself, I simply stated that it wasn't my thing...and I stand by that 100%. But it would still be SUPER AWKWARD if I had gone to class and someone had seen my post from yesterday. So, I kindly ignored the request and immediately sent an email that I had appreciated what I learned from the first class but would not be returning. Yep, I backed out, and I am relieved now.

Besides that, the hormones have been on a roller coaster tonight and I'm about to throw my computer out the back door. I'm tired, crabby, and my back hurts. I'm calling it a night. Here's hoping there are no roller coasters tomorrow or the weekend.

Idea Alert!!!

Thanks Grandma Janet, for sending this idea my way. Lord knows we have plenty of cribs at our house!

I just can't stop!!!

I know, I know, I have a real problem with style choices. My blog has changed looks multiple times each and every day. There are so many things I like right now that I just can't commit to one "look"....so I don't. I change it up, then I change it up again. It is so bad, I'm actually annoying myself with it. I am all over the place! #crazypregnancyhormones

Christ Centered Birthing Class

So let's talk a bit about this Christ Centered Birthing Class that I was so excited about, shall we? My first class was last Thursday and my next class is tomorrow night. I'm not so much looking forward to it, but I'm willing to give it another go.

Back in the early Spring (and as a New Year's resolution) I had made the commitment to further explore and learn about my Faith and spiritual side. Things have been going well, some days are better than others, some days I forget and turn into a complete crabby, negative Nancy. I try to do my best and I know that I still have a long way to go. I like to think of myself as a "work in progress".

My Christ Centered Birth Class is not the "work in progress" type. These women are very much tuned into their Faith and seem very sentimental about it all. Not that there is anything wrong with that, they just don't seem to be my type of people. I will continue to go because I know I can learn from them; however, it is hard to "buy-in" to people who act very differently than you do. I can talk about my Faith and what I believe in a normal tone of voice. I am open and matter-of-factly about it all. It is very different to be in the midst of people who can't talk about it without quieting their voices, almost to a whisper, while puting their hands to their chests in an effort to prove such passion about what they're talking about. It almost seems like it is all over the top to prove they have so much love and Faith within them. Do you understand the type I'm talking about? Again, I hope I don't offend anyone by talking about this...it just isn't my thing. Can I also add that out of the 4 of us in attendance I am THE ONLY ONE PREGNANT!!!

Yes, there is the instructor, who is pretty soft spoken, her sister, who talks a lot and is there to learn more about being a doula, another lady who seems pretty naive but also wants to learn about being a doula, and me...the token pregnant gal in a birthing class!!! So not only am in surrounded by ladies who are very much different than I am, but I'm trying to learn all I can about the biggest challenge I am going to put myself through (an unmedicated childbirth) and I'm the only one attending the class for the original purpose of the class...I can't stop going, who would be the token?!

How do I get myself in these situations??? I do it all the time. I try to better myself and end up feeling guilted to continue whatever it is. Again, I'm sure I'll learn a lot throughout the next 7 weeks but it is going to be a struggle to keep my motivation and glean from the class what I need to personally achieve what I am looking for. The whole situation is just a little weird...but oh well, welcome to my life.

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble,

I've decided I have to get better organized with my posts. And, considering I have to be at work before too long, this post will hopefully be my last rambly post and all others following will have 1 specific topic. This will likely mean more, smaller posts, but hey, that's fine by me.

In order to make this concise here are the topics:
~The blog in general
~Monday night sewing
~Painted chalkboard
~Baby Hogan at 27 wks and hormones

THE BLOG IN GENERAL
For anyone who checks my blog on a somewhat regular basis you'll notice that the blog has changed almost everyday. I really consider myself "a horse of a different color", in that my mood/preferences/style changes all the time. I just can't committ to one design for very long. I'm not sure I'll every find just the right combination of colors and textures to keep me content. So, if you open it up and it looks totally differnt the next time, don't think you've ended up in the wrong place...I've just gotten bored.

MONDAY NIGHT SEWING
Since the hubs plays golf with the guys every Monday night now I've decided to make it my sewing night...after the kids go to bed, of course. My projects have to be quick and painless because I have to finish them in the same night or they'll never get done. It is beginning to seem like Tuesday's at work are now "here is what I made last night" days. So far my creations have only be 2 scarves and some flowers, but I'm excited to keep it all up.

Here is this weeks creation:

PAINTED CHALKBOARD
Last weekend we had committed to painting our chalkboard wall downstairs. We've had a little chalkboard painted on a wall for a while now and I saw this pic of a whole wall painted like a chalkbaord and new the kids would love it. It went pretty smoothly, except the hubs convinced me that we only needed to tackle the one wall for now. So now, the chalkboard wall is complete but we still need to paint the other 3 walls of the room.

The hubs sanding down the texture of the wall

Primed and trimmed

The finished product...or part of it

It should also be noted that I took this pic all by myself. I just set the timer on the camera and hoped it turned out alright...not too bad.


BABY HOGAN AT 27 WKS AND HORMONES
As you can see in the pic above, Baby Hogan and I are growing right along...as are the hormones. Hogan is kicking more and more and harder and harder. It's a lot of fun to anticipate his arrival and how are family will change. It's also a little crazy to think about!

I started my birthing class, that I was so excited about...more on this in a separate post.

Now for the hormones. I feel as though I've been handling everything quite well, but when something hits me wrong I become sour quickly. Let's just say that 1 little statement, that wasn't meant the way I took it, resulted in me in bed by 9pm...royally crabby! All is well again today though, that's all that matters.

So that's enough for now. I'll see about adding more posts on a more regular basis. Perhaps I'll even get another one up tonigh.

I have inspiration coming out my...

*DISCLAIMER: I'm tired and had a lot of different topics to discuss. I'm sure this post jumps all over the place and I apologize. If I read it tomorrow I will try to edit it a bit...at this point I just don't care. Hope you enjoy!

As you can see, the blog is getting a little bit of a facelift. I have been so inspired by some/all of the blogs that I follow. They offer such great info and are so cute and sassy. I'm trying to add more to my blog but I'm not sure what I'm doing...so please be patient as I learn. Please also offer advice if you seem to know more than me (I'd really love to learn how to put a signature at the bottom of each post...suggestions welcomed!) These awesome blogs can be found under the link Blogs I Adore at the top of this page. I've also added a separate page that will someday be a welcome/all about me.

My list of things I want to make/fix/update just continues to grow. I am getting such great ideas for sewing, decorating, and life in general from the blogs of others. I'm also finding that my tastes have changed significantly since being pregnant this time. I used to go for modern/formal decore and clothing. These days I am all about fun and functional, cottage casual. I can't get enough cardigans, belts, flowers, ruffles and scarves. I'm obsessed with finding a cute pair of flat riding boots that I can wear this fall will all of the items I just mentioned. Although I've always thought of these things as cute they were never "my style"...now they most certainly are! Craig's still adjusting, as he's anti-accessories and prefers clean lines. He'll survive!

I/We continue to pluck away at the list of things I/we want to accomplish before the baby gets here. I found my fabric for curtains and my Grandma was nice enough to come over last Sunday to help me sew them...which, thankfully, turned into her sewing them. I will post more pictures of the living/dining rooms once the rooms are finished. I'm ordering more fabric for 2 more panel to add to my big window and plan to also frame some fabric art for the walls.

Grandma Janet, sewing away

Me, struggling to grasp the simple concepts of measuring and cutting straight

On the list for this weekend is painting the family room and possibly constructing a loft bed for the boys' room...how cute is that, "the boys' room"! Here is a link to a really cute bed that we like and seems relatively easy...How to Build a Loft, courtesy the handmade home. The family room will have one HUGE wall of chalkboard paint and the other 3 walls of hopefully a fun color. We have yet to decide. I'd love to eventually build a bookshelf for one of the walls in the family room too, but that will have to wait for now.

Today marks 26 weeks and the growing continues. Clothes are still fitting but my recent obsessions with belts is getting painful. Today I had to take my belt off...I was wearing it above the baby bump and it was pinching my skin between it and my underwire. Fun, let me tell you! The girls continue to grow out of control too, and I don't mean Scotland and Paislee. I'm popping seams and fraying straps on my bras...woe is me.

This is the most perfect circle I think I've ever seen.

The last week has been fun. We've started going on family walks more often. Craiger runs while the kids and I stroll along. Thank goodness the kids are as slow as they are, if not I would be pushing it too much. Our walks usually involve a lot of sweat and tears, sometimes some scraped knees with blood, and tonight it involved peeing on a tree...and an arm. Apparently Sully lost control of his "monster" and it turned against him.

Speaking of peeing, Ms. Paislee's had a heck of a time lately. She was fully potty-trained but has seemed to develop some issues lately. She's doing a great job of helping me keep the bathroom floors mopped each night...yep, she's peeing on the floor at least once a night. She actually managed to do it twice within an hour and a half the other evening. She's in the habit of waiting til last minute, and then the vain little thing that she is, gets distracted by herself in the mirror on the way to the toilet. She also likes to dance...one of these 2 times she peed on the floor she told me, "well, I was just dancing, mom". Paislee, NOT A VALID EXCUSE!

Scotland has just continued to be sweet little Scotland. She's just precious...especially when she's tired. She's snuggly. She arrives home each afternoon from school completely exhausted!

Sneak Peek

I just couldn't wait til tonight to post. Here's a sneak peek of the infinity scarf that I threw together last night! I'll never show you the seams...they aren't the prettiest but they work.


Now to improve my self picture in the mirror skills...

A Day of Firsts

In an effort to keep this short and sweet I will list all of our firsts today:

• First day of Kindergarten for Scotland
• First day of full day preschool for Sullivan
• First day of preschool (period) for Paislee
• First time on the bus for Paislee
• First time missing the bus for Sully and Paislee (they were not put on the bus to come home)
• First time Scotland decided to walk out the front door on her own (while mom was changing clothes before our evening walk)
• First time having to pop-a-squat in someones yard so Paislee could potty while on said walk
• First time posting pics of the kids on the blog...thanks Craiger!

Now for the fun part...

I have to explain this first pic. Of course the camera was acting up and wouldn't take a quick pic. This led Sullivan to start making dumb faces which led to mom hollering at him. Then he started crying. Paislee's leg is red because her shoes have lights in them and Scotland isn't looking because she rarely does. This is how 95% of all of our group shots turn out these days.

Scotland's bus arrived first, and we knew it would. However, it was about 10 minutes early. Even though we had just headed outside to wait for the bus this rushed us and we didn't have time for a little pep-talk of what the day would hold. Scotland ended up getting rushed to the bus while mom snapped horrible pics along the way. You can tell in this pic that she's not impressed to be put on a bus with random strangers while mom and dad wave and shout "I love you". Just after this pic both mom and Scotland had a few tears...I'm proud to report that we both survived the day.

So after Scotland got on the bus and rode off to school we had some time to kill. I was able to get a semi-decent shot of Paislee and Sullivan.

Getting on the bus for the first time, for Paislee. Sully is a pro!

Kindergarten wears a girl out. I was first upset that she wasn't in the car seat that we listed in her IEP...then I asked Craig (he's the one who got her off the bus) and realized that she's strapped into the seat tight enough that it held her in while she was limp.

She managed to wake up a little bit, but was tired all night.

Paislee and Sully as they arrived home after mom had to pick them up.

Here's the hubs, Craiger. Doesn't he look impressed to have his pic taken. Those are his brand new Armani Exchange glasses that he's so proud of. Looking pretty good if I do say so myself, dumb face and all!

Here's a pic of me. I don't know why I didn't just take our pic together...we both would likely have looked better.

And here's Baby Hogan, 25 weeks

In other news, I am excited to start my birthing class. I've signed up for a Christian Birthing Class that will be held at a local church. It starts next week and goes for 8 weeks. This will get me to within about 6 weeks of my due date. Hopefully I will learn and practice all the relaxation and coping methods I need in order to survive a natural delivery...I'm so excited!!

And while we're on the baby train I have to explain my new, legitimate nickname. The Clark-Maker. This is not just any nickname that one would give themselves. This came straight from Craig's grandma, and I am proud to hold the title of Clark-Maker, it is an honor! As long as Craig will let me I will keep kicking out Clarks!

I think that is all for now. So for all of you random followers who I don't really know, I hope you enjoy my family. I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of things that I've tried to remember to mention since my last post 2 weeks ago, but for now I'm done. This post has taken way too long to post because I keep having trouble with formatting. If you're lucky ;) I'll post again tomorrow.