Bringing Evan Home!

It has been almost a week since Evan joined our family and the adjustment has been just amazing! We had a couple bumps along the way but we are getting into a good routine. Just this morning, since Charlie had to go back to work, I managed to get all three boys out the door in plenty of time to drop David off at school!

Bump number one post-delivery was that around 10am on Saturday morning, 9 hours after Evan was born, when a water main pipe burst in Weston, MA affecting the water supply for the Boston area. There was a boil water order issued and water was not to be used for cooking or drinking. They even went as far to advise people to use hand sanitizer after washing your hands. That made things interesting while at the hospital. Even though the water was "safe" for showers I decided it was better not to shower since I was doing so much skin to skin contact with Evan. I also couldn't drink my ice water, since all of the ice was "contaminated".

Bump number two was trying to get discharged on Monday. We arrived home around 4pm, but we were expecting to be discharged a lot earlier. The Pediatric department was concerned about the amount of weight Evan dropped. Newborns normally drop on average 7% of their birth weight but that morning Evan was weighed at 9lbs 1oz, which put him at a 10% loss of his birth weight. I was a little surprised by this because nursing was going so well and Evan was latching like a pro. They even had a lactation consultant come by to make sure. I was even more surprised when the Attending suggested that I pump in between feedings so that they could mix it with formula and feed him using a dropper. First of all, I was nursing him on demand, and the last thing I wanted to do in between frequent feeds was pump. Second, adding formula when my milk hadn't even come in was something I was just not going to do. I have nothing against formula feeding, but give my milk a chance to come in before you start suggesting that he needs formula. I said that I didn't want to do that, all I wanted to do was go home.

Thankfully I have the Doc around. He told the doctors that we were pretty much leaving, no mater what they said. I had been there since Friday night, I missed my other boys, and I just wanted to be back in the comfort of my own home. I knew that once my milk came in, Evan's weight issues would disappear so I just wanted that chance. Besides, as the Doc said, changes in weight of an ounce or two are within variation of the scale. They had scheduled an appointment at our pediatricians office for the following morning for a weight check and we told them that if there were still problems with his weight we would re-evaluate it at that time. Well, sure enough, my milk came in late that night and at his weight check the following morning he was weighed one ounce off from his birth weight.

Now that isn't to say I have Weight Gain 3000 in my breast milk, but more likely that there was a difference in the scales. Needless to say, it was pretty near impossible that he was continuing to lose weight, so that made me feel so much better and I didn't have to supplement!

Here is Evan ready to go home!


He is just such a good baby, he nurses well and he is starting to learn the difference between day and night, which means that I get a little more sleep at night instead of having our marathon nursing sessions like the first couple of nights.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so we took the boys over to the park to play. We are trying to make sure not to disrupt the boys routine. While David loves his new brother, Shaun is taking a little longer to warm up to Evan. We felt that by keeping things business as usual, it would make the adjustment period easier on everyone! And so far so good!

Below are some pictures of the boys from the park yesterday!

AI: Frank Sinatra

So this had to be the worst possible "theme" for someone who just brought home a newborn baby. Ugh. I just thought everyone was OK until of course Lee ended the show with a HUGE bang!

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - The Way You Look Tonight
I wasn't as excited about it as Randy but it was a good vocal. He was in his element for sure.

2. Casey James: song - Blue Skies
Not the best performance for someone who has a newborn. I seriously feel asleep. I wasn't even crazy about the vocal. What a letdown after last week. I can't believe I am going to say this but he made me like Aaron better. Ick.

3. Lee DeWyze: song - That's Life
LOVE HIM! Just LOVE HIM! Have I mentioned that I LOVE HIM?! No question they saved the BEST for last!

4. Aaron Kelly: song - Fly Me to the Moon
I have nothing nice to say. I cannot believe this kid is still here boring us all to tears with is sub-par vocals.

5. Crystal Bowersox: song - Summer Wind
I liked it better than the judges apparently but when you compare her to the other contestants she is just in a whole different league.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Casey
3. Big Mike

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
Aaron, Aaron, Aaron...maybe if I type it enough it will come true!

And Evan Makes Five

We are so happy to finally be able to introduce the newest member to our clan, Evan Michael!


He was born May 1, 2010 at 1:00am weighing 9lbs 15oz and 21 inches long! Below is the story of Evan's journey to the outside world!

Evan Michael's Birth Story

April 30, 2010
7:00pm - 7:30pm: The doc and I arrive at L&D, register and get sent to our room. We met our nurse and she took all our information while I was hooked up to the monitors. Even though, we were a scheduled induction I had already started contracting about every 15 minutes on my own since 10am that morning. By the time we arrived at the hospital they were slighly stronger and closer together around 5 to 7 minutes apart.

8:45pm: The intern came in to do an exam to see how far dialted I was so that they could make a decision on which meds to give for the induction. She told me that if I was 3cm like my OB had told me I was the day before that she would go straight for the pitocin (and nix the cervidil). I was, and that was the plan that was set in action.

9:20pm: The nurse started the pitocin drip.

9:50pm: The nurse increased the pitocin from 1 to 3 and contractions were now coming every 2 to 3 minutes apart and they were definitely stronger!

10:30pm: The nurse increased the pitocon to 5, and after a few contractions at this stage, I was very READY for my epidural.

11:20pm: The anestesologist came in to do the epidural! HOORAY!

11:55pm: After the epidural was set I started to feel relief, but only on my left side. I was advised to roll over onto my right side to try and get the medicine over to that side. As soon as I rolled I felt wet, I told the nurse that either I just peed or my water broke. She checked and, thankfully, it wasn't pee! The resident came in to check me and I was now 100% effaced and 7cm. At this point I knew this is going to be over very quickly based on the last two experiences. Thankfully they had paged my OB to have him come in because I think they knew it too! Oh, and so much for that diamond on my mothers ring...Evan was going to be a May baby.

May 1, 2010
12:20pm: I started to feel like I might be ready to get this baby out and start pushing so the resident came to check me again and I was now 9cm

12:35pm: Ready to push!

1:00am: Enter Evan, the not quite 10 pounder prankster who caused his mommy so much grief! He was perfect, I was intact, and I couldn't believe that I actually got him out so quickly without any issues

Below are a few pictures:

I'm Here!


9lbs 15oz...HOLY MOLY!


Sleeping so far what he does best! Let us hope it continues!


One tired Mommy and her boy!

41 Weeks: Induction Day!

The end is FINALLY here! Though, if we were delivering in Philly, I'd be waiting at least a few more days to another week because they don't induce until closer to 42 weeks! I'll be heading over shortly to have one last NST done and my OB has also requested that they do an u/s weight estimation. I have always thought those to be pretty inaccurate but it will be fun to compare the two and see just how close the u/s came.

Then tonight around 6:30 we will head over to L&D to start the induction process. We were supposed to go in last night but they are completely booked solid until TUESDAY! Thankfully my OB made them squeeze me in for tonight. This induction is going to be much different than my last two. At Penn they had us come in the morning and start right off with the pitocin. At BMC we go in the night before because they begin the process with cervidil. Then in the morning they will start the pitocin.

So that is where the story ends for now. The next post will be Evan's birth story and pictures! Hopefully sooner rather than later!

AI: Shania Twain

This week was music from the songbook of Shania Twain. I have always been a big fan of hers. She is one of my favorite artists to sing along to in the shower! I thought everyone did a really solid job and especially did well with song choices.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - It Only Hearts When I'm Breathing
Nice vocal, that isn't the issue I have with him. For me, I am just not sure I would ever stop and listen to him on the radio. He's too Michael Bolton for my taste.

2. Casey James: song - Don't!
What a nice change! So glad he got away from the electric guitar and just sang a song. This is the first time I actually really enjoyed him and his performance. His best ever and he gets BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT, though I am still not quite ready to jump on the Casey bandwagon.

3. Sibohan Magnus: song - Any Man of Mine
I thought the arrangement was too slow. Her voice is amazing but it was hard for me to get past how slow she sang it. The end was great though!

4. Lee DeWyze: song - Your Still The One
I love this guys voice! He's an amazing singer and I loved this performance and arrangement. He's for sure my favorite contestant. The Doc told me that he could sing "My Ding-a-Ling" and I would love it...and yes, I admit, that is probably true!

5. Aaron Kelly: song - You've Got a Way
I'm sorry, I cannot get past his facial expressions. He's by far the weakest link left in this competition, if you ask me. I am pretty sure there is nothing he could do at this point to get me to like him. Oh and I couldn't disagree with the judges more...but I'll chalk that up to my bias.

6. Crystal Bowersox: song - No One Needs to Know
I liked her vocal, especially when she hit those high notes. It wasn't my favorite of hers but I enjoyed the little band up there and it was solid.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Siobhan
3. Big Mike

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
It HAS to be Aaron. I know the judges fell over themselves to compliment him this week but his last three weeks were train wrecks and even though the same can be said for Siobhan, she's a much better performer than Aaron is.

40 Weeks and the BIG Tease:

Today is due date day and we are still in limbo. My chance to have an "on-time" baby (for once) is slowing coming to an end and it is looking more and more like another scheduled induction. If he's not here by my appointment next Thursday afternoon we'll be heading to the hospital that evening to start the process. It's pretty much what I had thought all along (as you can see from my baby pool guess).

There is, of course, still a chance he could come on his own terms and he's already shown us that maybe he could do just that. Labor started on Sunday afternoon only to stall out after being sent home early Monday morning. Below is the story of Evan's big tease:

Sunday April 18, 2010:
Sunday morning began with a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes and bacon at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants. About 10:30 I got a call from my friend asking if we wanted to join them at the movies to see "How to Train Your Dragon". Since it was cold and rainy it seemed like the perfect thing to do to get out of the house for a bit. After we settled on the show I started to feel what I assumed to be Braxton Hicks contractions. I blew it off until they continued. They started to fall into some type of rhythm that we contemplated cancelling our plans to go to the movies.

We decided to go anyway since we had already told David and he was really excited to be going to the movies again. Besides, nothing about these contractions told me I should be really worried. I did continue to time them while at the movies and found that they were coming (on average) every 15 to 20 minutes. It wasn't until 5:30pm that they started to feel different and become closer together. The Doc and I continued to track and time each one and found that it was becoming more consistent and slightly stronger at every 10 minutes. This continued for the next hour and we decided it would be best to have MIL come down and spend the night, you know, just in case!

MIL got here about 8:30 and I decided I should finish packing all the things I would want to bring with me in case we ended up going into the hospital. I also took a nice long hot shower which was really nice. As they kept going, I was trying really hard not to get my hopes up. It was challenging though, since David and Shaun were both scheduled inductions, and this was the first time I had every experienced anything like this.

At 10:30 I thought it would be a good idea to try and go to lay down, but who was I kidding? I couldn't really sleep, so I continued to time the contractions and realized they were starting to feel slightly more uncomfortable and they were getting closer together at about every 6 minutes. This continued for the next hour while the Doc and I went back and forth on deciding whether we should go into the hospital. Since this is baby number 3, I was advised by the NP that I should probably go in once they were like 5 to 8 minutes apart. So around midnight we decided that we would go.

Monday April 19, 2010 (Midnightish):
We pack up the car and head over to L&D and get checked in. We were set up in a triage room where I was hooked up to the monitors. The nurse told me she was seeing contractions every 4 minutes! I was pretty excited to hear that. It wasn't much long after she said that that the intensity of those contractions picked up significantly. They were intense enough that I needed to focus and breath through them. The resident came in to do an exam and found that I was only a centimeter dilated. I was a little disappointed and was hoping for better news. She told us she would re-examine me in a couple hours and said that I was free to walk around. So we did. The Doc had some emails to send for work to get coverage for his shift in the morning.

When we returned we waited for the resident to come back to recheck me and unfortunately nothing changed much. With that in mind and the fact that even though I was having strong contractions (just not strong enough or long enough) her recommendation was for us to go home. I was crushed. I really didn't want to go home. She left to talk with the Attending but ultimately they asked us to leave. The concern was that since things were moving slowly that it would be very easy for the morning team to push some pitocin, which they didn't want to have happen.

I was so upset because, in my opinion, my contractions were pretty intense and I was confused by how much more intense they would have to be before I was to return. I was advised to take a hot shower and get some rest. So a little after 4am Monday morning we packed up all our stuff and headed back home. Needless to say I was devastated. Here I was thinking this is it and I, of course, got my hopes up that this was the real deal. My contractions continued with the same intensity but I noticed them getting farther apart. I took that hot shower, mostly because I was wired and needed to clear my head. After the shower I decided to lay down. Apparently I was much more tired than I thought and ended up falling asleep and that was pretty much the end of my labor. When I woke up the contractions were back to what I was feeling earlier in the day Sunday and eventually they stalled out.

And that brings us to Friday April 23, 2010, due date day. We are still hoping that he will be joining us really soon (like tomorrow would be nice!!) but at least we know for sure he'll be here by the end of next week!

AI: Songs of Insperation

This week is Idol Gives Back so the theme was songs of inspiration. I think at this point it's very obvious who the standouts are.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Hero by Seal
I enjoyed this, like I said I like seeing him with the guitar. Didn't really stand out and it certainly wasn't one of my favorites but I thought it was solid.

2. Casey James: song - Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac
This performance was reminiscent of when he sang Hewey Lewis. He's a good musician but his performances still fall flat. It's like the same thing week to week. I agree with the judges, that he's not standing out.

3. Tim Urban: song - Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls
I actually disagree the judges a little, I thought that was pretty darn good, and his best in my opinion. I was impressed for the first time.

4. Sibohan Magnus: song - When You Believe by Mariah Carey
Very nice vocal I mean there is no question that she can sing, but I am still missing the old Sibohan, the one who sang Paint it Black.

5. Lee DeWyze: song - The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel
It's no secret he is my favorite contestant this year but that was just amazing! He's so awesome! I would stop if I heard that on the radio. Every week he just keeps getting better.

6. Aaron Kelly: song - I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
I think Alicia Keys called it when she said if he wasn't careful it could be overkill, because that was overkill. Not a fan at all, never have been, so I know my bias comes through but really that was not good.

7. Crystal Bowersox: song - People Get Ready by The Impressions
Nice touch with the a capella start. Amazing performance, but did she have to cry at the last note?! I know I'll be alone on this but that kinda turned me off a little. I understand that it was inspiration night but...

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Tim
3. Siobhan (though I would rather see Casey here)

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
I think Aaron finally needs to go but this could also finally be Tim's week.

39 Weeks: Insert Jeopardy Theme Music Here

One week, 7 days, 168 hours, 10080 minutes (you get the picture) until Evan's official due date, and here we are, still waiting. I don't know why I thought this would go down any differently, but for some reason I was feeling really good about the chances of an early arrival. I suppose if he decides to grace us with his presence in the next 168 hours, he'd still be early but I won't be holding my breath!

Having never gone into labor on my own (the last two times I was induced), I still don't know what to expect when, and if, labor begins. I have been trying not to get my hopes up every time I feel something going on, but it's hard! From what I have heard and read, I'll know when it's the real thing so until then we wait. If Evan decides to be late to his own party, we'll be scheduling the induction for around 41 weeks.

I had my weekly NST on Wednesday and everything was perfect as it has been the previous two tests. He's very responsive and all fluid levels are in check. After the test I headed over to have one last ultrasound, and while I enjoy the ultrasounds, I am ready to see him in person! The ultrasound tech has estimated his weight at 8lbs 5oz. When I asked her how accurate the estimates are, she said very! Oy vey!! I am hoping she is wrong because he he waits another two weeks I very well may be correct in my "pushing out a toddler" statement in my last post.

Thanks to modern technology (my android smart phone and the hospital wi-fi) I will be able to keep everyone updated on the status of Evans arrival. You will all be the first to know!

Here is our last 3D shot of Evan, he was playing peek-a-boo and covering his face:

AI: Elvis (Top 9 Again)

So the judges used the "save" last week on Big Mike. I have to say that I personally would have liked to have seen Didi saved the week before, but oh well. So we have 9 contestants again singing from the songbook of Elvis Presley. Overall it wasn't a bad night but I thought last weeks show as better.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - In the Ghetto
Vocally I thought it was good, he definitely has a nice voice but but I have to say it was a little boring. He's one of those contestants that I could take or leave. I don't think he'll leave tonight as I am sure people were shocked he almost left last week.

2. Casey James: song - Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Another one I could take or leave. He's pretty consistent week to week, I'll give him that, but I am still not on the Casey Bandwagon and at this point, don't think I'll ever be. I agreed with Simon that it feel a little flat.

3. Andrew Garcia: song - Hound Dog
I really think the judges have it out for him, it's like they want to hate his performances. While it certainly wasn't his best, I enjoyed the arrangement and I love the tone of his voice and how he phrases the lyrics. But I am smart enough to realize that I am alone and wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him singing the swan song this week.

4. Katie Stevens: song - Baby, What You Want Me To Do
She can sing, no question, but her song choices leave her looking and sounding very old fashioned. She also needs to work on her stage presence. Someone should nicely tell her that her finger snap and foot stomp at the end note is uber lame.

5. Tim Urban: song - Can’t Help Falling In Love
Vocally it was good, probably one of his better vocals, but he's still very weak. Having said that this is probably the first week that I feel like he deserves to stay. But if we are basing this on overall performances, his time is up.

6. Sibohan Magnus: song - Suspicious Minds
She has some mad vocals, but I hated the song choice. It wasn't until the end that I really got pumped about the song. I think she could be in trouble. She really needs to go back to the first week when she sang Paint it Black.

7. Lee DeWyze: song - A Little Less Conversation
Another winner from Lee and in my opinion again the BEST OF THE NIGHT! He is just awesome and continues to get better each week. He is no question my favorite to win, but he'll have a tough go at it against Crystal.

8. Aaron Kelly: song - Blue Suede Shoes
Really?! Are you kidding me with these song choice. Are you kidding me with the dance moves?! You do realize that you're NOT Elvis, right?! GAH! This was BY FAR the WORST performance of the night. I seriously will throw something at my TV (well my computer, when I read about it, since I don't actually watch the results show) if this kid isn't one of the ones to go home tonight. And that is all I have to say about that.

9. Crystal Bowersox: song - Saved
What else is there to say about her, she is great. It was another solid performance from Crystal.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Katie
3. Andrew (though it pains me to write that)

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
I would like to see the young'ins Aaron and Katie go, but I will most likely be one of the young'ins (hopefully Aaron) and Andrew.

38 Weeks: Nesting?!

So here I am at 38 weeks with the BIGGEST belly ever. It's seriously impressive. I would love to have this baby right now. I fear that if I go too much longer I'll be pushing out a TODDLER!

I have started to think about all the things that should get done before Evan's debut. Like having a clean and organized house for once. This what is referred to in the pregnancy world as "nesting". So on Wednesday my Mom came down to watch the boys while I went to my weekly NST. While I was gone she swept my floors, did all the dishes, cleaned the counter tops and the stove and had the boys pick up their toys. The place looked so nice when I got back!

On Friday, MIL came down to organize and fold all of the laundry I washed, because while I have no issues with the washing and drying part, I HATE to fold and put away. She also cleaned up the boys room and washed out the sink and took the trash down to the garage. It was so nice to have everything neat and organized after she left!

Today's to-do list was to clean out the van, wash and clean all car seat covers, move David's car seat to the back row and set up the infant carrier. Charlie spent a good hour and half outside this afternoon taking care of that entire list. My van looks awesome and it's ready to go for whenever Evan decides to join us!

So here is the million dollar question; Can I still call it nesting if I wasn't the one who did any of the work?

Really Shaun?!

This kid is a piece of work! Here is Shaun at Splat after painting his star. Not only did he make a HUGE mess all over himself but then he took the paint brush and stuck it in his mouth!

It's the reason I hadn't let him paint before but he wanted to sit with his friend Alexis and so against my better judgement I let him. I thought for sure he wouldn't try to eat it this time because he had his binky! As you can see, not so much.

AI: Lennon/McCartney

Last night was songs from the Lennon/McCartney songbook. It was yet another solid night from the Idol contestants...though it probably helps that I love all the songs they were able to choose from! I am still getting over my shock of Didi leaving last week and tried really hard not to take it out on the contestants I thought should have gone in her place.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Eleanor Rigby
Another solid performance. It was a good vocal but I am not sure how I felt about the arrangement. It was (as Randy would say) a little weird for me. I like him better with a guitar because he doesn't distract me with his ridiculous hand gestures! David Cook's version two season ago was WAY better!

2. Casey James: song - Jealous Guy
I liked that he changed things up a bit by choosing this song. It was a very good vocal I like the original version of the song better but this was by far his best performance. I don't think it was the best of the night, but that has more to do with my bias than anything else.

3. Andrew Garcia: song - Can't Buy Me Love
I really love the tone in his voice and it makes me happy that he's been given the chance to stay and prove why he belongs here. There was definitely the cheese factor with his song selection, but it was still fun and I absolutely love the tone of his voice and the way he ends his phrases. I do however, agree with Simon, that it would have been better without the band in the background.

4. Katie Stevens: song - Let it Be
Vocally this was her best performance. I don't think I loved it as much as the judges did but it was solid. I still think she has a lot of room to grow.

5. Tim Urban: song - All My Lovin'
OK well to be fair, anything was going to be better than Queen and Sweet Love. He's so nice and sweet but I am starting to feel a little bad for him since it's obvious to even him, that he's the weakest link. I do give the him credit, like Simon said, he's taking it all in stride and just doing his thing. It was a nice version of the original song but nothing to write home about.

6. Sibohan Magnus: song - Across the Universe
After last weeks disaster I thought it was great to see her come out and just sing. While the song is one of my least favorite songs in the songbook, it was sung beautifully and in tune and you could really get the sense that she believed what she was singing. I do agree it was a little sleepy and I laughed when the Doc said it would be the perfect song to play for the boys to get them to fall asleep at night!

7. Lee DeWyze: song - Treat Her Like A Lady
I realize my bias is coming through but this was, in my opinion, the BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT! I even dug the bagpipes! It was weird and I am still not sure what he was thinking but hey, it was interesting! I think it was the best because he's the one contestant who has gotten better, and better each week. This week we saw more smiles, more confidence and he even got the audience involved. It thought it was awesome!

8. Aaron Kelly: song - The Long and Winding Road
UGH! This was the worst performance of the night. It was boring and slow and he continues to do the same thing every week and it was nice to finally have the judges say so. I really want this kid voted off, if you couldn't tell!

9. Crystal Bowersox: song - Midnight Train to Georgia
Another solid performance from Crystal. She is definitely a front runner. It was a great arrangement and a great vocal.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Katie
3. Tim

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
Aaron...even though it should be Tim based on previous weeks, he's got his VFTW fans and Aaron is just so boring.

Easter 2010

We hope that everyone had a great Easter and that the Bunny was good to you. This year the Doc had to take call over the weekend so he sadly missed all our festivities, but we made the best of it and had a great weekend. First on Saturday we had our big annual Easter Party at the Rec center. The Easter Bunny made an appearance which David loved and Shaun, not so much!

David smiling nice for the camera!


Shaun playing


Shaun saying "cheese" for the camera!


David with the Easter Bunny (Shaun wouldn't eve go near him...oh well!)


That night after we colored eggs. Shaun was old enough to participate this year and had a blast dropping eggs into the colored water.







Sunday the boys were up bright and early and found the goodies that the Easter Bunny had left them. We didn't have a lot of time because we needed to head out to NH so that we could have an Egg Hunt at Omi's house before heading over to church.

The Goodies!


Finding eggs at Omi's house!




Outside after Easter Service at the Atkinson Congregational Church


After church we then headed over to Grammy's & Papa's for a ham dinner and another Egg Hunt with all the cousins! It was such a beautiful day and the kids had a lot of fun playing outside!

Our attempt at getting all the kids to sit still for a picture!


Getting ready for the egg hunt!


On your mark, get set...GO!






It was my last trip to NH until after Evan's arrival so it was great to be able to spend it with all the family!

37 Weeks: Ready When You Are Evan!

We are officially in the home stretch! Today I am 37 weeks and 1 day along in what has felt like an eternity of a pregnancy. At this point Evan is officially considered full term and so we are ready whenever he is!

On Wednesday I had a routine NST that goes along with all the ultrasounds I have been having every six weeks. This hospitals policy is to err on the side of caution when your as old and BIG as I am! Evan passed with flying colors. His heartrate was perfect, my fluid levels were in check and I was told I even had a few contractions, which was nothing to write home about since I didn't even notice them!

I have been told by random people that my belly has dropped, though I haven't noticed. I have also been told by random people (ahem...the Doc) that I look REALLY pregnant! Could it be because I AM really pregnant!?! He is lucky that I have a really good sense of humor!

Now it is hurry up and wait for Evan to decide when he's ready to join us all on the outside. I hope he's less stubborn than his brothers because I am SO ready to have this baby! Don't forget to place your bets in the baby pool before the game is locked! You wouldn't want to miss out on a chance for a shiny nickle and bragging rights!

AI: R&B

Last nights show was by far the best of the three so far. This week we saw some favorites tank and some underdogs step it up. I hope that voters take into consideration past performances, as I do, into consideration when dialing those numbers!

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Ready for Love
This was by far my favorite performance by him in all of the weeks that I have watched him. Really solid and I love him with the guitar.

2. Didi Benami: song - What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
It's so hard when your favorite contestant lets you down, but that was one of her worst performances. I LOVE her and her voice but that was a very, very bad song choice, which did nothing to showcase her true talent. For a change I actually agreed with Kara, she seems to be stepping away from what makes her great and a stand out from all the other contestants. Hopefully she'll listen to the judges and go back to her guitar and just sing. She's been good enough all along that I don't think this will hurt her, but it might if she continues to be something she is not.

3. Casey James: song - Hold On, I'm Comin'
On a performance level, I thought it was really cool to watch. It was fun and energetic and probably his best vocal so far. Having said that, I am still not on the Casey bandwagon. I was nodding my head with Ellen, when she said it was generic doing the same thing week to week.

4. Andrew Garcia: song - Forever
I LOVED this performance! It was my second favorite of the night! I am so happy he was given a couple more weeks to get there, because he did last night and a very big way!! I hope that people continue to give him chances and he doesn't blow it if he's around next week! I think he will be!

5. Katie Stevens: song - Chain of Fools
This was definitely her best vocal, but I found the whole performance awkward for her. With the exception of last week she and her outfits she's very old fashioned. She wasn't the worst of the night but it wasn't one of my favorites.

6. Tim Urban: song - Sweet Love
This poor kid. I am starting to feel really bad for him. Ellen is right to call him adorable because he's got that "super nice guy" smile, but his voice doesn't hold water when you compare him to the other contestants. On a positive note, it was WAY better than last week.

7. Sibohan Magnus: song - Through the Fire
It hurts me to type this but, this was probably the worst performance of the night. I agree with the judges that even great contestants have bad nights. I was shocked because she is usually quite in tune and the verses were all over the place. It was a terrible song choice and while I don't think she has to worry, she is going to want rethink things and try and get back to what she did when she sang Paint it Black in week one.

8. Lee DeWyze: song - Treat Her Like A Lady
BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT! Can I get a HELL YA?! Finally he proved to himself and the judges that he too can have a moment. He has, in my opinion, the best vocals in the competition. What he lacked was the confidence of some of the other front runners! I was so pumped for him after that performance and I hope he remembers exactly what he did right and continue to doing it!!

9. Aaron Kelly: song - Ain't No Sunshine
This poor kid has what I now refer to as the Kris Allen Effect (last years winner). I couldn't ever watch him preform because he made funny faces and just rubbed me the wrong way. I get the same feeling with this kid (minus the porn stache of course!). This was probably his best vocal but I still don't get it. When compared to Lee, Mike and Casey who are all musicians this kid is just a nice boy who can sing nice songs.

10. Crystal Bowersox: song - Midnight Train to Georgia
I rank this my third favorite of the night. I liked that she mixed it up with the Piano. I agree with Simon that she doesn't really need to change because frankly she really is the only one who KNOWS who she is. However, I also don't want to see her week after week doing the same thing, so I was glad to see her change it up. I didn't even mind the back up vocalists.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Tim
2. Katie
3. Siobhan (strictly based on last night and I wouldn't count out Didi)

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
Tim...this poor kid is by far the weakest link left now.

The 9th Month!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Yesterday marked 36 weeks (or rather the beginning of the 9th month!). I just need to be a little more patient. It's just easier said than done. I truly feel like things will be easier once he's on the outside!

As you can see in the picture to the right I got my hair cut and colored! Today I had a lovely day of pampering that included a morning pedicure, lunch, hair appointment, shopping and dinner with my cousin. It was a much needed "me" day! It is nice to have the opportunity to decompress every now and then.

I will now be going to the doctors weekly and I will also be going in for a couple of NST's (non-stress tests) which are routine for someone in my condition (you remember, old and fat!). For now we are in the hurry up and wait mode and while my bets are on a scheduled induction after my due date, this is baby number three and therefore perhaps I may just get lucky and have one on time for a change!

And speaking of bets, don't forget to place yours in the baby pool. Just click on the link to the right and enter your guess. Remeber you don't need to have an account to make a guess. Even David made a guess, and he had so much fun doing it, he wanted to make more guesses!

AI: #1 Billboard Hits

With the contestants choosing #1 songs from the the Top 100 Billboard charts I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed by the selections. Last weeks show was a million times better and I am not that big a Stones fan. I did disagree with some of the criticism of a few contestants but over all was in agreement that song choice killed them. I turned off last nights show with a bad taste in my mouth, thinking that whoever is advising these contestants about their song choices needs to be F-I-R-E-D!

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - When a Man Loves a Woman
As I sated last week, I really like his falsetto and he does have a great voice. That being said, I HATE that song and he didn't make me like it any more even with his, nice boy smile. I agreed with the judges when they argued that it was a tad over the top. When compared with the nights other performances though this one was one of the better ones.

2. Didi Benami: song - You're No Good
Apparently the judges and I were listening to different performances because I really liked it. I LOVE her voice. She is my favorite contestant, and so I can admit that perhaps I am a little biased but I don't think it was as bad as the judges said. It wasn't her best or the best of the night but I still really liked it a lot, especially when you compare it to the other contestants. It amuses me that the judges will tear you a new one for doing the same thing week to week, and then tear you a new one when you go outside the box and do something a little different.

3. Casey James: song - Power of Love
I said exactly what Simon had said before he even said it. It was a more than OK copycat performance of a famous 80's song. I don't know what the heck Kara was listening to, he in NO WAY shape for form made that song his own. I'd argue he sounded EXACTLY like Huey Lewis. That is not a bad thing, because certainly has a good voice, but that was no STAR QUALITY performance Kara. I still don't get it.

4. Andrew Garcia: song - I Heard It Through the Grapevine
I really love the tone of his voice, and I felt it came through more tonight in his rendition of this Marvin Gaye #1 hit, but I think his days are now numbered. He wasn't the worst, in my opinion, but people are probably done giving him chances. I don't know what happened to him. He has one of the better voices out of all the men.

5. Katie Stevens: song - Big Girl's Don't Cry
She is getting better with her song choices but she cannot compete with the likes of Crystal, Siobhan and Didi. I think she is starting to find her way with who she is but her performance last night was good, not great or amazing. She is lucky that Paige didn't sing a single note in tune.

6. Tim Urban: song - Crazy Little Thing Called Love
That wins the award for cheesiest performance of the night, add that to his very weak vocals and he's in a lot of trouble. He has a nice voice but he's not a superstar.

7. Sibohan Magnus: song - Superstition
That was crazy good. She is just so insane, in a good way! It wasn't nearly as good as last week, but she continues to wow me. Though, that isn't saying much with the performances this week.

8. Lee DeWyze: song - The Letter
I wasn't nuts about his song choice. I did however like that he came across as more confident and I swear I saw a smile! It was fun to watch but again not saying much with this weeks train wrecks! His vocals are still the best of the guys and he continues to sound better and look better on stage every week.

9. Paige Miles: song - Against All Odds
Last week she was forgettable, this week I can't get that train wreck out of my head. That seriously has to be the WORST performance I have seen on idol, probably ever. I felt so bad for her, she didn't sing ONE note in tune. It was so out of tune a tone deaf person would have been able to pick up on it. It was also a terrible arrangement of the song. She should be packing her bags.

10. Aaron Kelly: song - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
COME ON! Are you kidding me. First off, in my book, he lost points for song choice. Even my all time favorite contestant, David Cook, couldn't get me to like this song so teeny bopper, weirdo Aaron certainly won't. This kid leaves me scratching my head every week. Will someone please tell me what I am missing with him. He sing nice copy cat versions of all his songs. Why don't the judges tell him to "change it up" or "make it his own". For some reason, that I cannot for the life of me figure out, people like him which means, unfortunately for me, that he'll continue to be around. Ugh.

11. Crystal Bowersox: song - Me and Bobby McGee
BEST OF THE NIGHT. Which again is not saying much in this week of train wrecks, but her rendition of this Janis Joplin hit was unreal! To use a Randy-ism, it is one of my favorite songs of all time, and I just loved everything about it.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Paige
2. Andrew
3. Tim

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
Paige...and if it's not then I don't know anymore!

Long Island Long Weekend!

As my previous post stated, we spent some of the past long weekend in NY. It was a great time, and the boys loved spending time with G.G. and swimming in the hotel pool. And the icing on the cake was the gorgeous Spring weather!

We arrived on Thursday night and met up for dinner with G.G. and then she came with us back to our hotel to watch the boys go swimming.



Then it was off to bed so the boys could be rested for our fun day at the Bronx Zoo. We woke up early and headed over G.G.'s house for breakfast and then we were off. Since the zoo is still on Winter hours some of the exhibits were closed, but we still had lots to see and the boys had a blast running around. I think their favorite part was the Bug Carousel!
David at the Zoo entrance:


Shaun running to the next exhibit:


Checking out the animals:


The Bug Carousel:


After the zoo we dropped headed back to the hotel for a quick swim and then it was back to G.G.'s for dinner and dessert! We headed back to the hotel for a good night sleep because we would be meeting up with some of the Doc's extended family.

After a lovely brunch (which included NY Bagels - YUM!) with the extended family we packed up the car and headed to Jones Beach. It was a gorgeous sunny day but the ocean breeze kept the temperature in the mid-60's. Shaun and I even walked down to the water and stuck our toes in. It was FREEZING and Shaun didn't really like it very much!

The boys having fun in the sand:


HUGE hole!


Shaun preferred to eat his sand! (I wish I was kidding...sigh!)


Cool Shades!


After the beach we headed over to the Cheesecake Factory for an early dinner. It was so yummy and we were all so full that we ordered our cheesecake to go and headed back to G.G.'s house so the boys could ride their bikes and play outside.




After our dessert we headed back to the hotel for one last swim before checking out in the morning. The boys still talk about missing the pool! Shaun was very sad when we packed up his swim vest.



Shaun getting the hang of it


David's BIG splash!


After a hearty breakfast the Sunday morning, we hugged G.G. goodbye and hit the road home. It was a lot of fun and it was nice to get away before Evan's arrival!

35 Weeks + Hotel Pool = BLISS!

On Thursday after we picked David up from school we headed south to Long Island to visit with G.G. and some of the Doc's extended family. We were able to find a hotel nearby G.G. that had an indoor pool and the boys had a blast being able to go swimming each night.

Since I am almost 9 months pregnant, and there was no way I was going to fit in my regular bathing suit, I had to purchase a maternity one. I wasn't very thrilled about it but I also knew the pool would feel lovely, so I sucked it up!

Turns out it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be, and what better excuse to look fat in a bathing suit than to have a GIANT BABY BELLY! You can see the top to the bathing suit in the picture on the right.

Well I was right about the pool. It was very nice. It was a small pool but it was the perfect size for the boys and it felt nice to be weightless for a change! All the walking around we did this weekend did a number on my ankles (er...I mean CANKLES!)

It is hard to believe that we have 5 weeks left, and I have to be honest, my fingers are crossed that Evan decides to arrive at least on time. So don't forget to place your bet in the baby pool. Remember a nice shiny nickel and (most importantly) bragging rights are at stake!

Baby Evan in 3D

Yesterday we had another ultrasound and got to see Baby Evan on the "TV". I had one done about 6 weeks ago but he wasn't very cooperative so we never got a nice profile picture. I was really hoping for one this time but again he was being stubborn and sugar I had prior to the scan did nothing to make him move his hands out of his face. She was able to get this 3D profile. It's not great but you can make out some facial features.



While she was measuring his head she pointed out to me that he has hair! No wonder my heartburn has increasingly gotten worse over the last two weeks. Of course we won't really know until he makes his grand entrance into the world but it was neat to see on the monitor.

They have estimated that Evan is about 5lbs 8oz right now, and of course the Doc says that those estimates are not very reliable and to figure plus or minus 1 pound. I was just happy to hear that everything is right on schedule and he's looking good! Assuming I don't go into labor early (which we know doesn't happen for me!), I'll have one more ulstrasound on April 14th.

AI: Top 12 and the Stones

Last night the top 12 contestants took on the songbook of the Rolling Stones. After the song choices last night I thought I knew more Stones songs than I did. I only recognized four of the songs. Overall I enjoyed their performances but Siobhan was hands down the best of the night.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Miss You
I really liked his falsetto and think he is genuinely good performer but I am still not jumping up and down like the judges are with him. Overall though he's a solid contestant and he'll make it far in the competition.

2. Didi Benami: song - Play with Fire
It's no secret that I LOVE her. I absolutely love her voice, in fact she is my favorite vocally out of any contestant. I thought she sang with so much passion last night and I really enjoyed it. I do like her better with her guitar though!

3. Casey James: song - All Over Now
Seriously?! What am I missing here with this guy. I just cannot jump on the Casey bandwagon. I said out loud while watching that I couldn't understand what the big deal was with him, when the Doc looked up from the laptop and said "It's because he's 'pretty'." Um, well not in my opinion. I did like the bluesy arrangement, and there is no doubt that he can sing well, I am just not excited about him. He'll be around for a while though.

4. Lacey Brown: song - Ruby Tuesday
I thought this was a good song choice for her. It was my favorite performance of hers. I really like her voice a lot, but she cannot compete with Siobhan, Crystal and Didi, in my opinion. It wasn't bad but nothing to write home about.

5. Andrew Garcia: song - Give Me Shelter
I actually liked this and disagreed with the judges. I think it was nice to see him really sing a song for a change that was different than trying to do another "Straight Up". He has a really great voice, I don't understand what is going on with him though that is keeping him from really standing out. I hope he sticks around another week because he has lot of potential.

6. Katie Stevens: song - Wild Horses
This was her best performance. It was a really good song choice which was important for her, because she hasn't done very well in that department. She is so young and while she can sing really well I just don't think she is quite there yet. She will be around another week but I don't see her going very far.

7. Tim Urban: song - Under My Thumb
I want to like him, he seems so likable, but he has the weakest vocals out of all the contestants in this competition. I didn't think the performance was as much a train wreck as Randy did, but when you compare it to the other performances of the night it was the weakest. I actually liked the vibe he was going for in the song (very Jason Mraz), but I also didn't know what the original version of the song sounded like so maybe that helped. I think his days are numbered.

8. Sibohan Magnus: song - Paint it Black
BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT! She is just so awesome. I loved everything about that performance right down to her look. She is definitely one of my favorites and out of anyone in the competition I look forward to seeing her song choices the most.

9. Lee DeWyze: song - Beast of Burden
He is my favorite male contestant. I love him. Out of anyone, he is the one I would stop and listen to on the radio. He constantly chooses the right songs and he is getting better every week. He is his own worst enemy though because he looks so scared up on the stage. I hope he can come out of his shell quickly, although, Elliot Yamin was the same way and he made it to the top 3!

10. Paige Miles: song - Honkey Tonk Woman
Completely unforgettable and extremely lucky to be in the Top 12. She stole Lilly's spot and in my opinion, didn't prove to me that she should be there over her last night. She is another one who will not be around very long. Needless to say, I am not a fan.

11. Aaron Kelly: song - Angie
Somebody please tell me what I am missing here with this kid. I mean really. He sings the same "boy band" song every week and the judges are literally falling all over themselves to compliment his performances and song choices. His weird facial expressions make me want to vomit. This was probably my least favorite performance of the night, but I doubt he'll be voted off. No way is this kid better than Alex Lambert.

12: Crystal Bowersox: song - You Can't Always Get What You Want
I really enjoy her. She is definitely a talented singer and performer. I also really liked her rendition of the song. She is obviously not going anywhere!

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Paige
2. Aaron (more of a wish than a likely to happen - Andrew could be here as well as Lacey)
3. Tim

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
While I would like for it to be Aaron, it's going to be Tim.

42 Days to Go: Place Your Bets!

Today I am 34 weeks pregnant. That means I have 6 weeks (or 42 days) to go before the "big day". I started a fun pool on a free website and thought it would be fun for people to guess when Evan's birthday will be, how much he'll weigh, his length and time of birth. Obviously Evan is a boy so that is a given!

How to Play:
Click on the ExpectNet box in the top right hand corner and it will bring you to the game. Fill in your answers and submit. You DO NOT need to register with the website to play, however your answers will be final! If you want the option to change your guesses then you would need to register, but it is a free site. Eventually once it gets closer to go time I will close the game so no more guesses and or changes can be made. I'll give some warning, so if you want to wait until the last minute to place your bet you may do so!

The game is based on a point system and once Evan is here I will plug in the results. The program will then calculate the winner who will win a nice shiny nickel and bragging rights!

Good Luck everyone!!

Helpful Hints for Placing your Guess:
David was 8lbs 2oz, 20 inches long born at 7:25am. We were induced on our due date (with no signs of labor going on its own anytime soon!) and he was born the next morning.

Shaun was 7lbs 15oz, 21 inches long born at 6:21pm. He was ELEVEN days past his due date before our induction.

They do say all bets are off with baby number three...but based on my history I have a feeling Evan might be fashionably late as his brothers were! But you never know!

AI: Guys Round 3

The performances last night were, again on the slow side, but overall I enjoyed them all. I may find myself in the minority on my review today but it is what it is!

My Top Three: Should sail on through to the top 12

1. Lee Dewyze: His nerves are still there but this week he came out with a ton more confidence and it showed. Out of all the guys he is my favorite. I think with more confidence he can be really great. I have a strong dislike for the song he chose (Fireflies), but he made me like it. Even The Doc (who never watches Idol with me), looked up from the laptop and agreed with me that it was better than the original. He went on to add, though, that it wasn't saying much. Of course I disagree!

2. Michael Lynche: I thought his song was really good, but it's not the music genre I enjoy listening to, so I wasn't jumping out of my seat like the judges. Honestly, while it was one of the best for the guys, there are about four girls that I think have done much better performances that haven't seen the love that this guy got last night. I didn't get it, I mean, Kara crying?! Are you kidding me?! It was a bit much for me.

3. Alex Lambert: I want to put Andrew here (because I really like him) but I can't with good conscience, so Alex gets my number three spot. He is by far the most improved and has one of the better voices, but he needs to have more emotion when he sings. Like I have said before, he is very reminiscent of Elliot Yamin. I still can't help but laugh at Ellen's banana references.


The Weakest Links: The most likely to sing their swan song tonight

1. Aaron Kelly: Um wow. Last week I FF his performance, this week I watched every painful second. No strike that, I started ranting to the Doc about how much I can't stand this kid during his performance. I feel bad saying that (because he is so young) but I just don't like him much and honestly never have. He is another one whose praise from the judges has me scratching my head. If by some chance he squeaks by (because all the little old ladies and teeny boppers vote for him), he won't make it far.

2. Tim Urban: He was good last night, probably the best he has ever been but he is not even in the same league as the other guys and that is why he makes my bottom three. It's too bad because he really seems like a genuine guy.

3. Todrick Hall/Andrew Garcia: It's a tie and I couldn't decide which one to put here. I think they are both equally at risk to go home. Personally, I like Andrew better. I also didn't think his version of Genie in a Bottle was as much a train wreck as the judges thought. I also think they are being unfair to him saying he peaked early, but again I like the guy so I am know I am being a little biased. Todrick gave his best performance of the three rounds but I don't know if is enough to save him. If he does make it he's another one who will be out in the early weeks.

My predictions for the four who sadly won't make the top 12:

1. Aaron Kelly
2. Tim Urban

1. Paige Miles
2. Katie Stevens

AI: Girls Round 3

I really enjoyed last nights show. Songs were a tad on the slow side but I thought for the most part everyone sang really well.

My Top Three: I can't see how these ladies don't make the top 12.

1. Didi Benami: I thought her acoustic version of Rhiannon was amazing! Out of all the contestants, her voice is one of my favorites. So as long as she doesn't pick songs like "Lean On Me" in the future she could go far.

2. Siobhan Magnus: This girl can sing. She has been so fascinating to me since the first week. I can't wait to see how she does once they introduce theme nights into the mix.

3. Crystal Bowersox: She is awesome. Hands down one of the best of everyone. I really loved her performance last night. I also look forward seeing how she does with themes.

Weakest Links: And most likely to be packing their bags

1. Paige Miles: As I said in the first round, she is so forgettable to me. I know the judges have commented on how she has the best vocals in the group but I never thought that. She was by far my least favorite of the night. Everything about her performance just sounded off to me. I don't see her in the top 12 and never did from the beginning.

2. Katie Stevens: I hate putting her here, but that was not a good choice for her. She also sounded a little off, which isn't like her. I like her voice and she has great stage presence for someone so young but she doesn't quite know who she is yet. So if she does happen to sneak by and make it to the top 12 she won't make it far.

3. Katelyn Epperly: What a let down for me from last week. She went from doing something amazing to doing something blah. She can really sing too so I don't know what she was thinking on that song choice.