Rubix Vaughn Szolusha Arrives 10:33pm on March 15th!

The story begins a week before Rubix arrives. My body was showing signs of labor with hours of mini labors (where my contractions were 10 minutes apart) almost every day. On Monday, Rubix's due date I had a doctor's appointment. I measured "a little bigger than 3cm and a little more than 50% effaced". I was surprised I hadn't changed much with all of the false labors I was having compared to my appointment a week earlier where I was 3cm and 50%. I weighed in at 137.3 lbs and measured 37 weeks along.  I had an ultrasound the week before just to make sure everything was okay because I still measured small. The ultrasound estimated that Rubix weighed 8lbs 13 oz (putting him in the 85 %ile) and his measurements put his due date for Saturday March 12th. My weight gain was disappointing at only 22 lbs, but my stomach wasn't handling foods very well either. 

Anyways, around noon, a couple of hours after my appointment I had contractions that started again. I called Keith around 2:30pm and told him that I think it would be a good idea if he picked up the kids because I didn't want to drive. Well, around 5pm that evening after 5 hours of contractions 10 minutes apart everything stopped. I was a bit disappointed, but thought things would start up again in the early morning hours. I was very surprised throughout the night and morning that my contractions did not pick up. They came and went always 10 minutes apart. The next morning, I decided after dropping Phoenix off at Angela's, that I would go to the YMCA for a walk. Keith dropped Axel off at school and decided to work from home. During my hour walk I had to slow down every 10 minutes to get through the contractions. They were not intense but I couldn't walk very fast because they were uncomfortable. After a nice long shower, eating lunch, finishing laundry and cleaning up the house, I realized that my contractions were getting more intense and closer together. I decided to rest for an hour with my relaxation music. I was able to slow down my contractions from every 5 minutes to every 7 minutes by resting. When I got up again Keith noticed I was stopping more frequently, every 3 to 5 minutes. It was 2:30pm in the afternoon so I decided to call Labor and Delivery. After hearing my symptoms and because it was my 3rd child they asked me to come in.  Here is the final shot of my belly as we left for the hospital.

 We arrived around 3:30pm and were in the observation room at 4pm. I was surprised I was only 4cm dilated. They asked me to go for another walk. I was more than happy because I wanted to keep labor from stalling. I was only up on my feet for half an hour, with very little walking, before I had to lie down for each contraction. I could no longer handle them standing up. My contractions were lasting 1-2 minutes and coming every 3 minutes. Because of their intensity, I was surprised that when they checked me an hour later, at 5pm, that I was only 4.5 cm dilated, although I was 85% effaced.

They decided to put me in a room, but the process was taking a very long time. I felt the baby was going to come around 9pm and it was already 5pm and I was suppose to get antibiotics for 4 hours before delivery because of testing positive for GBS. They didn't get the antibiotics started until 6:15 pm and I wasn't in the room until 7pm. By 8pm I could no longer handle the contractions. I was extremely frustrated I couldn't get into a relaxed state with everything that was going on around me.

Everything that I had been working on for months wasn't working. I broke down and asked for something to help with the pain. I was hoping for a shot of Tylenol since that had worked wonderfully during my short labor with Trip 2 earlier in the year. I was shocked when they said they don't give Tylenol because they didn't think it would work. My other option was a narcotic that would make the baby drowsy if I had him too quickly. The only other option was the epidural so I said I wanted asap. I had the epidural put in at 8:30pm and to my surprise it didn't work! The only thing it did was make my back numb. They had me go side to side trying to spread it. When they checked me I was a 9.5 cm and completely effaced. They said because I was dilating so quickly is the reason why it wasn't working. I was even more frustrated. Luckily, some how at 9:30pm I realized instead of the intense contraction throughout my abdomen I was having stabbing left sided back pain. It was the best pain I ever felt. I was so relieved to feel something different. By 10pm the back pain was gone and the epidural was in full effect. I was ready to push so I asked for them to turn off the epidural. They thought I was crazy, but I wanted to feel again and I know it takes a couple of hours to wear off. They obliged and turned it off. At 10:20pm I was starting to feel quite a bit already. Because the pain was returning quickly I started to get a little worried that maybe I had made a mistake. I asked if I could please start pushing. At 10:25pm I was set up and given the green light to push and at 10:33pm Rubix was born!

I was absolutely in heaven to meet our 3rd child. He was the most gorgeous baby I had ever seen. I was instantly in love and shocked at the same time to be a mom again. I know most people think it is strange, but it is always hard for me to believe that my big abdomen equals a baby. As you can see from the picture Keith and I were glowing with excitement.

 Keith and I guessed his weight right before he came out. I guessed 8 lbs 6 oz. Keith guessed 8 lbs 2 oz. To both of our amazement Keith was right on as Rubix weighed in at 8 lbs 2.5 oz. By the time they took the weight and height Rubix was already 2 hours old and everyone was gone except our attending nurse. She measure his height at 18 inches. There was no way that he was only 18 inches and both Keith and I saw she was struggling to get him to straighten out his legs. Keith and I knew they needed to weigh Rubix before discharge so we let the height thing go and focused on our beautiful child.

 Here is daddy and Rubix as we were waiting for our room in the mother baby unit.

 Rubix's first bath at 4:30am. They are required to wait a minimum of 6 hours until their temperatures stabilize. Rubix was running a bit low but after skin to skin time it came up enough to give him a bath.

Everyone at the hospital was fantastic. They knew we wanted to go home as soon as possible. Everyone worked really hard to make this happen. He had his circumcision, hearing test, blood work and oxygen test all in time for us to be released.

 Here is Rubix being weighed just before discharge. He weighed 7 lbs 12.9 oz and measure 19 and 3/4 inches!  What a huge difference when you have two people measuring :)

 Aunt Shannon was our angel as she worked from home on Tuesday, out of instinct, after I talked to her on Monday night. She was able to leave her house around 2:30pm. She had all 3 kids picked up and was home by 4:30pm. Axel, Phoenix and Braylin had a fun evening playing, eating and bathing together. The next morning, Auntie dropped Axel off at school and then Phoenix at daycare and then headed to the hospital for a quick visit. Here is Auntie and Braylin meeting Rubix. We were extremely grateful for the help and can't thank Auntie enough!

We were not sure what we were going to do about getting the kids from school and daycare, but somehow everything worked out. One of Axel's friend's mom offered to pick up the kids and bring them to the hospital. We were extremely thankful that Mae was able to bring the kids so that they could meet Rubix. It also helped us get disharged even earlier than expected. They started the discharge process at 6:30pm and we were home by 7:45pm (Typically you have to wait until the baby is 24 hours old). I was able to get the kids to sleep by 8:15 and it made the transition home that much easier.

 Here is Axel holding Rubix. He brought him a rainbow football for a present. Phoenix was a bit overwhelmed and couldn't sit still for the picture. She brought Rubix a rainbow basketball for a present.

 Daddy, myself and Rubix!

 First Family Photo!

Axel and PHoenix are transitioning very well. Axel is the biggest helper in the world. He is the sweetest big brother and loves to love on Rubix. Phoenix loves all of Rubix's gadgets. She is hot and cold with him as expected, but when she is into him she is just as sweet as Axel is. Here she is reading to Rubix. 

This weekend was busy. Axel had a baseball game and birthday party on Saturday. The game was during nap time so Phoenix, Rubix and I stayed home. Daddy and Axel had a blast at the game and party. Bummer that we don't have any pictures. 

On Sunday Phoenix had her friend Macey's birthday party. It was at West Valley Gymnastics. It took Phoenix about 20 minutes to warm up but she had a great time with her friends. 

 The party was 2 miles away from the house and luckily very short. Phoenix was very sweet and after eating some snacks was okay taking her cake to go so that we could get home to Rubix.

There is more to share but to keep this post from getting any longer I will start a new post with awesome pictures of Rubix and the kids.

Opening Day for Spring Ball 2016

The past two weeks I have been busy with scrapbooking and appointments. At my 38 week appointment I was 2 cm and 50% effaced. I was 4 cm and much more effaced with Phoenix at 38 weeks. I am excited to find out how things are progressing on Tuesday during my next appointment. We are all getting excited and anxious to meet our new addition. 

On Wednesday I took the Tuscan in for an oil change because it has been 6 months since we bought it. I can't believe we have already had the Tuscan for 6 months. It had to get software updates. Something was recalled and had to be updated. This technology thing is really amazing to me.

On Thursday Phoenix and I had some nice park time before going to story time. She is really becoming quite the character. She is beyond silly and quite clever. I love this picture!

We were surprised to see Angela, Brooklyn and Aisha at story time. Angela had been talking about joining us for story time for months so I was quite surprised to see her finally there with two of Pheeny's favorite people. I just love the picture of the three of them!

On Friday we were excited to finally get some rain. After school and chess club instead of getting ready for baseball practice we went down to check out the stream. We were pleasantly surprised to see the stream already flowing with water since it had been bone dry the day before.

Axel had big news when I went to pick him up from chess club. He had finished the first book, the Egg book, and took the Snake test. He got promoted to a Snake and received the Snake book. He was very excited and Daddy and I were very proud. He has only been playing chess for a month and a half and really has very good understanding of the game. I have a lot to learn since I don't know chess at all. Both Daddy and Axel want me to go through the Egg book so that I can play with Axel. I just have to start and finish their 2015 scrapbook and then I promised them I would learn chess.

Last weekend it was beautiful out so I took the kids to Jack Fischer Park. We ran into one of his school mates, Toby, who just happened to be having his birthday party there.  In one of those awkward moments his mom invited us to the party. We kindly said thank you. Axel played a bit with Toby before we had to head home for lunch and nap time, just about when the party got started. It was a fun impromtu play date.

Today was the big day we have been waiting for. It was opening day for little league. The only bummer was that it was raining out, with torrential rains and flooding expected for the afternoon and evening. They decided to still have opening ceremony because it was easier to have in the rain than reschedule. I thought this was a great picture of everyone with their umbrellas. A funny site for us Californians.

Phoenix was able to see her buddy Macey there since her older brother Matthew plays AAA ball.

Here are all of the teams from T-ball to Majors out on the field. If you look closely you can see Axel and Keith in the middle of the picture. We had over half the team missing because it was the last game of the winter basketball season that his teammates are on.

We had two special surprises during opening ceremonies. One was the Rolling Hills Middle School band played the National Anthem.

Second was the San Jose Giants mascot, Gigante, was there to celebrate and entertain during the morning festivities. Macey and Phoenix were a little scared to meet Gigante, but eventually did with a little help from us moms. I hope that Macey's mom will send me the photos soon.

The games were all cancelled for the day because of the heavy downpours, but they still had their team and individual pictures taken. 

Axel has been quite sick with a cold all week that climaxed today after standing out in the rain for an hour this morning. Hopefully he will be 100% soon. I have been dealing with a mild cold or allergies all week as well. Hopefully the next time I post it will be all about baby brother! 1 week to go!!!!

Valentine's Day and President's week

Last Saturday night we headed to the Cheesecake Factory. We tried to get there extremely early, but didn't manage to arrive until 5:15pm. This lead to us waiting an hour for dinner. I was really proud of the kids. We did lots of jumping up and down the curb and spent a lot of time looking at all of the different cheesecakes they had on display. 

Everyone was really hungry, by the time we got serve at 6:40pm. Axel enjoyed spaghetti and Phoenix ordered corn dogs. Both of their meals were huge!

I enjoyed an awesome chicken and avocado salad and Keith had chicken and asparagus. It was our plan to get a picture of Keith and I together and the entire family together, but with the way the night worked out there was no time for that. So here is a picture of me.......

and here is a picture of Keith and Axel exhausted from the long day and 3 hour dinner adventure.

On Monday we headed to Sky High Sports. We were checking out the place to see if it was something that Axel wanted to do for his birthday party. Although both kids had a blast jumping, Axel decided he wants the same bounce house and party in the park.

Here is a cute video of both kids jumping. Axel also ventured into the foam pit as well. It took Axel almost all week to recover from his big weekend of exercise. He played baseball for 2 hours and soccer and other outdoor adventures with the other Axel for 6 hours on Sunday, after swimming for 45 minutes. Saturday he also played a couple of hours of baseball and then the hour of constant jumping really wore out his little muscles! Thank goodness he recovered in just enough time for batting practice last night and baseball practice today.

Axel and I enjoyed Tuesday and Wednesday together, just the two of us, while Phoenix was at day care. We did a nice bike ride/ walk, lots of arts and crafts and went to an arcade for a couple of hours because of the very windy rain storm that came in on Wednesday. The kids had their allergies retested on Thursday. Axel's peanut allergy is growing so I am not sure what the doctor is going to say. Phoenix had a little reaction to the negative control group and a little reaction to the entire nut panel and chicken so I am not sure what the doctor is going to say about her results either. We have a phone appointment coming up on Friday after he returns from vacation.

Keith has been really wanting to get a picture of my stomach all week so this morning we finally took some pictures. He wants to be able to show people who ask how I am doing so I am including the pictures below. We are all getting excited for the arrival of baby Szolusha. Just 3 more weeks to go!!! I sure hope he decides to come sooner than later because patience is not one of my strong points! Until then, enjoy!

Super Bowl Fun!

Here is a precious picture of Axel and Phoenix on our walk home last Thursday. They are usually such great friends and siblings to each other. It helps to think of moments like these when they are not getting along :)

We had a fun short visit with Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce. They arrived last Friday afternoon in time to pick up Axel from chess club. Axel and Phoenix were very excited to see them and spend the evening with them.

On Saturday morning we headed to Jack Fischer Park and used their birthday gift for Phoenix. Here Grandpa is giving it a try.

I reminded Axel that we have used his friends rocket launcher on the top of the hill. Here is "air Axel" getting ready to launch the rocket.

Grandma also got some air jumping down to launch the rocket!

Of course it would not be a complete visit to the park without some swing time for Phoenix.

Axel had baseball practice during nap time but when he got home he was able to play with Grandma and Grandpa a bit more. Grandma and Grandpa treated all of us to yummy sushi for dinner. It was a great meal and nice to not have to cook.

The main reason Dad and Sonia were in town was for the 50th Super Bowl. They decided to finally check this off their bucket list. They were like little kids going to a candy store. It was so much fun to be apart of their exciting adventure. They were up and out the door by 8am on Sunday morning and didn't get back until after 9pm. They had an amazing time and we were glad that we happened to live close to the new Levi Stadium to help make this happen.

On Monday they spent their day in Sacramento with the rest of the Burgess's. We are all optimistic about Great Grandpa Don's diagnosis and prognosis. We are glad that Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce were able to see him and are looking forward to seeing him after his surgery. He is in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Great Grandpa Don!

On Monday night Grandma and Grandpa were able to play a game with the kiddos and read books. 

I wasn't sure the kids were going to be able to spend more time with them, but they were very happy for any and all of the time they had with them. 

Although it was a quick visit, we have learned some time is better than no time!

In other news, the kids are finally getting use to sharing a room and sleeping through the night. We have implemented a new rule of no getting up before 6:40am on school days and 7am on the weekends. Because Phoenix gets up early she has been waking Axel and they have been waking the entire house nearly an hour before we are all use to waking up. Phoenix seems to be over her fear of Axel's room and is now taking up to 3 hour naps in the bunk bed.

Other good news is that Phoenix woke today for the first time since she has been in the bunk bed dry! I am hoping this means that the transition is over and that we will be done with diapers in about a week or so! I told her that I need her to hold it for 1 week straight before saying goodbye to diapers. She had done this in her room, but back slid since changing rooms. I am very optimistic that this is day 1 of 7!

Today Phoenix and I went to my 36 week appointment. My belly measured 3 weeks small so they decided to do another growth ultrasound. Baby #3 again measured big on the ultrasound. He measured 2 weeks a head of schedule for everything except his femur/ legs! They estimated he already weighs 6 lbs 6 oz. I am trying not to get too excited, but it would be wonderful if he came at least 1 week earlier than expected because I really don't want to deliver a baby that is 8 lbs or heavier with a big head! Only time will tell!

Next week there is no school all week.  I am looking forward to some quality time with the kids before baby #3 arrives. After that the only other big event before baby arrives is opening day for baseball. Daddy got a team and is coaching the Red Sox which are many of the same players who were on the Red Sox with Axel last year. It looks like it is going to be another fun filled season!

Phoenix and Axel share a room!

Two weeks have come and gone faster than a blink of an eye. Here is Axel with a creation he built during a play date at Ezra's house. He is wearing his robe because he went from swim lessons to the play date and didn't want to change. 

Last weekend was all about starting to prepare for Baby Szolusha #3. I was getting stressed that if I wait until after I stop working and after winter break that I might not have enough time to prepare. I wanted to transition the kids well before he comes in order to make sure that I limit the amount of change at one time. First we went through Axel's bedroom. I got rid of over a garbage bag full of recyclable art work as well as a bag full of clothes that no longer fit. I was able to condense his clothing to half the closet and half of his dresser. The biggest project was going through all of his Legos and reorganizing them. Luckily, we were able to complete this task in just over 4 hours. 

After we managed to get through his clothes, I then went through Pheeny's clothes. I was extremely excited that I was able to consolidate their belongings. They officially share a room, each getting half of the dresser, half of the closet and half of a bunk bed!  

I started this project only after testing their ability to sleep next to each other two nights in a row. Phoenix slept in the trundle bed on Friday and Saturday nights and took her naps in his room as well. Because they did so well, we decided to build their bunk bed on Sunday. They were so exited about the bunk beds that Phoenix did not nap on Sunday. We headed to Axel's classmate Gaspard's birthday party fully wound up and tired from the lack of sleep because of the bunk bed. Here is a picture of Axel and his classmates. 

 Phoenix had fun at the party as well. She played on the couch and did gymnastics. She got the idea from one of Axel's classmates who is very good and competitive at gymnastics. She was doing all types of tumbling when the party started.

 Phoenix was getting very tired from all of the tumbling and excitement. At this point she was tired of waiting for the birthday cake. Her entire motivation in going to the party was to have birthday cake. They waited until the last 10 minutes of the party to serve the cake.

 Axel enjoyed his yummy dairy-free cocoa cookie while Phoenix ate a piece of cake.

 Daddy and I also enjoyed the cake which had fresh strawberries and bananas!

 After a long day of excitement we went straight home and I put Phoenix to sleep by 6:15pm. She was beyond tired and sound asleep. I had Axel in bed by 7:15pm because he was also a bit sleep-deprived from the early waking each morning. Phoenix usually wakes 30 to 60 minutes before Axel and with sharing a room comes sharing bedtimes and morning awakenings.

I was exited to spend the evening with Keith with the kids tucked in to bed early. We were quite pleased with all that we had accomplished and we both went to bed a little tired ourselves. Well, at 1:40am I heard Axel get up to go to the bathroom. I can always here him because he closes the bedroom door behind him. Well, this not only woke me, but Phoenix as well. I heard Axel walk down the hall and never heard the door shut. My instinct told me to get up and check on them, but I talked myself out of it and fell back to sleep. At 3am Keith and I awoke to a knocking sound or rather the sound of Phoenix walking down the hall in her dress up shoes. Keith and I got out of bed to see both kids outside our bedroom door. Axel said, "We have been up the whole time. We aren't tired and have been playing in the pin ball room." I didn't ask anymore questions but quickly got both kids back to bed explaining that night time is for sleeping and day time is for playing. Axel responded with, "I thought it was morning time. I saw light coming in from the bathroom." I kindly explained it was the light of the moon and kissed them both goodnight. After getting back to bed Keith and I had a very good laugh and laughed the entire next day. Both kids were more than exhausted! Luckily, they are back on track and caught up on sleep and are doing better and better sleeping in their exciting bunk beds, a.k.a. secret hide outs!