The Jones Siblings

Brotherly Love

MJ loves his sister. Really, really loves his sister. I couldn't be happier with the way he has accepted her into our family. He loves to rock her, brush her hair and just this morning brought one of her dolls down to her and gave it to her in her swing :-)

3 Week Pictures

Today I took Molly for her 3 week pictures (technically they were 2 week, 6 day pictures but who's counting?). I went in prepared to spend $X amount of dollars, just the necessities and nothing more. Another mommy blogger I know, mysocalledlife, had blogged about being sucked in to the picture experience so I was bound and determined to get in and out and on with the afternoon.

So, 5 picture sheets, a portrait club membership and 50 birth announcements later I am pleased to report that Molly was happy, wide awake and peed all over their set.

Short Week, Long Weekend

I, like most people normally wish longingly for the weekend. Since Molly has been born and we have been home (12 days), I have found a new appreciation for the weekdays. Ryan goes to school, Matthew to daycare and Molly and I have our own schedule. It involves feeding, sleeping, diaper changing and occasionally a load of laundry or dishes. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys dearly but in my sleep-deprived state, I am not up to the power-struggles my 2 year old is giving me constantly.

MeMaw's Gone :-(

My mom just left for the airport. I can't even begin to say what a huge help she's been over the last 2-3 weeks. Not only did she and my dad give up part of their Florida vacation, she unselfishly cleaned, fed, laundered, babysat and rocked a newborn so her baby (me) could take a shower or get a nap in. I'm a little overwhelmed to think that now it's all on us-including forcing myself to nap. I know they'll be back in a few *short* weeks but right now April 1st seems a long ways off. Thanks mom for all of the help. I don't think I could have done it without you.

Did I mention that my dad drove about 34 hours round trip to drop off my mom and drive back to Florida? That's pretty cool too.

2 Weeks Old Today!

As of 11:04 this morning, Molly Gail Jones is 2 weeks old. Thanks Wendy for the adorable outfit!

The Last "Date"

My mom is leaving tomorrow *sniff sniff*. She is flying back to Florida to spend the rest of the winter in Florida with my dad. They will stop back by here on their way home April 1st. I can only imagine how much my little girl will have grown by then. I am now contemplating a possible trip to visit them in their condo prior to their return. I figure Molly would fly for free and all of her meals would be on me...literally. The car seat is the only thing I would need to work out the logisitics on.

Last night mom watched RJ and MJ while Bobby and I went out for one last meal for what will probably be a long time. Molly was really good and only got a little fussy on the way home. I snapped a pic to remember the occasion.

More Firsts...

First time in her swing, first time in her crib (just for the photo op) and other pictures just because.

Just what we need.....NOT!

MJ is sick. Last night he had a fever of 104.5. Enough to put a sleep deprived mother into hysterics. None of my children have ever had a fever that high and various scenarios kept running through my mind. What if Molly were to get it? What if I were to get it? What if RJ ended up with an intestinal problem that landed him back in the hospital? At 11:00 at night my mind tends to run off and think irrationally. Luckily my dear mom is still in town and between she and my hubby they thought clearly enough to send the crazy mom (me) back to bed and took care of my sick 2 year old. He woke up this morning still warm but much better than last night. I have the surface disinfectant handy and we are all washing our hands until they bleed.

Mixed Blessing

Molly has been on a schedule. Yes, my one week old has been eating, sleeping and pooping like a champ and choosing to eat most times at 9-12-3-6 around the clock. Today I had my doctor's appointment and she ate at the doctor's around noon. We then came home and took a nap together around one. Neither of us woke up until 4:30 which means not only did we sleep the day away, we got knocked completely off schedule. Sleep is wonderful but I'm starting to think that a predictable schedule may be better.

1 Week Old and First Dr. Visit

Molly turned 1 week old today. This morning we gave Molly her first sponge bath at home. She was pretty content while wrapped up in the towel and getting her hair washed.

This afternoon Bobby and I took her to her first doctor's appointment with Dr. Powell, the kids' pediatrician. Dr. Powell oddly enough, was Bobby's pediatrician as a kid as well and we really adore him. She looked great with no signs of jaundice and weighed 7 pounds 4 1/2 ounces. He initially wanted us to come in next Monday for a weight check. Luckily, we have a digital baby scale at home, so we can just call in with her weight periodically, reducing her exposure to sick kids at the doctor's office. Here are a few pictures from today.

Home Sweet Home!

We were discharged today even though my blood levels haven't improved to speak of. Molly slept the entire way home and we were finally able to put her "coming home outfit" to it's designated use. We had to make a stop at CVS to get a blood pressure monitor and I have to make a trip to my doctor's office this Thursday to get blood drawn to see if there is any improvement. Today the doctor said that though rare, she does see 4 or so cases of post-partum pre-eclampsia every year. Leave it to me to be the rare case.

Pre-Eclampsia

I am still in the hospital. My blood pressure is not good. My uric acid levels keep going up and my liver enzymes are see-sawing. Some are good, some are bad and then they switch. I am now on blood pressure medicine that they have just upped to three times a day. They will re-draw in the morning and compare. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!

Got Milk?

Engorgement. There, I said it. It's not a pretty topic and it's painful too. Yesterday I thought my milk had come in. I was wrong. Oh, about 1:00 this morning it arrived in full force. Poor Molly was crying because she couldn't latch on, I was almost crying because she couldn't latch on and Bobby (on the hospital couch) slept through the whole thing. I am so glad I opted to stay an extra day in the hospital. Between the nurses and the lactation consultant, Molly was fed and I am feeling much more comfortable. Like childbirth, I think this is one of those things your mind suppresses so people have more than one child.

One Camera + One Baby + Being Confined to a Hospital Room=

More pictures! Molly found a way to spit up on every clean linen she had today so I used that as an excuse to put her in a sleeper I had brought in her bag. I think she looks good in pink!

Big Middle Brother

Bobby brought MJ to visit us today at the hospital. I think it's a combination of my crazy hormones and the fact that my son is truly one of the sweetest little boys ever but I was almost in tears seeing him interact with her. Just look at them, I think he's going to be her protector growing up. Check out this short video: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/326b8f85679aba62996b341f6f13a9bc/video/3071090

The New Kid in Town

Molly has been a pretty popular girl. We've enjoyed a slew of visitors. The "older" aka 4-year old boys seem to have taking a liking to her as well. We are loving the company, thanks all for stopping by!

More Pictures!

She's Here!

Molly Gail Jones made her appearance at 11:04 a.m. weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 3/4 inches long. She has dark brown hair-and lots of it! She also has her big brother MJ's nose and her big brother RJ's cleft chin. She has a website already too (Thanks Grandpa Lowe!): http://web-iowa.com/andmollymakesthree/ Make sure you turn your volume up!

Nursery's Done!

Since procrastination is my middle name as of late, my dad took the time today to finish painting the walls in the nursery. No more two-tone walls!

It is funny when it is the 3rd child, RJ was 7 weeks early and I was on bed rest for a good 3 weeks before that. His nursery was completely done before I went on bed rest. MJ's was done weeks prior to his birth. Molly's is completed (for the most part) only 2 days before her birth and I was relatively laid back about it. I have come to the conclusion that everything will be done in it's own time.

Note: We have not changed her name to "OLLY". The "M" fell off the wall and broke. I see a trip to Hobby Lobby in my future tomorrow. Also, I am fully aware that I don't look very cute tonight. This is more for documentation on just how big I am.

Super Bowl-So What

Am I the only one who watches the Super Bowl for the commercials and the food?