colds & flu

The title pretty much sums up week #2. Both girls had colds and decided to share with Eli. It made for a couple of rough nights as he was congested and would startle himself awake. Sunday, I came down with some sort of flu. Papa took the girls overnight so I could get some rest and Mark took care of Eli, except for the nursing = ) As of now, everyone is on the amends. Knock on wood ;-)

Little man and I went to the Dr. today for a weight check. I am happy to report he is a healthy 8 lbs 15 oz. I don't remember if I mentioned it before, but we had some issues nursing but they seemed to be resolved now.

It is parent visitation night at Schuyler's dance. Looks like it's going to be a family affair for the Riese's. Can't wait to see what she's been up to!

I know I've been slacking on the blog and there are some of you requesting more updates. I promise to make a better effort! It's good to know that there are people out there reading it = )

Saturday, January 6th, 2007

This is a date we will forever celebrate as the birth of our son. The day before, I had a Dr. appt. He had always said when I got to a point where I was too uncomfortable, we could induce. Since baby was moving less, we did an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid. While it was on the low side, it was still within normal limits. Dr. was going to be out the following Monday and Friday. Mark and I decided to induce and the Dr. said how about tomorrow? Wow! We scheduled induction for Saturday at 7:30. I felt very uneasy about this decision. Was I being selfish b/c I was uncomfortable? Was he ready for birth?

The short version of birth goes as follows. They broke my water at 8:00 a.m. I had no contractions for the next 2 hours. At 10:15 they started pitocin and I really didn't feel like I was making a lot of progress. At 12:45 I asked for the epidural and shortly after she checked me and found I was 8 - 9 cm! The Dr. was called. However, my epidural was only taking on the one side. There wasn't enough time to redo the epidural and I was slightly nervous but assured by everyone in the room I would be fine, even the anesthesiologist. He assured me the yoga would help = ) Dr. made some adjustments to the epidural and just as my OB arrived I was fine! Elijah James Riese was born at 1:44 pm weighing 8 lbs 1 oz and was 21 1/4 in long. What a healthy baby boy. We have all been adjusting but are doing well. Here are just a few pics.

Catching up...

Wow! Lots to share when you don't update in 1 1/2 weeks. Where should I start?

Christmas was great! Schuyler's Christmas can be described as "yellow". She received a new yellow coat, yellow flannel sheets, yellow leotard and yellow tutu. On Christmas morning, as she was opening Santa gifts she said "Santa remembered everything I wanted". Way to got Santa! I'm sure not every Christmas will be that way. I don't think there is a single present she doesn't like. Mackie was also a hoot. I wish I could upload her sounds she made when opening gifts. Lots of "ooooohs" and "aaahhs". Oh, and they both enjoyed passing out gifts to others. They couldn't pass them out fast enough. Cousin Maddie surprised Schuyler and Mack xmas evening and stayed with us until Wed the 27th. The girls had a fun few days as daddy and Grandpa took them to the Children's museum.

I went to work on the 26th but have since been enjoying my days off with the girls. We've had a lot of fun dressing up in leotards, tutu's, and jewelry, playing with play dough and enjoying long naps together! Papa has come over to help with some house projects as mama as getting in nesting mode. He also decided to take the kids overnight on Saturday so we could celebrate our new year's out. We did dinner and a little shopping to find mama some lounge clothes for the post delivery of baby. As for baby news, I have been 1cm dilated and 50% efface for the last 2 Friday appts. I have an appt scheduled this Friday, 1/5/07. Should I make it to this appt, it sounds like Dr. will be determining an induction date for the following week.


The girls are home with daddy today. They got a new sled and are ready to try it out so I think daddy will be getting his exercise today.

So, here is what I look like at 9 months. I have carried this one so much different than the girls and I think I'm the largest with him although my husband says I was larger with Schuyler. This is the first time in my life I got an outie for a belly button. With the girls I always had the "stripe" down the belly. Not this time!

Here is one of the girls in their Christmas dresses from Christmas day in front of our tree.

Schuyler loving up Santa with Mack's arm flying in the pic in the lower right hand corner.

One of Miss Schuyler doing a little xmas dance before the Christmas break.

By the way, Happy New Year to all of you out there!!