Twins?

Hmmm... do my boys look alike, or what?!

And yes, Hunter is super hairy just like Peyton was (and Kyle still is...)

Hunter's Birth Day

As everyone knows, I was supposed to be induced on Sunday. However, Saturday afternoon while we were eating lunch, the phone rang. It was my doctor. She was wondering if I could/would like to come in later that same evening to be induced instead. I said that would be fine, even though I knew that Hunter would then probably be born on the 11th, Kyle's birthday. This is the one thing that I did not want! I just thought that Hunter should get his own birthday. But, at the same time, I wanted to meet him so much that I didn't really even care!

My doctor wanted me to arrive at the hospital around 5:00, so my parents came over around 3:30 so that we could say goodbye to Peyton and get a little dinner before getting to the hospital. I knew I wasn't going to be able to eat for a while. This is the last picture of me pregnant!

We went out for a super fancy meal at Burger King on the way to the hospital. We got to the hospital just before 5:00 and started the check-in process. A trainee registered me, so it took a little longer than it should have. I got back to my room around 6:00 and changed into the super sexy hospital gown. I was hooked up to all of the monitors and the IV was started. Then the doctor came in around 6:20 to start me on Cervidil (aka "the gel"). The plan was to begin with that and then add Pitocin later in the early morning. Labor was pretty uneventful at that point, so Kyle and I just sat around, watched tv, and played on the internet. Around 11:00 pm, I finally felt a contraction, but it wasn't painful yet and I only felt the contractions sporadically. So we just tried to get some sleep, as we knew the next day would be exhausting.

Around 4:30 am, the Pitocin was started. I was able to sleep though for a few more hours. My doctor came in at 10:00 and broke my water, which really helped get the contractions going. They got pretty intense and I finally asked for some pain relief. We started off with Stadol, which I also had with Peyton, around 12:30. I passed out immediately and Kyle snuck off to get some lunch. Eventually, the sleep was fitful because I could still feel the contractions. I was trying to wait to get the epidural because I hadn't been checked and didn't want to stall the labor if I wasn't dilating. But around 2:00 I gave in and got the epidural. I was 3-4 cm at the time. I was in and out during the epidural procedure, but the anesthesiologist was very nice and patient with me (from what I can remember). After the epidural was placed, I immediately felt better!

A few hours later I was feeling lots of pressure, so I knew it was getting close to the time to push. The nurse checked me and I was at 10 cm. My doctor was not at the hospital, so they gave her a call at 4:45 and told her to get there ASAP. My nurse kept telling me to hang on for a little while longer. I thought she was crazy. My doctor arrived around 5:00 and told me to hold on for a few more minutes while she changed into her scrubs. At this point, I felt like I was about to explode, so my nurse said I could push while we were waiting on the doctor. I pushed to relieve a little of the pressure, but it wasn't anything intense until the doctor came back. I only had to push a few times (with me saying, "I can't do it! I can't..." in between each one.)

Hunter Joseph Moreau was born at 5:25 pm on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Kyle was super excited that he got his wish of Hunter being born on his birthday. Hunter was a very perfect 8 lb 2 oz and was 21 inches long. They placed him on my chest immediately, which was so nice. I got a few minutes with him, then the nurses took him to clean him up and check him out.

This picture is entitled "LOVE."

And this one is "LOVE, Part 2."

Kyle and I just couldn't have been happier. Once things settled down a little bit, Kyle started to make phone calls announcing our news and I fed Hunter.

My parents brought Peyton up around 6:30. Peyton came in to meet Hunter first. He could not wait to see him. He was so giddy. Peyton talked to Hunter and repeatedly said, "Aww, he's so cute!"

My three boys!

After Peyton had some alone time with us and Hunter, we let my parents come in to meet Hunter.

Kyle and I got Peyton a special Big Brother gift. He got one of those Kid Tough digital cameras, which he totally loves (but more about that in another post...) We just wanted Peyton to remember that he is special too.

Peyton helped Kyle feed Hunter a bottle. He really is the best big brother. Each time Hunter would cry, Peyton would say, "What's wrong Buddy?" and try to soothe him.

Peyton got bored after about an hour, so everyone left the hospital. Hunter got his first bath later in the evening. He did not enjoy it at all! He was just cold, I think.

We finally got moved over to the postpartum room around 9:30 pm. Hunter was having a tough time maintaining his temperature that first night, so he spent most of the night in the nursery. This might sound horrible, but that was fine with us, so that we could get a little more rest than if he was in the room with us all night.

More to come, so stay tuned...

4th of July Festivities

We had a very busy Independence Day weekend. Saturday morning we headed to the Dundalk parade that we go to every year. There is a McDonald's near the parade route and we meet there for breakfast most years. We met my parents, Jeremy, and Jill around 8:00. We ate a quick breakfast and then drove over into the neighborhood to park our cars. Then we walked over to "our spot" where Aunt Bev, Kim, Dougie, Nadean, Vester, and Austin were already seated. They saved us some space for our chairs.

Peyton was very excited to go to the parade. The night before he asked me what we were going to see at the parade, and I told him we'd see firetrucks and bands. He wanted to know what animals there would be in the parade. I told him there would probably be horses and dogs. He argued with me insisting that there would be zebras in the parade. I'm not sure that I ever convinced him that there would not be zebras.

Peyton was so well behaved at the parade. Here he is before the parade started. Kim gave him this flag and he waved it for the entire parade. I don't think he set it down.

Here's Kyle and I.

And here is the rest of the family.

Although the temperature was only around 80 degrees in the morning, it was so hot at the parade! We were seated on the side of the street with absolutely no shade and the sun was directly in our eyes. Everyone was pretty hot, but I was absolutely miserable. Eventually, I decided to walk down the street a bit and stand under a tree. The difference in temperature was dramatic.

The parade lasted about three hours, but that parade is known for lots of long breaks between the paraders. There parade always starts out with lots of firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars driving with their sirens blaring. Peyton covered his ears because it was so loud, but he loves emergency vehicles. There were several high school bands and the Ravens band marching in the parade. I think every politician from Baltimore County and even Martin O'Malley and Bob Ehrlich were in the parade as well. We did see one horse, but that was the only live animal. There was a costumed pig, turtle, and the Chick-Fil-A cow (Peyton's favorite...) too though. But Peyton counted all of those as animals too.

After the parade was over, we went back to my parents' house for a small cookout. Peyton took a nap after lunch. Then he went outside and played in his pirate ship pool. That canon actually shoots water when it is hooked up to a hose. Peyton loves to get people wet.

Kyle got attacked with a water gun, but promptly grabbed one of his own and fought back against Peyton.

After the pool, Jeremy, Jill, and Aunt Bev came over. My parents cooked hamburgers and hot dogs and we also ate cucumber salad, Suddenly Salad, and corn on the cob. We had an ice cream pie for dessert. Yummy. We went home around 6:00 because we were all exhausted from waking up at 6:30 am and being in the sun all day.

Sunday afternoon there was a cookout at Nadean's house. We went over there after Peyton woke up from his nap. He was pretty excited about that party because Nadean has a pool and Peyton couldn't wait to swim. As soon as we got there, Peyton started to beg Kyle to get in the pool with him, but we made Peyton wait until after he ate some dinner. Finally, we let him get in the pool and he had a blast with Kyle, Vester, Austin, Bo, and Dougie swimming and playing with a beach ball.

Eventually Peyton was shivering so bad that I made him get out. He did not want to be removed from the pool at all. I had to bribe him with a chocolate chip cookie, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

It was really hot again, approaching 100 degrees. There was a tent set up in the backyard though, so we all sat in the shade. It actually didn't seem as hot as it did the day before at the parade because we weren't sitting in the sun.

We left Nadean's around 7:30 to drive up to Fullerton to watch the fireworks. We set up our chairs on the field and then Kyle and Peyton took a walk to get us drinks. When they came back, Peyton sat for a little while and read some books. Then he got a little antsy again, so Kyle took him over to the music stage, where Peyton rocked out to the band. Kyle said he was dancing and would have started a mosh pit and/or crowd surfed if he could have.

My parents arrived while Kyle and Peyton were at the stage. They set up their chairs and blanket and then my dad went to get some funnel cake. Yum. Mom brought some Mickey Mouse cards and she and Peyton played Memory while they were waiting for the fireworks to start. I think Peyton beat her every time.

The time passed pretty quickly and then it was time for the fireworks. Peyton sat on Kyle's lap. I don't think Peyton blinked for the entire show, which lasted a good 25 minutes.

It was a good show. Here is one picture of the fireworks.

When the fireworks were over, we walked back to our car and it took us until about 11:00 before we actually made it home. It took a few minutes to get off of the parking lot and then a while to drive because we had to take a detour due to the crowd control. Peyton passed out on the way home, of course. He sort of woke up when we took him in the house, but I don't think he was ever fully with us.

We had a good two days of parades, cookouts, and fireworks. The only downside was the scorching heat.

Busy Weekend

We had quite a busy weekend. On Saturday we headed up to Baltimore for Jill's graduation party. It was at her mom's house, and it was the first time that we've met anyone from her family. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. Everyone also knew Peyton before he was even introduced! We left our house when Peyton woke up from his nap and got to the party around 4:00.

Here is the graduate and Jeremy.

Jill's mom had a nice in ground pool. You know Peyton just could not wait to get in and swim. He begged Kyle to get in with him until Kyle finally did. I would have been in that pool in a minute if I wasn't so ginourmous, since it was so hot that day. Peyton jumped right in.

Then he relaxed on a float....

... And worked on his swimming skills...

... And played with an inflatable car.

We ate a little food, but then left the party because it was just too hot and I was dying. Thanks for inviting us though, Jill!

On Sunday we went down to Virginia to see Kate, Dave, and Noah. Peyton and I haven't seen them since Noah's birthday party in April. Kyle saw them in May when they went to Michigan together. Anyway, it was super hot again. In fact, on the drive down, Kyle's car told us that it was 104 degrees! I don't know if I really believe that, but it was hot.

Peyton did a fashion show for us during the drive. Here's Mr. Cool in his sunglasses. He knows he looks adorable in them.

And for his next outfit, Peyton wore Daddy's Michigan State hat. Still cute.

We spent most of the ride with Peyton figuring out the first letter of about a million different words, based on their sounds. He's getting really good at that. He should be reading by 3. Ha. At Kate's we just hung out, the boys played with toys, and then we ate dinner. Dave grilled some yummy hamburgers, and there was also pasta salad and corn on the cob. Peyton LOVES corn on the cob, as you can see from the following picture.

I had good intentions to take pictures, but I ended up sucking at that. Kate pointed out that this was the last time they'd see us as a family of three. Ahh! As excited as I am for Hunter to be here, I don't think it's really quite hit me yet. I'm nervous about having two kids! But I'm sure it's much easier going from one child to two than from no kids to one. Right?

Daddy's Barbershop

Everyone knows that Kyle cuts his own hair. And he's been wanting to cut Peyton's forever. I finally gave in tonight and let him do it. He set up the barbershop in our bathroom and buzzed away. Here's the after. I think Peyton looks so much older with the short hair.

We'll see if I let Kyle cut Peyton's hair anymore. I'm not sure that I like the completely shaved look. (Of course, Peyton is still super cute!) But at least it saved us $15 + tip, and we all know how cheap I am...

Hunter's Room

I went to the doctor again today, and there still is no progress. Looks like Hunter is going to take his sweet time coming out, just like Peyton did. I officially have 2 weeks until my due date, so I guess I can't really complain... YET. But I am dying to get him out though! We are all ready for him. The car seat is installed, the bottles are washed, and our hospital bag is packed. Now I just need some contractions.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of Hunter's room. We did a transportation theme.

He has lots of clothes and diapers too.

We're ready for you, so come on out, PLEASE!!

Father's Day

First of all, I'd like to wish my own Dad a very happy Father's Day!

Even though Sundays are usually my sleep-in day, I let Kyle sleep in today since it was Father's Day. At least Peyton slept until around 8:30 this morning, which was much better than the 6:30 he decided to wake up at yesterday. Kyle got up around 11:00. When Kyle came downstairs, Peyton excitedly yelled, "Happy Father's Day!"

Kyle cut his hair and shaved his beard this morning. Whenever he does that, Peyton loves to pet his head and face. He says, "Daddy, I like your cheeks."

Peyton gave Kyle his Father's Day gifts. Kyle got a gift card from my parents.

Peyton gave Kyle a really cute card that he made at daycare. The front was supposed to have a sailboat on it, but Peyton prefers the Picasso method of art and there was just two sails, the mast, and the bottom of the boat randomly glued on the paper. On the inside was a picture of Peyton wearing a sailor's hat, his hand print, and the words, "I'd said the seven seas for you, Daddy."

For his real gift, we got Kyle season 7 of the show 24. It is one of his favorite shows and he has all of the other seasons, so we thought we'd add to his collection. I hope he liked it!

Peyton looks quite excited about the gift, even though he had no idea what it was.

Kyle spent the rest of the day doing normal Sunday things - relaxing, folding laundry, and playing with Peyton.

Kyle, you are a fabulous father and Peyton (and Hunter) is very lucky to be able to call you his daddy!

Peyton

Here are just a few random pictures of Peyton that don't really fit with any other posts. Peyton was looking crazy this day in an Orioles floppy hat, his plaid shorts, and blue Crocs. I bought him the Crocs just to wear on his water days at daycare, but Peyton loves them and wants to wear them whenever we will let him. And, of course, he needed the hat to complete his ensamble.

On Friday night, Kyle went to play poker, so it was just Peyton and I hanging out at home. We played with his Sesame Street and Mickey Mouse characters. Peyton is an organizer. He loves to line up the little figures. This time, he put them in a circle and told me, "They're talking!"

Hey Peyton, say "Cheese!" I love his eyes.

Baby Shower

On Monday, my co-workers threw me a baby shower. My boss "organized" the shower by delegating other people to do all of the work. That's how he operates though, so it is to be expected. It was a very nice gesture. My friend Wah-Wah sent out the invitations and was in charge of the decorations. Our department's secretary, Toni, ordered the food from the caterer.

The shower took place at lunch time in a conference room. Everyone wanted to take so many pictures of me! Here I am before the shower officially started.

And here is the food. There was a platter of roll-ups, a platter of sandwiches, Asian noodle salad, potato salad, and vegetables with dip. Everything was delicious.

This cake was great! Notice the misspelling of the word "family." Haha. It was a three layer cake. There were two layers of chocolate cake and one layer of yellow cake. Instead of regular icing, the cake was frosted with Cool Whip. It was so so so good.

After everyone was full, I opened my gifts.

Hunter got three outfits. This one was especially cute. On the onesie it says "Beary Cute" and there is a little bear on the butt of the pants. Adorable.

The whole group also pitched in to give me a gift card and some cash. Everyone was very generous!

We just chatted and hung out for a while. It was a nice break to the day. Thanks everyone for thinking of Hunter and I!