Maritt Williams Muir Blabey

We welcomed Maritt Williams Muir Blabey into the world on November 11, 2009 at 12:10 pm.



7 lbs. 8 oz.
20 in.

Kristen delivered naturally with no medication, despite her best intentions!








Cyanne was fascinated, caring, and gentle with her new little baby sister. Anne/Nanna also visited the hospital to meet her second grandchild.





We were also visited by Maritt's grandfather, Jack/Bubba, who came to the hospital to see her once right after delivery and then again the next day. He listened to her heart with his stethoscope and determined everything sounded great!









Leaving the hospital:



Lucky meets the newest addition to the family.





We returned home today, midday, and at the moment both mother and baby are sleeping soundly. All is well.

Halloween Wreath

My mother is one of the craftiest, most talented people I know. She can literally make anything you ask her to. Sewing, carving, painting, gluing... She's created some absolutely incredible things.

So this Halloween season, she made us this beautiful wreath. Martha Stewart was her inspiration apparently.

She glued and wired tiny pumpkins and moss to the frame. My Dad wanted to be sure we knew he had been the one to decide the placement of, and then glued on, the spiders. Cyanne really enjoys looking at the wreath and points at the spiders.

We also have our pumpkins on the front porch. One that Tom nursed and grew himself, the crooked one with personality in the background, and then the four from the pumpkin patch (see previous post).

Ah, fall is here.

Max examines the wreath more closely. No, Max, you may not eat those spiders...

Pumpkin Patch!

Recently, we made it out to Lane Farms for some autumnal fun: barnyard animals, pumpkins (little, medium, and HUGE), hayrides, and a corn maze.

Checking out the animals. We saw this big pig, turkeys, goats, and a donkey... Cyanne loved seeing them but still wasn't too keen on actually touching them.



Cyanne surveys the scene. Hm... which pumpkin will be mine?



Meandering through the giant "photo-op" pumpkins. I'm sure they are for sale too, but they're a little beyond our carving capacity at the moment...



How about this one?



Striking a pose. "Man, these are BIG!"



Here are a couple of photos from last year for comparison. Our little girl has grown up quite a bit!:



Cyanne was not really a fan of the corn maze. She clung to one of us throughout the "adventure." They do a really good job with it, I have to say. It is not an easy task to find your way out of there. We did manage to find our way through it. I am not sure though, whether we did it faster or slower than last year!


"Really," she says, "this is supposed to be fun?"

She was, however, a fan of the hay bale pile where kids could jump around and throw the stuff everywhere. I saw more than one kid covered in straw being dragged away by a scowling parent. Cyanne was very good, though, and didn't push our buttons - this time!



Queen of the Pumpkin Patch!



Someone is trying out hay as a snack...



Tom wonders why his veggies didn't look quite this good this year. I call this "Gardener's Envy." "You're right, Daddy. The garden didn't look quite like this. It'll be better next year..."



Cyanne was very meticulous in searching through the vast pumpkin patch for just the right one, or two, or three for us. We ended up with three when all was said and done, since we had to take one of the "baby" pumpkins in the bin too.

Cyanne really wanted her "baby" pumpkin.

On a mission...



This one!



Momentary distraction from the task at hand: a horse pulling a buggy around the farm.



Hmmm. So many options.



More!



Cyanne was not in the mood to pose for pictures - nothing new - but especially here when there was a serious job to do.



An overwhelming task...



Climbing the pile of "baby" pumpkins.



Who can resist a hay ride?



Off we go...



Yet, after all that fun and running around, our little toddler was still full of energy!

Update III: H1N1 and onto Week 38!

We had our weekly appointment with Dr. Echt this morning.

I did the fetal non-stress test first. My apologies to the little girl. I did a good amount of poking and prodding... "Come on little girl, move!" "Come on baby, no napping... you've got to dance around!"

After 15 minutes, the nurse came in and said I should drink water to get her to move more. So, after a little water, she continued to move - Tom & I though, both thought she was moving a LOT! My entire stomach was moving. Apparently, they look for rapid changes in heart rate close together to determine fetal well-being, i.e. going from 130 to 160 bpm frequently. Hence the no napping for baby...

Then, we went in to see the OB.
She checked the fluid and we got a pass for another week! The fluid this week measured around 7.5/7.9. Frankly, I can't remember what number she said exactly but it was "good." When you hit 5, you're on the way to the hospital.

She checked for any changes down below and apparently, the baby is comfortable where she is and said everything was sealed up tight. This may be more information than some of you want/need but it's a helpful reminder for us!

She then gave me the highly coveted, much desired H1N1 vaccine.
My father has been calling me every single day a couple of times a day for the past 2 weeks and asking whether she had it to administer, when I was getting it, etc. Seriously.
He even called her yesterday to tell her I needed one and that I had a long history of bad asthma!
This morning, she mentioned that he'd called... and I said it was just because he was concerned and wanted her to know about the asthma and she said "oh, don't you worry, you're going to get stuck today!"

Dr. Echt received one allotment of shots yesterday at 4:45 PM. The demand for this shot (and also now the regular flu vaccine) is insane. Just while we were there this morning, it seemed like the receptionist fielded at least a dozen calls from patients wanting the shot. The OB department at Cottage Hospital held a meeting yesterday and determined the priority list. Third trimester pregnant women are first in line followed by 2nd, and then 1st etc. Anyone with any prior history or condition (i.e. asthma) is also at the top.

And this doesn't even include the rest of the 'at-risk' population such as 2-6 year old children (i.e. Cyanne - she's on a waiting list of her own to get the H1N1 vaccine AND the regular flu shot which is all gone for the moment too!) or individuals with some underlying condition waiting to receive the shot.

Dr. Echt certainly seemed frazzled. She had one patient at her door 5 minutes after they'd called her last night demanding the shot. The injections hadn't even been pulled out of the shipping boxes yet...

All that said, I am glad I got mine. Now we just need to get one for Cyanne (as a 2 year old) and Tom (as someone who is higher on the list as he'll be living with and caring for an infant under 6 mos. of age).

BP was good: 100/70.
All else is progressing well. Still retaining water hence the sausage-like fingers and toes... Ah, water retention. Not a fan. Feeling good but large and unwieldy.

We were very happy to get another week. Another week to prepare. Another week to get her bigger and stronger. Another week to pass along the passive antibodies from the injection to her. Another week to spend with Cyanne. Another week to progress on the upstairs project - we may even get it painted... And much more.

Dr. Echt said I should see her in a week and we can then schedule the date to induce me (assuming nothing has happened on its own). She said based upon my history and current facts (she noted the placenta was mildly calcified which means that the fluid will continue to drop), she did not want me to go past my due date and hoped to set a date to induce me.

She said likely the week of November 9th. If the fluid is super low (i.e. at 5 or lower) when we go in for the check-up on Friday the 6th of November, we might end up in the hospital over the weekend. Otherwise, my guess is that we'll be going in on Monday or so to have the baby.

Yay baby! Good job. Keep up the good work!
Now we just need to decide on a name for you!

Fork Man

One of Cyanne's favorite utensils - when she actually obliges to use one - is this fun Gumby-like fork with bendable arms and legs. Whatever works, right? Thanks Nanna!

Enjoying some peaches for breakfast.




Cyanne demonstrates Fork Man's pose.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Cyanne!

On September 27th, we celebrated Cyanne's 2nd birthday, one day late, with good friends, family, and awesome cupcakes at Stowe Grove Park. It was a beautiful afternoon and the kids had a blast swinging, sliding, and just running around. Not to mention eating Auntie Lara's delectable and delicious creations (Cakes by Lara): Thanks again, Lara!

The birthday girl!Going in for a taste.

Yummy!

Cyanne and her friends Isabella and Colin.Wheee!Gwendolyn checks out the swings."Thanks for coming to my party, Gwendolyn."Daalia plays catch with the birthday girl.Samantha has fun with bubbles.Action shot!
(photo courtesy of the Fallon's blog)

Thirsty after a hot afternoon...Fun on Daddy's shoulders. Stop bouncing up and down!Settling down after a long day and reading a book or two with Mommy and Puppy and Blanket. Happy Birthday, Cyanne!

Road Trip! Destination: Monterey

Kristen surprised us and gave me and Cyanne a joint birthday present/enjoy-being-an-only-child-while-you-can trip to Monterey September 18th-20th. We drove up on Friday afternoon via the inland (aka faster) 101 route and made it almost all the way into Monterey before Cyanne had a complete meltdown and we had to make a quick pit stop. In her defense, she was a real trooper the whole way up and was just ready to stretch her legs for a few minutes. After a random, yet pleasant, conversation with the owner/manager of the motel near the Monterey airport while Cyanne burned some calories, we jumped back in the car for the 10 minute drive into town and our hotel.

The Monterey Plaza hotel:



We stayed at the Monterey Plaza, right on Cannery Row and walking distance to the Aquarium and downtown. While Kristen set up the room, I took Cyanne out to the explore the decks overlooking the bay and the crashing surf - quite a beautiful spot. Then after a quick bath and some dinner, Cyanne was out and Kristen and I relaxed with room service, courtesy of my parents.

The next morning, we set out for some coffee and pastries after a stop at the front desk for a fresh apple, which Cyanne requested every time we crossed through the lobby (the girl loves her apples and would eat them whole), and strolled down the historic, and now touristy, Cannery Row to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.





Cyanne LOVED seeing all the fish. The most impressive exhibit was a special presentation on seahorses which was incredible. The colors and shapes were beautiful, really quite magical - one of those things that neither Kristen or I had never really thought too much about, but for which we now have a much greater respect and appreciation!

Other highlights of the Aquarium visit included the giant kelp tank, the massive "big fish" tank, and of course, the charming sea otters. At the Aquarium, we bought Cyanne an almost life size sea otter stuffed animal which she now adores. It's been added to the team of 'essentials.' 'Ottah' must now accompany her everywhere (along with P&B). However, it's rather comical because the otter is seriously the same size as Cyanne.



After a nap and lunch, we returned for more Aquarium exploration and later in the afternoon I took a walk into downtown Monterey to check out some of the old Spanish and Mexican architecture and early Californian history. Monterey, like Santa Barbara, has, for the most part, struck a delicate balance between preserving its historical charm and character and catering to the busloads of tourists who come to see the famous sights and experience that charm. Yet, I imagine that this is a constant struggle, as it is in SB. The towns are remarkably similar in their physical beauty, rich history, and walkable size. In addition, both towns are popular weekend destinations for residents of a neighboring major metropolis (SF and LA, respectively) and they struggle with the development and growth that proximity facilitates. The parallels are obvious, but I wonder if the respective city leaders compare notes. I would think they could each learn from the other's successes and failures. But enough lecturing...

Sunday morning, we found an eclectic coffee shop/bookstore in Pacific Grove for some breakfast, and then set out to explore 17 Mile Drive and make a quick run through Pebble Beach and Carmel. We made the requisite stop at the lone pine for a photo shoot, admired the golf courses, and debated whether Carmel was too cute (though it does have lots of personality.)

We chose to take US 1 back south to experience Big Sur, but unfortunately, the day brought a fairly heavy marine layer, so most of the expansive vistas were obscured by fog. We had a few glimpses of crashing surf, but that was about the extent of the ocean views. We'll just have to do it again someday and maybe stop to see some of those huge redwoods up close. Kristen will tell you (as she volunteered to drive) it is a very, very windy road...

A final highlight was a stop outside San Simeon to see the elephant seal colony on the beach. After a few photos, we jumped back in the car, had lunch at a biker bar and grill in Cambria , and then continued on the return trip to SB. Overall, a great trip - something I know I'd been eager to do for a while - and fun for the three of us to enjoy together. Thanks Kristen for organizing it all! I think we'll definitely go back one day when the kids are older.

The picture just doesn't do this sea dragon justice - truly one of the most incredible animals I've ever seen.



Living artwork. Credit is due to the Aquarium and their amazing display (enclosures, lighting, etc.) of the sea creatures. The best I've ever seen.



The seahorse exhibit was incredible. Absolutely stunning. It also included all of these fascinating facts about males and delivering the babies... Ah, if only... You can tell what was on Kristen's mind that weekend:



Colorful jellyfish.



Cyanne watches for fish in the massive open sea tank.



The Giant Kelp tank. A diver was feeding residents of the tank (bottom left of the second photo).





Cyanne has fun with a "highlights of Monterey" coloring sheet at lunch at the restaurant at the hotel, Schooners Bistro on the Bay. Later, she would throw her mayonnaise on the leg of a woman sitting behind us. Luckily the woman was enjoying a margarita, so it was all good... :)



The wave action/tide pool exhibit was very exciting and big hit. Water crashed over our heads in regular intervals to mimic waves crashing on the shore. Loud and exciting!



Cyanne's methodical approach to eating the apples from the hotel's front desk. I love the little stem sticking up out of the top. She did an amazing job on these apples.



Mugging for the camera:







You'd think we were in the Rockies, but no, this is the Big Sur coastline. Just picture the Pacific Ocean off to the left...





Monterey's trademarked Lone Pine





Elephant seals on the beach near San Simeon:



"Hey! Look at all those seals! Night-night!"



Aawww.... So sleepy...

Update II: Heading to Week 37!

Tom and I went to the OB this morning at 8:30. I did another fetal stress test - baby was much more cooperative this time and basically didn't move around too much. But moved enough to make the doctor happy!
I will confess - I did poke and I'm sure annoy her to get her to move around enough. No nap time for you, my dear!

Then, we went and Dr. Echt measured the amniotic fluid amount. She found one pocket and then said "Come on baby, where's all of your fluid?" Followed by silence... and searching... moving the thing over my stomach. My mind started going. All of a sudden I thought: wait a minute, could she really say we have to go to the hospital? And the cascade of thoughts that came from that idea... But then, what I'm sure was only a few seconds later but felt like a LONG time to me - she said "oh good, here's another pocket of fluid. You're good." Phew...

She measured the fluid at 9.3. Last week it was 12.3.
I asked if we should expect to go in next week if it keeps dropping like this - i.e. if it were 6.3 next week we most certainly will be going to the hospital - but she thought it might likely stay steady or drop minimally - hopefully. She thought we might even make it to November which would be amazing in my mind.
So, we shall see.
We go back next Wednesday the 28th.

Yay! Good job baby!
She's head down and ready to go. She's definitely 'dropped' quite a bit lately. Even some of the ladies at my office have been commenting on how she's dropped and seems ready to enter the wide world. Though not yet!

It was funny though - Dr. Echt, when looking to see if she was head down, said "Oh! She's got a LOT of hair! About 8 cm worth! And it looks dark!"
So apparently, baby girl has a lot of hair growing... and yes, I learned my lesson last time. No comments from me about whether any of my children should have blond hair. Oh, the wonder of genetics. =)

Yay for another week!
Week 37 here we come, baby!

Birthdays!

The fall is birthday season for Cyanne and her friends. And what fun it is! First up, Cyanne's good buddies Owen and Laith had a joint party at the always-a-hit Padaro Beach Grill where the sand pit beckons, the pizza is tasty, and the trains are loud...


The birthday boys.






































Gwendolyn savors the cupcakes.

























Daalia, Laith, and Will enjoying the festivities.















Cyanne watches Gabe blow bubbles.

(photo courtesy of Owen's blog)


Cyanne hears a train whistle...
















ChooChoo...! That's Cyanne and Tom in silhouette waving:)

Gwendolyn's birthday bash was the next weekend, also down at Padaro (these kids know a good thing when they see it!), and was fit for a princess. Friends and family came from far and wide to celebrate the birthday girl's two amazing years. Cyanne loved the delicious cupcakes, playing in the sand, and hanging out with all her little buddies. And the sparkly arm painting was really cool!

Gwendolyn, the star of the show.
















Cyanne inspects the arm painting progress, after a little coaxing was needed to convince her it really would be very neat.
















































Victoria and Princess Gwendolyn listen to Bill Strong address the gathered party guests:





















Ready for round 2? Elke and Kristen.








In the sandbox.




















































The crew at work.





















We're still working on Cyanne's love of the camera - or lack thereof... The latest theory is to use reverse psychology, which has already shown some promise. :)









"Daddy, can we come back next weekend?"

Daddy's Little Helper

After the dusty, ashy and dry summer, Tom set out to wash the car recently (pre-October deluge, by the way) and was pleasantly surprised when a little helper volunteered her skills in the effort. With minimal training, Cyanne took to her task and, true to form, was very conscientious and diligent in her duties.






Next, the kitchen...

Update - Another week!

We are thrilled to report that our OB, Dr. Echt, said everything looked good at our appointment yesterday afternoon which means we get another week of baby #2 in utero.

The baby was moving all around during the stress test. It was really hard to get her heart beat which ranged anywhere from the 130's to the 170's as she was jumping around so much.
Quite the mini-acrobat in my tummy!

I totally think she knew we were trying to monitor her movement and heart rate. Whenever Dr. Echt has used the doppler in the past, even if she's been quiet beforehand, she'll start to move. Every time I'd get the monitor over her heart area yesterday, she'd do this big move as if to say "ha ha! you think I'm going to sit still and just let you monitor me?? I think not!" and I'd lose the beat.
There were certainly no concerns about movement or fetal activity!

The extra week is fantastic news for many reasons:
- More time for Baby #2 to put on some much needed and healthy weight
- More time for Baby #2's lungs to mature
- More time for us to spend cuddling, kissing, hugging, playing, and snuggling with just Cyanne
- More time for Cyanne to put off fully understanding and embracing this whole "little/big sister" concept
- More time for Mommy (and Daddy) to get organized
- More time for Mommy to wash all of the things that seem to have to be washed before the baby arrives
- More time for Mommy to sleep through the night (this is especially important!)
- More time for Mommy to get some work done at work (though I had organized things in such a way that had she said "Off to Cottage with you!" yesterday, it would have been okay. Not great, but okay.)

But mostly - just more time for the little girl growing inside to get bigger, stronger, and more ready to take on the world.

Amniotic fluid generally increases until 30 to 34 weeks (measuring about 1 quart) and then usually slowly drops.
Yesterday, my fluid level was 12.3.
Last time, I had what is called "oligohydramnios" which means low amniotic fluid levels.
When I was induced with Cyanne at 35 1/2 weeks, my fluid levels were down to around 4-6 I believe.
The range of "normal" is anywhere from 8 to 18.

So, we were very happy with the 12.3.
Now, we hope that she keeps drinking and going to the loo over the next week so that the levels stay up there or don't drop too much!

It felt like a HUGE weight was lifted off of my shoulders when we walked out of the office into the rain... I'm just so glad that she gets to stay in there another week to get bigger. Now, if only we can stretch that out to another 2 or 3!
Fingers crossed!!

Anxiety and Anticipation

Well, tomorrow afternoon I have my 35 week OB visit with Dr. Echt.
Normally, this would just be a routine visit and check-up to make sure all is well. However, this is the week/visit that she induced me with Cyanne so we are worried she will say we should head over to the hospital to meet our little girl - 5 weeks early.

I've been trying to do less which is hard for me... and have been drinking water as much as possible. I've been trying to put my feet up when I can. Tom has been great about taking Cyanne out on walks, outside, and on errands so that I can have a little time to rest.

So, we shall see. Keep your fingers crossed all goes well.
She will have me do a fetal stress test first where a monitor is attached to my stomach and records the baby's movements and heartbeat to check activity levels and 'well-being.' I get to sit and read magazines while we wait...

Then, we'll meet with Dr. Echt. I think Tom's going to join me so if we do get the news we have to head to the hospital, he'll hear it straight from her!
And we can then begin the preparations...

But, I really, really hope everything looks good and the fluid levels are normal.
We really want the baby to stay in there at least another week! Each day in utero is a gift and would be wonderful - for her! - and for us!

In preparation though, this weekend I packed most of my hospital bag. Packed the baby's bag. Made a list of everything I was missing. Got her little area slightly more ready... and figured that perhaps in the preparation - because I was preparing and anticipating this time - it won't happen and will all be mere advance preparation - at least for a little while.

Positive thoughts & fingers crossed for a good visit tomorrow afternoon!

Nanna's August Visit

Nanna came to visit for several days at the end of August so that Tom could accompany Jay for part of his road trip west from Boston to San Francisco.

ALL of us, especially Cyanne, LOVED having Nanna here and were so appreciative of her offering at the last minute to come help us out. Normally, Cyanne could have been in daycare while Kristen was at work, but those three days happened to be the three days that the school is closed for staff development. So, that meant that Cyanne (and Kristen) got to spend lots of quality time with Nanna/Anne. To top it off, our attic project was just getting under way, so Nanna had to sleep on a pull-out bed surrounded by boxes. That's dedication!

Highlights of Nanna's visit included pool time at La Cumbre with Grandma and Bubba and a trip to the zoo with Anna, Karen, Zach, Linda and Al.



Co-conspirators: "Who, us?"

Although they look less than enthused here, the girls do love the zoo!


Meanwhile, Tom got to spent some quality time with Jay on a rapid (but not too rapid...) tour through Utah's National Parks. Sunset hike through Arches, photo op at Capitol Reef, dramatic overlook views and cool canyon hike at Bryce, majestic twilight drive through Zion. Some recommendations: Moab's got some great microbrews, skip St. George, and definitely stop in for a Gyro at the Mad Greek in Baker, 100 miles west of Vegas...thanks Jeff for that tip!
At Bryce NP:

2 Year Pediatrician Visit

Cyanne had her 2 year pediatrician visit this morning with Dr. Brennan.

Off to an interesting start:
We pull into the parking lot and she starts saying very clearly "No, No, No, No..." She knew we weren't at school or some other fun place, that's for sure. She probably now remembers exactly what the place is, actually.

She did a good job inside though - started strong: "Ohhh.... turtle!" to a wall painting, used the "big girl" height marker and scale, had some quivering of the lips and chin when Dr. Brennan came in, smiles for the light produced by the tool that checked her eyes, patience (and silence) when he listened to her heart and lungs with his stethoscope, some pretty clear "bye bye's" for the nurse with her two shots though the Tylenol was yummy, and screams during the x-ray (we had to have her x-rayed again to make sure all traces of her walking pneumonia are gone). (Update: the x-ray came back normal. Yay!)

Support network: Puppy. Blanket. Mommy. Daddy.
All present & accounted for:





She even wanted to wear the little hospital gown while we waited =):



For the x-ray, we tried to get her to stand on the big girl step so she wouldn't have to go in the medieval torture device that is the child x-ray contraption which enables them to have kids stand still so they get a clear picture - but alas - that was not to be.

So, into the scary looking device she went. Oh, she looked scared and boy did she cry. You put her legs down into this hole and she sits on what looks like a bicycle seat. Then, this clear hard plastic thing - think what you'd wear post back-surgery - goes around her entire torso. Her arms need to be straight up above her head - and her head is secured. She's strapped in tight and then has to sit there while they take the films. I went outside as pregnancy and x-rays don't mix - and she sounded so, so sad. Even people walking by remarked at her vocal skills and range...

But - through it all - puppy and blanket were there to comfort her.
She got all red and splotchy but at least her soft pink blanket was there to sop up her tears.
Hugs and kisses from Mommy & Daddy helped too.

Here are her stats:

Height: 33 inches (40% or so)
Weight: 28 pounds (70% or so)
Head Circumference: 49 1/3 cm (90% or so)

So, right on track! He said she's growing very well and still has a big noggin'! (as an aside, the 2-5 year old hats are tight on her head!)

She was a trooper and believe this or not - we don't have to go back for another check-up until she's 3. 3 years old!!?!?!!??
Wow. Our "big" little girl...

July 4th in Cooperstown

We took a big trip back east this summer to visit Tom's parents in Cooperstown, NY, for a week around the 4th of July. Nothing like Mom and apple pie (and baseball, fireworks, micro-brewed beer, swimming in the lake, picnics, and canoeing) to celebrate Independence Day!

Cyanne loved the baby animals at the Farmer's Museum, exploring the charming village in her stroller, searching for fish and frogs in the pond out back, and just goofing around in the yard. Not to mention reading in her favorite spot at Nanna and Grandpa's house, her own private nook in her bedroom in Daddy's old little red rocking chair:





































On the Carousel at the Farmer's Museum. Her very first carousel ride!














Quality time with Grandpa.


















Playing around in the yard. Cyanne had a lot of fun running around on the grass and blowing bubbles on the hillside with Daddy.














Feeding the ducks at Fly Creek with Nanna. Boy those ducks loved that corn!


















Testing Nanna's flexibility! Cyanne was checking out a little stream that was running behind the wooden fence.














Our old friend Jay drove over from Boston to visit for a couple of days. Here we're at a restaurant - The Blue Mingo Grill - on the shores of Lake Otsego.














Kristen and Tom at the Ommegang brewery. Awww...


















Hanging out on the front porch. A wonderful time was had by all. Thanks again for the warm hospitality, Nanna and Grandpa!