The Peters Family

259 Days

Jess — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Hey guys,

Sorry I know it's been a while 259 days since I posted a blog. I would love to post more but I'm having to look in to other options due to certain circumstances that I don't want to be exposed to the world and individuals who feel they are apart of our family.

Hope this finds you well. Email me or Facebook me if you need us.....I'll email out our new location when I get it together.

Gators Gators Gators

Jess — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:58:00 GMT

As you all know, we are Gator Fans. I have to say yesterday would rank up in one of my top 5 days EVER and maybe my best fan experience EVER!!! All the years of my dad hanging me over the rail at football games (I once got a James Lofton wristband) and telling me go on get up there paid off. We dropped of the kids at my in-laws around 10:30, we were a little behind schedule but arrived in our "GatorVan" at around 12:40. I had previously mapped out the pregame and post game traffic patterns and had found out where the Official Gator Tailgate would be. We parked perfectly in the middle between the stadium and the tailgate. We parked in a parking lot that was literally half SC half FL. There was tailgating galore. Big Gator Buses and Gator Chomps everywhere....We were afraid we missed the main activities at Seawell's but when we got there it was free food, drinks available, and Gators Galore!! We got to see Albert, Alberta, the Gator band, and the cheerleaders. After the band played, and a few good rounds of Go Gators and It's great to be a Florida Gator...we headed out. At one of the booths we found earrings to match my bracelet! Mark got them for me. I put them on. When we were heading towards the stadium we were walking behind the mascots in their 'people outfits' and the band. We walked through the tailgating and ended up getting some snacks and drinks from a Gator Fan. Mark and I still want to know what was in that pistachio candy thing it was sooo good!

When we arrived at the stadium we got our seats and the game was nerve wracking at first. The stadium was SOOOOOOOOOOO loud. I have to say that was definately the loudest game I've ever been to. At about the 2nd quarter I had a headache hit that still have as I type this. At half time, we took some time to stretch our legs and we went down to figure out our post game plan to get to the team. I talked to the guard guy at about where I thought we needed to cross and told him where I needed to get. He told me that we would have to go through the tunnel to get to the Endzone. We stopped at the First Aid stand to get me some Tylenol, got some nachos and a pretzel to refuel and then headed back to our seats.

My dad called right as we got back to yell at me for not getting the Gators going. Our luck began to change after that and despite my now migraine headache, Mark and I cheered two little blue dots in our sea of Garnet. I can say I never felt so many daggers directed at me or Mark when we would yell Go Gators or Gator Bait. The people around us though were a good group and we were mainly around families so it was nice. We missed our kids but knew there was no way they could have been wedged in like sardines and been as happy as we were.

We left our seats at about 4 minutes left in the game...most of the SC fans were heading towards the exit by the end of the 3rd....we made our way to the guard from earlier and he waived us right on through. We made it to the End Zone (where we were 2 years ago) with 34 seconds left in the game. The game ended and the team came over...we sang the Florida Song....I had a perfect spot on the hedge and was getting hand slaps from lots of the players...then there he was our hero Tim Tebow...2 feet from me and bam! Hand slap! Ahhh yes! My mission was complete. Then the boy next to me was trying to get things from the players and #14 gave him his wristband and a thing from his leg, so I said can I get something for my son and I got the leg thing! The team left and Albert and Alberta came by and I got to pat them on the noses...they were nice gators as Jacob said when he saw the pictures. The guy standing next to me was so funny...he said "Ok that's it I can die now because I'd die happy" and walked away.

After that we headed towards the car after I of course called my dad like a teenager and told him I touched Tebow! I touched Tebow! On our way to the car, we saw the team buses so we decided to see if we could see them coming out....the team did come out to the buses and I had a perfect spot again! Right on the aisle, I don't think there was a Gator we didn't see up close and for the most part I think I got to say good job to every player I would have wanted to. When Spikes came by, Mark said watch your eye! I gasped but it everyone thought it was funny. Then for the 2nd time, there he was Tebow, walking down the aisle, he had to stop right at me because the line was stopped before him. I said "Good Game Tebow" He said "Thank you" and then I HUGGED HIM! Yep that's right I hugged him. Shortly after Urban Meyer walked through and I told him Good Game Coach...he said thanks. Mr Tebow walked through and then Mrs Tebow. The line was really going fast at that point. I asked her for a picture but she got wisked through and she said "I have to go with my son but maybe next time". She was genuinely nice.

We headed to the car me floating on a cloud...yeah! My Gator Day was complete. I posted my pics on Facebook so take a look when you can! I also wanted to give a big shout out to Mark, we had such a great day and he was with me every step. It one point in the game in the 3rd quarter he yelled at the team and seriously let out a growl that would have made Madision proud. It scared me for a second becuase I thought I was sitting next to the hulk...a Blue and Orange Hulk. Thank you baby Love you!

October: Fall Winter Fall...

Jess — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:56:00 GMT

Our cup runneth over. It seems like we are going 100 miles a minute all the time but we are happy and healthy and that's all you can really ask for.

Madison:
Madison is growing like a weed. She will be 9 months this week. I can't believe how time flies. At her 6 month check up on 8/12, she was 16lbs 6oz and 28 1/4 inches. Her 9 month check up is this Friday and I can't wait to see how she is grown. She has struggled with a couple ear infections and a cough. She also has at least 5 teeth just under the gum line that have yet to come up. She is doing well with her eating and is crawling all over the place. Her 1st time standing unassisted was on 10/8 her daddy's birthday. Since then she's done it a couple times but hasn't really commited. She loves her big brother and loves his toys. We have to be careful and watch what she gets a hold of. Mark did put up the baby gate to the kitchen today. She finally decided it was funnier to hear No No then it was to actually stop. She is such a blessing to our family I can't image what life would have been without her.

Jacob:
Jacob is amazing. The things he is learning and saying just cracks us up. We have to be careful more than ever what we say. He's been doing the Little Ninjas Karate at school and today he earned his White Belt. He is so proud. He is really in to Legos and Puzzles right now. He has a crush on a little girl at school. It breaks my heart to hear him say he is going to MARRY HER! Where does he come up with this stuff? He is really in to Disney's Phineas and Ferb right now. He is even starting to watch Survivor and Amazing Race with us and of course FOOTBALL! He says Yucky Bulldogs to anyone wearing Georgia stuff and says "I Like Gators" and "Tebow is My Hero". We are still working on his eye and go back in December for an update. It seems as though January might be surgery time. However, we need to make sure it doesn't interfere with his birthday as EVERYDAY he reminds us "It's my birthday next" He wants a Monkey Joe's birthday party and I'm sure we will oblige.

Jessica:
As for me, I've been working some strange hours. I changed positions this month leaving my department of 8+ years and going over to Business Customer Care. It's like having a new job but with all the people you already know. The kids have been really tolerant of the changes as there are many days when I don't get off work on time. Mark has also been extremely patient with me. I'm really enjoying this football season and am keeping my fingers crossed that I have secured Mark and I tickets for the SC vs Fl game in Columbia next month. Mark and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary on 10/5. I can't believe it's been 7 years. It seems like just yesterday we were seating on the beach in Jamaica on our honeymoon. I am trying to learn how to relax more at home and let the small things slide. It just seems like there isn't enough time in the day sometimes you know?

Mark:
Mark has been a big help to me and I am lucky to have such a great husband. He is a great daddy and I love the way Madison lights up when she lays eyes on him. He has been working with Jacob and his going to bed in his OWN bed and has worked with me in putting Madison down to sleep bottle free! The great thing about having a 2nd baby is you know where you messed up the 1st time. Not that we messed up at all with Jacob but we definately have 'lessons learned' under our belt. Mark celebrated his 38th birthday this month. He is slowly becoming a bigger Florida fan. I love it. I love sharing football games with the family. I know it sounds strange to have the roles 'reversed' in our house. I just want to watch football and Mark wants to go out and work in the yard. Slowly but surely we are starting to share this together! We went to see Couples Retreat last weekend and I have to say that movie was hilarious! It was nice to get out of the house for a while and relax even though we decided to go to the grocery store afterwards.

Well I hope this blog finds you and your family well. I tend to update my Facebook a whole lot more than the blog as you can probably tell. If you are on facebook add me and Mark as a friend!

HI!

Jess — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:31:48 GMT

Just wanted to send a quick note that we are doing ok. I'm hoping things will settle down soon so I can begin bloging more again. Happy last weekend of summer!

Hi Everyone...it's me Jessica

Jess — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:34:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

I know I have been such a bad blogger. I know every post is about how busy we are and what we are doing that makes us busy but I wanted to just sit down and relax and get everyone up to speed on things. I guess I'm such a bad blogger because most of the people that probably read this are my friends on facebook and see our daily posts but I know there are some of you that just can't get on board with the facebook thing!

Well to catch up on our precious baby girl, Madison. Her 4month check up was on June 12th. She is fabulous and is 26 1/2 inches in height (off the chart) and 14lbs 9oz (70th percentile) for weight. She is such a good and happy baby and brings our family so much joy each and every day. She does great at daycare and her teachers are wonderful! She is now 5 months and growing like a little weed. If her teeth would just poke through! She has been teething so much lately but as with anything that Madison does, she finds it funny or she just watches Jacob to pass the time. She is definately 'parachuting' and I look for any day now she will just take off and start crawling. How do I explain baby gates to Jacob? Maybe it will keep him from getting his 'snacks' when I can't get the food on the table fast enough. I stopped breastfeeding around Father's Day. Madison did well with the transition although as her mommy I wish she would have made some kind of attempt at being sad for even just a moment. Breastfeeding is a very challenging thing to do. It's what's best for your baby but working full time and trying to pump 4 times a day and make sure things are in order to go back to work the next day was exhausting.She has done great on formula and now with her dinners at night she is a little piggy!

Jacob has been doing well with his eye patch but even with the eye patch I notice the crossing and fear our next visit in September with Dr. Goei will be the one with the "surgery" green light. I love that kid so much and can't stand to think about him having to go under surgery but if it will help him and prevent future damage down the road then I know it's needed. I just wish I could do it for him. We went through some crazy things with a new teacher in his classroom but that has been resolved and we are just waiting for him to move up to the Older 3s. He is quite the chatter box these days. It seems as though it's non-stop. I didn't really realize it so much until a man at a restaurant we stopped at on vacation in Troy, Alabama commented on it. Now I pick up on it a lot.

My work is going ok. Lots of changes recently. My Manager, Shannon, moved back to West Point and took one of my friends, his wife Kelli, with him. Although we didn't get a lot of chances to meet for lunch and chit chat, I did enjoy the time I spent with her and enjoyed watching their twins grow. Madison got to meet them when I was on maternity leave though I think all 3 babies slept the entire lunch so I don't know if you would call it that. Thank goodness for email and facebook and blogs. I learned a lot from Shannon from a leadership perspective and am thankful for the year he was at the Call Center. I have a new manager now that I worked with for a while, Mary. I can't wait to learn from her too! She used to work in the field so it will be good to learn from that perspective too!

We just returned from vacation from July 3-9 to Tallassee, Al and DeFuniak Springs, Fl (Destin, FL). It was so good to be 'home'. Although Fort Walton Beach hasn't changed much, the area in general is so different. I seem to relax when I'm there and nothing makes me happier than to see my babies playing in the water that I loved so much as a kid. Jacob really took to the beach. I wish we could go there every day just to hear his laughter when the waves hit him. Madison put her princess toes in the water but didn't really give us any impression either way as to what her opinion was. She sat on the beach with me and played with the sand. I just had to be careful she didn't put any in her mouth...with her teething not an easy task. We were disappointed in our old 'local' hangout Gilligan's it's definately gone down hill. We did find a new fave...Bayou Bill's now that it's remodeled and all shiney and new it was wonderful! We had chargrilled oysters that were the best ever! Jacob even got his fair share of them. I miss Florida already but know now that I need to speak up and tell Mark when I want to go. We don't have to stay at a fancy hotel every time and even though we stayed at hotel 30 miles away from the beach at least we were there. We got to see my dad and stepmom every day and that was a blessing too!

As for me, I turned 32 on Sunday and as I'm typing this I sit and wait for a shower....I am wearing a Holter Monitor. I haven't felt that great since our return trip from Florida. I was getting ill on the way back and noticed that even when I'm sitting down it feels like I just ran a sprint (at times). Yesterday morning it was almost unbearable and I had the worst headache to go with it so I called my doctor and he saw me at 11:15 (I later found out that my MIL was scheduled at that time but cancelled so thanks June for the appointment hehe). He heard a premature heartbeat and had me go over to Doctor's at 2pm to get this monitor. Had I known I wouldn't be able to hold the baby or Jacob that much or take a bath with it on, I think I would have waited until today or something to get it on. I feel like a sweaty mess right now! Only 1 hour to go and mama is taking a bath! I'm kind of nervous about taking these things off myself because they are taped on pretty good. If you hear some yelling around 3pm, it's just me getting the tape off. Please keep me in your prayers that whatever is going on is easily fixed and/or temporary and that I will be back to my old self in no time.

I hope this blog entry finds everyone in good spirits and health. I have a lot of prayers going out this week for my stepbrothers and stepsister whose father passed away on Sunday and my friend Kim's mom who was in the hospital this weekend too.

Jacob's 1st Fishing Trip

Jess — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:47:00 GMT

Ok let me start out by saying I know I need to catch up on a couple things but I'm so exhausted I can't possibly find the energy right now. We (on a whim) went down Tallulah Gorge yesterday and my whole body hurts from all the stairs.

Last night Jacob got to go fishing for the first time and it was a success he *cough mommy cough* caught his first fish! We all had a great time and Mark was such a good dad with him fishing.

Sweet Potatoes

Jess — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:38:50 GMT

I just wanted to pop in and let every one know that Madison did great eating her first veggie tonight! She's tried cereal and bananas with not much excitement but tonight she got to try sweet potatoes and I really thought she was going to fall out of her bumbo as she was wiggling and jumping in between bites! I'm so glad because I have been a little worried about her eating. Of course Jacob is Madison's personal secret service agent as he samples her food before we give it to her....sweet brother!

Well I gotta finish up...I must say I don't like the new evening Weather Channel show changes. Bring back Abrams and Bettes!!! Good night!

The Zoo Turtle

Jess — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:54:00 GMT

For those of you that are my Facebook friends, I posted pics of the Zoo trip on my page. I think I made it to where anyone can see it so I will try and figure out how to link ...try clicking here: Zoo pics

We've been going to the Riverbanks Zoo every year since 2007. Each year we take a picture of Jacob on a turtle there. Here is the slide show of him through the years and with our newest addition.

Snake!

Jess — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:19:20 GMT

Snake 1: Mark killed it in the backyard 6/13
Uploaded on 6/14/2009 12:15:15 PM

Mark killed this snake in our back yard yesterday. It was actually in the creek bed sneaking it's way in to our yard but my hero saved the day. I don't know what I would have done if me and the kids came across it. I can tell you that the snake would have suffered the same fate regardless. I hate snakes!!! AGH!!!!!!!!

June

Jess — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:27:51 GMT

Hi! We have been so busy it seems like that's all I can say these days. A year ago we were patiently waiting to find out just how many babies we would be blessed with and were trying to wrap our brain around how to take care of everyone. We have come a long way in a year. We can't imagine life without Madison now and each day the way Jacob and her interact really feels our hearts.

Madison's baptism last week was so beautiful. Father Micheal said some wonderful words and brought tears to my eyes when he spoke about Madison's future white dresses she will wear at the front of the church.

Our girl is 4 months old and 13lbs 13oz last week. We had to take her to the doctor because she had an ear infection. Her 4 month check up is Friday. It was delayed because of our ped vacation. We could have seen someone else in his practice but for checkups we like to see him. Madison is rolling over now quite a bit now.

Jacob is a mess! He is having a blast swimming at school every day and our trips to the y water park.

Well I gotta go we are on our way to the zoo as I type this. I hope the weather channel doesn't fail us!

1st cereal

Jess — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:40:42 GMT

1st cereal: may 23
Uploaded on 5/24/2009 10:15:40 AM

Madison had her first few bites of cereal last night. Jacob was a big help but she wasn't as thrilled about it as we thought she would be. She has been watching us like a hawk when we eat lately and even acts like a baby bird sometimes. I called our pediatrician to check if it would be ok to start her and we got the go ahead since her 4 month checkup isn't until June 12th (Doctor Vacation). I'm still sick. It's been 8 days!!! I think all this dreary weather isn't helping. Mark and the kids will be home tomorrow while I work. Our big weekend is next weekend when Madison is baptized. I'm taking off Thursday at 11:30 and will have 3 1/2 day to celebrate!!! Madison's gown is all pressed and ready to go. Jacob has said that he will wear his Easter outfit. Now Mommy and Daddy just need to figure out what to wear!! Oh I did want to mention that Madison has a new little friend to play with. Baby Eden was born early Monday morning. Congratulations to the Moore family!

Mother's Day Collage

Jess — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:28:56 GMT

5-10-20091:
Uploaded on 5/20/2009 3:59:59 PM

Here's the collage I mentioned in my previous entry. If you click on it, it should take you to the bigger pic and show more detail

Catch Up

Jess — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:53:00 GMT

It seems like all I'm doing lately is catching up.

I want to start off by saying this Mother's Day was the best day ever for me. Mark got a hotel room at the Dillard House and the 4 of us drove up on Sunday morning. Although I missed being at Mother's Day Mass and getting the special blessings the priests usually give, it was an enjoyable car ride up. We took a longer than normal route through Athens (which was painful for us Gators) but it still was a nice ride. We stopped at Sonny's BBQ in Commerce. I'm not usually a fan of BBQ but it's a chain that is in FWB and I miss home so much it was at least a little reminder.

When we arrived at the Dillard House we were able to check in right away. Jacob was so excited to see the animals and to ride his first horse. We called to the stables and they said they would wait for Jacob. We changed him in to jeans and away we went. He did so well. I was sure he was going to back out at the last minute but he didn't even let out a wimper. He had a smile the whole time. I was so proud of him.

We ate dinner at the Dillard House. If you haven't been, I suggest you go. Go with a healthy appetite and some time to eat. It is a big meal. After dinner, we sat out on the porch and enjoyed the May weather. It seemed like we were 1000 miles from civilization but of course we weren't.

I am really blessed to have the two wonderful kids that God blessed me with. I never thought with my fertility issues that I would be a mother and to have 2 kids is something I thank God for every day. Last Mother's Day, we had made the decision to stop further treatments for our try at a second baby. Little did I know little Madison was growing and waiting for Mommy to figure out she was patiently waiting to make her debut. I am also proud of all the mothers I am lucky to call friends and all the friends I know that became mothers for the first time this year. I am glad we get one day a year to stop and reflect on just what a special gift we have been given. Of course most of the time we are running non stop and it's hard to stop and enjoy the small things.

For those of you that aren't on facebook (the one thing I have time for since I have the ability to update it instantly on my phone), Toby Vaughn has been evicted and is now living with Grandma Bev. He has acted so strange since I became pregnant with Madison. He even attacked my leg out of the blue one morning. Well I noticed recently he was getting a little too close to Madison for my comfort and there was a couple times when she let out a cry and I would run to check on her and Toby was scurrying away. Well we came home on a Saturday afternoon and Toby took it upon himself to pee all over Madison's new Bumbo and Poop in front of her closet. That was the last straw for me. He needs attention and my priorities have shifted to my babies. He seems to be doing well at his new home and is getting undivided attention. I'm thankful that my mom took him and he is still in the family. However, I have to admit I was so upset with him I probably could have kicked him out the door and let him go on his way but I know I would have regretted that. I felt like a mama bear trying to protect her cubs.

We had Jacob's eye appointment today. His vision has improved which is great. He's about got 20 vision in his left eye and just a little behind 20 on his right eye. If the doctor had to guess she would have said 20/30 or 20/40 but his crossing has not corrected completely. We have been dilating his eyes every Tuesday and Friday for the last two months but now she has asked us to stop it and follow up with her in a few weeks to check on how his eyes are without the dilation. It looks as though he will have to have surgery by the end of the summer so I am asking everyone to pray for him. I can't stand the thought of Jacob having surgery but if it means he can see and won't have issues as an adult I'm all for it. I just have to prepare my heart and mind to toughin' up before the big day.

Other than that Jacob is doing great. He is fully potty trained and is having a blast at school. Madison is doing wonderfully. She rolled over for the first time last night and is slowly becoming a busy bee. She loves floor time at night with Daddy. We are preparing for a big weekend next week. She is getting baptized on May 30 and I'm a proud mama. I have her baptismal gown at the cleaners and can't wait to see my precious girl in her lovely gown and having her baptized. If you would like to come, please email me and I will send you an evite with the details. It's a very special day for us and we welcome the support of our family and friends.

Well I better go...I forgot to mention I've been sick since Saturday. I've taken on a new assignment at work. I'm working with the same people but different job types report to me now so I'm getting used to the new terminologies and my new team members. It's exciting but kind of weird as I don't have any "TSRs" reporting to me for the first time since I became a Supervisor which my anniversary passed on Mother's Day. I have been a Supervisor for 6 years on May 10.

I'm going to post a picture I made from Mother's Day with this new software I am trying out. Shannon at work acted like I was crazy for not using it and I think he is right because I love it. I'm just not as good at it as I'd like to be yet.

Have a great Memorial Weekend Everyone!

May

Jess — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:16:00 GMT

I know, I know. It seems as though I keep saying it over and over but I've been busy! I wanted to let you know that I posted a few pictures of Madison to show her growth through the weeks on the photo site. I updated her 3 month picture and added a picture of Jacob today at one of his friends from school, Anzie's, swimming party.

I hope everyone is having a great May and has a great Mother's Day tomorrow! Maybe I can relax a little!

Madison 1 to 12 weeks slideshow

Jess — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:59:00 GMT

April 23

Jess — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Jacob turned 3 months old on 4/23/06 so I have a picture of him and Madison is 12 weeks today so I have a picture of her. Here they are 3 years apart.

Checking in

Jess — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:27:00 GMT

Wow, it seems just like yesterday I was saying that March was coming to an end. Here we are about a week until May and I feel like "where did April go?" Madison is 12 weeks today. Today is also Mark's Dad, Wayne's Birthday, we met Wayne and June out for dinner tonight. The kids did great at dinner.

To catch up, for Easter weekend, that Thursday Jacob had an Easter Egg Hunt at school. Mark hid the eggs for Jacob's class. There was a little confusion on the day of the hunt but I'm glad we were able to make it in time to see him.

I actually worked on Good Friday. I think it's the 1st one I have ever worked. We tried to relax as much as possible that Saturday. On Easter Sunday, my mom met us at church. Jacob did really well. I think he was nervous with all the people. I think our mass attendance probably was easily three times what it normally is. Not too surprising since the last day of Masters and Easter was on the same day. After church, the Knights of Columbus had an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. Last year we didn't do it because Jacob didn't behave but he has this Egg Hunting thing down to a science now so we participated in the hunt. I love this picture because he has the cutest look on his face as the kids set off to hunt.

After church we went over to Wayne and June's. We had a nice time and took some pictures outside. I have posted some of our Easter Celebration pictures on our Photo Site. Be sure to check them all out.

Last Saturday, Wayne and June watched Madison while we took Jacob out to Gurosik's Berry Plantation to pick Strawberries. Jacob loves it. It's pretty inexpensive and he loves being outside. Afterward, we went to Old McDonald's Fish Camp and met back up with Wayne and June and Madison. It's a very strange feeling when we do something with only one of the kids. It feels as though we are not complete. So when Madison was back with us I could relax again.

Jacob has been doing really well with the potty lately. I couldn't be more proud of him. He's also been saying some of the funniest things lately. When we were at dinner last week he was being silly and I said "Jacob is a mess!". He looked down at his shirt and said "I am not messy!". In our rush to get out the door on Sunday to make it to church on time Jacob was walking out the door and then asked "Mommy, can I wear shoes?" I had put his dress socks on but forgot his shoes! I swear sometimes he must think his mommy is crazy! Speaking of church last week, Jacob went to his first Children's Liturgy. What they do for 3-5 year olds is after the opening prayer before the 1st reading the children go out and have a 'mini-church' where they have the same readings and gospel but it's more on their level. Sometimes they color or do a little project and then come back to the adults before communion. Mark took him back this past Sunday and Jacob said he was ok so Mark came back to join me and Madison. We were standing up for the gospel and Jacob was crawling behind the people next to me with these alligator tears on his face. He realized Daddy wasn't there and I guess got scared. When we sat down as the visiting priest started the Homily, he told me "Daddy left me back there in that room". I asked him if he wanted to go back and he said yes so I took him and sat with him. He did pretty good. Back to what Jacob has been saying. On Monday morning, we were all almost ready to go and Mark was putting Madison in her car seat. Jacob was a little in the way so I asked him to come help me get ready. Jacob puts down his sippy cup and says "Hang on Madison, I've got to go help your Mother!" I almost peed my pants I laughed so hard. The tone in his voice was so aggitated that it was like a teenager or maybe his daddy? I'm sure Mark's probably said that to Jacob a time or two.

Well I better call it a night. I still have to work tomorow and then 4 hours on Saturday so I only get one day off. I am already tired so please be patient if you don't see a post from me over the next few days or week. I'll try to post when I can.

Update

Jess — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:22:11 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm on break at work and thought I would post something to let everyone know we are doing good just busy. I have a six day work week this week so I'm extra busy. I still need to get our Easter celebrations pictures up for those of you not on facebook. Some quick news to share...Jacob attended his first children's mass this past Sunday he did ok but we hope he will do better this week. Hope everyone has a great week and I will try to post again soon!

Finally a Saturday to relax Ha!

Jess — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:19:34 GMT

First off I want to say Happy Birthday to Kayla Marie Cruz! She entered the world this morning after her mommy Kim endured labor since being admitted for induction Wednesday night. I have got to see a picture already and can't wait to see more!

As for us, we 4 have been going and going and exhaustion has definitely got the best of me physically and emotionally. This is my first "free" Saturday since my return to work. After trying to venture out with Jacob this morning and returning home mission unaccomplished I finally hit the brakes. We visited a little this afternoon on skype with my dad and stepmom. We were going to go out to lunch but as Jacob and I had another "discussion" he crawled in my lap and went to sleep. I can't remember the last time he did that without my other arm dedicated to Madison. After we put him in bed I caught up on the Tudors new season and watched a survival show. We just got done having some baked chicken and my Easter bunny work is done. I just need to get our outfits for church in the morning in order then I hope to watch a little of the Ten Commandments and maybe catch a movie Mark and I have been trying to watch but it doesn't seem like a movie I want Jacob to watch since its has adult humor and I can't expose him to any language that I wouldn't want him to blurt out in church tomorrow!

My thoughts are also on the reason for this weekend and also all those that will be baptized tonight at the Easter vigil masses around the world!

Happy Easter everyone!

Daddy's Helper

Jess — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:04:04 GMT

Jacob on Garbage Duty:
Uploaded on 4/1/2009 10:21:44 AM

I'm not sure if I've shared this picture before but on Mondays and Thursdays Jacob has decided that he needs to bring the can back from the curb. This picture was taken either last Monday or two weeks ago (I'm sorry I have serious mommy brain). I had to help him get the can back on the right path but for the most part he does good. Today he went to get the can and got it situated but decided he needed help and he was so sweet asking for help. "Mommy can you help me please?" I did and then he said he got it and we started back up the driveway but then he decided it was too heavy and asked again for help. We pulled it together and it was definitely good teamwork. He is so little to be pushing this can but he is so proud to have a task that he feels responsible for. Makes it seem like there is no way my boy could have been so different on Thursday!

Easter Bunny Photo

Jess — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:58:33 GMT

Easter Bunny 09:
Uploaded on 4/6/2009 3:57:06 PM

Here's the picture of the kid's visit with the Easter Bunny. *Pre-Rabid Bunny*

Exhaustion

Jess — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:32:57 GMT

I am sitting in my recliner holding my sleeping baby and it has just hit me I am EXHAUSTED. I wish I could curl up and go to sleep but then who would watch the chipmunks with Jacob? Mark has graciously agreed to do the grocery run this week.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy our life but it is hard getting back in to the swing of things. I think its my desire to make sure my children have great memories of their childhood that pushes me to do more. At the end of the day if Jacob and Madison had a good day then my job is done. Being a working mom is not my choice but since I have to work its important for me to be good at what I do and to show them that you have to have a strong work ethic but remember your family is who you spend your life with and who you make memories with.
Now for the updates...

Madison had a good checkup on Friday. She has almost grown 4 inches since birth she is now 24 1/4 inches. She has gained 4lbs and 7oz at 11lbs 11oz. She is just so long. She measures in 6 month sleepers but they engulf her as most of her weight is bone so she is wearing 0-3 months in most everything.

Jacob spent the night with Mark's parents on Friday and met us at the Easter Egg scramble on Saturday morning. Its a Peters family tradition and I'm glad I was able to work it out to leave work long enough to see it. Jacob got one of the prize eggs and won a duckie! Maybe next year he will upgrade to a basket. We ran in to Jacob's godparents at the scramble. We didn't get to visit long because I had to get back to work.

Well I have to run Mark is back and the boys are grilling hamburgers.

Happy Holy Week everyone and may the Masters crowds stay out of the way and not cause too many headaches!

The Rabid Bunny!!!

Jess — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:00:46 GMT

Thursday night at the mall, there was a rabid bunny! A small 3 year old boy known as Jacob wearing paper bunny ears to be exact! How did he turn rabid you ask? That is a question I'm still trying to answer.Â Jacob was so excited to see the Easter Bunny. He talked about it for two days and had come out of his room weeks ago telling me that the Easter Bunny was coming and bringing him candy.Â At the mall walking to see the bunny, he was being so sweet and pushing his sister in his stroller. Asking over and over "We're going to see the Easter Bunny?".Â We get to the bunny and Jacob decided the bunny was better just to look at rather than actually interact with. *As I have a flash back to my dad telling me to "Go on!, you wanted to see the Easter Bunny" and my little shy girl brain trying to figure out why I wanted to see this thing and why my daddy was forcing me to go up to it* We finally got him to sit close enough to the bunny to at least be in the picture with Madison. (It's going to be our Easter Card picture if I can get them in the mail in time.) I'll try to post the picture too sometime this week.Â For the most part, I was pleased with the experience and that we had escaped for the most part without trauma.After the bunny we went upstairs to pick up our pictures from Sears that we took last month. Little did we know that something was brewing in my 3 year old son that I have never experienced or dreamed of and never want to see again! All of a sudden he took off running and I didn't chase him for fear he would run faster. I just walked calmly after him never losing sight and never being more than 10 feet behind. There must have been a look on my face when I got to him because he had a look of terror and glee at the same time. I grabbed his hand and said we are going home. Jacob then began to grab at my hand and claw at it. I was walking very calmly and wasn't saying a word and then my 3 year old decided to shoot a bullet in to my heart: he spit at me! Now a 3 year old doesn't have much spit so it was more of a sound than actual spit so I chose to ignore it thinking he may have done it by accident and I didn't want to draw attention to that being something that would get a reaction out of me but it continued until we got to the car. It only stopped because he realized he had lost the battle and as a last ditch effort on his part, he tried to bite my hand! When I got him in the car seat, he says to me "I want my Pa Pa (my dad)" Ugh!!!!Â He knew he was in for it and was trying to make me sad but I said "I want him too!!!!!"Â Where was Mark though all of this?Â He and Madison had managed to rush ahead of us to the car and I remember seeing him down the aisle at Sears at one point and just thinking in my head that this must be Mark's child!Â He said he stopped to look at us and saw this crazed look on my face but at the same time my arm was being pulled by something he couldn't see but appeared to be like a rabid dog trying to get away from his leash.Â I told him it wasn't a rabid dog it was a rabid bunny!Â Some of you may wonder if Jacob survived the night.Â He did. Of course, he couldn't find the toy in his happy meal at dinner (we were going to eat out that night and I didn't feel like cooking) or figure out why his tv wouldn't turn on. In fact, he did apologize to me several times and has returned to my 3 year old that I know and love.Â What happened to him at the mall that night, I will never know.What was Madison doing this whole time? Sleeping! Maybe she was sleeping out of fear for her brother or out of embarrassment because her family was acting crazy at the mall while she was in her little polka dot dress.Â Oh I forgot to mention, her brother did spill his drink all in her car seat so maybe she was just mad at him and decided to hold her tongue because mommy was dealing with it just fine.Â As I type this, I am thinking.Â What is Madison learning from all this? She has 3 years to learn from her brother and refine her tantrum skills!Well I hope you all have a great weekend and I will continue to pray that my baby boy was just trying to 'test the waters' and will never act like that again.

A full nights sleep

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:24:53 GMT

I can't believe it. Madison slept the whole night. We went to bed at 915 but she got up at 945 when I said something to Mark. We were up until 1100 and then she went to sleep and woke up at 620 or so! She does better when we put her in her crib when the air or heat is blowing. I remembered this air purifier thing we tried with Jacob last year that generates "white noise" before our second attempt to go to bed Mark hooked it up in her room and I think it did the trick! We will see how tonight goes.

Jacob was struggling with his eyes this morning. Poor kid has one eye dialated fully but he seems to take it well he was just a little cranky this morning.

Hope you all are having a good day! I'm finishing up my "break" at work! Only 4 more months of breaks to go! Its ok because I know its all for Madison.

Bye Bye March!

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:50:00 GMT

Sorry its been over a week since my last post. We had a busy week last week in to the weekend and I can't believe we are already almost halfway done with this week.

Last Thursday we got to spend some time on skype and visit with my dad, uncle, and more family. It was the first time my uncle and family got to "meet" Mark and our kids. It was fun.

On Friday morning, we took Jacob to his follow up eye appointment to check the progress on his right eye's crossing since having glasses now for 3 months. The doctor had warned us to be ready for the possibility of surgery so we were really nervous going to the appointment. It turns out that his eye has improved but she is about 75% sure he will still need surgery. However, we are going to try placing a drop of atropine in his "good" eye twice a week. What this should do is cause his weaker eye to have to adjust and become stronger to compensate for the decrease in strength in the other. We have to do this for two months until his next checkup. Its definitely better than surgery but will be challenging for us. Jacob is like his mommy and can't stand anything to touch his eye. Getting an eye drop in his eye is a two person job. Please keep our little guy in your prayers over the next couple months. We are praying the drops work and can only put our trust in little Jacob's ability to respond to the treatment and Dr Goei's knowledge.

Friday night we had a nice visit with Mark's parents and the Hairs. Saturday was such a rainy day. We went to a friends baby shower. It was fun and Mark won two games! He is getting really good at shower games. I got a picture of us competing at the shower that I'm going to try and post with this message. Sunday was better from a weather standpoint but we were so rushed to get our chores done it was a blur. Madison turned 2 months on Sunday and we took some pictures of her. I will be posting some to the photo site soon.

This week is busy for us too. We are planning to take the kids to see the Easter Bunny at the mall, Madison's two month check up and her first round of shots is Friday. This Saturday is my Saturday rotation at work and the Egg Hunt that we have taken Jacob to each year since he was 1.

We will be staying in town for Easter but will be anxiously waiting to hear from Kim and Alex as their baby girl is due on Good Friday. It is hard to believe only 10 weeks ago we were where they are now and didn't think Madison would ever get here and now we can't believe its only been two months since she made her debut!

Happy April tomorrow!

2 months old

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:48:23 GMT

IMG_5507:
Uploaded on 3/31/2009 5:31:21 PM

My how time flies! She is cooing and trying to roll over. She'll be chasing after her big brother soon enough!

8 weeks

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:47:21 GMT

8 weeks:
Uploaded on 3/31/2009 5:28:46 PM

Here she is last Thursday sitting in mommy's recliner

Madison at 7 weeks

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:45:57 GMT

7 weeks:
Uploaded on 3/31/2009 5:26:50 PM

Here she is at 7 weeks!

St, Patrick's Day

Jess — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:44:24 GMT

IMG_5465:
Uploaded on 3/31/2009 5:24:47 PM

The kids that night.

A nice weekend

Jess — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:26:09 GMT

Well the weekend is coming to a close and as I type this on my blackberry my baby girl is laying in my arms and I can hear Mark and Jacob arguing about taking a shower. Its funny because Jacob wanted 3 showers yesterday and now is refusing to take one.

Friday after work we went out to Kid to Kid and checked out their store. I didn't get a chance to look at everything but we found a sweet dress for Madison to wear in a few months. It still had the original tags on it. We ate at Cracker Barrel and then went to get Caleb's present at Target.

On Saturday, Mark got out and got a haircut early. We visited on the webcam with Pa Pa and Grandma Sam for a few minutes. We love it and can't believe we weren't using a webcam to visit sooner. We still can't get the video call portion to work but we manage to get the sound and a smaller webcam picture to work. We went to a birthday party for one of Jacob's friends from school. It was a little chilly but it was nice to be outside. They had a real firetruck at the party! Jacob loved it!

We have had a nice Sunday too we just finished a yummy steak dinner that Mark grilled up! I just wish the pollen wasn't so bad we would spend more time out!

I need to get on the computer and post some pictures from this week just not sure if I will tonight or tomorrow.

Have a great last week of March!

Back to Work

Jess — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:20:15 GMT

Well I went back to work yesterday. Its definitely an adjustment getting back in to the swing of things. I have to get up at 510 each morning just so we can all be out of the house in time. It feels like I am moving at 100mph all day. I'm sure my body will adjust just like it did when my baby girl was born. It is difficult since Mark and Jacob are very regimented in their days and we have been on the schedule for 3 years to adjust to a different one. Its hard for me to have dinner ready and on the table at 540 like they are used to. I'm trying to get things prepped the night before or on my lunch breaks.

As for Madison's 1st day at daycare. I think she did good. Her schedule will need to adjust a little bit but she is so easy going I'm sure she will be adjusted before I am.

Please keep us in your prayers and maybe by the end of this week we will be old pros at this family of four out the door stuff!

Madison @ 6 weeks

Jess — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:26:54 GMT

6 weeks old:
Uploaded on 3/15/2009 2:16:37 PM

Well we can hardly believe it but Madison is 6 weeks old. I'm preparing to go back to work tomorrow. It's very hard to think about. I just hope everyone says a prayer for us tomorrow. It will be very hard for me to leave my little girl but I know she will be in good hands and her big brother is two classrooms away. We have spent the weekend preparing for the transition and I think I have the kids all packed except for a couple of odds and ends. I still am not sure exactly what time I need to get up to get us successfully out of the house on time. Madison was on an 8am feeding routine but has moved backed to 7am so now she eats at 3am and 7am but i need to be at work at 7am so I think we'll try a trick I learned from another mommy and use Madison's babydoll as a bottle prop that daddy and brother can use for on the way to school. Some good news of the week, at my doctor's visit I lost 25lbs since she was born! That's pretty good progress though I still can't fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans. I need a little more wiggle room. I had to go buy 2 pair of jeans this weekend to wear at work. I couldn't find any dress pants that would look right so I'll be washing those jeans a lot until I can get back in to my old clothes. I hope everyone has a great week!

Madison from 1 week to 6 weeks Slideshow

Jess — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:13:00 GMT

Our trip to Alabama

Jess — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:05:00 GMT

I know I know. I'm just now getting a second to fill everyone in on our trip last weekend. We had a really nice time. We left Thursday afternoon and made it to Alabama around 7pm our time. Both kids did great! Madison slept most of the way. It was nice to spend time with Pa Pa and Grandma Sam and to see Amy, Austin, Lindsey, Ashlyn, and Emily. The weekend was too short but we did get a chance to take the kids by Whataburger. We love that place.

On our way home from Alabama we stopped by Atlanta to see Mike, Frances, and Abby. We had a quick lunch at their house and again it was too short a visit but we were glad to see them.

No we didn't let her eat a french fry...........

Jacob enjoying his Whatakid meal:

Rockin' in Pa Pa's chair:

Madison meeting Uncle Mike:

Aunt Frances and bunny ears:

Madison at 5 weeks!

Jess — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:19:27 GMT

5 weeks old:
Uploaded on 3/11/2009 7:18:00 AM

Madison is growing so fast. I can't believe that Monday I'll be going back to work. I already miss her! Here is a picture we took on Thursday. She was in her pack and play at Pa Pa's house in Alabama. I'll post more about our trip and some pictures with Pa Pa, our 1st trip with her to Whataburger, and Uncle Mike's later. Madison and I will be out of the house today. I'm waiting for her little outfit to dry and then we will be hitting the road for a girl's day.

Jacob's Dentist Appointment

Jess — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:46:47 GMT

Jacob Dentist: 3/2/09
Uploaded on 3/3/2009 7:33:48 AM

Jacob did a great job with Mark at the dentist yesterday. He had a cleaning with Chocolate Toothpaste! I wish I had those options. Daddy took Jacob to get a new Geo Trax train afterwards as a reward. The only bad news was that they are pretty sure that Jacob will need braces when he gets older! Apparently they can tell by the way baby teeth come in? Ugh! If you would like to make a donation to Jacob's Braces Fund. Please let me know =) The picture was taken with Mark's camera phone so it's a little fuzzy. All 3 pictures he took are on our photo site.

Madison is 1 month old

Jess — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:53:00 GMT

I can't believe where the time has gone! Madison is 1 month old. She is so sweet and the best little girl. As I type this she is swinging and looking at herself in her bear mirror. She's making faces at the baby in the mirror. I wonder if she knows it's her? She's too cute. I've reorganized the photo site a little so that you can see how she progresses from week to week and month to month. Kind of like what I did for Jacob. I republished his 23rd photos so if you want to compare what big brother looked like when he was her age you can. All of that is at photos.markandjessica.us.

She is still in her newborn clothes although she can wear some of the 0-3 that she has. Her daddy put her in some this weekend that I washed preparing for her transition and they fit ok but remind me of when she first came home and the newborn clothes were too big. I got a new gadget that finally came in. I saw it on the Today Show a few weeks back called the Eye-Fi. It's makes your camera wireless so as soon as your computer turns on you can upload pictures with no wires. I didn't get the one that would upload to websites by itself because I figured I wouldn't use it that often but now wish I had. It's a neat little gadget.

For those of you who are curious, we didn't get any snow yesterday. It was all cold rain.

Jacob's eye appointment was on Friday. We forgot his glasses in a rush to get out of the house so Dr. Goei wasn't able to see his full progress but it looks like we may be headed for surgery with him if his eyes don't get any better. We have an appointment at the end of this month to determine whether he will need surgery. It's an outpatient procedure but if I have learned anything from adults that have gone through not having the surgery it's better to correct it now instead of letting the problems intensify down the road. Please keep Jacob in your prayers and for us to make the right decisions for him as his parents.

Here is a picture of Madison as a 1 month old!

Stressful Week

Jess — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:08:11 GMT

Last week was kind of stressful for me. I've not been feeling that great and it's putting a strain on my ability to get things done. The more I feel bad the stressed out I get because I can't do as much. I did want to update everyone on a couple things.

We had a good Fat Tuesday. Mark brought home Popeye's Chicken, Red Beans and Rice and Dirty Rice and we had King Cake for dessert. Jacob celebrated with some beads from the King Cake and by taking a poop in the potty all by himself! He and Mark took off to Toys 'R Us and got a new train as a reward. Jacob has really been trying to finish potty training but it seems a little more difficult now that baby sister is here.

Madison's Room

Jess — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:40:37 GMT

Madison's Room:
Uploaded on 2/23/2009 11:31:02 AM

I posted two pictures of her nursery on the photo site under the Madison Gallery and on my facebook page. I kept forgetting to post pictures of her finished nursery.

The Same but different.

Jess — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:35:00 GMT

I had fun this morning. I went through some of Jacob's baby things. I was curious as to what he weighed at his 1st checkup.

Coincidentally, Jacob's checkup was 3 years ago exactly from Madison's on February 10. At his checkup, big brother was 9lbs 2 ozs! He weighed 7lbs 13 ounces at birth and was 21 1/2 inches. He has a hospital photo that is almost like we had twins just 3 years apart! I put the 8X10s we have next to each other and the only differences were their hair color and the picture backgrounds. I don't have a scanned image of it but thought I would post something with a comparison of what I do have.

We have a webcam now and had fun talking to Pa Pa Sam a few minutes this morning. We are trying different messengers to find the one that will allow a good picture and sound. We are going to test something with Mrs. Linda this evening while Pa Pa Wayne and June are in North Carolina. If anyone has any suggestions on what they use, please let me know.

I hope you have a good week. I only have 3 weeks left with my baby at home and it's making me sadder and sadder every day.

Mommy sleep!

Jess — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:02:51 GMT

So last night Mark had Madison in the den and she slept from 1100 to 340 or so. I woke up at 300 and paced the floor until 330 checking on her. Around 340 I took her back to her cradle and 5 minutes later she was up. I was glad because I worry when she goes to long without eating plus it makes mommy uncomfortable. I couldn't go back to sleep because our neighbors across the street are vampires and only come out at night and return at dawn. Mark took Madison back at 530 and I went to bed. Jacob woke up at 700 but he was ok sitting in bed watching a movie while mommy cat napped. We all got moving around 900 and plan on having a good day! I just think its funny that all mommys hope for is the baby to sleep through the night but even when they seem like they are we have to get up and keep checking on them. I wonder if you ever stop worrying about your kids at night. I know I still put my hand on Jacob during the night to make sure he is still breathing when I don't hear his 3 year old snore for more than a few moments. I wonder if when he is 30 he will let me text him in the middle of the night so that I can wait for him to text me back and say he is ok?

Madison is 3 weeks old!

Jess — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Can you believe Madison is 3 weeks old today? I forgot to post some Valentine's pictures so I wanted to make sure I put them up.

Rainy Wednesday

Jess — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:01:59 GMT

Well its been a rough night. I learned I have to stay away from chik fil a for a while. It doesn't agree with our little girl. She spit up on the way home with Jacob and then had a bad poopie diaper. I gave her a bath and then around 6 she was very unsettled. We gave her some mylicon with no relief. Mark kept her in the den while Jacob and I went to bed and he said she was still struggling. At 430 our girl let out what must have been hurting her. I actually jumped out of sleep because it was so loud! Poor baby! We woke up at 630 because Jacob did not want to get up and woke the house. She is doing better this morning with 2 feedings and a lot of sleeping. She won't let me put her down though so I'm stuck in the chair. Today Jacob has picture day at school. I hope he smiles pretty!

Out and About

Jess — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:00:44 GMT

We have a busy Friday. We went to lunch with the kids and took them to toys r us. Jacob collected 20 marbles and redeemed them for a geotrax train. We have been letting him collect marbles for good deeds. Its really been working. We just left the new fresh market in Augusta. Its really not much bigger than the old one but it does seem nicer. We bought a couple things for Valentine's day. The traffic is absolutely crazy! We have spent over an hour in traffic today between construction on Wheeler and Washington its been horrible but the kids have been good. We did have to stop and feed Madison in the Y parking lot. Jacob was confused as to why we stopped and why I was hiding in the backseat with Madison. We hope everyone has a great Valentine's tomorrow!

Madison is 2 weeks old!

Jess — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:59:03 GMT

I can not believe she is already 2 weeks old! I can't remember what life was like without her. Well maybe sleep I can remember. Mark and I are exhausted. We think our new sleep schedule has caught up with us. Jacob is doing great and loves his baby sister. His teacher said yesterday that she has never seen a boy so proud to be a big brother. It made me smile. He is doing good sleeping in his own bed but does still sneak down the hall and get in to our bed around 3 each night. Most of the time Mark and I aren't in it. We are too tired to carry him back if we are. I'm looking forward to the next 3 days with the boys home. It will be nice to have a extra set of hands around. We have her birth announcements to send out but I haven't had enough time to get them mailed out. We are taking our taxes to our tax guy next Friday and I hope we have a nice return coming back this year. We could use it!

Checkups

Jess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Yesterday Jacob had his 3 year checkup and Madison her 2 week (just a little early). They both got clean bill's of health.

Jacob:
Height: 39 3/4 inches
Weight: 33lbs

Madison:
Height: 21 1/2 inches (she's grown and inch in 12 days!)
Weight: 7lbs 8ozs
Head: 14 1/4

It's so funny how Jacob was off the charts on most of the percentiles and still is. He's about 90% right now in height but his little sister isn't even as big as he was when he was born and she is now 13 days old today!

I love their differences!

i cant get this picture to rotate correctly:

1st Bottle Pictures

Jess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:59:00 GMT

Jacob and Daddy had a good time giving Madison her 1st bottle. She did really well but 2 ounces wasn't enough so Mommy had to intervene.

Her Cord Stump Fell Off

Jess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:46:00 GMT

On Saturday morning, she had just a bit of her cord still there. I decided it was time for her 1st good bath and covered up her cord. We taped it when we took Jacob out to ride his mustang so it wouldn't fall off in a parking lot. Later on Saturday when Mark was changing a poo poo diaper it fell off! It seemed liked Jacob's took forever to fall off but she was only 9 days old!

1st Shopping Trip

Jess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:43:00 GMT

Well as I mentioned on Friday, we had to take Madison back to the hospital for a redo on her PKU test. We left the house around 11am. She was asleep. We went to the hospital. They poked her foot and she didn't even wake up! She stirred a little. We then went to Moe's to have lunch. Her 1st outing at restaurant and slept thru. We then went to Babies 'R Us and Target and still asleep! She didn't wake up until we got home!

Happy Friday!

Jess — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:56:05 GMT

I'm writing this entry with my phone. I'm in my new usual spot in what I will call a mommy sandwich. I'm holding Madison in the recliner and Jacob is sitting on my lap. I'm wedged between my two favorite kids. Jacob is watching Journey to the Center of the Earth and Madison is asleep. Mark is at an eye appointment and when he gets back we have to take Madison back to the hospital. She has to have her PKU test done again as the first test had too much blood? I'm not looking forward to it since her little foot still has a scar from the test last Friday. I can't believe she is 8 days old! The time is passing by so quickly! I am a basket of emotions lately. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Its a really strange feeling since I'm usually not a big crier. I want to go see he's just not that in to you. If anyone goes to see it please let me know how it is. Keep little Madison in your thoughts so her test will go smoother this time!

I love this photo

Jess — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:31:12 GMT

1st morning waking up at home:
Uploaded on 2/4/2009 9:30:28 AM

You would think Jacob was up all night with Madison by looking at this photo but our first night really wasn't all that bad. I don't think he really was disturbed at all by the baby. When he woke up on Saturday the 1st thing he said is "Where's my baby?" He is a great big brother. If she squeeks he runs and gets us. He always gives her a talking to when she poops her pants. Although he struggles with it himself. I can't count how many times he has asked that she come see his mustang in the garage. She is so tiny sometimes he can't tell I'm holding her so I hear "Where's the baby?" a lot. Overall I have to say that he has handled the transition to big brother great! We are home by ourselves for the first time without Mark for an extended amount of time and when I sat down in my chair and told Jacob that Madison needed to eat he brought my boppy, a blanket, and the remote just like daddy would do. Mark is a good role model for Jacob and it shows! I love my boys and my little girl!

Madison's Birthday

Jess — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:06:00 GMT

Well I promised I would catch everyone up on her arrival.

We went to the hospital at 5:30pm on Wednesday to begin my induction. Jacob was with his Grandma June and Pa Pa. Dr. Goldsmith checked in with us shortly after we arrived and let us know that we would take 3 doses of the dilation medicine at 7pm, 11pm, and 3am. He said he would then begin petocin at 7am to see how we progressed. At 7pm, I was checked and I was 1cm dilated before the medicine. Since nothing happened right away, I was able to eat dinner at 8pm. At 11pm, no progress was made still 1cm dilated and I was given a sleeping pill to help me relax with my next dose. A little before 3am, I started feeling increasingly more uncomfortable. The nurse checked me and I was 3-4 cm dilated. She called Dr. Goldsmith and he said not to give me another dose of the medicine and to start petocin at 6am. He also gave her permission to give me some pain medicine as I was beginning to chicken out and the epidural was far from getting close! The Hospital's Heat was stuck on and it was getting hotter and hotter in my room. I was dozing in between contractions and at about 4:45am we called my mom to bring a fan. I was miserable and hot and couldn't take it. At about 5:25am, I received a text from my sister-in-law Frances. I told her I was still 3cm and then as I was hitting send, I just felt really bad. I went to the bathroom and my mom arrived with the fan. Mark hooked it up and went to tell the nurse I was back from the bathroom. He said she had gone to get my petocin. Those were the worst words I could have heard. I was in so much pain and could not believe they were about to give me medicine to make my pain worse with no epidural. I got in the bed and had like back to back contractions. I told Mark to go tell her she wasn't giving me any petocin until I got an epidural or she called Dr Goldsmith and told him to come do a c-section. She came in about 6:05 and asked if I wanted to be checked. I said YES! She checked me and said "You are having a baby". I know I had to look at her like she was about to go crazy and that it was no time for sarcasm. She then said you are 10cm. She said she needed to call Dr. Goldsmith. I told her to call for an Epidural first! When she came back she said Dr. Goldsmith wants the epidural administered and then he would come up and break my water as it hadn't broken on it's own. Mark called everyone to say to get to the hospital now! As we weren't expecting to have a baby until that afternoon and told everyone to relax and not get to the hospital too early!

About 6:25, Dr Goldsmith arrived and it was like the calvary ran in the door. He checked me and the next thing I know without an epidural he is breaking my water! I actually begged him not to! He said there was no time and that I was having the baby now! I was furious! I am not very tolerant of pain and I was in shock that this was happening to me with no epidural and a pain shot that had long since past it's effectiveness.

As soon as he broke my water, she was almost out. Mark said it was like someone pulled the drain plug. Dr. G told me to let them know when I was having the next contraction and I just couldn't wait. I let out this horrible scream (Mark has it recorded) and I pushed once and there she was. Dr. Goldsmith said she was propelled out!

At 6:35am on Thursday, January 29, Madison Dale Peters entered the world. I think it took us a few minutes to take it all in as it happened so quickly. We have about 3 minutes of the delivery on video as Mark hadn't even gotten setup to take any video when things started happening.

Overall, despite the lack of epidural. I think we did ok. She is beautiful. She weighed 7lbs 1oz and 20.5 inches. She didn't have any jaundice and is a very sweet and content little girl. She didn't even have a cone head because she was out in such a hurry.

We came home on Friday afternoon at my request, I think we could have come home on Thursday if they would have let us!

Well I have to go, I'm posting pictures to the photo site now of our first couple days with her. She is such a blessing to our family and I can't imagine what we did with out her and it's only been 6 days!!!

Hello!

Jess — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:02:57 GMT

Just wanted to let everyone know we are doing good. We came home on Friday and are enjoying our time with our princess. I want to sit down and type about her birth but I haven't found the energy or time yet. I'm sending this thru my blackberry so that I can at least have something up. I have been trying to post a new picture of her on facebook everyday. I was working on sending some pictures up to my photo site but only one made it. I hope everyone is having a good February! I know we are!

Madison

Jess — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:16:44 GMT

Madison Dale Peters arrived at 635am. 7lbs 1ozs and 20.5 inches!

Pregnancy

Jess — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:29:00 GMT

So Mark and I were on our way home from going to lunch and I started thinking. I have been pregnant for 80 weeks of my life! Jacob was 39 weeks 3 days and Madison is 40 weeks 4 days! 80 weeks! That seems such a long time. Although looking back, it really goes in a blink of an eye.

They say every pregnancy is different and I totally believe it.

When we found out about Jacob, we were anxious and Mark looked at the pregnancy test with turned around with such excitement in his eyes. We took 3 tests back to back and called our parents right away. I don't think I can forget the look on his face when he turned around and said we did it!

When we found out about Madison, we were in total shock. Not to go in to too much detail but I had to undergo fertility treatments for both Jacob and Madison and during Madison's cycle I had 8 mature eggs and the doctor told us that we couldn't proceed. When I took that pregnancy test and saw the faint line, I remember going to the door and telling Mark that it was positive and then we were in total shock and all we could think about is 8 babies!!! We took another test the next morning and Mark looked at it and said it was negative. My heart dropped and then I went to look at it and there was the 2nd line still faint but there. I called the doctor and we didn't share our news until we had a handle on the possiblity of multiple multiples. We knew God would give us what we could handle and had to wait patiently until we could get our first ultrasound. I know Dr. Servy was just as relieved as us when we went and there was just little Madison patiently growing. How she made it to life was definitely against a lot of odds!

With Jacob: Very Little Morning Sickness
With Madison: Almost every morning for about 12 weeks. I got out of the shower every day to instant sickness. If I smelled Mark's shirt or towel I would get sick.

With Jacob: I had high blood pressure, bed rest for 6 weeks, and unbelievable leg swelling!
With Madison: My blood pressure has been great, I worked up until 39 weeks 2 days, and very little swelling.

Of course, I can't say how the deliveries differ yet.

I will miss being pregnant. Always having someone with you where you go. Feeling the little kicks and big punches. Having Jacob kiss my belly and talk to her through my belly button. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable but when you stop and think about what a miracle you have growing inside, how can you not love it? Both our children wouldn't be here without Dr. Servy's help. He is a very great doctor and will always be in our hearts. Of course, Dr. Goldsmith plays a big part in getting them in to the world and we are grateful for him in this world too.

Things I won't miss about being pregnant is the burden I put on Mark with the extra work he has to go through. He works very hard and it's hard to see some days that he can't just come home and relax. I am thankful I didn't have but 3 days of bedrest during this pregnancy as I couldn't have sat still watching Mark have to do everything and take care of Jacob.

I won't miss the every day comments by complete strangers:
"You must be ready to pop" - starting at like 5 months in to pregnancy
"Wow, you are really big!"
"Are you having twins?"
"Do you have two babies hiding in there?"

I could go on! My advice to anyone reading this is, if you don't know the person don't make comments about them! I personally don't take it as a compliment when you tell me how huge I'm getting! Say something nice like "You look good pregnant!" Plus, over the last couple weeks I can't count the number of people that have told me to have sex! Store Clerks, Waitresses, Passer bys, and even Mark's dad! (Yep, Wayne I had to throw you under the bus!)

Well I'm going to wrap this up. We will be going to hospital today at 5:30 to start part of my induction. We will spend the night and Dr. G will start the petocin in the morning at 5:30am if Madison doesn't start coming before then. Wish us luck and I'll post a message on here when she arrives but I can't upload pictures from my phone to the blog (there's an issue with Sprint and GoDaddy!) I will try and post a picture on my myspace profile and on facebook so make sure you add us so you can see her 1st pictures!

40 weeks today!

Jess — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:44:00 GMT

Yesterday was Jacob's birthday. We had a very nice time celebrating with him. It's hard to believe our little boy is 3. It seems like just yesterday we were packing up to go to the hospital to meet him and now here he is today playing trains with Mark on the floor. Mark just told Jacob he was going to stop playing trains with him because Jacob is cheating! Jacob called Mark a little boy! Oh what fun 3 will be!

Well today makes 40 weeks. My due date is here and it seems like I won't be going to the hospital today. I started having pains at 11:47 today and they have not been consistent. I did lay down once Jacob went for a nap and ended up sleeping from like 3:30-6:00pm. I woke up still having the pains but nothing has changed.

Here is a video of Jacob riding his birthday present yesterday. We had great weather for it! I love his laugh! You can hear it towards the end of the video. All he can talk about is his Mustang. I have pictures I need to post of him kissing his mustang goodnight last night!

One More Week!

Jess — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:34:00 GMT

The Ultrasound looked good this morning. The NST was kind of scary..they lost her heartbeat for a minute but it could have been equipment. She's 7lbs 5ozs or so! Still no progress but no need to induce. The doctor really thought today he would have seen progress and started induction. I have to go back next TUESDAY to be checked and if no progress or baby appearances, we'll talk about our options. He is still thinking C-Section but he thought that with Jacob and was wrong! Jacob and I were a team and decided that we could get it done! I'm beginning to think she is going to pester her big brother and show up on his birthday on Friday!

I just remembered I never posted pictures from our 34 week ultrasound. Here are two of my favorites!

Our sweet girl:

Looks like Mark has 3 "Samuelson lips" to put up with. I thought I had perfected this pout but Jacob has a pretty good one and his sister looks to have it down already!

Getting Ready to go to the Doctor

Jess — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:01:00 GMT

No baby arrival yet! I've been having some pains that started last night around 6:30pm but nothing has really changed. I have my scheduled appointment today at 9:30 to go in and do the NST and Bio Ultrasound. I'll keep everyone posted. I have been working with GoDaddy to see if I can post a picture from my phone on the blog or photo site when she comes but it doesn't seem like it will work. I will try and email out a picture or post on my Myspace or Facebook pages. I can post messages on my phone so we will try to send blog updates. Jacob is back to school after his snow day! Nothing stuck to the ground. Have a great Wednesday!

Here's a video of the snow

Jess — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:53:00 GMT

It's gives you a good idea of what the snow was like around 10:30 this morning. It got heavier throughout the day but never stuck.

Snow in Augusta

Jess — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:49:26 GMT

Trying to catch snow:
Uploaded on 1/20/2009 2:46:03 PM

Well Jacob saw his 2nd snow today! Here's a picture I took this morning. He was trying to catch the snow with his tongue. I have a video I'll try to post soon too.

39 weeks!

Jess — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:02:02 GMT

Jacob with Becca and Lily:
Uploaded on 1/19/2009 11:46:17 AM

We'll we made it to 39 weeks. This weekend we celebrated Becca's 3rd Birthday at Jump City. I wanted to show everyone this picture of Jacob with Becca (left) and Lily (right). I think they all had a good time. It was freezing that morning! For the most part we just had a movie weekend at the house. This morning at my appointment the doctor pulled me out of work. I have to go back on Wednesday for a NST and a Ultrasound to check on how Madison is coping. Right now he says Jan 24-27 is a good estimate but if he sees something on the ultrasound or the NST that says otherwise he will schedule me for a c-section. Of course, this sounds almost identical to what happened with her older brother 3 years ago. However, just like I said with Jacob, unless she is in harm I'd like to try to get her out myself rather than a c-section. We'll see what happens. I was planning on taking a nap until I needed to go get Jacob from school but one of the houses behind us is doing some sort of sawing and it's hindering my nap. I'm a little worried about the weather. It may snow tonight! The weather channel has this posted for our area. From the weather channel: . WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY... THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY. AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WILL DEVELOP AND MOVE EASTWARD ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA LATE TONIGHT. IT WILL REACH THE COAST SHORTLY BEFORE DAWN TUESDAY. THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BRING IN COLDER AIR AND INCREASING MOISTURE. THE PRECIP WITH THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AS RAIN... AND GRADUALLY CHANGE TO A MIXTURE OF RAIN AND SNOW... BEFORE TURNING OVER TO ALL SNOW BY MORNING. OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURES WILL FALL INTO THE LOWER 30S. ONE INCH OR LESS OF SNOW IS EXPECTED BY MORNING. SNOW WILL BEGIN TO TAPER OFF TO LIGHT SNOW OR SNOW FLURRIES EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON WITH TEMPERATURES ABOVE FREEZING IN THE MID 30S. LITTLE ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION WILL OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON. THE WEATHER SYSTEM WILL MOVE AWAY BY MID AFTERNOON.

38 weeks

Jess — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:47:00 GMT

Mark and I viewed our Maternity Pictures from our session last Friday. I think we probably spent too much but the pictures turned out great. We went to lunch with Wayne and June and then came home. The boys went down for a nap and I snuck away with my mom to see Bride Wars. It was nice to see a chick flick. I've been kind of smothered with Race Cars for 2 year olds and 37 years olds lately in our film selections.

Mark put the border up for Madison's room while I was gone. I need to put up a few Wall Hangings and then I'll take a picture and post of our sweet nursery. I can't wait to meet her!

I'm struggling to walk lately. My hips are killing me. Plus, I'm irritable. (Mark is probably going to read this and laugh!). 2 more weeks to go! We are planning to go to Becca's birthday party next Saturday. Will Madison wait until after the party? I'll keep you guys posted as my next appointment is Monday at 3:45!

Oh here are some links to movie previews that I saw that we are waiting to come out, sorted by person and probably in the order we will get to see them!

Jacob: Night at the Museum

Mark: The Fast and the Furious 4

Jessica: He's Just Not That In To You!

January 8th

Jess — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:46:06 GMT

Jacob waiting to visit Santa:
Uploaded on 1/8/2009 3:38:23 PM

Jacob and I are just sitting here waiting for 8pm when the Gators play. We hope we can claim the Championship. The last time the Gators one was the 2006 Season and Jacob got to celebrate. It's only fair that Madison gets the same shot right? Jacob is in his Tebow Jersey and I'm in my Gator PJs I got from Dad and Brenda for Christmas. Mark and I still have a head cold. Jacob's eye appointment went well yesterday but could have been better. The doctor said his eye has improved about 7%. I can't remember what she called it but it went from 25% to 18%. Wayne sent this picture over and I wanted to share it with everyone. It was before we saw Santa last month and gives you a good idea of how Jacob looks in his glasses. Go Gators!

1st Hot Chocolate

Jess — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:28:22 GMT

First Hot Chocolate:
Uploaded on 1/6/2009 3:10:25 PM

On Monday for lunch we went in to the McDonald's on Washington Road. While we were there the owner asked if I'd like to be the 1st to try their new Hot Chocolate. I have to say it was really good. Mark took this picture on his cell phone because he said it was a momentous occasion. We got a surprise at work today! My Team got Madison the new Diaper Genie and a gift card from Babies 'R Us. It was a nice surprise to get. I was feeling pretty bad and had just come back from walking because Madison was poking my ribs for the first time! She's never really stretched out before but I guess maybe she sensed she was about to get a surprise and was trying to get me back to my desk. Jacob has had 2 great days at day care. No accidents with the potty! He's so mature now that he calls Mark and I, Mom and Dad. It's driving me crazy! He's not even 3 yet! He's not allowed to call his Mom and Dad for at least 10 more years right? Are we already past the days of Mommy and Daddy?

Sunday Trip

Jess — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:18:42 GMT

1/4 Hospital Visit:
Uploaded on 1/6/2009 3:12:21 PM

On Sunday I was feeling really uncomfortable, my mom brought over a container full of NewBorn and 0-3 Month Clothes she'd been saving for Madison. I started timing my pains and they were 5 minutes apart which made me panic. I called the Doctor and the Answering Service paged them. About 30 minutes later, Mark called back and the service realized they paged the wrong doctor! Luckily it was my Doctor on call so he called and said I should go over to Labor and Delivery. I got there and they hooked us up. I was having contractions but they were 'nothing big' ugh! They gave me some medicine and monitored us for about 2 hours and sent us home. Mark took this picture of me in the bed. You can see how my face is starting to swell! We went to our appointment yesterday and the doctor thinks she'll make it 2 more weeks before she appears but I don't know how much longer I can handle these Braxton Hicks!!!

Jacob dancin' to Knight Rider

Jess — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:09:00 GMT

On New Year's Day, Jacob got a treat and was able to stay up and watch Knight Rider. When the theme song started he jumped up on our ottoman and began dancing. He loves Mustangs!

Rough Day

Jess — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:04:55 GMT

December 31: The 4 of us getting ready to go out to dinner on New Year's Eve!
Uploaded on 1/4/2009 11:37:17 AM

I'm having a rough day today. I'm really hurting and it's hard to walk. We went out to Target and Babies R Us last night and got a couple things Madison will need. I have some clothes in the dryer and am waiting for Grandma Bev to stop by with some things she has for Madison and then one last load of laundry (hopefully!) and I'll be set for Madison. Mark's not going to be able to put up her crown moulding and border until Friday as it's still wet and rainy outside. We watched Kung Fu Panda last night. I wasn't very impressed with it. Jacob seemed to enjoy it. Mark just got back from the grocery store as it's getting more and more difficult for me to venture out. I wanted to post this picture of us about to head out on December 31 to the French Market Grille West. Hope everyone has a good Sunday. I'm trying to figure out how to get a Video of Jacob dancing to the Knight Rider theme song on January 1st. If I get that up you'll see another post from me today.

37 Weeks - Happy New Year!

Jess — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:53:00 GMT

Well we are considered "Full Term" Today. I'm 37 weeks. I hope everyone is enjoying 2009! I had to go to work yesterday after having 9 days off and Jacob is still enjoying his 12 day off vacation. It was strange being without him for the day. Right now Mark and Jacob are watching Jurassic Park. Jacob is scared but refuses to let Mark change it. I hope it doesn't give the little man nightmares. I'm doing wash today and have to put me and Madison's clothes in a suitcase to get ready for our hospital visit when the time comes. We took Maternity Pictures last night at Kevin Jiminez's Photography Studio and go next Saturday to preview them. I hope they turned out good. I had some rather strong contractions last night. Mark even set out the cameras and put them on charge in case we had to leave in a hurry. Mark went to Lowe's this morning to get Crown Moulding to finish up Madison's room but then it rained. We just need to put up her wall hangings and border and then we're done. I have to finish moving some of Jacob's things to his room but with Santa and Grandparents spoiling him this Christmas his closet is stuffed already!!!

2 Christmas Pictures and Madison's Swing

Jess — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:21:00 GMT

Wanted to post a picture of our tree Christmas Morning and of Jacob waiting to go see if Santa came. Also, as promised a picture of Madison's swing when we were putting it together on Sunday!
*I noticed the photos were making the site slow down so I took them down and reposted on 1/1/09*

Time is flying by!

Jess — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:31:00 GMT

I have been so horrible at keeping up with the Blog. I decided to sit down and go over a few things to keep everyone posted in case I've missed updating anyone.

On November 22, we traded in our beloved CR-V (Curvy) for a 2009 Honda Odyssey. I'm still a little heartbroken and miss my CR-V but it was a good decision for the family. Gerald Jones really worked with us and our payments only increased $20 from the CR-V to the Odyssey. I can't say I didn't cry and even as I type this I am getting a little misty eyed. The CR-V had been very good to us and was the car we brought Jacob home in! Mark snapped the picture below as we were driving off. Good bye Curvy! We love you and hope you find a good home! I'm not sure what Gerald Jones has done with you because you aren't listed on their website as up for sale but maybe someone got you as a nice Christmas Present this year!

On December 13, our friends Michel and Clint had a babyshower for us. We had so much fun and Madison got a lot of lovely gifts. I have posted the Baby Shower Pictures I received from my mom and Lauren on our photo page but still need to get some pictures from Wayne. For everyone who came or sent gifts, Thank You! We feel really blessed to have such great friends and family welcoming Madison in to the world. I do have Thank You notes that I need to mail out and will promise to get them out soon!

My laptop crashed the same weekend as my babyshower. Mark ended up taking it to Computer Exchange because I just couldn't find the energy to fix it myself. I was emotional and upset! It wouldn't even boot in to Windows. Well ended up the Hard Drive crashed (it's still under warranty and if you are reading this Mark I hope you have sent for the replacement). I was so worried about my digital pictures! I lost all of 2008! Mark was able to recover it once we got it back from the shop and I've transferred all the pictures over to my mass storage backup. I could kick myself for not doing backups throughout the year but thankfully we got them. Turned out my computer got faster too! I got new RAM and I will never install McAfee on my computers again! It seemed to be a system hog!

The kids rooms are pretty much finished. Jacob's moved in to his new room and we just need to get Madison's border put up and they are all set to go!

On December 16, Mark dropped me off from lunch and went back to work. On the way back, the engine on his Civic went out so we are waiting on the car to be fixed. It's supposed to be done today with a $2400 price tag. That weekend, our dryer stated squeeking but it worked. Last Monday night, the dryer went completely out! Mark fixed it on Tuesday only for it to dead again by Friday! I haven't had any way to dry clothes and have a lot of baby clothes and nursing gowns for the hospital to get done so I can pack for the hospital! Mark's childhood friend Grady is coming to help fix it tonight!

Despite all the chaos, we did have a nice Christmas. I had to wake Jacob and Mark up at 7:30 Christmas Morning! Jacob enjoyed the day! We had 3 out of 5 Grandparents over for dinner. On Friday, 2 of the missing 5 came in to town. Jacob missed his Pa Pa and Grandma Sam. We got a lot of nice presents and hope everyone enjoyed their time with us, as we did with them.

I started on Madison's baby blanket and am about 1/3 done. I delayed in getting to it because I promised Jacob I'd finish his but now the time is come. His is finished and in use and she is only 4 weeks or so away! Wish me luck and pray I don't break my wrist trying to get it finished!

Oh! Last night we put together Madison's Swing. When Pa Pa and Grandma Sam were in town, they bought it for her. It's the CADILLAC of swings! We took some pictures putting it together and will get them up soon.

Before I go, I wanted to let everyone know that my Aunt Erline's husband Tom passed away on December 26. His funeral is tomorrow but we won't be able to attend. Please pray for my Uncle Tom and pray for my Aunt Erline and family.

Merry Christmas!

Jess — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:33:00 GMT

Click on this link:

You've been elfed by the Peters!

Pregnancy Update

Jess — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:47:52 GMT

We are at 35 weeks! On Saturday, I will be 9 months! Yes, if you do the math women are pregnant for 10 months not the 9 they seem to make sound so easy! I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and after our scare on Thursday, my blood pressure is fine! Dr. Goldsmith did say that I can expect more days like Thursday and that the braxton hicks will continue. He said to take it easy and keep off my feet as much as possible. We're looking forward to our vacation! We can't go anywhere but I'll be off from December 24-January 1 and return to work on January 2 with 3 weeks and 1 left before Madison's expected due date!

Here's what babycenter says about our progress over the last couple weeks:
33 weeks:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

34 weeks:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers Â— which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born Â— are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

35 weeks: This week!
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

33 weeks appointment

Jess — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:23:57 GMT

I had by doctor's appointment today. My blood pressure is still normal! Its great news since 3 years ago with Jacob this was the appointment that Doctor Goldsmith pulled me out of work at 34 weeks! Madison is now head down. I hope she isn't trying to get her before Santa!

Jessica P.
Sent from my BlackBerry

SEC Championship

Jess — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:16:01 GMT

Go gators! I finished Jacob's blanket and just in time to show his gator pride at school tomorrow!