Delivery Day

Some pictures from Nick's D-Day. I was induced at about 10am and Nick was born at 8:10, so I pretty much hit my target of 8-10 hours of labor. However, I now realize that I must have gone to 'my special place' when I was in labor with Ben which is why I didn't really have any pain or really remember much of his delivery. That was not the case with Nick. There was pain, and screaming, this time around. But the nurses and doctors were all very nice to me (even though I was thoroughly screaming for about 15 minutes), being that a non-epidural patient is apparently rare these days-I think they find entertainment in it.

About an hour or so into labor (and I could still smile!)

My amazement at how big Nick was and Adam cutting the cord

Some Mommy skin-to-skin time (I have a wet cloth on my forehead do to the sweat I broke from all my yelling and screaming)

And some Daddy time

Drum Roll Please!!!

After ten hours of labor, we are proud to announce the arrival at 8:10pm of 8lb 6oz, 21 inch baby boy named Nicholas Ryan Wolny! Mommy and baby are doing well and getting some much deserved rest.

A Baby, a diaper, a potty and a pull-up

The evolution of potty training as explained by Ben with the help of his baby.

Saying Goodnight to the Baby

We'll see if Ben still loves the baby and gives it kisses in a few months.

The First Time!

Ben went potty on the potty chair for the first time tonight! He did it all by himself. After getting out of the shower, he likes to sit on the potty chair and play and tonight was no different. Except...that he actually did go potty! I was shocked! But of course I made a very big deal about it and told him how good he was and a big boy. Really, I was just happy that it all went into the potty and not on the floor. We'll see if he does it again any time soon.

The Belly

I wanted to take some pictures of Ben and me and the belly, but Ben wasn't too into it. Monster was a much better poser.

The Worst Word in the Dictionary

Is Why. Why, Mommy, Why? and when I don't answer, 'Mommy! Mommy! MOMMY!! WHY!!' So, finally I turned the tables. Ben and I were in the car while Adam ran into Best Buy to get Turbo Tax. Ben asked me where Daddy went and I told him, but then he kept asking why. So I asked him why. He didn't take to kindly to being asked why repeatedly. The same conversation took place right before I recorded this and I got 'cause' as the answer to Why until he had had enough and told me no more why.

Sledding

The camera was in the waterproof case, so it's a little hard to hear, but if you turn up the volume, in about the middle of the video, you can hear Ben yelling at Adam to Ready Set Go (repeatedly).

At Least Someone Enjoys the Snow

And that of course would be Monster. Though, it is quite difficult to chase squirrels across the yard when the snow is deeper than your legs are long. Monster had a bit of a problem with that today.

Hmmm, More Snow. Awesome

And then there was another snow storm...This one totally took us by surprise though! We were in swim class when it started and within an hour there was already an inch on the ground! These pictures were taken around 2 in the afternoon at which point we had probably 4" and then we got about another 2-3" on top of that by the time the snow ended at 7pm! And again, all Ben wanted to do was shovel snow. He cried and whined and threw a fit or two until I let him outside.

Snow and Cold Won't Stop Him!

Cold and snow won't stop Ben! After bugging and bugging and bugging for over a week, Ben finally got to shovel today. It was a bit challenging with 3 pairs pants, 2 pairs of socks, 2 shirts, a fleece sweatshirt, 2 pairs of mittens, a hat, scarf and hood on, but he managed.

Note the snow up to the elbows

And Monster...well she's been taking naps outside today.

Play-Doh

I was feeling adventurous yesterday and broke out the play-doh. Ben played very well with it, actually. He really likes the vehicle set that he got for his birthday. It's kind of like Mr Potato Head for play-doh where you stick pieces and parts into the play-doh.

I Can't Hear You

Just call him DJ Benny T. A little fun with Daddy's iPod and noise canceling headphones.

Coffee? Coffee, Daddy?

Imagination Station Fun

Ben had a good time at Imagination Station today with Cameryn. He discovered the sail boats, the tree house and the fish in the grocery store. We did have one incident in the ambulance though, that resulted in Ben going into time out. Otherwise, he was a very good boy. I'm not sure he would ever not find something new to play with at Imagination Station. There is a ton of stuff in just the kid area alone that it's going to take a long time before he discovers all of it!

Ben played with the babies at the hospital, and learned how to put a blanket on the baby and how to carry the baby. (Good thing we have a very realistic baby doll at home that will come in handy in a few weeks)