All that has happened...

Okay, I will not try to be clever or amusing, I will just let you know what has been happening in the last several weeks.

To preface, Evan is doing really well and is changing every day. She is now sitting up, and has discovered she can grab anything she can reach and is starting to try to roll over. We are also pretty sure she is teething, as the drool and need to chomp on things increases every day.

Since we found our new in-home daycare, we have settled into a comfortable routine. Lance and Evan head out each morning at 6:25 a.m. and I pick her up each afternoon. She is happy, healthy and beginning to show signs of her independence and feisty spirit! Meaning she knows what she wants and goes after it, whether that be holding her own bottle or practically shouting "No!" at her father when offered a pacifier late one evening. We have no idea where this stubborn streak comes from!

Since I last updated the blog, we have taken our first road-trip! Evan did really well on the road although her presence did increase the length of the trip by about 2hours. Oh well, a girl has to eat! We traveled to Hereford, TX, where I grew up and where Geebaw lives. It was a fantastic weekend full of wonderful food and great friends! Geebaw graciously offered to keep Evan at her house and we had two nights of real sleep in the hotel. Thank you Geebaw! Evan also received her halloween costume courtesy of her Geebaw. We had to post that picture!

Speaking of Halloween...Evan did don the ladybug costume and we walked through Aunt Tootie and Aunt Fave's neighborhood and then went back to their house so Lance could prepare to be the dead guy in the haunted garage. Amber and Amanda created a haunted house with their neighbors for the kids. They had a great time while Evan and went back to the house and watched The Backyardigans. Evan LOVES The Backyardigans! She watches intently and laughs all the way through each episode. Her favorite character seems to be Uniqua (the pink creature). Her level of excitement increases dramatically each time she is on screen. So for now, The Backyardigans is recorded each day for her enjoyment.

Evan had her 4 month check-up last Monday and things are good. She currently weighs 19.5 pounds and is 26.5 inches long. I know, she is a chunk, but a healthy one. Her doctor was happy with her development and commented on her superior muscle tone. Who knew? Those numbers put her in the 98th percentile and the size of her head (whatever that is, I cannot remember), but she is in the 75th percentile, so all is good.

She has a bit of a cold or perhaps some allergies and we are dealing with that. On Tuesday, amidst the celebration of the election of President-Elect Obama, we found out that Lynn will be closing her in-home daycare for the next few months. She has to go to be with family in Iowa. So I had 8 days to find a new in-home daycare for our little girl.

After several phone calls, tears and searches on Craig's List, we now have a new in-home daycare! Next week, we will say goodbye to Lynn on Tuesday and Aunt Sally is coming for the rest of the week. Thank you Aunt Sally!

Evan will start attending Miss Jennifer's on Monday, November 17th. It is a bit more expensive, but she provides the formula and only keeps the children of teachers, so we have the summers off. If and when Lynn returns, we will decide what is the best option for Evan. For now, we have a place we feel good about! "Few! That was a close one!"

Again, I will try to be better about updating this blog, but I make no promises. I start my master's work tomorrow, we have a show opening on Thursday and I leave for the Madonna concert in Houston on Saturday (thanks Lance!).

So until next time...

Sara

Perspective

Evan is three months old today! As the special day approached, I began to fully realize just how much has changed for us and how my perspective on almost every aspect of my life is radically different.

When I wake up in the morning I cannot wait to see her.

When I leave work in the afternoon I cannot wait to see her.

When Lance comes home from work I cannot wait to watch him see her.

When she giggles I cannot wait to hear it again.

When she goes to sleep at night I cannot wait to see her totally at peace.

I am totally in love with my little girl. There is nothing I would not do to ensure she is safe, happy and well. Nothing. My heart aches when she hurts and soars when she smiles.

My wonderful husband and amazing little girl fill me with the desire to be better, to do more and to love completely.

Evan began a new in-home daycare on Monday. She is now in town where we have a support system and I can be with her as soon as my work day ends each afternoon and...

I cannot wait.

--Sara

My Baby is in Therapy!

As you all know, Evan spends at least one day a week with her Aunt Tootie and Aunt Fave. What you may not know is that Aunt Tootie is an occupational therapist and Aunt Fave is a physical therapist. So, at least once a week, my baby is in therapy!

They turn her, twist her and stretch her into various positions to increase flexibility, control and muscle stamina. I am convinced this is why Evan has incredible head control and is doing more each day. We know we are fortunate to have such an amazing framily---but this makes it even sweeter.

Thanks Tootie and Fave!

--Sara

Ah, Motherhood!

Since Monday was Labor Day and we were taking Tuesday off to take Evan to her two-month check-up, it was supposed to be an easy week. HA!

Still fighting her cold, Evan was no longer sleeping through the night. She woke up needing the nose-sucker every 4 hours. Although not her fault, it is really painful to only sleep for a few hours at a time.

We woke up early on Tuesday morning and bathed our little girl in preparation for our visit to Dr. Shori. The visit went well. She weighed 9 pounds, 15 ounces (which put her in the 25th percentile). Does that mean she is too big or too little? It must be the former. Lance and I cannot fathom that our offspring might be thin for her age...it seems unnatural. Her head size is in the 70th percentile and her length of 23 and 1/4 inches is in the 80th percentile. We are a bit confused by all of this information, but happy to discover she is healthy.

Then it was Wednesday. Lance awoke in the middle of the night with a sour stomach and Evan needed her nose-sucker more than once. I sent them off to Decatur and hoped the day would improve. I called to check in with Lance to ensure they arrived at daycare safely. This has become the routine. I suppose I need to know they were not carjacked and taken from me each day. This phone call was not the routine I expected.

Lance had to pull over suddenly during the drive to Decatur when he became violently ill. He survived the incident, dropped Evan off at daycare to discover he had forgotten her formula, and headed to work. He still felt poorly, but felt it could make it through the day. I checked in with him about every hour to see how he was feeling so I could obsess on how to keep the stomach bug from attacking my daughter (and me...I would rather lose a limb than throw-up). He was not feeling better. I talked him into getting Evan home and I met them there to care for them both.

By the time they arrived home, they were both running a fever. Lance went straight to bed and I fed Evan and put her down for a nap. The rest of the evening was filled with seeing to their needs and worrying that they both were not well. I finally felt like a Mom. I did everything that needed to be done and found I was quite capable. It quickly became obvious that I have been spoiled with a very helpful husband and an amazing support system, but I did it. ALL of it. Yay me!

We all stayed home on Thursday. Lance was on the mend and except for the perpetually stuffy nose, Evan was happy! Things improved enough for me to attend auditions at school in the afternoon and we all prepared for Friday at school. Until....I started to feel really poorly. I was pretty sure I was coming down with the bug too, and by late evening Evan was running a fever. This time it was Lance's turn to be Mr. Mom. He sent me to bed and took care of our fussy fever-laden little girl.

At 5:30 a.m. on Friday we made the decision that Lance would stay home with Evan since she was still running a fever. Thanks to some real rest, I felt better and went to work. By the time I arrived home at 5:00 p.m., Lance was ready to get out of the house. He went to see a show with friends and I stayed in with Evan. Luckily, she felt better and we spent the evening laughing with Aunt Tootie and Aunt Fave.

Saturday was even better for all of us. Evan played and napped when it was actually convenient for us and we were able to spend the day with Amber and Amanda playing bridge...don't judge us until you have attempted the game. It is really challenging and I feel smarter just knowing Bill Gates and Warren Buffet also play for fun.

Sunday has been really good so far thanks to Evan's Geebaw! We received a big box from her on Saturday and actully sat down and went through all the wonderful things she sent this morning. It was amazing! She sent several beautiful new pages for Evan's scrapbook and the cutest pair of shiny, pink Olivia shoes. Best of all, the box was practically stuffed with some of the best books I have ever read. We read them all and, like Geebaw, cannot wait to share them all with Evan! I know if my Mom were here to spoil our little girl, books would be at the top of her list, and to me that makes it even better! Thank you Geebaw!

I suddenly was overwhemed with emotion as I read each post-it Pam loving placed on each book describing why she chose it, or who loved it, or why we would like it as well. I realized once again how fortunate we are to have Geebaw in our lives. This is what Geebaws do and we are so grateful Evan has one! Hopefully our special morning is a sign of a better week to come!

--Sara

HOPE

What a week!

Evan began going to daycare in Decatur on Tuesday which was much more difficult for me than anyone else. I cried quietly after she and her Daddy left early that morning and found myself looking at the clock every few minutes all day long. I could not wait until they arrived home to ensure she was still the same baby. She was. I do not care for the smell of her hair when she returns, but no one will ever care for her the way we do....so I will just have to deal with it.


Lance and I watched the Democratic National Convention each evening and were really affected by what we saw and most importantly by what we heard. I am so proud that the year our child was born, an African-American man is the presidential candidate for a major political party after narrowly beating a highly qualified woman for the nomination. I hope that these political and social happenings are signs of the direction in which our daughter's society is headed. I do believe things can change and I dearly HOPE they will. We are steadfast Obama supporters and are proud to be a part of such a history-making event.

Evan is now fighting a cold brought on by her first week at daycare with all of those other tiny germ-filled creatures. She is handling it well and Lance and I are hoping to get some sleep soon! She has her two month check-up tomorrow and we are anxious to find out exactly how much our beautifully chubby baby weighs and ask even more questions of our patient pediatrician. No worries, I will post all the details soon!


--Sara

Tootie and Fave Save the Day!

Well, I went back to work this week. The only reasons I survived, with what little sanity I had left, are Amber and Amanda. Our incredible friends saved the day. They kept Evan all week while were in teacher inservice. Hopefully it will make the transition easier when she actually has to go to daycare in Decatur on Tuesday.

I had to report at school on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. So, when the alarm went off at 5:30 a.m., I begrudgingly went to take a shower and Lance headed to the kitchen. When he walked down the hallway later with a cup of coffee in one hand and a bottle in the other, he said, "Now I actually feel like a parent. Isn't this what they do?" While he took care of Evan, I got ready for the day and by 7:00 a.m., we were on the road to the Aunts' home. Of course they welcomed her with open arms and sleepy eyes. When I left, I actually looked forward to work. This routine continued each morning and I really enjoyed it. I loved the time in the early morning with Evan. While I was at work, I could focus on my job because I knew she was totally safe. Luckily for all of us, Amanda works from home on Mondays and has generoursly offered to keep Evan each Monday. "Few!" That will make it easier!

Aunt Tootie and Aunt Fave, or Amanda and Amber - whichever you prefer, are two of the most giving, caring, strong, amazing women we know. Over the last two years I have watched them parent their own two beautiful children, Caleb and Mckinlee. I have marveled at their ability to balance their busy lives as business owners and parents. I wish I knew how to adequately express how grateful we are for their support and love. We could not do it without them and, frankly, we do not want to. We could not fathom our lives without their laughter and guidance.

So this week we tackled car seats, separation and school. Who knows what is in store for us? As we head into the new year, at least we have incredible people in our corner!

--Sara

The Great Geebaw

On Saturday, Evan had her first visit with her Geebaw (the wonderful woman who has lovingly agreed to love Evan as one of her own grandchildren, thus allowing her to call her by the chosen name, Geebaw). Pam or "Geebaw" was one of my Mother's closest friends and we think of her as family. We feel quite fortunate that Pam is in our lives, and with her we get her delightful daughter, Josi, and granddaughter, Hannah, as well.

Pam and Josi came down on Saturday and stayed through Monday morning. We had a great time. Pam provided the loving advice and support we sorely needed. Once they departed for the Texas panhandle, we felt better prepared for parenthood. Thank you Geebaw!

The rest of the week was pretty good. On Thursday, we traveled to Decatur to have another photo session done. I think we got some pretty good shots. Rest assured, we will post them as soon as we have them!

Unfortunately, we also tried to slowly introduce the less expensive Costco brand of formula and it was not a success. After another round of projectile spit-up and tummy cramps we have surrendered. Evan's sensitive stomach cannot tolerate anything but the ridiculously priced Enfamil.

On Friday, Lance had to go back to work. So, I was on my own with Evan for an entire day. It was incredibly tiring and difficult. We were still dealing with the aftermath from the formula debacle, so she was fussy and I was frustrated. I was really happy to see Daddy walk through the door at 4:15 p.m.

It was really an eye-opening day for me. I know now that being a stay-at-home Mom might be more than I could handle. So, I think starting back to work on Tuesday, knowing she is in good hands, will be best for all of us. I will let you know how it goes!

The weekend has been good. After Lance got home on Friday, we went to Aunt Fave's birthday celebration at her parents' house and had a good time. We have spent the rest of the weekend at home trying to get ready for school to begin...and trying to get Evan on a school schedule. Who knows? It just might work!

--Sara

The Last Five Weeks

The last five weeks have been filled with the usual: sleep deprivation, feelings of inadequacy, spit-up covered shoulders, and sappy smiles.

It is true. It is much harder that I ever imagined it would be...much harder. Of course it has been worth it, but in ways I never dreamed.

Those of you who know us, already know that Lance is truly one of the best. I knew that too; but it is has never been more evident than in the last five weeks. He never fails to be there for either one of us. Whether it is a pillow under my elbow or a refill on my water bottle, he is there. He has smiled through the peeing, the pooping, and the puking. I watch him delight as Evan reacts to him and I am again filled with such overwhelming love for the two of them, I just sit and cry. This has also prompted Lance to worry about the "baby blues" and insist I go out with the girls! He has been selfless and I need everyone to know how much he is appreciated and loved.

Evan is just beginning to really see us and react. Her smiles light up our hearts. I now look forward to every day...just to see what she is going to discover.

Thank you to all who have visited...we appreciate your support and love more than you know.

My plan is to blog once a week to let everyone know what Miss Evan is doing, but as I have learned...nothing will ever go according to plan again. Que sera sera, we have a beautiful little girl!

--Sara

Our Little Top Model

Yesterday, Aunt Sally and I decided to take advantage of Evan's happy demeanor, and see if we could get any good pictures for her birth announcement.

She behaved perfectly and after about 45 minutes of different "looks", we eventually settled on the perfect look to let the world know of the birth of our little top model.

Of course, we think every picture should be on the cover of the next issue of American Baby, but we have them here on the blog until we get the call! You may notice one picture in particular where I am leaning over her. I was attempting to coax a smile from her; but found myself completely taken aback by her sweet baby smell. Again, I was wiping away happy tears! Ah, Motherhood!

--Sara

Evan's Birthday! July 1, 2008

On Monday, June 30th I had a routine doctor's appointment and went in hoping that I was progressing normally and would be able to avoid having an additional procedure for induction. On the contrary, I was not any further along than I was the week before and was told to be at the hospital at 6:00 p.m. that evening to receive a medication called cervidil. This would help the effacement and dilation so labor would begin. My best friend, Sally, who arrived on Sunday, accompanied us to the hospital to begin what would become the most rewarding, painful and terrifying experience of my life.

Upon arrival on the labor and delivery floor, I was given a room and received the "schedule for labor". I would receive the cervidil and then they would begin the pitocin (the drug to start the labor process) at 4:30 the next morning. I was excited to get it underway but still really nervous about what labor would entail. Honestly, even after going through it, I still do not think I can adequately describe what it is actually like, but I shall try!

After two failed attempts to place the cervidil correctly, a new nurse was summoned and, complete with her giant diver's watch, she stuck her arm in and placed the small device behind my cervix. Now the party could begin. I was instructed to wait about 45 minutes before getting up and then I could move freely. Just to be safe I waited two hours before making the glamorous walk to the restroom with an open-backed gown and dragging an IV and two monitors. Imagine my delight when I discovered that I actually passed my mucus plug (ask someone--I don't even want to explain what it is). Woo-Hoo! This was actually happening!

Things seemed to go well that night. I was uncomfortable and could not really rest, but that was not new. I was having some really mild contractions, but that had been happening for a few days, so all was fine. It was not until 3:30 a.m. when they went in to get the cervidil and could not find it, that I began to worry. I then took my shower before the pitocin and imagine my surprise when I passed the actual mucus plug. It is my assumption that the earlier plug was actually the cervidil---perhaps Nursey would've had better reach without the giant, freakin' watch on her arm! I was still only dilated one centimeter, so they started the pitocin and I braced myself for the ride to come.

The contractions started pretty quickly and, at first were pretty tame, but, within about three hours, they were fast and strong and hitting hard every two to three minutes. I was managing but feeling really tired and hesitant to ask for any medication because it felt better to be able to get up and move around. After Dr. Flowers broke my water around 7:00 a.m., I tried to really focus on breathing through the contractions and remaining calm. My calm strategy worked until about 10:00 a.m. when I was so tired, I asked for something for pain. It helped some and I was able to doze through the contractions for about an hour. By noon I knew I wanted an epidural and finally asked for it about 12:30 p.m. After the epidural, I did relax...but not for long.

Shortly after the procedure, the baby's heart rate dropped and my blood pressure plummeted. A team of nurses rushed into the room and I was being turned vigorously from side to side and given oxygen immediately. Dr. Flowers was in the room very quickly to let me know we needed to do a c-section; it seems I have a very narrow pelvis. "Really!", I exclaimed. "That is the part of me that is petite?" As frustrating as I found that tidbit of information, I just wanted to ensure the baby's safety, so I agreed to the c-section.

Within minutes (that felt like hours to Lance in his "Daddy Scrubs") I was wheeled into the operating room and they began prepping me for surgery. Other than some unpleasant nausea and feeling short of breath, things were going well. Then I heard someone say, "Did anyone go get Dad?" Apparently in the frenzy of my temporary sickness, they forgot Lance. By the time they brought him in the surgery was underway and Evan Cherie Morse was born at 1:44 pm weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 19.5 inches.

I wish I had the breadth of vocabulary to describe what it felt like to hear her cry for the first time. It was almost as if I had taken my first breath as well. Things would never be as they were before; a new life began for all three of us. Happy Birthday my precious girl!

--Sara

Expecting

We discovered in late October that I was pregnant. It was confirmed by no less than five home pregnancy tests and one in an actual doctor's office. Finally, I chose to believe that we actually conceived a child and I went about planning incessantly.

My first trimester was really difficult...for me. I was constantly nauseated and my sense of smell was so intense it was disrupting my happy home. On one morning in particular I accused Lance of not loving me anymore when he forgot to throw away some potatoes that, to me, smelled like death.

My second trimester was much better for both of us! I felt good, had more energy and an appetite. It was during this time that we found out we were having a little girl. This news came with an onslaught of emotion. For weeks, I swore we were having a boy. Once proven wrong, I convinced myself that without maternal instinct I would certainly ruin this child! Having a little girl also settled the "Great Name Standoff of 2008". We had agreed early on that Evan was a really strong and interesting name for a girl (Thanks Aunt Fave!) and I knew that I wanted our daughter to have my Mother's name.

My third trimester was really difficult...for Lance. I was becoming increasingly more uncomfortable and was totally unaware how my crankiness manifested and affected those forced to be in my company. Evan was in the breech position until my 36th week, so the method of delivery was uncertain until she flip-flopped and we began to eagerly await her arrival through the "normal" method.

Once school was out in early June, things improved. I could rest as much as needed, and I did! I became increasingly anxious and by week 38---I was beyond ready to welcome our little girl into our world. Unfortunately my doctor had other plans and it was week 39 before she was on her way!

- Sara