Memorial Day

I miss Grandpa, I really do. This time of year is particularly hard. I remember him asking me to drive him to the cemetary 5 years ago today so he could place flowers on the family members graves. And I can't be there to do that for him. I wish I could be there.

Everyone is home for the day and we have an extra in 'Lexi's friend who spent the night. I got up and made cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury Rocks), so they are happy. Now they are watching cartoons and hanging out in their PJs. Mason is sleeping with Daddy. He was up at 5:00 a.m. this morning, so I was up at 5:00 a.m. this morning. He wanted t0 sleep on my chest so I didn't get back to sleep. Yes, I am tired. Someone has to make sure the kids don't get into anything.

Today is the day that we are supposed to remember and memorialize the veterans past and present who protect us. It's nice that their is a resurgence of national pride these days, though sometimes it seems that it is waning again. Everyone seems to want to support the military, as long as they don't have to sacrifice anything personally. As long as it's not their husband/wife, son/daughter, then it's great, but as soon as it gets too close to home things change.

We went to see Star Wars, Episode 3, Return of the Sith ysterday. Wow. It was good. Mason was not thrilled with the noise, but I thought it was right in line with the orginal three Star Wars movies. It had the same feel to it, which Episode 1 did not. I refused to see Episode 2 after the disappointment of Episode 1.

I have determined that Mason does not like caffeine so I am once again laying off the caffenated beverages. Sigh! At least caffeine free Pepsi is good. And when I really want a cup of coffee, I can live with de-caf. Too bad there are not decaf cappuccino's. But then, that defeats their purpose, doesn't it.

For those of you who are fans of the kids, they are getting pictures next week (on Thursday). I figure one of each of them, one of all three, one of Mason and Mercedes, and the last two for Mason. That should cover everyone : )

I want one

Possibly becuase I have had little sleep and the TV was one showing that stupid infomercial for it, but it LOOKED really cool at 5:00 am this morning. What is it? SOme gadget called a Magic Bullett that acts like a blender, food processor and juicer. I could make my smoothies really fast with that. If Derek ever let me have it. He loves new toys.

I suppose I should not watch those stupid infomercials when I am tired and susceptible to salesmens lines. But it really does look cool, and I don't even want to grind my own coffee beans.

Venting

This is my rant. It doesn't mean anything, though it is a nice thought.

I knew it would happen. I knew the minute I said anything I would get the poor Derek sob story. I am so sick of trying to make his life easier and try not to make demands. After 10 years of marriage I understand that Derek can't deal with more than one thing at a time, and even then he sometimes has issues. I understand that school is hard and requires a lot from him. I understand he has wants and desires.

However, I do too. I have been through school. I have had to put my personal and private needs on hold. I have had to let school slip becuase life complicated things. However, when I got married I expected a partner, someone who would help out. You know, not just with the household stuff, but emotionally. I didn't realize that I can not possibly be as stressed out, tired, worn out, etc as Derek. I am supposed to be able to deal with EVERYTHING. And I do, on a regular basis.

I make sure the bills get paid, there is food on the table (and yes, I do my fair share of cooking), I take care of the laundry, generally am the one who cleans the house, and I am now doing the dishes, paying someone to keep our lawn mowed, and taking care of the kids. Oh, and yes, I now fully understand that Mom and Alexis are my responsibility and I need to make sure that Derek is not burdened by them being in the house. And I will end my career at 20 years so Derek does not have to deal with the military anymore even though I might possibly be able to stay in longer, it pays for health insurance, and provides a stable income. I am also going to make sure that Derek is not overly burdened with Mercedes and Mason becuase they are my kids and I am home until August so I can do this stuff. Let's forget that I have spent the last 9 months carrying Mason and going through a rough labor and delivery, not to mention the variety of other stressors that came up in the last month. No, it's been three weeks, so I should be recovered enough to handle everything. Though I can keep going, I am going to stop venting now. I need to feed myself, finish the load of dishes I am working on, and start separating laundry for this weekend's fun. But remember, I am a lazy, worthless person, it does not do their fair share around this house, provide for our needs, etc. And people wonder why divorce is so prevalent in our society?

Finally

Life finally seems to have stabilized a little bit. I am still irritable from lack of sleep, hormones and too much stress, but I am either getting used to it, or it is starting to lessen. However, I think I am going to take Alexis and Mercedes to a matinee and our for ice cream to apologize for being short-tempered.

Mason is doing well, though having some issues w/ gas. That's not fun for any of us. He's still growing though, and I am producing milk like a fiend, though not as much as I did with Mercedes. I might not be up to full capacity yet : )

I have almost caught up with laundry and dishes. I have also gotten some cleaning done, though I have a ways to go. I did get my bedroom back into order though, which is nice. Now I just beed to finish cleaning the living room, dining room, and kitchen, complete the laundry and dishes, and start on the toilets. Gee, maybe by next month I will be done : )

I have now lost all but 11 lbs of the baby weight. I need to start my work out program, though until Derek gets home I think I will wait. It would be nice to have someone else to help me out so I don't completely wear myself out. I have been doing tummy exercises to try and tone that back up though that is easier said that done. It will take some work. I am not sure my hips will ever go back to the way they were, though I think I can live with that.

I suppose I should enter in the appts I made for everyone this morning. There are a lot of them : ) I love electronic calendars.

You know, with everything going on, I really have put myself on the back burner. Today is my birthday. Hard to believe I am now 32. Oh well, Maybe I will celbrate with a nap.

Update

Mom - She's fine though there were some complications during the surgery to replace her pacemaker. She should fully recover in te next few weeks and be back to her normal self. They have downgraded her from pneumonia to bronchitis though she is still coughing and hackng up furrballs. They say its the bronchial tubes that are inflames from the coughing that are still the problem. However, her kungs are clear now.

Derek - He's trying to finish his homework up so he can go to Austin this weekend. I am typing a paper for him so he doesn't have that hanging over his head. It's due tomorrow, hence the late night for me. He will leave Friday morning and should be back Tuesday night which will seem like forever for me, I know. I wish we could go with him, but life happens and we have to be flexible.

Mercedes - Poor kid. I know she's not getting enough attention and I really do feel bad for her. Overall, she's dealing very well with Mason's arrival, but I can tell she feels the lack of time. We just dont have enough time for everything right now, and we are torn in a million dirctions.

Alexis - seems to be okay, though I think she too is affected by the tumoil and chaos. Who isn't?

Mason - must be nice to be 13 days old. All you need to do is eat, poop and sleep. He has his two week checkup tomorrow, so hopefully all is well. I think I am producing more than enough mild to keep him happy. I cut his finger earlier while I was trying to cut his fingernails. Boy,m did I feel awful, Sigh!

Me - I am worn out and getting flakier each day. I am not at the point where I am thinking of ASKING for help. Just asking someone to take Mason for 2 or three hours so I can take a real nap. Today was a doozy waiting on Mom's surgery. I was really glad Laura went with me, becuase by 2:00 I was beat. It didn't help they told Mom 8:30 or 9:00 this morning and then didn't get her in until 1200. And then the surgery took an hour more than they originally said it would. I didn't get home until 6:00 om. Yep, I was tired. Mason however, did fine.

BTW - I am going to take the kids and get pictures next week. Mason's site is: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisathiem30/album?.dir=/b89b&.src=ph&.tok=phGDOADBU0PDQq9e
Plus he has his own blog now.
Alexis site - http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisathiem30/album?.dir=bbdc&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisathiem30/my_photos
Mercedes site: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisathiem30/album?.dir=4cfe&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisathiem30/my_photos

Trying to catch up

So sorry for not keeping up better with this. The last 3 weeks have been so chaotc that I am not sure if I will ever catch up completely.

Mom went back into the hospital last Friday and will be there at least until Thrusday. They are going to replace her pacemaker with a defibrillator/pacemaker to better regulate her heart. She's petty much over the pneumonia, but they won't do the surgery if they have any doubts in that area.

I have finally gotten all of the birth announcements finished. They will be in the mail in the morning. Yea! I feel bad for not getting it done sooner, but the last few weeks have been so chaotic that I didn't even get the calls made I needed too. Sad. And I do feel bad, but I can only do so much, especially on a few hours of sleep.

Derek is off to Austin on Fridaytosee his brother graduate. I wish we could all go, but it's just one of those things. Life happens and you have to be flexible. I'm tired of being flexible!

I need to go. Mason wants my attention.

1 Week

Well, he's one week old. We had an appt w/ the lactation consultant yesterdy and she said he is growing well and seems to be thriving. I am sleepimg more though still not caught up enough.

I have lost about 22-24 lbs so far. I hope to be more active next week. For now, I am still healing. I am not looking forward to getting back into shape though. I have NO stomach muscles, so that is going to be a challenge.

Derek is playing catch up on his classes. His insrtuctors have given him aome leeway, but there is still a lot of homework. He's caught he crud thatis going around too, so he's not having much fun.

Current Events

Yes, Mason arrived. Yes, I am still a little loopy from exhaustion. No, I am not ready to give him up yet. : )

As Derek mentioned (yes, he does know how to use the blog), Mason arrived 5/5/05, though not at 5:55 like we hoped. He arrived at 1158 pm to be a Cinco de Mayo baby (ahhh). He weighed in at 8 lbs 6.7 ozs (I am not that big!) and 20.2 inches. And he had a full head of hair just like his sister.

I still have not caught up on sleep, but I am doing better. I'm still in the afraid to put him down phase. This too shall pass.

Mom is home form the hospital now, though she is not allowed to touch Mason since she is still sick. I know that has to irritate her. A cute little bundle of joy, and she can't even cuddle him. And he loved to be cuddled.

Mercedes is very happy about the baby and wants to hold him and help with him all the time. It's cute, though a bit exasperating after a while.

Alexis has pitched in to help out and has been really awesome. She's a good kid anywys, but she's been really great.

For those of you voyeours who are curious about the whole experience. It didn't take much to convince the Dr that induction would be a good thing on Thursday. Something about too much stress in my life. Plus I had a cold and my BP was high when we got there. I was also already dilated to almost 2 which helped.

I was admitted and the induction started around 11:00. Unfortunately, I help out at 3 until early evening, hence no 5:55. Sometime between 5 and 8 I went to 5, but again, slow going. They gave me an epidural (Hevurley, ring any bells Mike?) around then and I went to sleep around 8. I woke up about 2 hrs later ready to start pushing. The downside wa that I am small and Mason was big. The result an hour or more of pushing with no result. The Dr, bless his soul, finally had to do a double episiotomy. Mason came right on out!

I am healing well, just tired. Mason is eating pretty well too and being a doll overall. It looks like I will not have a problem breastfeeding, though I am a little tender. He has hard gums.

The house is trashed, so that is on the agenda to work on when I feel better. For now, I need to go to the store and the orderly room. Fun stuff.

Mason's a comin'!!

Quick update. Lisa's at the hospital being induced. We expect a baby some time today. More later.

Derek

Hee hee hee

I get time to myself today. I mean real alone time. No kids, no husband, no gradnma. I don't have to share the remote or worry about someone else's needs for several hours Oh my God, what am I going to do? ENJOY IT! I am so selfish.

I am going to the hospital later to check in on Mom and make sure she is ok, and Alexis has guitar lessons, but overall, I have no plans. I am going to take a lovely, long nap--alone. I am NOT going to do dishes or laundry or clean. I feel so decadent. Bring on the bon bons, boys.

Derek has a test today so he is worried (a little) about that. He also has a program due in one of his classes that has him sumped so he's going in to talk to the teacher about that. I don't really miss school, though I need to get off my lazy butt and finish the online course I started. It has to be done by June 16th and I am only 1/8 of the way finished. It's all online, so there i sno excuse. But I am not worrying about it today.

I went to the doctor yesterday. I do not have bronchitis, however I do have a cold. I am miserable. This is a lousy time of year to be sick. Especially when I am 9 months pregnant. The doctor said everything was alright. My blood pressure was initially higher, but dropped, so that was good. She offered to strip my membranes to help things along, but I didnt think it was the best time. Too many unknown, like where would the girls go, when was Mom coming home, etc. We've got those bases covered now, so Thursday should be the day. I am really REALLY hoping Thursday is the day. Mason needs to get here, so some of the stress is revlieved and I can sleep, if not a lot, at least comfortably.

Monday Morning, Early

I am not, by nature, a night owl, or a particularly early morning person either. However, I couldn't sleep. I am pretty sure I now have broncitis brought on by all of the stress of the past few days. Based on the stress that I know I have been under (yes, I can admit that I am not Superwoman), I am going to go make them give me a high blood pressure and stress test. C'mon, this isn't about me, it's about Mason, who I might add, really is an adrenaline junkie.

Last night was another fun night for the Thiem household. Mom was having a lot of trouble breathing and asked us to call the paramedics. One of the same firemen who was there was also there for Mercedes incident. He remembered and asked after her. Again, what fantastic neighbors we have. The offers of help and watching the girls really did take a load off of us. Thankfully, Mom seems to be fine now. There was a mucus plug blocking her airway. Once that came out, she perked right up. They wanted to keep her at least until today, just to make sure it didn't happen again. Poor Alexis, the last 4 or 5 days have been really rough on her. She seems to be doing alright though. We are keeping her home again today and plan to make a trip to the hospital later so she can visit Grandma and see for herself that she is alright.

I am hoping to get some rest this afternoon. I can't keep living on 3 hours of sleep a night. Mason does not have a problem with the lack of sleep, but it's really getting to me. It does not help that Mason thinks my bladde is a punching bag.

Someone else is awake, so the day begins.

Incidentally, Max, I do read your Blog. . . .

What follows is a list of different occupations. You must select at least five of them. You may add more if you like to your list before you pass it on (after you select five of the items as it was passed to you). Of the five you selected, you are to finish each phrase with what you would do as a member of that profession. Then pass it on to three other bloggers.And the list is:

If I could be a scientist... If I could be a farmer...
If I could be a musician... If I could be a doctor...
If I could be a painter... If I could be a gardener...I
f I could be a missionary... If I could be a chef...
If I could be an architect... If I could be a linguist...
If I could be a psychologist... If I could be a librarian...
If I could be an athlete... If I could be a lawyer...
If I could be an innkeeper... If I could be a professor...
If I could be a writer... If I could be a backup dancer...
If I could be a llama-rider... If I could be a bonnie pirate...
If I could be a midget stripper... If I could be a proctologist...
If I could be a TV-Chat Show host... If I could be an actor...
If I could be a judge... If I could be a Jedi...
If I could be a mob boss... If I could be a backup singer...
If I could be a CEO... If I could be a movie reviewer...
If I could be a monkey's uncle... If I could be a CSI...
If I could be a contortionist... If I could be a TV preacher...
If I could be a permanent student. . .If I could be a model. . .
If I could be a cowboy. . . If I could be president. . .

If I could be a psychologist, I would want to work with "sticky, little people" or criminals (forensic psychologist). I would spend my time learning all of their secrets so I could develop better ways of solving their problems. I would solve the mystery of how serial killers come about (environment vs nature), or I would cure something that afflicts a lot of kids. I WOULD NOT promote the use of drugs in children unless it was ABSOLUTELY necessary.

If I could be a permanent student, I would take college classes for the rest of my life so I could learn. The subject would not really matter, everything from creative basketweaving 101 to Astrology. I would not even care about getting a degree. Just go to school and learn. Maybe even retake classes that are interesting and worthwhile.

If I could be a model, I would make it clear that being thin is NOT the most improtant thing. Beauty comes from the inside and truly beautiful people are the ones who you WANT to be around.

If I could be a cowboy, I would ride aorund on well-trained quarter-horse, and sing by the campfire after a hard, but satisfying day of work. I would stand up for the underdog (not the one in red tights), and be a role model for children. I would wear a 10 gallon hat that is dirty from years of work, and boots that have been worn well beyongd their use by date. I would die an unknow character and leave nothing behind but a grave marker saying Here Lies a Cowboy.

If I could be president (oh, this one is dangerous), I would strive for world peace. I would atempt to balance the budget (and keep it balanced). I would take care of children, the elderly, and the disabled. I would pass legislation that required clean fuel and better gas economy. I would take care of the military members.I would not play politcal games (so much for being president) and I would be bi-partisan. By the way, this is not a diatribe against the current president, who I think is doing the best he can in a tough job, God knows I wouldn't want to make some of the decisions he's had to make.

So now, tag you are it!

Been Busy

Just curious, but if you read this, could you reply? I just want to know if it's keeping family and friends informed (I know about Christie and Thumper and love you both for the comments).

I have been busy since the last blog entry. I started laundry yesterday, went grocery shopping (Commissary NIGHTMARE), did dishes, and wrote all of the thank you's and Mother's Day cards. I did a few misc things in between too. And still no Mason.

Caroline and Michelle came by last evening to let me know that Kye (sp, Michelle's son) had the chicken pox and Alexis had been playing with him. I called Labor and Delivery and was told not to worry. What is it gonna take? We are also hoping no one else in the family comes down with the chicken pox. Mercedes has had the vaccine but that is not fullproof. The rest of us have had chicken pox, but that does not ensure we won't get it again. That would be really uncomfrotable at our ages, except for Alexis.

Speaking of grocery shopping, today I need to go to Sam's. Oh joy. After the rudeness of the people yesterday, I don't even want to think about Sam's. A little common courtesy would go a long ways, people! Yes, Karen, I know how you feel about the commissary, but it was not just the retirees. I will say going int he morning is nice since the shelves are fully stocked at that time. What a lovely change!

BTW, if you are interested in seeing the part of my graduation ceremony where I actually get handed a SIGNED diploma, here is the website: http://pa.afit.edu/Graduation_2005/. I am a ways into the video but that fat chick is really me. Gotta love the maternity tent.