Watershed Moment.

Biking at the watershed, now that the twins have mastered two-wheelers! 

We rode 5-6 miles. 

Regina & Philip tried out the new bike trailer. 

It looks like they didn't hate it too much.

Philip and Mom, 2013

August 24, 2013

Philip's labor was long and slow.  I just couldn't get past 7 cm and at one point, my blood pressure dropped to 70/40.  I remember thinking at one point that I was so tired I just wanted to go to sleep forever.  There was talk of a C-section, but a determined doctor didn't want to operate at midnight, so he worked his magic and before long I was fully dilated and it was time to push.  

We were in the hospital for another day or two, but even after we came home, my blood pressure was still elevated.  I don't remember how high it actually was, but it was alarming.  Stroke-inducingly high.  So alarming that one night I was afraid I wouldn't live to see the morning.  My fear was that Philip would grow up without a mother and he wouldn't even have one picture of us to remember him by.  So one night, when he was four or five days old, I snapped this photo with my flip phone so he would know how much I loved him.

Don't worry.  I lived.

Philip Daniel. Day One.

Introducing # 10!

Philip Daniel

born August 24 at 1:27 a.m.

6 lbs 11 oz

20 inches.

 

Conor has only been waiting 15 years for this moment...
a little brother at last

  

  

3D Ultrasound

Although we are expecting our 10th baby, I have never had a 3D ultrasound before.  In fact, I think they usually turn out pretty creepy, and usually end up looking like play-doh babies that have no resemblance to the actual child being represented.

Having said all that, the technician today did a quick 3D scan for me just for fun, and here is the result.

I think he kind of resembles the rest of them.  He's almost 5 lbs now, with 9 weeks to go.

PatchWorks

In May we had the opportunity to attend a free educational performance about life in the early immigrant coal-mining communities in central Pennsylvania.  Three young, energetic performers, using minimal props, perform shows to educate local kids about our coal-mining heritage.  Sign me up! 

We got there early enough to get ringside seats, and the girls enthusiastically responded when the actors called for volunteers.  The skit was an ilustration of the endless ring of daily chores that the coal miners' wives and daughters had to perform.

The actors did a quick run-through of what each volunteer would have to do.  Monday was wash day; Tuesday was ironing, Wednesday was baking, Thursday was house-cleaning.  I forget Friday and Saturday, but Sunday was a day of rest. 

Theresa had baking day - she had to toss the dough in the air, catch it, and knead the bread. 

Natalie had house-cleaning.  She had to sweep the floor - ch-ch-ch. 

Noelle had Sunday, the day of rest.  When it came time for her to practice, she stood there like a dead fish with stage fright.  Totally froze.  Didn't know what to do to demonstrate a day of rest.  However, the show must go on, so the actors moved right along with the skit.

The rest of the volunteers did their parts perfectly.  Theresa kneaded the bread.  Natalie swept the floor.

Then came Sunday.  

Everyone in the room turned expectantly to Noelle.  She stood stock-still for a heart-stopping moment.  The room held its collective breath.  Would she freeze up?

Then she smiled, stretched her arms out in a leisurely yawn, and put her hands behind her head as if she were kicked back on a hammock, as the room erupted in laughter and applause!