Attempt for the Perfect Picture

Sunday, May 29, 2011
After taking over 20,000 pictures (and counting...) of Nicky and Brandon, getting them to pose for a picture is like pulling teeth. Usually bribes, begging, and manhandling is involved. But when I do get the perfect picture, the results (to me) are perfection! And just maybe the outtakes are precious too. :)




It's spread...

Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Glove obsession has crossed over...



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Working Daddy

Friday, May 27, 2011
Daddy and little Lucky hard at work.



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Introducing Luke Anthony Abeling!

Thursday, May 26, 2011
 Well, it's been over a week, so I guess its about time to introduce you to our newest addition in Abelingland!
Luke Anthony arrived on Wednesday, May 18th at 7:43 in the morning. He clocked in at 7lbs and 11 oz, almost 20 inches - 19 and 3/4 - and as I said before is absolutely perfect. As soon as he was pulled out, Dr Phillips yelled "Mama, look up here", and then  I saw him for the first time. He was incredible, pink and screaming. I also asked one last time, "Is it a boy for sure?" He was of course. :)

He came out screaming bloody murder - well he sounded like a screeching cat - but hasn't made a sound since. Is is possible, that our third *might* just be the most mellow and easiest??? When they brought him to me to hold for the first time, I saw Nicky in him and any reservations about three went out the window. I knew that no matter what, WE could do it.
He has his daddy's mouth, nose and eyes; my tiny head and nice olive complexion. ha. Like all babies, his eyes are blue right now and we will have to see over the next 8 or 9 months if they stay blue like daddy, turn hazel like mommy and Nicky's or come close to Brandon's green-grey eyes. He has dark brown hair that ends in the Abeling tail! (just like Nicky)

He was slightly jaundice but didn't need to be under heat lamps. When they took him to the nursery while I was in recovery, he needed some formula to up his blood sugar. But it was nothing to be concerned about.

My c-section went well...in fact there was no sign of weak or torn membranes, but he had to cut through a lot of scar tissue. After Luke came out, Dr. Phillips asked me one last time before he cut my tubes, and I assured him three was enough and to do it. He confirmed he got "both of them".

Tina, the assistant, who is known to be the best suturer in the business was on hand to sew up my last c-section and make sure my scar would be tiny and small.

After the procedure, the nurses came in to massage my uterus and to firm it up. It wouldn't firm up, and I was losing more blood than they liked, so they gave me a shot of something that starts with a D and then my uterus apparently firmed up. Nice.

But my blood count would have to be watched for the next couple of days. I did not want a transfusion so glad things turned out Ok.

When I made it to my room after recovery, Luke was brought to me and he took to nursing like a pro. Since then, we've had some latch issues, but we are doing well now. The boys didn't pay much attention to him at the hospital and we were not able to get them to come near me in the bed to take a group picture. My great friend Tara was on hand to take pictures for the day and she has already sent me some sneak peeks that I cant wait to share.

Auntie Val and Auntie Alex were there to experience this incredible day with me, as well as Grandma Booba, Papa Bob, and Papa Ray.

We stayed in the hospital until Friday and are home now resting and bonding. Below are some pictures of our first couple of days and  you can see videos (some birth ones so watch at your own risk :)), and more pictures here on flickr

Over the next couple of days I'll post pics of the boys with Luke and I am anxiously awaiting my Birth Day slide show from Tara. (no pressure Tara! :) Below is a picture comparison of all three boys on their first day.

Next week we take our annual family pictures with Michele at Pinkletoes and newborn pictures in her studio! I can't wait.

Dan and I are so blessed with three incredible boys. I can't wait to share and give all my love to these little babies and watch them grow into amazing young men. And I am more excited to document it all as treasured memories to keep forever.



Nicholas born at 1:03 pm, 8lbs 11oz, 21 inches
Brandon born at 7:38am, 7lbs 3oz, 20 inches
Luke born at 7:43 am, 7lbs 11 oz, 19 3/4 inches
Here are all THREE of my boys at a day old.




The Announcement on May 18th

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I thought it would be fun to save this status update on Facebook. 






Dear Blog

Monday, May 23, 2011
Dear Blog,

It's been a busy couple of days, some of them without Internet connection. I'll be back later to introduce you to Luke, share some new pictures, and update you in all the new Adventures.

Until then, here is a picture of my oldest in his super secret disguise! I could hardly tell it was Nicky!



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Countdown to Luke: 0

Friday, May 20, 2011
Let me be the first to say...
Happy BIRTH Day
Luke Anthony Abeling!

(I tried to post this on May 18th, but I didn't have internet connection in the hospital...anyways he's here!)


A boy and his puppy

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My mornings with Brandon and Roxy Roo...




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Countdown to Luke: 1

One more day (really hours...) till I get to meet you, Lucky.


Dear Three Year Old Nicky

Monday, May 16, 2011
Dear Nicky,

After two, you only have a wellness check every year on your birthday. So after a year of speculation, I picked you up on your 3rd birthday and walked across the street to Hill Country Pediatrics to find out how big my baby is getting. You were adamant about "no Boo Boos" at the Dr. (shots) I agreed.

No Boo Boos on your 3rd Birthday, my little man!

After being, weighed, measured, and your first blood pressure test, we waited for the Dr. to give us the results and fill us in on how you are doing. The results were surprising! You had a huge growth spurt and is in the 95% for weight (39 lbs) AND height (39 inches). Your BMI is 16% - or just perfect. Crazy that they check that now!

You are in a size 3T/4T and wear a size 10 shoe. They predict you to be 6'1 based on their little prediction chart, which is great!

On a developmental side, you are really excelling. You can identify most letters and can spell your name - (N-O-C-K-Y - you  insits there is no "I" in Nicky). You can spell stop and dog and you are very sharp, speak your mind, and is a total cheeseball.

Your passions right now are your continued love for latex and vinyl gloves, motorcycles, watching motorcycles on youtube, monster trucks, army men, and anything to do with water: water guns, water balloons, and squirt bottles. You love to run in the sprinklers and hose and is wet every afternoon.

Daddy lets you watch Hot Wheels and Transformers, which you think is so cool. You still love Dino Dan, Curious George and Calliou. I still want to poke my eyes out. You still love to watch Baby Einstein with Brandon, Shawn the Sheep, Timmy Time, and now sit still long enough to watch some movies at home: Bambi, Tangled, How to train your Dragon, and Ice Age.  On June 24th, we are going to take you to your first movie: cars 2. I can't wait.

For the most part, you are potty trained and sometimes at night. You can hold it for 8 - 10 hours, but I think when you wear a diaper to bed, you think you can pee in it. We will be working on that in the next couple of months.
.

You love the iPad, and spends hours playing games on it. Its pretty amazing how quick you pick up on new technologies and can adapt to these things! You can browse on YouTube and choose new games to play.

You have such a big heart too  - you love to hold hands, snuggle, and you tell me all the time that I am your best friend. But then again, you also tell Grandma Booba that ...and Miss Tiffany, Ella, Haylee, and Kylee Jo.  Either way, when you say that and slip your little hand into mine, I know that this is all worth it.

I've spent three glorious years getting to know you and I hope that I have 300 more. I love you every day, every minute, every second. I love you to the moon and back.



False Alarm Continued...

Friday, May 13, 2011
Earlier in the week, I began to tell the story of Nicholas' birth, which started for me on May 9th. .I left off saying that I had no idea what was in store....

Around 3 am the morning of May 10th, Dan and I were still drifting on and off to sleep, anxious and worried. Wondering how long we had to wait and excited because soon we would get to meet Baby Nicholas!

All night I felt like I was leaking, and finally at 4 am I got up to get my computer and do some research. As soon as I stood up, I  heard a gurgle and felt this huge wooosh. This time there was no question: MY WATER BROKE! and then the contractions started. My adrenaline started pumping, I screamed at Dan to get up, the water kept coming out, I was soaked. There was no time to shower, do my hair, or even put on make up. I grabbed a pair of sweats and changed and a towel because I was soaked again in an instant. We woke my mom and Bob up off we went to the hospital. The contractions were coming closer and closer and I felt huge amounts of pressure. I was already exhausted and it was such a different experience from the day before. I was exhilarated too. I was finally going to meet him!

Back then, Austin Area OBGYN was at Seton Main on 38th, so we drove down and parked in the expecting mothers parking. That gave me such a thrill! We checked in and got all set up. I was aiming for no medicine. IV's scared me, and I would rather poke my eyes out than have a large needle stuck into my spinal column.

Let me take a step back and mention how during your birthing classes, the instructors make out natural births to be so glamorous and exotic and relaxing:  birthing tubs and showers, exercise balls, massage oils, music, husbandly massages, and lots of support. The idea that I wasn't tied down to a bed was something else that made me consider going natural. So in my mind, I was going to go at it naturally...at least that's what I told myself.

Once the Dr came in to check me, I was about 50% effaced and 5 or 6 centimeters dilated. They told me I won't have much time to decide if I want an epidural or not. I could progress rapidly so I needed to decide. At this point the contractions took a lot out of you, they left you breathless and tired. In the room was Dan, Mom, Bob, and Ray. Valerie and Shauna were on their way. It was hard for me to talk to anyone and I was getting tired.

The next time the Dr came in, he said I needed to decide as I progressed some more and soon I would be past the point of a successful epidural. After talking to Dan and evaluating the pain I was in, I decided to go for it.

I was terrified, I got my IV, which hurt like hell after they couldn't get a vein to work. both hands were poked until they found a good source. I curled up into a ball, put my feet on Dan's knees , tried not to cry or flinch as they swabbed my back and prayed that the Anesthesiologist would not hit a nerve or paralyze me.

I didn't really feel a thing. He was a god send, and I almost kissed him.

Immediately my legs felt heavy and numb, I needed people to help me move. I was so glad I didn't feel the catheter go in...Soon I started shaking with the chills because I had a reaction to the medicine, but at least I was comfortable and I didn't feel much after that...and then we waited.

Dan, the genius Dr he is, would read the baby monitor and tell me about Nicky's heart beats and mine. He would tell me I was having a contraction, even when I didn't know it. How strong they were, how many. He was such a good support. I fell asleep. Around 11 am, I was fully effaced but only 9 centimeters dilated.He was also head down, but facing UP towards my belly rather than my backside.

Dr. Uribe (Dr. Phillips was off) made the decision to give me pitocin to see if my contractions would get stronger and help me fully dilate, and turn him around. Around 12:45 pm, Dan was watching the heart beat monitors, looking really concerned. My contractions were getting really strong and he noticed Nicky's heart rate was dropping. He called the nurses who came in, looked at the monitor, and then they called Dr. Uribe. With in minutes, I was being wheeled to the OR - for a c- section! They had to get Nicky out quick - he was in distress.

I was rolled into a room, arms spread out, given anti-nausea pain medication. Things are fuzzy at this point, but the next thing I knew Dan was holding my hand telling me how wonderful and beautiful I was, I felt a ton of pressure in my belly and then I heard him for the first time. Nicholas! It was 1:03 pm.

They held him up so I could look at him...and he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. He was perfect 8 lbs, 11 ounces and 21 inches. Incredible. Dan was taken away with Nicky to the nursery to wash up and I was left alone. I drifted to sleep again, and I woke up in recovery. I kept asking for Nicky, and I found out later they "lost me".

About 30 minutes later they rolled me into my room and brought him to me. My life changed the minute I held him in my arms for the first time. I am so happy to be his Mommy.

Nicholas' first video below!


His first day on camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriaabeling/sets/72157605081582885/with/2494798183/

Countdown to Luke: 5

5 days to get a manicure, pedicure, eyebrow wax, and shave the legs!


Rain

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
We finally got some May rain tonight




THREE

Birthday's come but once a year
so I send this message clear
Happy Birthday to you dear
Happy Birthday till next year.

Happy 3rd Birthday to my wonderful son Nicholas Alexander Abeling



Me vs. Grandma Booba

Monday, May 9, 2011
Grandma Booba and I discussing a present for Nicky. 
What is the point of having a discussion in the first place??  Ha ha!
 Leonora Turkovich 8:45 pm
    did you see the motorcycles at Sears?
    we are getting it
    that is the one DAD wants
    sooooooooooooooo cute
    it is a motor clycle for my boy
    buying it
    but i told dad i did not want to upstage your bike
    so i needed to ask you first

 victoriaabeling 8:46 pm
    No, i dont know
    maybe keep it at your house,
but i dont think so

 Leonora Turkovich 8:46 pm
    i could but he might want it
    and it can be passed down to all the boys
    can i buy it or NOT

 Leonora Turkovich 8:47 pm
    dont want to upset you

 victoriaabeling 8:56 pm
    well he just doesn't need it
    and we have no room for it
    maybe at xmas

 Leonora Turkovich 8:56 pm
    i bought it
    :-( 
 
 


False Alarm

Three years ago, I was sitting in my room, exactly where I am right now, so disappointed that a morning trip to the Hospital was dubbed a "false alarm". So disappointed that I was not holding a baby already.

It all started when I woke up on May 9th and assumed my water broke! I will spare everyone details but for those in the know, "the plug" came out! I ran into the guest bedroom where my mom was sleeping. I excitedly told her the news! It's time. Baby Nicholas is coming.

We called Bob and Val to catch a flight out, and I made Dan return as fast as he could from a trip to La Grange for work. I jumped in the shower, blew my hair dry, applied makeup, grabbed my bag, and jumped in the car.

{I should have known it was a false alarm when I had time to put on makeup. :)}

Dan met us in Labor and Delivery at Seton Main, and they checked me in. Sadly, 2 hours later, I was discharged and while feasting on the best smoked Gouda and apple wood bacon burger fromChez Zee, I realized it could be another week or so before I met my first born.

That evening, I walked around the block a couple times, massaged my ankles, and pouted. I was so sure he was coming, but it wasn't meant to be..

Three years ago, I had no idea what was about to happen. I had no idea how my life would change. How I would soon realize that there is no love like a mother's love for their babies. Little did I know, I didn't have to wait much longer...because at 4 am the very next morning...May 10....my water broke!

.:To be Continued:.


Adios!


Adios Mom and Dad!


Seven Years ago, May 8...

I got engaged!

On May 8, 2004 Dan sent a singing telegram to my house to serenade me. At the end of the song, Dan was waiting there on bended knee with a diamond ring and asked me the question I was dying to hear the 3 years we were dating: Will You Marry Me? I said Yes  through tears of joy and then he whisked me away to celebrate at the same place we had our first date  - Ole Ole! (and kiss) and that, my friends,  was the start of the Year of the Wedding.

On June 4th, we will celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary and 10 years together.

This song was the first we danced to, and still means so much to me. I love you, Dan!

Something in your eyes
Makes me want to lose myself
Makes me want to lose myself
In your arms
There's something in your voice
Makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts
The rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've felt so low
If you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

Chorus: Feels like home to me
Feels like home to me
Feels like I'm all the way back where
I come from
Feels like home to me
Feels like home to me
Feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks down a long dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see through the dark there's light

If you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
If you knew how happy you are making me
I've never thought I'd love anyone so much

Feels like I'm all the way back where I belong




Mom's day!

Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
Nicky and Brandon, I love you with all my heart! You two are the greatest gifts. Thank you for making me a mommy...a job I adore. Xoxox



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Perfect Timing!

Thursday, May 5, 2011
 Fresh off the excitement of the Royal Wedding
I know we'll be seeing lots of Fascinators in Hollywood, on the red carpets, 
and even at a little Kentucky Derby Party in Austin this weekend :)
And I say Perfect Timing
 This weekend Dan and I are going to the annual Kentucky Derby Party at our friends house.
I can't wait to sport my new fascinator, drink virgin mint jeulips, and cheer on some ponies!



Stress

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
We are planning a joint 3rd and 2nd birthday party for Nicholas, and Brandon, 3 days before Luke arrives.

I sent out the invitations during a moment of  insanity.

My mother asked me to cancel to save my sanity and keep my stress levels out of code red.

Instead Dan and I bought a new toy for the boys to debut at the birthday party!

I have a feeling, going down those slides may be just as much fun for me as the boys.

Code Green, anyone?




I bought Dan this Shirt

It made me feel better



Dear Dan & Boys....

...Mother's Day is coming.


Etiquette Training in progress...

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Brandon love hats, especially Tupperware ones
he has been known to push a tea cart and scoff at any judgment
He LOVES to wear my baubles
Pearls, turquoise, anything sparkly.
Last night, dripping in big crystals
we had an etiquette lesson in Fine Dining
 Crystal & Cheese
Almost ready for tea with the Queen



Countdown to Luke: 15

in 15 days I can throw away all my maternity clothes


My Pool!!

When my Mom and Bob moved out here in January 
and they confirmed they were going to get a pool
I did what ANY daughter would
and offered to pay HALF....
{How incredibly sweet am I??}
IF they put it in MY backyard
They said absolutely NOT.
I pouted.
Fine.
But did they realize from May to September we, a Party of FIVE, will be at their house everyday?
whatever, as far as I am concerned, it's still my pool.  
Beach entry, lounging shelf, saltwater, jacuzzi, misting systems 
{Yes, we do it right over here}
Well. last week the pool builders broke ground!
So without further ado:
My POOL!!
This may possibly be the 
BEST. MATERNITY. LEAVE. EVER.



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