We're now a 2-vehicle household...

Finally. I got a new ride last Tuesday. I took a picture of her yesterday. She is a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer... Our family "car"...yet still sporty. I absolutely love it. It has all of the upgrades and rides really smooth. The only downfall is the fuel expenditure. But, either way it went, I was getting an SUV...most all of the SUVs I had my eye on were pretty comparable. I even went to www.fueleconomy.gov and found out that the EPA Air Pollution score is a 3 out of 10, [10 being the best] which is better than our Pontiac (which is a 2.)

It was really helpful to have throughout the blizzard this past weekend. Seems as if we got her just in time. And since I name all of my cars, Leonard came up with a good one..."GOLDIE."

With my involvement in various projects around town...amongst other things I would like to do...this will seriously simplify our lives.

So Leonard and I were right. We've never seen this much snow. It was record-breaking...20.4" at Port Columbus. And as I predicted on Saturday...this was front page of the Sunday paper:

"...while a record 20.4 inches of snow piled up.

The previous mark for a single storm locally was 15.3 inches. That was set nearly a century ago, on Feb. 16-17, 1910.

The snow that fell since midnight yesterday would have set the mark by itself. The 15.4 inches at Port Columbus set a new 24-hour mark, outdoing the 12.2 inches on April 4, 1987." - Kathy Lynn Gray, The Columbus Dispatch

And here's a video I took of the aftermath.

Snowed-In!

(after Leonard shoveled the driveway for the 2nd time.)

I'm sure this will go down in the Ohio record books as "The Blizzard of 2008." Leonard and I were discussing earlier and neither of us have any good memory of this much snow. At this point it's well over a foot...and for a while there didn't appear to be an end in sight.

So, here we are at a government issued Level 2 Emergency (if you don't have anywhere to go...don't try to go anywhere) with other surrounding counties at a Level 3 (not permitted to go anywhere unless it's an emergency.) Funny thing is, even if we WANTED to go somewhere we couldn't because the snow is so high anything without 4WD wouldn't get very far. (Good thing I just got a Mercury Mountaineer a few days ago...it really came in handy yesterday.) We're pretty much snowed-in...

It's been a good day to get some housework done and watch movies...

The pictures are from today...as well as a 30 second video of the continuing blowing snow.

A Day of Firsts

Today Alexander had his first play date (which was totally unplanned) and he ate "solid" food for the first time.

I am doing the Purium show for my friends at the Tifereth Israel downtown. They have started a tradition of telling the story of Ester through a musical variation. Last year it was "Grease". This year it's "My Fair Lady"...or "My Fair Hamentaschen." One of the cast member's 9 month-old daughter was there...and so was Alexander. So we sat the 2 of them together... It was too cute. (Note how well he's sitting up...)

And later this evening we decided to try him out on some rice for the first time. He ate pretty well, but was tired so I ended up feeding him milk to help him to sleep...

Baby Einstein

So we finally went out and bought Alexander and "exersaucer-type" thing... It's actually called "Baby Einstein" made by Graco. I believe Evenflo has the patent on the name "Exersaucer" but it serves the same purpose. Alexander was in need of of some entertaining...some stimulation...and we needed to give him something else to do besides watch NOGGIN all day.

Here's a brief video of him playing with it for the first time. It was too cute. I anticipate much use out of it and more mobility once his feet can firmly reach the bottom... ;) (Midnight apparently wanted some camera time and can be seen lurking in the shot.)

Alexander Sits

Alexander has been doing pretty well sitting on his own for longer than a minute... So I got a few shots of him sitting in his cute little Pooh outfit:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is a day about love...a day for lovers, friends and family. For some, Valentine's Day is every day. Others, need to be reminded and set time aside on this special day. I can personally say that I don't need a day set aside to show the people in my life that I love them. However, it's a great excuse to go out to dinner or plan some time away. ;D Leonard and I have resevered a hotel room at the Hilton for Friday night and Alexander is going to Leonard's parents'. :) I welcome the much needed break and quality time with the man I love...



Alexander will officially be 5 months old on Monday, the 18th. 5 months! Already... It's all going by as fast as my pregnancy. Amazing.

So here's an update on Alexander's development:

• At the last visit he was 14lbs 10oz and 23.75 inches long. He is starting to fall into the more average percentiles, when comparing to other babies his age.

• He has mastered being a supported sitter. Every day he gets closer to completely sitting on his own. He's constantly using his ab muscles to lift himself to a crunch position.

• He's a really happy baby...smiling all the time and giggling when something is funny to him. Especially when he has his goofy father around.

• He reaches for things, can hold objects in his hands, and grabs at most everything in sight to put into his mouth.

• He's starting to sleep most of the night...only waking occasionally to eat. And we have had quite a few successful nights of sleeping in his crib.

• He cannot STAND "Tummy Time." But we force mild sessions and he whimpers the entire time.

• His cooing has advanced to response-like babbling when someone is speaking to him.

• He watches television intently. Particularly Nick Jr.'s spin off channel, NOGGIN, geared towards preschoolers. (Leonard and I can be caught watching it when Alexander is asleep.)


• He has a true affinity to music. Certain songs can calm him...others, like the ones heard on NOGGIN, can capture his attention.

Alexander is a delight. He makes all of my bad days better and truly has become the other love of my life...

The Best 35 Seconds You'll Ever See...

Leonard was "scaring" him...and he was cracking up... :)

Such A Big Boy!

Can't believe he will be 4 months old in 9 days. Our next appointment is on the 24th. I can't wait to see how much he's grown!


Here's a video of Alexander, the "supported" sitter:

Happy New Year!

2007 was the best year of my life...


Slideshow of 2007 pre-Alexander:

Slideshow post-Alexander:

Top Ten Things I have noticed/learned since I've become a Mom...

1. A mother eats her food very fast.


2. Seeing your baby pout his lip while crying can melt your heart.


3. You can never have too many babysitters.


4. Going back to work after maternity leave isn't as hard as one might think...


5. "Sleep when the baby sleeps," is easier said than done.


6. It is possible to function on 3 hours of sleep.


7. A baby's smile can make you smile every time.


8. Your husband can suddenly go deaf in the middle of the night...


9. Your dog may not care too much for the baby...but still cares very much about you.


10. You can't remember what life was like before you were a mother...and wouldn't change it for the world.

Much To Be Thankful For...

• I am thankful for my good health and the good health of those I love.


• I am thankful for my new family. Leonard, Alexander, and Midnight are all such a blessing.


• I am thankful for my family and friends. I am blessed that I am able to maintain a close relationship with my family and in-laws and to have a wonderful circle of friends.


• I am thankful that I have a job. Leonard and I both kept our jobs in the midst of a merger and while others lost theirs...


• I am thankful to have financial stablilty. It's a great feeling to not have to check the balance in my checking account before making a purchase. I am blessed to have a roof over my head and food in my belly.


• I am thankful that I have found peace in my life.



ONE OF MY MANY BLESSINGS ~ Alexander on Thanksgiving Day:

Is it possible to spoil a newborn baby?

Parenthood is exhausting. Alexander has so many needs to be met and it takes all the energy in the world to do that on most days.

He actually has started to become fussy... If he is WIDE awake, he's an angel. But, the times in between sleep (getting there and waking up) can be rough. I was starting to believe that he was becoming spoiled because he really only sleeps when someone is holding him. But, he can actually fall asleep in my arms and wake up with one of his startle reflexes and scream and scream, (as if he isn't being held)...

I have sinced learned that it is impossible to spoil a baby. A baby crys to communicate his needs. If we respond quickly, it strengthens the trust he has for us. Babies don't have the cognitive skills to realize the cause and effect of actions. That skill is developed when they are about 6-8 months old. So for now...I'm all about running to tending to Alexander's cries...as exhausting as it may be.

So then, I was starting to think that he was developing colic. The doctor told me last Thursday that Alexander shakes because he has an immature nervous system (since he was born so small...) Which I looked up on the internet and discovered it's possibly a cause of colic. Along with a sensitive temperment, it can be making it difficult for a baby to control his crying.

Here is an article on colic from WebMD: http://children.webmd.com/tc/colic-overview

However, I am able to make him stop...eventually. So I did so more research and found out that Alexander is most likely suffering from an immature digestive system. He grunts and crys when he is about to burp and/or spit up... If he falls asleep before he burps...he wakes up with the grunting and crying and then spits up.

(Gas issues are not to be confused with colic...although it could make colic worse or be worsen by the crying:

8. Crying
Infant gas is often thought of as being the same as infant colic. However, they are NOT the same. Although a baby experiencing episodes of colic may also have gas (possibly due to swallowing air while crying) a baby with gas does not necessarily have colic. Studies have shown that gas alone does not cause the level of distress and/or discomfort experienced by a colicky baby.
9. Sleep disturbances
Understandably, a baby with a stomach ache will have problems sleeping, either falling asleep or staying asleep. However, there are many more common reasons for a baby to have disturbed sleep other than discomfort.)

Right now the crying is making life even more exhausting, but I'm starting to get used to it. I anticipate this to be a phase that passes... I will ask his pediatrican about it some more when we go back for his 2 month well-check. (He will be getting about 5 shots then, too...)

So here's a video of my sweet child with his Daddy...



Does this look spoiled to you?

Our lives have changed forever...

It's been a long time...

I have just finished posting my birth story here for anyone who did not get the pleasure of hearing it first hand: http://www.pregnancy.org/bulletinboards/showthread.php?t=13671&page=4

Here's a short video of him being held by Leonard's mother.at about 2 days old..really no sound and bad light, but you get the idea:




It took me so long to write as I have now become a human milk bottle and Alexander is constantly feeding. When we brought him home, he was 5lbs and 6oz... At his first appointment with the pediatrician, (3 days later) he was 5lbs 14oz. We took him to the doctor today because he has been congested (to what we were told is just a cold) and he is now 7lbs and 5oz. So, he's definitely eating okay...

I don't know how many times since Alexander arrived I have told Leonard, "You do realize our lives have changed forever... There is no turning back." I hate to say, but most times it's said with a bit of regret... But, I can honestly say, I wouldn't change it for the world. It's just a lot to take in some days... After the restless nights (not so much sleepless...but interrupted sleep nonetheless,) and endless feedings... I sit and wonder what it will be like to go out again...on a date, away for a weekend, even back to work. It's just more than I thought I would be contemplating.

Alexander is truly a miracle indeed (as so is the name of my pregnancy journal.) I wouldn't give him back for anything. But, our lives have changed forever.

39 Weeks

Today I have reached 39 weeks. Technically, I only have 7 more days left until we get to meet Alexander. I still can't get over this "pregnant for 40 weeks stuff." Why did someone ever come up with the 9 months idea??? I actually feel pretty well...just uncomfortable when he's rolling around. He rarely outright kicks me, but is constantly stretching and poking. Still unbearable.

I was in the hospital for a couple of days due to high blood pressure, and am now officially on maternity leave because of it. To read about my hospital stay, check out my pregnancy blog:

http://www.pregnancy.org/bulletinboards/showthread.php?t=13671&page=4

So, here I sit...waiting. I'm forbidden to work because I don't want to chance raising my BP again. So, I get to catch up on some movies and lay in bed all day. It's actually much better than doing that in the hospital!

I can't get over how much weight I've gained. As of last week, it was 53lbs. We'll see what I weigh in at tomorrow... Here's a pic of me after our friend Brian's wedding yesterday. Most of my PG pics are in workout clothes...but Lord knows I haven't been doing much of that lately, so this one is actually in "real" clothes.



Counting down the days..........

Fortune Cookie

I forgot! My fortune cookie from P.F. Chang's yesterday...



How cool is that?

9 months

So, I can't believe it's been over a month since I last blogged. Well...actually, I can. I try to save the PG updates for the pregnacy blog, but it's all that is consuming my life at this moment.

Tomorrow I will be 36 weeks along in this pregnancy. Can you believe that? 9 months... I'm so ready for Alexander to be here already. I was told that 37 weeks was considered full term...so as far as I'm concerned he can come any time after that! Leonard wants him to cook for as long as possible... (I'm not too keen on that idea.) Although miserable at times, I've found ways to find comfort during these last weeks. So, it's not as bad as it could be. My biggest issue now is that the kid is on my bladder all the time. I'm running to the bathroom every couple of hours...literally. That's getting old...

We started childbirth classes last Monday and have 2 more scheduled in the coming weeks. I am also taking a breastfeeding class on Tuesday night. Alexander's nursery is nearly complete...with bedding, border, and all of the stuff we've gotten from the showers is organized.





It's all coming together so nicely. I really can't wait for our new addition to the family.

As I continue to state, I am very happy with my life. Leonard and I grow closer every day... I can see and feel from him the love and excitement that he puts into every aspect of our relationship. He takes such good care of me...waits on me even when I'm whiny. Leonard is truly my ideal partner. Some days I just want to pinch myself...it just seems too good to be true.

Finished Painting Alexander's Room!

After about 20 hours total of work... We finally finished the wall. Angie and I painted Mickey together. Leonard worked a little on Minnie and I finished her off... I did Donald by myself. And Leonard's sister painted the perfect Pluto...

July Already...

I cannot believe it is July already... We have been married for a little over a month, now... Everyone keeps asking us, "How's married life?" We always reply, "Good." But, ya know...life was good before we were married... I really don't see much difference. The biggest difference is the actual "title" and hearing or saying, "Heather Campanelli." That's actually really cool. But, for the most part, we don't love each other any more, (or less...for that matter,) than we did before we took our vows. I've known since we started dating that I could marry Leonard...and the more and more time we spent together, I felt as if we were already totally committed to each other. Needless to say, life IS good. I know I sound like a broken record when I say this, but I am the happiest I've ever been in my adult life. I feel like everything has finally fell into place.

We had a little painting party on Sunday to begin painting Alexander's room. It's going to be really neat once we have finished. A few folks were upset with us becuase of the colors we chose...they are pretty much brown and light brown. lol I think it's fine. But, Angie is really creative and had some good ideas aboout desgin/detail that we are putting to use. We are getting out of work a little early today so we will be finishing that up today. I ended up wearing a mask (just as a precaution) and it was the silliest looking thing! All in all, it was a good time...we had my sister and her kids, my brother and Leonard's sister, as well as Angie over. Everyone got some painting time...even Tatyanna. We ordered pizza and sat around and laughed. This is truly the fun part of expecting. Leonard and I ordered the crib, mattress, and dresser combo on Saturday so we'll have another day of putting that stuff together.

I still can't believe I'm 7 months pregnant. (And according to everyone else, really don't look the part, either.) The time has truly flown... Alexander will be here before we know it! To read more about my pregnancy adventures, check out my latest post in my pregnancy journal: http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464&start=20.

Work has been as busy as ever, but I plan on taking some time to myself in the next couple of days. Really looking forward to the time off. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Words Can't Describe...

Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now. I am officially a married woman! Married to the man of my dreams...my best friend...my confidant...my lover...and the father of my soon-to-be son. I'm on a natural high. I am genuinely happy. There is nothing I can say to convey what I felt two days ago...it was such an overwhelming feeling of love, happiness and peace. And certainly I cannot forget my amazingly wonderful friends, to which my perfect day can be accredited. I keep telling my family that I don't even know what I can do that could possibly express my gratitude and appreciation. There just doesn't seem like anything I can say or do that would be good enough. But, trust me, I will come of with SOMETHING.........................................

11 Days and counting...

So yeah... Obviously, things have been hectic. The wedding is in 11 days. Can you believe it??? I can barely keep my head on straight. Thank goodness for my AMAZING friends. They have been keeping me on top of things and sane. (Thank you so much!!!) So much has happened...and really not very much time nor energy to write about everything. But, I'll try to give a brief overview..................................................

First, let me remind you all that I am marrying the most wonderful man in the world! I feel so loved and each day my love for him grows stronger (something I was sure it could do.) Leonard takes such good care of me and I trust him with my life...(and that of our growing baby!) He's been traveling a lot lately for work...and that makes me sad. Last week he was in Wyoming from Monday - Thursday. I whined so much about him leaving the Sunday before that he sent me a dozen roses...with a beautiful card that made me tear up. He basically told me that he misses me every time he goes away and to think of him whenever I looked at the flowers while he was gone. (The card is still sitting on my desk in my office.)



Anyway, in the past month, I've had 2 wedding showers that have reminded me how great the people are that I have grown to know in the past 10 years and longer.

I've been working hard and resting much... I've gained about 18 pounds. Body image issues are haunting me...but I realize I must learn to accept the joys of pregnancy.

Most importantly, we just found out we're having a boy! His name is Alexander Lee... We're both very excited. The details of the ultrasound are here: http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464

The baby is constantly moving...always reminding me that he is there! It's great...but at the same time, it's very distracting! :)

Sleeping has become an adventure... I can never seem to get comfortable. Sad thing is, I'm not even that big yet!!!

I can't wait until the wedding has passed... I'm really ready to start preparing for Alexander's arrival.