swanyfam

SOME PICS

2012-01-25T14:26:00.001-06:00

A FEW UPDATES

2012-01-07T20:04:00.002-06:00

I need to take the pictures off my camera and will post some once I do so.

Paige - loving preschool, plays school all of the time at home. All she needs to keep her happy is a piece of paper and something to write/draw with and she is happy all the day long. She is counting down the days til her big #5 birthday. Still, 6 weeks away but is busy planning it every day. She helped to celebrate daddy's birthday so big, lots of signs and wrapping up everything you could ever imagine and decorating his cake - she made the day super special. Cute thing she said today: "do you think God gave up on snow?"

Camden - loving these warm days. Back to being outside and riding his bike. He has burnt through 2 tires on his little 12incher already. He loves playing a football game with daddy every little chance he can throughout the day. He will sneak down the basement stairs to see if daddy has a minute to come and play a game. All he needs to keep him happy is something with wheels or a ball. Cute thing he said today: "I want to marry Grace (who will be 16 this month) or my gator."

Cora - little girl is just happy and content all the time, unless Camden (on accident) falls on top of her and then she gets a teeny bit mad. Started eating some cereal this week and she gets so excited and can't wait for the next bite. From the first time it was like she knew what to do. If she wasn't a twin I wouldn't have started feeding her yet, but Kale was acting interested so I decided to try her too and she actually likes it better than him. She did her first laugh out louds this week when Paige was talking her. She continues to be more fair and I believe will have blue or hazel eyes and blonde hair - daddy's girl for sure!

Kale - he reminds me so much of Camden when he was a baby. You watch him and you just know that once he can move around he is going to be so much happier. He is very happy and has been laughing out loud for a few weeks. His first laughs were for Paige also:) His cheeks are chubby chubby and so darn kissable. He makes more of a mess eating than actually eating. He still prefers to just nurse, nurse, nurse all the time. But come bedtime and he is done til the morning. He usually sleeps through the night or gets up once.

Jed - is still working as hard as ever. He is usually home in the basement 2-3 days a week and on the road the other days. I don't know how he gets anything done with us upstairs, but he never complains about the all of the noise:) He manages to take little breaks to play a quick football game with cam or read Paige a book. He has had to step it up in the household management dept. which I hate, but I need it I guess. I am enjoying the extra help getting a few things done, but hope to someday not have to rely on him so much for all of "my work".

Me - well I nurse a lot, read a lot, ramp a lot of cars, cook a lot of food, and what I spend the most hours doing is picking up stuff:) I have never liked treadmills, but bought a used one last winter and it has become my new best friend. It is my only option for any workout right now. Jed has been so good about saying " i have all the kids, go run" What it does for me mentally is greater than physically right now. Those minutes on their give me what I need for the rest of the day - so energizing!

And, I just wrote this whole post with no interruptions, they are all asleep:)

MY SANTA BABIES

2011-12-08T11:55:00.002-06:00

WHAT?

2011-10-25T21:27:00.002-05:00

There are moments and sometimes days when I wonder where is my mind. I have to take care of something as soon as it pops in my head or make a note or it doesn't get done.
2 of my not so proud moments lately are:
- letting the kids play in the hose and forgetting to check if it ever got turned off. This happened friday afternoon. We then left for the weekend, only for me to remember to check the hose Monday afternoon. And, yes it was running full blast! Take a guess at that water bill... yikes! Sorry Jed!
- thinking this lady who was wondering the WalMart parking lot stole my wallet. Nope, I left it in the store. So overwhelmed by the time I realized that it wasn't stolen, that the lady I spoke to at WalMart met at my car to bring me my wallet so I didn't have to bring all 4 of my kids in with me. What was I doing with4 kids in WalMart, I don't know... I think I may be crazy!
- ever since I started staying at home, I have felt a little awkward trying to talk with other adults. I don't know any current events or pop culture. I feel like I don't know what to talk about if it doesn't involve kids or kid stuff. I think my brain is at complete mush right now, I don't even know what I am talking about now. Sorry about this post, this may not make any sense and I am not going to read it over, I am going to bed.
So, good night and disregard this post if it makes no sense!
Blessings!
Megan

2 MONTHS INTO LIFE!

2011-10-16T20:45:00.004-05:00

These past 2 months have flown by. Our days are just filled with so much activity, at the end of each day, I couldn't even tell you what we have done.
Paige is loving preschool - I am so glad for a 9am start. I don't have it all together enough to get her to school by 8. I have also found out that I need a calendar. I forgot about her 1st ever picture day and let her dress herself (she always picks amazing outfits) and, didn't even get her hair brushed that day:) She wants to know how to spell everything and tells us what letter every word starts with.
Camden loves to ride his bike. He asks 50 million times a day if we want to watch him ride his bike. He has been helping Jed gather sticks for fires in our family room. Many times a day he checks the wood pile to make sure the wood is still covered. He only wants to wear bootball shorts (mesh basketball shorts). The few times he has had to wear pants this year because of weather, he has taken them off as soon as we get inside.
Cora now weighs 9lb 8oz. (Paige was 9lb 2oz and Camden 9lb 14oz at birth). She is a laid back, happy girl. She gives us more and more smiles every day. She is really great at holding her head up and looking around at everything. She is still on her apnea monitor, but will hopefully be off of it in another week or 2. She has been diagnosed with a rare skin disorder, hystiocytosis. We are praising God that her diagnosis is good and she only has it on her skin and not internally so no treatment or long term effects.
Kale now weighs 10lb. He can go from happy, smily Kale to really, really mad Kale in just a few seconds. He seems to be a few days ahead of Cora in everything right now. He still has brown hair and we think he will probably have brown eyes as well. No health issues at all for him.
I hear a baby calling me... more to post later!

SWANY LIFE!

2011-10-02T09:52:00.001-05:00

ALL 6 TOGETHER WHERE WE BELONG

2011-09-06T14:34:00.005-05:00

The week+ that we spent split between home and 2 hospitals was probably harder on me than anyone else in our family. It feels so good to all be together even though we are just crazy busy.
My days are consumed with nursing, diapers, board games and barbies with Paige, watching Camden ride his bike, more nursing, making snacks, cleaning up spilled milk, laundry, and the occasional brushing of my own teeth! My mom left yesterday morning and we have been doing well, but super super busy. The days are just funny with all that is going on. We did make one outing to visit Great Grandma and Grandpa Kocher, otherwise haven't ventured further than the stroller will take us.

Paige and Camden are both in love with Cora and Kale and want to hold and help do everything. Paige makes me promise daily that we will not have any more babies because she never wants me to stay in the hospital again.

HOME!!!

2011-08-22T14:38:00.003-05:00

For the first time, all SIX Swanson's will be under the same roof!!! Megan texted me the cutest pictures of Kale & Cora together and I wish I could post them on here....but I can't upload from my phone :(

Cora has to come home with a monitor so Jed & Megan had to be trained in both CPR & how to use the monitor in order to come home. Cora had a sleep study done 5 days ago that was just read today. She failed the sleep study, but for the last couple of days she hasn't needed any oxygen or HR drops so hopefully she will not be on the monitor for long.

Kale got to come home Saturday afternoon.

I am sure that Jed & Megan are relieved not to have to be traveling back & forth between hospitals & home are now able to begin this wonderful new chapter of their lives!

Posted by: Randie

HOME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

2011-08-19T10:30:00.002-05:00

I love posting such great news!! It won't be too much longer before Jed, Megan, Paige, Camden, Cora & Kale are all at home under the same roof!

Cora was able to start taking bottles last night, she has finished every single one and just this morning after finishing her bottle she was looking for more. She will also lose her feeding tube and IV later today!

Kale is continuing to finish all of his bottles which means no more feeding tube, also no more bili light.

Posted by: Randie

UPDATES....

2011-08-17T21:56:00.002-05:00

Great news today!!!

Kale got his IV line removed, he is also off his pulseox. There is a possibility of using the bililite on him tonight. He also nursed once today and at his evening feeding tonight he drank his entire bottle....42 ml's!!!! That is such awesome news! He has to continue to eat his entire bottle for two whole days and then he will get to go home. Kale is now weighing 5 lbs 7 oz.

Cora was not able to try the bottle today as her respirations were still a little high, they need to be consistently under 60 for her to be able to try it. She did get 8 ml's at each feeding today through a tube in her nose and did well with that. She is now weighing 5 lbs.

Continue to pray for those little babies, we know your prayers are working - the proof is in this post!!

Posted by: Randie

THREE CHEERS FOR CORA!!

2011-08-16T19:45:00.004-05:00

Little Miss Cora has been successfully weaned off oxygen and has eaten THREE times today (just since this afternoon I believe)!! She is being fed through a tube in her nose and doctors are hopeful that she'll be able to try a bottle tomorrow.

Posted by: Randie

UPDATES!

2011-08-16T10:20:00.002-05:00

Wonderful news!

Kale is now eating from the bottle, each time he eats he takes more milk which is a great sign! His IV line should be removed today, they had to place it in his head as all of the other spots in his hands/feet have closed up. Still no talk of a tentative release date, he has to continue to increase his milk intake and keep it down as well as pass a 90 minute car seat test (sit in the car seat w/o any of his monitors going off).

Cora is still on oxygen and they are going to try to get her off of that today. She is showing signs that she wants to eat, the doctor wants to start feeding her today. I am hoping to have some pictures to post of Cora soon.

Megan is heading back to BroMenn today and Jed will be taking Megan's place at OSF. Thank you to everyone for all the support and prayers, I know that Megan & Jed appreciate it.

Posted by Randie

PICTURES!!

2011-08-15T12:50:00.005-05:00

Megan & Jed's friend, Heather Kaeb took these photos. Paige & Camden spent Friday night w/ the Kaeb's and then went to see Mommy, Daddy & babies Saturday morning. Dannon & Heather also went to see Kale & Jed at OSF on Sunday, so Heather snapped a few pics while she was there. Enjoy!!

The kids were wiped out after waiting to hear about the arrival of their new brother & sister.

Seeing Kale & Cora for the first time!

Kale

IT'S A........

2011-08-15T10:53:00.006-05:00

BOY & GIRL!!!! Hi everyone, this is Randie, Megan's sister-in-law, I am posting for Megan today.

The twins arrived Friday evening around 9:15. Megan wasn't feeling good and went to the hospital where they informed her that she was in labor and that they would be prepping the OR for her c-section. Cora Marie came out first, weighing 5 lbs 5 oz and 17 1/2 inches long, Kale James came out minutes later weighing 5 lbs 13 oz and 17 3/4 inches long. They were born around 9:15 pm. Both babies were having some breathing issues due to being born early, (35 weeks, 1 day).

Kale was transferred to the Children's Hospital in Peoria on Saturday morning. Jed stayed with him until this morning (Monday). I am happy to report that he is now off of oxygen and doing really well. Megan is there with him now and is able to hold him as much as she wants.

Cora remains at BroMenn, Jed is with her. She is doing great and is expected to come off of her oxygen today.

I will post more information soon. Hopefully I'll be able to post that they will be coming home in my next post.

Kale James

Cora Marie

PAIGE 4YRS 5MO

2011-08-05T17:44:00.002-05:00

CAMDEN 2YRS 4MO

2011-08-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

PREGNANT PICS - 34 WEEKS

2011-08-05T17:33:00.005-05:00

WEEKEND IN MORRISON

2011-07-28T14:19:00.002-05:00

Silly faces with Great Grandma Mary
Cousins for Life
New Bootball shorts from daddy (just a little big:)
Reading with cousin Darby

THYROIDGLOSSAL DUCT CYST

2011-07-28T14:10:00.003-05:00

The not-so-fun part of July for us was Paige developing a cyst that needed to be removed. A few weeks ago Jed and I noticed a lump on the side of Paiges neck. It was a hard and seemed to have just appeared. It was a Friday night, so I called her pediatrician who advised us to come in Sat. morning, thinking it was a lymph node. 2 doctors looked at it at her office and sent us for an ultrasound at the hospital, they did not think it was lymph node but a cyst. From there, we saw a surgeon at the Children's hospital in Peoria, who sent us for a 2nd ultrasound which confirmed this cyst and scheduled us to have surgery to remove it.
Tuesday of this week we got the cyst removed, about an hour long procedure. Now, we have 2 weeks of little activity, no swimming, bike riding, running and jumping.
Popsicles and Gatorade for breakfast the morning before surgery.
Paige and Daddy in recovery.
This bandage will stay on for the next 2 weeks.

A LIL' TASTE OF JULY FUN!

2011-07-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

Eating Avacodo Ice Cream!
Tea Parties!
Washing Steers at the fair!
Lemonade Stands!
T-Ball! (Paige is in the pink shorts)

4TH OF JULY

2011-07-28T14:05:00.001-05:00

EARRINGS!!

2011-07-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

Paige has been asking for awhile to get her ears pierced. So a few weeks ago we went to the mall and got it done. They did them 1 ear at a time and after the first ear, Paige would have been happy with 1 earring for the rest of her life. About 3 stickers and 2 suckers later she was ready for the 2nd one. She gets to put new ones in right at the same time she starts pre-school. As you can see Camden had lots of fun in Claires while Paige was getting her ears done.
After Paige got hers done, Jed said I should get my nose pierced again. Ever since I quit working at the hospital he has wanted me to re-pierce it. We will see, I may want to do it just to feel a little young and hip after the babies come. However, finding enough minutes to go and do it may be a little hard for awhile:)

WHAT MADE ME CRY TODAY

2011-07-08T16:09:00.001-05:00

At least one good cry a day is a given right now. Sometimes it is for joy, sometimes sadness, sometimes I just have no idea why I am crying or what I am crying about. I know this is all normal, I do hate it for Paige and Camden though who become so worried when mommy cries.
So, today I get the mail and there is a big envelope, I open it up and inside is...
Paige's preschool registration forms. I think I blocked this from my mind. We talk about her going to preschool, but I was hoping that the day would never really get here. In less than 2 months she will be starting preschool 3 days a week. She is super super excited and I just want to keep her at 4 years old in my house and never have her get old enough to go off without me.
I know ... call me silly ... it is where I am:)

MOVING DAY!

2011-07-02T16:50:00.002-05:00

Thanks to a lot of help from some pretty amazing, well extremely amazing neighbors we were able to move all of our stuff. We have so much more space now. It was bittersweet leaving our old house. That was our first home, we lived there for almost 6 years. It was filled with so many wonderful memories and fun times. The move was much easier than it could have been since we were not leaving our neighborhood which we love so much. I will try to get some pics of the new house and get them posted soon.

T-BALL

2011-07-02T16:44:00.002-05:00

Paige started T-ball this summer. So far, she has had 4 practices and 1 game. 2 more games to go in her season. As you can see she likes to dress so we can easily be picked out. This was a little more challenging in her first game when she did have to wear the green shirt. It is a little tough to say the least, on Camden - not being able to be out there. I am sure he is confused -- why is daddy out there and Paige and he can't go. He does sneak out there every once in awhile, but seems to be doing better with it. I only got asked about 275 times at the last game if he could go play baseball with daddy and Paige:)

CAMPIN' AND 4-WHEELIN'

2011-07-02T16:32:00.004-05:00

We had our annual camping and 4-wheeling trip to St. Joe State Park in Missouri. The first thing Paige wanted to do when we got to the campground was eat cheeseballs!
The first thing Camden wanted to do when we got to the campround was drink a pop!
The kids and I enjoyed hanging out at the lake all day. We were fortunate to borrow my brother Tyler's truck which we could take down in the sandy areas. Camden and Paige were able to ride around on the 4-wheelers for a little bit each day. The weather was beautiful and I felt great this whole trip. I decided that camping is easier than being at home. I did a lot of sitting around, didn't have to do much picking up or food prep.
When we were packing to leave we could not find the poles to our tent. We searched and searched and no luck. This past week when we moved in we found them in a tote labled "cookbooks."

WILL BE BACK SOON

2011-07-01T17:24:00.003-05:00

I promise to be back soon with updates and pictures. This past month has been a little more than crazy here!
We are officially moved into our new home, thanks to the most amazing neighborhood in the entire universe!!
I am moving a little slower than usual. So what I used to be able to get done in 1 hour, now takes me an entire day or two.
Keep checking, my goal is to update with pictures this weekend:)

THE POWER OF THE MOP

2011-06-08T14:48:00.000-05:00

I have always been a hands and knees floor scrubber. This is how my mom did it, you can get the edges and corners good and really see the floor so nothing is missed. Well, I have entered the world of big belliness and to get down and scrub a floor and back up is just something I do not want to tackle right now. So, I bought a mop. It does a good enough job and it will be doing the job for now and probably for awhile. Soon all of my chores will be done with 2 babies strapped on so mopping will continue to be easier for quite awhile. I do wonder "what is left behind" but am not going to let myself think about that too much.

24 WEEKS

2011-05-24T13:14:00.002-05:00

Thursday will be week #24 of this pregnancy. This past month I have felt my best. This could be because I am a little pre-occupied with this whole house sale business right now. I know God will not give me more than I can handle, so I am sure our house will sell, we will move and then watch out... I will double in size and be wiped until the day they arrive. With the summer heat I have to admit I am getting a little nervous. You hear so many horror stories about being pregnant in the summer. However, I do love the heat and humidity so am hoping that plays into my favor a little. Today I did look into getting a summer pool membership. I am sure daily soaks at the pool will make this summer even better. Especially since I have 2 little fishies that are happiest when wet!
Yesterday we had another dr. appt. It was very uneventful which is great! Weight gain is between 20-25 pounds. I am measuring 34 weeks, which the dr. is happy with. Blood pressure, was nice and low. And, the kids each got a sucker so they were as happy as could be.
Whenever someone makes a comment or asks about me being pregnant, Paige lets them know that we are having 2 babies and that they are both girls! I have been talking a lot about the possibility of 1 boy and 1 girl or maybe even 2 boys. She refuses to accept these as options - she said God told her they are girls. She did tell me when I was first pregnant that it was twins, way before that was found out. This was news she got from God also.
Whenever someone makes a comment or asks about me being pregnant, Camden immediately lifts my shirt up and says, "see the baby beddies" This makes the stranger on the other side a little uncomfortable, but it is so darn sweet I let him do it every time. he felt the babies kick for the first time and said, "baby beddies popping!"
Have to say, I love being pregnant once again... the miracle of it all and the anticipation of what is to come makes every new stretch mark, varicose vein and leg cramp well worth it.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

2011-05-19T12:43:00.005-05:00

talking to daddy

helping daddy get the house ready to sell

bubble baths

trying to sell our house
So far we have had 2 showings and 3 more this weekend]

snuggling

playing in the rain

having tea parties

using the big potty... however, I showed Cam how to pee outside and now that is the only place he will go. He calls everything he does "going poopy". The other day in the grocery store he was screaming at me that he wanted to go "poopy in the grass". And, yes there were other people in the restroom.

IT IS IN THE YARD!

2011-05-11T06:27:00.002-05:00

In our front yard is... a 4-sale sign! That is right, 5 months pregnant with twins and we are going to try and sell before the babies come. We found a house, which is double our size just down the street. After a little negotiating with those homeowners we came to an agreement, contingent on our house selling. So here we are. I keep praying to God that if this is his plan for us, that he will bring the buyers. So now I just need to have faith and trust that either way, if we are here or there, it is the best place for our family. And, I have to keep my house picked up all of the time! No more running to town with toys dumped out or dirty dishes in the sink. We have to be always ready at a moments notice to say, "oh yes go look at my house."

BREATHING TREATMENTS

2011-05-06T05:59:00.002-05:00

Camden has struggled with wheezing and coughing since he was about 2 months old. It is very frustrating for me. I feel like I have done everything to take the very best care of my little boy since the time I knew I was pregnant; eating well, vitamins, exercise, breastfeeding, extremely limited use of any type of medication for him or myself. And, here we are breathing treatments and steroids and chest x-rays in my 2 month old babies body. Then, we saw a chiropractor. It seemed like he had some improvement, but still was a noisy, rattly breather. Now I am back to trying the nebulizer whenever he starts to get a little congested to see if it helps.
His doctor said most kids outgrow this by the age of 2 when it starts so young. Well, he is 2 now, so it is time to outgrow it!
But, he is so good about sitting there and holding his little mask.

OUT OF ORDER

2011-05-02T21:53:00.001-05:00

Scroll through the last few postings. For some reason they have been going out of order of how I posted them!

EGG HUNT #1

2011-04-27T10:04:00.002-05:00

Camden enjoyed, finding an egg, eating what was inside and then looking for another one! Paige filled 2 baskets, but was happy to share with her brother later!

COLORING EASTER EGGS

2011-04-27T10:02:00.002-05:00

MY HELP

2011-04-27T10:01:00.001-05:00

AND I GOT THEiR 1ST AUTOGRAPHS

2011-04-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

Our little preschool group rockin' out!

GATOR RIDES WITH GRANDPA!!

2011-04-27T09:58:00.001-05:00

IT'S A... AND A...

2011-04-27T08:41:00.003-05:00

Baby and a Baby!!

We decided to wait until the moment of delivery to know boy or girl! Baby B (who Paige has named Cornpole. Baby A is named Cornball) was facing out so we couldn't get a profile.
It was so amazing to see both little ones in there. The reality really hit me, 2 babies!!! All organs are in place and working well. Babies are weighing 11 and 12 oz and both are measuring right at 20 weeks. I am measuring 24 weeks and have gained slightly more than 2 pounds:)

A FEW PIECES FROM OUR DAY

2011-04-20T21:16:00.002-05:00

Daily, they say and do cute/funny things.
Just a few from today.

Paige: "Mommy, I like watching Nipplelodeon"
makes a cross out of exercise bands on the floor. has Cam lay on them then she puts him in this little door in her dresser and says he has to stay there for 3 days because he is Jesus and he is dead.

Camden: points to his belly button and says "look Mommy my baby"
I hear Paige scream, I turn around and Camden says " I go timeout" then he goes and sits in timeout
takes his motorcycle potty and then has his motorcycle watch him go potty

LITTLE CATCHING UP TO DO!

2011-04-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

Well, 40 posts in 40 days... I have failed! Things have been crazy, busy around here and days go by where I do not get online. I don't think I realized this until I tried this blogging thing. Anyway,hoping to get some catch up posts done and some new ones as well!

TWO 4 YEAR OLDS CAN...

2011-04-06T20:26:00.004-05:00

DO THIS IN 1 HOUR!
1 MOMMA CAN DO THIS IN 15 MINUTES!

It was my choice to let Paige and her friend play "unsupervised" while I cleaned upstairs. Was it worth it?... Depends on when you ask me.
And, always give me a 15 minute warning before arriving, or you may get to witness 1st hand the above pictures:)

ORGANIZING TIPS

2011-04-05T12:46:00.002-05:00

Sorry, I don't have any for you. I need some.
I have been asked by many if I will get a cleaning lady after the babies are born. It sure sounds nice, but that is not where I need the most help. A cleaning lady would probably come 1-2 times a month (if we could afford that often). Scrub floors, clean bathrooms, dust.
What do I do in between? Keeping up with those tasks are not as hard as the 50 cups that get dirty a day, the 4 loads of laundry, the 3 meals and 3 snacks that need to be prepared and cleaned up from. Plus my bathroom looks gross 2 days after I clean it. toothpaste and soap everywhere!
So I am open to any advice on keeping on top of all of the day to day tasks that need to be done. I am sure less stuff would mean less stuff to pick up. The problem is letting go of some of it.
There is a speaker talking about "living with less so your family has more" next week. I am hoping to get to it, maybe the motivation and tools I need.

TO THE DENTIST

2011-04-04T19:49:00.001-05:00

Paige's first visit to the dentist! She was so excited and keeps asking when she gets to go back!

IT WAS THE NICEST SPRING DAY AND,

2011-04-03T07:59:00.002-05:00

I didn't get on the computer 1x. We have had some beautiful weekdays, but yesterday was def. the best weekend day yet! Jed was so ready to be outside doing a few things. So maybe I won't actually blog every single day, but will make an effort to come as close as possible.
The best part of my day... new sand in the sandbox! There is nothing like it. Jed, being the amazing daddy he is bought this beautiful, white beach sand. Camden was diving and rolling around in it. Those are the important things in life!
Shortly after Paige was born, our house that seemed so big and spacious, felt small. With Camden, a little smaller. And now I can only imagine. Kids just have a lot of stuff. So, with no basement and in need of storage Jed and some buddies built a shed. Yesterday, the shed got finished!!! It has been usable to store all 55 totes of clothes and decorations and other very important things, but could not be set up completely. So now the shed is done! Next project, build Jed an office in the garage. This will be his 3rd office in this house, I am promising to never kick him out of his new space:)
Gotta go to read to Paige, the 2 men in my house are still sleeping and it is 8:00, this is a record!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY CAMDEN JAMES!!!!

2011-04-01T10:23:00.005-05:00

2 years ago I woke up at 4am and thought, oh yeah this is what a contraction feels like:) Not at all like all of those "practice" ones that always made me wonder, am I in labor? I woke Jed up shortly after and said, "I am sure today is it, if you need to get any work done, do it now".
He thought "april fools!" It was april fools day and 10 days before my due date (Paige was 1 week late) and that would mean we would all have birthdays on the 1st of the month - no way.
At 7:30 I called my mom who was on her way to work and said I think you should come to my house instead of work. All morning the contractions continued to get closer and closer and stronger, but not unbearable, I was still able to play and read stories with Paige.
By 10:00 I was trying to decide how much longer to stay at home. With Paige I labored at the hospital for 20+ hours (not fun!). I needed to receive antibiotics 4 hours before Camdens delivery, so I didn't want to wait too long.
By 10:30 we left for the hospital. (the last picture of this post is the morning I had Camden) Jed, still not 100% convinced that I was really in labor had to make a couple of stops:) The Copy Shop to get some drawings for work and Arby's for a Roast Beef! The lady at the copy shop still teases me about going there before the hospital.
We arrive at the hospital by 11:30, dilated to a 6! By now, I was getting uncomfortable. I was hoping for a water birth this time around, but there was another mom in the tub when I arrived, so it was to the shower for some relief.
No clue what time it was but I reached a point of epidural or pushing. My midwife came in and said "you are ready to push, the other mom just had her baby, they are cleaning the tub and then you can get in" They had nurses carrying buckets of warm water. Finally to the tub and 15 minutes later Jed announced -- "IT'S A BOY!"
Camden James 4:45pm 9lb 14oz 19.5 inches (he came out looking like a wrestler)
Paige was there shortly after and got to meet her baby brother who she just smiled at and kissed all over!
He has been a true boy since the day he was born.
We are so very blessed to have him in our family.

OH MAN!

2011-03-31T07:04:00.001-05:00

I did post last night - it was all about bribing Paige ( something I would never do). I guess I didnt save it. It was at 10:00 which is app. 2 hours past my bedtime:)

TO BRIBE OR NOT TO BRIBE

2011-03-30T22:04:00.003-05:00

I found it, I saved it just didn't post it.

I learned quickly when I became a mom to not judge other kids or moms. Well, before kids I was not going to bribe my kids. I could think of many other great ways to accomplish what I wanted.
Well, tonight we went out for ice cream after supper. Why? Because Paige can now buckle herself in her booster seat. I knew she was capable, just not willing. As I think of our future I find myself thinking of things that will make life run smoother with 4 kids 4 and under. 1 of those was Paige buckling herself. Well, the bribe of ice cream worked in just 2 days.
And, I am tired. This is the first I have been on the computer today and it is past my bedtime. Would have skipped it, but only the 3rd day into my own little personal challenge. I cannot be defeated that quickly.

NEW UNDERWEAR FROM MIMI!!

2011-03-29T19:16:00.001-05:00

GROWING, GROWING, GROWING!!

2011-03-28T17:04:00.002-05:00

I am hoping to get my camera cord soon so I can post some pictures of these 2 amazing little people. Both kids had their yearly checkups and are growing just fine.

Paige
40.75inches tall 75th%tile
37.25 pounds 75th%tile
Loves singing, dancing, coloring, painting, drawing, writing, and talking, talking, talking. She changes her clothes for every change in activity throughout the day, usually 10-20 outfit changes.

Camden
33.5 inches tall 25th%tile
31.75 pounds 90th%tile
(so he is not quite as balanced as his sis)
Loves football, basketball, soccer ball, baseball. He loves to throw everything. He loves trucks, cars and trains. He does not want to wear diapers or underwear, only basketball shorts and jerseys.

At what point do you stop posting your weight. I guarantee you will never see my weight posted on here. However, have gained 10 pounds at 16 weeks:) By 24 weeks should gain 25 pounds a little scary to think of doing, but if that's what I gotta do, that's what I will try to do.

COUNTRY OR CITY???

2011-03-27T20:22:00.002-05:00

Hard to even say city. We live in a village of 1500 people. We have no backyard neighbors, just a field with the occasional tractor or 4 wheeler going past. However, I find myself wanting more country. Today we went to an open house 1 mile outside of our town. Awesome property with barns, sheds, garages... and an old farmhouse. The house in great condition, but old houses just have a different layout. For Jed to use the toilet he would have to sit sideways. Well, that is just not going to work. The stairway is so narrow and with a couple of turns, the only option for getting furniture upstairs is through a window.
I think this place just brought back so many childhood memories and is exactly where I have always pictured raising my family. It is so amazing how one little thing or smell can flood you with so many memories and emotions. Lots of tears on the 2 minute drive back home. (I cry very easily right now).
I have always said and will always work hard to make the very best life for my family wherever that means we are meant to be. Even if it means a city with backyard neighbors. But, I will always have a dream of that perfect place in the country.

40 DAYS 40 POSTS

2011-03-26T19:32:00.002-05:00

I have been less than regular at blogging. I think about it alot. I read other people's blogs, but mine just is lacking. So I am challenging myself to 40 posts in 40 days. Little late to call this my lent challenge, however close enough that it can count, right? It will be another week before any pictures. I have been missing my camera cord that allows me to transfer pics to the computer since Christmas. I finally ordered one on ebay and once it arrives I can get caught up on ordering and posting pics.
Check daily for the next 40 days and get a peak into the crazy, fun-loving lives of Megan, Jed, Paige, Camden and the next 2 little baby Swansons!
Both babes are asleep and hubby is watching basketball (probably his happiest time of year - March Madness). Time to curl up on the couch with some hot tea and a book.
More to come tomorrow!

Dax's Christmas

2010-12-02T23:11:00.002-06:00

This link should take you to the video of the song Matthew West wrote for Dax.
Be ready, this is hard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E

Shutterfly - Christmas Cards!!

2010-11-17T20:56:00.002-06:00

So, it is that time of year again! I do not know if it has been the unusually mild fall we have had or having 2 little kids, but it doesn't feel like Thanksgiving is next week and then, Christmas! Along with Christmas comes the fun of sending Christmas cards. This year I am so excited to use Shutterfly to make our Christmas cards. They have a great selection of 5x7 cards. I love that some of the cards you can use more than 1 picture. This way I can capture each kid in their best along with our entire family. It is always so hard to choose just 1 picture. They also have a great selection of many, many photo gifts to choose from. Happy Holidays, I look forward to sending and receiving (hint, hint) cards this year! Check out the following webpage for your families Christmas cards. I know you will be impressed with the quality, selection and ease of use!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

Trick or Treating!

2010-11-03T20:04:00.002-05:00

Carvin Pumpkins!

2010-11-03T20:02:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Farm

2010-11-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

PRSCHOOL DAYS

2010-10-28T20:47:00.001-05:00

2 of Paige's friends come over 2 days a week for preschool at our house. I will say I have found my nitch in life. Kids in my house - the more the happier the moments!

Just some Swanson Fun

2010-10-28T20:43:00.001-05:00

MUD VOLLEYBALL

2010-09-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

COLE AND ASHLEY'S WEDDING

2010-09-02T12:02:00.001-05:00

MP Fair 2010

2010-09-02T11:58:00.001-05:00

4TH OF JULY

2010-07-12T21:32:00.001-05:00

HENRY CARNIVAL!!

2010-07-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

CAMPIN' WITH FRIENDS

2010-07-12T21:22:00.001-05:00

We had a blast camping with Birdsley's, Scott's, Farrell's and Wiersema's at Lake Shabbona.

2010-06-18T11:52:00.001-05:00

2010-06-18T11:30:00.002-05:00

COUSINS!

2010-06-18T11:25:00.001-05:00

LIVIN' LIFE!!

2010-05-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

2010-05-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

FUN DAY AT THE FARM!!!

2010-05-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

PLAYIN' IN UNCLE JOHNNY'S TULIPS

2010-05-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

HAVIN' FUN IN FLORIDA

2010-03-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

CAMDEN IN FLORIDA

2010-03-25T21:18:00.004-05:00

PAIGE IN FLORIDA

2010-03-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

BEAUTIFUL KIDS!!

2010-03-01T19:54:00.002-06:00

3RD BIRTHDAY!

2010-03-01T19:49:00.002-06:00

Paige had an unbelievable weekend of birthday - presents, balloons, cake, and lots of family. 2 Days of partying big. When she woke up this morning (at 5am:) I said, "Paige today is your birthday!" She said, "Mommy I already had my birthday, let's do Jed's (she calls us by our 1st names:) birthday today." Then she went around and wrapped up bunches of her toys for her daddy! Tonight she had to go to bed with her new doctor stuff!

SLEDDING

2010-02-19T20:30:00.000-06:00

PAIGE - ALMOST 3

2010-02-19T20:26:00.003-06:00

Paige will be 3 on March 1st. She loves to read books, and draw and paint. She wants to play school all of the time. She is always asking me what letter is this and wants to learn to write some of her letters. It has been so fascinating to watch all of this happen. She has also developed a little bit of a love for the TV. I said I would never have a child that watched TV and then next thing I know - the TV is on and she is asking to watch "more shows" We have had to create a little bit of a schedule for TV time - much to her sadness.

CAMDEN - 10 MONTHS

2010-02-19T20:21:00.002-06:00

The Cam Man is 10 months old now - wow almost 11 months actually! He is taking 1-2 steps at a time. He wants to walk so bad. He is a very determined little guy. He just works and works and problem solves. Rarely does he get frustrated when he is stuck somewhere or trying to figure something out. He can climb up the little slide in the playroom and then slide down it. Loves to throw a ball and try to catch it (makes daddy so proud). His favorite - and only word is "ball" He has started to get into Paige's stuff, he wants to play and do what she is doing - which is a little bit of a challenge for her - but she is an amazing big sis!

MORE SNOW FUN!!

2010-02-19T20:18:00.001-06:00

COOKING WITH SNOW!

2010-02-19T20:12:00.002-06:00

HOTEL TRIP WITH THE SWANSONS

2010-02-19T20:08:00.001-06:00

SNOW DAYS!!

2010-02-19T20:06:00.001-06:00

I have always loved snow- but kids make it so much better!

Lost an entire month of photos

2010-01-02T19:25:00.002-06:00

I downloaded all of my Dec. photos off my camera and then deleted them. When I went to open up the file I created to post on our blog - nothing --- an empty folder.
WOW____ I feel sick. Jed's grad., sledding, snow, christmas, new years, jed's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh why couldn't it happen during a boring month?
Well, if I find them I will post them. If not a month of pictures gone!!!!!

FINALLY SOME POSTS

2009-12-09T20:29:00.003-06:00

OK - no more excuses. Jed has graduated so I can not say that I haven't posted anything because he is always on the computer. I do have more to post so check back soon.

DADDY TIME

2009-12-09T20:23:00.002-06:00

I don't need to say a whole lot here. Jed is THE BEST DADDY!! Even with an incredibly busy schedule of work and school he always made time for his 2 favorite little people.

CAMDEN - 8 MONTHS AND ONE COOL LIL' MAN

2009-12-09T20:19:00.002-06:00

Cam has a smile that can soften anyones heart. He just smiles and plays all day long. He is just happy, happy, happy. He loves to climb all over Paige and play with balls and take baths. He just started crawling and clapping and pulling himself up. He is just a blast to be around. As soon as he starts sleeping through the night he will be perfect!

PAIGE - 2.5 AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY

2009-12-09T20:13:00.004-06:00

Paige is so full of personality. She is just fun to be around. She tells us story after story after story. She quickly runs out of true stories so then she starts in on the fiction. We laugh so many times every day because of things that she tells us. She loves to play and pretend and dress up and make cookies for daddy and our neighbors and read books and sing songs. She always reminds me how innocent and pure young children are.

2009-11-01T14:11:00.000-06:00

2009-11-01T14:09:00.000-06:00

HALLOWEEN

2009-11-01T14:05:00.002-06:00

FUN WITH KENDI AND NANA

2009-11-01T14:02:00.001-06:00

PUMPKIN' FARM

2009-11-01T13:59:00.001-06:00

HARD AT WORK

2009-11-01T13:57:00.001-06:00

OUR LIL' GYMNAST

2009-09-21T21:52:00.003-05:00

Paige started gymnastics tonight and... LOVED IT!! It was so much fun watching her, she followed directions so well. Next Monday is going to seem like a long way off.

Any suggestions for her crazy hair?!

LANE FORREST KOCHER

2009-09-11T14:48:00.002-05:00

My nephew is here!! Lane Forrest Kocher was born Sept. 8 at 11pm. He weighed 9lb 6.75oz and was 24 inches long!! He was not breathing when he was born and had to be intubated immediately. Shortly after he was lifeflighted to OSF in Peoria. He has shown some improvement and is more alert daily, however he is still on a ventilator. They are not sure what caused this to happen. Please keep baby Lane and his parents Jay and Randie in your prayers.

You can keep updated on his progress through caringbridge.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lanekocher

OUR FAMILY PORTRAIT

2009-09-07T20:08:00.001-05:00

Paige has started drawing people. Now we really know how we look!

SPLASHING IN THE HUGEST PUDDLE!!!

2009-08-28T12:53:00.002-05:00

After a big storm we went outside to play in the little puddle at the end of our cul-de-sac. That is when we saw the "hugest puddle" I had to carry the shivering, soaked little girl home against her will.

DANVERS DAYS 2009

2009-08-28T12:48:00.002-05:00

Paige and Camden won "Cutest pet" in the pet contest. Her favorite part was the rides-she still is talking about the big slide and the dragon.