Little Ricky Update

So, for everyone wondering how the baby is baking well, he is doing just fine. Actually, he is doing really fine. We went in for our 32 week appointment a few weeks ago and were immediately sent for an ultrasound. The Dr. said that I was 32 weeks and measuring 37 weeks. Yikes! I knew I was huge but I did not think I was 5 weeks larger than normal. The Dr. said he wanted to be sure that our dates were not off, that there was only one and also to check the baby's size. Well, we went in a week later for the ultrasound and Ricky looks good. He is HUGE, but he is good. At 33 weeks the Dr. that did the ultrasound said that Ricky measured 6.5 lbs. Holy crap! He is huge. Most babies are 5.5 lbs at 35 weeks or so. This little guy is probably about 7lbs already and looks super healthy. I get miserably sick and hate life while I am pregnant, but I sure can bake them cant I! At our 34 week appointment on Tuesday our Dr. said that Ricky is in the 90+ percentile. He is probably going to be over 10lbs if I make it to 39 weeks. They said that they would not induce before 39 weeks unless it was becoming unsafe for him to be inside, but so far, things look great. Jakie was 8.15oz a week early so I figured that Ricky was going to be about that size or a bit bigger. Well, I figured right. He is kicking me a lot harder than I remember with Jacob too. Man, I am curious to meet this little fella. He moves all day, loves to sit on my bladder, is quite irritated when I am hungry, kicks me in the ribs when I am sitting still and moves every time he hears Ricks voice. I love that part. (I hope he is like Jake that way. Jacob is a 50/50 mama, daddy's boy. He does not favor either of us more than the other. He wants to be with Rick as much as me and I think it is because Rick has been so hands on. Rick takes him out with him and has since he was an infant. He gets the same shake with either of us. We are hard on some things and softies on others so he cant really play us against each other. I hope we keep that up for Ricky because I love to see our little ones love their dad that way. Rick is such a wonderful example and I want the kids to learn his best qualities. I think exposure to Rick all of the time with be the key on that one).

Well, for now, it is just a waiting game. I just have to keep doing, eating, and thinking well. I still get quite sick, cant sleep anymore, I am huge and my belly hurts from all of the movement. That all sucks, but the swelling is the worst. I just feel huge! I told Rick that I feel like the mama goats at the petting zoos. You know, the poor goat that has her belly so full of baby that you can see the baby moving inside of her and actually tell where the hoofs are as the baby thrashes. Yep, that is me! They have a face they make that I remember thinking, yep, I hear ya sister! I don't want to be a goat anymore!!!! I am ready for this little one to be done already. I am putting my money on the 1st week of June though he is due in the second. I just don't think that there is enough room for this rough and tumble baby to stay for the full 40. I guess we will see.

P.S. that baby bump is a dead ringer for me! Man, I cant wait to get back on track and swim, eat lettuce and not hurt all day! It is all worth it though. I know when I see his little face that I will be madly in love for the third time in my life.

Rick's New Job!!

So, Rick is pretty modest and would not tell about his fantastic opportunity he has received unless asked so I thought I would announce it to our friends and family. Rick completed his first year of the fellowship with was a rotation between all of the major Administrative departments (finance, operations, executive, etc.) He spent a few months in each area doing projects, working with executives, etc for a total of about a year and then each fellow gets to work on a 2nd year job. They actually get to step into a varying level of leadership in the organization that allows them further experience and offers them the chance to do it for a full year as opposed to just a few months. The job opportunity depend on your contacts made, experience, and what is open when you finish the first year. It is something that is offered to them, but definitely something that the fellow can design or negotiate with his superiors so that they get to work in areas that are of interest and hopefully will give them the experience and leadership they desire. Well, Rick has had the opportunity to work closely with many fantastically talented executives and directors at UPMC and was really hoping for something that would stretch him and allow him to gain a higher level of exposure in the organization. Needless to say, that true to form for Rick, he aimed high and was a great achiever. I have been amazed at how Rick is so motivated, hard working, personable to work with and love hearing the positive feed back that is offered to him. I have to prod it out of him, but he lets me read the e mails sent to him by his superiors and they are nothing short of impressive. He will die when he reads this, but I can brag cant I. I am as invested in his career as he is and I am not quite as modest. J/K. Well, when his second year opportunity came up it was as a administrator in the GI lab over 2 hospitals (I think. I cant remember these titles exactly). If I got that wrong I a sorry babe. Essentially, he gets to oversee everything in that department, hire, fire, run the budget, he is currently overseeing a multimillion dollar renovation for a lab, he works directly with a mentor leader that he really respects, he deals with the extremely talented doctors that are quite renowned in his department. It is very challenging but UPMC had really given him room to work on this project and instilled full confidence/authority to him. I think it is on of the larger jobs offered to a 2nd year fellow in the fellowship history so I am so proud of him. What I love best is that he has not only received the support of the upper administration, he is getting offers for help from every level of admin that he has worked with. Many of the directing nurses, directing doctors, and others in similar level positions are offering their expertise to him as he should need it. I just love to see him thrive in is chosen profession and love to see it fulfill him. I am constantly shocked that he is so capable (not that I ever thought otherwise) on such a professional level and feel proud to be the wife of a man that works so hard for our family and future. I have had a many rough times while here in Pittsburgh with the sickness from pregnancy, missing family, missing the beach, missing friends, missing road signs that you can read, but I know that this was the right place to have come. I know that the lord guided us here to allow Rick the opportunities that we need to move ahead in his career and our stability. I am grateful every day that he steps up and does all that he does. Plus, he looks great in a suit, so I love seeing him off every morning. I work hard at home, do the bills, suffer for these babies to get here, and fill in any gaps needed as does he (rides, groceries, cleaning, calling etc) but I am so grateful that he was willing to take on the work/financial burden on his own. We have very different approaches, but I am grateful that the goal of our home is our family, children, and our stability so that we can just enjoy each other when we are together. Anyway, I just thought I would let you all know that he is doing just great since he will not boast or go into detail on things.

Update & "Uh Huh, Oh Yeah Song."

Sorry family & friends! I have been such a loser at blogging lately. I have missed out on lots of fun story sharing and hysterical antics as they go in the Shum fam here in Pittsburgh. I am about 7 months now (a week or so shy) and getting HUGE! Hate it!!!!!!!! Anyway, as I get more and more pregnant I get more and more tired & cranky about it. I never ever took naps before and now I live for them. I cant wait to be functional again! However, with the complaining out there, I must say, it sure is fun to get to know little Ricky. He is very active, likes to wake up around 8am then around 12pm and again at about 10pm or so. He will go for hours each time changing positions, thumping on me, and rolling into my bladder. TMI, I know, but it is true. I seriously hate that one. It sure is feeling a lot like Jakie was. I can"t wait to meet him.
So, speaking of Jakie, here is the Uh Huh, Oh Yeah Song, Enjoy:

We are not sure where he learned it, but he sure loves to sing it. He does it every time he beats me or Rick at the Wii. Yep, you heard me right, he plays the Wii. He can turn it on himself, maneuver through the menus, and select the games he wants. He gets onto the green in golf every time, he beats us at bowling too often and is awesome at the fishing game. This kid never ceases to amaze me. Well that is it for now. Lots more to update but I think I will do a few more entries before we head out to UT for a week. We Can't wait to see the family and enjoy the time with Dad. I will upload and blog from there too. Ciao!

We Found Out What The Baby Will Be:

So, after much anxiety and excitement, we have received the news about the baby.... It is a very healthy little...........BOY! Yeah! We could not be more thrilled. Check out the proof:












I feel confident that we would have felt the same way if it was a girl too. I just wanted a healthy little one. No matter what the gender was. But, now that we know, we can start calling him by his name.... Rick (Rickie). Actually, his full name will be Richard Jennings Shumway after Ricks dad, but we will call him Rickie, and then when he is old enough, Rick. I figured, why mess with a name if it is already so tried and true.

So, now it is time to just wait and grow. I am not huge yet, but it is definitely on the horizon. I am finally not sick all day every day so I am hoping to have the chance to swim each day to help myself feel better. I have been so sick and drained that doing anything killed. I cant wait to see him and hold him. The ultrasound pictures looked so similar to Jake's to me, so I think we could have another cutie on our hands! I just wonder if the hair will be red too! Oh man, I am in for it if it is. I am just sure that is the source of Jakie's spit fire personality that I love so much. Let me know if you see the similarities:






























All in all, we are thrilled. I will see if we can scan the pictures from the ultrasound and upload them into the blog for everyone to see. The little one is a mover so they were pretty clear but not crystal. Hopefully everyone can see them okay. They will be coming soon.

Where Have I Been In The Last 3 Weeks??

Hey everyone,

So, the last 3 weeks just got away from me! I spent January and the first week of Feb in El Paso, Texas helping my mom through surgery. She had bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery to help her control if not eliminate her severe diabetes. I was anticipating so much work but was just amazed at her resilience and ability to cope with things. Sure there were hard moments, but I expected so much worse. Never fails, when I expect the worst, I get the best. Mom did great and I was super excited to see her progress. She went in a few days after I got there and we stayed in the hospital for 4 days. I slept on a cot and my dad watched my son Jacob. Thanks Dad! He still talks about you every day. My brothers helped with the little guy and pulled together to get it all done. Mom got home on a Saturday and we just sat around and talked for days and days, working though feelings, memories, and talking about her future. Within a week she lost 15 lbs and by the time I left a week later she was down a total of 25+ pounds. How is that for results huh?

So much happened so I think I will fill this out further as the days go by and I remember funny stories, etc. Anyway, it was really fun to spend time with family and see everyone. I was sad to leave as always but ready to get back to life in Pittsburgh with Rick. He was very generous with Jakie and I so I wanted to get back, but sure miss the EPSO gang! Miss you guys tons and cant wait to see you all again soon.

My First Day of Pre Scool (Tuesday 13th)

So today was Jacobs first day of pre-school and I wanted him to look adorable. I think the mission was accomplished though. He was so excited to go to pre- school that he had a hard time sleeping Monday night. I got him up and he hopped right in the shower. He said that big boys must wash for pre-school so they don’t stink and lathered on the shampoo. I laughed and asked what he wanted for breakfast and he said nothing, I want room for the snacks at school. I was sad that he did not feel afraid to leave me but excited and I told him that I was sad to see my little man growing up so fast. (Rick and I did not want to send him until next year so we passed the start deadline and also because we want him home with us, but he was just so ready! He begged and begged and finally we decided that it was cruel at this point to deny the little guy friends and fun while mommy is so sick and tired all of the time.) So, I was sitting there quietly helping him dry off and then he became aware that I was sad and was very sensitive. He took my face in his hands and said, "Don’t worry mommy, I will just only grow up a little bit. , Just enough to go to pre-school. I will still need you for everything." Oh, my heart melted and I just could not help but love this little guy. He has always been such sensitive little boy about others feelings. Well, we got to school 10 minutes early to meet Mrs. Michelle (his teacher) and check the place out. Jacob wanted to wear his Spider man backpack to carry home his homework so we wore that and went in to the class first. Jacob looked around and said, "Yep, I like it." (He thinks it looks like the class from his favorite show Caillou). Jacob then saw the teacher and went up to shake her hand, on his own, and started playing with the toys. Other children started coming in and he was introduced to them by Mrs. Michelle one by one. He said hi to everyone and started playing with them. Another little boy Jacob was there and Jake said, "Hey, that is my name too. Ha, we can be buddies. Come on; let’s go build a train together." I knew from that moment he would be fine. I filled out the paper work and asked my questions while he played. It was finally time for me to go and the teachers were amazed when I told Jacob good bye. I called to him and said that I was leaving and he came over kissed me, hugged me and asked what time I would be back. I told him and he said okay. He skipped off and said. “Have a good day momma!” Ha, so much for needing mommy! I am glad that he did not cry though. It was hard enough to let him go for even a few hours. He has never done day care or Pre School before so I was worried about him getting scared, but no, all he needed was kids and some learning. I am glad that he felt secure. It makes me feel like he is more secure too. All in all, I would say that pre-school is a success. The teacher said he is doing great and that he had friends. They were thrilled to have an extrovert in the class as most of the kids seemed shy. Jacob has never been shy, but for a few random times, so I am sure they will want him to pipe down at some point, but I am glad that he is welcomed. He said that it was the best day of his life when I picked him up so I am confident that we made the right choice. I love this little man! I just cant wait to find out what we are having and meet him/her in June! I hope they are sweet, loving, sensitive, smart and even a bit Wylie like their big brother. It is a great mix and always keeps mommy on her toes!

The War On Poop At Home (May Be TMI)

Well, so goes another day of potty training! I tell you, if I knew it was this hard I would have send my mother flowers long ago! Jacob is going on over a year of potty training. Part of the problem was that we let him go until 3 and then it took 3 months to get Jake to pee on the toilet. Last March was his first time and a poo poo on the potty followed in May. Then... nothing for months. He kept up the pee and did great when we kept him naked, but as soon as that diaper went on, he would just go in it. The poopie thing was tougher. He would not go even when naked with no other options. He just opted to sweat it out and hold it. Concerned about nap times and long rides I diapered him and then he would just go in the diaper. I realized about October of 08 that we were going to have to go cold turkey with the diapers but with me sick and miserable, it went on the back burner. We continued in undies until nap and bed time at which time we did diapers. He followed his usual routine of waiting until covered and doing his business then until about 1 month ago. Rick and I decided to stop buying diapers and stick him in undies all of the time. I bought a moisture proof barrier for his bed and carried around extra clothes but much to our surprise he is doing fantastic. He has a few set backs on occasion, but he sure has done great. We are going on over a week of waking up dry and getting better at recognizing when he will go #2. Today was a hoot though. I put him on the potty at least 3 times for 20 minutes a piece and he kept saying, I don't need to go yet. So, I trusted him and stripped him of his panties to make sure I did not get a surprise. Lo and behold, about 3pm Jacob started dancing around needing to go so I sent him up by himself and we had success! Thank Heavens! I am ready for him to be done. I gag every time I have to change his pants and I want him done. He gets to start pre-school (checking it out for the first time) tomorrow and he feels like a big boy. HE is such a smart boy, I have no doubt he could have done this all by 2, but I think the sequence of things, though long, has really worked for him. Such a stubborn child! (much like mommy and daddy) I guess he he just wants to do things his own way. Cant fault him on that. My motto is "You're not the boss of me". Tell me I was not destined to have a child that thinks for himself.