Welcome to the world, Clarissa Jade!

She's here and she's beautiful! Tuesday night/Wednesday morning I started having contractions and by Wednesday afternoon our family officially grew by one person! We are truly blessed! Clarissa Jade was a little early, but healthy! She was 5 lbs. 2 oz. and 17 3/4" long. I am truly happy. I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful kids!

First things first: everyone wants to know how Joey is doing. He seems to be adjusting well. The first few days were tough on him. He didn't even want to be near me and got super jealous any time Keith held CJ. Now, four days later he likes snuggling with CJ and me and doesn't mind so much when Keith holds her.

Secondly: yes, our awesome friends Ken & Sue Robinson came to our rescue! They took care of Joey for us while we were busy at the hospital! They truly are great and amazing friends! Our friends the Fagundo's (Nicolas' parents ) and the Hadley's (Luke's parents) along with the Robinsons have promised us several meals and even had one ready for us the night we got back from the hospital. That is really amazing with Keith's appetite!

Thanks so much to everyone for all the well wishes we have received. I know that Keith and I really are blessed to have each of you in our lives. THANKS!

Chaos keeps us going!

It's no secret that everyone thinks I've got the best husband in the world . . . but I really do! I've had the most hectic week (seriously) and Keith just took Joey so I could do some things (like finally upload some new pictures).

Monday, Keith went on his last trip (God willing) until a few months after Clarissa is born! WOO HOO! He was able to go to a place near San Francisco. I'm just so happy to have him home! Well, on with the events of the week. Joey has been sick for the past week. Don't worry, the doctors reassure me it's not contagious. Well, Tuesday afternoon he woke up from his nap with a horrible cough and a slight fever. The doctors don't consider anything above 102.5 a fever, but I consider anything above 98.6 above normal! Anyway, I took him into the doctor's office and I was told, again, that it was just a virus and to not worry too much about it.

That night is when everything went crazy! Keith called me from his hotel room and we were just talking when all of a sudden something happened! Keith's hotel room was shaking . . . in fact the whole town was! They were having a 5.6 earthquake! Of course, Keith thought it was awesome and was so excited to have finally been through an earthquake. For those of you who knows Keith really well - he's always wanted to be in an earthquake big enough to feel, but not so big that it would cause damage. C-R-A-Z-Y. I think I'd prefer tornadoes - at least you know those are coming. Anyway, so that night I went to bed worrying about Keith. At three in the morning, though, Joey woke up and couldn't catch it breath. He was wheezing and huffing so loudly. He had a fever and immediately got us ready to go to the ER.

It turns out that Joey's "bad cold" was actually croup. Poor baby. His temperature had gone up to 103! The doctor and nurses there were absolutely amazing and great with him. Joey was able to get a breathing treatment, steroids, and chest x-rays. Luckily, no fluids are in his lungs so they were clearly able to rule out pneumonia. The nurse was super sweet to him. Joey was scared when I had to leave the x-ray room (for obvious reasons) and she held onto him for me. It must be the name . . . her name was also Rachel!

Wednesday morning I tried calling my doctor to reschedule my appointment. In case I hadn't mentioned before - I do really like my new doctor, just not her medical staff. I just don't think they have it together like my previous doctor. I was told by the nurse that I had to keep the schedule, because it was absolutely necessary for the time frame to get a test completed. Of course, I didn't want to take Joey. So, Ken and Sue stepped up to the plate, AGAIN, and helped watch Joey while I went to the doctor. I was told that since I had a special situation that they'd get me in and out of the doctor right away. Whatever! I waited forever just to be seen and I'd probably still be sitting in the waiting room if I hadn't pitched a fit after sitting there thirty minutes. I get frustrated with those people that think they need to be seen so quickly, but I was told I could get seen quickly and I don't like being lied to especially by the nurses! Anyway, the doctor came into the room immediately after I was taken back there. She asked what was going on with Joey and was truly apologetic. Apparently, her medical staff had not told her about Joey and actually my test isn't even scheduled until next week! She apologized about a million times and sent me on my way. Then, trying to get an appointment for next week (yes, I'm weekly visits, now) was a PAIN! The lady didn't know how to set up appointments and told me I'd have to wait for her to get help. I waited like two minutes and told them just to call me. Ugh!

At least I had Keith coming home that evening. Which, I felt absolutely terrible calling up Keith so early in the morning telling him that I was at the ER with Joey. He was terrified and it just makes it worse since he was so far away. He was able to come home Wednesday evening, however. Joey was still just so miserable. Usually when Keith comes home he runs up to him and just wants to play. When he saw Keith come through the door he was sitting on my lap and just said, "hi, dad." Keith tried to get him, but he just wanted to snuggle. We ended up having a rough night. Joey woke up that night wheezing. It wasn't as bad as the night before, but it was still scary - especially for Keith since he wasn't there the night before.

I took Joey into the doctor's office Thursday morning for his check-up from the ER visit. I was able to meet Joey's doctor's temporary replacement. Her name is Dr. Paris and she seems very sweet. I don't know what it is with the Truman family . . . we're running off our doctors. However, Joey's will be back! His doctor is due a couple of days before I am and has been placed on emergency bed rest due to pre-term labor starting. Anyway, the doctor was able to give him more steroids and just told me that we'll just have to wait it out since it is a virus. That afternoon Joey took a FIVE hour nap! He was up long enough to munch a little for dinner and then wanted to go to sleep. He slept his full 12 hours without any problems and since then has improved so much. He's broken his fever and is breathing just fine. Whew!

Friday Keith had his day off work and it was so nice just relaxing with my guys. We did a few things, but wanted to make sure that Joey was fine before we took him out Saturday. Today we were able to go to the commission of a new ship - the USS Sampson. It was so great. Joey loved the band. Since it was so packed we were unable to be outside - which was fine by me - it was freezing, raining, and the wind was blowing (like it blows in TX). Keith did make it outside and was absolutely drenched. It was a very nice event and I feel proud to be apart of such history! The ship will be in San Diego and I think it'll be sooo awesome if Matt is able to see it if he goes on spring break with his ROTC. Which, I've got to brag a bit - Matt is doing amazing! He is at the highest rank he can be right now and was just awarded a medal this last week. I know it seems that Matt should still be five years old, but he's actually fifteen years! Anyway, we were able to meet some friends there. Yolanda, Arturo, and Nicolas met us there and a few of Keith's buddies from work were all there, too. It was amazing that we were able to find all of them.

Onto more reasons why Keith is such an awesome husband . . . we had chick-fil-a for lunch. MMMMM. Well, this has been a super long update (sorry). I hope everyone is doing well and one more thing! Please remember to keep a family in your prayers. Sue's son Phil has a cute, little girlfriend named Sam. After going out for Halloween Wednesday night they came to their house burning. They've lost everything. It's a family of five: the parents, two teenagers, and one pre-teen. Rachel Robinson (Sue's daughter) told me last night that their school is doing a lot of fundraisers for them, but prayers would be much appreciated.

He's not a baby, anymore!

Oh my gosh - when did Joey get so big? He is now officially a member of the "big boy bed" club! He looks so adorable sleeping in his bed! I can't believe it! It feels like just yesterday I was having a hard time letting him sleep in his crib in his own room at four months and now he's in his own room in his own big boy bed! Ahhhh! I seriously wanted to cry when we put him in his bed last night. He did great, though. Keith is a bigger sucker than I am, because he wanted to go ahead and get Joey and let him just try naps first and then slowly move him into the bed. Basically - he wanted me to get him used to the idea and then when he was totally comfortable dad would swoop in and let him sleep all night in his bed. Ha! Joey is tougher than that!

Last night we put him in his bed and he cried. It was so horrible. I went upstairs after a few minutes and layed in bed with him for about 30 minutes. As soon a I left he cried, again, and Keith went up to get him after about five minutes. We let Joey have some yogurt to snack on and then let him play for a bit. Keith took him back upstairs and he went straight to bed. He didn't cry at all. Now, Joey is taking his first nap in his bed. I just snuck up there to take the picture. Oh gosh - he's so cute!

Well . . . onto other things. Keith got back Friday evening from TX/Mexico. He was there all week. He came back with the cutest outfit for Clarissa. It's a little cowgirl outfit. Debbie bought Joey some black boots when Joey was a baby that will go PERFECT with the outfit. He was so excited to show it to me. If I go at the same time I did with Joey I've only got FOUR weeks to go until she's here. Keith said he looked all over for something for Joey at the airport, too, but they didn't have anything in his size. He said he was feeling a little guilty, but realized he has not bought anything for her at all. So - now he's fine.

Clarissa is still kicking like crazy. I read that the kicks will start to go down a little as she has less room to move, but it feels like I'm a punching bag. I've got my 35 week appointment this Wednesday - so I'll keep everyone posted. Keith is going to have to miss that appointment. So, Joey will have to step up. :)

Changing of the Leaves

It's really starting to be close to the peak of the changing of the leaves here. So, today we decided to go on a hike and see if we could get some nice pictures since the weather was absolutely awesome today! We ended up going to Nobscot Reservation in Sudbury, which is a boyscout's trail, and we also went to the Wayside Inn. Joey had a blast, but got really upset when we wouldn't let him go swimming at the grist mill.

We were able to get a few really great pictures - you should go look on Joey's picture site. We were able to get an awesome picture of the Boston skyline from a cliff at Nobscot! It's absolutely amazing! I also posted a picture of Joey where he's crying when we told him "no" about swimming. Keith took a picture of me running after Joey and me drying off his tears. Poor baby. He just wanted to go swimming! Anyway, if you get a chance you'll really be able to see my belly in some of the pictures. If you don't have the link, it's http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/rtruman/?mediafilter=all

Other than today's hiking adventure our weekend was pretty relaxed. Unfortunately, Friday Keith has to work. It was supposed to be his Friday off work, but he had to do some stuff before Monday. Going to NY last week really threw him off his work schedule. Saturday we just hung around the house. Well, I've got tons of homework to do and I haven't even started most of it or my Bible Study - so I've got to hustle today!

I'm finally updating

We just got back from NY about midnight last night and I'm exhausted! Raytheon sent Keith on a short trip to Ithaca, NY (Cornell University) to do some recruiting. Joey and I tagged along with him. On the way to NY we stopped at a gas station and let Joey get whatever he wanted . . . he chose a reeses peanut butter cup and grape juice. What a mess he made! I really think he's going to enjoy Halloween this year.

Joey just had his second playgroup and he absolutely loves it! He actually told me bye and went and sat at the table for snack time all by himself. He didn't cry at all! Which, usually when he cries it's just for a minute - but he had so much fun today! He really liked it last week, but today he had soooo much fun!

I have another doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks. I can't believe how close my due date is. I'll be ready for Clarissa to be here. I can't wait to hold her and to see how Joey reacts . . . and I can't wait to not be so uncomfortable! Right now as I type I'm cringing. I think she likes elbowing me.

Talking up a Storm!

Joey has started talking so much lately! I love hearing his voice and he is just too adorable! His speech therapist today actually said that he's totally up-to-date on his speech, he just needs help with focusing. Fat chance! His daddy still doesn't want to focus on things! He starts a new playgroup next week and I think it'll be great. It's for two hours and it's very structured. They have game time, play time, singing time, and craft time . . . oh, we can't forget the most important - SNACK TIME! I'll let everyone know how he does during this time. I'm kind of nervous. They allow the parents to watch through a two-way mirror. My little man is getting so big!

We received in the mail today Clarissa's first homemade gift! It's absolutely precious! What does everyone think? Merle made it and it's so gorgeous. I love it! I love it best when we receive homemade gifts - it really shows that they're thinking of you and it's just special. Oh . . . you know what? I lied! This isn't Clarissa's first homemade gift - Tutu made her some blankets, bibs, and receiving blankets that I love. I apologize! I just love them all! They're so personal and special.

I have my doctor's appointment this Wednesday - so I'll keep everyone informed with that. This week is going to be crazy! Monday is Memorial Day and we're going to the parade, Tuesday is regular, Wednesday is my appt., Thursday is Joey's playgroup, and Friday is his therapy. CRAZINESS! Keith promised me he would be able to go to the parade with us since this weekend he's going to NYC to visit with his friend David. They'll be playing golf together. He's so excited about it!

Updates

I had my appointment this morning. It's hard to believe that I'm almost THIRTY weeks! Time sure flies by quickly. I gained four pounds from the last month. I'm getting up there! The doctor said that things are looking great and she thinks Clarissa will weigh around the same as Joey did. Joey weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. We didn't get to meet our new doctor. It's sad that my doctor is leaving. I think she should just go ahead and stay to deliver Clarissa. We were able to take a picture of Joey and her together during our visit. It's just so sad to see her go. She is really a great doctor and we always go along with her so well.

Joey is doing great. He's really starting to say some more words. Hopefully he'll start talking soon. He is just too cute. It's always amazing hearing him say new words. We've really got to watch what we're saying, now. I think he said "dangit" the other day. Ooops. At least it wasn't anything worse.

This weekend was nice. We went to Target to go buy some yogurt and other things when I saw the rug I've been wanting for half off! So, we ended up getting it. Keith made mention that our living room would look really nice with it painted with that new rug. We had bought some paint for the living room a while back while it was on sale at Home Depot. So, he decided to go ahead and finish the living room this weekend! It looks awesome and I love it! He's got a few things left to do, but it's mostly finished. I love it!