Which Stack is Which? Round 2

Last time, Brady was on the top, Cameron on the bottom. Now, can you guess which Stack is which this time?

One week old

So I'm taking a few minutes in between trying to breastfeed, pump, change dirty diapers, and entertaining Brady to update everyone about how things have been going. Cameron is doing very well. We had a Dr. appt Yesterday he's close to his birth weight but not quite so we go back on friday to have a weight check. He's not great at Breastfeeding so I have to pump and give him a bottle and at night we have to suppliment with formula. Generally he goes to bed at 10:00 and gets up around 1 or 2 am for a feeding and then again at 3 or4 for depending. He usually eats has his diaper changed and goes right back down which is nice. He sleeps what really seems like all day except when he wakes up to feed.
Brady is doing well! We took advantage of the fact that Cameron sleeps so much and went to the park today. Brady had a little melt downn at the park when he saw Cameron in his carriage and he said he wanted to ride in it, but once I told him he could help me push it he was better with it. Our double stroller is on the way so that shouldn't be a problem much longer. Balancing time between two children is difficult as I never want to slight either child (I expected this) and we're managing. It really is true that when you have a second child you don't divide your love you simply multiply it!!!!!! Picture soon to follow.

"The Boys"

We may be referred to as Brian, Erica, and "the boys". Brady and Cameron are off to a great start. Erica and I didn't quite know how Brady would react to his new brother. We figured at worst, he would be uninterested with Cameron. We prayed that he didn't get jealous that the baby was taking some of the attention he would be getting away.



As it turns out, Brady likes him very much. He goes over to him and pats him on the head, he makes faces at him, and he brings him toys. When Cameron starts to cry, Brady will run over and give him a binky, saying "its ok baby."



Included in this post are some pictures and two videos: One is Brady's first meeting with Cameron at the hospital, and the other is Brady pushing Cameron in his swing. He did this for about ten minutes this morning.

Cameron First Day Home

Cameron came home yesterday afternoon, and has had a pretty uneventful first 24 hours at home. He's done quite abit of eating, sleeping, and pooping.

Last night was not the best night for Cameron. He was up at 12:30, 3:30, and 5:30 for feedings.

I'll look forward to getting him on some type of a regular schedule (whatever that means) soon.

Which Stack is Which?

One of these pictures is Brady, one is Cameron. Can YOU tell which one is which?

The Birth of Cameron

Share our experience by viewing Cameron's birth story. Don't worry, it is rated "G".

Introducing Cameron James Stack

Cameron James Stack came into the world today, September 25, 2007, at 11:15 am in Derry, New Hampshire. Here is just a brief story of how it happened:

Erica and I arrived at Parkland Medical Center at 5:00pm yesterday, and they did a procedure to "ripen" her cervix. At 6:00am this morning, dilated at only 1 cm, they started Erica on Petocin. By 8:00am she was 2-3 cm and her water broke, shortly after that she measured in at 4 and 7cm respectively. Finally, at 11:05, the doctor measured her at 10 cm and told her she was ready to push. Ten minutes and three pushes later, Cameron was born!!!

At birth Cameron weighed 8 lbs 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long. He has been eating and sleeping very well. Erica is also doing well, despite some obvious pain and stitches. She said to me when it was over, "It was all worth it".

Today, we had visits from my parents, Erica's parents, my sister Alyssa, Erica's sister Shanna and her daughter Mackenzie, and our friend Elizabeth Maciver. We are expecting more people tomorrow, and then we will be heading home Thursday.

Brady spent the day yesterday and today with my parents. He will go to the hospital tomorrow with me, proudly wearing his "I'm a big brother!" T-shirt. Erica and I felt it would be best to wait for tomorrow so he can see mom a little more "healed", and it will give him a chance to start to cope with his changing life.

Erica and I took a 15 minute (G-rated) video of our birth story, which I will post on this site sometime in the coming days.

That's all for now!!!

It's almost time

TONIGHT!!!! at 5:00 we are going into the hospital to start the induction process. Pitocin will be started tomorow morning depending on how things go tonight. Brian's parents will be watching Brady tonight. It feels very differnt this time around having one little one already at home to worry about. I'm sure he'll be fine but just a little confused. A Special thank you to all who have helped us out or will be helping us out during this very busy time. We appreciate and love you all!!!

So any guesses when will the newest Stack be born?
Day, time
Hair color
weight/ height
anything else you may like to predict.
We'll try our best to keep everyone posted!

The End Is Near

Erica has been enduring a bad migraine headache since Friday. Today, the doctor had her come in to be checked, and he has decided to try an induction this week. So, the plan right now is as follows: Tomorrow (Monday) we will go to the doctor's office so he can check her cervix, and then we will go back for the induction either Monday night or Tuesday morning.

The end is near...

38 weeks 3 days and ready to be done

I remember being uncomfortable with Brady but I don't remeber being THIS uncomfortable. Leading me to believe that this child is going to be bigger than Brady. When we went 2 weeks ago they thought the baby was about 6.5 lbs. a baby at this stage in the pregnancy can gain .5 a week. Today was a weird day for me. I woke up feeling horrible, even called brian at work in tears telling him to c ome home. about 15 minutes later I called him back and said never mind I was fine. I've been nauseous all day and eaten a little at a time. I did get a sudden burst of energy and cleaned our room did the laundry and cleaned all the windows upstairs. Now I'm tired again have been having contractions off and on but I've been having those for weeks so I don't put much faith in them. I was disapointed when we went to the Dr.'s on Tuesday and he said he was willing to induce but it didn't look like things were ready yet. So we go back next Tuesday! Send labor vibes our way Please!!!!!

No News is Good News? Not Sure

Its Sunday night, the Sox are about to take the field with the Evil Empire, and the Pats will try to move on from CameraGate by taking on the Chargers. Brady and I are sitting on the couch wondering, where's the baby???

Friday night we tried everything we could to help the baby along...including Chinese food at Lucky Corner and several walks around the mall. We went back to the mall Saturday. Still, no baby.

Erica's ready. Every few minutes, she yelps in pain as the baby makes its way closer to the exit. But still, no baby.

At work, I'm trying to keep my schedule fluid. I haven't planned any meetings that I HAVE to be at, and if there is something that I have to go to, I warn everyone that I may not be there. I walk around with two cell phones attached to my hip at work (because my work Nextell has dead spots in the building) just waiting for one of them to go off. Still, no baby.

Maybe it will happen this week. Maybe not.

Brady's 23 Month Update

Well, Brady will be 23 months old in just a couple of days. My oh my how the time flies!!! Do you like the video? Brian and Brady decided to act out what Erica will have to go through very soon.

Anyways, Brady is doing so much now. His vocabulary grows every day. He can start to hold conversations with people on the phone. He likes salt and vinegar chips, freshly grated parm & romano cheeses, and yellow mustard. He likes to sit and read books at bedtime, he can name most of his body parts and several parts of a car, and he understands how to turn on and off just about every appliance and toy in the house.

He amazes us every day with his curiousity and his perserverence.

False Alarm

At 12:45am, Erica woke me up to tell me she had been battling with contractions since we went to bed at 10:30. They had started to get a little more intense, and were getting closer together. By 2:00, they had come to three minutes apart, and the doctor recommended we go in to the hospital. My mother came over to stay with Brady.

By 5:00am, we were on our way home. They tol,d Erica she wasn't quite ready yet. She's still been dealing with the contractions, though, so hopefully it won't be much longer.

Ramblings

Back in the day (which was a Wednesday, so says the Dane-Train), this blog was all about me. No really, it was. It was my chance to share all the weird, crazy things that were running through my head. Then Brady came along...and it was all about him. It's not his fault, really. Anyways, in an effort to show you what a vintage post looked like, I offer you these thoughts to ponder today:

1. Blades of Glory is worth a rental. When I saw the previews for this movie I thought it looked kinda stupid, but we watched it last night and I must admit, it was pretty funny, for a mindless comedy. I recommend "On Demanding" it.

2. What's the deal with lifecasting? Why do people have NOTHING better to do than post their lives on the web. Even more so, why are their so many bored people watching them, and chatting live about what they are doing? If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, visit www.justin.tv for a few minutes and let me know what you think.

3. Finally, not for nothin, but when did mosquitos become so deadly? Last year a woman in my town died of EEE, and already this year, someone has been diagnosed with this mosquito-transferred virus. Our schools have just spent thousands of dollars to buy Off! wipes that all elementary school kids have to use before going to recess. Sports practices must finish by 6:00pm, and there is no such thing as a Friday night game under the lights around here anymore. When did we enter this new age anyways? What is this world coming too?

Playin' in the Sprinkler

Yesterday, Brady had the chance to try out the sprinkler that Pam gave him. He had a blast!

Mobility Is A Great Thing!

Whether it is climbing the ladder to his tree fort, getting on his glider, or swinging from the treadmill downstairs, Brady is always active. Erica and I are convinced that he is going to be some sort of an athlete. We just hope he continues to be this way as he gets older!

22 month update!

At 22 months Brady is always amazing us and doing something different. As you can see from the pictures he loves to sit and look at books, and he has made a friend. Brady and Jordan get along really well. It is really too bad that This week is Jordan's last week. Some of the other things Brady has done that have amazed us or just made us laugh

1. the other morning I gave him an English Muffin for breakfast, he looks up at me and states emphaticaly "I want pancakes" (no he didn't get them. I did make them the next day though)

2. We were Driving in the car when Brian sneezed and from the back seat we hear "bless you dada"

3. When asked where the baby is he lifts my shirt and pokes me in the belly button. He kisses my belly then says "bye bye see ya" and puts my shirt down.

4. Brady likes to look at photo albums and can name all of his family members including grandparents and aunts and uncles.

5. Brady learned how to climb a ladder. Brian was doing yard work the other day and wasn't watching Brady too closely, when I went out I asked where Brady was. He popped his head out of the window at the top of his swingset waves and says "Hi mama" Hi Dada and comes down the slide.

We see the Ear, nose and throat doctor tomorow for an update on the tubes in his ears. Hopefully all will look good and we won't have to worry about that anymore either.

So our little boy is growng up fast. I can't believe he will be two in two short months!

34 weeks and counting

Yup that's me at 34 weeks preggers. After a long night of heart burn and Braxton Hicks contractions I was very tired. I have done pretty well up to now and shouldn't complain.

However the cankles have returned and I can no longer wear my wedding rings. Turning over at night is quite a project and at times I don't feel like I sleep at all at night because I have to get up to go to the bathroom so much. (I know when the new baby comes I won't be sleeping much either) Then I look at Brady and realize it is all worth it! It seems like no matter how tired I am I can look at him and he can make me laugh. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I feel like I just went. I'm down to going every two weeks now. Keep you all posted!

Fun At Hampton Beach

Today we made a regular trip to Hampton Beach with Brady to play in the sand, go to the playground, and walk around.

Check out the fun!

Another Brady Music Video

This one is all pictures, also set to music.

Bounce!

After watching the Wiggles, bouncing might just be Brady's favorite passtime.

The "Joys" of Home Ownership

We've now been homeowners for two years. In that time, we have managed to renovate a majority of our house, which has included some expensive trips to our local Plaistow Home Depot, espcially in the first few months.

Well, I figured I would run some numbers. Since August 25 of last year, I made 35 trips to Home Depot (I probably made more, but I can only count the ones in which I used my Discover Card. In those 35 trips, I spent $4384.78. That is an average of $125.28 a trip! Yikes!

Almost 32 weeks and counting

So this pregnancy has been going really well. I haven't had nearly the swelling that I had with Brady. I can actually still put on my wedding ring, and the cankles have been minimal. This little one seems to move all the time. I've even recently gotten Brian to feel the baby move for longer than 2 seconds with out getting too freaked out. Brady still really doesn't understand that a new baby is comming however having day care kids in the house has been good for him as he has been learning to take turns and share. When Jordan leaves he is always asking for him, which I consider a good sign. I'm sure we'll go through a period of adjustment but I know in the long run Brady will be thankful that he has a Brother. Just as I'm thankful to have a sister and Brian is glad to have siblings. After all it is because we loved Brady so much that we wanted to have another child.

Pool Time!

It was hazy, hot, and humid. Today was a pool day for sure!

A Video Tribute To Brady

Dear Brady,

We created this music video for you to remember just how quickly you are growing up. You are only beginning to realize that your world is changing, every day. Soon, you will have a brand new brother to love. But Brady, please know that your mother and I love you with all our hearts. We wouldn't trade a single minute of life with you for anything...and that includes all those sleepless nights, the occasional tempers, sitting by your bedside when you were in the hospital, or any of the other low points you've experienced in your short life thus far. We wish only the best for you.

Love you always and forever,

Mama and Dada.

A Trip To A New Playground

Erica and I found a great indoor playground in Lawrence called ImagineThat. We took Brady there today, and he had a blast! It is a really neat concept. The center is located on the second fllor of an old mill building in Lawrence, right above the headquarters of our favorite pizza and Italian restaurant, Sal's. For $6.95, Brady was able to play for as long as he liked, on all kinds of equipment. They have a miniaturized supermarket, a bounce-house, an enourmous fun house, a toddler area, and so much more. We'll have to take David there when he comes home to visit!

What? More Video? Jackpot!

Yep, Erica and I have made a new resolution to use our video camera more. Brady is just growing up so fast, we want to catch as many memories as we can. So, you can look forward to more Brady Vision!

Its Playtime!

Slowly but surely, Erica and I are trying to make better use of our finished basement. What started as a big room that was filled with boxes, an ugly built-in bar, a treadmill, an office, and a whole-lotta clutter is becoming a useful multi-purpose space. Today, we put Brady's little house/slide downstairs. He just thought that was the best!

Brady's Bedtime Routine

People always complement us on how well behaved Brady can be when we are out, and how even-tempered he is when we are at home. They often ask us how we do it. What people don't know is, sometimes he has bad days. This often happens when Brady's schedule is thrown off. We try to keep him to a very specific schedule. Let's take bedtime, for example. This is usually how it plays out: At 7:00, we ask Brady to go up stairs to get his PJ's put on. He does so. When we come back down, we give him a cup of milk, and he goes over to sit on his favorite spot on the couch to watch the Wiggles (he only watches this twice a day...when he first gets up, and at bedtime). After the Wiggles, he knows it is time to go up to bed.

I've Been Simponized!

Oh no, I've been simpsonized! Too bad I have since shaved the goatee. Has anyone seen the movie yet?

Brady Vision: Summer Fun

My Goatee: Save It or Shave It?

Calling one, calling all, it is time to vote. What should I do with my goatee?

Save it, or shave it?

Its Potty Time!

Last week, we took Brady in the pool, and when he got out, we took off his swimsuit and diaper and he was running around the deck completely naked. All of a sudden, he let out this squeel of delight. We looked over, and he was peeing on the deck, and had just realized what he was doing. Now he thought it was funny to run across the deck, stop, and pee.

It got Erica and I thinking....

We did some research....

We've decided to start potty training Brady. Our hope is that by age 2, he will be completely potty trained. As lofty as this might sound, it is actually the average age. So, we went out and bought him a potty. He thought it was the best. This week we plan to just let him "explore" it, no strings attached. Next week, we'll start to let him test the water out. The potty we bought will eventually attach right to the regular toilet, and the bottom half of it will become a stool. It plays music too! Now all we need to do is stock the basket in the bathroom with Wiggles magazines and he'll be ready to "go".

PS: Did you see my gotee?

Hey good lookin', what ya got cookin'?

Brady loves to watch us cook in the kitchen. Lately we have been giving him bowls and spoons and measuring cups and he "helps" us make dinner. HE LOVES IT! Who knows maybe he'll be be a famous chef one day like Emeril or Alton.

1998 Ford Exploer XLT For Sale By Owner

I'm selling my car. You can view an ad on Craig's list:

http://nh.craigslist.org/car/374240558.html.

Why would I sell my car, you ask? I'd love to tell you it is because I am finally getting my F150 extended cab pickup, but alas, I am not.

I'm actually going to purchase a minivan. Can you believe it? I can't either, but right now, to run her daycare, Erica needs to be able to transport kids back and forth to preschool. Can't do that with a car that doesn't have a third row seat!

A more useable basement

Brian had Friday off and seeing as I have day care kids at the house we really can't do anything like go on a day trip. So of course brian has been finding projects to tackle. The other day he decided to tackle the basement. Anyone who has seen it knows that there was a bar smack dab in the middle of the room making the room not very user friendly. Brian decided to rip the bar out and rearrange the room. This has made for a much nicer room. Unfortunately there was no carpet under the bar so there is hole where the bar used to be but He has some solutions up his sleeve for that problem. This will also give me more space for the kids to play. Especially if it is a rainy day.

Fun with finger paints!

The other day I decided to have the kids try finger painting. Not an easy task with two kids under two and a three year old. However, I have to say they all did a wonderful job. Brady managed to cover himself with paint and Jordan ate a little of it but, but all in all it went well. Thank goodness Shanna was here to help out! Cleaning up was a little tricky, but we managed.

A Fun Day At The Beach

Today, we took Brady and Mackenzie to the beach in Ogunquit Maine. We let them run down tot he ocean, and they had a blast. Brady had no problem running straight for the water and jumping right in. He even got flipped right over by a wave at one point, got completely submerged in the water, but he got right back up. As you can see from the pictures (including the one with my shaved head), everyone had a blast! Brady ended the trip by taking a nice nap int he car.

Brady's Security "Blanket"

We can't seem to separate Brady from keys...not just any keys either, but our car keys. When he gets up in the morning, the first words out of his mouth are usually "I want keys, I want keys." Erica and I can't really figure out exactly when this began. Just a month ago, we used to give him our keys when we went into a store to keep him amused. He liked to try to take the keys out of my hands as I strapped him into his car seat. But in the last couple weeks, he wants the keys all the time. He knows where they are kept in the house, and if they are in my pocket, he will go right in and help himself. Yesterday, Brady had my car keys and I watched him hide them under his crib. I quickly removed them when he left the room, but a little later, he was under the crib looking for them. Later that same day, Brady "lost" my keys somewhere int eh house. It took Erica and I twenty minutes to find them. That was the end of the keys. We had to make Brady his own set of keys and put my keychain on them.

BTW: We tried the plastic toy keys. He wanted nothing to do with them.

My Summer Vacation

So far, my summer vacation is going great! I get to go to the park to play on the playground almost every day. My favorite thing to play on is the rickity bridge.

Today, Mama had a new friend come over to play. His name is Jordan, and he is just about my age. Mama siad Jordan will be coming over to play every day this summer. We had lots of fun today playing with the toys in the toyroom, reading books and singing songs with Mama, and watching the Wiggles together. I included a picture of us having lunch below.

Last Saturday, Mama and Dada took me to Plaistow's Old Home Day. I had funnel cake, went in the bounce-house, and performed in a concert with Wayne From Maine. It was a lot of fun.

Talk to you all soon!

Love,

Brady

Home Improvements: Summer 2007

I'm taking my first week off during the summer since I was a junior in high school! Believe it or not, I have always managed to work every summer without time off: Market Basket (1 summer), Bake-N-Joy (2 summers), TD BankNorth (2 summers), and Cedardale (6 summers). At my new job at Sanborn, I get four weeks vacation time to use whenever, so I opted to take one complete week off this summer, and take several Fridays off to make for some nice long weekends.

Anyways, since Erica is now running a daycare at the house, we can't really go places, so I have decided to dedicate a couple days to two projects that have been on my to-do list since we bought the house. The first was to re-seal the driveway, which I have included a picture of below. I did this today, and it took six five-gallon buckets of sealer just to get the two coats. That was more than I expected, but the driveway needed it bad. Keeping the driveway sealed prevents water from getting into the pavement and deteriorating the driveway.

My other project, which will be much larger, is to refinish our deck. My plan is to pressure wash it, paint all the railings, and stain the decking with two coats of a dark weather-proofing stain. This will help keep the wood smooth and make it last longer. I included a picture of the back deck before, and the finished small front deck which I did today. I used a very dark stain on the floor which I think makes the whole thing pop. The back deck will take me quite a bit longer to do, especially since some of the railings need to be painted white for the first time, so they will need two coats of paint and a coat of primer. It is also about twenty-five times larger!

I guess I have my work cut out for me!