Ryan & "Mei Mei"

Ryan can't give Megan enough kisses lately! He's just so excited to see her every morning. I think he's gotten over the initial shock that she's here to stay! He's always asking to hold her too - so with a little supervision, here they are! Megan doesn't look too happy about it though!

He's also found a way to say her name - "Mei Mei" - close enough! :)

If you look closely...you may pick out many different bumps and bruises on Ryan's head. All of a sudden, his nickname is "Scrape!" Overnight he became fearless and he has the bruises, scrapes, black eye, and bumps to prove it! People are going to think we've started to abuse him!

Marni's slow progess for recovery

Just an entry to let all of you know that Marni's recovery from surgery is slow and has hit a snag as of today. She just hasn't been feeling right over the past week and also has been feverish the past few days. So, off to the doctor she went today to get a check up and some meds (for now).
The doctor is concerned that Marni's blood level is low and with her low iron there's an infection lingering from the surgery / birth so Marni will be on anti-biotics and some rest; then get a follow up in two weeks. Of course if anything worsens, we'll call the doc right away and most likely end up in the emergency room at Women and Infants Hospital; but for now we'll watch how she does after the meds kick in.

Ric

Blue Angels Practice

Here are the famous Navy Blue Angels practicing over Warwick and Apponaug Cove (right down the street from our house) from last week. You can see most of their routine each year at the RI Air Show from the beach at the end of our neighborhood. I wanted to use this video clip to test out the new video feature that allows us to post video to the blog now.

What a FACE!

She must have been dreaming about something sour! :)

Feeling a little left out??

Apparently, SuziQ needed a little attention. What better way to get it than to jump into the bassinet and take a nap?

What Mommy needs most

Look what Mom, Megan and the Suzie-Q (the cat) are up to and need lots of these days. Mom is exhausted and Megan isn't helping matters any. Megan likes to sleep all day and stay up late for Letterman (and beyond) which is making the daytime miserable for Marnell. Ryan and I try to do our best to make it work, but it's just not enough for Mommy so she ends up like this.

Into the water we go

Tuesday, we got to try out the "deep water" of the pool and as you can see by the photo, it's just right for Ryan's size. Since the pool was filled mostly on Monday and a little more on Tuesday before we got it to test it out, it was very cold! It took a long time to get used to and it just wasn't hot enough to want to get all the way into the water, so we'll have to wait a few days for the water to warm up and the sun to help out. Very soon we'll get him a infant life-jacket/vest so he can splash all around and not go under in the deep end ;-).

You've got to admit, the little pool boy does look pretty happy and excited to be in the water. Now, if we could just work on his tan a little and get rid of the albino-look.

Ric

Pool time for Ryan

I managed to find some time to assemble the kids pool for Ryan. We got it at a yard sale our friends had and it was new and still in the box. The pool was very easy to assemble and connect and as long as Ryan doesn't slice it open, we should have it for next summer too. It's 10' diameter and up to 30" tall, but since our yard isn't level, it turns out to be more like 20". It will make for a nice treat when the really hot and humid weather arrives and stays for weeks at a time. You can be sure that I'll be in there cooling off too.

Ric

Beautiful Baby!

A friend of mine just *had* to play with her new camera yesterday- so of course I let her photograph Megan! The results are gorgeous! (Someday I'll have a fabulous camera like that...until then I'll just drool over hers!)

Click to take a look! Make sure you leave comments for her! (Thanks TeNeale!)

This is your kid on Fluff

Ric thought it would be Ryan's destiny to try a Fluffernutter sandwich for lunch. For those of you that have never heard of it, it's marshmallow creme in a jar that you can use for just about anything, especially home-made quick fudge.

Growing up, Ric ate PB + Fluff sandwiches all of his youth, so it was only natural that Ryan inherit the legacy. Here's what happens when Ryan licks the sandwich clean (like an ice cream cone) instead of chewing it.

Dumb Daddy.

Happy Father's Day!

This picture says it all...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the BEST daddy my kids will ever know! (They don't know it now, but hopefully will learn when they are older that they are very lucky kids to have you as a dad!)

I LOVE YOU!

Home on Father's Day!

What a wonderful way to celebrate Father's Day but to bring home your new daughter! (Oh yeah, my beautiful wife gets to come along too.) :-) Marni and Megan will be home Sunday sometime between 10 and 12 noon. It will be great to start getting back to "normal" around the house and with our routines. I know that most of you with kids are saying that there will never be "normal" again in our lives, so I'll admit that we'll never see those glory days again in this household. Ryan has paid the biggest cost so far getting dropped off at various babysitters, friends and family while Dad either works around the house to get ready for Sunday, runs errands or visits Mom and Megan. He's really been a trooper all along this and I let him sleep in the BIG bed with Daddy last night since he woke up screaming at 10pm. No big deal, at least he doesn't snore but he does like to end up on top of my legs and arms as the night goes on.

I know that at times, it may seem over-the-top about how we go on and on about our kids but we're just so blessed to have them in our lives and making our future richer and more rewarding. Keep in mind that it wasn't looking very positive that Marnell and I might ever have children and we faithfully believe that my Mom has sent them to us after she passed away in January 2005. Ryan was born in December that year.

Now that Marnell will be home, she'll make sure that the photos are ready to post or email to everyone and I'm sure that she'll send some in the mail as soon as they can be printed. We thank each and everyone of our friends, Brothers & Sisters, family and neighbors for all you have done for us during the past week to make things as easy as possible. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives and to help us out.

Ric

Day 3 and feeling much better

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to make a quick post to let everyone know that Marni is feeling so much better today. Ryan and I just got back from a morning visit with her and Megan, Mom feels so much better today. She no longer has a Foley or an IV and was able to take a shower this morning. Marni also was able to get 6 hours sleep last night and had the nursing staff take care of the feeding during the middle of the night. That was a great help and she'll probably do it again so she can rest some more. Most of the post-op bleeding has subsided as well. Feel free to call or visit her if you can. Room 6117.

Ric

A name for the baby & Ryan meets Megan

Our daughter is now officially named Megan Chartley Levett and is measuring between 19+20 inches as of this morning. She has also had no trouble to start nursing and Marnell feels that she'll be a good eater. It's day two for Marni and she is "feeling it", a bit sore and still hasn't had a shower (yet) although she has been on her feet and started to get some real food into her. Ryan got to meet Megan for the first time last night after dinner. It ended up being a short visit because after Ryan met Megan (and got bored with that) he wanted to climb all over Mom, the bed and get into the rest of the room's untouchable things. The 6th floor was rather quiet too so when Ryan expressed his displeasure of not being allowed to be "king", the whole wing heard it and we decided that it was time to go. He also enjoyed pointing out the baby's nose.

Daddy also got to hold Megan for the first time too since after she was delivered, she had a lot of attention and cleanup going on from the surgical staff, then spent the afternoon in the NICU getting her numbers looking good before moving onto the 6th floor with Mom.

I must say that I'm disappointed with how the hospital has stopped validating parking for new Dad's and that it costs between $3 + $6 per/visit. That adds up quickly when you want to visit 2-3 times a day. So, we'll have to plan my visits a little better and try to find some parking on the street too, especially during the night visits.

Marnell's info at Woman & Infants

Hello,

Marni is assigned to room 6117 at Woman & Infants Hospital in Providence. You can either reach her at her cell phone number (those of you that have it), or at 401.274.1122 x2667. She is expected to be there until Sunday but it all depends on her recovery from the operation. (Sorry the picture is blurry)

Ric

It's a girl for the Levett's

The day is finally here and it's time to welcome into the Levett family our newest addition!

Megan Chartley Levett
Born on 06/13/07 at 10:03am
Weight: 9 lbs, 1 oz

Mom is still recovering and doing fine for now while the little girl is as cute as can be and resting after the big move. More details and pictures to come over the next few days and weeks, so stay tuned daily.

Ric & (Big Brother) Ryan

Good thing we have a mini van!

This was our afternoon activity today. We now have TWO car seats installed in the 2nd row of the van.

I guess this means that the days of "toting" the Young Men around are over! (Unless they are REALLY small - or fit into the back seat!)

We're going from a 6 passenger + 1 toddler van to a 5 passenger, 1 toddler, and 1 infant van overnight!

It's all worth it, right? :)

PS - to my RI State Child Safety Advocate friend....I think we did you proud, those seats don't BUDGE at all when we try to move them back and forth! (Though I'm sure with your expertise...you'd find a millimeter or two that you can tighten!)

An end in sight? :)

Take a look at this cute little STINKER! It just can't sit still like it should, and now I'm scheduled for a C-Section on Wednesday (9:00 am). (It's just turning its head looking straight at the camera!)

I couldn't believe what I saw when the radiologist had the little wandy thingy at the top of my belly and we saw the baby's face! I turned to Ric and said that this was the beginning of 20 years of trouble with this one! :)

So that's it. We have to be at the hospital at 7:00 am on Wed., and we should have a new baby by 10:00 am. Yippeeee!

They did say that they would do an ultrasound before starting everything just to see if it's moved again. If so, they would probably induce instead. But since this baby is big, it's still a risk. We'll see! Keep your thoughts and prayers coming our way!

Now...we have to figure out who's going to be taking care of Ryan on Wednesday since I just put my mom on a plane today! Timing! :)

BREECH!

(Can you hear Marni banging her head on the desk with frustration?)

*sigh* Looks like a C-Section on Wednesday unless this kid moves back into position.

Grrrrrr......

And so we go...

...off to the OB, and then the hospital! At least that's how I've planned my day! EVERYONE cross your fingers that it works!

Updates soon! :)

A change must be on the way

Well, here we are again for another day and no sign of the baby just yet, but Ryan must be sensing that there's a change to come. You see, he's been just all-over-the-place with his emotions, attitude and moods. For most of it, we can label it as part of the "terrible two's" but deep down I tend to think that he knows or senses that something is about to happen; which is good because Marni is fed-up with waiting and feeling lousy.

Ryan has been attached to my hip, leg and anything else that I have in my hands and won't let me out of his sight. If I do walk away to do something or try to get something done while he has Mom or Grandma distract him, he cries / whines / throws a screaming fit until I include him again in the next move I make. It's cute when he wants to help or explore what Daddy is doing, but its a major hassle when he slows me down or prohibits me from accomplishing something because he upset that I had to go into the garage to get a tool and didn't take him for the walk.

Thank Heaven that Grandma (Pam, Marni's Mom) is here to help out and spend some time. She's been such a big help and a blessing to have visit us and help Marni get through the days and nights; especially when I'm not around the house at all. Now if only the new baby would come so she can meet the new bundle of joy and Ryan will have something else to distract him.

Thursday, 10PM Update

It was definitely a LONG afternoon!

I saw my OB at 1:00 pm - and she said that I was finally "inducable" Yippeee! (Meaning I've started to dilate and efface, and the baby is facing the right way.

I went to my Ultrasound at 1:30 - got this great picture of our little munchkin. look at that cute nose!

I also found out that according to all the calculations and measurements that this baby's estimated weight is 9 pounds 1 ounce. Hmmmm....

THEN, I saw one of the other doctors that my OB is associated with, the ones that actually deliver. After a LONG NST test (basically monitoring the heartbeat and any contractions) I talked with the other doctor. He decided after looking at everything that we'd wait until Monday to decide! Arrrrrrrrgh! Meaning....that even though I have a big baby, he didn't want to induce me yet because there's a higher risk of C-sections with inductions. But, there's also a higher risk of C-sections with big babies too!

On the other hand, Ryan was 8 pounds 5 ounces, he wasn't induced, and he slid right out without any prodding (or drugs! But that's ANOTHER STORY for another day!)

So, here we are...we wait a few more days to see what happens. Hopefully (please EVERYONE cross your fingers!) it all just happens on its own - SOON! :)

In case you were wondering....

...NO NEW BABY NEWS!

Yes, I am REALLY GRUMPY! So much that I even feel a little bit bad (but not TOO bad) for the telemarketer on the other end of the phone this morning! (I completely BIT her head off! hehe)

Since Gramma has been here - we've been trying to get this show on the road. So...

...we've been to the beach...

Ryan finally wore his water shoes and stepped into the "puddles" for the first time. He really didn't know what to think at first. He just stood there for a little bit.





Daddy's shadow....













We also found this little specimen. Lovely, isn't it? The seagulls had a field day with it!


After walking and walking and walking, I was sure that we'd have this kid that night! (That was Monday)





...we worked in the yard/garden on Tuesday...

nope...that didn't do it either.

Yesterday (Wednesday) I went in to give the Final Exam for my last class this quarter. Not that I thought it would help, but it was funny to mess with the guys in the class who I know were secretly hoping I wouldn't be there! hehe

After class... we went to the Zoo!

Ryan loved the elephants and giraffes. I hadn't noticed before, but the railings are the PERFECT height to block the view of any child sitting in a stroller! What's up with that? We had to take Ryan out to see anything!

After all the lifting and walking you would think that my water would break and we'd have a new baby!

NOPE! This one's going to be stubborn!

(By the way, I was REALLY disappointed in the state of the Zoo! (Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence) The last time I was there - about 6 or 7 years ago - there were so many more animals and things to see! BIG bummer! There was a TON of construction going on though, so maybe next year things will be better!)

...we've tried the spicy food thing...

Gramma stayed home with our version of Dennis the Menace while Ric and I went to a new Chinese restaurant. (Pei Wei in Cranston - we HIGHLY recommend it!) Nope...spices didn't do a thing!

So now it's Thursday...

I have a MARATHON of appointments today. First, my OB at 1:00 pm, and ultrasound at 1:30 to see if we can tell how much this kid weighs, THEN another OB appointment at the group my OB is associated with. (My OB doesn't deliver anymore.)

Maybe, JUST MAYBE, we'll have some news this afternoon! CROSS YOUR FINGERS! :)

No baby yet

As of 8:33pm tonight, no baby yet; not even a contraction. Marnell's Mom (Pam) arrived today to stay with us for a week, so maybe that's what the baby is waiting for? We'll do our best to keep you all posted.

Ric

You know it's 5:00 AM when....

...LEG CRAMPS strike again! OUCH!

Just one more thing I could do without in this pregnancy! It's now becoming a nightly thing, where it used to be occasionally. And THESE are the ones that wake me up in AGONY!

This too shall pass.... right?

Bring on the Baby!

OK....here's the deal...

-My toes are painted.

-My bag is packed.

-I somehow managed to (sort of) shave my legs in the shower this morning.

-I have to give one more final exam in just a few hours.

-I'm uncomfortable and grouchy.

-Ric was told by the Bishop that he couldn't attend this weekend's Regional Youth Conference because his wife needed him. (Hmmm...someone reading our blog lately?)

-It's my Dad's birthday TODAY and it would be neat to have this baby on the same day (Happy B-day Dad!)

-I don't want to go through the MARATHON of appointments my Dr has me set up for on Thursday - Thursday is TOO FAR away!

I'm READY! BRING IT ON! :)

(I think I'll go run around the block...or call one of my friends, she mentioned a hill in Providence that's famous for bringing on labor when you "hike" it!)