Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

Day in the Life, Part 1

All About a Day Off

Many of you have already read this. A few of you recommended this is a blog entry, so here we go. This is a story of my first day off ever -- happened to be right before Christmas. I had planned this day off for a whole month leading up to it.

3:30 a.m. - wake up to check on baby and discover two disgusting diarrhea spots on carpet that I just spent $100 to have cleaned one month ago. Yell at both dogs (we are watching the neighbor's dog) and send them outside - where I discover the culprit is our dog. Apologize to neighbor's dog. Wake up husband to help with clean up as I need to feed my son - get backlash (b/c who wants to wake up with a wife telling you that you have to clean up diarrhea at 3:30 a.m.), but eventually he helps which is key b/c I am gagging from the smell.

6:30 a.m. - wake up early b/c my child is awake early. Diarrhea smell still rancid.

8 a.m. - discover the "bite" on my arm that I got a month ago is still there and throbbing, red and raised. Scared its cancer, I make an appt. with the dermatologist. drive baby to daycare.

8:30 a.m. - pick up rental for wet vac to clean carpets and hopefully rid our home of the most foul smell ever.

9 a.m. - arrive home to get going when I remember I have work to do b/c promised a colleague I'd help with a project - instantly regret that decision. Begin work while still inhaling disgusting crap smell.

10 a.m. - begin vacc-ing up house.

11:15 a.m. - go to doctor to find out that she "thinks" its a cyst but "she's been wrong before." Wait a few more weeks to see if its cancer. Lovely.

12 p.m. - stop by Del Taco drive through so I can insert nourishment into my body quickly and efficiently so that I may continue through the day. Eat meal in car in front of Steinmart. Go into Steinmart to buy all the daycare people "gifts" b/c apparently we don't pay them enough as it is (but inside I know our money doesn't go to the caregivers who make squat).

1:30 p.m. - pick up my baby from daycare to find out he's slept a total of 30 MINUTES the entire day of which he woke 7 hours ago. Rush home to put him to bed for a nap. Knowing that if he does not sleep for a nap, he will certainly not sleep at NIGHT!

2 p.m. - Arrive home to FIND 2 NEW diarreah spots - one the instant I open the door. Again, a flood of foul, foul, smell. After immediately putting dogs outside (they are banned from the house at this point), and then proceeding to step over the diarrhea so I can put my baby to sleep (which he fights me on b/c he's overtired of course), I finally get a chance to clean the spots. Gagging the whole time, I get that accomplished. However the house continues to REEK of crap. Hmmm. could there be another spot that I missed? OH YES. This time, it's throw up. Even better.

3 P.M. Start the laundry full of diarrhea-stained rags and write this email.

*******************
It must be noted that the next day, the diarrhea stain on the carpet CAME BACK. so now we have to have the carpets professionally cleaned as well! But at least I don't think I have cancer on my arm.

Charlie - 5.5 months

Charlie's Baptism: Saturday, Nov 8, 2008

Thank you to Father Judd who presided over a very intimate and special ceremony; and the Carmelite Sisters, particularly Sister Maria for preparing such a blessed occasion! Thanks to the camera men and women! Thanks to the godparents! Thanks to the family and friends that care for Charlie so much. Charlie is such a lucky man to have all of you in his life.

Update: My blog has been taken over by Facebook

Slideshow = Charlie between 3 and 4 months.

Now instead of spending time writing random thoughts on my blog, instead I share them on facebook with random people. Facebook has become an addiction! My poor blog. I love this thing -- someday I'll get back to updating it more regularly.

FLOWERS FAMILY UPDATE

We are enjoying Charlie immensely. It really is so cool to see your flesh and blood learning new things everyday. It's a miracle. Now he giggles and it is so fun to figure out how to make him laugh. Just the other day... he HUGGED me! During a burp he reached over and hugged me. I couldn't believe it. He LOVES attention, obviously, but he really lights up and gets so proud of himself if he's doing something new like standing up or rolling over. BTW, he stopped rolling over for a while and now he's doing it again so FYEW! He is a lover -- he really likes holding hands anytime. His little hands are definitely spending a lot of time in his mouth too... total oral baby I have! We just started rice cereal and he is ALL over that. Its hilarious -- he gets all frustrated between bites -- I think he doesn't understand why the spoon has to go away -- with a bottle, it just stays in his mouth.

On the flip side, Charlie is a stubborn little devil. He has started regressing in his sleep habits. I have a new technique I started this morning but I don't want to share until I know if its going to work or not. Its funny -- he is born from two MAJOR sleepers so I know this is some sort of bad joke God is playing on us. Recently he has stopped liking Dan to feed him and even coddle him when he's upset.... just mamma. Oh no, we better nip this one in the bud!!! However, it's hard to tell your husband he has to "take it" when the baby is just freaking out... but I also think they have to learn too.

Official Data

So, ok. Perhaps I'm a little obsessive. Just a tad. I like to think it was more to do with a passage I read in a book that was given to me that asked, "how did your baby score on the Apgar text?" The WHAT-gar test?

I realized I had been given NO test results at the hospital where he was born. Apparently doctors do a bunch of tests and labs and they never give the results to the parents. What is UP with that? I inquired. After leaving messages for weeks on a general mailbox b/c you can't get a human in the records department... I had to fax a request and authorization and then wait 3 weeks to be mailed the results. The net? I don't understand half of the information I received. There are notes from the doctors in some sand script that is impossible to read. But this is loud and clear -- it's about the baby's percentages on weight, height, head circumference.

Official medical conclusion? LARGE Head. Hilarious!! He's also large in weight for that matter, but we knew that in pregnancy. The head diagnosis explains perhaps why he had such a hard time coming out (poor me!). Chris says people with large heads become successful or wealthy or something like that. I'm cool with that!

Charlie - almost 3 months!

Latest and Greatest -- Charlie is growing like a weed! His latest antics are that he LOVES to be naked. And he really loves bathtime. He could be in the middle of a catagory 5 (Sarah) cry, and you put him in the bath and he becomes silent. A dream! He's smiling a lot now and he giggled for the first time last week. Tonight Dan and I think he giggled in his sleep! I think he has really good dreams b/c he always smiles while he's sleeping.

Speaking of sleeping -- we're not getting much. Ugly. Funny, I have always heard... big babies sleep a lot. Well.... Charlie has potential, but he's not there yet. We're working up the courage to let him "cry it out." YIKES! Wish us luck!

New Pics of Charlie - 2 Months Old!

As Seen On TV - The Ped Egg

OK, I have to admit that I'm a total junkie for all things "as seen on TV" -- you find them in the 50% off shelf/bin at walgreens and the like. LOVE it. First we got the "Sham Wow!" -- have you seen that commercial? Amazing stuff, man. Of course, I never use it. But when we do, it totally works!

The latest exciting product I am into is the Ped Egg. Dan came home this weekend and said, "happy anniversary babe!" and brought me the Ped Egg. I know, you're thinking: "what a lame anniversary gift!" No sirrie-bob! For Nicole Flowers, this was the end all be-all of gifts. Plus, it showed Dan paid attention when I commented during the infomercial which was most likely at 2 a.m. in the morning one night trying to get Charlie to sleep. I digress.

I have to stand behind this product! I have feet that aren't so pretty. No matter how much scrubbing I do (every shower!) on my heels, I cannot get them smooth! Pedicures help, but they use the "razor" which ends up just cutting up the heal and not making it any better. Plus, pedicures are like the chicken and the egg. You go there to get your feet smoother and prettier, but you don't want to walk in there with nasty feet either b/c let's get real, who wants to touch some stranger's nasty feet. So - I try to fix them up before I go but I always end up apologizing to the poor technician who gets to scrub my feet. Until now -- after two nights of the Ped Egg, my heals are actually getting soft! Go figure!

So, when you are picking up your prescriptions next time at Longs or Walgreens, check out the 'as seen on tv' section and pick up a Ped Egg. Let me know what you think!

Behold the Power of the "Binkie"

Imagine as an adult having the magic power of a binkie.

With a fear of public speaking, you are required to address a large group of executives and your reputation depends on your delivery -- INSERT BINKIE -- Bring it on! Where's the mic?

A novice skier, you hop off the chair lifts and ski around the corner to be face-to-face with a double-black diamond ultra-steep slope with moguls as high as you newly-stretched out hips (that would be me). -- INSERT BINKIE -- Weeeee! See you at the bottom!

Charlie leverages his binkie in much the same way. Except its for baby activities. Almost anything is tolerable as long as the binkie is inserted between his lips. "Not sure about this bath? With my binkie, I am chillin' like a villain. Not sure I can handle spending 10 hours driving in a car across the Nevada desert? Insert binkie and I can man UP!"

Slideshow - Charlie Meets his "Peeps"

We just took a whirlwind tour with Charlie! Started off with a work dinner on August 8 where Charlie finally met all of Dan's work-mates. From there, we left for Salt Lake City but only got as far as Winnemucca -- cruised in about 1 a.m. The next day, we finished the drive in Salt Lake where we, along with both families and friends, shocked Jon and Laurie Osier with a surprise wedding reception!! So fun! Nothing like totally freaking out two loved ones with a big party in their honor :) Fun was had by all. Unfortunately we left the camera in the car so I don't have pics -- as I receive from the others I will post.

Anyway, from there we headed up to Montana where we spent the remainder of the week relaxing and introducing Charlie to MANY family and friends. I STILL didn't take pictures of everyone so I'm hoping others have pics they will share and I will add to this slideshow when I receive them. Charlie spent a week being passed from the arms of one admirer to another -- he was getting totally pimped out! He also got to sleep with mommy and daddy a lot b/c big surprise: we were exhausted and caved on the sleep training. However we are back on duty so poor Charlie has to sleep on his own again. But Mommy still sneaks naps with the little man from time to time ;^)

Here are the pics I do have of Charlie from the last few weeks -- age 4 to 6 weeks. He is now smiling more and can see more. He has even coo'd!

Charlie's One Month Bday - Aug 4

Just a quick pic that was taken of Charlie and I at our recent visit to work... Charlie seems very focused on either a) one of my coworkers or b) a light. Heh.

Latest and greatest -- well, we go from thinking we have got Charlie figured out to thinking we have no idea what we are doing. Mostly the latter. Charlie mixes it up every day! While he's sort of on a schedule, he really calls the shots. Poor boy has digestive pains that not only keep him from sleeping, but make him cry which is hard for us b/c we can't fix it for him! And, when Charlie doesn't sleep, we don't sleep! But when Charlie is feeling good, he is such a good boy. He is growing like a weed (already past 10 lbs.) I think he's starting to look more like his Dad if that is possible. Dan might have a little mini-me on his hands!

Charlie - Week 1-3

Don't worry. I know what you are thinking: Is Nicole going to post WEEKLY shots of her baby??

Probably not. Maybe :)

Here is Charlie week one -- he LOVES the sling.. we call it the Pea Pod b/c it looks like he is a little pea inside a pea pod!

Here is Charlie and Dan circa week two. How cute!


I realized the other night: for heavens sake: we have no pics of mamma and son! So I had dan take a quick one. How obvious is my sleep deprivation in this pic? I love those jammies on Charlie!

This shot with Blue is hysterical. Blue isn't sure what to think.

Niece Natalie Makes Her Mark at Dr. Office

RENO, NV -- Bystanders at the Reno, Nevada office of Pediatric Associates were shocked today with an all-out assault leveled at their senses by one Natalie Flowers, 3, daughter of Christine Flowers (Natalie's father has gone into hiding and would not release his personal information as of press time). Apparently, what began as an average day at the pediatrician's office morphed into an event of unspeakable horror when the rambunctious tot elected to move her bowels...all without the benefit of either toilet or diaper. Her valiant and under-manned mother initially attempted to contain the ensuing hazardous spill, but was ultimately forced to capitulate to the sheer enormity of a situation that involved fecal descriptors, according to eyewitnesses, ranging from "caked" to "soupy". As of press time, casualties from the event include two pink rabbit boots, a polka-dot dress, and her father's appetite.
Authored by Natalie's father who wishes to remain anonymous.

Victory! Charlie is born on July 4th, 2008

Charlie was born at 12:54pm on July 4th weighing in at 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and 19.5 inches tall. We are in love with our new boy!! He is healthy and happy as long as he's eating, being held, and not having gas ;^) We are very blessed. More to come as we are finally now starting to take more pictures. As I am normally the photographer and have had my hands full these last few weeks, strangely enough, we haven't taken many! But that is about to change!

"Dad Cross Dresses... As Pregnant Daughter?"

I almost didn't believe it until I saw visual evidence. This past weekend, the Butte Central class of 61 gang threw "me" a shower up in Butte, Montana. And the fact that I couldn't physically be there didn't stop these determined ladies. Dad, the sport that he is, dressed up like his dear old daughter to be the guest of honor.





Absolutely HILARIOUS. On a serious note, I have to say, the fact that my mom's best gal pals would rally and throw this shower for our little boy-to-be means so much to me... it feels like mom is a part of this. To all you ladies, you make me feel so special and "mom'd" -- I cannot even begin to thank you!

No Way!

Late wed night around 11 p.m. I was worried about the swelling in my foot/leg. (My right foot is much more swollen than the left and after inquiring with a few people in the medical community, I found out that is in fact rare. One person said it could suggest a blood clot. Plus, the swelling went from being just a nuisance to being painful.)

I decided that I would test my blood pressure with our home monitor just to rule out hypertension or pre-eclampsia. I was so tired that I thought: if my BP is normal, I will go to sleep and worry about this in the morning. But unfortunately it measured 149 three tries (when I had been laying in bed watching TV for an hour). Off we went to the emergency room to check me and baby out (where my BP increased into the high 160s/low 100s).

Several hours later around 8 a.m. I was FINALLY released with a diagnosis of hypertension but not pre-eclampsia, thank goodness. The high blood pressure is cause for the doctors to put me on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. So, now I am figuring out how to work/live in bed! It's freaky.

The real kicker in all of this? Against all odds, the baby has turned himself around!!! Unbelievable! Just a week ago the doctor was clear that it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY the baby would turn b/c he can't get leverage with his feet to make the turn. Not to mention that he's getting big in there. But somehow, someway, the ultrasound tech - who checked out my leg for blood clots (negative) and was nice enough to scan the baby to check his heartbeat - confirmed the baby turned.

I am still in shock. I have no idea what this means now. Do we still do a c-section b/c of the hypertension or am I back to a natural birth? I guess I will soon find out :) This little guy likes to keep us guessing!

A - B - C - D Update!

34 weeks, 8.5 months

A -- My ankles are tree trunks. NOTE: look away if you have a weak stomach! My ankles have been taken over by fluid and swelling. So have my legs and feet. Baduba, this is for you ;^) It is SO strange to have to walk around like this. I'm down to sandles only and really only the flip flop type variety.

B -- Baby is Breech. Even more? He is Frank Breech (illustration), which basically means the little man is upside down and in the pike position -- Doc does not believe he is going to turn himself around cuz he doesn't have leverage to push with his feet. Poor baby cannot be comfortable in there like that.

C -- Due to B, I am now scheduled for a C-section!

D -- New Due Date - June 28, 2008.

Yay, I get to pop this boy out about 9 or 10 days early! Whohoo! I have about 4.5 weeks to go. Hopefully my ankles won't pop in the meantime. Ha!

Baby Sanders "Neck & Neck" with Baby Flowers

I can't tell you how special it is to have such a good friend pregnant and having a child at the SAME time time as me! Seriously... we are only a few days apart. Having someone to talk through all the -- what others I'm sure believe to be mundane -- baby-ness has been a total blessing. Here are pics from Sarah's baby shower in Roseville. Shannon, Staci and I drove over to share it with her. I miss my girls so much! It was a tease just getting to visit for a few hours.

Which baby will join us first? - that IS the question! I can tell you both Sarah and I are wishing for an early delivery. We just want to meet these babies already!

Whole Group together

Sarah and I with our big bellies!

Another pic of our bellies.

SF girls reunite!

Baby is Showered with Love - and 2 Surprises!

OK. For Real. I am overwhelmed by the showering of love and support dan and I and baby have received in preparation for his arrival. I can't explain it but I can't thank my friends and family enough -- I hope they know just how touched I am by their generosity and support.

I recently had two baby showers. The first was the 'friend' shower; the second, the 'family' shower AKA - Flower Shower. Here are some pics.

Friend Shower: Hosted by Sarah and Mandy!
Surprise Guest?? MONICA MORENO from Houston, TX. No freaking way. I am still totally in shock! So good to have my childhood friends join me in this event b/c it just makes it feel complete! Thank you SO MUCH to Sarah and Mandy for a spectacular shower. I am so spoiled! Thanks also to Sue for the special card reading. I feel prepared to pop this boy out now!
Andrea and Monica flanking the big belly.
Beautiful Cake!
Amazing cupcake favors!

Flower Shower: Hosted by the Guisti Sisters
Surprise Guest? BEV SWANSON from Portland, OR. My mom's best friend. There is nothing that could have been more sweet to me than the gift of Bev. She brings my mom with her and I really felt mom close for this event. Thank you Bev for traveling so far for me. It really means so much to me to have had you there. And thanks to Marsha Flowers for hosting Bev and with her sisters, the most fun shower with games galore. Dan and I are blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Bev and Me
Dan performing, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands"
To view the whole album, click here. Username: familyfriend; password: flowers

Mom, I Miss You

May 8 is the 1 year anniversary of mom's passing. I don't know what I was expecting, but this day was harder for me than I anticipated. I thought, like other tough days, I could stay busy and just kind of get through it. Instead, I found I woke up with a heavy heart - my first thought of the day was a flashback of that night when I lost her - so very vivid. I feel very blessed to have such a loving family at times like this who help lift me up and remember how lucky we are to have had mom in our lives. I was extremely touched with the emails I received from family this day.

Paula
I too have had a heavy heart, actually all week, today is especially hard. You mom was my life, strength, inspiration, etc. I am thinking of all of you today and always, to let you know I love you and thank you for allowing me to be so much in your lives. Just as your mom would want all of us to do, celebrate her life, and pull a practical joke on someone, that would make her giggle.

Dad
Hi, Just wanted to say that I am thinking of all of you and praying to Mom that she will watch over you. Went to 7:00AM mass (mass was for Char) and then to a rosary at 11:00AM with the '61 group and then to the cemetery. Sharon bought some soapy water and we all blew bubbles!! Her grave is covered with flowers and the love of all who knew her. She is forever in our hearts and will always be there to help us when needed. Miss you all and all my love, Dad

Uncle Don
I walked outside on a dark moonless night and I gazed at the heavens filled with a galaxy of stars. It was beautiful. I looked to the horizon and I saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky and gracefully fade back into the night sky. " Hello Char," I said. "You are still there," and I smiled.

Dear family, This is a day that we will never forget! Our beloved Char passed from this world in the arms of her family one year ago to join the angels in heaven. She left us with many gifts that we will all have and use. These are gifts of love, common sense, care for others, good judgement, humor, wisdom and strength. I can feel her spirit. I feel it every day, and I know you do also. Call on her and talk to her and ask her to guide you. She is looking over all of us.

These are a few lines from a hymn that remind me of her and I hope they do you as well. "Gentle woman......quiet light......morning star.....so strong and bright. Gentle mother....peaceful dove.....teach us wisdom.....teach us love" Love, Uncle Don

Steve
Jeanie, Caroline, Luke, Anna, and myself went outside today and talked about Mom, said a prayer, and then released some balloons into a pretty sky. Then we played Ring Around the Rosy - I loved that. Although it has been a tough day, I feel blessed to have our family and for moments like above. As time goes by, I am trying to learn that sometimes, when times are tough, there's no telling how good a game of Ring Around the Rosy can make you feel. I know Mom was there. I very much miss her. God Bless, Steve

Cousin Megan
Dear all- Aunt Char is in my thoughts daily. Whether it is when Margaret has had an accident and wet her pants, it is Char's voice laughing, saying "Ha! She's gotta learn somehow!" Or, when Nicholas goes overboard with his bathtub antics and water is flowing all over the bathroom floor, it is Char's voice whispering, "Oh Boy! He is all boy! Ha!" Or, when I find myself troubled over something, it is Char's comforting voice telling me "Megan, it is going to be alright! This will get better!" She always had the best attitude about everything, and she gave so much to others. Her voice is with me each day and it guides me and gives me strength. Here's to you Aunt Char! Love, Megan

Laurie Osier
I watched Char closely in the short time I knew her. I admired the way she cast her love, asking nothing in return. I observed her tireless social networking that created an aura of ease and unwind for all those fortunate enough to reap her goodwill.

Most of all, I saw her reflection in her family, this group of individuals with a love for one another so strong, so unyielding, it could melt the most frigid of hearts.

Cousin Kathleen
This is one of my favorite & last photos of Char taking in October 2006 while hiking the Big M to release balloons for Gramps and laughing like crazy because of the freezing Butte temperatures. Char nearly fell off the mountain wearing one of Nana’s furs and a pair of well worn Keds on her feet. As Steve suggested, I too plan to release a balloon with my family this weekend. In honor of our beloved Auntie Char, we will dance, smile, and giggle lots while singing “Ring Around the Rosie”. Much love to all of you, Kathleen

30 Weeks... and Counting

30 weeks, about 7.5 months (on a 10 month scale... remember 40 weeks divided by 4 is really more like 10 months, than 9. Another "suprise" of pregnancy!) Still feeling pretty darn good considering! I discovered swollen ankles this week. Oh, and either my thighs are swollen or they are just huge from weight gainage. Comments are starting up now... this week a lady at an event said to me, "So, any day now, huh?" I responded shyly, "Um, actually I still have at least 2 more months to go." Ouch. There are more comments but I shall not reveal :)

I guess that is just what happens. I join the ranks of all the other sensitive, slightly emotional, uncomfortable pregnant women worldwide who all of a sudden are judged or just plain old noticed more than they prefer. I'm considering shocking people. I should line up apple juice in several shot glasses and pony up to a bar and start pounding them. Heck, I already get gasps when I walk out of stabucks with a grande and people assume it's caffinated.

2 weeks ago dan and I started the pregnant classes. There are definitely pros and cons to these classes. Pros -- you get a massage and or some sort of rub down nearly every class. Solid. Cons -- they make you watch videos of births that are not only horrifying, but they really get you thinking: what have I done? There is no way out of this. And honestly, I am shocked that I didn't already know most of this stuff. The miracle of life is quite a discovery if you haven't already been down that road.