Fun in the Sun

I decided I can still post, just make em short and sweet...

Today Alec, Chase Millie and I went for a long walk on the beach. I was waiting 10 months for this day...all winter long I would dream of our new baby, my husband, Millie and I, walking on the sunny beach, pushing the new stroller with the sun shining bright and warm...today that dream was real and it was so beautiful!

Because I am an addict, Chase and I went back to the beach in the afternoon. It felt so good to get a little sun and enjoy the gorgeous day. And, taking Chase to the beach was easier than I thought, he just sat in his car seat and slept.



He peed on himself while Alec was changing him, and needed another bath. Alec bathed him in the sitz bath I was sent home from the hospital with (I did not use it). So cute!



We had 2 good nights in a row where he slept in 4 hour stretches. And we both feel like new people, I actually can think and know what day it is. Lets hope he keeps that up!

Every day has been an adventure and we are loving every minute of it. Each time he does anything, we think its the cutest thing in the world..."Did you see him suck his thumb!?" "Did you see him cross his eyes?" "Look he is smiling in his sleep!"

We are totally, utterly, in love.

God Bless!

Heather, Alec, Chase and Millie

One Week!

I can hardly believe a week ago today Chase was born!

We are enjoying every minute of this little guy, he is perfect in every way. I still have a hard time believing he is all ours. We came home Wednesday afternoon and I think he really likes his new digs. We feel very lucky, he has been a very good baby so far, and loves to eat (just like Daddy!) and luckily, I have not had any issues in the milk department. When we left the hospital he was 7lbs 3oz and as of Friday at his first pediatrician appointment he was 7lbs 9 oz, I guess babies usually take up to 10 days to surpass their baby weight...not this guy! Looking at pictures, I cant believe how much he has changed already. The two up top were when he was 2 and 3 days old, the ones below are days 5-7, his chubby cheeks are coming through!

Alec has been the best Daddy, I am so impressed. I did not even have to change a diaper until Friday afternoon and they have been few and far between since. He does all the dirty work and when Chase cries at night, Alec gets him, gives him to me to nurse and changes and swaddles him back up in seconds. I call him Chase's pit crew. He even has the bassinet next to his side of the bed so he can be the one to wake when he starts fussing.

We have been for 2 walks on the beach and I think Chase loves the salt air and the sound of the waves, all he does is sleep!


Chase passed out after our walk on the beach.

We have had a bunch of visitors, including my parents, Alec's Mom, Auntie Jill and Uncle Brian, the Lombardos and the Olson's and Auntie Charlotte. He is such a lucky boy to have so many people love him so much already! He has been so spoiled too, so many cute new outfits, and they are all BLUE! And, it so so helpful to have so many people helping us out, I cant remember the last time I cooked.

As for me, I am healing well, every day it gets a little easier. I was so fortunate to have such an easy delivery, that its hard to complain with the post-delivery pains and soreness, but every day I feel more like myself. I think Alec realized how it feels to be in the caretakers shoes, and it is much easier being the patient, I swear. Like I mentioned, he has been unbelievable, I actually feel quite spoiled. But, lets be honest, I deserve it after all!


My weak attempt to have Chase wave the American flag for Memorial Day!

And more importantly...Millie. She is adjusting. She kind of looks at Chase like "Oh goodness, I knew this was coming, Mom, Dad, how could you bring one of those home?" Then looks at me with those sad puppy eyes and says "Mom, are things ever going to be like they were?" Yes Millie. I promise. Once we get on a schedule I will take you and Chase for long walks again. Not that she has it so bad, Alec has been walking her and giving her plenty of attention, but she is defiantly a little mad at me. And, she sure is smart, when Chase has a rough patch through the night she practically runs out of the room and downstairs. You certainly cant blame her!

So neglected...(she has been to the beach for a walk every day)

It really is amazing how much you can love someone, and that love grows every minute. So many people tried to tell us, but you really do have to experience it to know what they are talking about.

I added some pictures, I think I have about 500 more, but they take so long to download, I am going to try to add the link to the blog from Kodak to share.




Chase's first bath.


Snuggling with Gramma


Hanging out with Mommy on the deck. (Mosquito net was a lifesavor! I wanted to wear one.)


Taking a nap


Chillin with Auntie Cha.

And that's all for now! We will see when I will get another hour to update the blog, I don't think its going to happen any time soon.

We have never been more happy and more in love!

Thank you all for the continued love and prayers, we are so, so blessed.

Heather, Alec, Chase and Millie

Our Little Miracle

We are so lucky to have been blessed with such a beautiful and healthy baby boy. Chase is French for 'hunter' and I hope someday he has better luck hunting than I do! Thank you all for your prayers and support over the past year. You are all so wonderful and we are so lucky to have you all in our lives. Here are a few pics of this handsome little guy, formerly known as Bam. Heather is recovering well and doing a great job as a new mom. I couldn't dream of having a more wonderful wife and mother to our son. And I have to admit she is much tougher than me! Thank you all again and God Bless!

-Alec

Chase Alexander

We welcomed little Chase into the world today! He came at 12:54pm weighing in at 7lbs 8 oz with a full head of hair and looks EXACTLY like his Daddy.

Alec and I are head over heels, who knew you could love someone so much!?

Everything went wonderfully and I had such an amazing delivery, neither of us can believe he is here and he is ours.

Bob and Tina also had their baby today, Kelsey Mae, who weighed in at 9lbs 14oz, little tiny Tina had almost a 10 pounder. No one can believe we had them on the same day! So crazy!

I am going to post pictures and more details tomorrow, I am so tired. Alec is just in awe, its the cutest thing. I love watching him with his son!

Love to all and thank you for the prayers. Today was truly one of the best days of our lives and we are beyond blessed.

Love,

Heather, Alec, Chase & Millie

Chase Alexander

We welcomed little Chase into the world today! He came at 12:54pm weighing in at 7lbs 8 oz with a full head of hair and looks EXACTLY like his Daddy.

Alec and I are head over heels, who knew you could love someone so much!?

Everything went wonderfully and I had such an amazing delivery, neither of us can believe he is here and he is ours.

Bob and Tina also had their baby today, Kelsey Mae, who weighed in at 9lbs 14oz, little tiny Tina had almost a 10 pounder. No one can believe we had them on the same day! So crazy!

I am going to post pictures and more details tomorrow, I am so tired. Alec is just in awe, its the cutest thing. I love watching him with his son!

Love to all and thank you for the prayers. Today was truly one of the best days of our lives and we are beyond blessed.

Love,

Heather, Alec, Chase & Millie

Due Date & Cupcakes!

Today is my due date and we have nothing to report. I have tried a few things, but nothing has worked as of now. I am open to suggestions.

Jill sent me a link about a bakery in Virginia that makes lemon cupcakes,

Here is the story...

(WJBK) - You may have heard about inducing labor with spicy foods and sex. But some women in Virginia are claiming cupcakes can also do the trick.

Cappellino’s Crazy Cakes in Charlottesville, Virgina makes a Lemon Drop Cupcake that mothers have sworn when eaten, will put you into labor. So far, a total of 19 overdue pregnant women have eaten this cupcake and have gone into labor.

Lori Lawson was several days past her due date, she then decided to treat herself to a Lemon Drop cupcake from Cappellino's Crazy Cakes and within the hour she began to have contractions.

The bake shop owner says the Lemon Drop is one of their best-sellers. She makes a fresh batch every day just in case an overdue mother to be walks in looking for some help.

Jill tried to have them shipped up here, but they don't ship. So I took matters into my own hands and baked them myself! I am waiting for Alec to come home before I indulge, just in case they work fast! But they look and smell delish...especially the frosting! I can't wait.


Yummy...lets see if they work!

We promise to keep everyone posted! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, we are so excited and have so much to be grateful for!

Love,

Heather, Alec, Millie & Bam!

Patiently Waiting

I have learned over the last year and a half that patience is not one of my virtues. In fact, my Mom told me once that I was the most impatient person she knew...ME!?? I never. But to be perfectly honest, while I am very excited to meet Bam and find out if its a boy or girl, I feel at peace with things, and when he or she is ready, I will be too. This type of waiting is a million times easier than waiting on say...scan results. Maybe I have learned to manage my patience after all. And like I said at church yesterday, if the baby is anything like its parents...it will be late!

Last week in Providence flew by, and was a lot of fun. It was great to see all of my co-workers, whom I only get to see a few times a year. As long as I could keep my cankles elevated and did not stay out too late, I was in good shape. We ate lots of delicious meals and enjoyed Providence, the city has come along way since our college clubbin days!


My team, and Liz, my BFF from Salve is the newest member! So happy to see her all week! Who would have thought we would be working together and talking about cervix's, HPV and pre term-labor for a living?!

I know Alec and Millie missed me, and poor Alec admitted he did not separate from his phone for even a second, fearing that I would call him screaming my water broke or something. All and all it was a great distraction and I am really glad I went!

We had a very low key weekend, I was so tired and the rainy weather doesn't help. We went for a few walks during the breaks from the rain. And went to church and out to eat Sunday night, every thing we do I mention how "this could be the last time as just the 3 of us" (of course I include Millie as the third). I think Alec is onto me, he knows I am just saying it to get us out to eat, or out for an ice cream...one last time.

The countdown is on...and bets too. Will Tina and Bob be first? Or will it be little Bam? Is it going to be a girl...or a boy!? We are so happy for Meg and Mike who had a little boy named Luke last week. Meg said it was the best surprise ever and there is no feeling like it. We can't wait!

My next entry will hopefully be about the best day of our lives!

We promise to keep everyone posted and as soon as there is any news, we will let you all know! Alec has chemo tomorrow, and I have an OB appointment, we wouldn't mind if tomorrow was the day (especially with the rainy weather, why not be in the hospital for a few days!)

Thank you for all the prayers! We feel so blessed and can not wait to meet little baby!

Love,

Heather, Alec Millie & Bam

To All the Baby Mommas

Happy Mothers Day!!!



We hope all you Moms, Grandmas, and Aunts had a wonderful Mothers Day!

I was wishing that things would move quickly, and I would be a mother by today, but it looks like we are going to have to wait. Apparently, I am close enough, to qualify, Alec bought me a nice, comfy, new robe (with pockets full of chocolates!). My Mom got me some new shoes and from Jill new PJ's, I could get used to this day! Alec's Mom gave us a few more adorable outfits for the baby, so precious!

Now that the days are warmer and longer, it seems like our weekends go by so much faster, how is that possible? My parents came up Saturday night, followed by Alec's Mom and sister Sunday morning and then Jill and Brian in the afternoon. We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and Alec cooked us a delicious lobster and steamer dinner. First lobsters of the season were awesome, so stuffed with meat we had a hard time cracking them open.



Jill brought Maker up for the day. Millie, Finn and Maker have so much fun together, it makes for a much more lively party with 3 dogs. As we were sitting around after dinner, Brian picked up a sweet potato and commented how it kind of resembled Maker. We all totally agreed, sorry Makes, but you look like a potato...





Alec is feeling much better since chemo last week, just a few days of feeling yucky and he is back to himself. Something we can totally deal with if it means keeping the cancer at bay. I think I must be close to delivery time because I have even more energy and cant stop cleaning, I suppose that is the "nesting" phase we are said to go through.

I am taking off to Providence Tuesday for our quarterly Hologic POA (Plan Of Action) meeting. I can tell you what my POA is: to have a baby and take 3 months of summer OFF! I figure I do have an excuse to stay home, but why cut into my vacation or maternity time if I am just going to be sitting around a conference room all day? Alec will certainly be on stand by, and if I need a ride to MGH I have Liz, Deb or Lisa who have all volunteered. I am in good hands as always.

We all went to church this morning, and as always it was a beautiful service. What touched me the most is when one member read this poem...


A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

-Author Unknown


With all the babies born in the past few months, and those still to come, I had to share it. I hope all the Moms out there had a wonderful weekend. I am sure there is nothing quite like it and I can not wait!

We are keeping Meg and Mike in our prayers, they are going in for a c-section tomorrow morning! We cant wait to hear what they have, so exciting! Good luck you two!

I am so thankful to my Mom, I would be lost without her. I know when I suffer, she suffers more and when I am happy, she is even happier. I saw this quote and thought of her, especially pertaining to all we have been through...

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

-Washington Irving

Love you Mom!

Thank you for all the prayers and support. We are so very blessed in so many ways.

Love,

Heather, Alec, Millie and Bam!

It's Cinco de Moo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

5 years ago tonight Alec and I were hanging out for the first time, drinking margaritas at Tia's. Wow have things changed...I am laying on the couch with my legs elevated to try to relieve my swollen cankles watching America Idol and Alec is wanting to go to bed. We are so in our 30's.

I did, however, make it out to the bar last night with the girls after an engagement dinner party for Amy. Have you ever seen a 9 month preggo lady at a bar!? There is something so not right about that!

We are counting down, 2 weeks from today is the due date! I am so excited and so ready. These last few weeks are the most uncomfortable, I waddle around and look and feel like I have been stung by bees I am so puffy. Its hard to complain when Alec had chemo this week, (and never complains) between the two of us we are trying to take care of each other but neither of us feel like doing much.

Last weekend finally felt like the beginning of summer. We had a house full of friends, a campfire, toasted marshmallows, played a little bean bag and Adam made delicious steamers. Nothing feels more like summer than s'mores and steamers! Sofia came up for her first Maine visit, I think it was a success! I bet she cant wait to eat s'mores too.

The Ruggieri's


Alec and I totally blame Mel and Adam for our lame nick names for each other...a few years ago they used to call each other "Shmoopie", and we all would tease them about it. Then Alec and I started to call each other "Shmoopie". Then it was shortened to "Shmoo", and now its even worse, its Moo. Yes, Alec and I call each other Moo. So endearing. I am Moo, Alec is Moo and Millie is "Midgie Moo". We are just a bunch of Moos. In the meantime, Mel and Adam changed their names to "Dear". So the Moo's and the Dear's hung out with the Ruggieri's. OK, now I am laughing out loud, because Alec, who doesn't know what I am writing, just said "Moo, do we have any cheese?" Oh brother, I just hope we don't call poor Bam Moo too.
The Dears


Sofia the Flying Nun!


Can you say Puffy? I actually got stuck in a door last night at the restaurant. So embarrassing!

The guys...probably the last time we will see them during the daylight on a weekend, fishing season starts very soon.

We are looking forward to another sunny weekend and celebrating Mothers Day. (Do I qualify and get a gift yet?) We are very thankful for our Moms, what would we do without them!?

We hope you all you Moms out there (new and old) have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Mothers Day!

Thank you for all the support and prayers. Alec and I are so blessed and have such an incredible summer to look forward to!

God Bless!!

The Moos.