Mystic Aquarium

The weather: Perfect~ Sunny and low 80's, dry air
The location: Mystic, Connecticut @ the aquarium
The company: My favs~ Erick, Devin, Erin (my best friend and Devin's God Mother) and of course ME!


We got to see many different sea animals at the aquarium. We saw sharks, which Devin was really hoping to see, pictured above with his "Aiyah." We also saw Beluga Whales (which I am checking out below). Their tanks are outside and it was such a gorgeous day for outside viewing.
We saw penguins which were so cool. I swear they were actors. They loved to pose as if saying "Sure, you can take my picture!"
There were hands-on activities to touch manatees, crabs, and pictured here starfish. Devin surprised me and was all-about this!
Our favorite thing of the day was definitely the Sea Lion Show! We all practiced our best sea lion barks on the way to the show and then watched in awe as the sea lion showed us their talents. They are very amazing creatures~ skillful for the employment with the Navy as well as entertaining the public! Devin was very excited as showcased here...
And we were all surprised when Cocoa the nearly 1,000 pound sea lion came out right in front of us! It was great!
We also saw seals, sharks, "Nemo and Dory" and various other fish, turtles, frogs, tadpoles, seals/sea lions being rehabilitated, jelly fish, lobsters, reptiles, and so much more! Here is a final picture which I though came out kind of neat (also the largest frog I have ever seen!)

Devin-isms

~While riding on his 2 wheel bike (with training wheels) at my parents house Devin announced, "This is my motorcycle and a girl sits on the back!" (meaning behind him on the seat!)

~ At school Devin recently announced to his classmates, "My Daddy is fixing the water in the basement. He is sooooo strooong!" (While making the muscle flexing motion!)

~ "Can I watch a movie on your teapot Mommy?" (After a while I finally figured out he meant I- Pod!!!)

NO Pictures

I wanted to get Devin's 3 year pictures done on Monday. I thought it would be a nice surprise for the Grandparents/Godparents coming to his (mini) birthday party on Saturday to receive as a "Goody Prize" or what-have-you.

This is how I found him when I returned from running errands.


Apparently he was running in the house and fell face first into the leg of the kitchen chair. Daddy knew I wasn't going to be happy!!

Hopefully it heals quickly so we can get those pictures done soon!

Things Accomplished on Vacation (so far...)

*Played outside ALL day Saturday....watching Devin run from toy to toy. Loving it!

*1st Motorcycle ride of the season with my Dad!

*1st BBQ of the season at my parents house

*Went out with friends for a Going Away party. Our friend German is going to do his 3rd tour in Iraq/possibly Afghanistan (please say a quick prayer right now if you would). This was awesome! We had a fantastic time and got home SUPER late!!! We are not used to staying out late. It was worth it!

*Slept late on Sunday!

*Shopping trip/out to dinner as a family(4 hours long might I add) and for the most part Devin behaved! For not being used to shopping that long, I was impressed!

More to come on our vacation......
~park trips
~Aquarium visit
~birthday
~birthday party

Beautiful Weather

We are in the midst of some beautiful weather. FINALLY!!!! It was in the 70's yesterday so we went to play at my friend Heather's house after school. Devin and her son Pierce had so much fun running around in her backyard playing ball, looking for bugs, and so on. Heather and I enjoyed sitting and chatting and soaking up the sunshine.

Today and tomorrow it is going to be in the 80's. Devin and I are headed to my parent's house to play in the backyard with all of Devin's toys. (Erick is working today and then he will be on vacation like us!) Then Devin will be sleeping over with Grandma so Erick and I can go out with some friends.

Tomorrow I hope to do something fun outdoors. Maybe a ride to the beach? Play at the park?

Mommy and her Boy

Birth Story...3 years later

As I approach the 3 year mark of Devin's birth I though it would be an appropriate time to share my birth story. My experience was a scary one. It was not "normal" in any way. I was quite traumatized by it, and really didn't even speak of it for quite some time. Here it is now, the best I can recall.....

My son, Devin Michael, arrived Monday May 1st at 1:35 am. He weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

I went to the Elliot Hospital on Sunday afternoon with a broken water and no contractions. I had woken up Saturday morning in a puddle. I thought, hmmm either my water broke or I wet my pants. I called my mom to see what she thought (like she would know over the phone but if you know our relationship you know that I call her for everything). She said I should call the doctor and that she would come and pick me up since Erick was working 45 minutes away. My mom brought me to my doctor's appointment but the doctor said that all 3 tests indicated that my water had not broken. GREAT, I peed my pants!

I hung out with my Mom all day. We went to my Grandmother's house and out for lunch. I really couldn't do too much though because every time I stood up I began leaking again. Another call to the doctor and she said I could go to L & D if I wanted..... I decided to wait (looking back, I should have gone in Saturday!)

Sunday Erick and I were driving around (it was an absolutely gorgeous day and I was feeling fantastic!) when I felt SOAKED! We stopped at a Dunkin Donuts to dry me off and then headed home. We decided that we should go to L & D to get checked out. Once we were there the nurse said, "You are not leaving. That baby is coming." Our sweet boy was on his way!

Since I was having NO contractions, I was given cervadil tablets to help soften the cervix and get my body ready. I began having cramping/contractions in the early evening. My little guy decided that he didn't like labor very much and his heart rate began decelerating. This happened a few times and every time a team of nurses and doctors would RUSH into my room. It was impressive, but I became bed-ridden quickly (can you say bed pan? ewww). I was not allowed to even move positions without permission. This was not how I'd pictured labor....

Around 1 am I was 3cm and ready for the epidural. About 5 minutes after the epi went in, my baby's heart rate went from 160 to about 50. My room was RUSHED again. The nurses and doctor were not able to bring it back up as in the past few times. At about 1:20 it was decided I needed an emergency c-section. It all happened so quickly!

Erick was not able to come into the OR until I was prepped and they knew for sure that they would not need to sedate me. I laid there on the OR table crying, not knowing what was going to happen to my baby. I heard the doctor and her assistant looking for Devin's heartbeat one last time and, unable to find it, they gave up and began my c-section. I thought, "I am going home without my baby!" Finally Erick came in and held my hand and talked me. It was comforting to have him there but we were both scared.

Baby Devin was out by 1:35am. The cord had wrapped around his head twice with a knot in it. Every time I contracted and Devin headed down the canal, the cord had been tightening on him and causing the loss of heart rate.

He came out healthy, with a soft cry. I have never been so relieved in my life. It was so incredibly scary.

Devin did not need to go to NICU, thankfully, and I was able to start breastfeeding as soon as we went into the recovery room. I did not sleep a wink that night. I was too worked up from being scared and shocked and excited, all of the emotions that were running through me. I lay there in my hospital bed thinking and shaking and crying and listening to Erick sleep.

I called my parents as soon as I could (about 2:30 am if I remember correctly) and waited until 5:15 to call my best friend. I think we waited until about 7 am to start making the rest of the calls.

My parents were the first to come and see our new addition. I was awake for them. I was in and out of sleep for the rest of the day, as you can imagine!

I am so thankful for what God has given us. We have a healthy and happy boy. I am blessed with Devin each and every day. Thank you Lord!

Easter

We had such a fun Easter! When Devin woke up on Easter morning I went and crawled into his bed with him. He asked me, "Did the trick or treat bunny come Mommy?" LOL I thought that was so cute! He got up and the egg hunt was on. There were eggs outside his bedroom door, near his toothbrush, and all the way down the stairs. Devin had so much fun hunting for eggs. He even asked me to hide to the eggs so he could find them a second time!
After the egg hunt and opening his basket we had breakfast and a nice morning. We also read his Easter book and talked about the meaning of Easter and the love of God and Jesus in our hearts. Later we convinced Devin to take a nap before heading off to my parents for a nice Easter dinner.

At my parents' house Devin was spoiled with presents and another egg hunt. Here he is with Papa and Grandma.
Devin couldn't wait to have a piece of Grandma's pistachio cake. He had to wait for Memmere to get there though.
Once Memmere arrived (my 76 year old grandmother) Devin had her playing dinosaurs, Diego, and chase! Boy she can still keep up with him!After this great day we headed home to relax and spend some time together before it was off to bed for all. I hope everyone had as blessed an Easter as we did.

Big Boy Room

About a month ago Devin got a twin sized bed from his Abuela and Grandpa. He was outgrowing his toddler sized firetruck bed(already). So, during the past month I have been redecorating his room. New bedding, curtains, and sports wall deco now adorn his "big boy room."
Devin has ALWAYS been a great sleeper, but now he sleeps even better in his twin bed!!! We have a hard time getting him up for school in the morning. He even slept until 9:40am on Saturday! I have a feeling he will be one of those very sleepy teenagers (I don't know where he gets that from!!!) :-O

Dirt

Devin and I went grocery shopping the other day. While we were perusing the store I said to him, "Let's make some dirt tonight!" He was quite shocked at my statement. I got excited and said, "Yes, we can even put worms in it!"

Devin just looked at me. "I'm not eating worms Mommy!" he declared. So I went over to the candy isle and grabbed a bag of gummy worms. He quickly changed his mind.

Once we got home I set Devin to work crushing the cookies. He was very good at this task. (and so serious about his work!)
He also helped me mix the pudding and put the worms in to the "Dirt."
Finally it was time to try our creation. What kid wouldn't like to eat this dirt?

Opening Day

Opening Day in Red Sox Nation meant training started here in the Smith household. Time to gear up my boy for the season. I have a feeling it won't take long! We started with the outfit...a "Little Papi" shirt and Red Sox colors. Then we watched the game and taught Devin all the proper cheers. At one point Devin was so into it he told me that he was going to TEACH ME how to play baseball!!! (LOL) Okay, Dev, whatever you say! He was trying to play with a piece of fake wood and screw from his tool bench. I think we've got a little sportsman on our hands.

Fresh Air

On Sunday Erick figured some fresh air might be just what Devin and I needed, so we headed out to one of the playgrounds in Nashua.
Devin and Erick had fun playing around for about 45 minutes. Most of the time we had the place to ourselves which is always fun! I enjoyed soaking up the sun's rays and watching them play. The fresh air did feel good and the Vitamin D was refreshing!

It's been a rough season

We've got colds again....

Poor Devin has been sick all week, but really sick since Wednesday. He had a fever Wednesday through Friday. Finally he woke up today (after 13 hours of slumber) without a fever...yay! He also has a nasty runny nose, cough, and watery eyes.

I started with a sore throat at the beginning of the week. That went away and then I got SUPER congested, which is where I stand now. I hate being congested! I also just feel so run down. Blah!

I did manage to air out the house, change the bedding, and Lysol every inch of the house today. I also brought Devin outside for some fresh air since he had not been out for so long. He is used to going out to play every day!!! We just went for a light walk.

Hopefully all of that helps us!