Last Day As A Stay At Home Mom..... NOOOOOO!

Well, it's time to go back to the real world. I can't believe I've spent 8 weeks doing almost nothing. If you don't include holding my newborn baby for several hours at a time, feeding him every three hours, changing a dozen diapers a day, changing his clothes at least 3 times a day, and thanking God a MILLION times day. I can't believe how fortunate I am to have been able to spend this time with my last born. I will miss him terribly on Monday, but I know each day will be easier.

Baby Tripp has been such a good boy these last 8 weeks. He only wakes up once during the night, and he goes straight back to bed after eating. The first few weeks were tough with the sleep, but he now knows the difference between day and night. He's been smiling since he was 1 month old. I'm pretty sure he's going to start laughing soon.... and the first laugh better not happen at daycare, or I'm pretty sure I'll end up quitting my job. I'm think he's a nudist since he starts to get a big grin when he realizes I'm taking his clothes off. Once I get the diaper off, his legs kick like crazy and he gets really happy. Pretty sure it'll be tough keeping clothes on him just like it is Logan. Must be a boy thing. He's a very happy baby, loves to talk, and coo and smile at everyone in the family. Sure is gonna suck going 8-9 hours without seeing that smile.

Being home with Tripp meant that I got to be home with Logan too. While I had high hopes that we would do a lot of bonding activities, that's not quite what happened. One thing is certain about having a new baby.... things never go the way you plan. Mostly he sat next to me playing games or watching cartoons. Not exactly ideal, but definitely easy. Logan has enjoyed being with his brother all day, and he's actually looking forward to going back to daycare. He said he get's to help Jodie (daycare lady) with his baby brother. He's been such a good big brother and loves Tripp so much. He always puts his toys on Tripp or shows him the movie he's watching so that Tripp can watch it too. He kisses him all the time and once even licked his cheek saying "He's so cute I just couldn't help myself".

Lexus has really enjoyed Tripp as well. She doesn't get to stay home with us obviously, but as soon as she walks in the door she has to hold him and shower him with kisses. If she's gone for more than a day then she starts to miss him like crazy. She has always been such a good sister. Poor thing has all these little brothers and she's nothing but grateful to have them. She unfortunately takes the back burner sometimes because of the boys needing so much more attention, but she's understanding and patient. Not bad for someone who just turned 13. The day before I had Tripp she was inducted into the National Jr. Honor Society. We didn't even get to celebrate her awesomeness. I guess I owe her one.

Anyway, come Monday, I should be a blubbering mess. I've been very blessed with my 3 babies. This is the end of my last maternity to leave. Time to move on with our lives together as a completed family and I look forward to the adventures.

The baby is here!!

Okay, so the last time I blogged I was 15 weeks pregnant.... well that was nearly 30 weeks ago! A lot has happened since then. Here's the short story.... I did found out the gender.. IT'S A BOY! We were so excited to be having another boy. Names are hard for boys though. We went through quite the list, all my suggestions of course, and Nate didn't like any of them. Hudson and Easton were my favorites. Then I came across the name Tripp, when I mentioned it to Nate he actually said he liked it, and it means "the third". So we stuck that at the top of our list for a while. Pregnancy was a bit rough. I was so tired for the entire first trimester, felt better for the second trimester and was MISERABLE for the last trimester. I attribute that to being old (35). The last month was really hard. I felt like I could feel every ounce of this kid on my pelvis. At 33 weeks I lost my docter, rumor has it that he was fired, and was forced to find a new one. I found a great doctor who took me in and was on the final stretch. Well February 19th came and went with no baby. I couldn't believe he was late. I really thought he'd be a few days early. My new doctor wouldn't allow me to go over 41 weeks so she scheduled me to be induced on February 25th. I was so disappointed because I really wanted this baby to pick his own birthday. I hated the idea of forcing him out. In a day of birth plans and elective c-sections, I only wanted two things, to go into labor on my own and deliver him vaginally. I didn't feel like that was asking for much, but I came to terms with the forceful eviction and looked forward to the 25th. I kept working, if I didn't I would have went crazy. I finally decided I would start my maternity leave on Friday the 24th. This would give me one day to spend with Logan. We had big plans for the day... okay mostly it was just lunch where ever he chose and hanging out at home. Well at 2:30 in the morning on the 24th I started having contractions. For a few hours I didn't think much about them because I had contractions every single night for hours, but they were never close enough or never lasted long enough. By 4 am though, I realized these were different. They were much closer together and lasted longer. So I woke up Nate and said "it's go time". We called my sister to come and watch the kids and headed for the hospital. When I got checked in and hooked up the nurse checked me and I was dilated to 2 cm and 80% effaced, which was progress. For an entire month I was at 1 cm and 70%. I walked around for a while and by 7:30 am, when my doctor arrived, I was at 3 cm and she gave me the final word, it was go time. By the time I got into a room I was at 4 cm. Well then I stalled. I stayed at 4 cm for several hours. My doctor finally came in and said it was time to start Pitocin. I hate this stuff but I agreed. Once it was going I got moving again. At 4:00 I was at 9 cm... FINALLY! Well that's when it all stopped. For 3 hours I stayed at 9 cm. And to make matters worse, this baby moved back up. And even worse than that, he started showing signs of stress. His heartrate was all over the place. They had to turn the Pitocin off to get his heart to stabilize and we had to depend on my contractions to get me to 10 cm. That wasn't happening so they started talking c-section, again, not what I had planned on. They gave me one more chance with a very low dose of Pitocin but before we could find out if it was going to work, they took my temp and I now had a fever. Game over, according to my doctor, this baby needed to be born. Luckily they had already prepped me for a c-section a half hour before and this also gave me time to come to terms with it as much as one can on short notice. We headed back into the OR and got it started. I was initially okay with it but as I waited and felt all the weird pressure I started to get very nervous. I knew that even though I was on a very stong dose of meds, they were beating me up trying to get the baby out. You can feel them pushing your body around, it's pretty scary. I started having a panic attack thinking I was going to feel pain. The doctor finally gave me something to "calm" me, and at about that same moment my baby boy was born at 7:44 pm after about 17 hours of labor and a c-section. I heard his cry and at that moment I was the happiest person in the world. Shortly after that the drugs kicked in, and I remember very little after that. Apparently I wouldn't let Nate leave me to go be with the baby, I feel selfish about that. But they weren't gone with him long, they brought him over to Nate after getting their APGAR score, wrapping him up, and weighing him. Nate and our baby boy stayed with me while they put me back together. Then I went off to recovery while they went to the nursery for his bath and such. I don't remember any of this. I do remember "waking up" in recovery and hearing the nurses say they wished they had more patients like me because apparently I had a lot of funny stuff to say while in the OR under the influence. Nate and the baby finally came in, as did my mom and Lexus. Lexus was there when they took me back for the c-section and was really upset by it, so I know she was glad to see me in recovery. It was in recovery that I really got to see what my baby looked like and he was gorgeous!!! He was 9lbs 6oz and 22" long and as it turns out, this is why things went they way they did. He was just too big. I didn't get to really hold him until the next morning when I could sit up, and at that very moment I knew that everything I had gone through the day before was worth it. We finally announced our baby's name to our families and friends, his name is Tripp William. William after my dad, one of the best men I have ever known. I've been home with baby Tripp, working on recovering and building a great relationship with this beautiful baby boy. Hopefully more to come soon.

Newest Morse

I recently changed the name of my blog from "3 Morses and a Hernandez" to "4 Morses and a Hernandez" and it's easy to see why. We are expecting a new little family member on or about February 19th 2012. Nate and I always knew we'd have one more and we're very excited that it's finally happening. No word yet one what the gender is, I'm a mere 15 weeks and 2 days, so maybe soon. I had considered not finding out, however, I don't think there is anyway possible for me to wait an entire 9 months for anything, especially the gender of my baby. I'm way too impatient. Nate on the other hand said he would wait if I wanted to do so. He said it like it would be a piece of cake... whatever. Neither one of us has a preference but the kids sure do. Lexus has wanted a little sister for years. Logan surprised me by saying he wants it to be a girl too. He said we could name her Jake. I told him I thought that was a great name, but I didn't mention to him that it's probably not the best name for girl. It wasn't long ago that he was telling us that his new name was Jake and that we had to call him that... so I guess that's where he got the name from. He has since changed it to Kate. If we end up with a boy I'm sure he'll be real happy to read this blog post in 15 years. I just hope for a happy, healthy baby.... that's what is truly important.

First Day Of Jr. High!

Well, it had to happen. Eventually she was going to have to go. And I was going to have to let her go. That sad day was today. Lexus finally started jr. high. And while she was thrilled with it, I wasn't. I have been dreading this for weeks.... no, months... even years! I never wanted her to go. I have this idea that jr. high kids are mean and some of them teach other kids things they shouldn't. But even worse than that.... watching her walk into that jr. high made me realize.... my baby girl is growing up... and it's not fair. It really seems like only yesterday when she was making silly faces and noises. Or that she found comfort in her mama's arms. That she walked and talked for the first time. I remember the first time she got an "owie"... I cried with her. She was always a mama's girl... and still is. I just can't believe she's old enough to have 7 classes a day. I remember doing a lot of growing up on jr. high and I imagine she'll do the same. At least she allowed me to take her to school. As she walked away from the car I watched her walk away, without crying. It was until I left the parking lot and saw all the cheerleaders at the front door welcoming the students that it really hit me. I cried like a baby, and I took one look at that school and said "you be good to her".... and I meant it! Now for the next three years I'll be riding a roller coaster with her, and I will try to enjoy every minute of it, because it won't be long till she's headed to college. And I'm pretty sure she's not going to let me drop her off at the college. But don't think I won't ask.

Those are my thoughts on her first day of school. Her thoughts are a bit different. She liked it quite a bit. She got lost going to one of her classes but she soon found her way with moments to spare. She met quite a few kids that seem pretty nice. Unfortunately she didn't find anyone to have lunch with.... but there is hope for tomorrow. And I must say.... that hurts my heart a little so I really hope tomorrow she finds someone. She loves her Spanish teacher already.... but who wouldn't with the last name Morse. I need to find out if we're related. She also tried out for the softball team today as well. She thinks she did pretty good and she is her worst critic. I guess we'll have to wait and see how good. This morning I realized she didn't have any water with her for the tryouts.... and it's a good thing I'm always thinking, because I called Nate and told him he needed to take her some water after he got off work. He gets off at 2:30 and the tryouts started at 3. When I spoke with her about it later she said "he saved my life!!!". I'm so glad I thought of the water. Overall, she said it was good day and she's looking forward to tomorrow. Only time will tell how good jr. high is to her, and if it's ever not, I'll be there to pick of the pieces and offer the comfort of my arms.

Wow....I'm not a good blogger!

So my last (and first) blog post was more than a month ago. I thought I would post more often, but apparently I suck at this blogging thing. I have to get better though, because I'm hoping to put lots of memories into my blog that me and my family can look back on in the years to come. Here's hoping!

So a few months ago, we went on an amazing vacation. We went on a 7 day cruise to Mexico, and it wasn't just Nate and I. Not only did we bring the kids, but we also had my parents, my sister and her 4 kids, who I adore.  We drove to L.A. (I hate roadtrips, but this one wasn't too bad), leaving our house at about 2 am. By the time we hit St. George it was breakfast time and the kids were waking up. We then made a stop in Calico CA just to stretch our legs and eat. We were in the Jeep and  the rest of my family were in my dads Expedition. We had walkie talkies so that we could communicate easily between vehicles. After stopping for an hour or so in Calico and visiting the little ghost town thing they have there we hit the road again. Next stop, Redondo Beach, where our hotel was.

Notice the smudge on my pictures? Apparently the lens had something on it and I didn't find out until I got home and uploaded.We spent a few days in Cali doing the tourist thing, you know, Sunset Strip, Walk of Fame, a fun celebrity homes tour, Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and Malibu.

It was alot to try and fit into 2 days, but well worth it. Then we finally headed to the Long Beach terminal to board our boat. It took forever to get on, but once we were on it was the funnest trip of my life. We spent two days sailing the Pacific before finally stopping in Cabo San Lucas.

Lexus and I, along with my mom, two nieces and my nephew, did a fun dolphin excursion where we swam with two dolphins. It was amazing! I was a bit scared at first but it was so much fun for all of us. Our driver then got us lost on the way back to the pier in Cabo. I figured that once the signs were all in Spanish and none in English, we were probably not where we should be. He finally found his way back to the highway and got us safely back. We then went to the beach to meet up with the rest of our crew. The water there is beautiful and crystal clear. Lexus got her hair braided and then it was time to head back to the boat. We spent the next day in Cabo as well, we were supposed to go to Mazatlan but they closed it due to recent violence there. We spent that next day doing a lot of shopping. The guys did a fishing excursion, which apparently sucked because they didn't catch a single thing. We boarded the boat once again and said goodbye to Cabo.

Next we headed to Puerto Vallarta. When we arrived we had to hurry to a place called Chico's dive shop. We booked an all day excursion through this dive shop, which included ATV'ing through the jungle as well as snorkeling and diving. When we arrived they took us straight over to the ATV place where we all mounted 4 wheelers and dune buggies. We got to drive these through the streets of PV which I thought was strange but fun. We then headed for the jungle. We drove past so many small villages where we really got a glimpse of the day to day life of most Mexican people. Lots of shacks and tons of trash, but beautiful none the less. We ended up at some restaurant far up in the mountain where we all had a quick drink before heading back down. My 4 wheeler broke down on the way back and I was pretty certain I was going to left there because I was in the very back of group. Luckily my nephew heard me yell for help. He went up and grabbed the guide who came back and got me going again. After that we headed back to Chico's where we loaded up on a boat. I was so ready to get in the water, we were covered head to toe in dust and dirt from the ATV's. We finally arrived at the dive site and jumped in. Nate, Lexus and I were only snorkeling. My nieces and sister were supposed to do the same but they chickened out. The boys went with my dad diving. I have to say, snorkeling was awesome, and I can't wait to do it again. We saw so much stuff, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, star fish, blow fish, and a ton of other beautifully colored fish. It was so much fun. After that it was time to head back. When we got back to the dive shop we decided to find some souvenirs before we went back to the boat. We found this great little store about a block away where we all spent a ton of money. Then our driver showed up and it was time to go back to the boat :( . We boarded the boat and said good bye to beautiful Mexico. We spent another day on the boat, where I won $150 playing bingo! It was sad to leave. We made some really great memories, especially with my other family members being there. I can't wait to take my kids on another cruise. They talk about it all the time.

Logan loved it so much he left a little of himself behind every where we went. And by that I mean, he peed on the side of the freeway in Las Vegas on the way there. Then he dropped his drawers and peed into the ocean at Venice Beach. Later that night he peed on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Then he dropped his drawers again in Cabo and once again peed into the ocean. Boys!

First Post EVER!!!

So here it is.... my first ever post on my brand spankin new blog. I feel as though this post turns on the lights to my blog.... if that even makes sense. So now that the lights are on, what's next?

First let me introduce myself. I'm Nina, aka the matriarch of this wonderful family. I'll give you a brief history of what I've created here..... yes I take full credit for this family's existence. 13 years ago I was given a wonderful surprise by my doctor. He said "congratulations, you're pregnant". When I say he gave me the surprise I don't mean literally. I guess I should say that he told me I was getting a wonderful surprise. Anyhow, on April 18th, 1999 and 3 days passed her due date, Lexus Jade Hernandez made her way into my life, weighing in at 7 lbs 13 oz and 21 inches long....and it's been a whirlwind ever since. 

When Lexus was 4 years old a Prince walked into our lives......and shortly after that I met Nate. Kidding, the Prince was obviously Nate. 6 months later I got another surprise... no not a baby... Nate wanted to marry me. Clearly, 6 months isn't enough time to get to know a person but that's just too bad... he's stuck with me now. Nate and I were married on September 10, 2005. In March of 2006, we were pregnant, and obviously in a hurry to create a family. On November 3, 2006 Logan Evan Morse was born. He was 6 days early, already reminding me of myself. He weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long.

This picture sucks.... let's try one with just the baby....

Ahh.... Much better.

So this is my little family. I love these guys, and you'll get to realize that as I blog. I'm proud of everything they do and I look forward to blogging about it. If you don't already know it, Lexus loves softball, playing the guitar and she's a spelling bee champion. Logan loves cars and.... more cars. I really can't wait to add more about these guys. I think they're incredible. So that's it.... the lights are on... this blog is open for business.