Random Post

Today is Ashley's first day back to work since we have become a family of four. I decided to wake up with him and enjoy some good conversation over a bowl of cereal and a much needed cup of coffee. As he ventured back into the land of workers, I began my day with only one awake child (Ashton) and started laundry (an everyday task since the little one arrived... who would've thought such a tiny babe could generate so much laundry?!?). I then nursed the little guy and now He and Caitlyn are sleeping...

leaving me a little bit of time to blog!

Here are a few random shots from the last week.

Caitlyn enjoys hugging and kissing her little brother. She does this thing where she'll sit down by us... clap her hands two or three times and then reach out for him so that she can hold him... it's so adorable!

Here's super Dad with the kiddos! I love how perfect they all look!
We walked to the park a couple times when the weather permitted. Cocia Hana met us there and taught Caitlyn how to pick flowers (and weeds) and put them in their hair! Aunt Scarlet and Grandma met us also at the park but I didn't capture any pictures of them.

Here we are... this is one of the times Caitlyn did her hand clapping thing. She gets so serious when holding him... we are trying to teach her to support his head. Whenever I say, "hold his head too" she rubs him gently ontop of his head... too cute!Here she is 'supporting his head'.

This is what nap time looks like with two children...

I'm in heaven!

Ashton's Story

Ashton made his appearance rather quickly into this world on April 16th at 1218am. I'd say it all began about a month prior when I informed my good friend from work that her and her husband would be going out to dinner with Ash and I on April 15th. She thought it a little weird at first to be planning a dinner date so far in advance but when I reminded her that we went out to dinner the night before Caitlyn arrived she totally understood my motive. So April 15th arrived and after my doctor's appointment (where the MD told me that she would be staying the night at the hospital cause she knew I'd be coming in) I called Ashley joking with him about how he better get home quickly because we were going to have a baby boy soon. He rushed home at 5 and asked if I was in labor?!? I told him, "YES!" Since the appointment I had been having contractions every 2-3 minutes apart but they were not super painful. We got ready for dinner and Ash kept asking if we were going to make it through dinner cause he could see that the contractions were now starting to take my breath away. I told him no matter what we are going to dinner with our lucky charm friends so that... for sure... no matter what I would deliver soon (something about this pregnancy had me real superstitious). At 6:30pm we enjoyed dinner at Tokyos Steakhouse (the same place we ate the night before Caitlyn arrived). We drove home, walked in the fresh air around our neighborhood, and watched one of our favorite shows all while texting my friends to determine when I should start heading to the hospital. They were all surprised I wasn't there already. At 11:15pm we headed to the hospital, where my lovely friend Nadia checked us in through the Emergency Room (Thanks Nadia... I love you!). We got to the room a little after 11:30pm and I was 8cm... they called the doctor who came up right away and she checked me and I was 10 cm and fully effaced... she then broke my water and I pushed about 5 times and little baby Ashton's head was out... I remember this part because I looked at Ashley in the eyes and screamed, "I can't do it anymore, ASHLEY... IT HURTS!" Everyone got a chuckle out of that and told me just one more push... So I gave it one last push and he quickly went from inside my belly to on top of it.

Oh... I was so so so happy!

It is amazing to think that things went almost exactly like my delivery with Caitlyn.

Enjoy the pictures!

Us taking time to enjoy the new addition to our family,

Ashton James Douglas!

My mom offered to keep Caitlyn for the evening since I hadn't been sleeping real well. It worked out perfectly because we didn't have to decide where she was going to stay when we were in the hospital. When she visited us, she loved to pat Ashton on the head and shoulders and tickle his feet. She even helped me hand him to my mom when it was her turn to hold him... so helpful!

... and here we are... the happy & healthy, Riggs Family!

Welcome!

Welcome Ashton James Douglas Riggs!

Born April 16th @ 1218 am.

6 pounds, 14 ounces, & 18.5 inches long.

He came super fast, is super sweet, and is an amazing breastfeeder!

Thank You, God!

I'll post more pictures later!

Pregnancy Latest

My little baby boy has made it to

FULL TERM!

I just had an appointment today and I am measuring at 4cm and 75% effaced! I wonder when this little one will decide to venture out into the world?!?

Stay tuned!

Easter & Another Happy Couple

Easter this year was again hosted by... ME! We began the day by attending church where we enjoyed watching my Mom perform in the Bell Choir. Afterwards everyone (and by everyone... I mean 30 of my closest family and friends) gathered at my house for an Easter egg hunt (in the rain) and dinner.Here are the girls (Myranda, Kassidy, and Caitlyn) preparing to hunt. ... more hunting Dad helping Caitlyn hunt Caitlyn enjoying her eggs filled with sugary treats and what's this?!? More sugary treats?!?

Here they are coming down off their sugar high.Cousin Brian and his beautiful girls.
and that's how I do it... 37 weeks pregnant... Easter for 30!*********************************************************

Easter Eve, we attended our friends, T and Blair's wedding reception! We danced and partied the night away with the happy couple. Congratulations!

Of course a picture collage of the wild night of dancing that

did NOT put me into labor :(

Shower Pics & an Update

Thanks to my wonderfull BFF and sisters, I was able to enjoy my Saturday relaxing just down the street with family and friends. I absolutely loved all the little kiddos there (thanks Avery, Norah, Nolan, and Caitlyn for all your help with my gift opening... and Jackson for being so lovable and cuddly). Baby Boy Riggs was spoiled with gifts as was Caitlyn... Thank you everyone!
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I'm 36 weeks now!!! From conception to February 18th, it seemed as though this was the world's fastest and most uneventfull pregnancy. Then came February 18th, 19th, and 20th (all the days I was in the hospital trying to stop preterm labor)... since arriving home from the hospital, time has slowed to snail speed. I have counted each day as a blessing for my little boy to continue to develop inside me, but I am growing very anxious to meet him. Last week I was taken off the tocolytic (medicine to prevent labor I was taking every 4 hours) and this coming week, I get to return to work as a regular Registered Nurse that gets to care for patients instead of being forced to sit at a desk making phone calls and doing paperwork. My doctor is letting my body and baby boy do what they want to do now... and boy oh boy is it making me excited and anxious as each day passes! We have had our bags minimally packed and in the truck since the day after we got home from the preterm hospital scare... Since my showers, the bags have probably become overpacked now with everything all in precious baby boy blue. We're ready to meet our son so continue to check in for any exciting updates!

Fun Run

Yesterday was mine and Nadia's 6th year participating in the YMCA's Run for Kids. It was Caitlyn's 3rd year in it (her 1st year was in my belly), and it was her 1st time completing the diaper dash! Ashley pushed Caitlyn in the 5K race in our jogging stroller with a flat tire and Nadia and I walked very slowly in fear that a faster pace might put me into labor.

After the race, Tiffany and my sisters threw me and baby boy a wonderfully fun baby shower. My camera's battery was dead so Hana took some pictures for me... and I am having a hard time getting them off of her camera. Enjoy these run pictures until I figure out my sister's camera!

The Happy Couple

We had an amazing time at Tobi and Christian's wedding. I was a little worried that the electric slide and the cupid shuffle might put me back into labor... but here I am 5 days later typing this post with only one baby sleeping in her crib and one resting and growing peacefully in my belly! My family had been looking forward to this wedding for a couple of years and I know they were extremely sad to miss it. Enjoy the pics!
We wish you both a lifetime of good health and happiness!

We were so happy to be able to share in your special day!

Dziadzia Rychlinski

We love and miss you, Dziadzia!

I wish so much that I could be with everyone in Pennsylvania, please know that everyone is in my thoughts and prayers.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Chester Francis Rychlinski, 81, of Lower Burrell, died Thursday, March 26, 2009, in his home. He was the beloved husband of 59 1/2 years of Eleanor I. Sobiewicz Rychlinski; loving father of Charlene R. (Paul) Mahu, of Lower Burrell, John C. (Tarrie) Rychlinski, of Tacoma, Wash., Michele M. (Alan) Jacobs, of Upper Burrell, Pola Rychlinski and Sonya (Edward) Swiech, of Lower Burrell, and Rozlyn (Gregory) Franklin, of Danville, Calif.; cherished grandfather of Erin Riggs, Jon, Ksavera and Hana Rychlinski, Scott, Kevin and Brian Ferguson, Edward and Heather Swiech and Kane and Gabriella Franklin; six great-grandchildren; and brother of Elizabeth Kelman, of Natrona Heights, and the late Stanley, Bernard and Sylvester Rychlinski. Chester was born March 10, 1928, in Natrona, to the late John Rychlinski and Ksavera Tokarski Rychlinski Przystup and was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Walter Przystup. He resided in Natrona until moving to Lower Burrell in 1954. A glassworker, he was employed by PPG Industries in Creighton for 45 years and served as president of Glassworkers Union Local 12, Creighton. He was a proud Army veteran, having served in World War II and the Korean War. A life long member of St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, Lower Burrell, he also was a life member of the VFW in Lower Burrell and the American Legion Post 48, Natrona, and Post 868 in Lower Burrell. He was a former member of the Elks, Eagles and the Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3. First and foremost, he enjoyed his family and family entertainment, bowling, dancing, singing, and gardening. He was an avid sports fan and was especially proud of his Polish heritage. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road at Alder Street. Christian funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday in St. Margaret Mary Church, Lower Burrell. Burial with military honors by the Vandergrift Honor Guard will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. The family suggests memorials in care of St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, Lower Burrell. www.RusiewiczFH.com.

Lost Lake

Perfect weekend for a quick getaway. Ash, Caitlyn, and I ventured down to Lost Lake after work on Friday and stayed in one of their model cabin homes. Besides not getting much sleep we had a great time! Caitlyn enjoyed the swings and big toys, she loved the game room, and the foggy lake. She attempted to sleep for the first time ever in her very own sleeping bag, but didn't quite make it through the night... she instead enjoyed sleeping horizontally between mom and dad in their big sleeping bag!

Work & My Pineapple

Friday, I was allowed to return to work with light duties...which means no lifting or running around too much (difficult to not do as a nurse). I talked to a lot of patients, started many IVs, did a lot of paperwork and other really boring things... but it felt so good to be back! At the end of the day, I was a little out of breath and my feet were sore and I was ready to simply relax with my family...and we did just that (after I scrubbed my entire house from top to bottom). What a great weekend and I will return to work tommorrow for the beginning of another work week...

Caitlyn's expression when I told her I would be returning to work

Also, today marks my 33rd week of pregnancy!!! According to babycenter.com, my little one should be about the size of a pineapple right now (4 pounds & 17 inches). I am so happy we've made it this far! A special thanks to my Mom and Vicki and all my family and friends for helping out so much with Caitlyn while I was on bed rest!

Big Girl Potty!!!

Oh yes... this morning, Caitlyn removed her sleeper and pointed to her onsie for me to take it off. I did and she then pointed to her diaper so I removed that too. She then walked into the bathroom and sat on her tiny toilet. She stood up a few times to look inside it and then sat back down. I asked her (after about a minute or so) if she was all finished, she said no and that's when I heard the music to a mother's ear... tinkle in the toilet. I screamed, "Caitlyn, you went potty in the toilet!" I then jumped around and clapped and hugged her... I must have scared her cause she then grabbed onto my leg and began to cry. I sat on the bathroom floor with her until she was calm and told her how proud I was of her. After she calmed down we both walked, hand in hand, to the candy drawer where she received her reward... a dum dum. She finished her treat and then went down for her nap. While she was napping, I said to my mom about ten times... I hope I didn't scare her or traumatize her because I got so excited. I wonder if she'll do it again soon?!? Three and a half hours later she awoke from her nap and told DziaDzia (who was over visiting) the same thing she told me this morning... so we got her ready and she walked into the bathroom and went POOP in the tiny toilet! I was equally excited as before (I even snapped a shot of the #2 and texted it to Ashley at work...I was really really proud!). Then when Ashley came home from work we ate dinner together and when Caitlyn was finished I heard her let out a tiny toot. I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom and sure enough... she did another POOP in the toilet... Yes...everyone you have read this post correctly... Caitlyn's first day ever using the tiny toilet and she did 1 #1 and 2 #2s! I am so so so proud of her. She received 3 dum dums today and this is a pic of a proud little BIG Girl with blue lips from her cotton candy flavored treat!

Trip to the Park

What an amazing day! After it hailed and snowed a little, we bundled up and walked to the park. Caitlyn loves the swing, she laughed harder the higher she got. She climbed all over the big toy and when it was time to head on home, despite the fact that her lips and hands were turning purple from the cold, she threw a fit. She absolutely did not want to head home... and who'd blame her... it was her 1st time being able to play with her mom outside in two weeks.

*I totally just deleted a whole paragraph of me venting about how I miss being able to pick Caitlyn up and being her mom again... so just know that it tears my heart in pieces not being able to hold and cuddle with my little girl!

A Little Freedom

Today, I had yet another doctor's appointment. This time she said that I am allowed a little more freedom. No more resting in bed, but I'm not allowed to lift anything (especially Caitlyn-which still breaks my heart), no heavy house work, and still no work. She also told me to 'push it' a little this week. She must have read my mind and seen my face light up cause she quickly stated that I am still on pelvic rest :( She also said that depending on how this next week goes...I might be able to return to work work with light duty...we'll see. As for this past 15 days I have been doing a whole lot of NOTHING! I know that I'd said I would try to post from bed... but really nothing is exciting enough to post about. I usually wake up and my mom is already here and taking care of Caitlyn then she takes care of both us until Ash gets home and then takes care of everything... BORING! I did manage to take these 3 photos from the couch and the other 4 from outside... Here's Caitlyn helping clean the kitchen floors with the dust buster while my mom was sweeping. She's such a good little helper. So serious though! Here she is with her totally innocent face trying to steal my starbursts that Ashley bought especially for my bed rest... sneaky! Here she is probably wondering if I can tell that not only did she sneak into my starbursts... she put the entire thing in her mouth... little chipmunk. Speaking of chipmunks... Caitlyn knows the sign for chipmunk now... it's super cute (actually it's for squirrel... same thing, right?!?)
Yesterday, it was sunny and in the high 50's right before it started pouring buckets and thundering... we took advantage of the warm weather by playing with sidewalk chalk. My mom set me up in our lawn furniture out in our front yard while she drew such pretty pictures with Caitlyn. Those two are quite the artists!

Caitlyn ran around our entire turn-around looking for places to draw... It was a blast to watch... she concentrated so hard.
Here she is taking a break from all the drawing... her tiny tush slid right through the seat and she lost a shoe.

Babcia helped her find the shoe and then Caitlyn thought it'd be interesting to taste the chalk... mmm!

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That's it for my exciting bed rest. Also, I somehow managed to catch a terrible cold! Seriously... I have no idea how, I really haven't gone anywhere to even come in contact with any germs. Oh well, I can't wait to get better in order to better enjoy my new found freedom!

Anniversary

10 years and a day!!! Or what normal people would celebrate as their 3rd wedding anniversary. We had plans to head to Oregon to celebrate but they were cancelled with my recent status. So, yesterday, I made Ash a homemade card and today I ordered in and Tiffany and her little ones swung by and helped set up our coffee table with our wedding china, crystal, and candles. We enjoyed a lovely dinner and tonight after this post... I might even consider holding his hand. I never in a million years would have imagined Ash and I celebrating any of our anniversaries while one of us is on short term disability... just typing that makes me totally bummed. Oh well... in sickness and health! Top 3 Reasons I Love My Hubby of 3 Years

• He still loves me even when I'm on bed rest and I haven't showered
  
• He waits on me hand and and foot
  
• He takes such good care of Caitlyn and our home and of me when I'm just laying in bed

I love you, dear! Thanks for an amazing 3 years (or 3651 days). I still look forward to forever with you!

Special thanks to Tiffany and my mom for helping me set everything up!