Thomas the Tank Engine

It was almost like Christmas morning! Last night Tommy and I set up a part of the Thomas the Train set that we got from a seller on Craigslist and this morning when Steven woke up he got to see his train for the first time! He was so excited!

He immediately went over to the table and didn't stop playing with it the entire day. He even had the Big Red Barn farm animals riding on the trains by the end of the day (even though they didn't fit very well).

We blame this new obsession on two sources ... Heidi's gift of Blustrode the bath toy and Cousin Jack's DVD. This is a pretty fun obsession, though. It is so cute to hear Steven say Choo Choo!

During naptime ...

I decided to set up this blog...we have so many sites where we post pictures, videos, and news that I thought it might be nice to finally consolidate into one location. However, I am probably setting myself up for more work than I think!

Latest News:
Sara is on a dairy strike ... we think Lyla has a dairy sensitivity so I am trying to cut dairy out of my diet to see if that helps her spit up and breathing problems. I am on Day 2 and so far am holding strong. It kills me to think that there will be no more mac&cheese or ice cream for two weeks (at least)!

Lyla takes the Paci ... She has finally figured out how to suck the pacifier but unless something holds it in she keeps losing it! It is nice to have her content during the day when we are busy with Steven but I hope she doesn't get hooked like her brother. I guess we know better this time around!

Tommy plays ball ... the newest activity for Tommy this summer is old man baseball. I didn't bring my camera to the game we went to a few Saturdays ago but sometime this summer we'll get a photo. His team is full of drama ... the coach quit last weekend after he and the catcher got in a spat. I did say this was an adult league but I guess boys will be boys!

Steven full of silliness ... Our big brother is just full of silliness. He loves to play outside and if you don't watch him closely he'll take off down the street and that only ends well when you finish the trip to the park. Bubbles are a big hit and recently he has discovered the joy of Thomas the Tank Engine. Tonight Tommy is picking up a train set that we bought on Craigslist. We'll post some pictures tomorrow!

Signing off from the Clark Family!

Deanna Rose Farmstead

We went on Lyla's official first outing today! Deanna Rose Farmstead is a petting zoo and living history exhibit in Overland Park. We are trying to get out in the mornings to do new and different outings because the weather has been great and we really want to take advantage of our family time while I am on leave. This was a perfect outing because it was free (!) and Steven really loves animals right now - Lyla was just along for the ride!

While we were there we fed the goats, watched the rabbits and fed the baby goats from a milk bottle. Feeding the baby goats kind of freaked Steven out because the kept putting their front legs on him and they were about as tall as he is! We eventually gave our bottle to some little girls and Steven just watched. He liked that much better.

After we had a picnic lunch we headed over to visit Aunt Barbara and Uncle Tony. They hadn't met Lyla yet so we dropped in on them to show her off. Uncle Tony has the touch as Lyla really liked sitting in the crook of his arm!

Lyla's Birth Story

Just a warning this entry is long ...

On the day you were born ... well, the story actually starts many days earlier than April 14 because daddy had it set in his head that our baby would be born on March 27 - even though the due date was April 7. Daddy had two reason for picking that date ... first, he was anxious and second, he was avoiding a diamond birthstone! Needless to say, Daddy's date didn't happen and Mommy's prediction of April 1 was starting to look pretty good. I was having contractions all weekend but turns out they were just practice as April 1 came and went without a baby!

Our 40 week appointment was scheduled for April 6 but it got cancelled because another baby was being born. We rescheduled for April 8; you were overdue! At our appointment the midwife (Kim) checked me and I was 3cm and 75%. We were pretty excited that progress was happening but baby still wasn't ready! After our appointment I had some pretty strong contractions but they came and went without a baby.

Grandma Nancy was getting very anxious for baby's arrival; so much so she almost started driving after our appointment on April 8 without even knowing if anything would really happen. Aunt Heather had to convince her to wait until we called! However, since she had Good Friday off from school she drove up to help encourage baby's arrival. She also wanted to see big brother Steven.

Even though we had grandma available as a babysitter the weekend came and went without a baby!

Aunt Lori was anxious, too. She told me that she would come to take over after Grandma left but it turned out that grandma decided to stay!

On Monday, April 13 we had a non-stress test (NST) and sonogram to check the amniotic fluid level because the baby was overdue. The NST was 20-minutes on the fetal monitor to check the baby's response to contractions and make sure the heartbeat accelerated. Everything on the NST checked out fine. The amnio test, though, was as positive. The sono tech told us that it measured 6 and that was low. She did give us a printout of a face shot - it was really neat to have such a clear picture of the baby's face!

After the test we met with Kim, one of the midwives. At first she told us everything was ok because the fluid level was 16. Tommy and I looked at each other because the tech told us 6 - Tommy was mad! After Kim re-read the results she back tracked and told us we should really think about stripping my membranes or breaking my water. We decided to go ahead and do the membranes at our appointment and come in the next morning to break my water if it didn't happen overnight. I was a little disappointed that we could let labor happen more naturally but I wanted a healthy baby and my body was so tired that I felt I needed to try this. Stripping membranes is not fun but I definitely felt contractions after she did it.

On our way back home after the appointment I called mom and Lori. Lori was already on her way and I think mom wanted to jump on a plane as soon as she could! I was really happy that Lori decided to come - it was really nice knowing that my sister was going to be here with us and especially since it was her birthday!

That afternoon and evening we waited and waited ... I was contracting but nothing too strong and nothing too consistent. I went to bed and the contractions all but stopped. The night came and went without a baby!

We got up early Tuesday morning and got ready to go to the hospital. We were told to get there between 7 and 7:30am ... we were running a little late but it was so hard to leave Steven! On our way to the hospital Sheila, the other midwife, called me because she was under the impression we were going to be at the hospital by 7. Tommy was mad again because it seems that we really had a hard time communicating with Kim! He also was really concerned with the pain he had in his knee; needless to say I didn't really have too much sympathy for this "knee pain". We did get to the hospital right around 7:30 and they hurried us to our room right away.

We went through the normal paperwork and signatures while Sheila was talking to us about how the day would probably progress. She was telling us to keep walking, what positions would help the baby face my back and timing. It was a lot to process because we were still trying to process the fact that our baby was on its way!

This photo is pretty early in the day when they had me on the intermittent fetal monitor to watch the baby during a few contractions. It was so nice to only have to do this periodically rather than being strapped down to the bed the whole time. I am getting figerprinted for the baby's records. I don't know how that can be official but I guess its the best way to know that she is mine!

When she broke my water I was expecting the gush that I felt with Steven but I didn't feel anything. I guess that confirms that the fluid level was low (or the baby's head was acting like a plug!). Overall it was pretty anti-climactic.

So we started to walk the halls and when I felt a contraction I would sqaut and breathe deeply. We did that for about an hour and the contractions really started coming. At that point we called Lori and asked her to come to the hospital because it was probably going to be sooner rather than later. I kept walking in our room and Tommy was tasked with blowing up the birth ball. While getting the ball out he couldn't figure out the pump (did it need an adapter or not?), he couldn't find the plug and then I came out of the bathroom to find him doing modified push ups using the ball. I immediately scolded him; I didn't need him to hurt himself or that darn knee while I was in labor!

Soon, my contractions started coming closer together and much stronger than I had ever felt. It was like someone had tied a rope around my hips and was pulling the ends away from me really hard. I really felt the burn under my belly. I opted to deliver without any pain medication so my yoga breathing was really coming in handy. Focusing on my breath really helped to keep the pain manageable - I knew all that practice would come in handy one day!

As the contractions built, I remember rocking on the ball and leaning on the hospital bed when the contraction grew stronger. I really did turn in to a cave woman like they said I would at our childbirth class. I don't remember that with Steven but after 28 hours your memory is shot. At this point we were only at about three and a half hours so I still have a good memory of what happened.

Transition was tough although it went very quickly. I started to sweat and moan a lot...I know that my sister knew the time was close but I am not sure if Tommy was clued in. The urge to push came and I remember Lori telling me to climb on the bed and lay on my side. I am glad she helped me get to my side because it was a much more comfortable delivery than stirrups! However, I was almost laying sideways on the bed so I think it was a little awkward for the midwife.

At this point I don't think I opened my eyes until they laid the baby on the bed. And boy, did I scream and Tommy's shirt, arms, pants or the bedsheet will never be the same because I had quite a grip on whatever it was (remember, eyes were closed so I don't know what I was holding). I probably pushed for about 10 minutes and the baby came out so easily. When she was born they laid her on the bed next to me and I remember asking "is it a boy or girl". Tommy couldn't tell because the cord was in the way and he told me he didn't want to be wrong so he didn't say. Finally someone said "it's a girl!" She was really blue and wasn't crying so I told her to cry (that's about the only time I think I will willingly want her to cry). The midwife rocked her side to side and she began to cry. Tommy got to cut the cord and we loved on her for quite some time. It was so important to me to hold her right after she was born and I am so happy that we got the chance to do that!

Lyla Jean was born on April 14 (Aunt Lori's birthday) at 12:23pm. She weighed 9lbs 10oz and was 21 inches long.

Recovery went so so. I was bleeding quite a bit so they kept me in delivery for longer than normal. Lyla did her part though and latched on right away and stayed there almost the entire afternoon.

Her big brother came to meet her with Grandma and Grandpa Clark in tow. It was great to be together for the first time as a family!

Baby Site Guestbook

Just so we don't forget...here are the guestbook entries from our old babysite!

05/04/2009
Grandma Nancy
You are officially a big brother! Though you weren't overly impressed with your visit to the hospital to meet her for the first time. Little do you know the power and influence you will have over little Lyla. I had a big brother and for Lyla there is nothing better. You are so dear Steven and so very sweet. Can't wait to see you and Lyla again.Much love,Grandma Nancy

02/23/2009
hannah
congrats on junior #2! i almost missed the fine print at the bottom of the x-mas card sharing the great news. keep us updated

02/06/2009
Maria
Glad you're keeping this up to date! You're much better than I am at this sort of thing....So excited to meet Steven's new little sibling!

02/06/2009
Grandma Pam and Grandpa Gene
Its always fun to see new pictures. Just want to give you a big hug and kisses.

01/05/2009
Grandma Nancy
Hi Steven, It was quite a Christmas little boy. I enjoyed every second of sharing it with you. Your joy was contagious. I think you need a train of your own next Christmas. You certainly liked Grandpa Gene's!Happy New Year.Love,Grandma Nancy

09/11/2008
Grandma
Happy Birthday Steven!! What a wonderful day this is.We love you so much.

08/20/2008
Grandma
I can't believe your birthday is just around the corner! What do you want little boy for your first birthday? Just tell your mom and dad and they can pass it on to me.Love,Grandma

06/26/2008
Uncle Phil
Beautiful pictures of a wonderful family! Was it just me or did Steven seem to grow from picture to picture?

06/09/2008
Grandma Nancy and Granddad Steven
Just wanted to say hi! to my sweetheart Steven. Hope your day is wonderful. Thinking of you always makes mine better. Can't wait to see you.Love,Grandma

03/25/2008
Lideana
I love the easter pitures. Sara, I believe Steven has your eyes.

03/20/2008
Aunt Tracy
You're getting so big and handsome! With only two little teeth poking through you may have to skip the chocolate bunny and jelly beans this Easter and stick with the pureed carrots.Happy Spring and Easter!!

12/11/2007
Grandma Nancy and Grandad Steve
Spending the Thanksgiving holiday with the newest Clark family was wonderful. Steven with you and your cousin Ava joining the family this year Christmas is new once again. Be kind to your parents- you have them wrapped around your little finger. Keep posting those pictures, you get cuter by the moment! We love you.

10/22/2007
Aunt Lori and Eleanor
Oh, Cuuuuute!

10/06/2007
Maria
Glad you're keeping this updated, although I would expect no less! Love the new pics, and hope you're enjoying all of your visitors. Exciting times ahead at the Clark household!BTW, we need to figure out who won the "betting pool" at the baby shower! I know the winner will LOVE some of Big Steve's Stout when it's ready!
09/28/2007
Cheri L. Fuller
He is beautiful. Congratulations proud parents. He will be such a joy. Take care and be blessed.

09/19/2007
Sirisha
Congratulations Mommy! You deserve lovely Steven. Wishing him wonderful time with mom and dad.

09/19/2007
The Schumachers
What a cute family! We're so happy for you guys! Enjoy the new addition. Maybe Andrew & Steven can meet at a WJC game. :)

09/18/2007
Connie Roberts
How wonderful Sara & Tom - what a sweet baby boy- you have so many wonderful times ahead of you. Savor them all - time goes quickly.Can't wait to actually meet Steven- Congratulations!Connie Roberts

09/17/2007
hannah eric and benjamin
way to go mom and dad! what a handsome baby steven is. i hope all 3 of you are getting lots of sleep. thanks for sharing the pictures- add more soon!

09/17/2007
Melanie
Congratulations! Steven, Mom and Dad all look great. At 9lbs and 4 oz. Steven also appears to be priming for a position on the Purdue football team :) Congratulations again :)

09/16/2007
Jolene and Mark
Yay!!! Congratulations Sara and Tommy on the birth of Steven Thomas!! Little man knew there was a party to be seen at October 6th so he had to come early! haha!! Sending our love to your whole family!!

09/14/2007
Grandma Nancy and Granddad Steve
Steven Thomas Clark what a joy!!!! Only the most beautiful little boy in the world. We were so lucky to be there for your arrival and see your proud parents. As the doctor said Sara, you are the WOMAN!!! Tommy you were a wonderful loving and supporting husband and dad though Sara did all the hard work with much grace. We love you three and are so happy to know your new little family is safe and sound at home.

09/11/2007
lideana laboy
I bet he will like baseball. Go Royals!!!

09/11/2007
Lideana
Tom, you should trust me from the beginning. I told you baby Clark was a boy. I'm so excited for both of you. I deserved a six pack, actually one beer will be fine, for this correct forecast. HEEHEHEHEHE!!! It is a baby boy...

09/05/2007
Grandma Nancyand Grandpa Steve
Can't believe that September has finally arrived, I'm sure you two are more than just a little excited! Our camera stays in the car full time now and our cell phones are on so we are ready to hit the road the minute our little grandbaby says it's time. Tommy you say the 7th, I'm going with the 10th, the doctor with the 18th-wonder if any of us will be close. I just can't wait to see the newest Clark. Love to all three of you.

08/24/2007
Matt, Jill, and Lucas Strohmeyer
Congrats!!! We've been meaning to write, but time got away from us. Enjoy these last few weeks (if you can)!!! Regardless of whether it's a boy or girl, Matt says he's still giving your baby the deformed brown scarf he started knitting 3 years ago (if he can find it). Can't wait to hear the good news!!!!

08/23/2007
Jolene and Mark
Hey there Sara and Tom! Thinking of you in the final weeks of your pregnancy. Can't wait to hear all about Baby Clark and hopefully see him or her soon!Much love to you both!

08/20/2007
Heather Clark
So cute. I love the progression pictures. Do you even remember what it feels like to not be pregnant??

08/20/2007
belly pictures
great seeing you guys yesterday 8/19...thanks for the link to the site. The best pictures on here are the belly pix, let's just say your facial expressions are priceless!Hang in there neighbor!

08/19/2007
Dave and Greatchen Carlson
Dave is rooting for him (Gretchen thinks you look like you're carring a boy) to be born on September 12, exactly 30 years from the day David Carlson was born in Kansas City, MO. WOW, that would be crazy. Stay off the feet, and get lots of relaxing messages from Tom whenever you can :)

08/18/2007
Maria D.
Oops! The comment below was from me, but I treated the "name" line like a "subject" line. Don't worry, I'll leave it up to your smarter friends to teach Baby Clark how to follow directions! HA!P.S. Where are the pics of you and Grandma Nancy chugging from the baby bottles?? :)

08/18/2007
Updates!
So fun to see the updates to this site! Tom looks right at home on the play gym thingy........Hmmm....wonder what HE'S going to be doing when he's at home w/ the little one? :) The count down continues!

07/28/2007
Tia Lideana, Tia Maria and Mama Ana
Preaparation for the baby shower are under way. Tonight mama Ana is preparing the guests gift, tia Lideana is preparing the games and tia Maria putting the final touch in the decoration details. Can't wait to see mom's big belly.

07/27/2007
Aunt Lori
What's the latest? And how about some more belly pictures! Missing you and can't wait to see you next week.

07/10/2007
Gretchen Carlson
I want to see a July belly picure! You're looking great and we can't wait for baby Clark to arrive. Baby Carlson is hardly a baby anymore and is more and more fun every week. Hope you're doing well: your acid reflux is only after big meals and your ankles are still small :)

07/03/2007
Heidi Thummel
Hi Sara - It's so fun to see you every day at work and to see Baby Clark growing! You'll have so much fun together. Cherish every day of quiet that remains!

04/24/2007
Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Steve
WOW !!! What wonderful pictures of baby Clark. I love the mystery of not knowing. Can't wait. Take care all three of you. Love, Grandma Nancy

04/23/2007
Ana V
Hi Baby!Today I got to see your very first picture and you look so adorable...can't wait to meet you!Love your neighbor,Ana

04/18/2007
Chris, Kari, Derek and Chad
We are so happy for both of you!!! Congrats!!

04/12/2007
Esteban
So happy for you two (that now will be three!). Awesome of what is happening to you two right now and can not wait to see the little kid trying some spanish words!God bless you

04/06/2007
Sara, Tom, and Olivia Sturgis
Congratulations from the "other" Sara and Tom! I have to tell you it's a little strange...same names...same baby due date. Olivia was early though and was actually born on Sept. 7 but it's still a little creepy! :) We are very happy for you both and wish you all the best with the arrival of your little one!

04/05/2007
Maria
As you know..........I'm so excited for all 3 of you! No matter what you have, he/she will be precious and oh-so-loved. Can't wait to meet the little one. In the meantime, I look forward to watching your belly grow and hearing all about the experience!

04/05/2007
Richard, Mafe & Lucas
Sara, the news couldn't have been better. FELICITACIONES. You guys are going to love that baby a million times more than what you could probably imagine... we are living it and it is simply the best feeling ever. Our Lucas will be 2 months April 9th and he is already 25" long... 97th percentile... Huge.Good luck and thanks for sharing this great moment with us. Don't forget to call if you guys are in the NY City area.

04/05/2007
Melanie Caesar
I am so happy for you both! Congratulations....a new little engineer/scientist is on the way :)

04/05/2007
Patty
Very cool stuff... It is amazing how if you go shopping, you can't resist buying something for the baby. It is so exciting!!! We are so happy for you guys!!! It is like the most wonderful experience ever!

04/05/2007
hannah eric and benjamin
we just heard the great news and are SO excited for you two and your new family member! keep us updated. much love to the 3 of you

04/05/2007
Tammy
Congratulations! I am so excited for you and Tommy!Love,Tammy

04/04/2007
Michelle, Danny, and Mia Jenneane
We are so excited for you both--I think the numerous pregnancy tests is really common--I took 5 before I really believed Mia was on the way. I love the babysite. It is nice to be able to read all about what is happening. I hope we are able to see you soon. Let me know of any baby showers that may be happening.

03/05/2007
Grandma and Grandpa Clark
I wish we could see the excitement on both of your faces. That little heart, beating so rapidly is absolutely amazing. It makes the pants that won't button worthwhile! Take good care of all three of you.

02/10/2007
The Borts Family
Sara and Tom,Hello from Strasbourg, France! We look forward to following the growth of Baby Clark 2 and Sara! Love, Tracy, Dave, Emily and Jack

02/07/2007
Uncle Phil & Tia (Maija)
Bring on the baby! I'm ready to babysit!!!! As Phil and I have always said, we LOVE being Aunt and Uncle..... and as Charlie said, "Phil has always been a great uncle, but now he'll be a "Great Uncle".

02/06/2007
Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Steve
We are so excited!!!! I agree this is an interesting way to keep up with all the news and we definitely want to hear it all. Take good care of each other. What a wonderful blessed time this. Love to all of you.

02/05/2007
Aunt Lori, Uncle Scott and 3 cousins
Sara and Tommy - Congratulations from the Forstie Family and thanks for sharing with us; we don't miss you quite as much now

02/05/2007
Grandpa Gene and Grandma Pam
I never ceases to amaze me what the internet can be used for. Back in my day ........Actually we can't wait for the next installment.

First Update of 2009

Wow, it has been awhile!

Everything has been going really great lately. Steven has started to find his words. It is so fun to hear him say All Done, Bye Bye, Ba(th - he doesn't really get the "th"), and just general babbling. He loves to play in his new tent and we found a play kitchen on craigslist and you'd think it was the best toy in the whole world! I also found him a little desk. He looks like such a big boy when he sits at it. However, he is also in a climbing mode so we have to watch him like a hawk.

The baby in the belly is doing good too. Very active and growing everyday. We are starting to get all of our baby gear back out of storage and we've moved furniture to get the second crib into the "kids" room.

We'll try to be more frequent with updates but no promises, we've got our hands full!

Boo at the Zoo