Cillian Holt Rudnick

Cillian Holt Rudnick arrived at 8:05 P.M. on Monday April 14, 2014.

Alan and I started that day attending an Obstetricians appointment. Being 40 weeks 5 days I received a fluid and growth ultrasound and a non-stress test along with my checkup. This ensures that baby was still growing and developing well. Check!

My physician ensured me that I was already laboring and that I would not be making to my next appointment.  We had heard that before and I personally did not put much stock in it.  I've learned not to 'get my hopes up' with expecting babies on a timeline. 

After lunch and a delightful conversation with my sister I grew very tired and laid down to rest.  I tried to sleep but began to feel uncomfortable and noticed some new contractions. I have had hours of contractions within the two weeks of my pregnancy and they were nothing new.  It wasn't until 1:30 that I decided to track the contractions to see if there was a pattern.  From 1:30 until 4:30 I think I remember watching TV, putting away laundry, and watching the children play outside. But mostly, I remember wandering around. I was doubtful that I would be delivering that day even through the gaining contractions of the afternoon. My Mom, who had been with us the final two weeks of my pregnancy, smiled that 'we were going to be having a baby today'! I was unsure and preparing myself for the contractions to stop or for a very long labor in which this baby was not going to be arriving today. But he did!

I called Alan for him to come home at 4:30. I packed and bathed. At 6:00 we left for The Saratoga Hospital. I interacted with the nurses for a short period of time, managed to answer a few questions and settle into laboring in my room. My mother arrived after getting the children settled with our dear friend.  Then, it was a fast progression through dilation, my water breaking, and knowing it was time to push. I try to remember what a blessing natural labor and delivery is while I'm in the moment. During the work of labor I pull from the strength God has blessed me with and the prayers I knew I was surrounded by.  They are enough to sustain me.  At 8:00, and with two pushes, I birthed my second son. Cillian Holt was born. He was perfectly knit by God. 

It was then, once he was placed on my chest, that I was able to open my eyes, come out of my laboring work, and awaken to the miracle.  I saw and felt such joy. You can imagine the joy in the room.  Alan's elation was overflowing! Lolly's love exuding! My Dr.'s face was beaming! 

Cillian weighed in at 7 lbs. 13.7 oz. and measures 22 in. in length.  He has long fingers and toes and we love every inch of him. Welcome to the family little one!

My First Day

Going Home

Loads of Laundry

The children do their own laundry. Yes. It’s true. And they have for close to 8 months now.

I believe that responsibility is taught. I also believe that having responsibility in the family shows each person’s importance and worth in the family system. We are all important in the Rudnick household. We each are instrumental in our family and its function.

Appropriate chores at an appropriate age mean different things to different people. For us, Rowan and Evangeline can be responsible and success with their laundry.  What does this look like in our home? Enter the laundry steps.

Step 1.  Bring your laundry basket to the laundry room.

• Sometimes they carry it by themselves and other times they help each other carry their baskets. It’s always loud and often giggly.
• Parental guidance suggested – ensure the washer machine is empty and ready for a kid load.

Step 2.  Place all your clothes in the washer machine.

• This usually turns out to be a very interesting game of basketball, especially when Rowan’s doing his laundry.
• Parental guidance suggested – remove any items at this time that are hand wash. Personally, I don’t keep the children in clothes that are hand wash only but the exception may be a holiday dress or tie.

Step 3.  Add detergent.

• Because detergent should handled with care by children (and under supervision) I choose to purchase detergent pods for the children’s laundry. The children are able to throw one pod in for their load. It sets them up for success. I know it’s measured appropriately and that it’s no mess (read: dangerous).
• Parental guidance suggested – take one pod out and place on the washer machine.

Step 4.  Start the wash.

• …and stand in awe of the water and clothes swishing around J
• Parental guidance suggested – choose the appropriate temperature and wash size setting.

Step 5.  Turn over the wash to the dryer.

• I call the children to the laundry room when I know the wash cycle is finished. I remove the clothes from the washer machine and they move them to the dryer. Another game of basketball ensues at this point too especially to add the dryer sheet or dryer ball.
• Parental guidance suggested – put aside line-dry items as you are removing the items from the washer. Hang separately.

Step 6.  Fold the clothes.

• Each of the children is very able to fold their tops, bottoms, and pajamas. They are capable of sorting their undergarments and matching their socks. Who doesn’t love a game of matching!
• Parental guidance suggested – Let go of perfection in light of progress. Folding, with teaching, gets better with each load.

Step 7.  Put the clothes away.

• They each can reach their drawers for each type of clothing and this makes putting their clothes away super easy.
• Parental guidance suggested – Fold and hang the ‘nice’ items to cut down on finding them in the bottom of a drawer and having to iron them.

Is it perfect every time? No. There isn’t much we do that is perfect every time. Is it awesome to see Rowan and Evangeline active in the family, learning life lessons, and taking pride in their work? Yes. And, it’s the opportunity early in life to learn that you’ll have less laundry if you dirty less! Rowan just put that together last week J

40 First Dates

Upon learning that I was expecting I knew that I wanted to be intentional about a few things. One of those intentional decisions surrounded date night with my husband.  We've always gone out, taken babysitters up on their offers, and spent quality time together.  At the time last summer it was not something that we did with scheduled regularity.  With about 40 weeks left in our family before a third child prayerfully arrived we initiated Friday Date Night.

What are the ingredients for Date Night? Friday nights left uncommitted to others + a standing sitter (+ a rain or shine attitude) = Date Night success. 

For anyone beginning a journey of being intentional with their spouse I would offer these encouraging words. It may be hard and you may have discussions or moments that you never intended but you may surprise yourself in the moments of opportunity for fun and joy to abound. In addition to resting in knowing that you love your spouse you will draw closer in remembering how much you like each other too. So whether you head out together for coffee and shopping at Target, you get all dolled up and sip sparkling beverages at a fancy restaurant or you meet friends for dinner....just do it. 

We’re approaching the end of our 40 first dates. Our newborn will hopefully be with us soon.  As this means a break in the ease of running out on a Friday night I know that it doesn't mean the end of our Date Nights.   We love them too much to turn back!