Wordless Wednesday: When the Grandparents were Here

 The boys received early birthday presents from my parents

Together, Aidan & my dad out together his new space puzzle. 

:)

It was nice having them here. 

Not-so-wordless-Wednesday

I Surrender! Toughen Me NO MORE!

Yesterday I posted about how I feel God is trying to toughen me up, remember?

HA.

Well listen to me, God, PLEASE. Hear my prayer.
I surrender!
No more!!

For the first time ever, I had to go get Aidan from school yesterday. He had a fever, headache, eyes hurt, face hurt, etc. I suspected sinus infection.
Of course our doctor had no openings (changing doctors soon, I think)
Off to urgent care we go, for the 2nd day in a row.
Poor Aidan--double ear infection.
Doctor gives us a prescription.

We go to Meijer since they have a drive-thru pharmacy & I have 2 sleeping kids in the car.
After driving for 20 mins, I return to the pharmacy to learn that they do not have the prescribed medicine.
They called around town, and only 1 place did.
Luckily that place was across the street.

I go across the street,fortunately they have a drive-thru pharmacy (still 2 sleeping kids), and they immediately tell me they had ONE of this left, but it was EXPIRED.
Are you frickin' kidding me!?
I'm reaching the point of hilarity. It's laugh or cry, what am I to do?

Oh, and IF they had the original medicine, apparently there is no generic, so it'd be $50.
I said I didn't care, my kid is sick and I don't want to wait til tomorrow.

Pharmacy #2 tells me they can call around, but the other place already did that. They will call the doctor & ask for another Rx. I drive around longer.

It's going on 5:00 at this point. We left school around 2:00.
No food or drink. The kids are hungry.
Aidan isn't feeling well.
Cillian wet through his outfit, after projectile spit up because I nursed him in the car then didn't burp him.

The good news was, finally, the doctor offered another Rx, they had it, AND it was one of the free ones. That was the teeny tiny blessing in all of this.
We went through Wendy's & used our giftcard to get the boys dinner. (we were supposed to eat INSIDE to see the Easter Bunny). Dinner was covered for them, at least.

Sunday was the car trouble.
Monday was Brennan at Urgent Care.
Tuesday was Aidan at Urgent Care (& he is home again, missing more school).
Today I am absolutely drained & exhausted.
 I'm ready for a break in all of this.

God, please wait to make me stronger until my husband returns.
Honestly.
I feel toughened up already.
Taking all 3 kids to urgent care, waiting in the SUPER tiny room, Brennan fussing & being bad because he's half asleep, Cillian waking to nurse...I never thought I'd pull that one.
See? I toughened up.
Let's call it quits for now.
And while you're listening, Lord, please heal my boys. And PLEASE keep Cillian healthy!

Toughen Up

God is trying to toughen me up.
This can only be good, right?

Patrick won an award at work, and that meant a trip to Puerto Rico. It's half & half work/free time.
This is a big deal w/ the potential to impress some high-up people, so I truly wanted him to go.
He left Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m., and he returns Thursday evening.

For me that means being solo with the boys.
I honestly wasn't too nervous about it. I planned some fun things we don't normally do, made sure Aidan would buy lunch every day, bought WW frozen meals for myself, and easy food to quickly make for the boys. It'd be tough, but I was ready for the challenge.

And THEN...
Sunday I was proud of myself because I actually took all 3 boys to Mass by myself. I got in my shower, even dried my hair, and we made it not only on-time, but early. Score.
After Mass we went to Rite Aid near our house, and the car was totally dead. Nothing.
Now I started to feel on edge & defeated. I walked home w/ the 3 boys (in 30 degree weather), and with the help of friends and my in-laws, learned it was the battery connection. Fortunately nothing big and easy to fix. Just in case, I have my in-laws' car for the week.

That mess ended & I was feeling ready for the challenge again.
And THEN...
Sunday night Brennan was up ALL NIGHT coughing & fever. I mean literally every 20 mins he was up crying from about 8 until 2 a.m. I was still trying my best to handle Cillian, a 5-week old who needs to nurse twice a night. I had about 3 hours of very interrupted sleep. At this point I panicked and felt I couldn't do it.

GO GOD.
Prayers were felt (and thanks if you were part of that).
I took Brennan to urgent care, and the dr said it's viral. I hate "viral". Ugh.
He did give him an Rx for a suppressant, and last night it worked so well! That along w/ the cool-mist humidifier.
We took Aidan to school, got the laundry going, I have coffe, and now I feel I can do this again.
I conquered the sleepless night, and I can do this.

I want Patrick to enjoy this trip. He really deserves it.
I felt at first like God was breaking me down, and I'm so weak.
But this week he is making me stronger.

It's not as bad as I thought. I was prepared for this, just not to do it with SICK KIDS.
God is toughening me up.
HE is bringing me to it, and HE is getting me through it.
Hopefully I can seem tough and secure when Pat comes home, and not ready to bolt for the door. ;)

So in Puerto Rico he is...much deserved. He would never tell me to NOT go. He wouldn't even think twice about it. He would just say "go", without complaint. Patrick is an incredible guy, and very hard working. I'm lucky to have him, and so is the company he works for.

Some pictures he's passed along:

Gross. They're everywhere there, apparently. Better Pat than me!
&

Gorgeous! The water. The palm trees. The SUN. Weather warm enough for shorts (as we're in the 30's still here) I told him to bring some of that sunshine home with him.
And maybe some treats for us. :)

We're not just hanging in there. At this point I feel we're doing well.
I showered. I'm staying on top of laundry & Aidan's homework. Got the trash out & recycle bin on time.
Got Brennan to the dr & back.
I can do this. I'm doing it.
And Thursday night, we'll be smiling to have Patrick back home with us.

To Be a Good Servant

If we are truly serving God when we serve others, then I'm having opportunity this week.

I have possibly 2 out 3 sick kids right now. Aidan has been home sick since Saturday morning, after his Scouting trip.
Brennan isn't himself today.

I admit to not being the most patient caregiver with sick kids.
I don't deal well w/ vomit (Pat usually handles that if he's home).
I feel drained all too quickly from getting things for them nonstop.

Selfish, right?

The day is fitting, with it being horribly gloomy out and rainy. We need some sunshine.

Today I want to be a better servant for my family, taking comfort in knowing that I am teaching them how to care & nurture. I want to serve God better in this opportunity.

It's inconvenient and frustrating, even annoying (when the almost 7yo says he can't go to the bathroom alone, or feed himself, yet he can tease his little brother...).

But today I offer this up for those who need prayers, and if just today I can be a better servant, God will have blessed me.
I pray for strength and the ability to comfort more.
To remember how great my mom was about giving extra hugs & snuggles when we were sick as kids.
To not feel slowed down, but to know we're being slowed down for a reason.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)


"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts  20:35)

(though I see this "opportunity" as it is, I'd still appreciate a prayer or two for everyone over here to get healthy asap! ;)

Back on the Wagon (a Return to Weight Watchers)

Saturday was the day.
THE day.
I went back to Weight Watchers.

It's both exciting & intimidating.

I went back at 5 weeks post-partum after Brennan, and now 4 weeks post-partum after Cillian.
I've been craving it. Seriously. When I'm disciplined and on-program with Weight Watchers, the rest of my life seems to fall more into place.
Perhaps because instead of emotional eating, I'm giving attention to issues that would turn me to emotional eating? I don't know. But it works out that way, for the best.

It's exciting because I want to lose weight, I feel more in control, and I feel more ME being back.

It's intimidating because I had mastered the old program. Practically never had to look things up, could plan meals without thinking twice, etc. It was very comfortable for me.
But I'm returning to the new Points Plus program.
While I think it will be good, result in weight loss, and ultimately is healthier than the old program, it still requires me to learn again. All over from the beginning.

I'm having fun finding new food blogs and recipes to try.
I have a long way to go (sadly). I hope on Saturday to see a loss.
Here is to another weight loss journey!

Menu Plan Monday--March 21, 2011

Monday: Smothered Chicken in Gravy (slow cooker) *WW*

Tuesday: Pierogies, Baked Beans, Salad

Wednesday: Rosemary Mustard Pork Chops *WW*

Thursday: Bean Burritos or pancakes (TBD) *WW*

Friday: Parish Fish Fry

Barley Beef Skillet is a back-up meal or will be on next week's menu.

Happy SPRING!!! FINALLY!

 I know my southern family & friends have been enjoying spring-weather for a few weeks now. But here in Ohio, that's not been the case. I welcome spring! Even if our weather is still catching up.

I returned to Weight Watchers on Saturday, so I notated the meals that are WW-friendly. It feels GREAT to be back on program & I'm hoping for a loss this week. I'm excited about new recipes, too. I found a few new blogs with WW recipes! Good things to come. ;)

Thanks for stopping by & have a great week!

Cillian's Birth Story (finally) *long, sorry*

It's only taken me a month to post it. ;)

Cillian's birth:
Thursday (Feb 17) we played cards with my parents then headed to bed.
Around 11 p.m. I had to get up to go to the bathroom...several times. I was a bit crampy but had felt this way twice before, so I was trying not to get my hopes up.
I attempted to fall asleep, but I sat up with pain-contraction.
I walked around a bit then came back to bed.
The contractions kept coming, but not in a timely manner. They weren't much closer together than 12-15 minutes (and they say have them about 8 mins apart before going in).

By 1:00 a.m. the contractions became much more painful. It was massive pressure down there, like really bad butt pain. Cillian had dropped very early on, so I figured it was his positioning. This was unique to his pregnancy, as with Aidan & Brennan's labor I had no "butt labor".
The pain & pressure was getting more intense each time, though contractions weren't closer together. I was to the point of tears, exhausted (never got to sleep), and finally woke Pat. By 4-something in the morning we woke my mother. She recognized the pressure I was having (it was similar to one of her labors), and she & I thought the same thing: if he was that low, it could go very fast, and we wanted to make sure he was AT the hospital.

Finally we decided to head to the hospital around 5 a.m. I was nervous they'd send me home as my contractions weren't closer together, but the pain was INTENSE and the pressure incredible. I would have been rushed if they sent me home, and I was praying they wouldn't.

We got to triage and sure enough, I was only dilated to 2-3cm. Bummer. But being my 3rd baby, etc, they weren't sure if they'd send me home or not. They kept me to observe & see how I'd progress. Then it was shift change. Lucky us.
Over FOUR HOURS I was in triage, dealing with a tiny space to handle the contractions & the uncertainty of IF I'd be admitted or not. Ugh. It was mental torture.

They came to check me a few more times.
Oh my goodness, this time it hurt like nothing else. I had to put my fists under my toosh, and the 1st nurse was thrown off...either I was barely dilated or fully, she was unsure. So ANOTHER painful check...very painful, They really maneuvered to shove up there and it was rough & hurt.

Why were they thrown off?
I was still dilated to about 3 cm,. but Cillian was so low they could already feel his head! The nurses were convinced it'd go fast (but it wasn't).
Finally around 9 I was moved out of triage and being admitted. Thank God. I was so incredibly exhausted by this point, and I welcomed pain relief to try and REST.

Well crap dammit, as my grandma would say.
The doctor NOW on call was the youngest & newest in the practice. Being dilated to just under 5 cm, she suggested I NOT get the epidural just yet. I COULD, she said, but if it slowed me down she'd pull it altogether.
WHY? No other doctor has told me that. Lovely.
So figuring I'd want it for delivery, I said I'd wait.

The pain was getting worse, they gave me Nubane for the time being. It made me feel drunk & silly, but did nothing for the pain.
More cervical checks, just as horrible as the previous ones. I was getting beyond exhausted and intense, anxious.

it was after 1p.m. now. Over 12 hours of contractions, not a ton of progress (and I was walking), and it was hurting...really hurting. I felt like I was gaining a new butt.

This is where I felt frustrated: the other doctors would allow the epidural, so I could rest, etc, and IF it slowed me down, they'd break my water or start pitocin. But THIS doctor...no, no, there are new guidelines that she didn't want to stray from. Something about IF labor is before 39 weeks, try to avoid inducing. I was 38 wks 4 days. HOWEVER, I was in active labor ON MY OWN, naturally. She could have helped me out! I was ticked at her & in my head, thinking it'd be lovely to slip her some laxatives or deny her pain relief. I'm evil like that.

I reached my point of "enough is enough", and I was dilated to 5cm. The doctor on-call said get the epidural, and they called up for it right away. Darn time!

I've never had problems receiving the epidural before, but sure enough, this was the time!  The anesthesiologist arrived & got me set up. I was sitting up right, leaning over the table, the nurse & Pat assisting me. The anesthesiologist struggled to get it in. She poked my back 4 or 5 different times, and kept saying she was hitting bone. Ugh! I didn't like hearing that. The pokes hurt, not to mention I was REALLY contracting now. Very close together. 40 minutes that lady poked my back. She was very apologetic, but I was starting to panic & think I'd have nothing for this delivery. I was not prepared for that.
Finally they called ANOTHER anesthesiologist up, and thank God he got in right away.
During that horrible time (seriously the MOST INTENSE PAIN, and I couldn't move to handle the contractions) I dilated from 5 to 7 cm.

Shortly after that the OB came to check me, and it was time to push!
Ha!  I like to think finally getting the epidural helped me relax to dilate more. But hey...

I pushed for I think 20 some minutes & Cillian was born!
6:12 p.m. (18 hours of labor).
6 lbs 14 oz, 20 inches long.
Adorable.

They put him on my chest right away & it was immediately beautiful. Overwhelming.
Aidan & Brennan were cleaned up first, and I think if we do this again, I will want that baby right away again.
It was amazing. As SOON as Cillian was on me, he stopped crying. He knew us right away.
Pat cut the cord and measured his length. It was pretty cool.

After the placenta delivered I was bleeding too much. The doctor gave me medicine up my bum (aren't you happy I'm an open book?;). They kept me in that room longer to watch my bleeding, as well as my blood pressure was too high. 

You know how they have to push down on your stomach after delivering, and the clots/blood ooze out? It HURTS? They had to do that much much more because of my bleeding issue. And it HURT.

We didn't move to recovery until 10-ish.

I was furious with this doctor for dragging it out like she did (knowing the other doctors in the practice wouldn't have), but she DID do some things I preferred.
Not having the epidural as long meant I avoided the catheter. I am prone to UTIs, and after Aidan & Brennan I would up w/ 2 right UTIs w/in the first month.
Not this time. So nice! I think the lack of a catheter made a difference.

Another thing this doctor did: she actually took the time to massage the perineum area. This was the least number of stitches I've ever had. Always good!

A funny thing: I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before. I was STARVING. Ice chips & popsicles didn't cut it. While I was pushing, I could actually FEEL my stomach growling. lol
In fact, they brought me in some chicken noodle soup to eat while they were cleaning me up still. Ha!

All in all, this has been the best recovery, both physically & mentally, I've had yet. I can't hate the doctor too much.
I think 18 hours is a bit long for my 3rd baby/5th pregnancy, but Cillian made it here, very healthy, and very cute. :)

My 3rd little boy...I love him so much.
He's a wonderful addition to our family.
Honestly, I could do it again.
It's an incredible thing, the experience of bringing life into this world.

One MONTH Old!

I'm behind on blogging, but now it's catch-up time. ;)

Cillian turned a MONTH OLD, already!
Yesterday marked one month for him, and boy did that fly by. It went by much faster during his first month than Aidan's or Brennan's first month.

Cillian woke up like royalty, wanting our queen-sized bed to himself.

He had some tummy-time:

and just had some all-around cuteness to share:

We had his 1-month well visit, and my little chunk-a-cheek went from 6 lbs 12 oz at 6 days old to 9 lbs 5 oz! Go Cillian! He certainly eats well. ;) The doctor said his weight gain was outstanding. That made me happy to hear.

Oh, and dorky-blogging-mom that I am, I took a picture at the appointment:

At 1-month Cillian:

-still messes plenty of diapers

-likes sleeping on me

-loves when Pat wears him in the wrap

-is pretty much on a schedule

-is more alert & loves watching Aidan

-sleeps pretty well in the car when we get Aidan to & from school

-has been to church several times, the library twice, several stores, Michigan once, the mall, and outgrown the "newborn" diapers we have. 

He likes when I wear him, too. The other day it was the ONLY thing that made him happy, so I snatched a picture for his baby book.

Horrible picture of me, but you can see how snug Cillian gets in the wrap. That's the point. ;)

Month ONE was good. Kind of a blur & fast.

 I welcome month two, and the time for Cillian to be more alert & responsive to us. 

St. Patrick's Day Prep

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Ireland & all things Irish. ;)
In my mind, the story goes like this: my family is from the Dingle Peninsula, crossed the rough Irish Seas in October many moons ago, and here we are now in America.
Don't ya love it?

Our St. Patrick's Day decorations are homemade this year. :) Brennan (an Irish name, btw) has been a fun little help in making shamrocks. Plus it was nice to do this activity with him while Cillian slept. Goos one-on-one time for us.

All of these decorations will only make it that much more inviting for that leprechaun to come into our home & hide those chocolate gold coins...

Family Portrait

Courtesy of my 6 year old. :)

I love it. I find it to be just precious.
He's so thrilled to have another brother.
This one will stay hanging for a bit. :)

Catching Up

I feel like I'm in catch-up mode, trying to stay afloat.
Not that things have gotten bad (though Cillian has had a few fussy days), but time is going by so fast & there are just not enough hours in the day.

One thing I have never gotten behind on: LAUNDRY. Thank God for that, because no one in this house has an extensive wardrobe! I've remained on top of the laundry, and truthfully, most of the housework.

Thank You Notes:
I'm almost current on this one. I mailed most of them out, but have a few more to go. It's been over-whelming just how generous people have been. Such a blessing!

School Stuff for Aidan:
I'm staying afloat here, as well. Can't let him get behind. We didn't stay on top of his oral reading as much, but we're getting back there.

School Stuff for Brennan:
I tried to do a Leprechaun craft w/ him today, and he insisted he couldn't color. I didn't fight that battle too long (even though he CAN color).  I know Brennan has been getting to watch too much tv lately. It seems when he & I get started on something, Cillian needs to nurse or requires a diaper change. I feel bad for Brennan, like he's not getting enough one-on-time right now. Thankfully story time at the library starts back up tomorrow. That will be good for him.
This makes me wonder...how do homeschooling moms do it?

ME:
I'm a bit deprived of some solid sleep. That's pretty much a "duh" thing for a parent of a newborn.
I'm working on eating healthier & writing down whatever goes in my mouth. I don't feel fully motivated yet, though you'd think I would by looking at me. My stomach is gross. I hate mirrors. AND my double chin/fat face.
That being said, I am considering returning to Weight Watchers on Saturday. They normally want you to wait until 5-6 weeks pp, but I feel ready to go back, and my milk supply is not lacking. I think getting the health-focus back would only be good for me.

Still no real exercising for me. I'm really trying to listen to my body's cues, but it's so very frustrating. I WANT to be out there power-walking. I WANT to be doing the Shred and Last Chance Workout. I miss using the weights and pushing it to the limit. But...my body just isn't ready yet. I'm frustrated and feeling impatient with that.

Husband:
Does anyone else feel this way...that when you have a newborn in the house, you almost become roommate-status with your spouse? Time just blurs and goes by with so many demands those first few weeks. I find it hard, and I miss Pat. He's here, of course, but the nature of our time together isn't relaxed yet. We're still learning the "new normal" and it takes some time. And for that, I do feel slightly vulnerable & that I miss him.

GOD:
I can't believe Lent starts this week! I don't think I'm ready, but ready or not, here it comes. We did go to Mass as a family this weekend. Pretty good considering we didn't take either boy to Mass at that age (2 weeks old). The rest will come...I suppose right now I can offer up the sleepless times for those who need the prayers!

I'm catching up. Learning who I am as a mom of 3 boys now.
I hope I'm doing a decent job, and not to look like a wreck to the world.
With God's help my efforts will increase, and I will stay on top of all that needs to get done.

Menu Plan Monday--March 7, 2011

Monday: Meal from a generous MOPS mom
Tuesday: Crockpot Cola Chicken Sandwiches, baked beans, baby carrots
Wednesday: Pancakes-Boys' Night to cook
Thursday: Leftovers/TBD
Friday: Pierogies, salad, baked beans

We have been so blessed with people bringing us over meals and/or giftcards for a meal. Such a tremendous help!
Cillian turned 2 weeks this past Friday. I feel I should be fully back in the swing of things. Slowly I'm getting there, but I'm not fully there yet. I'm trying to remain patient with my body, giving it time to fully heal; However, I am very restless to start exercising. Ugh to waiting!

Thanks for stopping by & I hope you have a good week. :)

Days 2 & 3

Day 2: Rough. 
Cillian wasn't himself, & it made me start journaling my food as I suspect food sensitivities.
People have been super generous in bringing over meals for us; however, that's meant basically pasta since last Thursday, and I think it was too much acidic food for Cillian.
He may also not agree with ice cream or chocolate. (Gasp! Whatever will I do?!;)

I drowned myself in water, watched more what I ate (need it for my waist, anyway) and revisited what to do w/ the over-active let-down I seem to have. I have no lack of milk here!

With the food consumed (I suspect) and the fast nursing combined with taking in too much too fast & air, Cillian had projectile spit up THREE times yesterday. Scared the crap out of me. We went through 4 different outfits.

He wouldn't nap, which is not like him. Not in his bassinet, not in swing, not in his car seat. I eventually got him to sleep in the sling.
LONG DAY. Oh, and of course he screamed bloody murder in his car seat. Made for a fun trip getting Aidan to & from school.
My energy was below maxed out by the time Pat got him, I was on edge & unnerved. Glad he just took over & knew I needed it.

Day 3 (today):
MUCH BETTER! Cillian is back. :)
Flooding myself with water seems to have helped.
He slept better last night (I'm convinced Pat wearing him in the wrap for a while helped!).

He napped in his car seat, in his bassinet, and in the sling. No spit up.

He was good, and Brennan & I managed to be productive:
-dusted master bedroom & boys' bedroom
-washed, dried, folded & put away laundry
-got pjs out & washcloths for shower
-set boys' drinks for tomorrow morning
-cleaned out my purse
-made master grocery list
-organized coupons
-mailed some thank-you cards at post office
-paid/received Girl Scout cookies (so delicious!)
-took boys after school for hair cuts

After all that, I feel good & productive. Tired, but good.
I've also done well drinking my water today (on bottle #5).

It's such a nice difference, Cillian feeling good & acting accordingly. Praise God for that! Seriously.
After dealing with a colicky baby for 4 months (Aidan), the slightest hint of a fussy baby makes me feel on edge. We survived colic once, and it was hands-down the hardest 4 months of my life.
I feel so RELIEVED today that Cillian is back to himself and the day was much smoother.

I don't feel harried or over-whelmed going from 2 to 3.
I stand by my usual answer: going from 0 to 1 kid was the hardest transition. It really helps having a school-aged kid, too, because it sets & mandates a schedule. It stinks rushing out the door each morning, but it gets us going and...dare I say...Cillian is on a semi-schedule already. LOVE IT! If we had none in school, I'd probably stay in my pjs too long, not shower right away, etc.

No harried or over-whelmed woman here today, but I DO feel ready for the weekend. Saturday, hurry up & get here!

Day 1 Solo: So Far, So Good

Pat went back to work today, so it was Day 1 for me. 

The verdict: so far, so good! 

My goal was to be up, showered, & have both (older) boys dressed before he left for work. I got up while Pat was still in the shower, immediately made Aidan's lunch for school, then since Cillian was still asleep, I showered. Phew!
Pat is always helpful, so with everything going on (Cillian needing to be changed, etc), all 3 boys were dressed & set by 8:00. My plan is to get Cillian to nurse after 8:00 so he'll be good in the car while we take Aidan to school.

Success! (at least for today)

Cillian took a nice 2-hour nap in the bassinet, so Brennan & I played trains (see his track he built all by himself):

We did some "school work", played Follow the Leader, and managed to get through THREE loads of laundry (one for bedding sheets, a baby load, and a regular load). Brennan took a good quiet time, and I was even able to fold one load before Cillian woke up again. I also organized my coupons...that felt good.

SCORE!
That was a good day of chores, already! 

Cillian spent some more time in the Hotsling, helping me bring in the trash can & recycle bin (yay for trash day). 

We picked Aidan up from school with no problems. 

It feels good to be getting back into the swing of things. And of course, it's nice hearing people compliment our new cute baby. :-)

I'm sharing a picture from Sunday, just because I thought he looked so cute in the little outfit (only to wet through it 2 hours later):

And then today, my lil' chunk-a-cheek asleep in his swing:

Here is to a good 1st day, with hopes that tomorrow will run just as smoothly!