1. How annoyingly tiny their socks are in the laundry.
2. Napping with a sleeping baby on your chest is the best sleep ever.
3. They wake up at exactly the moment you put them down to go pee.
4. Baby boys turn into fountains during diaper changes.
5. They're noisy. When they eat, when they sleep, when they poop. Noisy. All the time.
6. Even the crappiest day can be righted when your baby smiles.
7. They decide they need to eat just as dinner is placed on the table.
8. They smell intoxicating.
9. How tiny they are, even when they start out at nine pounds.
10. Newborn diapers fit for about the first ten minutes of their lives (this may only apply to my monstrously large children).
11. You go through an entire box of diapers in a few days. DAYS!
12. You can study every detail of their tiny features and still never tire of looking at them.
Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Bennett's Birth Story--Part Two
If you haven't already, read Part One here.
After his surprise entrance, Bennett headed to the nursery with Ryan and one of the nurses so he could be weighed, cleaned up and evaluated.
It seemed like it took forever to get me sewed up and ready to head to recovery. The doctor had warned me it would take a bit longer this time because of scar tissue, but I watched the clock as almost an hour passed before I finally heard the doctor talking about placing sterie strips on my incision. I knew it was almost time, and I reminded her I'd had an allergic reaction to the strips with my first c-section. She and the nurses insisted they wouldn't be on long enough to cause a problem, and if they did, they'd remove them right away.
They finished up, and I headed to recovery where Bennett was more than ready to nurse. He shook his head side to side, mouth agape like a little shark and latched on right away. The one thing I was most worried about before delivery is that he wouldn't be as good of a nurser as Gavin, but he proved me wrong right away.
We spent the next hour in recovery together before we headed to our hospital room, and by the time we got in and settled, it was almost 5 AM. My mom came in to meet her new grandson and then headed home so we could try and get some sleep after being up all night.
We only got about two hours before excited visitors started showing up, ready to meet our newest little man. I was most excited about seeing Gavin, and watching him meet his baby brother for the first time, but I was anxious about it, too. We'd tried everything we knew to prepare him, but this was the real deal now and I wasn't sure how he'd react. But I know my boy, and I should've known how over the moon he would be for his brother right from the start. Deep down I think I always knew.
What I wasn't prepared for was the giant boy who walked through that hospital door. The smart, capable, walking, talking, joking boy who would never again look like a baby to me. Ryan and I both cried like the big saps we are. It was just too much seeing our two boys together after such a long wait, too much when we thought about how blessed we'll be to watch these boys love each other, fight with each other and hopefully, become the best of friends.
I also wasn't prepared for how terrified Gavin would be of me. The IV, the hospital bed, the leg compression cuffs...it was all a little too much for him and he wouldn't come near me. Broke my heart the tiniest bit, but I got my hugs and kisses soon enough after they unhooked me from all the machines and I could get up and out of bed.
We spent the rest of the day alternating between catnaps and entertaining visitors. It didn't take long before I started getting a little itchy and wondering if I was having another reaction to the sterie strips. By the next morning when my regular doctor came in to check on me, I already had a blistery reaction and she ordered the strips to be taken off immediately. I was pissed, and wishing I'd been more adamant with the doctor on call. Lesson learned!
Poor Bennett had a reaction, too to the eye ointment and ended up with red, swollen eyes his second day of life. It also didn't take us long to notice he was becoming jaundiced. No surprise to us considering it runs in Ryan's family and we'd experienced it with Gavin, too.
By the third day, Bennett's jaundice levels had reached 14 and the pediatrician ordered him under light therapy, something we hadn't had to worry about with Gavin. It was a miserably exhausting and emotional day. My milk hadn't come in yet and Bennett was nursing every hour, desperate for something to eat. He was only content to be in my arms, which made putting him under the light very difficult. Even Ryan, my usually calm and collected hubby, ended up yelling at one of the nurses when she insisted our screaming newborn "just needed to get used to the machine."
Thankfully, we were able to calm Bennett down enough to be in the machine most of the day, and used a portable device called a wallaby the rest of the time. My milk came in that evening, and once his belly was full, he zonked out enough to sleep in the machine between feedings the rest of the night. By the next morning, he was looking like a normal baby again and his level was down to an 11, which meant he was able to go home when we were discharged later that day.
I, however, am still healing from the reaction I had to the sterie strips. Even after a major abdominal surgery, I ended up using more benadryl and other "anti-itch" medications than I did pain medication. I did feel a little satisfaction though when I went in for a check up and saw the doctor who'd done the surgery. She took one look at my rash and apologized profusely, saying "she itched for me." My guess is she'll listen better to her patients in the future.
Even with all the pain and frustration (and itching), our new little man is indescribably awesome, and I couldn't be more in love. I wasn't sure how there was going to be room in my heart for another child, but everyone was right...my heart grew the instant I saw him. It's like there was always a place there, just waiting to be filled up by him.
After his surprise entrance, Bennett headed to the nursery with Ryan and one of the nurses so he could be weighed, cleaned up and evaluated.
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| The nurses rounded up to an even 9 pounds and measured him at 19.75 inches. Big boy! |
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| Wide awake, waiting for Mommy to come to the recovery room. |
We spent the next hour in recovery together before we headed to our hospital room, and by the time we got in and settled, it was almost 5 AM. My mom came in to meet her new grandson and then headed home so we could try and get some sleep after being up all night.
We only got about two hours before excited visitors started showing up, ready to meet our newest little man. I was most excited about seeing Gavin, and watching him meet his baby brother for the first time, but I was anxious about it, too. We'd tried everything we knew to prepare him, but this was the real deal now and I wasn't sure how he'd react. But I know my boy, and I should've known how over the moon he would be for his brother right from the start. Deep down I think I always knew.
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| Gavin's first look at Bennett. "Hi, Baby Doc!" he said. |
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| "Can I hold him?" |
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| My two boys. Probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen. |
What I wasn't prepared for was the giant boy who walked through that hospital door. The smart, capable, walking, talking, joking boy who would never again look like a baby to me. Ryan and I both cried like the big saps we are. It was just too much seeing our two boys together after such a long wait, too much when we thought about how blessed we'll be to watch these boys love each other, fight with each other and hopefully, become the best of friends.
I also wasn't prepared for how terrified Gavin would be of me. The IV, the hospital bed, the leg compression cuffs...it was all a little too much for him and he wouldn't come near me. Broke my heart the tiniest bit, but I got my hugs and kisses soon enough after they unhooked me from all the machines and I could get up and out of bed.
We spent the rest of the day alternating between catnaps and entertaining visitors. It didn't take long before I started getting a little itchy and wondering if I was having another reaction to the sterie strips. By the next morning when my regular doctor came in to check on me, I already had a blistery reaction and she ordered the strips to be taken off immediately. I was pissed, and wishing I'd been more adamant with the doctor on call. Lesson learned!
Poor Bennett had a reaction, too to the eye ointment and ended up with red, swollen eyes his second day of life. It also didn't take us long to notice he was becoming jaundiced. No surprise to us considering it runs in Ryan's family and we'd experienced it with Gavin, too.
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| Poor baby! Swollen red eyes and yellow skin. |
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| Sucking on Daddy's finger while in the light therapy machine. |
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| Lounging and napping, with feet up. |
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| Bennett in his coming home outfit, ready to go. |
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| Bright-eyed and calm the whole car ride home. |
Even with all the pain and frustration (and itching), our new little man is indescribably awesome, and I couldn't be more in love. I wasn't sure how there was going to be room in my heart for another child, but everyone was right...my heart grew the instant I saw him. It's like there was always a place there, just waiting to be filled up by him.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Bennett's Birth Story--Part One
With Gavin's birth, I've always felt like I got gipped. I became preeclamptic during the final weeks of that pregnancy and because Gavin hadn't dropped into position, I didn't really have any other choice than to have a c-section. No labor, no contractions, no water breaking...but also no story.
Early in this pregnancy, I'd talked with my doctor about a possible VBAC, and we scheduled the c-section only four days before my due date to make that more of a possibility. But because of Bennett's size, and because he, like Gavin, hadn't dropped into position, I wasn't really planning on any other day besides March 28. Sure...we packed, we nested, we prepared, but that day was the end date in my mind.
On Saturday the 24th, Ryan, Gavin and I spent the whole day running errands and taking care of last-minute to-dos before Bennett was born. I felt funny all day long. Not sick, not tired...just funny. I even ended up staying in the car during a couple of the errands because I just didn't feel like myself. I blamed it on pregnancy exhaustion, but I should have known then what was coming.
I went to bed around 10 and Ryan stayed up watching college basketball. I tossed and turned (as much as you can actually "turn" when you're nine months pregnant), but couldn't get comfortable. A little after 11, I felt what I thought was my water leaking. I got up, used the restroom and convinced myself it was probably just wishful thinking. I stepped into the living room and told Ryan I thought my water might be breaking. As soon as he said, "What?!" in shock, I felt a gush that was definitely my water breaking. And when I say gush, I mean the kind of gush you see happen to pregnant women in movies that never happens in real life.
The next hour was a blur of phone calls and preparations before we left for the hospital. I insisted on a shower and Ryan got everything in the car ready to go. I joke now that it seemed like he was bouncing off the walls, completely thrown off kilter that I'd actually gone into labor instead of heading in for the planned c-section days later.
My parents arrived and we gave quick instructions to my stepdad about Gavin before Ryan, my mom and I headed to the hospital. I had a few contractions about five minutes apart in the car on the way there. My mom was concerned they were so close together, but I could tell they weren't painful enough to be doing much. We got to the hospital a little after midnight and sure enough, I wasn't effaced at all and only dilated to "maybe a one" according to the nurse. The doctor on call was the least VBAC-friendly doctor in the practice, and because my labor wasn't progressing and they won't give pitocin to a woman whose had a previous c-section, we opted to go forward with the surgery.
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| The last pregnancy photo before surgery. Notice the fancy non-hospital gown. I brought my own and the nurses said it was the first time they'd seen anyone do that. |
While Ryan got suited up for the surgery, I walked into the operating room and got up onto the table myself. The anesthesiologist put in the spinal block and I laid down on the table and slowly felt my bottom half go numb while the nurses prepped everything for the surgery. The anesthesiologist gave me some medicine so I wouldn't feel sick from the anesthesia. I thanked him immensely since I'd felt sick during my c-section with Gavin.
It seemed like forever before Ryan came into the room. I remember thinking, "He's gonna miss it!" but the nurses called him in right before they started so he could sit next to my head during the surgery. I told him multiple times to take TONS of pictures, and at 2:05 AM on March 25, I gave birth to our second son.
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| 2:05 AM Our boy is here! |
Bennett Green Evans came out screaming, letting everyone know just how unhappy he was about his early morning birth. I took one look at him and thought, "He looks just like Gavin...but with dark hair!"
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| Hi Mommy! My first glimpse of our new little man peeking over the curtain. |
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| Getting all cleaned off, and still screaming! |
I cried and cried, and watched Ryan cut the cord, wishing I had the camera so I could take a picture. The nurses swaddled him tight and brought him over so I could touch him. They weren't planning to let me hold him, but the anesthesiologist assured them he hadn't given me anything that would make it unsafe. I held him tight and kissed his screaming face, and he promptly grabbed onto my nose with his tiny little hand.
It sure wasn't how we planned it to happen, but I love that Bennett did things his way. He chose his own birthday, and we got quite a story to tell. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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| Happy Birthday, Bennett Green! |
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Letter to My Child(ren)
I wrote these letters to the boys last Saturday and didn't get them posted because...surprise! Baby Doc decided to make his entrance a little earlier than expected. I still wanted to post them though because they're my last musings as a mom of one, my last thoughts on being pregnant, and the last time I wouldn't fully understand how much my heart could grow overnight.
Gavin,
It feels so strange that this is my last letter to you as my only child. This week, we'll meet your brother! I'm so excited for you. To have a sibling, to be a big brother, to have someone to commiserate with when your crazy parents are embarrassing you.
At the same time, I'm a little sad. Your whole world is about to change, and as much as we've tried to prepare you, it's going to be a big adjustment. We've read books, talked about babies, asked for your help washing the baby clothes and getting out the swing, bassinet and other baby things. You've even practiced rocking your "friends" (stuffed animals you sleep with every night) in the baby swing, tucking them in, soothing them when they're "upset," etc. Still, you've had us all to yourself for three whole years, and all that is about to change.
But trust me when I say that I'm just as nervous for myself, too. Before you were born, I was sad to think about it not being just me and Daddy anymore. But then you arrived and when I looked at you, I thought, "Oh, yeah...you. Of course, it's you." You were always meant to be a part of our family. So the sadness I'm feeling now--for you, for "us," it will be gone soon, replaced by that familiar feeling of your brother's presence. Because he's always been meant for us, too.
And I can't wait to see my two boys together. You'll have so much to teach Baby Doc. Just this week you impressed me with your "dressing yourself" skills. Usually, you get something backwards, or inside out, but lately, you're getting things right more often than not.
You've become just generally more independent in most ways, except for going potty in the middle of the night. You have a special clock in your room that tells you when you can get up in the morning. When bunny is sleeping, you're to be in bed. When bunny wakes up, you can get up, too. Well, that's backfired on us a little bit because when you wake up in the middle of the night and need to pee, you won't get up because "bunny's sleeping." So you call for one of us until we come take you to the potty and then you go right back to sleep. We keep trying to tell you it's okay to get up and potty and then go back to bed, but so far, no dice. You'll get it eventually, though, I'm sure.
Well, buddy, the next time I write you, you'll officially be a big brother. You're going to be so good at it, I just know it. I'll miss you this week while you're at Grandma's.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
I can hardly believe this week is already the week! It's gone by so fast, and simultaneously slow. But it's almost here, and I am so excited to meet you and snuggle you and just breathe you in.
Your movements have slowed down from big kicks and jabs to slower, more stretch-like movements. You constantly stick a heel or some other pointy appendage out on my right side. If I happen to be laying on that side when it happens, it feels like you're going to slice right through my belly. You still get the hiccups ALL. THE. TIME. and it makes me wonder if you're going to be a hiccup-per when you're born, too.
My blood pressure has stayed steady these last few weeks and I haven't had an abnormal amount of swelling as long as I keep my feet up regularly. Yay for you hanging around in there until you were fully cooked! But, whether you like it or not, you'll be evicted this week. :)
I had my last day of work yesterday before maternity leave. It felt really strange to walk out of there knowing I won't be working for the next six months. But also extremely happy to know that I get to spend that time with you. I won't be able to get that time back, and I'll never regret a day I spent on maternity leave, even if we will be a little short on cash temporarily. Plus, our entire family gets to spend the summer together. Who gets to say that?
So, my little man, the next letter I write you will be written to you, with your real name, though I have a feeling that "Doc" might stick around as a nickname. Your brother isn't going to quite understand what changed all of a sudden, I'm afraid.
Stay strong and healthy and I'll see you on Wednesday!
I love you more,
Momma
Gavin,
It feels so strange that this is my last letter to you as my only child. This week, we'll meet your brother! I'm so excited for you. To have a sibling, to be a big brother, to have someone to commiserate with when your crazy parents are embarrassing you.
At the same time, I'm a little sad. Your whole world is about to change, and as much as we've tried to prepare you, it's going to be a big adjustment. We've read books, talked about babies, asked for your help washing the baby clothes and getting out the swing, bassinet and other baby things. You've even practiced rocking your "friends" (stuffed animals you sleep with every night) in the baby swing, tucking them in, soothing them when they're "upset," etc. Still, you've had us all to yourself for three whole years, and all that is about to change.
But trust me when I say that I'm just as nervous for myself, too. Before you were born, I was sad to think about it not being just me and Daddy anymore. But then you arrived and when I looked at you, I thought, "Oh, yeah...you. Of course, it's you." You were always meant to be a part of our family. So the sadness I'm feeling now--for you, for "us," it will be gone soon, replaced by that familiar feeling of your brother's presence. Because he's always been meant for us, too.
And I can't wait to see my two boys together. You'll have so much to teach Baby Doc. Just this week you impressed me with your "dressing yourself" skills. Usually, you get something backwards, or inside out, but lately, you're getting things right more often than not.
You've become just generally more independent in most ways, except for going potty in the middle of the night. You have a special clock in your room that tells you when you can get up in the morning. When bunny is sleeping, you're to be in bed. When bunny wakes up, you can get up, too. Well, that's backfired on us a little bit because when you wake up in the middle of the night and need to pee, you won't get up because "bunny's sleeping." So you call for one of us until we come take you to the potty and then you go right back to sleep. We keep trying to tell you it's okay to get up and potty and then go back to bed, but so far, no dice. You'll get it eventually, though, I'm sure.
Well, buddy, the next time I write you, you'll officially be a big brother. You're going to be so good at it, I just know it. I'll miss you this week while you're at Grandma's.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
I can hardly believe this week is already the week! It's gone by so fast, and simultaneously slow. But it's almost here, and I am so excited to meet you and snuggle you and just breathe you in.
Your movements have slowed down from big kicks and jabs to slower, more stretch-like movements. You constantly stick a heel or some other pointy appendage out on my right side. If I happen to be laying on that side when it happens, it feels like you're going to slice right through my belly. You still get the hiccups ALL. THE. TIME. and it makes me wonder if you're going to be a hiccup-per when you're born, too.
My blood pressure has stayed steady these last few weeks and I haven't had an abnormal amount of swelling as long as I keep my feet up regularly. Yay for you hanging around in there until you were fully cooked! But, whether you like it or not, you'll be evicted this week. :)
I had my last day of work yesterday before maternity leave. It felt really strange to walk out of there knowing I won't be working for the next six months. But also extremely happy to know that I get to spend that time with you. I won't be able to get that time back, and I'll never regret a day I spent on maternity leave, even if we will be a little short on cash temporarily. Plus, our entire family gets to spend the summer together. Who gets to say that?
So, my little man, the next letter I write you will be written to you, with your real name, though I have a feeling that "Doc" might stick around as a nickname. Your brother isn't going to quite understand what changed all of a sudden, I'm afraid.
Stay strong and healthy and I'll see you on Wednesday!
I love you more,
Momma
Monday, March 5, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Oh Yeah, This.
Yesterday, I spent two hours in Labor & Delivery for a non-stress test. At my doctor's appointment, my blood pressure was up more and the doctor was worried. Frankly, so was I. With Gavin, my blood pressure climbed up a little more at each appointment until the doctor finally said, "That's it. You're having this baby tomorrow." Fortunately, that was only 8 days early. Gavin was born perfectly healthy and my blood pressure decreased as soon as I gave birth. No big deal.
But this? This is way too early to have Baby Doc. As soon as the doctor said "non-stress test" and "head to Labor & Delivery," I freaked out. The last time I'd heard that, I had a baby the next day. I called Ryan and my mom who both met me at the hospital and helped calm me down for the test. They drew my blood, hooked me up to the blood pressure cuff, and I laid there waiting, praying that I could will my blood pressure down.
Each time the machine tested me, my blood pressure went down a little more. By the end of the test, it was even at a level that's considered low. Thank God.
They sent me home with orders to rest and check in with my doctor next week. Now I'm just trying to figure out how I can con my blood pressure into staying down for the next 3 1/2 weeks so my little guy will be fully baked. My usual go-to method would be wine. Damn that "no drinking while pregnant" rule. Any suggestions?
But this? This is way too early to have Baby Doc. As soon as the doctor said "non-stress test" and "head to Labor & Delivery," I freaked out. The last time I'd heard that, I had a baby the next day. I called Ryan and my mom who both met me at the hospital and helped calm me down for the test. They drew my blood, hooked me up to the blood pressure cuff, and I laid there waiting, praying that I could will my blood pressure down.
Each time the machine tested me, my blood pressure went down a little more. By the end of the test, it was even at a level that's considered low. Thank God.
They sent me home with orders to rest and check in with my doctor next week. Now I'm just trying to figure out how I can con my blood pressure into staying down for the next 3 1/2 weeks so my little guy will be fully baked. My usual go-to method would be wine. Damn that "no drinking while pregnant" rule. Any suggestions?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
A Letter to My Child(ren)
Gavin,
You are our constant source of comic relief, buddy. You chatter constantly about everything under the sun. It's like a stream of consciousness flowing from your mouth and you can barely keep up with it. Sometimes it's singing, sometimes it's just talking, but most of the time it's pure silliness. I love that you're such a goofball, because now we both make Daddy shake his head at us. :) Lately, if one of us does something you think is silly, you shake your head at us and say, "Ohhhh, Mommy" or "Ohhhh, Daddy." It's like you're already embarrassed by us. Apparently, we're doing our duty as parents.
You're also obsessed with containers right now. You put toys, necklaces, underwear right out of the dryer, etc. into one container only to promptly dump it into another container. This goes on for quite a while usually. You could keep yourself occupied for hours.
You've also been concerned with getting lost lately. A few months ago, a little girl went missing in Kansas City and her picture was all over the news and the billboards we passed every day on the way to daycare. When you asked, "Who that baby?" I told you she was lost and the police were going to bring her back to her parents. Since then, every time we see a police car or a fire truck, you say, "If I get lost, policemens and firemens bring me back to Mommy and Daddy." I guess it's good for you to learn who to go to for help, but I don't want you to become overly worried about it. I worry enough for the whole family.
More and more, you insist on doing things all by yourself, including going to the bathroom (which you're a pro at now, by the way!), putting on your socks and shoes, putting on your gloves and coat, etc. We constantly hear, "No! I do it!" and we're trying hard to let you try all those things yourself. Even when your socks end up backwards and inside out. The look of pride on your face is so worth it.
You're going to be three this weekend and I can't believe how fast the time has gone. My baby is so grown up now, and I can't tell you how proud that makes me.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
It's not much longer until we meet you now! 27 days or less, actually. That has me partly panicked, but mostly ecstatic. There's still so much on my to-do list that it feels a little overwhelming right now, but I know it will get done, and even if it doesn't, the clothes washing and painting can come later.
My blood pressure was up at my last doctor's appointment, which also has me a bit worried. I'm really hoping I don't become pre-eclamptic like I did when I was pregnant with Gavin. There's not much I can do differently besides rest more, though, and Daddy is great about making me do that in the evenings.
Speaking of the evenings, you move so much at night. It's become a source of entertainment for your Daddy and me. Last week, we'd put Gavin to bed and were watching TV when you pushed so hard against me that my entire belly was lopsided. It was like you were fighting for more room and then finally gave up and my belly went back to it's normal roundedness.
With 27 days to go, I can't imagine getting any bigger than I already am. Pregnancy is getting consistently uncomfortable now, which is making me cross my fingers that you'll decide to come a little earlier than 27 days from now. That, and the fact that I just can't wait to see your face, count your fingers and toes, and just breathe you in. I'm so ready for that. It makes 27 days sound like an eternity.
I love you more,
Mommy
You are our constant source of comic relief, buddy. You chatter constantly about everything under the sun. It's like a stream of consciousness flowing from your mouth and you can barely keep up with it. Sometimes it's singing, sometimes it's just talking, but most of the time it's pure silliness. I love that you're such a goofball, because now we both make Daddy shake his head at us. :) Lately, if one of us does something you think is silly, you shake your head at us and say, "Ohhhh, Mommy" or "Ohhhh, Daddy." It's like you're already embarrassed by us. Apparently, we're doing our duty as parents.
You're also obsessed with containers right now. You put toys, necklaces, underwear right out of the dryer, etc. into one container only to promptly dump it into another container. This goes on for quite a while usually. You could keep yourself occupied for hours.
You've also been concerned with getting lost lately. A few months ago, a little girl went missing in Kansas City and her picture was all over the news and the billboards we passed every day on the way to daycare. When you asked, "Who that baby?" I told you she was lost and the police were going to bring her back to her parents. Since then, every time we see a police car or a fire truck, you say, "If I get lost, policemens and firemens bring me back to Mommy and Daddy." I guess it's good for you to learn who to go to for help, but I don't want you to become overly worried about it. I worry enough for the whole family.
More and more, you insist on doing things all by yourself, including going to the bathroom (which you're a pro at now, by the way!), putting on your socks and shoes, putting on your gloves and coat, etc. We constantly hear, "No! I do it!" and we're trying hard to let you try all those things yourself. Even when your socks end up backwards and inside out. The look of pride on your face is so worth it.
You're going to be three this weekend and I can't believe how fast the time has gone. My baby is so grown up now, and I can't tell you how proud that makes me.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
It's not much longer until we meet you now! 27 days or less, actually. That has me partly panicked, but mostly ecstatic. There's still so much on my to-do list that it feels a little overwhelming right now, but I know it will get done, and even if it doesn't, the clothes washing and painting can come later.
My blood pressure was up at my last doctor's appointment, which also has me a bit worried. I'm really hoping I don't become pre-eclamptic like I did when I was pregnant with Gavin. There's not much I can do differently besides rest more, though, and Daddy is great about making me do that in the evenings.
Speaking of the evenings, you move so much at night. It's become a source of entertainment for your Daddy and me. Last week, we'd put Gavin to bed and were watching TV when you pushed so hard against me that my entire belly was lopsided. It was like you were fighting for more room and then finally gave up and my belly went back to it's normal roundedness.
With 27 days to go, I can't imagine getting any bigger than I already am. Pregnancy is getting consistently uncomfortable now, which is making me cross my fingers that you'll decide to come a little earlier than 27 days from now. That, and the fact that I just can't wait to see your face, count your fingers and toes, and just breathe you in. I'm so ready for that. It makes 27 days sound like an eternity.
I love you more,
Mommy
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Pregnancy Is Beautiful...Except to Pregnant Women
I think other people are adorable pregnant. They're all so glowy and cute it almost makes you want to get knocked up yourself. Unfortunately, I don't feel all glowy and cute when I'm pregnant. I feel awkward, uncomfortable and big. Really big.
Don't get me wrong—I love pregnancy. The thought of this little life that's part me and part Ryan is a miracle, plain and simple. And I love feeling Baby Doc rolling around, and trying to guess if an elbow or a knee is sticking out of my belly—but at times, I wish I could just take pregnancy off like a coat. I'd like to hang it up for a while and rest. Breathe comfortably. Sleep comfortably. Move comfortably.
When I thought about maternity photos, I was so not into the idea at first. Why would I want to document this whale-like feeling forever? But then there's that other side—the side that's done this before and knows the uncomfortableness won't last forever, that I'll miss this time when creating life is what my body is meant to be doing.
That's why I'm so glad I got these photos taken. And the thing that surprised me the most?
I feel beautiful in them.
Many thanks to Jaime Russell for taking these beautiful shots to document our little miracle. Check out her Web site here.
Don't get me wrong—I love pregnancy. The thought of this little life that's part me and part Ryan is a miracle, plain and simple. And I love feeling Baby Doc rolling around, and trying to guess if an elbow or a knee is sticking out of my belly—but at times, I wish I could just take pregnancy off like a coat. I'd like to hang it up for a while and rest. Breathe comfortably. Sleep comfortably. Move comfortably.
When I thought about maternity photos, I was so not into the idea at first. Why would I want to document this whale-like feeling forever? But then there's that other side—the side that's done this before and knows the uncomfortableness won't last forever, that I'll miss this time when creating life is what my body is meant to be doing.
That's why I'm so glad I got these photos taken. And the thing that surprised me the most?
I feel beautiful in them.
Many thanks to Jaime Russell for taking these beautiful shots to document our little miracle. Check out her Web site here.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
"Falling Down Is Funny" Came Back to Bite Me in the Ass
I totally bit it while walking out of work on Monday night. Some yahoo spilled the tiniest amount of water on the floor and I happened to hit it juuuust right and went down hard. Now, before the panic ensues, I'll tell you that Baby Doc is perfectly fine, as am I, with the exception of my left knee. I landed on it pretty hard and let me tell you--I sure felt those extra 30+ pounds I'm carrying right now.
Someone helped me up and I limped the rest of the way to my car before realizing, "Hey. This happened at work. I probably can't just head to any random urgent care to make sure my kneecap isn't broken."
And so it began. At 8 months pregnant, I not only completed a breathalyzer test, but also a urine sample drug test and what seemed like dozens of sheets of paperwork to document what had happened, when it happened, why it happened, etc. before finally seeing a doctor who ensured me that my knee would be just fine. Diagnosis: a badly bruised kneecap. Treatment: ice for 72-ish hours.
Gavin sent me to work the next day with his favorite Elmo ice pack. "Elmo make you feel better, Mommy," he said, and I couldn't resist accepting his very sweet offer. So, there I sat with Elmo on my knee in meetings and at my desk. My co-workers feigned concern, but got over it quickly at the sight of Elmo.
For years I've laughed inappropriately when others have fallen down. It's almost an automatic reaction for me, like some kind of nervous tick or something. So I suppose I deserved this, but the most comical part of this whole ordeal is that I'll likely have to submit a list to HR of the ways my accident can be avoided in the future. I'm not kidding.
Though my list will be a little different for HR, here's my list for all of you on "How to Avoid Injury and/or Falling at Work."
Someone helped me up and I limped the rest of the way to my car before realizing, "Hey. This happened at work. I probably can't just head to any random urgent care to make sure my kneecap isn't broken."
And so it began. At 8 months pregnant, I not only completed a breathalyzer test, but also a urine sample drug test and what seemed like dozens of sheets of paperwork to document what had happened, when it happened, why it happened, etc. before finally seeing a doctor who ensured me that my knee would be just fine. Diagnosis: a badly bruised kneecap. Treatment: ice for 72-ish hours.
Gavin sent me to work the next day with his favorite Elmo ice pack. "Elmo make you feel better, Mommy," he said, and I couldn't resist accepting his very sweet offer. So, there I sat with Elmo on my knee in meetings and at my desk. My co-workers feigned concern, but got over it quickly at the sight of Elmo.
For years I've laughed inappropriately when others have fallen down. It's almost an automatic reaction for me, like some kind of nervous tick or something. So I suppose I deserved this, but the most comical part of this whole ordeal is that I'll likely have to submit a list to HR of the ways my accident can be avoided in the future. I'm not kidding.
Though my list will be a little different for HR, here's my list for all of you on "How to Avoid Injury and/or Falling at Work."
"How to Avoid Injury and/or Falling at Work"
Wear clothing made only of bubble wrap.
Avoid blinking while walking.
Insist no one be allowed to drink water at work. Ever. Again.
Give birth so I can see my feet while walking.
Only wear shoes with suction cup soles.
Insist I be carried around in some kind of palanquin, like Cleopatra.
Wear knee pads at all times.
Buy new shoes (preferably very stylish ones!)
Learn to walk on water. (Thanks to my manager for this idea!)
Wear hospital-issued gripper socks over my shoes.
Learn to walk on water. (Thanks to my manager for this idea!)
Wear hospital-issued gripper socks over my shoes.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A Letter to My Child(ren)
Gavin,
Every thank-you note we got back from your daycare teachers after Christmas this year said the same thing about you. "He's such a sweet and polite boy," they all said. It gives me warm fuzzies just thinking about it. One of my biggest goals as a parent is to raise children who are kind. I'm glad that quality is standing out in you already.
Speaking of Christmas, we had such a laid-back, exactly-what-we-needed week between Christmas and New Year's this year. The three of us were home together all week and spent most of it cuddled up on the couch in our PJs. It was good, relaxing (and fun!) quality time together and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. It made me really look forward to an entire summer with all four of us this year!
On the potty training front, I did jinx us a little bit by telling the entire internet how well you were doing. The next day, you had two accidents back to back. But since then, you've had absolutely none and I couldn't be prouder of you. You're even staying dry during nap.
As a side note, you have developed a love for salad in the last month. When I've had one at a dinner out, or make salad for Daddy and I for dinner, you've eaten almost my entire salad by the end of the meal. When we went out to dinner recently, all you wanted was salad and you scarfed down an entire chicken caesar salad by yourself. You like to drench the healthiness right out of it with dressing, but hey--salad! Yay!
You're growing and learning so fast now that I can barely keep up anymore. I just realized this week that I forgot to include how you can put your own coat on now. You've been doing it for at least two months already, but it completely slipped past me with the other milestones you're reaching! You lay it out on the floor, put your arms in and throw it over your head. You haven't quite gotten the zipper down, but that's okay because it means I get an extra smooch when I zip you up.
You've also fallen in love with the Angry Birds game on Daddy's phone. I swear, there are times when you get a higher score than I could!
So proud of you, so in love with you, so happy you're in my life.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
You're growing so quickly now. So quickly, in fact, that my belly is consistently measuring one week further along than I actually am. It looks like you'll be big, just like your brother.
I bought your coming home outfit the other day. Most of your clothes will be hand-me-downs from Gavin so I wanted the outfit you come home in to be special, and just for you. It's pretty adorable--a white kimono style long-sleeved shirt and matching pants with trees and little peace signs. I look at it and can't wait to see you in it. It's so small--I've completely forgotten what it's like to have a baby that small. But it also reminds me that I'm an experienced mom now, and much more confident about this whole baby thing. I chose a kimono-style shirt instead of a onesie so it won't rub on your belly button. I also got pants with no feet this time so there's no issue cutting off your ankle bracelet when we're leaving the hospital. It's amazing already the little things that I didn't know the first time around that are intuitive now. I hope that makes me a better mommy. Fingers crossed!
In other news, I felt you hiccup this week! I don't remember every feeling it with Gavin, but I think your rhythmic little jump every 3 seconds or so on my drive home was absolutely the hiccups. My blood glucose test also came back good recently and it looks like I'm not anemic either, so things are going well with this pregnancy.
The most exciting thing to report about you this month is that we got to see you in 3D! I couldn't believe how much you looked like your brother. The whole thing made me realize we're one step closer to meeting you, and I can hardly stand the wait.
I love you more,
Mommy
Every thank-you note we got back from your daycare teachers after Christmas this year said the same thing about you. "He's such a sweet and polite boy," they all said. It gives me warm fuzzies just thinking about it. One of my biggest goals as a parent is to raise children who are kind. I'm glad that quality is standing out in you already.
Speaking of Christmas, we had such a laid-back, exactly-what-we-needed week between Christmas and New Year's this year. The three of us were home together all week and spent most of it cuddled up on the couch in our PJs. It was good, relaxing (and fun!) quality time together and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. It made me really look forward to an entire summer with all four of us this year!
On the potty training front, I did jinx us a little bit by telling the entire internet how well you were doing. The next day, you had two accidents back to back. But since then, you've had absolutely none and I couldn't be prouder of you. You're even staying dry during nap.
As a side note, you have developed a love for salad in the last month. When I've had one at a dinner out, or make salad for Daddy and I for dinner, you've eaten almost my entire salad by the end of the meal. When we went out to dinner recently, all you wanted was salad and you scarfed down an entire chicken caesar salad by yourself. You like to drench the healthiness right out of it with dressing, but hey--salad! Yay!
You're growing and learning so fast now that I can barely keep up anymore. I just realized this week that I forgot to include how you can put your own coat on now. You've been doing it for at least two months already, but it completely slipped past me with the other milestones you're reaching! You lay it out on the floor, put your arms in and throw it over your head. You haven't quite gotten the zipper down, but that's okay because it means I get an extra smooch when I zip you up.
You've also fallen in love with the Angry Birds game on Daddy's phone. I swear, there are times when you get a higher score than I could!
So proud of you, so in love with you, so happy you're in my life.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
You're growing so quickly now. So quickly, in fact, that my belly is consistently measuring one week further along than I actually am. It looks like you'll be big, just like your brother.
I bought your coming home outfit the other day. Most of your clothes will be hand-me-downs from Gavin so I wanted the outfit you come home in to be special, and just for you. It's pretty adorable--a white kimono style long-sleeved shirt and matching pants with trees and little peace signs. I look at it and can't wait to see you in it. It's so small--I've completely forgotten what it's like to have a baby that small. But it also reminds me that I'm an experienced mom now, and much more confident about this whole baby thing. I chose a kimono-style shirt instead of a onesie so it won't rub on your belly button. I also got pants with no feet this time so there's no issue cutting off your ankle bracelet when we're leaving the hospital. It's amazing already the little things that I didn't know the first time around that are intuitive now. I hope that makes me a better mommy. Fingers crossed!
In other news, I felt you hiccup this week! I don't remember every feeling it with Gavin, but I think your rhythmic little jump every 3 seconds or so on my drive home was absolutely the hiccups. My blood glucose test also came back good recently and it looks like I'm not anemic either, so things are going well with this pregnancy.
The most exciting thing to report about you this month is that we got to see you in 3D! I couldn't believe how much you looked like your brother. The whole thing made me realize we're one step closer to meeting you, and I can hardly stand the wait.
I love you more,
Mommy
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Baby Doc...Now in 3D!
We had our 3D sonogram of Baby Doc this week and it was every bit as awesome (and creepy) as I remember it being with Gavin. There’s just something a little bizarre about being able to see exactly what your baby looks like while still in utero—minus the eye and hair color, of course.
Already, I can see how much my two boys are going to be alike and different at the same time. Baby Doc has Gavin’s chin, cheeks, mouth and nose, but his eyes are all his. He doesn’t have as much hair as Gavin did at this point, and he also chose to be a little ornerier than Gavin by covering his face with a foot, as well as grabbing his penis.
“He wave at me!” Gavin would say every time Baby Doc moved his arm or hand, and at one point, the technician said she wished Baby Doc would open his eyes so we could get a shot of it. Gavin said to my belly, “Open your eyes Baby Doc!” and not two seconds later, we saw eyelids fluttering on the screen. Gavin was beyond ecstatic and I almost lost my shit because my boys…interacting with each other…already…squee! It was magically cliché—and I loved every second of it.
Without further ado, here’s our little man:
 |
| Here he is with eyes open. Don't you just want to nom on those cheeks already?! |
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| Yawn! You people bore me with your talk of my cuteness. |
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| Sucking on his bottom lip. |
And here's a picture from Gavin's 3D sonogram for reference. It's not just me, right? Don't they look just alike?
And here are my three favorite guys...all together. (Pardon the crappy cell phone photo).
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
A Letter to My Child(ren)
Gavin,
You are constantly surpassing expectations for me, kiddo. Santa brought you some big boy undies for Christmas and you've yet to have an accident. Though I know I've just completely jinxed myself with that statement, I'm so very proud of you. You seem to be ready for the next step even before I am these days.
Speaking of Christmas, we had so much fun decorating with you this year. Every ornament you pulled out of the box illicited a "Wow! Look at this one!" response from you. Even Daddy (who is generally a Scrooge when it comes to the tree) got into it this year because of your excitement.
You are still completely goofy, and I absolutely love that about you. Just the other day, you insisted I read Dr. Seuss with a stuffed frog on my head. I have to say, I didn't think Seuss could get sillier, but once again, you proved me wrong.
You appear to be listening to us, and even parroting back some of our behavior now. We give you lots of choices to prevent meltdowns because you feel empowered when you get to choose, even if we've given you only two things to pick from. Now you give us choices all the time, too. Here's a conversation from our car ride to daycare the other day:
You, holding up two matchbox cars: "Mommy, do you want the lellow car or blue car?"
Me: "Um, I like the blue one."
You: "Okay. You want it be quiet or loud?"
Me: "Quiet."
You, whispering: "Quiet--okay."
2011 has been a big year for you and 2012 promises to be even bigger with a new brother coming. You're going to make such a good big brother.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
You are quite the kicker, kid. I feel you all the time. And BIG kicks, too. Kicks strong enough to knock something off my belly if I was to balance something there. Not like I do that or anything (wink, wink). I've been sleeping with my belly in Daddy's back every night and you've kept him awake a few nights with your kicks. He still doesn't understand how I sleep through it.
I've also been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions lately, but if I drink plenty of water, they go away so nothing to be worried about. We've still got three-ish months until we meet you and somehow that seems so far and yet so close.
I've been getting so curious about what you'll look like, what your personality will be like, etc. Will you be blonde-haired and blue-eyed like your big brother, or will you be dark-haired and dark-eyed like Daddy? Will you be goofy like Gavin and me or will you be more serious like Daddy?
Whatever you're going to be like, 2012 is going to start out with such a blessing in our household. I can't wait to meet you.
I love you more already!
Mommy
You are constantly surpassing expectations for me, kiddo. Santa brought you some big boy undies for Christmas and you've yet to have an accident. Though I know I've just completely jinxed myself with that statement, I'm so very proud of you. You seem to be ready for the next step even before I am these days.
Speaking of Christmas, we had so much fun decorating with you this year. Every ornament you pulled out of the box illicited a "Wow! Look at this one!" response from you. Even Daddy (who is generally a Scrooge when it comes to the tree) got into it this year because of your excitement.
You are still completely goofy, and I absolutely love that about you. Just the other day, you insisted I read Dr. Seuss with a stuffed frog on my head. I have to say, I didn't think Seuss could get sillier, but once again, you proved me wrong.
You appear to be listening to us, and even parroting back some of our behavior now. We give you lots of choices to prevent meltdowns because you feel empowered when you get to choose, even if we've given you only two things to pick from. Now you give us choices all the time, too. Here's a conversation from our car ride to daycare the other day:
You, holding up two matchbox cars: "Mommy, do you want the lellow car or blue car?"
Me: "Um, I like the blue one."
You: "Okay. You want it be quiet or loud?"
Me: "Quiet."
You, whispering: "Quiet--okay."
2011 has been a big year for you and 2012 promises to be even bigger with a new brother coming. You're going to make such a good big brother.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby Doc,
You are quite the kicker, kid. I feel you all the time. And BIG kicks, too. Kicks strong enough to knock something off my belly if I was to balance something there. Not like I do that or anything (wink, wink). I've been sleeping with my belly in Daddy's back every night and you've kept him awake a few nights with your kicks. He still doesn't understand how I sleep through it.
I've also been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions lately, but if I drink plenty of water, they go away so nothing to be worried about. We've still got three-ish months until we meet you and somehow that seems so far and yet so close.
I've been getting so curious about what you'll look like, what your personality will be like, etc. Will you be blonde-haired and blue-eyed like your big brother, or will you be dark-haired and dark-eyed like Daddy? Will you be goofy like Gavin and me or will you be more serious like Daddy?
Whatever you're going to be like, 2012 is going to start out with such a blessing in our household. I can't wait to meet you.
I love you more already!
Mommy
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Big Brother Gavin
Yesterday, Gavin wore his "Big Brother Gavin" shirt—the one I ordered for him on Etsy to announce our pregnancy months ago. I found myself completely overwhelmed at the sight of him, and wishing I could bottle up these last three months before Baby Doc makes his entrance.
I had this same feeling before Gavin came. This intense need to capture every moment of time I could when "us" meant just Ryan and me. It was incredibly sad to think about that time dwindling, and that it would never again be the same "us."
But then Gavin was born, and he was this piece of "us" we'd been missing and didn't even know it. He made me fall in love with Ryan all over again. The way I felt watching Ryan be a father to this new little person I loved more than I knew I could stunned me.
It still surprises me that when Ryan and I go out for a date night, or spend time away from Gavin, at least half of our conversation is spent consumed by him—silly things he's said, goofy things he's done, or how much his orneriness can equally frustrate us and make us laugh.
So now, I can’t help but mourn these last few months of what our “us” has become. Everything is about to change again. My baby won’t be my baby anymore. He’ll be the big brother, my older child, my first son.
But because I’ve done this before, I know about this piece of our family puzzle we’ve been missing. I know that even though I’m sad now, when Baby Doc gets here, he’ll fill up a hole inside us that we didn’t even know existed. And I can’t wait for that.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Letter to My Child(ren)
Gavin,
I missed you like crazy when I was in Russia. Loving on those kids made me miss you that much more, and made me realize even more how blessed you are. You have two loving parents, a multitude of doting grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts...and even a few family friends who claim you as their family. Even when the multiple family get-togethers all occur on the same day and we feel like pulling our hair out trying to be "fair" and get to all of them, we are SO blessed to have them. I hope you'll understand that one day.
While I was there, we were able to Skype a few times and that made the separation a little easier. You were definitely comic relief for me on a very emotional trip. One night, you wanted to read a book with me and chose Go the F*%k to Sleep off of the bookshelf. It's a hilarious book, but clearly NOT meant for children (though it is illustrated like a children's book, hence your confusion). We'll have to put that one higher up on the bookshelf.
Your new favorite phrase is "Weeeell..." as in "I'm stalling because I don't want to do something." Here's a typical conversation with you lately:
Me: "Gavin, it's time to take a bath."
You: "Weeeeell...I just playin."
I got you some pull-ups last week and you love them. Serious potty training started Thanksgiving weekend and you're doing awesome. You stay dry all day as long as we remind you to go. The poop thing might take a bit longer.
We also moved you from your toddler bed into a full-size "big boy" bed and you love it. You picked out rocket ship sheets and couldn't wait to get them on the bed. You look so tiny in that huge bed that it made me a little weepy the first time I saw you in it. I realized after we put the bed together that it also means we won't be rocking with you every night. The rocking chair moved to the baby's room, and we read books and sing songs in your bed now. You're SO big now, and couldn't be prouder of yourself.
I'm so proud of you, too, and wish I could just bottle up your sweet littleness right now before it's all gone.
I love you more,
Mommy
Doc,
I hope you like this nickname because it's what we've gotten accustomed to calling you. It's your brother's fault, really, considering he wanted a "baby doctor" for the first several months of your existence. He'd also like to name you either "Princess" or "Snow White," but that's where we're drawing the line.
Daddy and I have our name list narrowed down to three names we like now, one of which is consistently rising to the top. We won't share your name until you're born though, so Doc it is for now.
You're kicking like crazy now, especially in the evenings. Gavin got to feel you over Thanksgiving and I wish I'd had a video camera to capture your first interaction together. His little eyes just lit up. I just can't wait to see the two of you together once you're here.
Most babies will not have this story to tell, but you went to Russia while in utero this month! You made me a little more tired than I was on the trip last year, but otherwise, it was a perfectly healthy trip for both of us. One ride on the subway was particularly crowded and you voiced your dislike of the conditions by kicking a strange Russian man in the back. I'm not sure if he noticed, but it sure was a big kick.
Keep growing and stay healthy. I'm so excited to meet you 4-ish months!
I love you more,
Mommy
I missed you like crazy when I was in Russia. Loving on those kids made me miss you that much more, and made me realize even more how blessed you are. You have two loving parents, a multitude of doting grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts...and even a few family friends who claim you as their family. Even when the multiple family get-togethers all occur on the same day and we feel like pulling our hair out trying to be "fair" and get to all of them, we are SO blessed to have them. I hope you'll understand that one day.
While I was there, we were able to Skype a few times and that made the separation a little easier. You were definitely comic relief for me on a very emotional trip. One night, you wanted to read a book with me and chose Go the F*%k to Sleep off of the bookshelf. It's a hilarious book, but clearly NOT meant for children (though it is illustrated like a children's book, hence your confusion). We'll have to put that one higher up on the bookshelf.
Your new favorite phrase is "Weeeell..." as in "I'm stalling because I don't want to do something." Here's a typical conversation with you lately:
Me: "Gavin, it's time to take a bath."
You: "Weeeeell...I just playin."
I got you some pull-ups last week and you love them. Serious potty training started Thanksgiving weekend and you're doing awesome. You stay dry all day as long as we remind you to go. The poop thing might take a bit longer.
We also moved you from your toddler bed into a full-size "big boy" bed and you love it. You picked out rocket ship sheets and couldn't wait to get them on the bed. You look so tiny in that huge bed that it made me a little weepy the first time I saw you in it. I realized after we put the bed together that it also means we won't be rocking with you every night. The rocking chair moved to the baby's room, and we read books and sing songs in your bed now. You're SO big now, and couldn't be prouder of yourself.
I'm so proud of you, too, and wish I could just bottle up your sweet littleness right now before it's all gone.
I love you more,
Mommy
Doc,
I hope you like this nickname because it's what we've gotten accustomed to calling you. It's your brother's fault, really, considering he wanted a "baby doctor" for the first several months of your existence. He'd also like to name you either "Princess" or "Snow White," but that's where we're drawing the line.
Daddy and I have our name list narrowed down to three names we like now, one of which is consistently rising to the top. We won't share your name until you're born though, so Doc it is for now.
You're kicking like crazy now, especially in the evenings. Gavin got to feel you over Thanksgiving and I wish I'd had a video camera to capture your first interaction together. His little eyes just lit up. I just can't wait to see the two of you together once you're here.
Most babies will not have this story to tell, but you went to Russia while in utero this month! You made me a little more tired than I was on the trip last year, but otherwise, it was a perfectly healthy trip for both of us. One ride on the subway was particularly crowded and you voiced your dislike of the conditions by kicking a strange Russian man in the back. I'm not sure if he noticed, but it sure was a big kick.
Keep growing and stay healthy. I'm so excited to meet you 4-ish months!
I love you more,
Mommy
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
20 Weeks
I took pregnancy photos every two weeks with Gavin. I haven't been that good this time—partially because I'm so caught up in life that I forget, and partially because I look back on those photos now and think, "OMG! What the hell was I thinking taking those photos of myself. I look like hell!"
I know, I know...pregnancy is beautiful...blah, blah, blah. I don't feel beautiful. I feel huge. Already. But, I don't want this little guy to get slighted so I'll post pics once a month for him. And for all of you who've been bugging me.
Already this one's a little late in posting since I'm technically 21 weeks now, but that's okay.
I know, I know...pregnancy is beautiful...blah, blah, blah. I don't feel beautiful. I feel huge. Already. But, I don't want this little guy to get slighted so I'll post pics once a month for him. And for all of you who've been bugging me.
Already this one's a little late in posting since I'm technically 21 weeks now, but that's okay.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Drumroll please...
It's a boy!
And as you can see from the photo, he was NOT shy about showing us his junk. Gavin wasn't either. I think I'm gonna have a couple of show-offs on my hands.
He was perfectly perfect in every way. Just look at his sweet little face.
When we ask Gavin if he's excited about a baby brother, his reply is "or a baby doctor." I think the excitement will come later. I'm already all misty about the thought of brothers. I think it will suit me to be the mother of sons. Totally outnumbered, but totally in love.
He was perfectly perfect in every way. Just look at his sweet little face.
Monday, October 31, 2011
A Letter to My Child(ren)
When I found out I was pregnant with Gavin, I started writing to him in a journal. I wrote to him about once and month, updating him on his latest accomplishments, world happenings, etc. I still love to look back on it and see how he's changed, and even how I've changed as a parent. I hope one day he will, too. Now that we've got another little one coming, I thought two journals would be a little much, so I thought I'd write to both of them once a month in a letter series here instead. Here's the first letter:
Gavin,
Every time I write to you lately I’m saying “when did you get SO big?!” But it’s just the nature of your age right now, I think. You’re growing so fast that I don’t think I can even capture it all from month to month.
Your language has exploded even more. We have full conversations now with back and forth banter and giggles (p.s. I love that you have my sense of humor). You’re even “reading” your favorite books to us. Almost every day on the way to school you bring Eight Silly Monkeys or one of your mini nursery rhyme books and recite it to me in the car. I hope your love for language now extends into a love a reading later. Your word nerd Momma has her fingers crossed.
You tell us all the time “I a big boy!” and “I do it by myself!” and show us you can do just that with little things like swinging on your tummy in our backyard, kicking at the ground beneath you to propel yourself “super high.” You’re growing less cautious (which makes me worry!) when it comes to climbing and jumping. The first time I saw you scale your swingset’s six-foot rock wall by yourself, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. But you turned around with a huge smile and said, “I did it, Mommy!”
You haven’t lost your sweetness, and I’m hoping that’s stuck on your for life. If a character is sad on TV, you blow them a kiss. When I lost it one day because Abner is getting old and tripped over his water bowl for the second time in an hour, spilling water all over the kitchen, you came and sat with me as I mopped up the floor and said, “It okay, Mommy. I here.” You gave me kisses and hugs and said, “Now you feel better?” Almost every night at dinner, you say “Thanks for cooking dinner” to whomever placed dinner in front of you that night, even if it was just our favorite take-out. You’re so polite, and I love that about you.
You’ve also had two pretty big milestones this month. We took the front of your crib off to make it into a “big boy bed” for you and you’ve done great. Only once did you get out of your crib before we told you it was okay. Now you wait for us to come get you every morning. And just last night, in your own words: “I poopie in the potty!” You were so excited and proud of yourself, and so were we. We’re going to start some real potty training in the next couple of weeks—you’re very interested, and want to be just like your friends at school, so I think the time is right.
That’s it for this month. But that was a lot! I’m so proud of the big boy you’re turning out to be, and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got up your sleeve next.
I love you more,
Mommy
Baby,
I finally felt you kick this month, and it's made things so much more real. I'm already almost halfway to meeting you, and I couldn't be more excited.
Tomorrow is THE sonogram. The one where we'll get to see you moving, your little heart beating, and find out whether you're a boy or a girl. We're hoping you cooperate and show us the goods. I can't wait to talk about names for you and figure out how we're decorating your room. We've been waiting to do any of that until we know. Maybe I'll drink a bottle of orange juice. That seemed to work to get Gavin moving, so we'll see how it works for you.
The books all say you're the size of a bell pepper now, and it still amazes me that we'll be able to see so much detail, even at that size. Keep growing and moving, little bean. I can't wait to see you tomorrow!
I love you more,
Mommy
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