Remember when I could sit down at the computer for more than 2 minutes?
Remember when I could take a shower without a crying newborn and a toddler who insists on playing peek-a-boo with the shower curtain?
Remember when I could cook dinner without holding my newborn and having my toddler squeeze himself between the cupboards and my legs, whining to be fed/held/played with/whatever?
Remember when I could sit on the couch and watch a movie without having 80 things that need to be done run through my head and eventually getting up and turning the movie off?
Remember when I could just get up and go to bed?
Remember when I could eat dinner without breastfeeding?
Remember when I had a whole closet full of clothes that fit me?
Remember when you could walk through my living room without having to look down to be sure you weren't about to slip on a matchbox car?
Remember when I wore makeup and did my hair? (Haha, don't miss that one so much)
Remember when time to myself didn't include going upstairs to put laundry away?
I do. I remember those days.
Good things my boys are incredibly cute and amazing and I love them more than life.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Wiped out
Man alive. I'm pooped.
Today was the first day out and about with both the boys. Unfortunately it wasn't for anything fun. Or at least most of it.
It only took me 2 hours to get all of us fed, dressed and ready to go. Not bad for the first time right? that includes two sessions of breastfeeding. Go Simon!
Dex had his allergy appointment at 10am. Both boys did pretty stinking well. Simon slept through most of it and Dexter was happy bubbly through the rest of it. Hopefully we'll figure out what else is triggering these reactions other than dogs. The bad part of this appointment was we had to draw blood. AGAIN. Drawing blood from a 21 month old is not easy. When you are a brute like Dexter, it makes it doubly hard. When you have inherited your mothers bad veins? Oy vey. They had to stick my poor baby THREE times to get blood. THREE. He was screaming and screaming. Hurt my heart. Then Simon woke up from all the screaming and he decided to scream too. Three nurses poked their heads in the room to make sure everything was ok. Yikes.
After that ordeal, I asked for an unoccupied room so Dexter could recover and I could feed Simon.
Then it was off to get Daddy for the baby shower his work was throwing for us and another gal he works with. It was very nice to meet everyone and put faces to names :) Everyone is so nice and was so excited to meet Simon! Working at a hospital, Max is quite outnumbered in the female department. He is the only male in his department! Good thing he grew up with so many sisters.
Dexter was free to run around the big room and he had a good time. Simon was passed from person to person to person and I was able to sit down and eat. Fantastic cake!
Then we had to go and get Simon's weight checked. At his 1 week appt he hadn't quite reached birth weight so we needed to make sure he was up to par before putting off his next appt until 2 months. In 4 days he gained 6 oz so now he is a healthy 8 lbs 5 oz and we are good to go until 2 months. I had the doc check a little something on Dex quick and then we did another breastfeeding session and finally we could go home.
So we left at 930am and got home at 245. Who knew an all day trip to the hospital would poop you out so much. I sure didn't.
Max will be quite lucky if I make dinner.
Today was the first day out and about with both the boys. Unfortunately it wasn't for anything fun. Or at least most of it.
It only took me 2 hours to get all of us fed, dressed and ready to go. Not bad for the first time right? that includes two sessions of breastfeeding. Go Simon!
Dex had his allergy appointment at 10am. Both boys did pretty stinking well. Simon slept through most of it and Dexter was happy bubbly through the rest of it. Hopefully we'll figure out what else is triggering these reactions other than dogs. The bad part of this appointment was we had to draw blood. AGAIN. Drawing blood from a 21 month old is not easy. When you are a brute like Dexter, it makes it doubly hard. When you have inherited your mothers bad veins? Oy vey. They had to stick my poor baby THREE times to get blood. THREE. He was screaming and screaming. Hurt my heart. Then Simon woke up from all the screaming and he decided to scream too. Three nurses poked their heads in the room to make sure everything was ok. Yikes.
After that ordeal, I asked for an unoccupied room so Dexter could recover and I could feed Simon.
Then it was off to get Daddy for the baby shower his work was throwing for us and another gal he works with. It was very nice to meet everyone and put faces to names :) Everyone is so nice and was so excited to meet Simon! Working at a hospital, Max is quite outnumbered in the female department. He is the only male in his department! Good thing he grew up with so many sisters.
Dexter was free to run around the big room and he had a good time. Simon was passed from person to person to person and I was able to sit down and eat. Fantastic cake!
Then we had to go and get Simon's weight checked. At his 1 week appt he hadn't quite reached birth weight so we needed to make sure he was up to par before putting off his next appt until 2 months. In 4 days he gained 6 oz so now he is a healthy 8 lbs 5 oz and we are good to go until 2 months. I had the doc check a little something on Dex quick and then we did another breastfeeding session and finally we could go home.
So we left at 930am and got home at 245. Who knew an all day trip to the hospital would poop you out so much. I sure didn't.
Max will be quite lucky if I make dinner.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Simon's Birth Story
On the Monday the 23rd I had an appt with my doctor. This appt was for IF I made it through the weekend which, of course, I did. We were laying out a game plan for inducing. As I have said in previous weeks, we were worried my labor would go too fast and I wouldn't be on antibiotics long enough. After considerable thought, Max and I decided to go ahead and induce the labor because we didn't want the baby to be on antibiotics if I wasn't there in time to get them myself. We were all set to say "TOMORROW!" which was the 24th but hospital policy is that you have to be 39 weeks to induce so we made our plan for the 25th.
The night before was nerve wrecking and slightly sad. As much as I wanted this pregnancy to be over I really would have preferred it to go naturally. It was better for the baby though so Max and I just put up with it. The only nice thing about knowing the date the baby was coming is that the day before I stayed home from work and spent extra time with Dexter. I also got the whole house clean so I wouldn't have to worry about it.
We woke up very early and got ourselves together. We woke up Dex at the last minute and were on our way. We dropped off Dex at daycare (which was very emotional knowing this was the last time I'd see him as an only child... his world was going to change so much!) and then headed to the hospital.
We got checked in and got to the room. I didn't have to put on that horrible gown since we were just going to do the first dose of the penicillin. That went in at 830 and they said that we would break my water at 11. That was really strange being in the hospital but nothing was happening. No contractions, no pain, no nothing. Just the husband and I hanging out. I watched some TV and ordered some food since I was too nervous to have breakfast at home. Max watched some Netflix on my phone. Time went by kind of slowly. Once 11 came, my doctor was very busy so they said 12 they would start the 2nd dose of penicillin and then break my water. Another slow hour.
Finally, at 1220 the nurses came in to break my water. Apparently that was quite the process but eventually they got it broken. I had been a 5/6 cm for about 2 weeks at this point and when they broke my water I was instantly a 7/8. Still no pain. I opted for an epidural because I was terrified of the pain and because I really liked how laid back Dexter's birth was. I had way too much of the medicine with Dexter so we had them tone it down this time. Once the contractions finally came I was 9 cm. Every once in a while I would feel a real strong one where I had to breathe through it but really, this was as close to a painless birth as one could expect. I think we sat at 9 cm for an hour and half and finally at 350 I was 10 cm and it was time to push.
My doc came in wearing his nice clothes since he had appointments and I told him to change into his scrubs but he didn't listen. After 30 minutes of pushing and a lot of bantering back and forth between the 3 nurses, the doctor and my husband (quite the crowd in the room) the baby was coming out. Usually they have you do 3 counts of 10 seconds and you get a break but I swear since he was coming out so well, I did around 7 or 8 counts of 10. No breaks but it was worth it because there the baby was.
We had told the doctor to exuberantly say the sex of the baby since neither Max nor I remember how we were told Dex was a boy but right when the baby came out, a bunch of fluid came with him and got all over the doctor. Max tipped his head over and with a big smile announced "It's a boy!!!". Simon Maxwell was born. He was beautiful. Simon was put on my chest and there he stayed for a good 1/2 hour or so. Max cut the cord and everything else associated with birth went well.
Simon got cleaned up a little bit and was weighed. He was 8 lbs 2 oz which is a full pound heavier than Dexter was. He was 21" long and was perfect. Absolutely perfect. After he was weighed I was able to breastfeed him and he latched on right away. What a champ. Both my boys were such good eaters right from the start.
My total labor was just a little less than 4 hours so it was a good thing we opted to have my water broken otherwise Simon would have had to be on antibiotics. That is exactly what we wanted to avoid. I am very lucky to have such easy pregnancies and such easy labors. I don't take this for granted. Trust me.
I have heard that sometimes it takes a little longer to bond with your second child because you feel guilt or something for your first child but that was not the case. I was instantly in love with my new son. I'm amazed at how the heart can make room for all the love you have for your children. My boys mean everything to me and I'm so happy that I have two sons who will grow up together and have each other. I'm so happy!
The night before was nerve wrecking and slightly sad. As much as I wanted this pregnancy to be over I really would have preferred it to go naturally. It was better for the baby though so Max and I just put up with it. The only nice thing about knowing the date the baby was coming is that the day before I stayed home from work and spent extra time with Dexter. I also got the whole house clean so I wouldn't have to worry about it.
We woke up very early and got ourselves together. We woke up Dex at the last minute and were on our way. We dropped off Dex at daycare (which was very emotional knowing this was the last time I'd see him as an only child... his world was going to change so much!) and then headed to the hospital.
We got checked in and got to the room. I didn't have to put on that horrible gown since we were just going to do the first dose of the penicillin. That went in at 830 and they said that we would break my water at 11. That was really strange being in the hospital but nothing was happening. No contractions, no pain, no nothing. Just the husband and I hanging out. I watched some TV and ordered some food since I was too nervous to have breakfast at home. Max watched some Netflix on my phone. Time went by kind of slowly. Once 11 came, my doctor was very busy so they said 12 they would start the 2nd dose of penicillin and then break my water. Another slow hour.
Finally, at 1220 the nurses came in to break my water. Apparently that was quite the process but eventually they got it broken. I had been a 5/6 cm for about 2 weeks at this point and when they broke my water I was instantly a 7/8. Still no pain. I opted for an epidural because I was terrified of the pain and because I really liked how laid back Dexter's birth was. I had way too much of the medicine with Dexter so we had them tone it down this time. Once the contractions finally came I was 9 cm. Every once in a while I would feel a real strong one where I had to breathe through it but really, this was as close to a painless birth as one could expect. I think we sat at 9 cm for an hour and half and finally at 350 I was 10 cm and it was time to push.
My doc came in wearing his nice clothes since he had appointments and I told him to change into his scrubs but he didn't listen. After 30 minutes of pushing and a lot of bantering back and forth between the 3 nurses, the doctor and my husband (quite the crowd in the room) the baby was coming out. Usually they have you do 3 counts of 10 seconds and you get a break but I swear since he was coming out so well, I did around 7 or 8 counts of 10. No breaks but it was worth it because there the baby was.
We had told the doctor to exuberantly say the sex of the baby since neither Max nor I remember how we were told Dex was a boy but right when the baby came out, a bunch of fluid came with him and got all over the doctor. Max tipped his head over and with a big smile announced "It's a boy!!!". Simon Maxwell was born. He was beautiful. Simon was put on my chest and there he stayed for a good 1/2 hour or so. Max cut the cord and everything else associated with birth went well.
Simon got cleaned up a little bit and was weighed. He was 8 lbs 2 oz which is a full pound heavier than Dexter was. He was 21" long and was perfect. Absolutely perfect. After he was weighed I was able to breastfeed him and he latched on right away. What a champ. Both my boys were such good eaters right from the start.
My total labor was just a little less than 4 hours so it was a good thing we opted to have my water broken otherwise Simon would have had to be on antibiotics. That is exactly what we wanted to avoid. I am very lucky to have such easy pregnancies and such easy labors. I don't take this for granted. Trust me.
I have heard that sometimes it takes a little longer to bond with your second child because you feel guilt or something for your first child but that was not the case. I was instantly in love with my new son. I'm amazed at how the heart can make room for all the love you have for your children. My boys mean everything to me and I'm so happy that I have two sons who will grow up together and have each other. I'm so happy!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Summary: Jacob has learned that his beloved grandfather had a secret. Jacob goes in search of this secret and comes across a world he never dreamed of. He is torn between the world he lives in and this world he feels so safe and at home in. Then, something happens that threatens this life he has found and he is the only one who can stop it. Readability: Incredibly easy. Rating: I'd give it a 6 1/2 or 7 out of 10. I really did like the book but it was a very easy book to read and I base my ratings on if I would re-read parts or the entire book again. Recommend: Sure, if you have nothing else to read, this is a good filler book.38 weeks
For some crazy reason I really didn't think we'd make it to 38 weeks. My impatience is at a high level. I am really, really, REALLY trying to just trust that there is a reason that baby is still cooking. I want to meet him/her so badly and find out who is in there. My body gives every sign that its ready for delivery and yet baby still doesn't come.
Yesterday I had my 38 week appointment. I am a "good 5 cm" (aka between 5-6) and he says I have no cervix left. Honestly? I am over halfway done with prepping for delivery and nothing has even happened yet. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for the lack of pain that most women experience at this stage. Quite a few are even on epidurals at this point and here I am, waddling around and still working. I think having my body this ready to deliver just increasing my impatience and at times, frustration at the lack of active labor.
Last Saturday we did have to go into the hospital for monitoring. I was having contractions (that weren't painful at all) every 5 minutes and then down to 3 minutes. Once we got to the hospital they stopped. Of course. With my being so far dilated/effaced and being GBS positive, the doc is worried I won't get to the hospital in time to have the penicillin. I guess it should be in for 4 hours. I think he's even worried about us making it to the hospital. Maybe not... It is only a 20 minute drive but with only needing to dilate 4 more centimeters, it really might go quickly. Dexter's birth went so fast and he was a first baby.
Baby is still as active as every. S/he obviously doesn't have any room left but I can feel kicks and jabs quite well. Bug doesn't enjoy contractions, that much I know. Who would enjoy contractions? With so little room left I often have to push Bug's foot out of my ribs. S/he must think they are some sort of xylophone to play with! Ribs just aren't made to be moved.
Until next time...
Thursday, July 12, 2012
37 weeks
I am full term! That means I am officially routing for baby to GET.OUT! Yes, any time baby is cooking after this is good, good for baby. Momma is HOT. Momma's feet HURT. Momma's hips HURT. Momma is starting to get squishy like the Pillsbury Doughboy. Momma is ready.
My feet really do hurt. The swelling is making my heels get cracks in them. I have never had this problem before but it really is irritating! I don't know what to do to make it feel better. I read on the internet to try soaking them in Epsom salts. I tried that... my feet look better but don't feel much better. Good thing I waddle anyway because if I didn't I would be limping.
Still keeping up with the braxtons. Not as many contractions but still a few here or there. This morning I woke up feeling very crampy and felt that way all morning. It seems to have calmed down now. Bummer, I was hoping they would turn into the real deal. With all my hoping for labor to start RIGHT NOW I'm sure I will go right up until 40 weeks or later. I jinxed myself. Max doesn't believe in jinxing. Poppycosh. I jinx myself all the time. Hopefully I am wrong.
I've been visiting the chiropractor regularly so that my body is all in alignment. I fully feel like going to the chiropractor helps baby wiggle down in the right spot and make labor faster. Obviously it helps with your back anyway when you are carrying such a load in front.
I had my 36 week check up last Friday. I tested positive for GBS again. I am super bummed about that because the penicillin really burns when it goes in. Plus it's annoying. And it makes me feel like I'm dirty or something. I know lots of preggos are positive for GBS so I shouldn't whine but that is how I feel. Either way. Baby is measuring 36 weeks this time which is funny because at my 33 or 34 week appt baby was measuring 36 1/2 weeks. S/he really was in a funny position! I am currently 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced so a little progress! That was exactly what I was at Dexter's 36 week appt. We'll see what tomorrow's appt brings. I hope we see a 3cm and 75% effaced :) I remember what Dexter's 37 week appt was so we'll see if that one matches too.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
36 weeks
Woot woot! We are honing in on that finish line! I have to say, I really love being pregnant, I do. But this heat, man oh man, this is rough stuff when you are 9 months pregnant. I'm already sweating like a pig when it's 75 degrees out let alone 95+! Not my cup of tea. The other day I begged Max to go over to my friend Nikki's to go swimming so I could cool off. (Thanks Nikki!!!!!) It was heavenly to get in the water and cool off. And yes, I was wearing a bikini... I'm sure that was a surprise to their neighbors driving by! Seeing a big huge pregnant lady in a bikini.
Lots and lots and lots of braxtons. The other day I had them every couple of minutes for about 2 hours. I usually get a couple of real contractions every day now but nothing serious and nothing that is consistent. I suppose you can toss in cramps too. My hips are still bothering me but not as much as last week. All preparations for birth and you know what? I am stinking fine with that. I am ready to take off this fat suit and meet my little love that is in there. Come 37 weeks, I might just start those old tricks for inducing labor on your own. Not the spicy food though, we won't go there. I can't handle spice.
We decided to change our girls name. I got cold feet again on both our boy and girl names but after a couple days, I liked our boy name again. Our girl name though, I had to go back to our original. It just didn't seem right to not use that name. I'm glad that Max is understanding and went back to our original even though he really, really liked our 2nd name and it had sentimental value as it is a family name. We can save it for baby girl #2 if this one is a girl.
We are ready for baby to come out as far as preparations go. Yes, I have some sewing projects that I need to get done but nothing urgent. Nothing that can't be done after baby. We got all of our diapers and they are prepped and washed. I have all of the covers washed for the bouncer, the swing, the bassinet stuff, etc. Clothes are ready to go. The only thing I need to do and better do it this weekend is pack my bag for the hospital and pack Dexter's bag for Grandma's house. That won't take long though. Plus, how do you pack when you don't know when you will need the clothes? I do not have a lot of clothes and will probably end up foraging in there for what I packed. Seems like a waste of time.
A2 is still active, keeping to his/her schedule and I think getting irritated with the lack of space in there. Understandable... very understandable. Baby gets the hiccups about 3-4 times a day. I like feeling his/her hiccups. I think it's incredibly cute! I don't have much to report otherwise. I just want to meet who is in there! I want to see who has been growing and kicking and punching me! Who do I love oh so much?!
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