Happy 1st Birthday Aubrey

Dear Aubrey Grace,

1 year.  It went by in a flash.  I know it always seems that way, but with your brother and sister also keeping us busy, your first year went by in what seems like a blink of an eye.  I would swear we were just at the hospital yesterday to meet you and already it's been 365 days. Wow! 

I love watching the little girl you are becoming.  You are a pretty happy girl who loves to giggle, make tons of messes {in record speed, might I add}, and gets into all kinds of things! You also can be sassy at times, especially with the looks you give! 

You are always on the go! I don't know if you are trying to keep up with Aiden and Emma or if you're trying to get away from them, but you started moving pretty early in life and even took your first steps at 9 months.  Now, at 12 months, you're pretty much a pro and even get to running a lot.  I love watching your chubby little legs go when you're on the move.  It's not always graceful and you often end up crashing down, but that doesn't stop you, you get right back up and head off again! You have had quite a few boo-boos from some tumbles, but after a little snuggling and some kisses you are off on your way again!

You are a pretty determined little girl and you know what you want.  If we have something you want, you'll come stare at us and thrust out your belly, while throwing your arms down at your sides and grunt at us. You'll keep that up until we either give you what you want or until we distract you.  I've tried and tried you get you on video doing it, and every time, you decide whatever we have is not worth it and stop and walk away.  Stinker!

You love your brother and sister so much.  You want to be right with them all the time and follow them all around.  Of course there are times when they drive you crazy with too many hugs and kisses, but they can't help themselves.  You get so excited when Aiden chases you all around.  No one can quite make you squeal with happiness like they can!

You don't have too many words in your vocabulary yet, but you babble all the time.  Some words that you are saying are: Mama, Oh Wow!, thank you, sit down, Aiden, Dada, and ut oh. {There might be a couple more that I'm forgetting on the spot.} One of my favorite things is when someone or something makes a noise and you'll stop what you're doing and gasp and look around for the noise and then look at us to make sure that we heard it as well.  :-) I wish I had a video of that, but then you'd be distracted and wouldn't notice the noises around us.

You love to wave goodbye and blow kisses to us when we leave the house and you'll wave to pretty much any car that drives by. When we were camping, you were the welcoming committee to all the campers that showed up, as every car passed by, there you were waving to them!

And blowing your kisses because it's too cute not to share...

You are quite the dare devil and I'm sure that you're going to be the one that has us in the emergency room first! You've discovered how to climb up on chairs.  At first it was the little table chairs, which immediately lead to you climbing on top of the table and then you figured out you could climb on the chairs out on the back deck.  I'm sure it's only a matter of time before you learn how to escape from your crib.  We'll just hope that we still have plenty of time before that happens!

Yup. I told you, you are nonstop with the naughtiness!

Speaking of your crib, you are still an awesome sleeper! You still take 2 naps a day {if we're home} and are ready for bed by 7:30 pm. We'll head up to your room with a bottle of milk and I'll rock you while you finish your bottle.  I know now that you're 1, I need to start weening the bottle away, but it's our time and I love it.  I know, with you being our third baby, that those sweet night time snuggles don't last long enough so I'll take full advantage and soak up every minute that I can! After we rock, you'll go down {usually without a fuss} and sleep until 6:45-7:45 the next morning. When you wake up, you'll babble to yourself for awhile and throw everything that's in your crib {a blanket, a little taggie blanket, your seahorse, and a stuffed duck} out onto the floor, except your duck, you usually throw him in your hamper.  Could you be a future basketball star?? :-)

You are still a great eater! You might even be the best eater of the 3 of you.  You'll try pretty much anything we offer, even if you'll only take a couple bites of it.  You LOVE snacks! You get that from your mommy, for sure!! You still only have your two bottom teeth so we're limited on what we can give you, but some of your favorites are:  peas, green beans, grilled cheese, pancakes, cereal bars, yogurt, sandwich cheese, crackers, and cake.  Oh yes, sweet girl, you definitely have a sweet tooth! 

You are such a silly girl.  Lately when we see you doing something you shouldn't be, you'll stop and run over to us and hug our legs. :-) Smart girl...trying to distract us with your sweet, cuteness.  And I love it how you constantly shake your head no to whatever question we might ask you.  You often shake your head no, right on cue to the question.

You love to "tackle" us if we're on the floor and smother us with your big, slobbery kisses. Sometimes instead of the kisses, its the hair pulling. I much prefer the kisses!

You love to dance! Whenever you hear music in the kitchen, you'll stop and start dancing.  I think you're favorite song is "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke.  You seem to get the most excited when that one comes on.

You love to look at yourself on the phone and stick your tongue in and out. {It's hard to describe so just watch below.}

You make the cutest little squishy, smiley face all the time.  I love that squishy face.

You are such a joy and bring so many laughs, smiles, and sweet memories to our life. I can't wait to see what this next year brings! I love you, Aubrey Grace! <3

Love You,
Mommy

And your 12 month stats:

Weight:  22 lbs 9 oz (75th percentile)
Height:  30.91 in   (95th percentile)

Sibling Love

I have to admit, I knew that Aiden would be the best big brother, he already is to Emma.  He constantly gives her lots of lovings, sometimes to the point of getting on her nerves, wants to always make sure she's ok, tries to cheer her up if she's sad, you know all the great points to having a big brother.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes they bicker, but 98% of the time, they get along great!

Emma was the one that I was worried about when Baby Aubrey arrived.  She tends to get a little jealous if we snuggle with Aiden and not her.  She makes sure to tell everyone, "That's my Mommy" or "That's my Daddy", sometimes she evens has to make sure that I know that, "That's my Bubby (aka Aiden)!" :-)

One of the best parts about having a newborn when you have other kids is watching their little faces when they come to meet their new brother or sister.  I swear, it melts your heart.  Here are some pictures from the hospital when the kids came to meet their new baby sister.

I wonder what he's thinking...

 

 

Emma got a little nervous when Aubrey moved and made a noise

 

 

 

 

And how's it been since Aubrey came home? Honestly?! Wonderful! Both of them are SO great with her! Emma doesn't have a fit when we're holding her.  Actually, they want to hold her all the time.  And? They are excellent helpers!  They'll get you a diaper, throw the diaper away, give Aubrey her binky, give her kisses if she's crying, help me shake up her bottles, etc.  I couldn't ask for anything more!

Aubrey's Birth Story

I think I finally have a minute or two to sit down and write Aubrey's birth story.  Let me tell you, I thought I was busy with 2...wrong! My days fly by in a complete blur full of diapers, bottles, snuggles, and chasing after the bigger two.  I love it! :-)

I had my regular ob appointment on July 31at 1:30.  I told my husband that he should come with me because it was at this visit that I was going to ask about pushing my scheduled induction back to the following week.  If you've been following, it was scheduled for August 3rd, but I was convinced that was my actual due date, not July 28th.  I'm one of those that doesn't like confrontation and always just goes with what the doctor says so I knew I needed back up from Patrick to stay strong.  I also knew that it was likely my bp was going to be high because I was stressed about having this conversation.  I was right, it was up when the nurse took it.

When the doctor came in she had a student with her.  Don't they always?! I don't need random students viewing my goods!!  I mentioned moving my induction date and why I wanted to (mainly I'm terrified of pitocin making the already awful pain even worse!).  She said that she would agree to it. Yay!

She then checked my cervix.  I was 50% effaced and 4-5 centimeters.  Woot! Woot!  The more I'm dilated before the pain comes, the better!! As she was down there checking things she asked if I had ever thought about having my membranes stripped. I told her that I hadn't because I heard that it hurt really bad.  Well, before I could say anything further, she was doing it, telling me that it feels like this.  Really?!?!  That mess hurt, just like I was told! You would think she would have waited for a yes or no before trying to kill me! She told me that I would likely have some bleeding.  Great! I didn't come with any pads or anything.  As we were ready to walk out the door, the doctor came back and said that she just saw my bp was up and that she wanted to send me to labor and delivery to have me observed for a little while.  I'm so glad Patrick came with me!

We got to labor and delivery and they got me all hooked up to everything. My bp was still up when I was on my back so they had me flip onto my side and it came down.  I knew it would, it was just up because I was stressed out about asking to move my date.  As I'm laying there I started feeling contractions. Nothing too painful, but I could definitely feel them.  Both of my other labors went fast and we didn't really have a whole lot of time to sit and watch the monitors so I'm thinking maybe he was reading them wrong, but Patrick said that they weren't really showing up there.  Some would, some would not.  Hmmmm, I knew I wasn't crazy and I could feel them!  I could really feel them in my butt, ouch. They were coming every 3 minutes or so but weren't really that strong.

For each and every one of my kids I have wanted an epidural.  I wanted an epidural before I even got pregnant! I didn't get a chance to have one with either one of the other two so I wanted to make sure that I had the option with baby #3.  But then on the other hand I didn't want one because I had gone natural with the other two so I know I could do it, but it's just nice to have the option!  I had so much anxiety over the pain that was coming my way! Nope, I didn't forget it from Emma's birth.  So I told Patrick that I wondered if we could just stay at the hospital and get it over with now.  Of course when you have your membranes stripped it could cause the real deal or I've read it could cause contractions that eventually fizzle out.  How the heck are you supposed to know the difference!?

When the on call doctor came to see me to tell me my bp was good and all my other tests were okay, that I could go home, I was kind of panicked.  What?!?! I don't wanna go home, what if this is it and I go home and then don't make it back in time for the option of pain meds?!?! I mentioned just staying there and she (very snotty in my opinion) made a comment about she thought I didn't want to be induced.  I didn't but I just wanted it over with! She said that they couldn't keep me because there were so many people there already, there just wasn't room.  She said that I could walk around the hospital for an hour or two and come back to see if any progress had been made or go home and be with my kids and husband and as soon as the contractions started getting stronger, come back immediately. Even if it was on our ride home.  She promised me that she would tell the next doctor coming in after her about me and that I go quickly so that they would be prepared for my return.  Duh! I'm having contractions every 3 minutes and I got to 4-5 cm by doing everyday things, I opted for going home versus walking around for 2 hours!

Once we got home we told my grandmother to be on stand by that she could get the call to come back to stay with Aiden and Emma at any time and I tried to relax on the couch.  My contractions which had started around 2:30 - 3:00 were still coming about every 3-4 minutes and were still all in my behind.  We ate dinner, watched some tv, and let the kids stay up later than normal just in case this was the real deal and I had to be away from them for a day or two.  Patrick and I questioned many times if this was it or not.  I was beginning to think it was, but he said probably not, because that's just how our luck goes.  :-)  At one point after the kids went it bed, I think they started feeling a little stronger, however, I was still able to walk and talk to Patrick through them.  Once I was convinced they weren't going away I told Patrick that he should call my mom-mom to come back over. I figured it was better to call her now (around 10:30 or so) than in the middle of the night.

Mom-mom got here and around 11:00 or so (time is fuzzy because I didn't really have time to pay attention to it) I decided that maybe they were getting a little stronger so if I wanted the option of pain meds, I better call them and head up.  The doctor called back and told me that he was told about me and to come on up and they would check to see if I had made any progress since earlier in the day.  One thing about me is that I can't talk on the phone in front of people, don't know why, but I can't. So when I called I went upstairs to do it.  Well I think walking up and down the stairs one time did it.  At that point, I knew it was time and we needed to leave.  When we pulled out of the garage I told Patrick that this was it and that that God didn't like me so this was his cruel way to make sure I wasn't getting any drugs again this time around.  We got to the hospital in about 15 - 20 minutes? And pulled up to valet.  Closed.  Great!  I told Patrick I wasn't going without him so he could park in the parking garage and we'd walk in together.  We got inside and of course where all the wheelchairs are supposed to be, there were none.  Okay, so walk a little more and we finally get up to labor and delivery.  After sitting in the waiting room for a few minutes, they called me back and got me settled in.  Contractions were still coming about 3 minutes apart or maybe sooner. I stopped keeping track!

The nurse came in and checked me and I was 8 cm dilated.  Yup, just what I was afraid of.  I stayed home so long that it was too late for an epidural. Again.  My other two babies didn't allow for anyone else to make it to the hospital but us before they came so luckily my husband called my girlfriend, Kelly and told her to head up now if she wanted to make it in time. The nurse left me in triage for at least 30 minutes and the contractions were coming back to back right on top of each other.  Some how we were able to see the other ladies laboring contractions on the screen as well and Patrick said my contractions were coming faster and stronger than the ones that were in the delivery rooms.  So why am I still in triage?!  Finally she came back and told me that they were keeping me.  Duh! They were sending me anywhere this time.

They wheeled me over to the delivery room because I didn't wanna walk there and got things set up.  Kelly made it in time and they brought her in the room. Thank goodness because I think having her there helped to calm both Patrick and my nerves.  My contractions were something awful and just about constant and I started feeling pressure.  The nurse checked me and said my bag of water was right there, but I was still 8 cm.  Honestly, I feel like this was complete crap.  I think I was ready to go at this point but the doctor hadn't showed up yet and she didn't want to have to deliver the baby.  I know my body, and my body goes quickly, it doesn't get to 8 as quickly as it did then just stall out.  With Emma I was at a 6-7 and turned on my side and within a couple minutes was at a 10.  It just doesn't make sense. Plus I was feeling the extreme urge to push and I don't think I would feel that way if I wasn't at 10.  Maybe...but I don't think so...this was my third time again, I know my body.  

I think I was asking her if I could push and she told me not too.  Yeah.  Like that's even physically possible when you feel the urge, it just happens.  I really tried not to, but I couldn't help it.  She told me that she could see that I was pushing on the monitor.  Oops! I told her "shh, don't tell anyone" :-).  At one point she was finally going to break my water so while I was having a contraction she told me to bare down while I swear she shoved her whole arm up there and pushed against the bag of water.  Well when it broke, it broke! That water shot out everywhere!!! I remember hearing Kelly say, "Oh!!" Hahaha The nurse got herself a little shower doing it that way! :-)  I was getting quite angry that the doctor wasn't there still.  I know he's got other people to deal with but I was ready about an hour ago and he still hadn't showed up yet.  I hollered at the nurse about where was he and then told her that I was going to push and she made a comment about did I want her to deliver the baby and I told her that I didn't care, but somebody was! She just wanted me to wait until the doctor arrived.  Well as soon as he walked in the door and around the curtain, I said, he's here and began to push.  Sorry Doctor, but I waited long enough.  Before he even got his gown on her little head was out and I couldn't stop there.  I swear she was born in one push!

As soon as she was out, Patrick and Kelly were both trying to see if it was a boy or girl.  The doctor looked confused and said, "Is it supposed to be a girl?" We explained that we didn't know because we hadn't found out the sex.   So after contracting just about 12 hrs of contractions (and about 2 hrs of oh my God, kill me contractions), we had our beautiful baby girl!!

Aubrey Grace was born at 1:42 am, weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz (the smallest of our 3), and was 21 inches long.  She had the tiniest, most perfect little round head!  We are in love!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WW: Our Perfect Family

I've been missing for a little over a week now...you guessed it, Baby #3 has arrived!! And...it's a GIRL!!!  Aubrey Grace was born at 1:42 am on August 1st.  Hopefully I'll get time to write about it soon!  For now here's a picture of our perfect little family...

And this picture just makes my heart smile. They are so in love with her!

Baby #3 - 39 Weeks

Okay so technically, according to my doctor tomorrow is my official due date, but according to the ultrasound that I had awhile ago and the baby's measurements at that time, my due date is August 3rd.  That's what I've been going off of anyway, but I suppose maybe I should have been using the doctor's date since they are the ones that order the tests/inductions, and such. And? I feel like maybe the August 3rd date is right because right now...nothing...I feel like nothing is going to happen...ever. This baby is so comfy and warm and cozy and just can't get enough of all the yumminess that I eat that I swear he/she is never coming out of there.  And honestly?  I'm slightly okay with that.  Apparently there hasn't been enough time between Emma and this one for me to forget about the pain I am about to feel.  :-/  If you've followed from the beginning and read my birth stories with Aiden and Emma, you know my babies don't usually play around! When they are ready, they are ready...quickly!  I am totally thankful for this, believe me, but when you are constantly worrying about where your husband will be working that day, how long it will take for him to get home, if I'll be able to get ahold of my grandmother to come stay with the kids and still make it to the hospital in time; you can see the stress it would cause.  I am SO excited to meet this little one, but I am looking forward to the after labor part the most. :-)


How Far Along: 39 weeks depending on which date you'd like to follow

Total Weight Gain: + 35 (Now that it's getting close to the end, I'm trying to eat everything I can!)

Sleep: Not comfortable at all

Best Moment This Week:  Getting my fix of fair food!  Oh I'm such a fatty! Fair food makes me so happy! :-)

Movement: Yes! And it's starting to hurt!

Gender:  We'll find out any day! Eeeeek!

Labor Signs: Still have the menstrual cramps and pressure, though that seems to have lightened up some (exactly why I say this baby is never coming out).  At the doctor this week I was still 2-3 cm, maybe 3 cm she said and I'm now 50% effaced. The baby was at -1 station.  So some progress but certainly not as much as I was hoping for.  I know, I know...the baby could come any time without any progress but I like to be as far along as I can without having double over, kill me now contrations.   

Belly Button: Flattening out...yuck!

Cravings: Fatness since I know this is almost over and then I'll have to start behaving myself again

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on but getting tighter

What I Miss: Being comfortable, getting up off the couch comfortably, sleeping comfortably  

What I am Looking Forward to:  Holding this little one in my arms!

How Big is Baby:  About 20 inches and a little over 7 lbs (like a mini watermelon)
  
Next Appt: Doctor Visit - July 31, Induction scheduled for August 3rd, though if this baby doesn't show on his or her own by the 31st I'm going to talk to the doctor about putting it back a little bit.  I really don't want to be induced and since I've gone into labor on my own with my other 2, I know my body can do it.  I'm not talking crazy about never getting it done, but if you even go off the July 28th due date, August 3rd doesn't even put me at a week overdue.  Who knows, maybe she won't budge, maybe she will, we'll see. And it would be really nice if this sweet little peanut would just come on their own and avoid this whole problem. :-)

Baby #3 - 38 Weeks

This week has been uncomfortable, very much so.  I know it's getting to be a tight fit in there for our little one because I can feel every shift, roll, turn, hiccup, etc.  Those sweet little movements aren't feeling so sweet anymore.  I would swear that sometimes he or she is just gonna pop right through my belly (like Aiden thinks they do anyway). And yesterday I woke up with a constant sciatic nerve pain through my behind, only for them to shift during the afternoon to put a ton of pressure on the lady bits, where now I must take my time and waddle for it not to be too painful.  Pregnancy is wonderful! :-)  But I know this will all be over soon so I'm trying to enjoy every second!

How Far Along: 38 weeks 

Total Weight Gain: + 34 (Now that it's getting close to the end, I'm trying to eat everything I can!)

Sleep: Getting very uncomfortable!

Best Moment This Week:  Going to the doctor and hearing there has been some more progress

Movement: Yes! And it's starting to hurt!

Gender:  We'll find out in a couple of weeks, at most!

Labor Signs: Cramping here and there and pressure at times. At the doctor Tuesday morning I was 2-3 cm dilated.  I saw a different doctor so she said that could be why it was a slightly different measurement but she didn't really see much of a difference with my dilating.  This surprised me, I really thought with the cramping I have had that I'd be more, but I know some women go into labor at nothing so I'll take my 2-3, I just like to get as far as I can before the super pain starts! And she told me that I'm about 40% thinned out now.  At the previous appt I was still pretty long so that was some progress I'll take! :-)

Belly Button: Flattening out...yuck!

Cravings: Cookies and cream ice cream/frozen yogurt...love!

Wedding Rings On or Off: I can't believe these are still on! With both Aiden and Emma they were long gone by now!

What I Miss: Being able to get down and play with the kids without being uncomfortable 

What I am Looking Forward to:  Holding this little one in my arms!

How Big is Baby:  A bit over 19 1/2 inches and about 6.8 lbs (like a leek)
  
Next Appt: Doctor Visit - July 24th and they already scheduled my induction for August 3rd in case they don't wanna come on there own (I'm praying this doesn't have to happen, though it would be convenient to plan for where the kids will be!)

Wordless Wednesday: Waiting for Baby

With only a week and a half to go, I think we've got all we can ready to go...

Now, we just sit and wait...:-)

Finally...A Name for Baby!

I just realized that I don't think I've ever mentioned what name we have decided on for the new baby.  First of all, why does choosing a name have to be so darn hard!?!? You have to make sure that it sounds good for a bitty, bitty baby, but then you also have to be able to picture them as a grown woman or man being able to use that name.  I don't know why, but I always picture them on their wedding day when they are saying their vows and have to repeat their name...will it be acceptable or will it make them sound like a little kid getting married.

I've always had my favorites. Ever since I was younger it was no question...if it was a girl, it'd be Grace and if it was a boy, Jackson.  But, as you can see...I have a boy and his name isn't Jackson and our little girl isn't Grace.  I don't know why, but when they came along, I questioned the names.  Could it be that I had thought about it for so long, that they then didn't sound good enough? I don't know.  I just liked Aiden and Emma better for them.

Now on our third time around, picking a name was no different.  It has still been super stressful and I've been very back and forth over whether I like the name we were discussing or not.  And just to make it even harder, we don't know if this is a boy or girl so we have to decide on two names, not just one.  Great!  Again, I still like Grace and Jackson, but just don't see me having a little boy named Jackson and I still love Grace, but I'm not sold on it being her first name. I told you this was tough.

We finally decided on names a couple months ago, however, the boy's didn't stick.  We were going with Greyson Michael for the boy.  I love the name Greyson for a boy and Michael is after my stepdad.  My problem with it was that I felt Greyson was too sing songy with Aiden.  Many people assured me that I'm crazy and it didn't, it just had the same syllables. But, I wasn't buying it, they couldn't convince me so we had to move on to something else.  And thanks to throwing baby names around one night while sitting around the campfire on our camping trip, we've finally got a name for this little guy or girl.

If it's a boy:
Reid Michael


And a girl:
Aubrey Grace


Now hopefully, I don't change my mind again before this little one arrives!


Here's Emma saying the baby's name because it's so darn cute.  And she's gotten a lot better with Aubrey because it used to be Au-booty  :-)  (The first video was when the name was gonna Greyson, but it's too cute to not include...Baby Booty)

Baby #3 - 37 Weeks

Full Term.  Wow! How did we get here so quickly?! I can't believe this little baby can come any day now.  I am extremely excited to find out if it's a boy or girl! Eeeek! My feelings at this moment are that it's a girl, but maybe that's because most people we hear from think it's a girl.  Well, that, and I washed all of the kids newborn clothes that I kept and we only have about 1 outfit if this is a boy.  Yikes! Either way, this baby will be perfect and we can't wait to meet them!! <3

How Far Along: 37 weeks 

Total Weight Gain: + 33 (Getting close to what I gained with Aiden!)

Sleep: Sleep is great, although I have a hell of a time getting comfortable!!

Best Moment This Week:   Coming home to the air condition, dirt/bug free house after a week of camping

Movement: Tons! And those movements are starting to get uncomfortable!

Gender:  We'll find out in a couple of weeks, at most!

Labor Signs: Cramping here and there and pressure at times. At the doctor Monday morning I was 2 cm dilated.    

Belly Button: Flattening out...yuck!

Cravings: Yup, still anything that I don't have to cook!!

Wedding Rings On or Off: I can't believe these are still on! With both Aiden and Emma they were long gone by now!

What I Miss: Sleeping comfortably at night

What I am Looking Forward to:  Finding out if this is a little boy or girl!

How Big is Baby:  A bit over 19 inches and about 6 1/3 lbs (like a stalk of Swiss chard - whatever the heck that is!)
  
Next Appt: Doctor Visit - July 17th

Baby #3 - 35 Weeks

It's official...I'm starting to freak out that this baby is coming soon!! In fact, I think I'm still in denial about just how soon this baby is coming. I don't feel like I've done much to prepare.  I mean the crib is up and yesterday I did wash the bedding and put that on.  And the changing table to ready to go.  We have everything we need, at least I hope! But, most of it is still packed away from Emma.  I just constantly feel like, eh, we have time.  Well I'm 35 weeks people and that time?? Is running out!!

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 29 And this is before my family and I go camping for a week.  And when we're camping? We get down with food. :-) And? I can't wait. Though there may be a few tears when I step on the scale at the doctor's on Tuesday morning.

Sleep: I love to sleep, but it's getting uncomfortable.  If I don't wanna move at all, I'm okay. If I need to roll over...not comfy.  And some nights I just can't seem to fall asleep.  Thank goodness for Pinterest on the iphone!!

Best Moment This Week:  Getting the baby's closet cleaned out. Finally!

Movement: Lots and lots. And lots of body parts sticking out!

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Still cramping here and there off and on 

Belly Button: Still in, but starting to flatten out

Cravings: Anything that I don't have to cook!!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On, but starting to get a little snug especially after staying out in the heat! I'm thinking maybe I should take them off before we go camping...

What I Miss: Sleeping comfortably at night

What I am Looking Forward to:  A week of camping! Though I could do without hot, bugs, and dirt!

How Big is Baby:  Over 18 inches and about 5 1/4 lbs (like a honeydew melon)
 
Next Appt: Doctor Visit - July 3rd

Baby Q

This past weekend my family had a Baby Q (BBQ) for us in honor of baby #3.  I didn't really want a big shower because this is baby 3 and we already have so many things that we're gonna need. Plus, I didn't want to feel like a greedy person inviting all these people which would bring me stuff so we decided to keep it small and include the guys in the family as well.

It was wonderful!  I loved the relaxed atmosphere (since I really don't like all attention on me) and the weather was perfect for it!  The food was awesome, as was the company, and Baby #3 got lots of great gifts!  We felt very spoiled and I thank my girls for all their hard work! Love you!

Here are some pictures from the day...(Thanks Aimee & Kelly for taking so many! I was too lazy to get my camera out so these pictures are from them!)

Working the belly :-)

My girl waiting for someone to eat with her

I love, love, love this picture!

 

 

 

 

Our awesome portable highchair for camping!!

 

Baby #3 - 34 Weeks

 How Far Along: 34 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 29 Yikes!

Sleep: Sleep. Is. Wonderful!

Best Moment This Week:  Getting a much needed pedicure. Heaven! Well except for the scrub, hot water, and hot rocks on my sunburned legs, but it was still awesome!! I know why I don't go often...because I'll want to go every week and that's just not in the budget!

Movement: Forget little punches and kicks anymore, this one likes to stretch out. I can feel his/her head in my pelvis bone and then the little feet popping at the top of my giant belly. Lots of parts sticking out all over the place!

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Some cramping here and there 

Belly Button: Still in, but starting to flatten out

Cravings: Sweets, sweets, and more sweets. Though I don't discriminate against salty either!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On, but starting to get a little snug especially after staying out in the heat!

What I Miss:  With this heat, I could really go for a nice cold strawberry daiquiri! Mmmmmm!

What I am Looking Forward to:  The baby BBQ tomorrow!

How Big is Baby:  About 18 inches and about 4 3/4 lbs (like an average cantaloupe)
 
Next Appt: Doctor Visit - July 3rd

Baby #3 - 33 Weeks!

How are we to this point already!? Only about 7 weeks to go until we find out if this is a little man or little misses that will be joining our family.  I can't wait!! We were able to finally get some things done around here on Patrick's day off to start preparing for this little one.  The changing table and crib are finally in the "multipurpose room" as Patrick has now named it.  I still need to make the bed and hang the decal stickers on the walls, but figure I've got a little time...ahem, slacker!  Patrick also drug the kids tubs of clothing out of the attic and I went through them.  Turns out we have about 2 outfits from them that could go either boy or girl.  The rest are all gender specific.  Looks like I'm doing lots and lots of laundry at some point to get them all clean and then once we get home and know what this little one is, I'll take them out of their tubs and put them in the dresser and closet. 

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 26 And this is sure to go up again being we had tons of cake and ice cream left over from Aiden's birthday and Kelly was so nice to leave all her brownie/cupcake/cookie dough deliciousness here...I will hate you the next time I get on that scale!!

Sleep: Sleep is all over the place. Some nights it takes me forever to fall asleep, then last night Patrick told me I was out in less than 10 seconds.  I usually sleep pretty well...unless Emma feels the need to come visit us.

Best Moment This Week:  Finally getting the crib and changing table moved into the "nursery"

Movement: He or she is a mover and a shaker, especially after I eat!

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks every once and again, 

Belly Button: Still in, but starting to flatten out

Cravings: Fatness. Always. Duh! See weight gain up above? You don't gain that much from eating grapes and salad!!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On, but starting to get a little snug

What I Miss:  Being able to handle the heat better

What I am Looking Forward to:  The bbq my family is having for us is soon!!

How Big is Baby:  About 17 inches and a little over 4 lbs

Next Appt: Doctor Visit - June 19th

Baby #3 - 31 Weeks

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 23

Sleep: Sleep is wonderful!! I have definitely gotten to the stage again where I am feeling tired all the time.  I don't wanna get out of bed and then I swear I could lay down and take a nap at any given time. Too bad Aiden and Emma don't allow that to happen!

Best Moment This Week:  Ugh, let's hope the best is yet to come this week.  Both kids have been running a fever. Aiden's is finally gone, but Emma's is still scary.  I'm over it!

Movement: Lots of punching and kicking going on. And I'm thinking that occasionally I feel it higher now, so maybe the little guy or girl finally flipped the right way!

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Getting some braxton hicks every once and again. I think just sometimes I'm overdoing it

Belly Button: Still in, but starting to flatten out

Cravings: Fatness

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

What I Miss:  Being able to wear some of the cute little sun dresses that I see when I'm out shopping :-(

What I am Looking Forward to:  Aiden's birthday coming up and we may be taking them up to the Please Touch Museum on his actual birthday.  I've never been and I'm pretty excited about it!!

How Big is Baby:  Over 16 inches and about 3.3 lbs

Next Appt: Doctor Visit - June 5th

Don't mind my super tiny shirt, it's okay because I don't have plans to leave the house today.  :-)

Baby #3 - 29 Weeks

29 weeks!?!?! Seriously?!?! That means 11 to go, about 3 months until Baby #3 comes.  I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by!! I guess chasing around 2 kids at home will make the time go fast because you don't have time to just sit around and just think about your new little one.
I've been having a pretty easy pregnancy thus far and hope that it continues that way.  Toward the end with Emma my blood pressure went up just about every other visit to the doctor and I got sent over to labor and delivery for them to keep an eye on it.  And it's starting to get hot, which surely won't help that either.  Hopefully this time around my blood pressure keeps itself in check, so far, so good.

I'm also starting to get uncomfortable.  I think this baby is already pretty low and likes to hang out on my lower left side.  I swear his or her favorite activity is to take their little foot, knee, elbow, hand (whatever it might be) and just grinds it and rubs it into my hip/pelvis bone.  Not comfy!!  The other day I pushed them away from that spot and they bumped me right back...yup, definitely one of our kids!! :-)

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 22, Sure to go up again this week after the way I can't seem to get full!

Sleep: So much better now that our air conditioner works upstairs again! Woot! Woot!!

Best Moment This Week:  Spending the entire day with and being spoiled rotten by my husband and kids on Mother's Day, was that even this week? I told you time seems to be flying!

Movement: Oh yes! All the time! I love that Aiden will take time to come put his hand on my belly to feel the baby.  And the smile on his face when he feels it...sigh...

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Some light cramping here and there, but nothing serious. Hopefully my body just preparing to do what it has to do in 11 weeks

Belly Button: Still in

Cravings: Whatever anyone other than me fixes!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

What I Miss:  Not having to sit down for awhile on the couch after doing something.  This body is getting tired much faster! :-)

What I am Looking Forward to:  Getting ready for Aiden's birthday party in a few weeks

How Big is Baby:  Over 15 inches (like the size of a butternut squash) and about 2 1/2 lbs

Next Appt: Doctor Visit - May 22nd

Baby #3 - 28 Weeks

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Total Weight Gain: + 22, Don't judge me, we've had a birthday party each weekend to go to the past 2 weekends and another one tomorrow. Plus? I just want to eat All. The. Time!

Sleep: I have a hard time falling asleep some nights.  Could be that our air conditioner is not working upstairs and when it's hot, I can't sleep! Then when I do fall asleep, Emma decides to visit me.  Yeah, I tried sending Patrick to her one night and that didn't go well at all. Apparently, for now, I'm the only one that will do.  So I could use more sleep, but really, who couldn't?

Best Moment This Week:  Finding out I passed my glucose test and all the other bloodwork came back great as well.  (There goes my 3 hour vacation!  Lol! The doctor did tell me that I could lie and tell Patrick I failed and go out shopping for 3 hours instead.  I knew I liked her!)

Movement: All the time! Most of the kicks, punches, and bumps are still pretty low or on my sides. (Which worries me that this baby is not facing the right way yet.)  He or she is getting to be pretty powerful because if you're watching at the right times you can see my belly jumping.

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Not really. I did have a couple contractions last Saturday when we were getting ready for Emma's birthday party.  I think it was just the stress and working too hard because once I was able to relax they went away.

Belly Button: Still in

Cravings: Sweets, salty, crunchy, you name it!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

What I Miss:  Margaritas.  We had a bucket of margaritas for Emma's party.  Yeah, I was pretty tore up that I couldn't have any.

What I am Looking Forward to:  More party food tomorrow! :-) It doesn't take much to make a girl happy!

How Big is Baby:  About 14.8 inches (like the size of a Chinese cabbage - seriously! Who came up with these comparisons?!?!) and about 2 1/4 lbs

Next Appt: Doctor Visit - May 22nd

Baby 3 - 25 Weeks

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Total Weight Gain: I've had it with this question. It completely stresses me out! Maybe it's because I worked so hard before I got pregnant to lose weight (almost 50 lbs to be exact) but I am stressing about gaining so much weight so quickly. I was doing so well at the beginning and didn't gain anything for the first few months, but now? I'm making up for it.  I have gained big amounts of weight each month for the past 3 months.  I know I'm pregnant and gonna gain weight but it's stressing me out anyway.  So for now, I'm over this question.  It's really only my business anyway!   

Sleep: Sleep is great, except for when I wanna go to bed and baby wants to dance it up in there.

Best Moment This Week:  Feeling more and more movement every day.

Movement: Like crazy some times

Gender:  We'll find out in July/August!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button: Inny

Cravings: Greasy, fatty foods...which is definitely my problem with the weight gain! I've gotta try and do better!

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

What I Miss:  Bending over to pick up all the kids toys easily

What I am Looking Forward to:  Starting to prepare for this little one's room

How Big is Baby:  About 13 1/2 inches (like the size of a rutabaga) and about a pound and a half

Next Appt: Doctor Visit - April 24th, The glucose test happens at this visit too