Sweet Rolls

Smiles and Coos

Alex is beginning to smile and is trying out his voice quite often. He will coo, gurgle, and grunt to tell us his thoughts. It is very sweet to hear. I even love hearing him cry. (It reassures me that he really is real.) He has begun sleeping about 4 hours at night with an occasional 5-6 hour stretch. The longer he sleeps, the more cranky he is when waking because he is so hungry. He gets mad at me for taking so long to fill his tummy.

When I think I am beginning to learn a little bit of his schedule, he decides to change it up on me. Since he has been so gassy lately, he is more cranky and won't sleep as well. It has begun to settle down, though.

Last night, I had Patrick feed him formula because I heard he would be fuller and sleep longer. Patrick was a bit nervous, but enjoyed his first feeding time with Alex. I got to take Roman for a walk to get the mail and just sit around while Patrick did the feeding. It was nice. (Although, I was a little upset that he took to it so easily because Alex is supposed to want Mommy, not bottle and Daddy.) This morning he was really gassy. I am wondering if it was the formula because usually, his fussy/gassy time was in the evening, not first thing in the morning.

I am beginning to ready myself for going back to work. It is really upsetting. I am trying to gather a good supply of breastmilk for Anita and am planning for my excuses to run away from school early every day. I don't think I will get away with that for long, though. I think the scariest thing for me to think about is the fact that I might not be that upset to go to work because I will have rewired myself to accept it. (Would that make me a bad Mommy?) Deep breath and sigh. Boredom has not yet crossed my mind with all my at home time. I am even enjoying cleaning my house everyday while Alex naps. Will that continue after school starts back up?

Well, here are pictures to keep you updated on his temendous growth.

One Month Check-Up

He is now 10 pounds 15 ounces!!!!!!! Wow, that is 4 pounds in 5 weeks. He is in the 75th percentile for weight and at 21 1/4 inches, he is at the 25th percentile in length. I told the doctor, "So, he is basically short and fat." She laughed and said that since he just fine and I shouldn't worry. All of the questions I took to the visit were answered and all is well. The biggest problem is a little irritation on his bottom. Vaseline should help that, though.

I am so proud of my little boy! Almost 11 pounds. I wonder what he will be at the next visit. His vaccinations are scheduled for next month on the 4th.

How sweet is this?!

Look at what I can do!!

Not too exciting, but that's his life. We are getting very excited about how well he holds up his head now!

fun facts

Fun Birthday Facts:

Alex's half birthday is November 30
Alex's birthstone is Pearl (Health and Longevity)
Alex's Astrological Sign is Gemini
Alex's Flower is Rose or Honeysuckle (Light Blue, White and Cream)
He was born in the Chinese Year of The Brown Earth Cow

Alex will start kindergarten in 2014,
be old enough to drive a car in 2025,
finish high school in 2027,
and will graduate from college with the class of 2031, give or take a year. Can you imagine?

This time last year I wasn't even pregnant yet!

more pictures

Three Weeks and growing

My baby is getting a double chin! He is really getting chubby now. His clothes that were fitting are now a little tight. He can look at me and I think he actually sees me and knows who I am. Awake times are getting more often and longer which is kinda nice so I can spend tummy time with him. It is working out really well, because his little head is staying up instead of flopping all over the place.

I love being a mommy! I went to the store yesterday while Patrick stayed home with Alex. I felt so naked without my baby! It was as if I left my left arm at home. I try to hold him as often as I can during the day and my arms felt too light.

I am taking in everything I can in these few beginning days because I know he is growing up so fast. Three weeks is one week away from a month. My baby is growing up!

Update

Thursday, Alex went to the doctor for his 2 week check-up. He weighed 7 lb 10 oz! The doctor said I could start letting him sleep as long as he wants to at night and not worry so much about him eating every 2-3 hours. Of course, as soon as she says that, he goes from wanting to sleep 4-5 hours at night to 3 hours. I think he hit a little growth spurt because he is wanting to eat all the time.

Some of you already know that my little boy is quite a sucker. He was put on a pacifier the second day! Now, he doesn't want it anymore. He will spit it out when offered. He makes a really cute "that's gross" face before rejecting it.

He is filling out his wrinkles and is fitting into some clothes that were too big at first. His newborn diapers are getting a little tight already, too. Speaking of diapers. . . he goes through so many each day!!! I never thought a little baby could pee and poop that many times! I can't tell you how many times I have tried to change a dirty diaper, just to have him immediately potty in the new diaper-sometimes before it is even fastened. God bless those of you who bought diapers for us!

Here's More!

The proud daddy.

Hearing testing. They hook him up to a machine that measures his brain waves to see if he hears the sounds.

A very happy Grandma.

Baby Pix

IT'S A BOY!!

Alex came at 12:10pm 6/1/09. He weighed 7lbs 1oz and was 21" long. He came very fast. The doctor said it was a text book birth and Laura should write a book.

Alas, I Am Awake

Well, as if I needed to say it. . I couldn't sleep much last night. Not only did I go to sleep saying "tomorrow I will have a baby," (it was after midnight), but I also woke up at exactly 5:30 AM thinking that at this time tomorrow morning, I will be at the hospital!! This is the last day Patrick and I will be just us two! What a shocking thought. I hope that I can sleep today taking a couple naps, because I know that I will have a hard time going to bed tonight. My little boy is coming! I am so excited I can't stand it! (I sound just like my mother there! tee hee!)

They have wifi at the hospital, so I will be able to download pictures and post them ASAP. I know how anxious I was to have my nieces' pictures, so I will try to be as thoughtful to you guys, too.

Many people ask me why I chose to have an elective induction. The simple answer is that I couldn't stand waiting any longer. He is getting heavier by the minute and I am more and more uncomfortable. Supposedly, if he follows the rules, he should be about 8+ pounds. If I were to wait until my due date or longer--should he be like his parents and be stubborn, he could get to 9+ pounds. I don't want my little baby that big. Plus, the doctor is okay with it. I like knowing that there is somewhat of a plan in place. I don't do well when things are so uncertain.

Look for the blog tomorrow so you can see updates and/or pictures of the little guy!

T minus 6 and waiting

My doctor visit today went well. I am not quite 3 cm, everything else is the same. She said that it is my choice to induce early or wait until nature takes its course. I opted for induction. I have to be 39 weeks and that will be Monday. So Monday it is!! I will go in at 5:30 AM to have my water broken and then a baby will be soon!

Monday!!!! I love knowing he won't be getting too much bigger. He should be about 8 pounds this Friday. Who knows how big he would be if I waited until the 8th--or later! I am so excited. He is getting heavy and waiting is not something I do well. Six more days!!

I am going to be a Mommy this time next week. How exciting is that?!

Dr. update

I had another appointment today. I am 2 cm dialated and 80% effaced. She said his head is much lower than last week, too. Other than that, not much to report. I am ready and waiting. Please keep praying for my patience. I know that God's timing is best.

The Waiting Game

Only two days into my time off, and I am already thinking I may run out of things to do. I am finishing up on my thank you cards, getting the house spotless, and washing all those new baby clothes and blankets. Patrick and I put the car seat in the back of my car just in case and adjusted the baby mirror. We bought and tested the video baby monitor which is pretty cool--it has night vision! I also bought the breast pump and read up on using that-not quite yet ready to test it. There are new curtains hung in the nursery and front bedroom and the old puke stains from Candy are almost completely gone from the carpet. Roman is getting a short walk to and from the mailbox every day which he has not done in quite a while since he has been lame on his back hips.

What am I going to do if Alex waits for June!!! I will be bored. Well--At least I don't have to worry about going to work and having my water break in front of the kids. My feet aren't swollen any more because I can put them up whenever they start to puff. My back still hurts a bit, but hey I have a 7 pound baby in my tummy! That back pain is inevitable.

I know that God's timing is perfect and that nothing I do will alter His plan, but I still pray that I can see Alex's little face and hold his hands within the week. Pray for my patience and Alex's good health.

Cut Ties

My cerclage is out!! Yeah, it hurt, but it is now gone. Dr. Berry said that I was already dialated to 1 cm and 60-70% effaced. That should make my labor a little shorter, hopefully.

Thursday was my last day of school for the year. I couldn't handle the swollen feet and emotional instability. The kids weren't getting the teacher they deserved-they had a Dr. Jekyl. I could turn in an instant into someone not so nice or fun to be around. On my Thursday visit to the regular ob, my blood pressure was a bit elevated beyond my normal, though still within a good level. The stress was getting to me and neither Patrick nor I could stand the thought that Alex was having to go through all of it with me. He is too little to be dealing with adult-level stress. I didn't tell my boss until Thursday morning because I had fought it so hard. I thought I could make it through the year in order to save up my leave days. Mary was, thankfully, supportive of my decision.

I am really glad that I did that because after getting that stitch out, I am in super-hyper nesting mode. I am organizing the nursery, making lists of things still needed and trying to get all the new clothes and blankets washed and ready to use at a moments notice. I even took the plastic off the crib mattress and put the sheets on it!!! We packed Patrick's baby bag and I am catching up on some preparation reading and much needed rest.

All I ask is that Alex gives me one more week to make sure everything is ready to go before he decides to let me see his beautiful face. (Which, by the way, I got a great picture of on the ultrasound. I will try to get it on here soon.)

Shower

My wonderful friend, Anita, and my sweet cousin, Julie got together and threw me an amazing baby shower yesterday. I got lots of great stuff and ate lots of yummy food. I had a wonderful time, as I hope everyone else did, too.

One of the games was for everyone to try to guess the size of my belly by using streamer tape as a measure. My mother, who thinks that I am absolutely huge apparently, cut a piece so long it was taller than me!! That was really funny. Aunt Lisa got right on the nose! Kudos to her.

Thank you to everyone who came and for those who couldn't, thank you for thinking of me.

This is my first semi-mother's day as well. Only a few more weeks and I will truly be a mom. What a scary and exciting thought that is.

I have two new neices!!!

The girls were born this morning!!! Elizabeth and Cosette Ludlow. Both perfectly healthy. Let's all say a prayer for them and send many blessings their way.

Growing fast

Last weekend, I measured my waistline at 44 inches. Two days ago, it was already 45 inches! Dang!!

He pushed his little foot against my belly and I could feel the outline of it. My little boy's feet are moving and kicking me so much now. I can feel his arms and head and especially his little bottom kicking out near my belly button as he tries to stretch out his legs.

Only 6 more weeks (if that.) My life will then end, and a new one as Mom will begin. That is quite a jolt. I can't wait.

Baby update

Since I am at school, I cant download the pictures, but can say that he is now head down!! Shocked me. I kept feeling him kick me low and assumed that was because his feet were there. Well, I was right, but his head is there too. He is in the pike position-head, arms and feet all huddled together with his little bottom up under my ribcage. He should be 4 pounds 9 ounces if the measurements are accurate. What a big boy.

Belly and Bugs

Belly photo at 31 weeks.

After only 1 1/2 years, my baby quilt is finally finished. Notice the satin ribbon added to the border-it is from our wedding!

He's growing fast.

Yesterday afternoon I decided to remeasure my ever-expanding waistline. I am up to 42 1/2 inches!!! That is two and a half inches bigger in the last month. I can't imaging what it is going to be in 8 weeks!

My Big Boy

Check out the foot by the forehead in the last two pictures! What a strange place for a foot.

My blooming garden

I am sending pix of my beautiful garden because I can't get the camera to cooperate with me right now for the baby pix. Look for new baby pix soon.

Big Kick!

Apparently, Alex does NOT like sonograms. When the nurse tried to listen to his heartbeat today, he kicked the wand-thing with all his might! It was so funny. He did it twice! The first one hit right on the wand, the second just beside it.

Well, as I supposed. . . I gained too much weight this month. I put on 8.2 pounds in four weeks!! That is twice what I am supposed to. I am now going on a pregnancy "diet" to limit the extra junk food I have been eating and replace it with healthier options. Please help me avoid the goodies if you see me. And yes, this is prescribed by the doctor. (Although she wasn't going to say anything except that I brought it up--so it isn't too terrible.) She (regular OB) also wants me to start going every two weeks now. At least her main office is moving closer to I35 on Slaughter and Brodie. It will save a little time and gas. Three more months!!!!

Robeez

For those of you who have not heard of Robeez before, they are highly rated soft shoes for infants. Apparently, for kids who just start walking, barefoot is best, but these shoes are made of soft leather kind of like slippers to help them grip the floor. Some mommies from my church told me how to get a free pair by signing up at USA Baby. I got a pair for 6-12 mos with a soccer ball on the front. The others had aliens, lions or other weird things that I thought looked tacky. Anyway I got my pair yesterday and was very excited that I found a diaper bag there too. Very exciting.

Update on belly size

Last week, I measured my waist at school. It was 40 inches!!! Dang! (As you can see, my butt has been trying to keep up.) Now my belly is even bigger and moves. I can sit and watch as he kicks and squirms inside me. Kinda weird, but really cool. I already love him and he isn't even going to show for about 3-4 months.

Keep on growing, keep on growing

Alex is now about 2 1/2 times bigger than Emily. The ultrasound girl guessed 1 pound 9 ounces. Patrick asked how big he might be at delivery and she said he might be around 8-8 1/2 pounds if he makes it to 40 weeks. It is hard for me to imagine him bigger than Emily, though I can feel the difference. He is strong, and apparently is getting a bit squished now.

I will enter my third trimester in two more weeks! Breathe a sigh of relief.

He's Grown!

New picture and update

This photo was taken last weekend, so it is not perfectly acurate. I think he has stretched me out some more since then.

This past weekend Patrick and I worked on the yard. I had so much fun. Patrick did most of the work, though. I really wanted to shovel, uproot trees, and everything, but knew better. I let him do that. He removed the two dead trees from the front yard and filled in the holes. We also went back to the Natural Gardener and bought more soil and two trees. Patrick shoveled the dirt while I fit the bags around the bottomless bucket and tied them up. We now have the garden all filled and I planted peas, lettuce, spinach and carrots. I can't wait until they germinate! Fresh veggies! And it has only taken a year to get it going.

Food

Recently, my appetite has gone into overdrive. I want to eat everything I see. I even ate a shrimp yesterday at my mother-in-law's house! Today I wanted a candy bar, a McDonald's sausage biscuit with grape jelly and a Chick-Fil-A sandwich with extra pickles. I got a bite size Baby Ruth instead. Ice cream sounds yummy. Peach cobbler sounds yummy. I want to eat it all, but my tummy is not holding what it used to. I feel extremely full after one large glass of milk-without even eating anything! That means I am eating all day long--which means I am thinking about food all day long. I am afraid that my my will grow bigger than my belly if I indulge myself of my whims.

Sunday at church, everyone noticed that I was pregnant. People who I thought already figured it out all of a sudden start asking me about it. It was weird. I know how big my belly is now, but I forget every once in a while and get surprised when I look down. I wonder if my weight gain is going there instead of my hips-that would be okay with me.

I am going to the doctor (the regular one) this Friday and then to the specialist on the 13th. I can't wait to see the new pictures! He will be close to 24 weeks by then and so much bigger. I can feel him everyday now and he is getting strong. He must like to stand up because I always feel him kicking towards my bladder. I wonder if it is a game for him. You know, he may take after his father in that regard, always making jokes.

I imagine him in my arms and want to sing a song of praise every day. God has heard my prayers and is faithfully carrying them out.

My second cousin

My cousin, Christy just had her little boy, Zakaria a couple of days ago and I just had to share with all. He is absolutely beautiful. (With them as parents, you couldn't get ugly if you tried.) :)

Prayer

Patrick had to call me from work to take him to the doctor this morning. His vision doubled and he was dizzy. The doctor thinks that it could possibly be a result of some of his medications or even (lets pray for not) a brain tumor. I am taking him to get an MRI tomorrow to rule out this worst case scenario. Please keep him in your prayers. He has a follow-up visit next Tuesday. Hopefully things will miraculously get better by then with no further medical aide.

Jump the Gun

Well, I did it. I couldn't wait any longer. I started my registries. Babys R Us and Target. BRU is the only one with items listed because that is all I know Patrick agreed with. I will wait to add items to the Target registry until I can get Patrick to come along with me.

For all who wonder. . . I don't mind second-hand baby stuff. I am planning to buy a lot of stuff from Craigslist and garage sales myself. The stroller and Pack'N'Play are the only things I want to be new. Other than that, Have fun shopping for bargains!

I am getting the nursery in order as well. Last night I went into the nursery and decided to arrange all the clothes and nicknacks to make it look like a room. Patrick suggested that I use the turtle lamp as a night light. It is so cute! (Thanks John.) It will give just enough light for me to feed/cuddle without waking him up.

The dresser is on its way as well. It was listed as being on backorder and wouldn't be in until March. Lucky me. I love putting stuff together-especially Alex's furniture. I will send pictures when the room gets more ready. I figured that just in case he wants to show himself a little early, I can have most everything ready.

Hump Week

I am half-way though! Twenty more weeks to go. My son (wow, it is awesome saying that) is moving and kicking now, especially when music is on. He loves the worship songs at church.

In another week, he will be the same size Emily was when she was born. I love knowing what he looks like.

My belly seems to get bigger every day and my stomach seems to be smaller. I cant eat as much as I used to in one sitting. Lately all I think about is cottage cheese. I bought a 48 oz. tub just two days ago and it is almost gone. I did some research and found out that 75% of pregnant women crave dairy during their pregnancy so I guess I am not unique. I just hope that it doesn't lead to gaining too much weight. You know, dairy is quite fattening.

June is going to come up on me quickly, but for now it seems quite a ways off. It gives me plenty of planning time.

Look at my Crib!

Patrick and I just put this together last night. It was a lot of fun. I love putting things together and kinda took over a bit. The dresser won't be in until March, so this is it for a while. We are thinking about leaving the crib on the wall as you see it in the first picture. Our bedroom shares that wall and we can see him from the door. Are we getting nervous yet?

New Photos

Consignment terrors!

Have you heard of this? What a terrible law. In February, no baby clothes or toys will be able to be sold unless the company privately tests its inventory for lead. Apparently, not many can afford that.

Read this article to find out more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,2083247.story

Painting!

Well I am back in my classroom now. A small class made it quite easy to come back.

I love knowing I am free to be a regular pregnant lady and not have to worry all the time about something happening. God has assured me that He is taking care of everything and I need not worry. I hope that all of you can join me in that reassurance and peace.

On Sunday, Patrick and I began painting the nursery again. We did all four walls and the ceiling! I need to go back and touch up a few areas, of course, but it is looking cute. Green on the bottom 1/4 like grass and the rest is sky blue. Two clouds are already up. In order to keep the room ventilated enough we opened the window and had a fan blowing out the fumes. (In case you forgot, it was very cold that day.) We ended up warming it a bit by having another fan blowing the indoor heat into the room from the hallway. I did not have any warm clothes to paint in so the warmth was appreciated.

Yesterday as I was getting out of bed I noticed I was a bit stiff. Apparently painting is a good workout. I am sore today as well. When the soreness goes away I will tackle the room again for the touch-ups. I can't wait until it is finished so I can post a picture for you all to see!

Nursery News

My grandmother gave each great-grandchild's parents a special gift of money in order to help with furniture and whatnot. Patrick and I have been shopping around and found a crib we both love and a dresser that can double as a changing table. I am very excited and can't wait until we buy it and can set it up in the room.

We went ahead and bought the paint for the nursery and painted almost all day long. I am almost finished and then Patrick will be able to add some of his artistic flares in the way of trees, grass and bugs. When it is all finished, we can then buy the furniture and start setting up the nursery.

I am also beginning to research and make a mental list of all the goodies for my registry list. I am going to try to make it so that there are not duplicate items and I have only what I need. Hopefully, I will have a nice list that is easy to use. Note, I will not register for clothes since that is something I think everyone can find on their own perhaps at a nice resale shop where I cannot register.

June is coming so slowly. Maybe that is a good thing.

Happenings over Christmas break

I found out Christmas eve that my other sister-in-law, Christine, is going to have a baby in late August! And John and Charissa are having twin Girls!!! Three little princesses for my brother and sister. There must be something in the water here. My cousin is due in two more weeks and will hopefully send lots of pictures from Lebanon. The family is growing quickly.

I have begun to feel Alex moving about and it is very encouraging. He is about 5 1/2 inches long now from head to rump and his arms and legs are getting quite strong.

Candy (my cat) ran away again three days ago. That little terd cat. I have resorted to hugging my blanket at night since she isn't there. I wonder if she knew we were going to find her a new home and went searching herself. Please pray that she is safe. We are worried that without her claws for protection, she is a lame duck for all the dogs around here.

I went shopping for clothes! I went to Motherhood to use the gift card Chrissa and John got me for Christmas. I ended up buying two pairs of pants, a sweater and some unmentionables. Proud of me! As most people know, I don't shop for myself often--especially pants. Now I can return to work on Monday with clothes that fit. I apparently popped out a bit over the break. None of my old pants fit anymore. (of course it has nothing to do with the goodies I chowed down the last couple weeks)

Last Saturday, Patrick and I went to visit his Papa in Fredricksburg. He owns a ranch with lots of horses and chickens. I was very excited to pet them all. One horse in particular won my heart. She loved me too. She followed me around and was very quick to come over to me. You can't tell by the pictures, but she had the most beautiful light blue eyes. I felt as if she could speak to me just by looking at me. I only got to spend a little time with her since it was getting cold and we had dinner reservations that we had to get to. We ended up having a wonderful time. After dinner we went back to the ranch and Papa made a fire in an old stove out on the porch. A great time was had by all.